written a Discourse purposely on this Subject
, in which he takes Pains, after the Doctrine of the
Stoicks
, to shew that Adversity is not in itself an Evil; and mentions a noble Saying of
Demetrius
, That
nothing would be more unhappy than a Man who had never known Affliction
. He compares Prosperity to the Indulgence of a fond Mother to a Child, which often proves his Ruin; but the Affection of the Divine Being to that of a wise Father who would have his Sons exercised with Labour, Disappointment, and Pain, that they may gather Strength, and improve their Fortitude. On this Occasion the Philosopher rises into the celebrated Sentiment, That there is not on Earth a Spectator more worthy the Regard of a Creator intent on his Works than a brave Man superior to his Sufferings; to which he adds, That it must be a Pleasure to
Jupiter