The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…

5. Others composed themselves by considering the benefit of patience. Discontent puts an edge on troubles;¹ to kick against the pricks exasperates the pain, to be restless and turmoiling increases the Fever. But this is not properly a consolation; for although a calm and quiet submission prevents those new degrees of trouble, which by fretting and vexing we bring upon our selves, yet it doth not remove the evil, which may be very afflicting and grievous in its own nature; so that without other considerations to support the mind, it will sink under it. And as these, so many other Arguments they used to fortify the Spirit against Sufferings, are like a hedge which at a distance seems to be a safe retreat from Gunshot, but those who retire to it, find it a weak Defence. This appears by the carriage of the best instructed Heathens, in their calamities, Professing themselves to be wise in their Speculations, they became fools in practice, and were confounded with all their Philosophy, when they should have made use ⟨p. 355⟩of it. Some killed themselves for the apprehension of sufferings; their death was not the effect of courage but cowardice; the remedy of their fear. Others, impatient of disappointment in their great designs, refused to live. I will instance in two of the most eminent among them, Cato and Brutus, they were both Philosophers of the manly sect; and Virtue never appeared with a brighter lustre among the Heathens, than when joined with a Stoical resolution.² And they were not imperfect Proficients, but Masters in Philosophy. Seneca employs all the ornaments of his Eloquence to make Catos Elogy:³ He represents him as the consummate exemplar of Wisdom, as one that realized the sublime Idea of Virtue described in their Writings. And Brutus was esteemed equal to Cato. Yet these with all the power of their Philosophy were not able to bear the shock of Adversity. Like raw Fencers, one thrust put them into such disorder, that they forgot all their instructions in the place of trial. For being unsuccessful in their endeavours to restore Rome to its liberty, overcome with discontent and despair, they laid violent hands upon themselves. Cato being prevented in his first attempt, afterwards tore open his Wounds with fierceness and rage. And Brutus ready to plunge the Sword into his Breast, complained that Virtue was but a vain name;