from all Things that are not in our Power, and transfer it to Things contrary to the Nature of what is in our Power. But, for the present, totally suppress Desire: for, if you desire any of the Things not in our own Power, you must necessarily be disappointed; and of those which are, and which it would be laudable to desire, nothing is yet in your Possession.[1] Use only [the requisite Acts] of Pursuit and Avoidance; and even these lightly, and with Gentleness, and Reservation.
III.
With regard to whatever Objects either delight the Mind, or contribute to Use, or are loved with fond Affection, remember to tell yourself, of what Nature they are, beginning from the most trifling Things. If you are fond of an Earthen Cup, that it is an Earthen Cup of which you are fond: for thus, if it is broken, you will not be disturbed. If you kiss your Child, or your Wife, that you kiss a Being subject to the Accidents of Humanity; and thus you will not be disturbed, if either of them dies.
IV.
When you are going about any Action, remind yourself of what Nature the Action is. If you going to bathe, represent to yourself the Things, which usually happen in the Bath: some Persons dashing the Water; some pushing and crowding, others giving abusive Language; and others stealing [the Clothes]. And thus you will more safely go about this Action, if you say to yourself, "I will now go bathe, and preserve my own Mind in
- ↑ The Sense is, that he, who is only beginning to philosophise, hath yet nothing right within him to desire, or set his Heart upon; therefore, till he hath, he must not set his Heart upon any thing. But in the mean time, he must make use of the Pursuits and Avoidances; i. e. perform the common Actions of Life: but these outward Movements must be cautious and gentle; and the inward Movements of Desire be quite restrained.
