This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ...of date. No man is now like to refufe the favour of great ones, ' or be content to fay unto princes, ftand out of my fun.1 And if any there be of fuch antiquated refolutions, they are not like to be tempted out of them by great ones; and 'tis fair if they efcape the name of hypocon-driacks from the genius of latter times, unto whom contempt of the world is the moft contemptible opinion; and to be able, like Bias, to carry all they have about them were to be the eighth wife-man. However, the old tetrick philofophers2 look'd always with indignation upon fuch a face of things; and obferving the unnatural current of riches, power, and honour in the world, and withal the imperfection and demerit of perfons often advanced unto them, were tempted unto angry opinions, that affairs were ordered more by ftars than reafon, and that things went on rather by lottery than election. 1 This was the anfwer made by Diogenes to Alexander, who afked him what he had to requeft. 2 Sour, morofe. JF thy veflel be but fmall in the ocean of this world, if meannefs of poflemons be thy allotment upon earth, forget not thofe virtues which the great difpofer of all bids thee to entertain from thy quality and condition; that is, fub-miffion, humility, content of mind, and in-duftry. Content may dwell in all ftations. To be low, but above contempt, may be high enough to be happy. But many of low degree may be higher than computed, and fome cubits above the common com-menfuration; for in all ftates virtue gives qualifications and allowances, which make out defedts. Rough diamonds are fome-times miftaken for pebbles; and meannefs may be rich in accomplimments, which riches in vain defire. If our merits be above our ftations, if our intrinfecal value be greater than what we go for, .