His Meditations

V. The best kind of revenge is, not to become like
unto them.
VI. Let this be thy only joy, and thy only comfort,
from one sociable kind action without intermission to pass
unto another, God being ever in thy mind.
VII. The rational commanding part, as it alone can
stir up and turn itself; so it maketh both itself to be, and
everything that happeneth, to appear unto itself, as it will
itself.
VIII. According to the nature of the universe all things
particular are determined, not according to any other nature,
either about compassing and containing ; or within, dis-
persed and contained ; or without, depending. Either this
universe is a mere confused mass, and an intricate context
of things, which shall in time be scattered and dispersed
again : or it is an union consisting of order, and admini-
stered by Providence. If the first, why should I desire to
continue any longer in this fortuit confusion and commix-
tion ? or why should I take care for anything else, but
that as soon as may be I may be earth again ? And why
should I trouble myself any more whilst I seek to please
the Gods ? Whatsoever I do, dispersion is my end, and
will come upon me whether I will or no. But if the latter
be, then am not I religious in vain ; then will I be quiet and
patient, and put my trust in Him, who is the Governor of all.
