Ante-Nicene Fathers/Volume IV/Commodianus/The Instructions of Commodianus/Chapter 72

LXXII.&#8212;To the Poor in Health.

What can healthful poverty do, unless wealth be present?&#160; Assuredly, if thou hast the means, at once communicate also to thy brother.&#160; Be responsible to thyself for one, lest thou shouldst be said to be proud.&#160; I promise that thou shalt live more secure than the rich man.&#160; Receive into thy ears the teaching of the great Solomon:&#160; God hates the poor man to be a pleader on high. &#160; Therefore submit thyself, and give honour to Him that is powerful; for the soft speech&#8212;thou knowest the proverb&#8212;melts. &#160; One is conquered by service, even although there be an ancient anger.&#160; If the tongue be silent, thou hast found nothing better.&#160; If there should not wholesomely be an art whereby life may be governed, either give aid or direction by the command of Him that is mighty.&#160; Let it not shame or grieve you that a healthy man should have faith.&#160; In the treasury, besides, thou oughtest to give of thy labour, even as that widow whom the Anointed One preferred.