FEAR God, and place His love and fear in thy heart, firmly planted; also love those who fear Him, and their companionship choose thou in thy friendship; for can the man of fear be found who would kick at the love of truth, fixed in his breast?

Love the friend who is true to thee, and let his companionship be kept by thee. Devote thyself to him with might and main when he stands in need of thy help; for this is the most generous form of love; it is the most glorious kind of affection, resulting from companionship.

As for him who is thy friend for the purpose of getting at times what he wants from thee all to his own advantage, but who, when thou requirest him, lies hidden and concealed, give him up, and stop thy friendship, for what benefit dost thou derive from words smooth as butter?

The acquisition of friends, constant and true, is a good thing, and their love is worth keeping; thou shouldst even close thine eyes, and pretend not to see their faults, wilful or otherwise. Can the potter join the fragments of earthenware once broken asunder, and can they be renewed when once destroyed?

When thou obtainest servants to minister to thy wants, think, that as long as they remain in thy possession, they remain but as servants; then why not obtain and attach to thyself freemen, those of noble and exalted station, gaining them by suavity of speech and winning language, by constant attentions and kindliness of action?

Finished is the Book on the Foundation of Religious Fear.

Thanks be to God

Whose Glory has been revealed and made manifest unto His people!