Million Book Collection - The Fishers of Men Ministries

80 TKE FORMATION OF CHRISTENDOMto be angry, envious, or jealous, in a word, desirousfrom man to become God, and in this narrow bodyof mortality to have communion with Jupiter. ' Showme one. There is none such. And now, I am yourteacher and you my disciples, and it is my purposeto deliver you from hindrance, compulsion, impediment,to make you free, prosperous, happy, looking toGod in everything great and small." lFor Epictetus2 is filled with the thought of theGodhead, who knows our words and our thoughts,and originates all good. The philosopher stands inhis service, awaits his commission in order to act,and must have him ever before his eyes. Epictetusproves the government of Providence from tthe order, and the connection of the universe. Hepraises God's fatherly provision for men, and themoral perfection which makes Him our model. Herecognises in the world the work of the Godheadwhich directs everything for the best, has formed thwhole faultless and perfect, all its parts correspondinto the need of the whole. He intends all menhappiness and has provided them with its conditions.In the spirit of his school he celebrates the designwhich is apparent in the regulation of the world,which meets us so momentarily at every step, thatour whole life should be a perpetual song of praise tothe Godhead ; nor does He disdain to show this designin the smallest and most outward things. Noris he disturbed in his belief by the apparent evils andinjustices in the world, since he has learnt from thePorch to unite these also with the perfection of Godand His works. This belief in Providence is accord-1 Frag. 3 ; Diss. iii. 23, ii. 19.2 I take this short summary from Zeller, iv, 665.