Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/19

Rh ''intirely possess me; as that I should not find frequent opportunities to turn back my Eyes and Mind upon that severer deity: I mean Philosophy. The studies of which (even from my Childhood) were so pleasing to me, that in this youthful kind of ardour I seemed to offend, and to stand in need of the bridle of restraint. My Tutors at Ubich know how all those kind of books, were as it were forced out of my hands together with those writings and commentaries which I had laboriously composed out of all the best ranks of interpreters. Nor certainly did I afterward degenerate; for I know that in all the course of my studies; if not in an exact and straight line, yet at least in the flexure, I have tended towards this mark of wisdom. Not after the rate of most here that deal in Philosophy: who doting upon some thorny subtilties, or snares of questions, do nothing else but weave and unweave them with a kind of subtile thread of disputations. They rest in words, and some little fallacies; and wear away their dayes in the Porch of Philosophy, but never visit its more retired apartments. They use it as a divertisement, not as a remedy, and turn the most serious instrument of life, into a sportage with trifles: Who amongst them seeks after the improvement of his manners, the moderation of his affections; or designs a just end and measure for his fears or hopes.'' Rh