72. When will this be, say they who are
swift but not sure in every thing, readily building up, readily
throwing down. When will the lamp be upon its stand, Ib. v.
15. and where is the talent? Ib. xxv.
15. For so they call the grace. “The
grace” i.e. the grace of the priesthood. Those who speak thus are more fervent
in friendship than in reverence. You ask me, you men of exceeding
courage, when these things shall be, and what account I give of
them? Not even extreme old age would be too long a limit
to assign. For hoary
hairs combined with prudence are better than inexperienced youth,
well-reasoned hesitation than inconsiderate haste, and a brief reign
than a long tyranny: just as a small portion honourably won is
better than considerable possessions which are dishonourable and
uncertain, a little gold than a great weight of lead, a little light
than much darkness.