all things in the world, nay, the world itself, free from
hindrance and perfect, and its parts for the use of the whole. Not other
creature is capable of comprehending His administration thereof; but the
reasonable being Man possesses faculties for the consideration of all
these things--not only that he is himself a part, but what part he is,
and how it is meet that the parts should give place to the whole. Nor is
this all. Being naturally constituted noble, magnanimous, and free, he
sees that the things which surround him are of two kinds. Some are
free from hindrance and in the power of the will. Other are subject to
hindrance, and depend on the will of other men. If then he place his own
good, his own best interest, only in that which is free from hindrance
and in his power, he will be free, tranquil, happy, unharmed,
noble-hearted, and pious; giving thanks to all things unto God,
finding fault with nothing that comes to pass, laying no charge against
anything. Whereas if he place his good in outward things, depending not
on the will, he must perforce be subject to hindrance and restraint, the
slave of those that have power over the things he desires and fears;
he must perforce be impious, as deeming himself injured at the hands
of God; he must be unjust, as ever prone to claim more than his due; he
must perforce be of a mean and abject spirit.

CLII

Whom then shall I fear? the lords of the Bedchamber, lest they should
shut me out? If they find me desirous of entering in, let them shut me
out, if they will.

"Then why comest thou to the door?"

Because I think it meet and right, so long as the Play lasts, to take
part therein.

"In what sense art thou then shut out?"

Because, unless I am admitted, it is not my will to enter: on the
contrary, my will is simply that which comes to pass. For I esteem what
God wills better than what I will. To Him will I cleave as His minister
and attendant; having the same movements, the same desires, in a word
the same Will as He. There is no such thing as being shut out for me,
but only for them that would force their way in.

CLIII

But what says Socrates?--"One man finds pleasure in improving his land,
another his horses. My pleasure lies in seeing that I myself grow better
day by day."

CLIV

The dress is suited to the craft; the craftsman takes his name from
the craft, not from the dress. For this reason Euphrates was right in
saying, "I long ende