De principis instructione — Distinctio Prima

De principis instructione — Distinctio Prima

Be the magnificence of a prince. The magnificence of a prince is truly remarkable, and strength is said to be part of it. . , I, I of a prince. Only the principles adorn, but they also give greatness to those who are worthy of virtue. The Savior invites us to this virtue as well, saying, etc. Luke 21. ; Matthew. -; Luke 6. ,; Matthew. Twenty-four. Tim. ii. ; Hebr. xi. ,; Kom. VIII. IV. ; Romans. Eight. Corinthians. The Savior is said to have used this virtue in His own person, urging His followers to similar actions not only with words but also with deeds, while He Himself did not fear to endure the cross with such strength and constancy, but rather approached the place of His passion spontaneously, already having been conspired against, and offered Himself as a sacrifice for the world's price. Isaiah. xl. ; Prov. XXXI. ; Exodus. Courage, along with magnificence, has five parts: magnanimity, confidence, security, steadfastness, and patience, which we mentioned earlier; however, to define each of these kinds and to divide them into parts, as philosophers usually do, would be more of a display of skill than a simple way of proceeding, which is what we have chosen here. We will present various examples from authors that invite us to this virtue, so that the diligent reader may notice to which part they should be applied. -Tullius says: "A strong and steadfast mind is not disturbed by adverse circumstances or tumultuous events, and it should use present counsel without straying from reason." Seneca says: "There are more things that frighten us than those that actually happen, and we often labor under opinions rather than reality; therefore, 'do not be miserable before the time, when those things that you fear as if they were real may never come to pass,' etc." To return to military matters, we must take great care not to engage recklessly in worldly affairs. ,. , Mans, Moral Philosophy, i. , as Tullius says, 'to engage recklessly in battle,' in which our eyes are spared. ,. Therefore, the virtue of security is not to fear the stings of death from urgent causes; however, the greatness of courage is to not avoid great and difficult labors that are full of danger, with reason preceding them. Thus, Seneca writes to Lucilius: "A strong man is not one who shies away from work." Unless the mind grows through the very difficulties of life. Indeed, nothing can be overcome without persistent effort and careful attention; elsewhere it is said, "The mind is weak and fearful, and it is experienced in fear." Similarly, Tullius says, "Virtue cannot be taken away from a strong man." It must be fought against. Therefore, it is when fortune is against us that we should not be broken in spirit because of the multitude of calamities, but rather be strengthened and renewed. Seneca said, "Many things do not happen, because..." Rites, VIII. , Helow (Migne, col. Migne, 171. What good is it to you to have a lot of knowledge if you lack the grace to live it out? On the Office, I. ; Horace, Odes. - II. , ii. I. iv. ; Seneca, On the Things. Fortuitous events can happen, too. And so it goes. As Juvenal said, "Lucretius, Phars." And so it continues. "Things are difficult, we dare; but because we do not dare, things are difficult." Jeronimus: "Nobles indeed dare nothing equally, as fear holds them back." Every desire that ends in despair perishes. Moreover, if you look to the distinguished men of this virtue, if you wish to recall the deeds of Gaius Caesar and Alexander the Great,