for from time to time I lay these aside, and from time to time resume them. In order then
that I might be free and unfettered in this matter, not being at all times compelled to carry
my weapons, He hath made these to be separate from my nature. For it is not only in our
possessing a rational nature that we surpass the brutes, but we also excel them in body. For
God has made this to correspond with the soul’s nobility, and fitted to execute its commands.
He has not, indeed, made the body such as it is, without reason; but such as it ought to be,
as having to minister to a rational soul; so that if it were not such as it is, the operations of
the soul would be greatly impeded: and this is manifest from diseases. For if this nice adjust-
ment of the body be diverted from its proper condition in ever so small a degree, many of
the soul’s energies are impeded; as, for instance, if the brain should become too hot, or too
cold. So that from the body it is easy to see much of the Divine Providence, not only because
He made it at first better than it is at present; nor because even now He hath changed it for
a useful purpose, but also because He will raise it again to much greater glory.
12. But, if thou art desirous to learn in a different way what wisdom God hath shewn
respecting the body, I will mention that by which Paul seems most especially to be constantly
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struck. But what is this? That He hath made the members to excel one another, though not
in the same things? Some He hath appointed to surpass the rest in beauty, and some in
strength. Thus, the eye is beautiful, but the feet are stronger. The head is honourable, but it
cannot say to the feet, “I have no need of you.”1491 And this may be seen too with regard to
irrational animals; and the same in all the relations of life. The king, for instance, has need
of his subjects, and the subjects of the king; just as the head has need of the feet. And again,
as to brutes; some are more powerful than the rest; and some more beautiful. Some there
are that delight us; some that nourish; and some that clothe us. Thus the peacock delights;
and fowls and swine nourish; sheep and goats provide us clothing; and the ox and ass share
our labours. There are also others which provide us with none of these, but which call our
powers into active exercise. Thus the wild animals increase the strength of the hunters; and
instruct our race by the fear which they inspire, and render us more cautious; and for
medical purposes, they supply no small contributions from their bodies.1492 So that if any
one say to thee, “How art thou a lord of the brutes, whilst afraid of the lion?” Answer him,
“Things were not ordered in this manner at the beginning, when I was in favour with God,
when I dwelt in Paradise. But when I had offended my Master, I fell under the power of
those who were my servants! Yet not even now entirely; since I possess an art by which I
overcome the wild animals.” So also it happens in great houses; the sons, while they are yet
under age, are afraid of many of the servants; but when they have done amiss, their dread
1491 1 Cor. xii. 21.
1492 See Hom. VIII. 1.
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Homily XI