Everyone's troubles come from external things. Their helplessness comes from external things. "What should I do? How will this go? How will it turn out? Will this happen? Will that happen?" These are the words of people who focus on things outside their control. But who says, "How can I avoid believing lies? How can I avoid turning away from truth?" If someone has the good sense to worry about these things, I'll tell them: "Why are you anxious? This is in your power. Relax. Don't rush to believe something before you check it against reason."
The difficulties of all men are about external things, their helplessness is about external. What shall I do? how will it be? how will it turn out? will this happen? will that? All these are the words of those who are turning themselves to things which are not within the power of the will. For who says, How shall I not assent to that which is false? how shall I not turn away from the truth? If a man be of such a good disposition as to be anxious about these things I will remind him of this: Why are you anxious? The thing is in your own power, be assured; do not be precipitate in assenting before you apply the natural rule.