XLIX.
Speaking always well of the worthy, but never ill of the unworthy, we also shall attain to the glory and kingdom of God.
XLIII.
In91 these things there was signified by prophecy that the people, having become transgressors, shall be bound by the chains of their own sins. But the breaking of the bonds of their own accord indicates that, upon repentance, they shall be again loosed from the shackles of sin.
XLIV.
It92 is not an easy thing for a soul, under the influence Of error, to be persuaded of the contrary opinion.
XLV.
"And93 Balsam the son of Beor they slew with the sword."94 For, speaking no longer by the Spirit of God, but setting up another law of fornication contrary to the law of God,95 this man shall no longer be reckoned as a prophet, but as a soothsayer. For, as he did not continue in the commandment of God, he received the just reward of his evil devices.
XLVI.
"The96 god of the world; "97 that is, Satan, who was designated God to those who believe not.
XLVII.
The98 birth of John [the Baptist] brought the dumbness of Zacharias to an end. For he did not burden his father, when the voice issued forth from silence; but as when not believed it rendered him tongue-tied, so did the voice sounding out clearly set his father free, to whom he had both been announced and born. Now the voice and the burning light99 were a precursor of the Word and the Light.
XLVIII.
As100 therefore seventy tongues are indicated by number, and from101 dispersion the tongues are gathered into one by means of their interpretation; so is that ark declared a type of the body of Christ, which is both pure and immaculate. For102 as that ark was gilded with pure gold both within and without, so also is the body of Christ pure and resplendent, being adorned within by the Word, and shielded on the outside by the Spirit, in order that from both [materials] the splendour of the natures might be exhibited together.
XLIX.
Now103 therefore, by means of this which has been already brought forth a long time since, the Word has assigned an interpretation. We are convinced that there exist [so to speak] two men in each one of us. The one is confessedly a hidden thing, while the other stands apparent; one is corporeal, the other spiritual; although the generation of both may be compared to that of twins. For both are revealed to the world as but one, for the soul was not anterior to the body in its essence; nor, in regard to its formation, did the body precede the soul: but both these were produced at one time; and their nourishment consists in purity and sweetness.