XXXIX. That which is a hindrance of the senses, is
an evil to the sensitive nature. That which is a hindrance
of the appetitive and prosecutive faculty, is an evil to the
sensitive nature. As of the sensitive, so of the vegetative
constitution, whatsoever is a hindrance unto it, is also in
that respect an evil unto the same. And so likewise,
whatsoever is a hindrance unto the mind and understand-
ing, must needs be the proper evil of the reasonable nature.
Now apply all those things unto thyself. Do either pain
or pleasure seize on thee ? Let the senses look to that.
Hast thou met with some obstacle or other in thy purpose
and intention ? If thou didst propose without due reserva-

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tion and exception, now hath thy reasonable part received
a blow indeed. But if in general thou didst propose unto
thjrself whatsoever might be, thou art not thereby either hurt,
nor properly hindered. For in those things that properly
belong unto the mind, she cannot be hindered by any man.
It is not fire, nor iron ; nor the power of a tyrant, nor the
power of a slandering tongue ; nor anything else, that can
penetrate into her.
XL. If once round and solid, there is no fear that ever
it will change.
