CHAPTER XXVI

THE EMPEROR ASCRIBES HIS PERSONAL PIETY TO GOD; AND SHEWS THAT WE ARE BOUND TO SEEK SUCCESS FROM GOD, AND ATTRIBUTE IT TO HIM; BUT TO CONSIDER FAILURE AS THE RESULT OF OUR OWN NEGLIGENCE

WHEN men commend my services, which owe their origin to the inspiration of Heaven, do they not clearly establish the truth that God is the cause of the exploits I have performed? Assuredly they do: for it belongs to God to do whatever is best, and to man, to perform the commands of God. I believe, indeed, the best and noblest course of action is, when, before an attempt is made, we provide as far as possible for a secure result: and surely all men know that the holy service in which these hands have been employed has originated in pure and genuine faith towards God; that whatever has been done for the common welfare has been effected by active exertion combined with supplication and prayer; the consequence of which has been as great an amount of individual and public benefit as each could, venture to hope for himself and those he holds most dear. They have witnessed battles, and have been spectators of a war in which the providence of God has granted victory to this people: they have seen how He has favoured and seconded our prayers. For righteous prayer is a thing invincible; and no one fails to attain his object who addresses holy supplication to God: nor is a refusal possible, except in the case of wavering faith; for God is ever favourable, ever ready to approve of human virtue. While, therefore, we allow that occasional error is common to man, we cannot arraign God as the cause of human error. Hence it becomes all pious persons to render thanks to the Preserver of all, first for our own individual security, and then for the happy posture of public affairs: at the same time intreating the favour of Christ with holy prayers and constant supplications, that He would continue to us our present blessings. For He is the invincible friend and protector of the righteous: He is the supreme arbiter of all things, the prince of immortality, the awarder of everlasting life.