4 But in this I desire you to regard me, namely, to have respect to true Latin, and to choose just words, that so you may the better manage the noble trust which is reposed in you. 5 Farewell. Dated the fifth of the nones of July, Leo and Savinus Consuls. CHAPTER XIV. PAUL to SENECA Greeting. YOUR serious consideration is requited with those discoveries, which the Divine Being has granted but to few; 2 I am thereby assured that I sow the most strong seed in a fertile soil, not anything material, which is subject to corruption, but the durable word of God, which shall increase and bring forth fruit to eternity. 3 That which by your wisdom you have attained to, shall abide without decay for ever. 4 Believe that you ought to avoid the superstitions of Jews and Gentiles. 5 The things which you have in some measure arrived to, prudently make known to the emperor, his family, and to faithful friends; 6 And though your sentiments will seem disagreeable, and not be comprehended by them, seeing most of them will not regard your discourses, yet the Word of God once infused into them, will at length make them become new men, aspiring towards God. 7 Farewell Seneca, who art most dear to us. Dated on the calends of August, in the Consulship of Leo and Savinus. REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO SENECA, WITH SENECA'S TO PAUL. [Several very learned writers have entertained a favourable opinion of these Epistles. They are undoubtedly of high antiquity. Salmeron cites them to prove that Seneca was one of Caesar's household, referred to by Paul, Philip iv. 22, as saluting the brethren at Philippi. In Jerome's enumeration of illustrious men, he places Seneca, on account of these Epistles, amongst the ecclesiastical and holy writers of the Christian Church. Sixtus Senensis has published them in his Bibliotheque, p 89, 90; and it is from thence that the present translation is made. Baronius, Bellarmine, Dr. Cave, Spanheim, and others, contend that they are not genuine.] THE ACTS OF ST. PAUL AND THECLA. The martyrdom of the holy and glorious first Martyr and Apostle Thecla. CHAPTER I. 1 Demas and Hermogenes become Paul's companions. 4 Paul visits Onesiphorus. 8 Invited by Demos and Hermogenes. 11 Preaches to the household of Onesiphorus. 12 His sermon. WHEN Paul went up to Iconium, after his flight from Antioch, Demas and Hermogenes became his companions, who were then full of hypocrisy. 2 But Paul looking only at the goodness of God, did them no harm, but loved them greatly. 3 Accordingly he endeavoured to make agreeable to them all the oracles and doctrines of Christ, and the design of the Gospel of God's well-beloved son; instructing them in the knowledge of Christ, as it was revealed to him.