(Ap30:3) Moreover we may
add that emotion leads us to pay most regard to what is agreeable
in the present, nor can we estimate what is future with emotions
equally vivid. ([xliv] Note, and [lx] Note.)
[Ap.XXXI] (Ap31:1) Superstition, on the other hand, seems to account as
good all that brings pain, and as bad all that brings pleasure.
(2) However, as we said above ([xlv] Note), none but the
envious take delight in my infirmity and trouble. (3) For the
greater the pleasure whereby we are affected, the greater is
the perfection whereto we pass, and consequently the more do
we partake of the divine nature: no pleasure can ever be
evil, which is regulated by a true regard for our advantage.
(Ap31:4) But contrariwise he, who is led by fear and does good
only to avoid evil, is not guided by reason.
[Ap.XXXII] (1) But human power is extremely limited, and is infinitely
surpassed by the power of external causes; we have not,
therefore, an absolute power of shaping to our use those
things which are without us. (2) Nevertheless, we shall bear
with an equal mind all that happens to us in contravention to
the claims of our own advantage, so long as we are conscious,
that we have done our duty, and that the power which we possess
is not sufficient to enable us to protect ourselves completely;
remembering that we are a part of universal nature, and that
we follow her order.
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