[NOTE: 91]

3. We must keep our minds collected, not become agitated, [and] not grow faint, if by the circumstance of the times some difficulty should befall us; so that we may devise and find some remedy and means whereby we may be delivered from that distress, or [at least] lighten it for ourselves. For if our wits are not about us, not only can we find no remedy for deliverance, but we cast ourselves into yet greater difficulty. 4. The patient [man] everywhere enjoys the benefit of his patience. For when he wishes to undertake an affair, he does not begin immediately like an impatient man; but first and foremost he considers the end of the matter and the means. And not deeming even this sufficient, he also considers those things which may happen after the work is finished; and having ordered all these well, he then sets his hand to the work. And if some difficult contingency should occur in the midst of the affair or at the end, he is not confounded, nor is he at a loss; for he had considered it beforehand, and had prepared the remedy for it in his mind. Wherefore, that diff[iculty]...