Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/9



HE Emperours Life, and Gataker's Introductive Discourse being annex'd, there's no Necessity for a long Preface: For there the Reader will find an Account of the Author both as to Principles and Person; However, a Word or two of each may not be amiss.

1st. ''As to the Stoicks notwithstanding their Advantage of other Sects; They were not without their Mistakes. For Instance; They believ'd a Plurality of Gods, that the Soul was a part of the Deity, and that their Wise Man might dispose of himself, and make his Life as short as he pleas'd. These with some other less material Errors, I have marked in the'' Margin.

'Tis true, 'tis objected against the Stoicks that they allow'd no Degrees in ill Practise, but made all Faults equal; that they held Compassion an Infirmity, and would not suffer it in the Character of an improv'd Philosopher; that the Happiness of a Wise Man Rh