HOMILY IV.] HOMILIES ON THESSALONIANS. 391 them. " From unreasonable and evil men," he says, " for all have not faith." Thus he is speak ing of those who contradict the Preaching, who oppose and contend against the doctrines. For this he has intimated by saying, " For all men have not faith." And here he seems to me not to glance at dangers, but at the men who con tradicted and hindered his word, as did Alexan der the copper-smith. For he says, " he greatly withstood our words." (2 Tim. iv. 15.) That is, there are some to whom it is given. As if he were speaking of a paternal inheritance, that " it is not for all to serve in the Palace." And at the same time he also excites them, as already having such ground of confidence as to be able both to deliver their Teacher from dangers, and to facilitate his preaching. Therefore we also say the same things. Let no one condemn us of arrogance, nor from an excessive humility deprive us of so great an assistance. For neither do we speak from the same motive from which Paul spoke. For he indeed said these things from a wish to comfort his disciples ; but we to reap some great and good fruit. And we are very confident, if ye all be willing with one mind to stretch forth your hands to God in behalf of our littleness, that you will succeed in all things. Thus let us make war with our enemies with prayers and supplications. For if thus the ancients made war with men in arms, much more ought we so to make war with men without arms. So Heze- kiah triumphed over the Assyrian king, so Moses over Amalek, so Samuel over the men of Asca- lon, so Israel 1 over the thirty-two kings. If where there was need of arms, and of battle array, and of fighting, they, leaving their arms, had recourse to prayer ; here where the matter has to be accomplished by prayers alone, does it not much more behove us to pray ? But there, you say, the rulers entreated for the people, but you request the people to en treat for the ruler. I also know it. For those under rule at that time were wretched and mean persons. Wherefore they were saved by the claims and the virtue of their commander alone ; but now, when the grace of God has prevailed, and we shall find among those who are ruled many or rather the greater part excelling their ruler in a great degree ; do not deprive us of this succor, raise up our hands that they may not be faint, open our mouth for us, that it may not be closed. Entreat God for this cause entreat Him. It is in our behalf indeed that it is done, but it is wholly for your sakes. For we are appointed for your advantage, and for your interests we are concerned. Entreat every one of you, both privately and publicly. Mark 1 [Fiald reads "Joshua," after one MS., but the correction is too obvious. J. A. B.J Paul saying, " That for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf" (2 Cor. i. n) ; that is, that He may give grace to many. If in the case of men, the people coming forward ask a pardon for persons condemned and led away to execution, and the king from regard to the multitude revokes the sentence, much more will God be influenced by regard to you, not by your multitude, but your virtue. For violent is the enemy we have. For each of you indeed anxiously thinks of his own in terests, but we the concerns of all together. We stand in the part of the battle that is pressed on. The devil is more violently armed against us. For in wars too, he that is on the opposite side endeavors before all others to overthrow the general. For this reason all his fellow-com batants hasten there. For this reason there is much tumult, every one endeavoring to rescue him ; they surround him with their shields, wish ing to preserve his person. Hear what all the people say to David. (I say not this, as com paring myself to David, I am not so mad, but because I wish to show the affection of the peo ple for their ruler.) " Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle," they say, "that thou quench not the lamp of Israel." (2 Sam. xxi. 17.) See how anxious they were to spare the old man. I am greatly in need of your prayers. Let no one, as I have said, from an excessive humility deprive me of this alliance and succor. If our part be well approved, your own also will be more honorable. If our teaching flow abun dantly, the riches will redound to you. Hear the prophet saying, " Do the shepherds feed themselves?" (From Ezek. xxxiv. 2, Sept.) Do you observe Paul constantly seeking these prayers? Do you hear that thus Peter was delivered from prison, when fervent prayer was made for him? (Acts xii. 5.) I verily believe that your prayer will have great effect, offered with so great unanimity. Do you not think that it is a matter much too great for my littleness to draw nigh to God, and entreat Him for so numerous a people? For if I have not confi dence to pray for myself, much less for others. For it belongs to men of high estimation, to beseech God to be merciful to others ; it is for those who have rendered Him favorable to themselves. But he who is himself an offender, how shall he entreat for another? But never theless, because I embrace you with a father s heart, because love dares everything, not only in the Church, but in the house also, I make my prayer above all other things for your health both in soul and in body. For there is no other prayer so becoming to a Priest, as to draw nigh to God and entreat Him for the good of the people, before his own. For if Job rising up