[7] Plutarch's "Morals" supplied much of the cream used by Taylor in the churning that produced the "Holy Living and Dying." Emerson says that we owe more to Plutarch than to all the other ancients. Many great authors have been indebted to him,—Rabelais, Montaigne, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, Shakspeare, Bacon, and Dryden, among the number. Plutarch's "Morals" is a treasure-house of wisdom and beauty. There is a very fine edition with an introduction by Emerson. (Rome, 1st cent.—m. R. D.)
[8] Seneca's "Morals" is a fit companion of the preceding six books, full of deep thought upon topics of every-day import, set out in clear and forceful language. The Camelot Library contains a very good selection from his ethical treatises and his delightful letters, which are really moral essays. (Rome, 1st cent.—m. R. D.)
[9] Epictetus was another grand moralist, the teacher of Marcus Aurelius. Next to Bunyan and Kempis, the books of these great stoics, filled as they are with the serenity of minds that had made themselves independent of circumstance and passion, have the greatest popularity accorded to any ethical works. Epictetus was a Roman slave in the 1st century a. d. (m. R. D.)
[10] The little book on "Tolerance" by Phillips Brooks ought to be read by every one. See Table III. side No. [23]. The sermons of Dr. Brooks and of Robertson are among the most helpful and inspiring reading we know. Drummond's "Natural Law in the Spiritual World" is a book of ingenious and often poetic analogies between the physical and spiritual worlds. If read as poetry, no fault can be found with it; but the reader must be careful to test thoroughly the laws laid down, and make sure that there is some weightier proof than mere analogy, before hanging important conclusions on the statements of this author. A later book by Drummond entitled "The Greatest Thing in the World" is also worthy of attention. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[11] "Areopagitica." A noble plea for liberty of speech and press. (Eng., early 17th cent.)
[12] Keble's beautiful "Christian Year."
[13] Cicero's "Offices" is a very valuable ethical work. It directs a young Roman how he may attain distinction and the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Its underlying principles are of eternal value, and its arrangement is admirable. Dr. Peabody's translation is the best. (Rome, 1st cent. b. c.)
[14] "Pensées." Pascal's "Thoughts" are known the world over for their depth and beauty. (France, 17th cent.)
[15] "The Perfect Life" and other works. (U. S., 19th cent.)