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The Golden Sayings of Epictetus




I



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.

II



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."