30 JEROME CARDAN. 



CARDAN'S COUNSEL TO HIS CHILDREN. 



" PREFACE. 



Many, my sons, think that the chief part of happiness 

 depends on fortune; know that they are deceived: for 

 although fortune does contribute something to it, yet the 

 chief part of it lies in ourselves. 



Chapter the First. ON THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 

 Give thanks to God daily, if you can. You will be- 

 come better by doing so. Speak of Him seldom, using 

 His name only in reverence. 



* Never swear to keep a secret, if, being free, you 

 would not become slaves. 



When human efforts are of no avail, seek help from 

 God. 



It is temerity to beg that God will do for us what we 

 can do ourselves. 



Whoever would be taught of God, must keep his 

 spirit free from vice, his body free from grossness. 



* Do not labour at interpretations of the sacred page, 

 for they are manifold, and there is danger in that work. 



Receive, as from God, all good that happens to you. 



* Do not believe that demons speak to you, or that 

 you see the dead; but never seek experience upon the 

 matter : for many things lie hidden from our sight. 



