Lactantius, Epitome of the Divine Institutes, 64.

Written c. 320 CE.

Source: Lactantius. 1950. Epitome Institutionum Divinarum: Lactantius’ Epitome of the Divine Institutes, p. 111-112. Translated by E. H. Blakeney. London: S.P.C.K.

The Passions to be Subdued, and Forbidden Things Disallowed.

Let virtue alone comfort us, the wages of which is immortality when it has overcome pleasure. But the passions once quelled, there is no difficulty in mastering other faults, at least for one who is a follower of God and truth. Such a man will not give way to slander, if he hopes for God's blessing; he will not forswear, lest he make a mock of God; nay, he will not even swear, lest by necessity or by custom he should be guilty of perjury. He will use no deceit in his tongue, nor speak to deceive; nor will he refuse to admit a pledge once made, or promise what he cannot fulfil; he will envy no one, inasmuch as he is content with what he has; nor will he rob or wish ill to another on whom, may be, God's blessing is more abundant.