Verse 22. — 'And thou shalt not fear the beast of the earth.' 49. Often at their departure they receive security of mind. The crafty adversary is indeed called the beast of the earth, because at the time of death he is made savage with the violence of cruelty to seize the souls of sinners. For those whom while living he deceives by flattering, when dying he snatches away by raging. On the contrary the Lord promises through the prophet concerning the Church of the elect, saying: 'No evil beast shall pass through it' (Isa. 35:9). They therefore fear the beast of the earth when dying, who fear not the power of their Creator while living. For holy men, because they subject themselves inwardly to the fear of God, cast off all the weight of dread at the coming of the adversary. For hence it is that the Psalmist beseeches the Lord, saying:
'Lest at any time he seize my soul as a lion' (Ps. 7:2). Hence again he says: 'Hear, O God, my prayer when I am in trouble; deliver my soul from the fear of the enemy' (Ps. 64:1-2). For while living they perfectly fear the Judge, that when dying they may not dread the accuser. Rightly therefore is it said: 'And thou shalt not fear the beast of the earth.' As if it were openly said: Because now thou art not overcome by the flattering foe, thou shalt afterwards not fear him raging. But when one lives well, great heed must be taken lest the mind, despising others, be lifted up by the glory of singularity. Whence fittingly the good of fellowship is brought back to remembrance, when at once there is subjoined: