4appc32.md (1161B)
1 But human power is extremely limited, and is 2 infinitely surpassed by the power of external causes; we have 3 not, therefore, an absolute power of shaping to our use those 4 things which are without us. Nevertheless, we shall bear with an 5 equal mind all that happens to us in contravention to the claims 6 of our own advantage, so long as we are conscious, that we have 7 done our duty, and that the power which we possess is not 8 sufficient to enable us to protect ourselves completely; 9 remembering that we are a part of universal nature, and that we 10 follow her order. If we have a clear and distinct understanding 11 of this, that part of our nature which is defined by 12 intelligence, in other words the better part of ourselves, will 13 assuredly acquiesce in what befalls us, and in such acquiescence 14 will endeavour to persist. For, in so far as we are intelligent 15 beings, we cannot desire anything save that which is necessary, 16 nor yield absolute acquiescence to anything, save to that which 17 is true: wherefore, in so far as we have a right understanding 18 of these things, the endeavour of the better part of ourselves is 19 in harmony with the order of nature as a whole. 20 21