6 The Christians and Jews are indeed commonly punished for the crime of burning the city; but that impious miscreant, who delights in murders and butcheries, and disguises his villainies with lies, is appointed to, or reserved till, his proper time. 7 And as the life of every excellent person is now sacrificed instead of that one person (who is the author of the mischief), so this one shall be sacrificed for many, and he shall be devoted to be burnt with fire instead of all. 8 One hundred and thirty-two houses, and four whole squares (or islands) were burnt down in six days: the seventh put an end to the burning. I wish you all happiness. 9 Dated the fifth of the calends of April, in the Consulship of Frigius and Bassus. CHAPTER XIII. ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul. 2 You have written many volumes in an allegorical and mystical style, and therefore such mighty matters and business being committed to you, require not to be set off with any rhetorical flourishes of speech, but only with some proper elegance. 3 I remember you often said, that many by affecting such a style do injury to their subjects, and lose the force of the matters they treat of. 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.