Thus does the prudent man act in the world. There are many robberies, tyrants, storms, distresses, losses of things most dear. Where is there any refuge? How can he go alone unattacked? What retinue can he wait for, to go safely through his journey? To what company shall he join himself? To some rich man? To some consular senator? And what good will that do me? He may be robbed himself, groaning and lamenting. ( ...) What shall I do? I say, I will be the friend of Caesar. While I am his companion, no one will injure me. (...) And, then, if I do become the friend of Caesar, he too is mortal; and if, by any accident, he should become my enemy, where can I best retreat? To a desert? Well; and may not a fever come there? What can be done then? Is it not possible to find a fellow-traveller, safe, faithful, brave, incapable of being surprised?
A person who reasons thus, understands and considers that if he joins himself to God, he shall go safely through his journey.
"How do you mean, join himself?" That what ever is the will of God may be his will too: that whatever is not the will of God may not be his. "How, then, can this be done?" Why, how otherwise than by considering the workings of God's power and his administration? - (Epictetus, Libro IV, 1)
