12. Repentance for sins changes men, it is true, for the better; but it does not appear as
if even it would profit ought, if it should be barren of works of mercy. This the Truth testi-
fieth by the mouth of John, who said to them that came to him, “O generation of vipers,
who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy
of repentance; And say not we have Abraham to our father; for I say unto you, that God is
able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. For now is the axe laid unto the root
of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut down, and
cast into the fire.”2131 Touching this fruit he said above, “Bring forth fruits worthy of repent-
ance.” Whoso then bringeth not forth these fruits, hath no cause to think that he shall at-
tain2132 pardon for his sins by a barren repentance. Now what these fruits are, he showeth
afterwards himself. For after these his words the multitude asked him, saying, “What shall
we do then?” That is, what are these fruits, which thou exhortest us with such alarming force
to bring forth? “But he answering said unto them, he that hath two coats, let him give to
him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” My brethren, what is more
plain, what more certain, or express than this? What other meaning then can that have
which he said above, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and
cast into the fire;” but that same which they on the left shall hear, “Go ye into everlasting
fire, for I was hungry, and ye gave Me no meat.” So then it is but a small matter to depart
from sins, if thou shalt neglect to cure what is past, as it is written, “Son, thou hast sinned,
do so no more.” And that he might not think to be secure by this only, he saith, “And for
thy former sins pray that they may be forgiven thee.”2133 But what will it profit thee to pray
for forgiveness, if thou shalt not make thyself meet to be heard, by not bringing forth fruits
meet for repentance, that thou shouldest be cut down as a barren tree, and be cast into the
fire? If then ye will be heard when ye pray for pardon of your sins, “Forgive, and it shall be
forgiven you; Give, and it shall be given you.”2134
2131 Luke iii. 7, etc.
2132 Mereri.
2133 Ecclus. xxi. 1.
2134 Luke vi. 37, 38.
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On the words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures…