Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/256

 76 can't force their Passage into the Mind, nor set any of its Wheels a going. No, The Impression comes from her self, and 'tis her Notions which affect Her. As for the contingencies of Fortune, they are either Great or Little, according to the Opinion she has of her own Strength.

XX. When we consider we are bound to be serviceable to Mankind, and bear with their Faults, we shall perceive there's a common Tye of Nature, and Relation between us. But when we see People grow troublesome and disturb us in our Business. Here we are to look upon Men as Indifferent sort of Things, neither Good, nor Bad to us, but according to our Management. 'Tis true like a Cross Wind They may hinder Me in the Executing Part, but all this while my Inclinations stand Firm, and the reserve of a Good Meaning is secured to me. Being rightly Dispos'd, I can pass on to the Exercise of another Virtue; And thus 'tis probable I may gain by the Opposition, and turn the Disappointment to an Advantage.

XXI. Among all Things in the Universe, direct your Worship to the Greatest: And which is that? 'Tis that Being which Manages, and Governs all the Rest. And as you worship the best Thing in Nature, Rh