Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/389

 Rh X. Nature falls short of Art in no Instance; Art being but an Imitation of Nature; And if so, the most perfect and best Furnisht, Nature can't be suppos'd to work with less Reach than a common Artificer. Now in all Arts the Less in value are contrived for the sake of the Greater ; This therefore is the method of General Nature, or the First Cause : And upon this Ground Justice is founded, which consists in a Regard, and Preference of Things according to their Dignity and Worth. The other Virtues are likewise Govern'd by this Rule, and are but Acts of Justice differently applyed. But Just we can never be, if we are Eager and Anxious about External Advantages, if we are apt to be impos'd on, and grow heedless, and inconstant in our Motion.

XI. Aversions and Desires are the general occasions of Disturbance ; Now since the Objects of these Passions don't press upon you, but 'tis you that make up to them in some measure, whereas they stand off, and keep their Distance : your Method is therefore, to let your Opinion about them lye still ; This suspension of your Judgment, will bring you towards an Indifference. And then you'l neither pursue, nor avoid them any longer. Rh