Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/413

 Rh can be nothing of Scandal in it. Nay, 'tis certainly a Good Thing, since 'tis suitable, and seasonable for the Universe. And thus a Man that goes off smoothly, is as it were carried out of the World by Inspiration : For he that follows the Deity with his Motions, and with his Will too, seems actuated by a Divine Impression.

XXIV. Let these three Hints lie ready for Service. First, As to your own Actions, let nothing be done rashly, nor to no Purpose, nor indeed in any other manner than Justice her self would have order'd it: And as for Casualties, and the State of your Fortune; consider that they are the blind Distributions of Chance, or else the Appointment of Providence. Now either to murmur against Chance, or Impeach Providence, is extreamly absurd. Secondly, consider what a slight thing Man is from his Conception, to his Birth or Animation ; And from his first Breath to his last ; in the Parts of his Composition, and in the State of his Dissolution. Thirdly, Consider, that if you could shoot your self at Pleasure into the Sky, and thence take a View of Humane Affairs, you would perceive a strange medley of Humour, and Condition : And discover at the same time, the Air, and Ether too,