Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/222

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42
Marcus Antoninus's

is it that Troubles you? Is it the Wickedness of the World, and the ill Usage you meet with? If this be your Case, Out with your Antidote, and consider. That Mankind were made for mutual Advantage; that Forbearance is one part of Justice, and that People misbehave themselves against: their Will. [1] Consider likewise, how many Men have embroyl'd themselves, and spent their Days in Disputes and Animosities; and what did they get by it? Why They had more Trouble and it may be, less of Life than they would have had. Be Quiet then, and don't disturb your self to no purpose. But it may be the Government of the World does not please you: Take out t'other Notion, and Argue thus. Either Providence, or Chance fits at the Helm; If the First, the Administration can't be question'd; if the Latter, there's no mending on't. Besides, you may remember that the World is as it were one Great City and Corporation. But possibly the ill State of your Health afflicts you. Pray Reflect, your Soul does not lie in your Lungs, nor your Reason in your Breath, so that if you are somewhat Asthmatick, or out of Order, 'tis no such great Matter. No, Not if your Mind will retire, and take a view of her own Priviledge and Power. And when she has

done
  1. See Book 8. Sect. 14. where the Emperor gives his reasons for this paradox.