This Task is very practicable if you will but suppose every thing you are upon your Last; If your Appetites and Passions don't cross upon your Reason; If you stand clear of Rashness, and don't complain of your Destiny, and have nothing of Insincerity, and Self-Love to infect you. You see what a few Points a Man has to gain in order to a Happy, and Godlike Way of Living: For he that comes thus far, performs all which the Immortal Powers require of him.
VI. In earnest at this rate of Management thou usest thy self very coarsly;[1] neither hast thou much time left to do right to thy Honour. For Life hurrys off apace: Thine is almost up already; And yet instead of paying a due Regard to thy own Reason, thou hast placed thy Happiness in the Fancies of other Men.
VII. Don't let Accidents disturb, or outward Objects engross your Thoughts, but keep your Mind quiet and unengaged, that you may be at Leisure to learn somewhat that's Good; and don't ramble from one Thing to another. There is likewise another dangerous sort of Roving to be avoided : For some People are Busy and yet do Nothing; They Fatigue and Wear themselves out, and yet drive at no Point, nor propose any general End of Action, or Design.
- ↑ See § XVI.
