Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 62 / §§194–197

Printed page 62 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §194, §195, §196, §197. The opening continues §193 from the preceding page. said, " If he did not put his trust in numbers or forces, but always entreated God to give success to his enterprises, while he himself discharged all his duties in a spirit of justice." (6) He approved his reply, and asked the next one how he might inspire terror into his enemies. And he said, " If while maintaining an abundant supply of arms and forces he recognized that these were powerless to produce any lasting and conclusive result; for God also, by granting reprieves and making but a display of his sovereignty,{1} instils terror into every breast." (7) He praised him, and inquired of the next what would be the highest good for his life. And he replied, " To recognize that God is Lord of the Universe, and that in our noblest achievements it is not we ourselves who successfully accomplish our intentions, but God in his sovereignty brings to fulfilment and guides the actions of us all." (8) He admitted the wisdom of his words, and asked the next one how he could preserve all his possessions unimpaired, and finally transmit them to his descendants in the same condition. And he said, " By continual prayer to God that thou mayest be inspired with good thoughts in thy undertakings, and by warning thy descendants not to be dazzled by fame or wealth, since it is God who bestows these gifts, and it is not on their own account that they have pre-eminence over all." (9) He expressed his agreement with this answer, and inquired of him who followed how he should bear with equanimity whatever befell. And he replied, " By taking thought that all men are fashioned by God to partake of the greatest evils, as well as the greatest blessings, and it is not possible for any human being to TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 62 {1} Text slightly emended. Cf. with the section Wisdom xii. 16–18.