doctrines than these, full of true philosophy; such as, that one ought not to speak evil, “Him
that privily slandereth his neighbor, him did I chase from me.” (Ps. cxii. 9.)
What is the hymn of those above? The Faithful know. What say the cherubim above?
What say the Angels? “Glory to God in the highest.” (Ps. cxii. 5.) Therefore after the
psalmody come the hymns, as a thing of more perfection. “With psalms,” he saith, “with
hymns, with spiritual songs, with grace singing in your hearts to God.” (Ps. ci. 5, Sept.) He
means either this, that God because of grace hath given us these things; or, with the songs
in grace; or, admonishing and teaching one another in grace; or, that they had these gifts in
grace; or, it is an epexegesis867 and he means, from the grace of the Spirit. “Singing in your
hearts to God.” Not simply with the mouth, he means, but with heedfulness. For this is to
“sing to God,” but that to the air, for the voice is scattered without result. Not for display,
he means. And even if thou be in the market-place, thou canst collect thyself, and sing unto
God, no one hearing thee. For Moses also in this way prayed, and was heard, for He saith,
“Why criest thou unto Me?” (Ex. xiv. 15.) albeit he said nothing, but cried in
thought—wherefore also God alone heard him—with a contrite heart. For it is not forbidden
one even when walking to pray in his heart, and to dwell above.
Ver. 17. “And whatsoever ye do,” he saith, “in word or in deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
For if we thus do, there will be nothing polluted, nothing unclean, wherever Christ is
called on. If thou eat, if thou drink, if thou marry, if thou travel, do all in the Name of God,
that is, calling Him to aid thee: in everything first praying to Him, so take hold of thy business.
Wouldest thou speak somewhat? Set this in front. For this cause we also place in front of
our epistles the Name of the Lord. Wheresoever the Name of God is, all is auspicious. For
if the names of Consuls make writings sure, much more doth the Name of Christ. Or he
means this; after God say ye and do everything, do not introduce the Angels besides. Dost
thou eat? Give thanks to God both before and afterwards. Dost thou sleep? Give thanks to
God both before and afterwards. Launchest thou into the forum? Do the same—nothing
worldly, nothing of this life. Do all in the Name of the Lord, and all shall be prospered to
thee. Whereonsoever the Name is placed, there all things are auspicious. If it casts out devils,
if it drives away diseases, much more does it render business easy.
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And what is to “do in word or in deed”? Either requesting or performing anything
whatever. Hear how in the Name of God Abraham sent his servant; David in the Name of
God slew Goliath. Marvelous is His Name and great. Again, Jacob sending his sons saith,
“My God give you favor in the sight of the man.” (Gen. xliii. 14.) For he that doeth this hath
for his ally, God, without whom he durst do nothing. As honored then by being called upon,
He will in turn honor by making their business easy. Invoke the Son, give thanks to the
867 i.e. an additional explanation, viz. of “singing in your hearts.”
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Colossians 3:16,17