And what wilt thou say in the day, when thou seest the flame, and the rivers of fire, and
the chains never to be broken; and shalt hear the gnashing of teeth? Who shall stand up for
thee in that day, when thou shalt see him that hath labored with his own hand and hath
lived uprightly, enjoying all glory; but thyself, who art now in soft raiment and redolent of
perfumes, in incurable woe? What good will thy wealth and superfluity do thee? And the
artisan—what harm will his poverty do him?
Therefore that we may not suffer then, let us fear what is said now, and let all our time
be spent in employment on things which are really indispensable. For so, having propitiated
God in regard of our past sins, and adding good deeds for the future, we shall be able to attain
unto the kingdom of heaven: through the favor and loving-kindness, etc., etc.
53
Homily V