HAPPINESS IS GAINED BY LIVING VIRTUOUSLY

In the first book, we spoke of what befitted a virtuous life. . .a peaceful conscience and a calm innocence. Just as the rising sun hides all in its brightness, virtue casts into its shade everything that  man in this world considers great and noble.

The virtuous life, not valued in the estimation of men of the world, is judge of itself and gives us certainty in our own inner feeling. It is not usually the popular way of life; it never strives for glory  for the rewards of glory are hindrances to eternal life. For those who strive for worldly glory ". . .they have had their reward."

It belongs to a virtuous life to do good and to fast in secret. . .showing you wish to seek your reward from God alone and not from man. For he who seeks it from man has his reward, but he who seeks it from God has an eternal reward.

Fittingly, therefore, has Scriptures called the life of virtue the BLESSED LIFE and ETERNAL LIFE.

St. Ambrose:  Duties of the Clergy, Bk. II, Chap. 1

(01-15-04)