In the same place. — Thus did Job all the days. 55. Perseverance is necessary. — For good is done in vain if it is forsaken before the end of life; because he also runs swiftly to no purpose who fails before he comes to the goal. Hence it is that of the reprobate it is said: Woe to them that have lost patience (Ecclus. 2:16). Hence the Truth says to His elect: You are they who have continued with Me in My temptations (Luke 22:28). Hence Joseph, who is described as having persevered just among his brethren even to the end, is reported alone to have had a coat reaching to the ankles (Gen. 37:23, according to the Septuagint). For what is a coat reaching to the ankles, but action consummated?
For as a coat stretched down covers the ankle of the body, so a good action covers us before the eyes of God even to the end of life. Hence it is that through Moses it is commanded that the tail of the victim be offered upon the altar (Exod. 29:22; Lev. 3:9); namely, that every good which we begin, we should complete also with a persevering end. Well therefore are things once begun to be practiced all the days; that when evil is repelled by fighting, the very victory of good may be held fast by the hand of constancy. 56. These things, therefore, we have said under a threefold understanding, that, setting various nourishments before the fastidious soul, we may offer something which it may take by choosing. Yet this we earnestly ask: that he who raises his mind to spiritual understanding may not withdraw from reverence for the history.