Neither God, nor a man who has understanding, will ever advise any one to
neglect his parents. To a discourse concerning the honour and dishonour of
parents, a prelude such as the following, about the service of the Gods, will
be a suitable introduction: - There are ancient customs about the Gods which
are universal, and they are of two kinds: some of the Gods we see with our
eyes and we honour them, of others we honour the images, raising statues of
them which we adore; and though they are lifeless, yet we imagine that the
living Gods have a good will and gratitude to us on this account. Now, if a
man has a father or mother, or their fathers or mothers treasured up in his
house stricken in years, let him consider that no statue can be more potent to
grant his requests than they are, who are sitting at his hearth if only he
knows how to show true service to them.
Cle. And what do you call the true mode of service?
Ath. I will tell you, O my friend, for such things are worth listening to.
Laws part 1 of 5. Part 2 / 3 / 4. You are at part 5
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