Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/50

Chap. 5. on the Morrow despises it, this it approves and this it condemnes; nothing with judgement, but gratifying the Body and indulging the Senses in every thing. As the Eye makes but a false measure of those things which it beholds through some Cloud or in the Water: So doth the Mind but perversly judge of what it beholds through the misty Mediums of Opinion. This (if you consider well) is to Man the Mother of his Evils; and this is the Author of that confused and perturbed Life within us. That cares do disquiet us, it is from hence; that the Passions do distract us, it is from hence; and if Vices do Reign over us, it is also from hence. And therefore as those who are resolv'd to abolish Tyranny in any City; do first of all demolish the Castle: So if we are Serious in the prosecution of a good Mind, we must subvert this Citadel of Opinions. For we shall fluctuate with them for ever: Anxi- Rh