CHAP. XXIX.

I. MAgnanimity is an Heroical Vertue, of an indefatigable force, and undaunted courage, and never without some glorious design: There is somewhat extraordinary, methinks, in the very sound of it. If it were not for this Vertue, most of the rest would fall short of their ends, for want of Resolution to grapple with the difficulties they are to encounter. This is it that inspires us with great and generous Inclinations, that animates and supports us in all hazards and Extremities, and, with God's assistance, breaks through all opposi∣tions, till it has placed us in the possession of what we desire. He that would make himself considerable, must offer at some∣thing that is so. The more Danger, the more Honour. Man, when he is truly himself, can do more than we think for.

II. Great minds are always intent upon great matters: Not what the common peo∣ple Page  159 call great, for that they look upon as despicable. Their care is to do things that are Honourable in the sight of their own Consciences, but whether the World gives or refuses them the Honour they deserve, it matters not; unless in case where duty, or the glory of God requires the contrary. Their business is Vertue, nor Ostentation; and the reward of well-doing, they find in the Action it self, without depending upon the voice of the people. They are Eminent above others, and Invincible, and unalte∣rably steady in all Fortunes; no Intruders into high places, but content in their own Stations. They are above Submissions and entreaties to other people, for they need nothing but what they find in themselves. They know neither Fear nor Flattery; and when they put themselves forward, to be taken notice of, it is not for Vanity sake, but to justifie the cause of Religion and Vertue. And yet in all this height of Spirit, and Resolution toward men, they are to God-ward the humblest and the meekest of all Mortals. To him it is that they ascribe all, from whom they have received all; acknowledging, that of themselves, they have nothing, they can do nothing, they are nothing. Provided that a man thinks soberly and humbly of himself, he may be allowed to take some delight (with modesty) in the good opinion of other Page  160 people. It is not well to hunt or court Applause; but if it follows us, neither are we to reject it.

III A great Mind presses to his end, thorow the thickest of his Enemies, and upon the very points of their Weapons, without any stop or hesitation. His beha∣viour toward his Equals or Inferiors, is Temperate and Modest. Towards his Su∣periors, he is neither slavish nor insolent: He never passes the bounds of Decency and Respect; but on the other side he is not to be trampled upon. Where he Loves or Hates, he owns it publickly, and takes the same freedom in his Actions and Dis∣courses; for there is nothing in this World, that he either hopes for, or fears. He does many things that other people do, but not the same way, and therefore he's upon the Reserve with the Multitude, for he takes no pleasure at all in their acquain∣tance. He does not willingly remember Injuries, and where they cannot be avoided, bears them without any complaints or sub∣missions. There are not many that he com∣mends, nor many that he would be com∣mended by; but his care is nevertheless, to do things that are worthy of Commen∣dation. No man has him at his beck but his Friend, or his Superiour. He wonders at nothing, and the reason is, he meets not Page  161 with any thing which appears to him, either Great or New. In case of Accidents. he is safe within himself, and so the event of things never troubles him. In his mo∣tion, spirit and stile, he is grave, slow, steady and composed. He that has but little to do, may do it at leisure; and there is no place for much earnestness, where a man is content within himself.