Antoninus, and Rome is my Town and Country ; but consider me as a Man in general, and I belong to the Corporation of the World. That therefore, and only that, which is serviceable to both these Societies, is an advantage to me.
XLV. Whatever happens to particulars, is serviceable to the Universe, that Thought might satisfie. But we can carry the Reasons for Acquiescence farther. For upon Observation you will perceive that what is profitable to one Man, is in some measure for the Interest of the rest. And here I take the word Profit, in the sence of common acceptation, and not on the Language of the Stoicks. [1]
XLVI. You may remember at a Play, or such resembling Diversions, coming over and over with the same thing, tires the Sence, and extinguishes the Pleasure. Remove this Contemplation into Life; For here all things comes rounds And bring the same Causes and Appearances a long with them. How long then will it be before you are cloyed with these Repetions?
XLVII. Consider with your self, that People of all Conditions, Professions and Countrys, are forc'd to Dye: Cast your Eyes upon what sort of Mortals you please, and you'l find them go the Way of all
- ↑ The Stoicks esteem'd nothing profitable but Virtue and Honestly, tho' at the same time they allow other things to be useful.
