On the Sole Government of God

And that God is not appeased by the offerings and incense of evil-doers, but delivers justice to each in righteousness, Philemon again shall testify for me:—“If anyone dreams, O Pamphilus, that by sacrificing bulls or goats—or by Jupiter—any such things; Or by presenting gold or purple robes, Or images of ivory and gems; If thus he thinks he may win God's favor, He errs, and shows himself foolish. But let him rather be useful and good, Committing neither theft nor lustful acts, Nor foul murder for the sake of earthly riches. Let him not covet another man's wife or child, His splendid house, his wide property, His maiden, or his slave born in his house, His horses, or his cattle, or his beasts, No, covet not even a pin, O Pamphilus, For God, close by you, sees everything you do. He is always angry with the wicked, But finds pleasure in the righteous, Allowing him to reap the fruits of his labor, And to enjoy the bread his sweat has earned. But being righteous, ensure you fulfill your vows, And offer gifts to God the giver. Place your adornment not in outward appearances, But in inward purity of heart; Then, hearing the thunder, you shall not fear, Nor shall you flee, O master, at its voice, For you are conscious of no evil deed, And God, close by you, sees everything you do.”