determined, not according to any other nature, either about compassing and
containing; or within, dispersed 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 administered by Providence.
If the first, why should I desire to continue any longer in this fortuit
confusion and commixtion? 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. IX. Whensoever by some present hard occurrences thou art
constrained to be in some sort troubled and vexed, return unto thyself
as soon as may be, and be not out of tune longer than thou must needs.
For so shalt thou be the better able to keep thy part another time,
and to maintain the harmony, if thou dost use thyself to this continually;
once out, presently to have recourse unto it, and to begin again.