God only marks the stages ofspiritual ijroivth. 395
hearers, they bear ah'cady a conception, as it were, in their Book
womb. But when they put ofF some things which ouglit
'-
to be said, and seek a season fit for their exhortations, they
are detained, as it were, by a weary length of months, from
that birth which they wish to take place. And frequently
when they are unwilling to express some of their sentiments
to their hearers unseasonably ; by this very slowness in
declaring their opinion they are strengthened with greater
wisdom, whether for giving this advice, or for reproving
these faults. And while the life of their children is con-
sidered, but the tongue utters not the thoughts of the mind
before the time, the offspring which has been already con-
ceived grows, as it were, within the womb ; in order that
the sentiment of their heart may then come forth to the
knowledge of the hearers, when being usefully uttered it
can live, as if at the fit season for its birth. But since men
are ignorant when, or how, these things take place in the
mind of teachers, but God, in order to the glory of retri-
bution, considers not only the effects, but also the seasons
of thoughts, it is rightly said to blessed Job, Hast thou
numbered the months of their conception ? Thou under-
standest. As I, Who count in holy preachers not only the
fruits of their outward doings, but their long-continued
meditations themselves; Who reserve them also for retri-
bution.
45. By months, because they are an aggregate of days,
multiplied virtues can be likewise understood. In months
also the moon is new born ; and there is no hindrance, if
the new creating of regeneration is understood by months.
Of which the Apostle Paul says, In Christ Jesus neither ^^al. 6,
circumcision availeth any thhig, nor uncircumcision, hut
a neiv creature. When holy men, therefore, prepare them-
selves for preaching, they first renew themselves within with
virtues, in order to accord in their living with that which
they teach in words. They first consider their own internal
state, and cleanse themselves from all the filth of sin
;
taking special care to shine forth against anger with the
light of patience, against the lust of the flesh to glitter with
cleanness even of the heart, against torpor, to be bright
with zeal, against the confused motions of j>recipitalion to
D d 2