For two reasons, then, you should be content with whatever happens to you. First, it was meant for you specifically. It was assigned to you from the very beginning through the chain of causes that led to this moment. Second, the success and health of the one who runs the universe depends on it in some way. The whole universe is complete and perfect. But if you cut away any part, you damage it. You break the connections between its parts and between its causes. And you do cut something away — as much as you can — every time you resent what happens.
For these two considerations then thou must be well pleased with anything that doth happen unto thee. First, because that for thee properly it was brought to pass, and unto thee it was prescribed; and that from the very beginning by the series and connection of the first causes, it hath ever had a reference unto thee. And secondly, because the good success and perfect welfare, and indeed the very continuance of Him, that is the Administrator of the whole, doth in a manner depend on it. For the whole (because whole, therefore entire and perfect) is maimed, and mutilated, if thou shalt cut off anything at all, whereby the coherence, and contiguity as of parts, so of causes, is maintained and preserved. Of which certain it is, that thou doest (as much as lieth in thee) cut off, and in some sort violently take somewhat away, as often as thou art displeased with anything that happeneth.