I HAVE been sick, because it was Thy pleasure;
and so have others, but I willingly. I have
been poor, it being Thy will, but with joy. I
have not been in power, because it was not Thy
will; and power I have never desired. Hast Thou
ever seen me out of humour upon this account?
Have I not always approached thee with a cheerful
countenance, prepared to execute Thy commands
and the significations of Thy will? Is it Thy
pleasure that I should depart from this assembly?
I depart. I give Thee all thanks that Thou hast
thought me worthy to have a share in it with
Thee; to behold Thy works, and to join with Thee
in comprehending Thy administration." Let death
overtake me while I am thinking, while I am
writing, while I am reading such things as these.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iii. §5. ¶1.
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