Homily XVII. Of the Commissioners (Hellebichus Commander of the Troops,1691and Cæsarius Master of the Offices1692) sent by the Emperor Theodosius for the inquisition of the offenders, on ac- count of the overturning of the Statues. 1. Most opportunely have we all this day sung together, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.”1693 For marvellous, and beyond all expectation, are the things which have happened? A whole city, and so great a population, when just about to be overwhelmed—to sink under the waves, and to be utterly and instantly des- troyed—He hath entirely rescued from shipwreck in a single moment of time! Let us give thanks then, not only that God hath calmed the tempest, but that He suffered it to take place; not only that He rescued us from shipwreck, but that He allowed us to fall into such distress; and such an extreme peril to hang over us. Thus also Paul bids us “in every thing give thanks.”1694 But when he says, “In every thing give thanks,” he means not only in our deliv- erance from evils, but also at the time when we suffer those evils. “For all things work together for good to them that love God.”1695 Let us be thankful to Him for this deliverance from trials; and let us never forget them. Let us devote ourselves to prayer, to continual supplica- tions, and to much piety. 2. When the sad conflagration of these calamities was first kindled, I said, that it was a season not for doctrine, but for prayer.1696 The very same thing I now repeat, when the fire has been extinguished—that it is now especially, and more than before, a time for prayer; that now is the season especially for tears and compunction, for an anxious soul, for much diligence, and for much caution. For at that time the very nature of our tribulation restrained us, however unwillingly, and disposed us to sobriety; and led us to become more religious; but now when the bridle is removed, and the cloud has passed away, there is fear lest we should fall back again into sloth, or become relaxed by this respite; and lest one should have reason to say of us too, “When He slew them, then they sought Him, and returned, and enquired early after God.”1697 Wherefore also Moses admonished the Jews, saying, “When 1691 στρατηλ€της. See Dufresne. This title was given to one who had the general command of the troops in a province, or division of the empire. 1692 Μ€γιστρος. See Dufresne. Also Tillemont, Hist. des Emp. Theod. art. 33. Montfaucon has already called in question the judgment of Tillemont’s note on these Homilies, placing this before XI. It does not appear that this was delivered immediately on the arrival of the Commissioners, but on occasion of some fresh news from the Emperor after the trials. 1693 Ps. lxxii. 18. 1694 1 Thess. v. 18. 1695 Rom. viii. 28. 1696 Hom. II. 1. 1697 Ps. lxxviii. 34. Homily XVII 665 Homily XVII