So may every reasonable creature, what crosses and impediments
soever it meets with in the course of this mortal life,
it may use them as fit and proper objects, to the furtherance
of whatsoever it intended and absolutely proposed unto itself
as its natural end and happiness.

XXXIV. Let not the general representation unto thyself of the wretchedness
of this our mortal life, trouble thee. Let not thy mind wander
up and down, and heap together in her thoughts the many troubles
and grievous calamities which thou art as subject unto as any other.
But as everything in particular doth happen, put this question
unto thyself, and say: What is it that in this present matter,
seems unto thee so intolerable? For thou wilt be ashamed to confess it.
Then upon this presently call to mind, that neither that which is future,
nor that which is past can hurt thee; but that only which is present.
(And that also is much lessened, if thou dost lightly circumscribe it:)
and then check thy mind if for so little a while, (a mere instant),
it cannot hold out with patience.

XXXV. What? are either Panthea or Pergamus abiding to this day
by their masters' tombs? or either Chabrias or Diotimus by that
of Adrianus? O foolery! For what if they did, would their masters
be sensible of It? or if sensible, would they be glad of it? or
if glad, were these immortal? Was not it appointed unto them also
(both men and women,) to become old in time, and then to die?
And these once dead, what would become of these former?
And when all is done, what is all this for, but for a mere bag
of blood and corruption? XXXVI. If thou beest quick-sighted,
be so in matter of judgment, and best discretion, saith he.