as a name remaining, what are they the worse for it? One thing
there is, and that only, which is worth our while in this world,
and ought by us much to be esteemed; and that is, according to truth
and righteousness, meekly and lovingly to converse with false,
and unrighteous men.

XLIII. When thou wilt comfort and cheer thyself, call to mind the several
gifts and virtues of them, whom thou dost daily converse with;
as for example, the industry of the one; the modesty of another;
the liberality of a third; of another some other thing.
For nothing can so much rejoice thee, as the resemblances and
parallels of several virtues, visible and eminent in the dispositions
of those who live with thee; especially when, all at once,
as near as may be, they represent themselves unto thee.
And therefore thou must have them always in a readiness.

XLIV. Dost thou grieve that thou dost weigh but so many pounds,
and not three hundred rather? Just as much reason hast thou
to grieve that thou must live but so many years, and not longer.
For as for bulk and substance thou dost content thyself
with that proportion of it that is allotted unto thee,
so shouldst thou for time. XLV. Let us do our best endeavours
to persuade them ; but however, if reason and justice lead
thee to it, do it, though they be never so much against it.
But if any shall by force withstand thee, and hinder thee in it,
convert thy virtuous inclination from one object unto another,
from justice to contented equanimity, and cheerful patience:
so that what in the one is thy hindrance, thou mayst make use
of it for the exercise of another virtue: and remember that it
was with due exception, and reservation, that thou didst