CONCERNING those things, about which ye wrote to me, it is not proper for me to mention anything in writing with pen and ink: the one of which leaves marks, and the other evidently declares things. 2 Especially since I know that there are near you, as well as me, those who will understand my meaning. 3 Deference is to be paid to all men, and so much the more, as they are more likely to take occasions of quarrelling. 4 And if we show a submissive temper, we shall overcome effectually in all points, if so be they are, who are capable of seeing and acknowledging themselves to have been in the wrong. Farewell. CHAPTER VII. ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. I PROFESS myself extremely pleased with the reading your letters to the Galatians, Corinthians, and people of Achaia. 2 For the Holy Ghost has in them by you delivered those sentiments which are very lofty, sublime, deserving of all respect, and beyond your own invention. 3 I could wish therefore, that when you are writing things so extraordinary, there might not be wanting an elegancy of speech agreeable to their majesty. 4 And I must own, my brother, that I may not at once dishonestly conceal anything from you, and be unfaithful to my own conscience, that the emperor is extremely pleased with the sentiments of your Epistles; 5 For when he heard the beginning of them read, he declared, that he was surprised to find such notions in a person, who had not had a regular education. 6 To which I replied, That the Gods sometimes made use of mean (innocent) persons to speak by, and gave him an instance of this in a mean countryman named Vatienus, who, when he was in the country of Reate, had two men appeared to him, called Castor and Pollux, and received a revelation from the gods. Farewell. CHAPTER VIII. PAUL to SENECA Greeting. ALTHOUGH I know the emperor is both an admirer and favourer of our religion, yet give me leave to advise you against your suffering any injury (by showing favour to us). 2 I think indeed you ventured upon a very dangerous attempt, when you would declare (to the emperor) that which is so very contrary to his religion, and way of worship; seeing he is a worshipper of the heathen gods. 3 I know not what you particularly had in view, when you told him of this; but I suppose you did it out of too great respect for me. 4 But I desire that for the future you would not do so; for you had need be careful, lest by showing your affection for me, you should offend your master: 5 His anger indeed will do us no harm, if he continue a heathen; nor will his not being angry be of any service to us: 6 And if the empress act worthy of her character, she will not be angry; but if she act as a woman, she will be affronted. Farewell. CHAPTER IX. ANNEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. KNOW that my letter, wherein I acquainted you, that I had read to the Emperor your Epistles, does not so much affect you as the nature of the things (contained in them.)