12. They compassed me about like bees. They seemed to be everywhere, like a swarm of bees, attacking him at every point; nimbly flying from place to place, stinging him meanwhile, and inflicting grievous pain. They threatened at first to baffle him: what weapon could he use against them? They were so numerous, so inveterate; so insignificant and yet so capable of inflicting agony. He was in an evil case, but even there faith availed. All-powerful faith adapts itself to all circumstances; it can cast out devils, and it can drive out bees. They are quenched as the fire of thorns. Their fierce attack soon came to an end; like thorns which blaze with fierce crackling and abundant flame, but die out in a handful of ashes very speedily, so did the nations which surrounded our hero soon cease their clamor and come to an inglorious end. He had no need to crush the bees, for like crackling thorns they died out of themselves. For a third time he adds, for in the name of the Lord will I destroy them, or “cut them down,” as people cut down thorns with a scythe.
What wonders have been wrought in the name of the Lord! It is the battle-cry of faith before which its adversaries fly apace. The name of the Lord is the only weapon which never fails in the day of battle; he who knows how to use it may chase a thousand with his single arm. Alas, we too often go to work and to conflict in our own name. Let us take care never to venture into the presence of the foe without first of all arming ourselves with this impenetrable mail. If we knew this name better, and trusted it more, our life would be more fruitful and sublime.
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