Part 2 (2/2)

XXVIII

Concerning the G.o.ds, there are who deny the very existence of the G.o.dhead; others say that it exists, but neither bestirs nor concerns itself nor has forethought for anything. A third party attribute to it existence and forethought, but only for great and heavenly matters, not for anything that is on earth. A fourth party admit things on earth as well as in heaven, but only in general, and not with respect to each individual. A fifth, of whom were Ulysses and Socrates are those that cry:--

I move not without Thy knowledge!

XXIX

Considering all these things, the good and true man submits his judgement to Him that administers the Universe, even as good citizens to the law of the State. And he that is being instructed should come thus minded:--How may I in all things follow the G.o.ds; and, How may I rest satisfied with the Divine Administration; and, How may I become free?

For he is free for whom all things come to pa.s.s according to his will, and whom none can hinder. What then, is freedom madness? G.o.d forbid. For madness and freedom exist not together.

”But I wish all that I desire to come to pa.s.s and in the manner that I desire.”

--You are mad, you are beside yourself. Know you not that Freedom is a glorious thing and of great worth? But that what I desired at random I should wish at random to come to pa.s.s, so far from being n.o.ble, may well be exceeding base.

x.x.x

You must know that it is no easy thing for a principle to become a man's own, unless each day he maintain it and hear it maintained, as well as work it out in life.

x.x.xI

You must know that it is no easy thing for a principle to become a man's own, unless each day he maintain it and hear it maintained, as well as work it out in life.

x.x.xII

What then is the chastis.e.m.e.nt of those who accept it not? To be as they are. Is any discontented with being alone? let him be in solitude. Is any discontented with his parents? let him be a bad son, and lament. Is any discontented with his children? let him be a bad father.--”Throw him into prison!”--What prison?--Where he is already: for he is there against his will; and wherever a man is against his will, that to him is a prison. Thus Socrates was not in prison, since he was there with his own consent.

x.x.xIII

Knowest thou what a speck thou art in comparison with the Universe?---That is, with respect to the body; since with respect to Reason, thou art not inferior to the G.o.ds, nor less than they. For the greatness of Reason is not measured by length or height, but by the resolves of the mind. Place then thy happiness in that wherein thou art equal to the G.o.ds.

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