Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/354

 174 of the whole. ) Or else we are under the Misrule of Atomes, and Confusion. Now take the Case which way you please, there's either no Reason, or no Remedy for Complaint: And therefore 'tis to no purpose to be uneasie.

XLI. I hope you understand your Mind better than to Kill and Bury it, and make it little enough for the Coarse Functions, and Fate of the Body !

XLII. Either the Gods have power to assist us, or they have not. If they have not, what does praying to them signifie? If they have, why don't you rather pray that they would Discharge your Desires, than Satisfie them ; and rather set you above the Passion of Fear, than keep away the Thing you are afraid of ? For if the Gods can help us, no doubt they can help us to be Wiser. But it may be you'l say. They have furnish'd me sufficiently for these Matters. Why then don't you make use of your Talent, and act like a Man of Spirit, and not run Cringing, and Creeping, after that which is out of your reach ? But then who told you that the God's don't assist us in Things which we might possibly compass by our selves ? Let me prescribe the Matter of your Devotions. For Instance : This Man prays that he may Gain such a Woman, it may be to Rh