Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Samuel 14:22

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

This indeed happens as often as those devoted to the more remote life deign to turn their zeal toward seeking the profit of souls. For they join themselves with their own in battle when they preach the true joys of eternal life together with the doctors of Holy Church, and equally drive malign spirits from the hearts of sinners. But it must be carefully asked how it is said: "Hearing that the Philistines had fled." A glorious victory is certainly not to pursue those who flee, but to put to flight those who resist. …

Commentary on 1 Kings, Book 5, Chapter 4 ↗

Bede

Likewise, all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in Mount Ephraim, etc. It is rightly a matter of discretion that he who can, should strive for the Church by teaching or arguing against the reprobate, avoiding that prophetic curse: Cursed is he who withholds his sword from blood (Jer. XLVIII). But he who is not effective in teaching should hide himself in the height of a fruitful mind, lest he be found by the deceitful enemy to be stripped of his virtues. …

Commentary on Samuel ↗