Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/364

 184, don't rob you of the Flesh and Blood you had from your Mother ; but only of some fresher Recruits of no long standing. But suppose you had still the same Body you was Born with ; what would you do with it without the benefit of Change ? without a new supply of Matter which must alter the Case, Nourishment, and Growth, are perfectly impracticable : Besides, Death can't be far off, and then both New Matter and Old, must take their leave, and be swept to their respective Elements.

VIII. When you have given your self the Titles of a Man of Modesty, and Good Nature, of Truth, and Prudence, of Resignation, and Magnanimity, take care that your Practise answers up to your Character ; And if your Distinctions and your Life Do not agree, if any of these glorious Names are lost in your Mismanagement, recover them as soon as you can. Remembring withal, that Prudence implies Consideration, Care and Comprehensive Enquiry : that to be Unanimous or Resign'd, signifies a Chearful complyance with the Allotments of Providence. That Magnanimity imports an Elevation of Soul, a Noble contempt of Pleasure and Pain ; of Glory and Death ; and all those things which People are either fond or afraid of. Now if you can earn the Rh