Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/35

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14
A Diſcourſe
Book I.

flight of them: Nor is it in the power of travail to break; all it can do is to lengthen, this Chain of our Griefs. What advantage is it to me for a while to behold the Light, and then forthwith to pass into some comfortless Dungeon? Such is the case; and verily the whole Body of these outward pleasures do lie in ambush for the Soul; and hurt us the more securely, while they pretend to assist us. As the weaker sort of Medicines do rather exasperate than draw forth the peccant humour: So this vain complacencie doth encrease and swell the Tide of these desires in us. For the Mind doth not long wander from it self; but by and by how unwilling soever is compell'd to return home, unto its old familiaritie with Evils. Those very Cities and Mountains which you go to see; will reduce to your thoughts the Memory of your Country: And in the midst of all your delights; you will either see or hear

of