Let us, therefore, gird our loins with faith and the performance of good works, and following the guidance of the Gospel walk in his paths, so that we may merit to see him who has called us unto his kingdom. And, if we wish to dwell in the tabernacle of his kingdom, except we run thither with good deeds we shall not arrive. But let us ask the Lord with the Prophet: Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle, or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?¹ Then, brethren, let us hear the Lord answering and show us the way to that tabernacle and saying: He that walketh without blemish and doeth that which is right; he that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour, nor hath slandered his neighbour.² He that taketh the evil spirit that tempteth him, and casteth him and his temptation from the sight of his heart, and bringeth him to naught; who graspeth his evil suggestions as they arise and dasheth them to pieces on the rock that is Christ. Such men as these, fearing the Lord, are not puffed up on account of their good works, but judging that they can do no good of themselves and that all cometh from God, they magnify the Lord’s work in them, using the word of the prophet: Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the glory.³ So the Apostle Paul imputed nothing of his preaching to himself, but said: By the grace of God I am what I am.⁴ And again he saith: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.⁵

¹Ps xiv, 1
²Ibid 2,3
³Ps cxiii, 9
⁴1 Cor xv, 10
⁵ 2 Cor x, 17