THE SIXTH BOOK

I. The matter itself, of which the universe doth consist, is of itself very tractable and pliable.

That rational essence that doth govern it, hath in itself no cause to do evil. It hath no evil in itself; neither can it do anything that is evil: neither can anything be hurt by it. And all things are done and determined according to its will and prescript.

II. Be it all one unto thee, whether half frozen or well warm; whether only slumbering, or after a full sleep; whether discommended or commended thou do thy duty: or whether dying or doing somewhat else; for that also ‘to die,’ must among the rest be reckoned as one of the duties and actions of our lives.

III. Look in, let not either the