SER. LXXXII.
Since God penetrates invisibly in the region of the soul, let us prepare that region in the best manner that we are able to, or rather that it may be a habitation fit for God, otherwise, without our being aware of it, God will depart and remove to some other abode.
The mind of a wise man is the house of God, and he is called, in an especial manner, the God of all mankind, as the prophet says when speaking of the mind of a wise man, he calls it “that in which God Walks,”{13}{#le 26:12.} as in a palace.
What is visible and actually before us is comprehended by the eyes, but the pure faculty of reason extends even to what is unseen and future.
SER. LXXXVII.
God who is merciful by nature will never exonerate from guilt the man who swears falsely for an unrighteous object, as such a man is impure and defiled, even though he may escape the punishments inflicted by men.
SER. XCIX.
Those things which are kept in the dark for a while by envy, are at last released and brought to light.
SER. CIV.
In his essential character a king is equal to every man, but in the power of his authority and rank he is equal to God who ruleth over all things; for there is nothing on earth that is higher than he. Therefore it becomes him as being a mortal not to be too much elated, and as being a kind of God not to yield too much to passion; for if he is honoured as being of the likeness of God, nevertheless he is in some degree entangled in terrestrial and vile dust, by means of which he should learn simplicity and meekness towards all men.
SER. CXVI.
A severe master is best for untractable and foolish servants; for they, fearing his threats and punishments, though against their will, are made to do right by fear.
SER. CXVIII.
It is the greatest praise of a servant to neglect nothing which his master commands, but to attempt with an honest heart to perform in a proper and successful manner, even if it be beyond his power, all that is commanded him with energy and without hesitation.
SER. CXXIII.
When once the wife of Philo was asked in an assembly of many women why she alone of all her sex did not wear any golden ornaments, she replied: “The virtue of a husband is a sufficient ornament for his wife.”
SER. CXXX.
The virtues of children are the glory of their fathers.
Those who are well acquainted with what is honourable and virtuous, are happy in their children.
SER. CXXXV.
To drink poison out of a golden goblet, and to take advice from a foolish friend, is the same thing.
New vessels are better than old ones, but old friendship is better than new.
The fruits produced by the earth come once a year; but those which we derive from friendship are to be gathered on every occasion. Many men select for their friends not those who are the most virtuous, but those who are rich.
Many who appear to be friends are not so, and many who do not appear to be such are so in reality; but it is the part of a wise man to discern both these classes.
SER. CLII.
Youth which is not willing to work is laying up misfortunes for old age.
SER. CLVI.
What is bad is, not being punished here, but being worthy of punishment hereafter.
SER. CXXXV.
God has implanted hope in the human race that, having a comfort innate in them, those who have committed errors which are not irremediable may feel their sorrows lightened.
SER. CLXXXII.
Pleasure appears to be an equable kind of motion, but in reality it both is and is found to be rough.
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