When temptation overtakes the iniquitous man, he has no confidence wherewith to call upon God, nor to expect salvation from Him, since in the days of his ease he stood aloof from God's will. Before the war begins, seek after your ally; before you fall ill, seek out your physician; and before grievous things come upon you, pray, and in the time of your tribulations you will find Him, and he will hearken to you. Before you stumble, call out and make supplication; and before you make a vow, have read what things you promise, for they are your provisions afterwards. The ark of Noah was built in the time of peace, and its timbers were planted by him a hundred years before hand. In the time of wrath the iniquitous perished, but the ark became the shelter for the righteous man.
Homily 5.
