66. Prudence,
therefore, works through all things, she has fellowship with all that
is good. For how Cic. de
Off. II. 11. can she give
good advice unless she have justice too, so that she may clothe herself
in consistency, not fear death, be held back by no alarm, no fear, nor
think it right to be turned aside from the truth by any flattery, nor
shun exile, knowing that the world is the fatherland of the wise
man. She fears not want, for she knows that nothing is wanting to
the wise man, since the whole world of riches is his. What is
greater than the man that knows not how to be excited at the thought of
money, and has a contempt for riches, and looks down as from some lofty
vantage-ground on the desires of men? Men think that one who acts
thus is more than man: “Who is this,” it says,
“and we will praise him. For wonderful things hath he done
in his life.” Ecclus. xxxi. 9. Surely he
ought to be admired who despises riches, seeing that most place them
even before their own safety.