Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/409

 Rh XI. What a mighty privilege is a Man born to, since 'tis in his power not to do any thing but what God Almighty approves, and to be satisfied with all the Distributions of Providence.

XII. When things follow from the Course, and Constitution of Nature, we ought not to murmur at it : Not against the Gods, for they have neither Ill-will nor Impotence, and by consequence can do nothing Amiss ; nor yet against Men, for their Misbehaviour is all involuntary, therefore we must complain of no Body.

XIII. How unacquainted is that Man with the World, and how ridiculous does he appear, that makes a wonder of any thing he meets with here ?

XIV. Either the Order of Things are fixt by irrevocable Fate, or Providence may be work'd into Compassion, or else the World Flotes at Random without any Steerage. Now if Nature lies under an immovable Necessity, to what purpose should you struggle against it ? If the favour of Providence is to be gain'd, qualifie your self for the Divine Assistance : But if Chance, and Confusion carry it, and no body fits at the Helm; be you contented and Ride out the Storm patiently, for you have a Governour within you, tho' Rh