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 shewing 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 acts as a woman, she will be affronted. Farewell.
Annæus Seneca to Paul Greeting.
I KNOW that my letter, wherein I acquainted you, that I had read to the Emperor your Epistles, does not so much affect of as the nature of the things (contained in them),
2 Which do so powerfully divert men's minds from their former manners and practices, that I have always been surprised, and have been fully convinced of it by many arguments heretofore.
3 Let us therefore begin afresh; and if any thing heretofore has been imprudently acted, do you forgive.
4 I have sent you a book de copia verborum. Farewell, dearest Paul.
Paul to Seneca Greeting.
AS often as I write to you, and place my name before yours, I do a thing both disagreeable to myself; and contrary to our religion:
2 For I ought, as I have often declared, to become all things to all men, and to have that regard to your quality, which the Roman law has honoured all senators with; namely, to put my name last in the (inscription of the) Epistle, that I may not at length with uneasiness and shame be obliged to do that which it was always my inclination to do. Farewell, most respected master. Dated the fifth of the calends of July, in the fourth consulship of Nero, and Messala.
Annæus Seneca to Paul Greeting.
ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul.
2 If a person so great, and every way agreeable as you are, become not only a common, but a most intimate friend to me, how happy will be the case of Seneca!
3 You therefore, who are so eminent, and so far exalted above all, even the greatest, do not think yourself unfit to be first named in the inscription of an Epistle;
4 Lest I should suspect you intend not so much to try me, as to banter me; for you know yourself to be a Roman citizen.
5 And I could wish to be in that circumstance or station which you are, and that you were in the same that I am. Farewell, dearest Paul. Dated the xth of the calends of April, in the consulship of Aprianus and Capito.
Annæus Seneca to Paul Greeting.
ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul. Do you not suppose I am extremely concerned and grieved that your innocence should bring you into sufferings?
2 And that all the people should suppose you (Christians) so criminal, and imagine all the misfortunes that happen to the city, to be caused by you?
3 But let us bear the charge with a patient temper, appealing (for our innocence) to the court (above), which is the only one our hard fortune will allow us to address to, till at length our misfortunes shall end in unalterable happiness.
4 Former ages have produced (tyrants) Alexander the son of Philip, and Dionysius; ours also has produced Caius Cæsar; whose inclinations were their only laws.
5 As to the frequent burnings of the city of Rome, the cause is manifest; and if a person in my mean circumstances might be allowed to speak, and one might declare these dark things without danger, every one should see the whole of the matter.
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 villanies 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.
Annæus Seneca to Paul Greeting.
ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul.
2 You have wrote 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 say, 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 vth of the names of July, Leo and Savinus consuls.
Paul to Seneca Greeting.
YOUR serious consideration requited with these 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.
