Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/203

 Rh neral Advantage in the Case. Lastly, we should consider how nigh we are Related to the Deity, and in what part of our Being, and what becomes of that Honourable side, when the Composition is broken.

XIII. Nothing can be more unhappy than the Curiosity of that Man that Ranges every where, and digs into the Earth for Discovery; That is wonderfully busy to force a Passage into other Peoples Thoughts, and dive into their Bosom; But does not consider that his own Mind is large enough for Enquiry, and Entertainment. And that the Care and Improvement of himself will afford him sufficient Business. And how is all this to be done? Why by being neither Passionate nor Heedless, nor yet displeas'd upon any account either with the Gods or Men. For as for the Gods their Administration ought to be Revered upon the Score of Excellency, and Station. And as for Men, their Actions should be well taken for the sake of Common Kindred. Besides, They are often to be pitied for their Ignorance of Good and Evil: Which Incapacity of Discerning between Moral Qualities, is a greater Misfortune than that of a Blind Man, who can't distinguish between White and Black.

XIV. Suppose you were to Live Three Thousand, or if you please, three Millions Rh