THE GOLDEN SAYINGS OF EPICTETUS


Translated and Arranged by Hastings Crossley




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