Exhortation to the Greeks 11.113

The other counsels and precepts are meager and concern particular matters: whether to marry, whether to take part in public life, whether to have children. But the only universal exhortation, one clearly for the whole of life, at every moment and in every circumstance, directed toward the supreme end, life, is godliness. According to it alone it is necessary to live, so that we may live forever. Philosophy, as the elders say, is a long-drawn-out counsel, wooing an everlasting love of wisdom; but “the commandment of the Lord is far-shining, enlightening the eyes.” Receive Christ, receive sight, receive your light, “so that you may know well both God and man.” “Sweet” is the Word who has enlightened us, “more than gold and precious stone; more desirable than honey and the honeycomb.” For how could he not be desirable, who has made clear the mind buried in darkness and sharpened the “light-bearing eyes” of the soul? For just as, “if there were no sun, it would be night everywhere in spite of the other stars,” so, if we had not known the Word and been lit up by him, we would be no better than fattened birds, fed in darkness and nourished for death. Let us receive the light, so that we may receive God; let us receive the light and become disciples of the Lord. This indeed he promised the Father: “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will sing your praise.” Sing praise and tell me of your Father, God; your stories will save, your song will teach me. Until now I went astray, seeking God; but since you light my way, Lord, I find God through you and receive the Father from you; I become your fellow heir, since you were not ashamed of your brother.