Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/128

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Chap. 18.
of Conſtancy.
107

the same power. Nor will I overconfidently undertake to clear them of either of these faults. For amongst those few of their writings which are yet extant, there are such, from whence these Tenents may be collected; as there are others, from whence, wee may receive that which is sound and Orthodox. It must be confess'd that Seneca (no mean Trumpet of that School) seems to dash upon that first Rock, in that Book (where he had least Reason to do so) of Providence. The same Necessity saith he doth bind even the Gods themselves, that irrevocable decree doth equally carry along with it, both humane and Divine things. The great Creator and Ruler of all things; did indeed write down this Law of Fate: But he followes it himself; and ever obeys, what he once commanded. And that indissoluble Chain, and twist of causes, whereunto they fasten all things and Persons, seems (and that

not