Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/42

Chap. 4. consequence from Opinion. But the true Mother of Constancy, is Patience and lowliness of the Mind; which I define; A VOLUNTARY AND COMPLAINTLESSE ENDURANCE OF ALL THOSE THINGS WHATSOEVER THEY BE, THAT FALL OUT TO, OR FALL UPON A MAN FROM ELSEWHERE. Which being taken up, upon the actount of right Reason, is that only Root, from whence the height of this excellent Oak-like strength doth wear it self. For here also it is requisite that you should be heedfull, lest Opinion should impose upon you, which frequently in the room of Patience doth subrogate a kind of abject and stupid temper of the Mind; a very Vice, and which arises from too low an estimate of our selves. As for Virtue she ever marches in the middle path, and is cautiously heedfull lest there should be any thing of Excess or Defect in Rh