Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/304

 124 standing all upon a Level, are design'd for the advantage of each other. Now a Beneficent and Sociable Temper, is that which Humane Nature was principally intended for : The next Thing design'd in our Being, is to be proof against corporeal Impressions. It being the peculiar priviledge of Reason to move within her self, to fortifie against an Assault, and not suffer Sensation, or Passion, to break in upon her. For these are both of Animal, and inferiour Quality. But the Understanding part, claims a right to Govern, and won't bend to Matter, and Appetite; And good reason for't, since she was born to command and make use of them. The third main Requisite in a Rational Being, is to secure the Assent from Rashness, and Mistake. Let your Mind but compass these points, and stick to them, and then she is Mistriss of every thing which belongs to Her.

LVII. We ought to spend the Remainder of our Life as if 'twas more than we expected, and lent us on purpose for wiser Management.

LVIII. Let your Fate be your Inclination, for there's nothing more reasonable and prudential.

LIX. When any Accident happens, call to mind Those who have formerly been Rh