Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers

"
Why
De Providentia
gence and growing effeminate in luxury, consider
that we too are gratified with the sobriety of our sons,
but with the wantonness of our household slaves;
that the former gain greater self-control by the
sterner discipline, the latter are confirmed in their
presumption. The same thing is true in regard to
God; He does not support the good man in enervating
ease; He tries him, hardens him, prepares him for
Himself.
II.
do the good meet with so many adversities?"
(you ask). No evil thing can befall a good man;
things in their nature contradictory may not be com
mingled. Just as so many rivers, so much water
falling from the clouds above, so great a number
of springs impregnated with mineral substances,
do not change the saltness of the sea, do not even
dilute it; so the assaults of adversity produce no
change in the spirit
of a brave man. He remains
steadfast, and whatever betides he gains for his colors,
for he is stronger than all external circumstances. I
do not, it is true, say, that he is insensible to them,
but that he triumphs over them, and, moreover, re
mains calm and serene in spite of obstacles.
All un
toward events he regards as so much drill. Besides,
is there any man who is only an admirer of noble
deeds, that is not eager for honest toil, or ready to do
his duty with alacrity even in the face of danger? To
what industrious man is not inactivity a punishment?
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