The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, with the Hymn of Cleanthes
- Pages
- about 85
- Category
- Philosophy
- Language
- English
- Reading time
- 1.6 h at 250 wpm
From the opening
Are these the only works of Providence within us? What words suffice to
praise or set them forth? Had we but understanding, should we ever
cease hymning and blessing the Divine Power, both openly and in secret,
and telling of His gracious gifts? Whether digging or ploughing or
eating, should we not sing the hymn to God:—
Great is God, for that He hath given us such instruments to till the
ground withal:
Great is God, for that He hath given us hands and the power of
swallowing and digesting; of unconsciously growing and breathing while
we sleep!
Thus should we ever have sung; yea and this, the grandest and divinest
hymn of all:—
Great is God, for that He hath given us a mind to apprehend these
things, and duly to use them!
What then! seeing that most of you are blinded, should there not be
some one to fill this place, and sing the hymn to God on behalf of all
men? What else can I that am old and lame do but sing to God? Were I a
nightingale, I should do after the manner of a nightingale. Were I a
swan, I should do after the manner of a swan. But now, since I am a
reasonable being, I must sing to God: that is my work: I do it, nor
will I desert this my post, as long as it is granted me to hold it; and
upon you too I call to join in this self-same hymn.
How then do men act? As though one returning to his country who had
sojourned for the night in a fair inn, should be so captivated thereby
as to take up his abode there.
“Friend, thou hast forgotten thine intention! This was not thy
destination, but only lay on the way thither.”
A short sample. Read the whole book
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