About seeking God.
From the same author, from the last book of the Questions arising in Exodus.
The one most powerful relaxation of the soul leads to the sacred love of the one living God, teaching mankind to take God as its guide in all their plans, and words, and actions.
From the same author.
The extremity of happiness is to rest unchangeably and immovably on God alone.
About the last day.
The words of Philo, from the second book of the Questions arising in Exodus.
The stars are turned round and revolve in a regular circle, some proceeding on in the same manner through the whole heaven, and others have special eccentric motions of their own.
About the detestation of wickedness felt by God.
The words of Philo, from the second book of the Questions arising in Exodus.
Some men think that repentance appears at times to take possession of God on account of the oaths which he has sworn, but they do not form correct notions; for apart from the fact that the Deity does not change, neither the expression, “God repented,” nor that, “And it grieved him at the Heart,”{12}{#ge 6:6.} is indicative of repentance, for the Deity is unchangeable; but they only show the character of the pure intellect which is now deeply meditating on the cause for which he created man upon the earth.
By the same author, from the same book.
There is no hesitation and no envy in God; but he often uses expressions indicative of hesitation or of uncertainty from a reference to man, who is susceptible of such feelings; for as I have often said, there are altogether two supreme sources; in the one case God does not speak as man speaks, in the other he instructs man as a man instructs his son, the former being a sign of his power, the second of the way in which he teaches and guides man.
About promises.
The words of Philo, from the last book of the Questions arising in Exodus.
He who does not offer to God first fruits of his own free will does not really offer first fruits at all, even if he brings everything which is great, with a most royal abundance of treasure; for the real first fruits consist not in the things offered, but in the pious disposition of him who offers them.
About the mildness of God and his love for mankind.
The words of Philo, from the Questions arising in Exodus.
The mercies of God do always outstrip justice, for the work which he has chosen for himself is that of doing good, and the task of punishing follows that; and it is common, when great evils are about to arise, for an abundance of great and numerous blessings to happen first.
FRAGMENTS PRESERVED BY ANTONIUS
SER. I.
The virtues alone know how to regulate the affairs of men.
The contemplation of virtue is exceedingly beautiful, and actions according to it, and the exercise of it, are desirable above all things.
SER. II.
If you wish to have a good reputation in a twofold manner, then honour exceedingly those who are doing well, and reprove those who are doing ill.
SER. VIII.
When you are entreated to pardon offences, pardon willingly those who have offended against you, because indulgence given in requital for indulgence, and reconciliation with our fellow servants, is a means of averting the divine anger.
SER. IX.
The virtuous man is a lover of his race, and he is merciful and inclined to pardon, and never bears ill will towards any man whatever, but thinks it right to surpass in doing good rather than in injuring.
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