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Τ Η Ε
Accompliſhed Senator
In TWO BO O K S.
Written Originally in LATIN,
By LAURENCE GRIMALD GOZLISKI,
Senator and Chancellor of PO LA N D, and
Bilbop of Posna or POZEN.
Done into ENGLISH, from the Edition Printed
at VENICE, in the Year 1568.
By MR. OLDIS WORTH,
Omnis in Hoc Uno variis Diſcordia ceſit
Ordinibus.
Claudian.
{ 0 N Đ 0 1 :
Printed for the AUTHOR, in the Year 1733.
.
*
.
8
Τ Ο
The Moft Noble Henry Duke of Beaufort ;
The Moft Noble John Düke of Argyll ;
The Right Honourable Edward Earl of Oxford ;
The Right Reverend John Lord Biſhop of Oxford;
The Right Reverend Peter Lord Biſhop of Corke;
The Right Hon. and Noble Sir Robert Walpole ;
The Right Hon. Sir William Wyndham, Bart.
The Honourable Sir James Campbell, Bart.
The Right Honourable William Conolly, Ejq;
Watkin Williams Wynne, Eſq;
John How, Eſq;
William Shippen, Eſq;
Humphry Parſons, Eſq;
ti
;
Mot Noble, Right Honourable, Right Re-
yerend, and Honourable !
Ta Time, when the Party-Names and
Diſtinctions, which fplit and divided
us, and for almoſt Two Centuries toge-
ther, weakened and enervated a Great and
Powerful Nation, are happily laid aſide and
A 2
aboliſhed;
А.
D
aboliſhed; when the Heats and Animoſities,
which kept us ſo long in a Feveriſh and Diſ-
ordered State, are well Compoſed and Al-
layed ; and the only Remaining Contention
now is, who ſhall approve himſelf the moſt
Faithful and sincere Lover of True Patriot-
iſm; I cannot think a Work, in which Pa-
triotiſm is fully deſcribed and ſet in fo Fair a
Light, can be an Unacceptable or Diſagree-
able Preſent to the Great and Illuſtrious
Names, to which in all Humility I have Pre-
ſumed to Inſcribe it.
In my own Name, ſo very Mean and In-
conſiderable, I durft not have ventured upon
a Subject of ſuch Importance, had I really all
the Abilities, of which the Great Author,
whoſe Works I have attempted in Engliſh, was
an Undoubted Maſter: Though I cannot but
think it the Juſt Right and Privilege of eve-
ry Free-born Subject, to Enquire into the
Nature of the Conſtitution under which he
Lives, and to affert the Liberties of which
himſelf is a Legal Partaker. But when I In-
ſcribe This Work to ſo many Names of the
Firſt
D E DI CATI O N.
Firſt Diſtinction and Luſtre, I implore Your
Patronage, not ſo much for Myſelf
, as for
Gozliski, one of the ableſt Miniſters that ever
any Northern Nation was bleſſed with, and
therefore every way worthy of Your Protec-
tion and Favour.
ANY One Such Name as is affixed to this
Dedication, were no doubt fufficient to Adorn
and Recommend a much more Valuable
Work, than I can Preſume to be engaged in:
But ſince the Character of an Accompliſhed Sea
nator extends to Both Houſes of Both the Great
Councils, in whoſe Hands all the Publick In-
tereſts of Two 1 Nands are Entruſted, I thought
it reaſonable enough, that a Work of ſuch
General Uſe, ſhould not appear in Publick,
without ſubmitting it to the Judgment and
Approbation of a Senatorial Committee of the
Parliaments of Two Kingdoms.
When the Differences between a Britiſh
and a Poliſh Government (of which I have
elſewhere given a ſhort Detail) are removed
and ſet aſide, or amicably compremiſed and
adjuſted,
D E D I CAT IO N.
adjuſted, what Gozliski hath advanced in De-
fence of Loyalty and Liberty, and to make
theſe Two Principles compatible, will, I
hope, deſerve the Attention of ſuch Patriots,
as are alike Zealous for the Prerogatives of
the Crown, and the Intereſts of the People.
GOZLISKI wrote at a Time, when the
World was Unacquainted with the Parties,
which have fince Haraſſed and Perplexed
Other States and Nations, beſides our own.
Nothing therefore that he has ſaid, can pof-
ſibly be ſuſpected of the leaſt Deviation and
Tendency towards whạt himſelf hath Con-
demned in general, with ſo much Zeal and
Rigour. When thefe Parties are no more,
now is the Time for him to be Heard, not
only Patiently, but with Regard and Defe-
rence. If any Freſh Seeds of Diſcord are
juſt now Sown, or any New Fires ready to
be Kindled ; and if Party, our Old Invete-
rate Enemy, is once more preparing to Vi.
ſit us under a New. Name, and in another
Shape, Gozliski's Precepts and Inſtitutions are
an Admirable Preſcription, for Preventing
the
D E DI CAT I O N.
the Riſe and Growth of ſuch a Publick Ma.
lady; and by fixing our Minds upon the One
Great Fundamental Principle, the Common
Good, or Love of our Country, will Divert us
from all Diſputes and Debates, unleſs upon
This One Thing Neceſary, and which alone
can Juſtify us in our Diſſenſions and Diſagree-
ment with our Fellow-Subjects,
-
THERE have been many Authors who
have written freely of the Office and Duty of
a King; and they have met with a Favour-
able Reception, whilſt they kept their Pens
within the Bounds of That Deference and
Submiſſion, which is due to the Superior
Grandeur and Dignity of the Scepter. Goz-
liski has with great Delicacy touched upon
This Subject, and has ſettled the Divine Right
of Monarchy in ſuch a Manner, that though
he was fubject to an EleEtive Monarch;we can
by nomean's think him an Enemy to a Crown,
not abſolutely, but conditionally Entailed, ,
and made Hereditary : And he Taſted ſo plen-
tifully of the Royal Favour, both in his sa-
cred and Secular Capacity, that it can never
be
..
DE D I CA TI O N.
be imagined his Memory ſhould ſuffer, on
account of any the leaſt Suſpicion of his be-
ing, in the worſt Senſe of that Appellation, a
Profeled Republican.
$
From the Regal to the Senatorial Charac-
ter, the Paſſage is Eaſy and Orderly. If in
treating of this Subject
, he has uſed the ſame
Freedom, with which I can imagine he al-
ways ſpoke in a Poliſh Dyet, and for which heis
in Fact applauded by the Writers of that Age
and Nation in which he Lived, ſo much the
more Conſiſtent is his Behaviour and Conduct,
and the greater Regard is due to his Judg-
This however is clearly Demon-
ſtrable from his Writings, That there never
was a more Zealous Advocate for Publick Li-
berty and the Love of his Country ; and his
Sentiments ought to have a more than Com-
mon Weight with us, who are Natives of a
Kingdom, on many Accounts, ſo juſtly Pre-
ferable to Poland, and which has conſequent-
ly ſo much a Stronger Title to our Beſt Af-
fections.
ment.
GOZLISKI
DE D I CA TI O N.
3
GOZLISKI hath been ſtrictly and remark-
ably Careful, to avoid all the Common
Weakneſſes and Errors, which other Poli .
tical Writers, and too many even of the Firſt
Note and Rank, have Indulged themſelves
in. He has. Cenſured no One Name of
Eminence, extant in his Time. His Panegy-
rick extends rather to Great Families than
Great Perſons; to the Dead more than to the
Living: And I know of but One Name, ,
That of the Great STANISLAUS, to which he
has affixed a Compliment of an Extraordi-
nary Nature; and indeed a Finer was never
affixed to any Name whatſoever. But con-
ſidering upon how Clear a Matter of Fact,
which ſubſiſted long before Gozliski's Time,
this High Strain of Eulogy is grounded, the
Good Biſhop muſt, on this Occaſion, ſtand
acquitted of all Appearance and Imputation
of Flattery. In Borrowing from the Senti-
ments and Opinions of Others, by Quota.
.
tion or Reference, he has made no Uſe of
the Works of his Contemporaries, or taken
Part
a
DEDICATION.
Part in any of their Controverſies and Dir-
putes; but has Reſorted only to the Old
approved Maſters of Divinity, Law, Policy,
and Philoſophy: And he has no where touch-
ed upon any one Prevailing or Contending
Intereſt
, any Favourite Proje&t or Scheme of
the Day, or any the Ordinary and Short-lived
Topicks, which are the Burthen and Subſtance
of Vaft Numbers of Modern Pamphlets and
Elays, deſigned and calculated, like ſome
Creatures of the Reptile and Volatile Species,
only for a Monthly, a Quarterly, or at moſt for
an Annual or Biennial Duration: But his
Reaſoning proceeds altogether upon fuch
Principles, and terminates in ſuch Conclu-
fions, as are of Eternal Veracity, and of Per-
petual Uſe to all States and Societies of
Men.
As Zealous as This Author is for the
Particular Form of Government, the Laws
and Inſtitutions of his own Country, he
very candidly allows of many Differences
in the Polity of other Nations, which he
would
DE DI CATION.
would have them Keep and Retain, ſo far
as they are Conſiſtent with the Fundamen-
tals of Good Government : And ſince he
is of That Northern Hive, in which the
Curious Frame and Contexture of the
Three Legiſlative Powers or Eſtates, was firſt
Woven and Brought to Perfection, and of
That Particular Nation, in which the Re-
gal and Popular Rights have ſo long and ſo
amicably ſubſiſted together; He may, on
all theſe Accounts, hope for a Kind and
Hoſpitable Reception at the Hands of ſuch
Britiſh Patriots, to whom the Intereſts of
Their Royal MASTER, and of Their Duti-
ful Fellow-Subječts, are alike Dear and In-
ſeparable.
WHAT Gozliski fays againſt Tyrants, falls
ſhort of what is really due to That Name,
and carries no Reflection along with it upon
a Limited Monarchy. In a Nation, where
The King can do no Wrong, the very Name
and Suſpicion of Tyranny muſt always be
Strangers. There was indeed a Time, when
the
à 2
D E D I CAT IO N.
the Advocates for Arbitrary Power were
Permitted, or Encouraged, to Write with
more Freedom, than by their own Princi-
ples they had a Juſt Title to. And when
Theſe Mercenaries were Retained and Kept
up, among other Excurſions, they often fell
upon the Poliſh Nation, which they always
treated with a good deal of Obloquy and
Contempt ; by Repreſenting the Troubles
and Diſorders, which in ſome Junctures had
Annoyed That Kingdom, in very Hideous
and Frightful Forms. Great Miſtakes, and
ſome notoriouſly Wilful and Unjuſtifiable,
were made on this Occaſion"; and Thoſe
Particular Broils, which ſometimes attended
their Regal Elections, we who are under Ano-
ther Form, are happily Unacquainted with.
But neither Theſe, nor any other Diſtur-
bances whatſoever, had ever happened, if
the Principles laid down by Gozliski, had
been duly attended to. Power and Liberty
will ſometimes be at Variance: But amidſt
all the Struggles and Contentions of this Sort,
POLAND hath preſerved its Conſtitution for
!
a very
D EDICATION.
a very Long Series of Years, and hath felt
none of thoſe Fatal Shocks and Convulſions,
which many Popular States and Abſolute
Monarchies, its Contemporaries, could not
get over, without an Alteration or Over-
throw of their Political Eſtabliſhment. And
as its People have all along been noted for
their Great Learning and Knowledge, the
Inſeparable Companions and Sure Suppor-
ters of Liberty, ſo they have, in the midt of
a Diſadvantageous Soil and Clime, always
maintained a Character of Dignity and Gran-
deur ; have often Diſtinguiſhed themſelves
by their Wiſdom, Bravery, and Conduct; and
at one Time particularly, in ſo Glorious a
Manner, that they ſeemed to have a Good
Claim to the Title of The Deliverers of Europe
from Infidelity and Slavery: On which account,
there is perhaps a good deal of Deference
due to them; and they may well be admitted
as Advocates for That Liberty, which by their
Arms they ſo bravely Defended : At leaſt,
they may expect to be Heard with Patience,
upon ſo Agreeable a Subject
, by Us, their Con-
(tant
-
1
D E DICATION.
.
ſtant and Firm Allies, of whom, for our Love of
Liberty, they have had ſo Good an Opinion, that
Remote as we are from Them, they have more than
once attempted to ſet an Engliſhman upon the
Throne of Poland.
The Labours of This Excellent Author, upon fo
very Nice and Important a Subject, are carried on
and Finiſhed, in fo exact a Manner; and he hath
Traced his Accompliſhed Senator, from the Cradle to
the Grave, and hath Furniſhed him with all the
Proper Ornaments, Vertues, and Perfections, both
of Private and Publick Life, with ſo much Judg-
ment and Accuracy, that to Perſons who are the
Originals of That Picture which he has Drawn, I
can never Think the Copy of it will be an Unac-
ceptable Preſent, from,
Most NOBLE, Right HONOURABLE,
Right REVEREND, and HONOURABLE!
Your Ever Devoted, and Most Obedient
Humble Servant
W. Oldiſworth.
[i]
Τ Η Ε
:
P R E F A C E.
H
Iſtorians and Chronologers are generally agreed, that the
Kingdom of Poland was Founded about the Middle of the
Fitch Century, by their Fir/ King, Leſchus ; from whom
the Race and Deſcent of their ſeveral King's are regularly traced down
and continued : Though ſome Antiquarians have carry'd their Origi-
nul much higher, and mingled it with the Cimbrian, and the Teuto-
nick, the Tigurine, Scythian, and Sarmatian Dynaſties.
King Leſchus, or Lechus, was at firſt poſſeſſed only of the Upper
and Lower Poland, with all Sileſia ; to which Provinces, by his
Bravery and Conduct, he afterwards added the Great Duchy of Po-
merania. In the Reign of Boleſlaus, Bohemia, Moravia, and Part
of Ruſſia and Pruſſia, became tributary to Poland. In the Tear 118 32
all Pruſſia was ſubdued by King Caſimir the Second, and all Ruſſia
by Caſimir the Great, Anno 1 3 38. After this, new Conqueſts were
made, by the Reduction of Walachia, Moldavia, and Lithuania. In
the Tear 1900, all Livonia was Conquered ; and after this, other Aca
quiſitions were made by King Ulidiſlaus, who annexed the Duchies of
Smolensko, Severia, and Czernicovia, with ſeveral Provinces in
Muſcovy, to the Poliſh Crown; and in a little time all Tartary upon
the Ukraine, and quite to the shores of the Black Sea, fell under the
Same Juriſdiétion.
b
.
-
From
:
ii
P R E FACE.
--
From the Thirteenth to the Cloſe of the Sixteenth Century, this King-
dom was continually making new Conqueſts, and grew up to ſuch an ama-
zing and formidable Bulk, as could not fail to draw down upon them the
Envy, Dread, and Jealouſy of all their Neighbours. Their vaſt Acqui-
fitions, and the Glory of their Arms, were in a good Meaſure owing to
the Unanimity of their Regal Elections, and to their Choice of ſuch
Kings, as had diſtinguiſh'd themſelves by their Bravery and Conduet.
But when ſome of their Ele&tions were ſuſpended for too long a time, or
were attended with Inteſtine Broils and Contention, and ſometimes with
Bloodſhed; or when they had made a weak or an ill.judged Choice ; Ad-
vantages were taken of theſe Errors in Policy, by their Vigilant and Jea-
lous Neighbours, who were cloſely Confederated againſt them: And at
different Times, the German, the Turk, Tartar, and Muſcovite, the
Swede, the Dane, the Hungarian, Bohemian, and Pruſſian, exerted
themſelves in recovering what they had loft, and in reducing Poland to
the Bounds and Limits, within which it is at preſent confined : Though
after all its Loſſes, this Kingdom is ſtill equal in Extent to the Kingdom
of France, but far inferior to it, in the Goodneſs of its Clime, the
Fertility of its Soil
, and the Number of its People.
The Poles have been ever famous for Arts and Arms ; for their Bra-
very, Good Condułt, and Literature. The Latin Tongue is kept up
among them, and is familiarly uſed even by the Meaneſt of their Peo-
ple, though with a very Particular and Unclaſſical Pronunciation. The
Three Great Governing Orders of Poland, are the King, whoſe
Crown is Elective, the Senate, and the Nobility or Gentry ; under
whom the People are kept in a State of entire Submiſſion and Vaffalage,
eſpecially fince the Great Revolt, when they roſe againſt their Maſters,
flew ſome of them, drove the reſt out of their Country, and for a Time
kept all the Power entirely in their own Hands.
The Senators, with the Nobility or Gentry, make about a Tench
Part of the Natives or Inhabitants; and out of theſe Orders the State-
Governors are choſen ; Some of which are nominated and commiſſioned
by
PRE FACE.
iii
by the King, and the reſt are their Hereditary Nobles, who hold their
Places in Virtue of their Tenures. Their Archbiſhops and Biſhops, in
Number Sixteen, are always Senators by their Order. They preſide
in the Eſtates; and during the Inter-regnum, the Primate is the Firſt
Officer of Poland; whilſt the Prieſts have a Share in the Juriſdi&tion
of their Leſſer Courts. Though the Poles ſet a high Value upon Birth
and Nobility, yet no one Subječt is Born a Palatine, Senator, or Lord;
but theſe Dignities are annexed to certain Great Offices, and are beſtowed
by the Crown. The Lay-Senators are in Number 1 28, including 3 2
Palatines, the 10 Great Officers of the Crown, 8s Caſtellans, and one
Staroſta. The Palatines are the ſame as Lords Lieutenants of Coun-
ties; the Caſtellans command Part of a Province, with a Caſtle, in
War-time ; and the 10 Officers of the Crown are the Marſhals,
Chancellors, and Treaſurers.
The Staroſtas, or Military Officers, are either with or without Ju-
riſdičtions : Thoſe who have Juriſdiction, are the Governors of Cities
or Caſtles, where they try ſmall Cauſes; and Thoſe who have no Fu-
riſdi&tion, are only Tenants in Capite.
The Nobility or Gentry of Poland have their own Perſonal and
Body Guards, both of Horſe and Foot ; and ſome of them have ap-
peared with no leſs than a Thouſand armed Men at a General Dyer.
Where both Parents are Noble, the Son has the Higheſt and Strongeſt
Title to Nobility; though for the ſake of Wealth, even Thoſe of the
Firſt Rank have of late often marry'd into Plebeian Families. The
Power of conferring Nobility, was formerly in the Crown, but is
now altogether in the General Dyet; and as this Dignity may be ob-
tained by ſerving the Office of Firſt Magiſtrate in ſome Great and
Privileged City,
ſo it may be loft and forfeited, by giving away the
Family Arms to the Vulgar or Ignoble, or by following Trade and
Merchandize, or by ſerving as a Magiſtrate in any of the Leffer or
Unprivileged Cities.
b. 2
iv
P R E F A CE,
All the Nobility or Gentry are obliged to have an Eſtate in
Land. They who are poleſed of only three Acres, are entitled to
a Vote in the Leſſer or Provincial Dyet, where the Nuncio's or De-
puties are choſen, and ſent up with Inſtructions (which they are ne-
ver to alter or diminiſh) to the General Dyet or Senate, wherever
it is held; and then they make a Diſtin&t Houſe, chufe a Marſhal
or Speaker of their own ; and during the Seſſion (which never laſts
above ſix Weeks) no one Nuncio can be choſen a Senator, or rea
moved into the Upper Houſe.
When the Dyet is opened, and the Chancellor, in the King's
Nime, propoſes the ſeveral Points that are to be debated on, the King
leaves the Houſe, and is never preſent at any of theſe Debates.
The Two Houſes of the Senators and Nuncio's have frequent
Meetings and Conferences. No Law can paſs or be in force, unleſs
it is firſt propoſed in the Nuncio's Houſe, who have a power to
Impeach, and ſpend ſome Time in drawing up their Bills, whilft
the Senator's Houſe is employed in trying Criminal Cauſes
. To-
wards the Cloſe of the Seffion, when the Nuncio's Bills are ready,
they come up to the Senator's Houſe, and with them make one Geo
neral and United Body, of which the Great Marſhal is then Sole
Speaker. Both King and Senate muſt concurr unanimouſly in the
Palling of every Law or Decree; and in theſe General Dyets they
treat of the Election of their King, of his Marriage and Re.
venues, of War and Peace, of Taxes, Embaſſies, and Al-
liances, and ultimately Hear and Determine all Appeals from In-
ferior Judicatories.
When Chriſtianity was firft fettled in Poland, one of the Jage-
lonian Race was at that time upon the Throne : A Family of lo
much Reputation and Renown, that it produced many Kings, and
hath given a Name to one particular Æra in the Poliſh Chronicles,
which is called Dynaſtia Jagellonidarum. In the Year 1506,
one of this Family was choſen King, by the Title of Sigiſmund the
Firft
PRE FACE.
V
very
Firſt, Surnamed the Great; which high Appellation be well
deſerved, by a Series of many Wiſe and Glorious Actions, during a
long Reign of no leſs than 42 Years. Under him, Gozliski, a
Nobleman of a very Ancient Houſe, began to exert himſelf in the
State ; and before this Monarch died, was admitted into the Senato-
rial Order. In the Year 1948, when Sigiſmund the Great died,
bis Son Sigiſmund the Second, Surnamed Auguftus, was choſen
King in his room : A very ſtrong and uncommon Proof of the Great
Confidence the Poles had in the Merits and Vertues of this Illuſtrious
Family! Though ſome Authors have indiſcreetly ſaid, that This
Prince ſucceeded his Father. Thus far indeed he might be ſaid
to ſucceed him, becauſe he copied his Father's many Excellent Vertues :
And ſo well were the Poles affected towards him, that they were pre-
vailed with to acknowledge his Wife for their Queen, which was a
very unuſual Precedent in Poland. He reigned 23 Years in much
Peace and Tranquillity, was the laſt of his Family, and died Anno
1571,
about the 13th Year of the Reign of our Queen Elizabeth,
having never been charged with any one Vice or Fault, unleſs what á
Good-natured Obſerver might call by the Softer Name of Cunctation ;
though ſome more Rigid Hiftorians have been pleaſed to give it the
Harſher Name of Procraſtination.
When King Sigiſmund the Second began his Reign, Charles the
Fifth was then Emperor of Germany, and King of Spain, Edward
the Sixth King of England, Mary Queen of Scotland, Francis
King of France, Chriſtian of Denmark, Guſtavus of Sweden,
Ferdinand of Hungary and Bohemia, and Solyman Emperor
of the Turks. This I thought proper to take Notice of, becauſe of
the Obſervations made by Gozliski upon the Monarchs and States Co-
temporary with bis own. For in this Reign Gozliski was advanced
to be a Miniſter of the Firſt Note, was made Chancellor of Po-
land, and Biſhop of Polna ; and when at laft he died, full of
Years, Experience, and Reputation, was buried in great Pomp at
the
vi
P R E F A CE.
the Publick Expence, with many High Encomiums upon bis Name and
Memory, by the Wits and Eulogiſts who ſurvived bim.
Gozliski did not live to ſee the Troubles and Calamities, which
followed in Poland upon the Death of His Royal Maſter King Si-
giſinund the Second : After whom, Henry of France was Elected,
who Reigned only Two Years, and after him Stephen Bartoli, an
Hungarian, who Reigned only Eleven Years, and wbo was followed
by Sigiſmund the Third, Son to the King of Sweden. This
Monarch, upon the Death of his Father, accepted of the Swediſh
Crown, and held it in Conjunction with That of Poland: By which
Unnatural Union be added to the Confuſion and Publick Diſorders,
which were begun in the Two Former Short Reigns, and which ended
in the Deſtruction of That Unfortunate Monarch; all which might
have been happily prevented, if the Principles advanced by Goz-
liski, and particularly one Great Rule laid down by him in the Con-
dueting of all Regal Elections, had happily prevailed and been in
force after his Death.
Theſe Hiſtorical Facts and Accounts I thought fit to communicate
to the Publick, in order to give the Reader ſome idea of the Poliſh Na-
tion and Government, whereby he may be able to ſtate the Differences
between their Conſtitution and our own, and ſome General Notions of
the Poliſh Hiſtory, both Natural and Political, and eſpecially of ſo
much of it, as relates to the Reigns and Times in which Gozliski
flouriſhed, and was a Miniſter of State. Whoever bas a Mind to
be more particularly acquainted with the State and Affairs of Poland,
may at their Leiſure peruſe the Works of Martinus Cromerus,
Alexander Guagninus, Johannes Leo, David Braunius, Jacho-
mus Paſtorius D’Hirtemberg, Bartholomæus Henckelius, Solo-
mon Nangehour, Bernardus Vaſcovius, Andreas Maximilianus
Fredro, Stephanus Forcatulus, Johannes Demetrius Subico-
vius, Leonardus Gorſcius, Snorro Sterlonides, cum Notis Pering-
skioldi, and Starvolícius: From all which Authors, be may receive
the
P R E FACE.
vii
the utmoſt Satisfaction upon this Subject, that the Writers of That
Age and Nation are capable of giving him.
The Poliſh Nation had a Full and Free Senate, long before our
Parliaments were pollefſed of all Thoſe Rights and Privileges, in
which their Liberty and Authority are at preſent happily Eſtabliſhed.
Thus much we learn from all their Beſt and moft Approved Hiſto-
rians. And on this Account it fell much ſooner in their way than
in ours, to make themſelves acquainted with the Nature, Dignity, and
Extent, of the Senatorial Office. Of this They ſet us a very Early
Precedent. But many Years had not paſſed, before Gozliski's Book,
in which Loyalty and Liberty are ſo well Tempered and Reconciled,
and the Whole Duty of the Senator is fo fully and ſo clearly ex-
plained, was happily brought over and imported into England, where
we never yet had any Particular Tract or Ejay written upon this Im-
portant Subject, by any of our own Countrymen : For the Methodus
tenendi Parliamentum, and fome few Books to the ſame Pur.
poſe, do by no means enter into the Senatorial Character, in the Man-
ner Gozliski hath done; who ſeems entirely to have exhauſted this
Important Subject. In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, when the Pre-
rogative ran high; and ſoon after the Deceaſe of Cromwell, when
the Pretenſions to Liberty ran altogether as high, and mere flying out
into Anarchy and Confuſion, ſome few Extracts of This Work were
Printed in the Engliſh Language, but ſo miſerably Maimed and In-
correct, that they Died away inſenſibly, and were foon Loft, as con-
taining only ſome few Popular Scraps and Fragments, altogether in
Favour of the Republican Scheme'; whilſt all that was ſaid of the
Legal Powers and Prerogatives of the Crown was wilfully Con-
cealed and Suppreſſed.
In the Year 1612, there was a Book publiſhed at Paris, entitlet,
Ciceronis Conful, Senator, Senatuſque, Authore Georgio Bellen-
dino. I have not ſeen it, but imagine, as the Title imports, that it re-
lates only to ſo much of the Senatorial Character, as we find it de.
fcribed by Cicero, who is very ſparing upon This Subject ; or ſo much
of
viii
PRE FACE.
of it as is agreeable to the Conſtitution of the Old Roman Common-
wealth. If ſo, it can be of little Uje, unleſs by explaining ſome of
the Roman Cuſtoms and Antiquities. Certain it is, that their Boafted
Liberties lay but in a very few Hands ; their Conſtitution was not
made for any long Duration, and was almoft in a continual Ferment
and Fluktuation. They govern’d their People, as they did the World,
by Brutal Force, rather than with That mutual Tenderneſs which is
due to our Fellow. Creatures. Glory was more their Aim, than the
Peace and Happineſs of Mankind. Except This Work, I never heard
of any Other extant upon This Subject : And it might ſeem ſtrange,
that a Work fo New, of ſuch General Uſe, upon a Subje&t ſo very
Uncommon, and of ſuch great Importance, not only to the Preſent,
but to all Succeeding Generations, ſo full of the Jufteft Reaſoning, of
the moſt Curious and Uſeful Learning, and written in a Style of much
Purity and- Elegance, almoſt equal to That of the Auguſtan Age,
mould lie concealed ſo long, and be ſecreted in fo extraordinary a
Manner ; that after many and diligent Enquiries
, I have not been able,
either by ſearching the Publick or Private Libraries and Repoſitories
of the Curious, or by any Acquaintance and Correſpondence, to find
above Three Copies of this Work ; Two of the Baſil, and one of
the Venetian Edition; to which laſt, as the moſt Corre&t and Authen-
tick, I have entirely confined myſelf in This Tranſlation. But when
we conſider, that, upon the Death of Sigiſmund the Second, and his
Great Miniſter Gozliski, new Meaſures were taken, and Attempts
made
upon
the Liberties of Poland, during the Three following Reigns,
and eſpecially in the Reign of Sigiſmund the Third, when Poland
was in the utmoſt Confuſion and Diſtreſs, (of which we have ſome
Account given us in the Commentary of Johannes Demetrius Subi-
covius) it is not to be wonder'd at, that Care ſhould be taken to ſup-
preſs a Book, in which Thoſe Meaſures and Attempts were ſo juſtly
Cenſured and Condemned. Gozliski's native Country did Juſtice
to his Memory, by a moft ſplendid Funeral, and by a Collečtion of
Encomiums,
}
1
PRE FACE.
ix
Encomiums, ſtill extant in Starvolícius; but his Beſt Remains, his
Works, were not ſuffered to paſs through any of the Poliſh or Li-
thuanian Preſſes; or if they did paſs through them, no Copies of any
one ſuch Edition, so far as I was able to diſcover, have been fuf-
fered to come down to our Hands.
Before the Dawning of the Sixteenth Century, which Gozliski did
not live to ſee opened, Learning and Liberty had not entirely reco-
vered themſelves, from the Waſte and Deſolation brought upon them,
by Barbariſm and Monkery. Abſolute Dominion was at That Time
the Great and Favourite Proje&t of moſt of the Crowned Heads in Eu-
rope ; and ſome Schemes were then laid for Univerſal Monarchy. The
Freedom of the Preſs, even in the Infancy of Printing, was a Formidable
Obje£tion to every Attempt of this Kind, and therefore fit to be re-
moved. Gozliski's Book would, for this very Reaſon, be particularly
enquired after, and all imaginable Care taken to Secrete and Suppreſs
it, even without the Benefit of an Index Expurgatorius. England
was not at That Time without ſome Attempts upon its Liberties, which
it happily eſcaped ; and how this Work was brought into our Country,
though in a very Maimed and Mangled Condition, we have already
ſeen. There was alſo a Tranſlation of it in Italian, which I have
not been able to come at; but I imagine it to be the Produce of ſome of
thoſe Free States or Cities of Italy, in which there then was, and ſtill
is, juſt as much Temporal Liberty, as is able to maintain and ſupport
itſelf, in an Unnatural Conjun&tion with Spiritual Tyranny and Sla.
very. At the Time when Gozliski wrote, the Dutch, and ſome other
Republicks, had not as yet a Being. Switzerland and Venice were
the only Countries, in which the Liberties of the People were allowed
and recognized, or made a Part of the Conſtitution of the Government, .
And accordingly, when we reſort to thoſe two Countries, we find them
to be the only Two Places and Sanctuaries, in which the Works of Goz-
liski, upon their being exported or driven out of Poland, could find
a Safe Retirement and Protection. The Venetian and Baſil Editions
bear
)
"
с
X
P R E FACE.
bear Date in Queen Elizabeth's Reign : Though it is vern certain, that
Gozliski wrote long before, even ſo early as in the Reign of our King
Edward the Sixth. For in the Account given us of the Engliſh Go-
vernment by this Author, Mention is made of a King ; whereas it is
well known, that King Sigiſmund, to whom this work is Dedicated,
was advanced to the Throne in Edward's Time, after whoſe foort
Reign, we had two ſucceſſive Queens, Mary and Elizabeth; and before
the Middle of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, Sigiſmund and Gozliski were
Both Dead, the Two Editions of This Work, at Venice and Báſil, bear-
ing Date but a few Years before their Deceaſe.
In Theſe Editions, ſo publiſhed in Thoſe Two Cities, I do not won-
der to find the Book declared in the Title-page, to be Opus Aureum,
as well on the account of its Rarity, as of its Weight, Purity, and Value :
For wherever Liberty prevails
, Learning never fails to grow up and flou-
riſh by its Side. And if a Work of This Nature, which eſtabliſhes
Monarchical Power, as well as the Rights and Liberties of the Sub-
ject, could be ſo well received and ſo highly extolled in a Country in
which Liberty prevails, as ſeparate from, and exclufive of Monar-
chy, there is all the Reaſon in the World to depend upon its being well
received in a Country, where Monarchy and Liberty are happily
United.
After what I have ſaid of the Author and his Work, it may not
be improper to give fome Account of Myſelf, that whatever Faults
the Tranflator or the Tranſlation has, the Great Original may not
Juffer, or be wounded through my Sides; and that, out of Prejudice
to me or my Name, his Fine Sentiments and Excellent Precepts may
not loſe their proper Weight and Effe&t upon the Minds of all his
Readers.
I freely own, that till I had read Gozliski, I had not ſo Full
and Clear a Notion of the Two Great and Fundamental Principles of
Loyalty and Liberty, in all the extended Parts and Branches, in
which they really or ſeemingly Differ, and Interfere with each other,
And.
3
P R E F Ä C E.
xi
I had a
and of the True and Exałt Method of Reconciling and making them
Conſiſtent. But I was ever a fincere Lover of Both theſe Principles
in Conjun&tion, long before I engaged in Political Controverſy, into
which I was in Fa£t Called and Invited, and did not Preſs into the
Service out of any over-weening Opinion of my own Abilities, or any
Fondneſs for Debate and Contention.
When I engaged on the Side of the Prerogative and Miniſtry, I
never offered at the Leaft Violence to Thoſe Laws and Claims of Right,
upon which the Liberties of my Countrymen were Founded.
Sett of Writers, ſome of them of the Firſt Name and Character, either
Conſtantly or Occaſionally engaged againſt me. I never Complained of
the Common Liberty they made uſe of, but only of their Abuſes of it; and
when one of my Antagoniſts in particular, who was afterwards ad-
mitted into the Senatorial Order, was threatened with a very ſevere
Proſecution, I uſed my Beſt Endeavours, and not without Succeſs, to
prevent any Attack of That Kind, which he hath often ſince acknow-
ledged, and with a good deal of Gratitude.
The Miniſter, under whom I had the Honour to ſerve, and in whoſe
Good Opinion of me I fall always Glory, was by many Undoubted
Proofs a ſincere Lover of Liberty in general, and of the Britiſh Liber-
ties in particular. I have Lived to ſee the World reconciled to his
Charaĉter. The Cleanneſs of his Hands, and the Greatneſs of his Heart,
are now generally allowed of : And certainly the Strength and Clearneſs
of his Head were never called in queſtion at any time. Some Seve-
rities were perhaps neceſſary, in order to make a Thorough Difference
and Diſcrimination between Thoſe who were True
Lovers of the Liber.
ties of their Country, and Thoſe who were ſuſpected of a Deſign to Un-
dermine and Subvert them. They who bravely food all Tryals, have
not only been honourably acquitted by the General Voice of their Fellow-
Subje&ts; but many of them have been admitted to new Honours and
Preferments : And when we are told on Both Sides, that the Perſonal
Heats and Animofities, which once prevailed among ft us, ought to be
laid
C 2
xii PRE FACE.
laid aſide, there is no Reaſon why yo Meana Perſon as Myſelf
should be Excluded the Benefit of this Voluntary and General Am-
neſty or A&t of Oblivion.
of all the Calumnies which have been poured upon me, in a very
laviſh and profuſe Manner, none ever more ſenſibly affected me, or
was more remote from the Truth, than the Imputation of my being
Mercenary Hireling. What is ſo eaſily Advanced, it may be very
difficult to Diſprove. But it is ſome Pleaſure to me in my Preſent
Circumſtances, that they are an Evident Confutation of this Calumny
and Falſhood. I thank Heaven and my Fellow.Creatures, that I was
never yet acquainted with a Man, who in all the Time of my being
marked out and noted by the Publick, as a Political Writer, ever
offered me what had the Leaſt Appearance of Bribery or Hire: And
what was never offered me, I cannot aſſume to myſelf the Merit of
Refuſing. I never ſolicited even for Empty Promiſes, nor Complained
of being neglected. When I have been Urged and Pufhed on, to
ask Something, or when an Honourable Offer hath been made me, I
readily Declined every thing of this Sort, or which had the Leaft Sha.
dow of Self-Intereſt : And had I really fome Merit, I had rather
Reject what might be called by my Few Friends the Reward of it,
than accept of what Others might be tempted to call by a much worſe
Name, at Leaſt a Retainer, if not the Wages of Servitude.
When the Rage of Parties was at the Height, I was often Threa.
tened, but never Perſecuted; unleſs by Thoſe Tormentors of the Preſs,
who were reſolved to make me an Author, even when I was gone into an
Eaſy and Quiet Retirement, and had no Mind to be reputed a Conſtant
Retainer to the Preſs, or a Trading Writer and Author by Pro-
feſſion. Above Sixteen ſeveral Pieces, ſome in Verfe, and ſome in
Profe, ſome on Critical, and others on Political Subjects, many of
which I had never ſeen, or beard of, 'till a good while after they
were in Print; ſome I had only Recommended to the Preſs, and others
I brad
}
i
-
PRE FACE.
xiii
-
me.
had but ſightly Touched upon and Corrected, were Publiſhed in
my Name, or under ſuch Perſonal Marks and Characters, as would
not eaſily fit any other Author. All this Ill Uſage 1 patiently ſub-
mitted to, and was ſo little fond of a Name on this account, that I
never affixed it to above One Work, or permitted others to affix it for
I have been called to Account and cenſured for a Part in a Con-
troverſy, in which I was never Concerned. I have been killed by one
News-writer, and brought to Life again by another, on purpoſe to
be made an Author of ; and like ſome of the Primitive Chriſtians, or
the Hunter in the Fable, I have been dreſſed out by my Perſecutors,
in the Skins of Beafts, and in all manner of hideous and frightful
Forms, on purpoſe to provoke the whole Kennel of Staunch Hounds,
and even the Terriers and Mungrels of the Preſs, to fall on, and
worry me.
I congratulate my Countrymen upon the Extin&tion of Thoſe Fires,
at which none but an Enemy could warm himſelf, and rejoice at the
near Proſpect of Dancing at laſt in our Aſhes. It is happy for us
that the Storm of Parties ſhould ſo ſoon blow over :
Quod optanti Divum promittere nemo
Auderet, volvenda dies en attulit ultro.
But we know who commands the Winds and the Waves, and who re-
ſtraineth the Madneſs of the People. It is ſtill happier, that after
ſuch a Tempeſt ſo Sweet a Calm ſhould follow, and that Patriotiſm
and the Love of our country should ſpring out afreſh, and with ſo
Fair and Fragrant a Bloom, that even Strangers are attracted with the
Beauty of it ; and from being unable to keep Peace at Home, that we
are now once more ſaid to be the Common Arbiters of the Peace of
Europe. As I have beretofore Publickly, and often fince, Privately
Lamented our Inteſtine Differences and Diſtractions; fo I think it
every
xiv
PREFACE,
1
every one's Duty, to contribute all he can, to the perpetuating of That
General Peace at Home, which is now ſo happily Eſtabliſhed : And
what is there that can be more effectual to the securing of this Great
and Valuable Bleſſing to us and our Poſterity, than our Beſt Endea-
vours to forward the Growrh of Patriotiſm, juſt now Reviving and
taking Root in our Soil ? Upon which_Subject, there never was a
Writer yet Extant, who has so fully Explained, ſo clearly Illuſtra-
ted, and ſo ſtrongly Enforced this Noble Principle
, as Gozliski bath
done. Whoſe Book therefore will at this, and in all future Times,
be no Unacceptable Preſent to the Publick, as a Means to promote
Vnity and Concord, to prevent Popular Diſcontents, and the Riſe of
any new Parties or Factions, and to preſerve and perpetuate the Wels
fare and Happineſs of all Free States and Governments ; by tracing
up their Schemes of Policy to the Only Pure and Genuine Fountains, the
Natural and Revealed Laws and Providential Adminiſtration of
the Great and Only Legiſlator and Governor of the Univerſe
,
who maketh Peace in all the World, and who teacheth our
Senators Wiſdom.
I am aware of the ill Uſe that may poſſibly be made of many Paſ
ſages in This Book, by the Modern Dealers in Partial Quotations,
Applications, and Parallels. To an aſuming Arbitrary and Cor-
rupt Miniſtry there never was a more Inveterate Enemy than Goz-
liski : But then on the other hand, he is altogether as Severe, in
condemning Thoſe State-Medlers and Demagogues, who raiſe or
promote Groundleſs Clamours, Reports, Jealouſies, and Suſpicions,
and attack their Superiors, in an Illegal and Extrajudicial Way.
The Freedom of Satire is an Admirable Check upon Vice and Folly;
but a Downright Perſonal Accufation and Criminal Charge ought to
be Supported by plain Matters of Fact, or by Authentick and Un-
queſtionable Evidence
. A Full and General Account of any one Great
Office in the State, and of the ſeveral Rights, Powers, Duties, and
Functions
1
PRE FACE.
XV
Functions belonging to it, is no more a Satire upon the Perſon who
Shall at any Time poleſs it, than the Whole Duty of Man is a
Satire upon the Generality of Chriſtians.
Similitude of Conſtitutions is as conducive to the making of Al-
liances between Nations, as Similitude of Tempers is to the making
of a Friendſhip between Private Perſons. Hence we may in ſome
meaſure account for That Long and Conſtant Friendſhip, which hath
for ſo many Centuries ſubſiſted between our Own and the Poliſh Na-
tion, without any conſiderable Interruption ; though we have often been
at Variance with many other countries, at a much greater Diſtance
from us. We and the Poles have indeed, for many Years, been the
Only Two Kingdoms, in which Monarchical Power and Popular
Liberty have all along been happily United, and the Union between
them, except ſome few Tranſient Shocks and Commotions, always
preſerved with the Utmoſt Rigor and Exactneſs. On this Account
it is, that whatever Lights or Improvements in Policy, Either Nation
can communicate to the Other, in Defence or Support of the Common
Liberties of Both, ought to be very well received by ſo Dear, so
Faithful, and ſo Ancient an Ally and Confederate. Accordingly we
find, in bow kind and reſpectful a Manner Gozliski Speaks of the
Engliſh Nation with an Entire Approbation of its Scheme of Govern-
Some Deference is really due to him on this Occaſion : And so
great is bis Moderation, that he not only extols the French Nation,
becauſe their Monarch governed in ſuch a manner, as to make his
Example and Adminiſtration the ſame to his people, as a Body of
the Wiſeſt and moſt Wholſome Laws; but he allows even of thoſe
Forms of Government, moſt ſtrictly Abfolute and Deſpotick, in
which the People, by their Natural
Diſpoſition and Manner of Life,
are not qualified to Receive and Enjoy the Ineſtimable Bleſing of Li-
berty. In general, he does not preſume to Preſcribe to his Neigh-
bours, but (ſaving Fundamentals) leaves every Nation to its own
Laws,
ment.
xvi
PREF A CE.
Laws, and adviſes the ſtrict Obſervation and Execution of them, how
much foever they differ from thoſe of his own Country. When
therefore the Differences between Our Own and the Poliſh Conſtitution,
are duly ſettled and adjuſted, we may then plainly ſee, how much of
Gozliski's Scheme we ought to Reječt, and how much of it we may
Safely Retain.
The Crown of Poland being Elective, in defence of this Right,
Gozliski hath ſaid all, that ſuch a Cauſe will bear. If indeed the
Poliſh Nation had always choſen their Kings in ſuch a manner as
Gozliski adviſes, and out of ſuch Perſons as he Deſcribes
, many of thoſe
Miſchiefs might been have prevented, which in Fałt have fallen heavy
upon Poland, in Conſequence of their Regal Elections, and are an
Unanſwerable Obječtion to this Way of Elečting. It were eaſy to
Shew, that the Hereditary Form is preferable to the Elective, and
That all the Obječtions advanced againſt it, are effe&tually anſwered,
by Limiting the Inheritance of the Crown, and by making it Condi-
tional. In this State, it comes as near as it ought to do to the Elective
Form ; and all thoſe Evils are cured, under which Poland hath ſo
often and ſo ſeverely ſmarted. As Gozliski, by his own Principles,
muſt have Oppoſed or Cenſured many Elections which have been made
in Poland ſince his Time; ſo if he had lived to be acquainted with
This Scheme of a Limited Monarchy, he muſt certainly have declared
it to be in a good meaſure reconcilable with the Elective Form.
When Gozliski excludes Foreigners from being Candidates for the
Crown of Poland, be advances a Principle
, which his own Country
hath often thought fit to break in upon, eſpecially ſince the Times in
which he wrote and Lived. For this they have ſuffered more than
But then in Hereditary Monarchies it ought to be conſidered,
that the Generality of the Subjects, and eſpecially the Populace, are
very often and very egregiouſly miſtaken in the Meaning of the Word
Foreigner. The Royal Blood is not Loft, by Streaming out into
many, and ſome very Wide and Remote Channels. Before, and ſince
the
once.
!
D
P R E F A C E.
xvii
the Conqueſt, many of our Kings and Princes were the Natives of
Foreign Countries. The ſame was the Caſe of many of our Old, as
well as Modern Nobility. And though in the Settlement of the
Crown, fome Tears ago, an Act or Clauſe of Naturalization was
thought to be of Uſe, in order to remove all Popular Doubts and Scruples,
yet it was by no means abſolutely Neceſſary; any more than a Naturali-
zation was neceſſary, to make Auguſtus a Polander, the Prince of
Heſſe a Swede, the Palſgrave a Bohemian, Philip of Anjou a Spa-
niard, King Stephen, John of Gaunt, King James the Firſt, and King
Charles the Firſt
, Engliſhmen.
The Executive Power is by Gozliski allowed to be entirely in the
Crown, as it is with us ; but when he ſpeaks of the King's Reve-
rencing the Senate, of his Submitting to their Authority and De-
crees, and of his being Accountable to them ; whilf be no where makes
any mention of a Negative Voice; theſe Expreſſions are by no means
agreeable to the Juft Sentiments which we Britons are taught to enter-
tain of the Royal Prerogative. He does, however, in many Places
and Paſſages of his Book invest Monarchy with a Divine Right, which
he hath admirably well explained in the Fulleſt and Cleareſt Manner :
And in one Particular we are entirely agreed with him, That the Laws
made by the joint Concurrence both of King and Senate, are the Mea-
Jure of His Power, as well as of Our Obedience.
Gozliski makes no Mention of Two Armies or Bodies of Standing
Forces in Poland, One the Army of the Crown, and the Other of
the Commonwealth; but he ſeems to devolve the whole Power of the
Sword upon the King, which is perfe&tly agreeable to the Laws and
Uſages of our own Conſtitution. His Averſion to Tyrants can never
grate upon the Ears of Thoſe, who have taſted of the Sweets of Liberty ;
and what he has ſaid upon this Subject can never Interfere with the
Duty we owe to a Good King, limited in his Power, who makes the
Law his Will, and is ſo far like his Maker, that he can do no Wrong.
There is as great a Difference between ſuch a Monarch and a Tyrant,
d
as
xviii P R E F A C E.
mere
ܪ
as between a Man and a Monſter: And the Deſtruction or Execution of
a Tyrant or Uſurper, is (in Gozliski's Senſe and Opinion) no more Regi-
cide, than the Execution of a Parent, who has murdered his Children,
is the Deteſtable and Unnatural Crime of Parricide.
When Gozliski gives the King a Power to chuſe all his Senators,
be may poſſibly ſeem to put the Whole of the Poliſh Government into
the Hands of the Crown: And this ſingle Inſtance is ſufficient to ac-
quit him from any Suſpicion of the worſt Sort of Republican Princi-
ples. But when he confines the Election to a Particular Order of
Men, and deſcribes their ſeveral Qualifications in ſo minute and exašt
a Manner, he thereby prevents, in ſome meaſure, the ill Conſequences
of ſo large a Grant, and ſuch an extended Prerogative. With us the
Method of Electing is quite Different ; and unleſs it were ſettled in
the Manner it is, I cannot well ſee how our People could be ſaid to have
any Repreſentatives. Though it is much to be wiſhed, that our Elec-
tors would confine their Liberty of Chuling to ſuch Men only, who are
neareſt in Reſemblance to the Character of a Good Candidate, as it is
Limited and Deſcribed by This Author.
All the Northern Nations have, for many Ages, paid a more than .
Common Deference to their Nobility, and look upon Blood and De-
ſcent, Ancientry and Anceſtry, with a good deal of Particular Eſteem
and Veneration. Such of them as lie upon the Continent, and out of
the Way of Navigation, are very apt to entertain a Low and Mean
Opinion of Traders and Mechanicks, and to treat them at leaſt with
an Overbearing Awfulneſs, if not with Contempt. Upon this Subject
Gozliski ſeems to behave with much Candour and Complaiſance. He
carries his Notion of Nobility high enough; but then by the Nobility
he does not mean a Particular Order of Peers and Palatines, but ad-
mitts the Old Gentry into the ſame Rank and Claſs; and he makes every
the meaneſt Subje&t capable of attaining to the Degree of a Nobleman,
by the Beſt Title and Recommendation, his Vertues and Services. With
us the ſeveral Orders of Nobility are fixed and certain, but the
Crown
PRE FACE.
xix
Crown can at any time increaſe their Number ; and the Merits of
every new Peer are recited in the Parent by which he is Created. Mer-
chants and Traders are indeed admitted into the Senatorial Order; and
for this there is a very good Reaſon, conſidering the Places and Perſons
they Repreſent. Our Situation, as an Iſland, and as a Trading Na.
tion, is a juſt Occaſion for this Difference : And Allowances muſt be
made for all ſuch Differences between Nations and Provinces different
in their Soil and Region. Where the People depend altogether upon
Agriculture, and the Produce of their Lands, where there are few or
no-Traders, unleſs of the Retailing and Mechanick Sort, and where the
Farmer, the planter, and the Woodman, are their Undoubted Supe-
riors; the higheſt Regard will always be paid to theſe Orders of the
Populace. Thus, for Inſtance, in Old Egypt, a Country naturally
formed for Corn, Commerce, and Navigation, Shepherds were a con-
temptible Order of Men; whilſt in the Old Inland Provinces of Aſia,
no Order of Men was more Honourable, and the Nobles of thoſe Coun-
tries held all Traders in the utmoſt Contempt : But this could be no Pre-
cedent for Thoſe of Tyre, of which City even an Inſpired Author
gives this Chara&ter, That Her Merchants were Princes.
The Romifh Religion having been for many Centuries eſtabliſhed
in Poland, and the Reformation but juſt then Dawning, when Gozliski
wrote, it is not ſurprizing that he ſhould inſiſt on fo Pun&tual and In-
diſpenſable a Conformity to the National Church, as a Means to pre-
ſerve Peace and Tranquillity. What he ſays of the Chriſtian Prieſt-
hood in general
, we may very readily come into ; and I obſerve, that
though in all Doctrinal Matters he refers the Poliſh Church to the
Judgment and Deciſions of the Latin Church, yet when he ſpeaks of
the Spiritual Magiſtracy, he veſts it entirely in the Biſhops and Prieſts,
to whom he annexes a competent Share of Temporal Juriſdiktion (which
they all along enjoyed in Poland) without making any the Leaft Men-
tion of the Pope. The Truth is, the Church of Rome always had a
much better Intereft in Poland, than the Court of Rome. The State
d 2
took
ز
1
XX
PREF AC E.
took Care to maintain its Rights in a much better Manner, than was
done in many other Popiſh Countries; and ſuch has been the Spirit
of Liberty in Poland, that the Proteſtant Religion hath met with much
better Treatment There, than in any Nation whatſoever which bath
all along been in Communion with the See of Rome. It is true, that
Gozliski bas openly declared for the Extirpation of Hereſy: But then
by Hereſy be means an avowed Revolt from the Eſtabliſhed Church,
whereby the Publick Peace may be Threatened and Invaded : Às to
Diſfenſion, he does not ſo much as mention it; and we are at Li.
berty to imagine, that He, who allows of Differences in Leſſer Matters
relating to Policy, was of the ſame Opinion in Matters of Religion.
That this is no wild Conjecture of my own Invention, the following
Hiſtorical Fact is a very Material Evidence. During the Reign of
Sigiſmund the Second, when Gozliski was in Full Truſt and Power,
the Nobles and Gentry of Poland were permitted to ſend their
Children to the Proteſtant Schools and Univerſities of Germany;
by which means they brought the Reformation into their own Country,
where it Spread itſelf far and near, and might poſſibly have prevailed
in a more Extraordinary manner, had not Arianiſm, and its Twin-
Monſter Socinianiſm, taken Advantage of this Indulgent Grant, and
under Colour and Covert thereof, made their way into the North,
threatning Ruin and Deſolation to the Common Faith of Chriſtianity.
The Poloni Fratres have drelled out Theſe Two Hereſies with all
the artificial Gloſs that Good Language and a Fallacious Way of Rea-
ſoning could poſſibly ſet upon them ; whilſt they carefully concealed
the Monſtrous Errors, Abſurdities, and Blaſphemies of their Fellow-
Sectaries, who had written upon the ſame Subject, and of which there
is a very Full and Authentick Collection to be met with in the Works
of Brockman, a very Learned Profeſſor of the Univerſity of Co-
penhagen. Upon the breaking out of theſe Hereſies, ſome Reſtraints
were thought to be Wholfome and Seaſonable, if not abſolutely Necef-
ſary; and the Papiſts made their Advantage of this Critical Juncture.
They
ܪ
PRE FACE.
xxi
They Spared no Pains for the Extirpation of Hereſy, and were too
ſucceſsful in inſtigating the Poles, to lay the Whole Proteſtant Body
under the ſame Common Reſtrictions; which Reſtrictions no Good Pro-
teftant could have juſtly found Fault with, had they extended only
to the Suppreſſing of the Arian Hereſy, so fatal to the Peace of all
Chriſtian States and Societies, that even Cromwell, amidſt the Geo
neral Indulgence granted to all Sects whatſoever
, though ſome of them
were perfectly Wild and Enthuſiaſtick, did not ſcruple to give out
Particular Commiſſions for the Suppreſſing of This, the very Bane
and Peſt of all Chriſtian Governments, and the ſure Fore-runner
of their Final Overthrow; of which the once Flouriſhing Churches and
States of European Greece, and of Aſia and Africk, are, at this
very Day, a moſt Glaring and moſt Deplorable Inſtance. But how.
ever theſe Things be, to avoid all Colour and Occaſion of Offence, in-
ſtead of the Latin or Romiſh Church, where it is mentioned by
Gozliski, I have taken upon me to inſert the Primitive Church,
as the Good Old Standard, to which all Chriſtian Churches what-
ſoever, are more or leſs fond of making their Approaches.
Theſe are the moſt Material Differences between our own and the
Poliſh Conſtitution, as they are ſet out and mentioned by Gozliski:
And fuch is his impartiality, that he differs in ſome Things from
the Cuſtoms and Uſages of his own Country, and particularly mentions
it as one of the Advantages and Benefits of Travel
, that we are thereby
enabled to Import into our own Country, whatever may Reform or Im-
prove a State, by the Example and Imitation of its Neighbours.
In all the moſt Material and Important Inſtances, extant in Goz-
liski, which are of a ſingular Nature, and Peculiar to the Poliſh
Government, I have taken Care to inſert ſome few Words, by which
they are Reſtrained to That Particular State they moſt properly belong
to; that no Offence or Diſlike might be taken at theſe Pallages, which
do not exactly tally with our Notions and Principles of Government and
Subjection, or with the Cuſtoms and Uſages of our country. Gozliski
bimſelf
.
xxii
P R E F A E.
himſelf, who adviſes all bis Neighbours to Retain their Good Old
Laws and Cuſtoms, however different from thoſe of other States, would,
I am ſure, have Excuſed me This Freedom : And my Deſign all
all along was, to preſent my Countrymen with a Good and Uſeful
Book, rather than with an Exact and Accurate Tranſlation.
There are ſome Minuteneſes and Points of leſer Conſequence, in
This Author's Deſcription of the Accompliſhed Senator; as, for
Inſtance, when he mentions bis Dreſs
, Diet, and Exerciſes, and the
particular Marks of Eſteem and Deference, which his Fellow. Subjects
ought to pay him, whenever he appears in Publick : But
of this ſort the Engliſh Reader may Paſs over, or Peruſe it rather
in the way of Amuſement than of Approbation. When he ſays, that
the Opinions or Votes of a Senate ought to be Weighed and not
Numbered, I do not think be thereby intended to ſet aſide the Right
of Majorities, which ſo far prevails in Poland,
that in many caſes
there muſt be an Llnanimity, excluſive of any One Negative; but
meant it only as a Caution to the Wiſèr and more Experienced Part of
ſuch a Body, that by their Aſſiduity and Conſtant Attendance, they
Should take care to prevent their being over-powered or out-voted by
their leſs able and Experienced Aſſeſſors,
But after all, when theſe Under-parts and Circumſtantials are ſet
aſide, the Bulk and Subſtance of Gozliski's Book, will, I am per-
ſuaded, contribute much to the Improvement of our Minds, and ſet us
right in our Opinion of the True Meaſures both of Government and
Submiffion, and particularly in our Notions of the Original of Go-
vernment; the Account of which, as Gozliski gives it us, is much
more Clear and Rational, than what is to be met with in the Old Pa-
triarchal, or in any Later Schemes. From him we learn, what was
the True and Genuine Riſe of the Senatorial Order, which ſome have
looked upon as Prior to Monarchy, and others have derived from the
Northern Nations, (and particularly from Poland) the Earlieſt
Imitators of the Greek and Roman Inſtitutions : But Gozliski,
very
1
PRE FACE.
xxiii
very wiſely waving ſuch a Narrow and Partial Way of Thinking, even
in favour of his own Clime and Nation, derives it much higher, from
Human Neceſſity, and the Natural Principles of Good Policy; and
makes it Cuævous with, and an Inſeparable Coadjutor to Monarchy.
Had the Late Earl Stanhope read Gozliski, the Queſtion put by
him to the Learned Abbé Vertot might have been ſpared. I omitt
many other Curious Diſcoveries : But what is the Greateſt Value of
This Work, it will, in all Probability, be Effetual to the Promoting
of Peace and Unity, to the Suppreſſing of Parties, Factions, and Di.
viſions, and to the Curing of all Publick Animoſities, Diſaffection,
Diſcontent, and Murmuring. A Wiſe People will be ready to Learn
and take Inſtruction, even from an Enemy, much more from a Faith-
ful Friend and Ally : And let us only imagine a Sett of Britiſh Se-
nators, already Accompliſhed, even beyond the Deſcription given us
by Gozliski, yet ſtill This Author may be of great Uſe and Service,
by reconciling all their Fellow-Subje&ts to their Character and Conduct ;
when they ſee how great a Likeneſs there is between the Picture and the
Original; and by Leading our Noble and Generous Youth into the ſame
ſure and ſhining Track, that the Senatorial Succeſſion may be always
preſerved, in Wiſdom, in Juſtice, and in Righteouſneſs :
Uno avulſo, non deficit alter
Aureus.
I have already obſerved, how far Gozliski goes into perhaps an
Undue Extreme, in thoſe Parts of his. Work, where he treats of the
Order of Merchants and Traders
. It is much to be wiſhed, that
we may never Fly out into the oppoſite Extreme, which may be equally
Dangerous and Fatal to us.
Trade is no doubt one of the Firſt and
Principal Branches ; but not (as fome Late Writers ſeem to make it)
the Sum and Whole of the Publick Intereſt of This Kingdom. It
is for the Glory of This Parliament, that they have done ſo much.
for
1
1
xxiv P R E F A C E.
for the Landed Intereſt, and for Inland Navigation, and Agricul-
cure, the Great Points in Policy, which Gozliski bath ſo much La-
boured, and ſo well Recommended. Our Wifejt Monarchs and Senates
have always had this Intereſt at heart. The Great King Henry the
Seventh took particular Care of it ; for which he is jufily extolled by
one of the Ableft Maſters of Learning and Policy this Nation ever bred,
the Famous Lord Bacon, who Recommends Agriculture in as ſtrong
Terms as Gozliski hath done, and particularly on account of its ſerv-
ing as a Nurſery to our Fleets and Armies ; the Seamen and Soldiers,
who have been brought up in this way, being well Prepared for Fa-
tiguing (now of ſo much Uſe in War, ſince the Late Improvements in
Fortification) and having their Full Share of the Well-known Courage
and Bravery, which are allowed to be the Undoubted Properties of all
their Countrymen.
What hath been ſaid in general, concerning the Expediency of Cer-
tain Set Conſultations, preliminary to the Meeting of every Dyer,
is not fully and particularly Explained by This Āuthor. With us,
there is a Proviſion made, on the Side of the Crown, by the frequent
Meeting of the Cabinet and Privy Councils : And it is much better
to leave the Two Houſes to treat in general, ſuper magnis & arduis
Regni Negotiis (as we find it worded in the Summons to Parlia-
ment) than to have our Repreſentatives tied down by their Electors,
to Certain Articles and Inftru£tions, which they can never recede from ;
it being found by Fatal Experience in Poland, that this Praktice hath
often involved the State in many Great and Dangerous Calamities.
When Gozliski adviſes the Poliſh Government not to conferr any
Two Offices upon One and the ſame Perſon, he certainly means this
of ſuch Offices, as are of the Higheſt Truſt and Greateſt Profit, or which
are held in one and the ſame Capacity. But however That be, ſuch
a Rule can never obtain in this Kingdom, where the Number of Offices
is vaſtly Superior to thoſe in Poland, many of which are Hereditary ;
and They who are of the Senatorial Order, made capable of accepting
them,
i
PRE FACE.
XXV
them, are vaſtly Inferior in Number to the Poliſh Nobility and Gentry,
of whom, according to Gozliski, the very Meaneſt may ſet up, as no
improper Candidate, for the Higheſt and moſt Profitable Place in the
Kingdom.
The Syſtem of Morality, which makes ſo Conſiderable a Part of
This Work, may poſſibly be looked upon as extending its Obligations
to the Meaneſt of the People, as well as Those of the Senatorial Order.
But when we obſerve, what a Happy Turn This Author has given to
every one of the Great and Leſſer Vertues, how well he has fitted
them for the Uſe and Ornament of the Noble and Powerful, and in
how cloſe and particular a manner he hath united the Moral with the
Political Charakter ; all that he has ſaid upon this Subje£t, will ap-
pear to be alike Uſeful and Entertaining. And when he Founds Mo-
rality in the Divine Image (which was never wholly Defaced in Man)
and in our Natural Notions of the Eternal Rectitude, and other Ata
tributes of the Divine Being, he gives this Syſtem a much Better and
more Genuine Original, than is to be met with in the Works of ſome
Later Writers.
Conſider Gozliski as a Divine, a Moraliſt, a Lawyer, a Philo-
ſopher, an Hiſtorian, Philologer, Orator, and Politician, and he
cannot fail of appearing to a very Great Advantage in all theſe ſerve-
ral Capacities ; and by his Example, as well as Precepts, may be a
Means of Provoking our Noble and Generous Youth to Excel and
Emulate each other in theſe High and Valuable Attainments, and to make
an early Acquaintance with Divinity, Ethicks, and Law, with Phi-
loſophy, Hiſtory, Philology, and Rhetorick ; this being the Readieſt
Method of Accompliſhing themſelves, in their Laft and Higheſt Cha-
rafter, as Good Politicians. In the midft of theſe more ſolid and
weighty Studies, Gozliski hath taken Care not to omitt the Politer
Arts and Accompliſhments, ſuch as Claſſical Learning, Mulick, Dan-
cing, and the Exerciſes at Arms, with whatever may Form the truly
Fine Gentleman ; nor yet Hunting, Racing, Fowling, and Hul-
bandry,
!
ܪ
e
;
xxvi
P R E F A C E.
bandry, with whatever may tend to the Country Gentleman's Hapa
pineſs and Improvement. He hath traced his Senator from the Cradle
to the School, and thence to the Univerſity, the Camp, the Bar,
and the Bench of Juſtice : He hath followed him in all his Travels,
and through every Stage and Period of Private and Publick Life, to
his Laft and Higheſt Attainment as a Miniſter of State. So that
his Book is not only of Uſe to all our Nobility and Gentry, but to the
Whole Body of our Electors, by Direkting them how to make a Right
Choice, and to take a Due Eſtimate of the Charakters and Dignity of
their Repreſentatives.
I have nothing more to add, but a Hearty and Sincere Wiſh,
That the Works of This Excellent Author may be Read with the
fame Impartiality and Freedom of Judgment, with which He Wrote,
1
--
TO
!
-
1
xxvii
TO THE
1
Moſt Serene and Moſt Potent Prince,
Sigiſmund-Auguſtus,
King of POLAND,
Great Duke of Lithuania, Ruſſia, Pruſia,
Mafovia, Samogitia, Livonia, &c.
Our Ever-Honoured, Good, and Clement Lord and Maſter.
E E
Great SIR! Renowned for Wiſdom and Conduct !
VERY Man may eaſily know, that Thoſe States and
Commonwealths are moſt truly Happy, in which the
Citizen, or Subject, paſſes his Life in the greateſt Eaſe
and Tranquillity : And on the other hand, that Thoſe States and
Commonwealths are truly wretched and Miſerable, in which the
Subject has no Solid Foundation or Security for his Eaſe and
Happineſs in Life. No Government can be Happy or Miſer-
able, without involving its People in the ſame State and Condi-
tion. But now by what Means a Nation and People are made
Happy, is really a Matter of Great Diſpute, and much Contro-
e 2
verted
xxviii The Author's DEDICATION.
ܪ
verted among the Learned. Some attribute all Publick Happineſs
to Good and Wholſome Laws, and others to the Inſtitution and
Obſervation of Civil Diſcipline : Some Impure it to the Influence
and Predominancy of the Stars and Planets, and to the Soil and
Climate, in which we live, as a Means to Prompt and Encourage
us to be Vertuous : And Others to the Example of Great and
Excellent Kings, by which their Subjects are Provoked to imitate
Their Vertues, and to conform to Their Likeneſs and Similitude.
This Laſt Opinion I readily give into ; for many very Good
Reaſons, but for none more powerful, than the Conſideration of
YOUR MAJESTY's Perſonal Character, and the Right
Uſe You make of Power and Authority.
The Great Quiet and Happineſs which the Poliſh Nation hath
for ſoine Time Enjoy'd, are entirely owing to YOUR MA-
JESTY ; the Splendor of whoſe Wiſdom and Vertue is ſo very
Great, that it attracts the Eyes of all your Subjects, and directs
them how to form their Lives and Manners, by Copying ſo Fair
and ſo Brighe an Original
. To You they all Look up, watch
Your Nod, and diligently attend to all the Steps and Movements
of Your Adminiſtration ; in which they ſee Equity and Clemency
ſo well tempered with Juſtice, that it is as much their Choice to
Love and Admire, as it is their Duty to Obey You. For ſo
Great is Your Authority, that You are not only our Moderator,
Governor, and Law-Giver, but are allowed as the General Judge
and Cenſor of the Manners, Vercues, Dignity, and Merits of all
Your Subjects; and ſuch is the Juſtice of Your Reign, that no-
thing Superior to it can poſſibly be found in any other Nation
under Heaven.
It is enough for Your Glory, that You obtained the High
Station in which You at preſent Shine, not by any Claim of
Blood or Hereditary Right, not by Force or Uſurpation, but by
the Unanimous Conſent and Concurrence of the Poliſh Nation,
founded
:
ܪ
The Author's DEDICATIO N. xxix
ſo very
founded in the Opinion they ever entertained of Your own Me-
rit and Vertues, as well as of Thoſe of Your Illuſtrious Fore-
fathers. For it is a Notorious Truth, that the Jagelonian Family
hath really been a Seminary and Nurſery of Kings ; To Fruit-
ful, that Foreign Nations, intent upon making themſelves Great
and Flouriſhing, have filled their Thrones with the Deſcendants
of This Family : And if it had Remained longer than it did
upon the Thrones of Hungary and Bohemia, and had headed the
Armies of thoſe Chriſtian Nations, the Infidel Turks had not, in all
Probability, made ſuch a Progreſs in Europe, as they have lately
done.
Theſe, SIR! are Great Advantages and Acceſſions to Your
Glory; but You are doubly Happy in this
, that you have a
Senate to aſſiſt You, in a Wiſe and Prudent Adminiſtration,
choſen according to Your own Wiſhes, and by Your own Di-
rection, and as remarkable for their Prudence and Juſtice, as for
their Illuſtrious Birth and Nobility ; by whoſe Moderation and
Wiſdom, our Country enjoys Peace and Quiet, and the Fulneſs
of Reputation and Renown. I make no Mention of the ſeveral
Inferior Orders of the Poliſh Magiſtracy, who not only Grace and
Adorn their Country, but Add to, and Improve the Common Fe-
licity. So that Poland may be juſtly called the Firſt of all Com-
pleat and Well-eſtabliſhed Governments, and the Capital Seat and
Manſion of Liberty.
Who is there, SIR! of all Your Subjects, that does not look
up to You, as the Principal Author of all our Publick Bleſſings ?
Theſe Things I have often Conſidered and Admired, even in the
Days of
my
Youth and Nonage. As I grew up, Improved in
Judgment as well as in Years, and plainly law, that the Meaſures
You took, were agreeable not only to the Sentiments of the Wiſeſt
Philoſophers, but to the Laws and Inſtitutions of the moſt Re-
nowned Nations and Commonwealths ; I readily imagined with
myſelf,
--
XXX
The Author's DEDICATIO N.
myſelf, that I ſhould neither Loſe nor Miſemploy my Time and
Labour, if I collected together all that my own Studies
, or the
Writings of Other Men, could ſupply me with, upon the General
Subject of Policy and Good Government, and Tranſınitted it to
Poſterity, for the Common Good and Benefit of Mankind. To
which Undertaking I always Reſolved to Prefix YOUR MA-
JEST Y's Name, for whoſe Sake I was chiefly Induced to Enter
upon it.
So Great is Your Wiſdom, that it is above Inſtruction and Im-
provement; and I am therefore far from preſuming to Direct
or Inform YOUR MAJESTY; but it will be ſome Pleaſure
to You, to behold the Draught and Reſemblance of Your own Ver-
tues : And it muſt be a Satisfaction to You, to Preſide in a Go-
vernment, not only Good and Well-eſtabliſhed in its own Conſti-
tution, but agreeable to the Beſt Plans and Syſtems of Policy, laid
down by the Ancients.
In this Treatiſe of the Accompliſhed Senator, I have certainly
Undertaken a very Arduous and Difficult Task : In the Profecu-
tion of which, I have very little Dependance upon my own mean
Skill and Abilities. But the Love of Praiſe (which is Natural to
every Honeſt Man) and the Deſire of doing Good to Mankind,
are ſufficient to Excuſe my engaging in this work. This I am
Confident of, that YOUR MAJESTY will Graciouſly Accept
of my Honeſt Endeavours : And my Confidence is entirely
Founded in That Great and Well-known Clemency, which is ſo
Eſſential to Your Royal Character, and Derived to You from ſo
many Illuſtrious Anceſtors.
r
AUTHORS
1
xxxi
AUTHORS and EXAMPLES
Cited or Referred to in This Work.
LEGISLATORS, Theopompus. SENATORS, GE-
EMPERORS,
Agathocles
.
NERALS, COM-
KINGS, PRINCES. Tullus Hoſtilius. MANDERS.
Tarquinius Priſcus.
OSES. Tarquinius Superbus. DEmetrius, Son of
Solon. Agamemnon.
Antigonus.
Lycurgus.
Oſiris Ægyptius. Epaminondas.
Parmenides.
Midas.
Dion Syracuſius.
Hippodamus.
Cyrus.
Cato.
Minos.
Thraſibulus.
Ulyſſes.
Demoſthenes.
Periander.
Minutius.
Cecrops.
Alphonfus, King of Fabius.
Theſeus.
Arragon
Hannibal.
Romulus.
Seleuchus.
Hanno.
Numa.
Dionyfius.
Cicero.
Draco.
Ageſilaus.
Cymon.
Clifthenes.
Scilurus.
Ariſtides.
Ariſtides.
Mycipја.
Themiſtocles.
Pericles.
Taxilis.
Damon.
Juftinian.
Nicocreon.
Camillus.
Alexander the Great. Ulidiſlaus, King of Scipio.
Poland.
Julius Cefar. DIVUS Staniſlaus. Philopæmen.
08. Auguſtus. Sardanapalus. Pompey.
Pyrrhus.
Philip of Macedon. Alcibiades.
Trajan.
Barſilidas.
Metellus.
Ariobar fames. Honorius, 2
M. Coriolanus.
Emperors
.
Hermodorus.
Adrian,
M. Brutus.
Conftantine the Great. Mithridates. Neftor.
Ulyſſes.
Hetor.
Cleon.
xxxii AUTHORS and EXAMPLES .
Chilo.
Cyneas.
Ulyſſes.
Fuvenal.
PHILOSOPHERS,
Ajax.
Zeno.
POETS, ORA-
Sylla.
Epictetus.
TORS, LAW-
Cinna.
YERS, HISTO-
Carbo.
Theophraſtus.
RIANS.
Marius.
Heraclides Ponticus.
Cataline.
Homer.
Dicæarchus,
Fabius.
Ovid.
Antonius Juriſconſ.
Gracchus.
Diogenes.
Clodius.
Diogenes Laertius.
Silenus Poeta.
Clifthenes.
Socrates. .
Lucan.
2. Cepio.
Cicero.
Terence.
Heraclitus Epheſius. Stilpo.
Bion Boriſthenius.
P. Rufinus.
Plato.
Crates.
Æmil
. Lepidus. Lyſis.
Chryfippus.
Sophocles Senator. Ariſtotle.
Carneades.
Paulus Æmilius. Anexagoras.
Democritus.
Curtius.
Pythagoras.
Metrocles.
Scavola.
Athenodorus.
Ariſtippus.
Marcellus.
Charitus.
Tireſias.
C. Craſtinus.
Artemius.
Mopfus.
M. Anthony
Plutarch.
Amphiarus.
Regulus.
Thales.
Calchas.
Pompey the Younger. Livy.
Plautus.
L. Q. Flaminius. Epicurus.
Manilius.
Grantor.
Ennius.
M. Curius, Sen. Demofthenes. Saluft
.
Hortenſius, Sen. Thucydides. Lelius Juriſconf.
Caffius, Sen. Polybius.
Anexarchus.
2. Tubero, Sen.
Xenophon.
Ifaias Propheta.
Demetrius,
Aulus Gellius,
Varro.
L. C. Cincinna. Caius.
Euripedes.
Servilius Ifauricus.
Johannes Samoſcius.
THE
1
Timon.
Horace.
[1]
THE
Accompliſh'd Senator,
In TWO BOOKS.
BOOK I.
С НА Р. І.
The CO N T E N T S.
The Excellency of Political Knowledge. The Dignity of the Senato-
rial Chara£ter. It differs according to the Differences in the ſerve-
ral Forms of Government. Which Form the moſt Perfe&t. Man
the Governor of this Lower World. How nearly related to his
Maker. How deputed by Him in the Government of the Earth.
God the Author of all Political Wiſdom. How we muft Apply to
him for it. Our Reaſon a Part of the Divine Image. When
our Reaſon is in its beſt State. Philoſophy the higheſt Improve-
ment of Reaſon. The Praiſe and Excellency of Philoſophy. Phi-
loſophy a ſure Introduktion to the Art of Government. Of the
feveral Kinds of Government. .
F all the Lovers of Truth, and Enquirers after uſeful
Knowledge, They who employ their Time and Pains
in the Purſuit of ſuch Studies, as alike contribute both
to the Publick Advantage, and to the pleaſure and Satisfaction of
Private Life, are (as I conceive) in a fair Way of attaining tha
B
True
O
2
The Accompliſh'd
Book I.
tures.
1
True and Perfect Wiſdom, which beſt deſerves the Approbation
and Applauſes of Mankind; for every wiſe Man will take care,
that his Wiſdom may be uſeful and ſerviceable to his Fellow-Crea-
But now of all the Arts and Sciences, and all the ſeveral
Branches of Learning, which ſerve to the Satisfaction, or to the
Improvement of Life, I cannot think there is any one ſo Pleaſaņo
and Profitable, lo Excellent in itſelf
, and ſo Uſeful to Mankind, as
the Study of Civil Diſcipline and Policy, or, of the Art of Government ;
by which Men are directed to the utmoſt Happineſs their Nature
is at preſent capable of; and by which both in their Private, and
Publick Characters, as Members of a Community or Society, their
Conduct ought always to be regulated, and reſtrain'd. I could
produce many Examples for Proof, and in Confirmation of this
Truth; and my own Experience, and long Converſation in Pub-
lick Buſineſs, are enough to convince me, that the moſt excel-
lent Sort of Wiſdom and Knowledge is That, which is converſant
in the Direction and Management of States and Publick Bodies. ;
the Government of which ought to depend altogether upon clear
Reaſon and found Judgment, and not upon falſe or fallacious
Opinion, and the uncertain Caprices of Chance and Fortune.
Hence it was, that I came to a Reſolution of tracing this Subject
through all its Parts and particular Members, and of communi-
cating to the World, what I had to ſay of the Office, Vertues,
Qualifications, and Dignity, of the Accompliß'd Senator ; that the
Publick might reap the Benefit of my Labours and Diligence,
and thoſe Men be in ſome meaſure fatisfy’d, who are particularly
pleas’d and delighted with this fort of Philoſophy.
In tracing this Subject up to the Source and Fountain of all
Civil Wiſdom or Prudence, I thought myſelf obliged, with the ur-
moſt Pains and Diligence, to collect the choiceft
. Secrets from
the Archives and Repoſitories of the greateſt Philoſophers, and
to produce Nothing to che Publick, which was not agrecable to
the
j
.
CHAP. I. SENATOR.
3
-
the beſt Sentiments of the wifeſt Legiſlators, and moſt prudent
Senators of former Ages. The Naine and Perſon of a Good
Senator, are ſufficient to fuſtain the higheſt Character ; becauſe
his ripe and mature Age fits him for the Practice of all thoſe Ver-
tues, which render a Man truly Great; and his Dignity and Sta-
tion are ſuch, that the People, his Fellow-Citizens or Subjects,
look up to him, and expect at his Hands, their Common-Safety,
Peace, and Quiet, and ſuch whollome Counſels and Advice, as
plainly tend to the Eſtabliſhment and Happineſs of the Conſti-
turion, I am not forming to myſelf an imaginary Idea of a
Good Senator, no where really Excant, but in the Mind; and
whoſe ſhining Original is only to be found in Heaven, without
caſting the leaſt Shadow or Reſemblance of it upon Earth : Plato's
Commonwealth, and Cicero's Orator, are Airy Topicks, which I
ſhall not preſume to meddle with : For my Enquiries are all en-
tirely confined to common Life, agreeable to the Cuſtoms of Man-
kind, and altogether intended for publick Uſe and Benefit.
Whatever occurs in the wide Excent of Academical Learning, in
the Conſtitutions of the ſeveral Republicks, in the Enquiries
after
Civil Wiſdom and Prudence, and in the Treaſuries of Hiſtory and
Experience, that may relate to, or make
relate to, or make up the Senatorial Charaéter,
in all its Features, thall be drawn together, and comprized in this
Eſay; and what Plato enjoins as a Rule in the Formation of a
good City, I ſhall obſerve in drawing the Portraiture of a good
Senator; and ſhall borrow from the ſeveral Nations, Cities, and
Commonwealths of the World, all the Vertues, Endowments,
Precepts, and Duties, which may make up the ſeveral Parts and
Beauties of the Good Senator, and render his Image and Deſcrip-
tion perfect
But ſince there is a great Variety in the Forms and Conſtitutions
of the many Republicks, which are, or have been, upon Earch;
whence it follows, that there muſt be allo a Difference in the Sena-
torial
B 2
4
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
-
torial Chara&ter, and in the Vertues and Offices annex'd to it; I
ſhall, for this Reaſon, endeavour to deſcribe ſuch a Form of a Com-
monwealth, as is moſt juſt and perfect, and moſt prevailing among
Men, in which the Regal Authority and Power of the People are
happily temper'd, and moderated, by the Prudence and Wiſdom
of a Senate Bur preliminary to this, it was neceſſary for me
to ſay ſomething of the ſeveral Republican Models in general,
their different kinds, and Schemes of Happineſs; of the good
Eſtate and Condition of the Subject, or Citizen, and of the
Education and Diſcipline neceſſary to qualify the Senator for the
due Diſcharge of his Duty; in ſuch manner, as that he may be
well acquainted with the Nature of that Government, in which
he is to preſide, and be fully inſtructed in all thoſe Vertues, which
adorn Life with Honeſty and Goodneſs, and which may beſt
ſerve to raiſe him to the Height, and honourable Station and
Dignity of an Accompliſh'd Senator. Theſe Vertues and Duties
are ſo deſcribed, as that the Study and Knowledge of them may
be alike uſeful to the Senators of every Commoriwealth in the
World, as well as to thoſe of my own Country: And ſince we
learn from Plato, that' a Republick is then moſt Happy, when
either it is govern'd by Philoſophers, or when they who govern ic
do make Philoſophy, or True Wiſdom, their chief Study and De-
Vight ; it will be neceſſary to enquire, what True Wiſdom is,, and
in particular that ſort of Wiſdom, which is converſant in the AF-
fairs of Civil Government ; before we can fix and complete the
Character of the Good Senator.
Of all the living Creatures that are encompaſs’d within the
wide Circuit and Pale of this Earth, upon which we move, the
Creature, Man, in the Order and Condition of his Birth, has
evidently the Superiority and Pre-eminence. He only, of all other
Animals, various in their Kinds, and different in their Makes and
Nature, was appointed noc only an Inhabitant and Citizen of
this
.
CHAP. I. SENATO R.
5
i
this Lower World, but the Lord and Maſter of it. This high
and extenſive Dignity he obtain'd immediately from The Divine
Being, the one Supreme Governor both of Heaven and Earth :
Who took him to be, as it were, his Partner in the Government
of this World, made for the common Reſidence of Human
Beings, and capable of a Communication with thoſe of a Celeſtial
Nature. Accordingly he breathed into him a Divine Mind and
Underſtanding, the better to enable him, by his Reaſon and Coun-
fel, to govern the World in a Godlike Manner, with Prudence,
Sanctity, and Juſtice. There is a Social Intercourſe and Com
munication of the Human Nature with the Divine, which is
founded in the Reaſon and Underſtanding of Mankind; and
where theſe are Perfect, they raiſe Men to a near Reſemblance of
their Maker, and produce an Order of mix'd Beings, which may
not improperly be call'd, Mortal Gods: For herein is founded
that Relation we are ſuppoſed to bear towards our Maker, as his
Children and Offspring. 'Tis the Divine Preſence that animates
and ſanctifies our Realon. There is a heavenly Seed ſown in our
Nature, which, if well receiv’d'and improv'd by the good Husbånd-
man, will bring forth Fruit agreeable to its true Nature and
Original; but if neglected, or depraved, it periſhes in a barren
Soil; or inſtead of Fruit, produces nothing but Thorns and
Briars." That Man therefore, who has a true Knowledge of him-
felf, will conſider his own Endowments, as ſo many Rays of the
Divinity; and his Reaſon and Underſtanding, as the Holy and
lively Image of his Maker: And will accordingly endeavour
always to think and do ſuch Things, as are moſt worthy of, and
conformable to, the Divine Privileges and Endowments, of which
he ſtands poſſeſs’d. Since therefore, we are in effect aſſociated
with our Maker, and are ſo nearly ally'd and related to him, we
ought to look upon this world as our great City, or Society, the
right Ordering and Government of which is committed to us, by,
and
1
6
The Accompliſhid Book 1.
1
and in common with our great Creator. And ſice he is the
Author of all Things, and the Architect of the Univerſe, from
whom, as the one great common Parent, all other Beings derive
their Original; for this Reaſon, we ought to reſort to him, for
whatever Counſels, Laws, and Edicts, are neceſſary to the good
Government of the World, his Creature; that the World may
know, it is not managed and directed by the Will of Man, but
ar the Command, and by the Wiſdom of its Eternal Maker, and
according to his good Will and Pleaſure. For as Herds are not
govern'd by any of their own Cattle, nor a Flock by any of its
Sheep, but only by the Shepherd; ſo neither can Men govern
Men, without-the Superior Direction, and over-ruling Power of
their Maker. When it ſo happens, that preſumptuous Mortals
ſet God aſide, and undertake to bear Rule, without regard to the
Divine Will, Wiſdom, and Conduct, a State neceſſarily goes to
Ruin; and Calamities and Miſery are the unavoidable Portion of
the Subject. For unleſs God keeps and preſerves the Pablick,
the Temporal Governor, or Watchman, watcheth but in vain.
Hence we may learn, that all Human Vercue and Wiſdom, are
derived to us from our Maker; and, for this Reaſon it was, that
our Forefathers erected Publick Temples, and dedicated them to
Vertue, Fidelity, Concord, Wiſdom, and Peace.
But in what Manner now muſt we apply to our Maker, for
Counſel and Direction, in the right Ordering and Adminiſtration
of Worldly Government? Muſt all our Applications for Redreſs,
in every the leaſt, as well as greateſt Cauſe of Complaint, be re-
ferr'd to him, and immediately brought before a Divine Audience ? .
Thus far, indeed, we may comply with this Method, if we ad-
dreſs.ourſelves to him by Prayer; and are particularly careful, that
all our Petitions are agreeable.co Reaſon and Juſtice. The Fooliſh,
the Irrational, and Wicked, are in vain employ'd in lifting up
their Hands, and throwing out their Clamours
, towards Heaven.
The
CHAP. I. SENATOR.
7
The Ears of the Almighty are deaf to their ſtrong Cries, and
no Increaties can be effectual to the drawing down upon ſuch
Wretches, that Heavenly Wiſdom and Conduct, which are neceſ
ſary Qualifications for the great Art of Government : Whillt
God is always a ſure Guide to the Wife and the Good, is ever
preſent with them, and in them; according to that fine Obſer-
vation of Ovid,
There is a God in Men, whoſe Light inſpires
The Mind, and warins it with Celeſtial Fires.
The Mind of ſuch Men is continually beſet and enlighten'd by
the Divine Wiſdom, which attends as clofely upon the Birth of
Mankind, as they do upon their Maker, and in ſome ſenſe may
be ſaid to make Gods of Men. It is impoſſible to be good and
wiſe, provident, artful, and ſagacious without the Divine Being.
'Tis Vertue only, that brings us near in Reſemblance to the Deity,
and Vertue is the genuine Offspring and Effect of Right Reaſon.
It is therefore juſt and equicable
, not ( as ſome have imagined)
that becauſe we are Men, we ſhould therefore conform to what is
merely Human; but that (as much as in us lies) we ſhould en-
deavour to ſhake off the Dregs of Humanity, and conform and
live up to that nobler Part, which is ingrafted upon our Nature.
What is there in Mankind, which we can call Good ? Nothing
certainly but Right Reaſon: In the Strength of which, we are
enabled to acknowledge our Maker, to put all the Vertues in
Practice, and to chuſe the Good, and reject the Evil. By theſe
Marks we may eaſily know, when a Man is truly Wiſe, Magna,
nimous, Juſt, Brave, and Perfect in every Vertue. It is therefore
evident, thar without the Divine Mind and Reaſon, Man cannot
govern the World: And for this Reaſon he ought, in the Admi-
niſtration of all Affairs, to follow this Guide, and to take all his
Counſels,
8
The Accompliſh'd
BOOK
I.
Counſels, Laws, Decrees, and Deſigns, from the Supreme Being;
or, in other Words, from that Divine Reaſon which is implanted
in our Nature, and is in effect our only Oracle. By theſe
means we may be well inſtructed to govern wiſely, juſtly, and
in a Manner truly Godlike : For as the Reaſon of God is the
Supreme Law, and in effect God himſelf; ſo in a wiſe Man the
very ſame Faculty, when rais'd to Perfection, is a Law and a God
Hence che Laconians were uſed to give thoſe Men the
Title of Divine, who were remarkably excellent for their Wiſdom
and Juſtice; and accordingly Hełtor is thus deſcribed by Homer :
to him.
He ſeem'd not of a mortal Offspring bred,
But Sprung from Heav?n, and of Celeſtial Seed.
1
Whoever therefore is in perfect Subjection to Right Reaſon, and
makes That the ſole Guide of all his Words and Actions,
may
be
juſtly eſteem'd as a God upon Earth ; and only ſuch a Man de-
ſerves to be recognized as a King, Prince, and Governor of the
Univerſe, who well underſtands, on every Occaſion, what Con-
duct, what Counſels, and what Sentiments to enter upon; and
looks upon nothing as truly good, but what proceeds from, or
is agreeable to, the Divine Counſel and Wiſdom.
Since now it is the common Condition of every ſuch Prince,
or Governor, as I have hitherto deſcribed, to have his Reſidence
and Part in the Society and Communșon of his Fellow-Creatures,
and this Society is either general, and incluſive of the whole
Earth, or particular, as being ſubdivided into Kingdoms, Pro-
vinces, and Cities.: It is an evident and neceſſary Truth, that the
Divine Light, Reaſon, and Counſel, which ought to be in every
Governor, are by him to be wholly laid out and employ'd, for
the Security and Benefit of this Society, and Communion among
Men. There are then two Sorts of Republicks, or Cities, and
boch
CHAP. I.
SENATO R.
9
both ſubject to Government, the one Greater City or Republick,
is that of the whole Earth, not confined wichin the Bounds of
Africk, Apa, or Europe ; but meaſur'd out by the daily Courſe of
the Sun : The other Leſſer Republick, is that particular one, to
which we are confined by our Birth or Reſidence, as the Republick
or Kingdom of the Greeks, Latins, Germans, Gauls, Spaniards,
Polanders, Lithuanians, Rutinians, or any other ſuch like particular
and ſubdivided Nation. The Government of the former World
is not to be comprehended, but only by the Mind, whoſe
piercing Eye takes in a general Survey of all Things, and by
the Strength of its Reaſon, graſps and collects together the whole
Order and Nature of the Univerſe, by the Greeks call'd, the Ma-
crocoſm, or Greater World; and not only of the Univerſe, but
of that particular World, in and by which we Live, Breathe, and
Underſtand; I mean the World within us, by the Greeks callid,
the Microcoſun, or Leſſer World. When the Mind ſhakes off the
Bodily Dregs, and Load of Fleſh, with which it is encumbered,
and is in the full Exerciſe of its natural Freedom and proper Of-
fices; when it is well-edg’d, and, by a keen Diſcernment, ſepa-
rates the Good from the Evil; when it is made acquainted and
in Love with Vertue, and has a juſt Abhorrence of Pleaſure and
Vice; when it triumphs over, and keeps down the rebellious Ap-
petites, and maintains an abſolute Dominion over itſelf; what is
there beyond or above this Mental Power and Dominion, which
we can imagine or deſcribe to be more truly Heroick and Divine:
In like manner, when the ſame Mind takes Wing and flies Abroad,
courſing over Heaven, and Earth, and Seas, and ſurveying the
true Nature of all Things ; when it examines and underſtands
whence they were made and generated, of what Principles, by what
Cauſe, and to what End; when it can find out what is Mortal
and Periſhing in every one of them, and what Durable and
Eternal ; what is the Nature of the Stars, where and in what man-
C
ner
+
IO
The Accompliſh'd
Book 1.
1
ner the Sun Riſes and Sets; what are the Motions of the Moon;
how all Things decay and periſh ; and what is the true Nature
and Energy of the ſeveral Elements, Animals, and Vegetables ;
when the Mind is thus employed, and takes in all this mighty Maſs
of Knowledge, and at every step plainly traces the Almighty Au-
thor of all Things, and ſees him governing and directing what-
ever is without himſelf: How does Man, by theſe Searches into
Nature, and by this collected Wiſdom, raiſe himſelf to be not
only a Citizen and Inhabitant of one City, or a ſingle Province,
but to be a Prince of the whole World; which is hereby made Sub-
ject to him, as if it really were a particular Society, over which
he preſided ? Socrates, being asked, What Country or Nation he be-
longed to ? readily anſwered, To the Univerſe: Thereby intimating,
that he looked upon himſelf, to be a Citizen, or Inhabitant, and
in ſome degree a Prince and Governor of the World. And was
not Diogenes (as we are inform’d by Laertius) called, the Coſmopo-
lite, or Citizen of the Univerſe ? This firſt great City, or So-
ciety, knows no Servitude, nor is in any Subjection to Tyrants ;
it is not governed by Laws of Man's Invention, nor has any
Occaſion for Walls and Bulwarks; it is ſurrounded by univerſal
Space, it is governed by the certain, perpetual, and immutable
Laws of Motion and Order; and the Elements are its Fortifica-
tions, that guard and compaſs it on every Side. Its Citizens
are called by the Divine Name of Philoſophers, who have a perfect
and reciprocal Power and Government over each other, and carry
a Soul within them, which no adverſe Blaſt of Fortune can ruffle
or overthrow : 'From the Dominion and Principality they ſtand
poſſeſſed of, no hoſtile Force can poſſibly remove them, no war-
like Attempts can drive them from it . Neither Fire nor Tem-
peſt can break in, and interrupt their quiet Enjoyment of it ;
and they remain always Unconquered, ever Brave, Happy, and
Free, without Danger, and without Fear. When Demetrius, the
Son
:
.
CHAP. I. SENATOR.
II
to do
Son of Antigonus, had taken the City. Megera, of which Stilpo,
the Philoſopher, was at that Time an Inhabitant, and had given
Orders to have him brought into his Preſence, he very courte-
ouſly demanded of him; Whether in the Sack and Plunder of the
City, any Thing had been taken from him; and readily promiſed
him, it should be immediately reſtored : But che PhiloSopher
anſwered, That he never yet ſaw the Man, who had it in his power,
any Violence to Philoſophy, or could poſſibly take any Thing away
from it : That in the Poſſeſion of this Treaſure, he was truly Rich;
and that he was entirely regardleſs of all other external Goods,
which were alike common to the Beſiegers and himſelf.
But now ſince all Philoſophy, in the fulleſt Extent of it, con-
fiſts partly in Practice, and partly in Theory and Contempla-
tion; hence naturally ariſes a Diviſion of Policy, or the Art of
Government, into two Parts : The firſt comprehends all thoſe,
who confine their Scudies to mere Speculative Knowledge, with-
out proceeding any further ; who ſet up their Reſt in unactive
Contemplation, and hold the Reins of Government, with only
an imaginary Hand: Theſe have an Averſion to Civil Commerce
and ordinary Sociecy, and often retire into Solitude, and the
Monaſtick Way of Life, being, as Homer deſcribes them, without
Privilege, without Houſe, and without Tribe. I can only intreat
ſuch Men, or (in Imitation of Plato) earneſtly conjure them,
that they would come abroad again, into the free and full Enjoy-
ment of Civil Society, and a Life of Humanity, which is alco-
gether converſant in Uſefulneſs and Practice. For mere Specula-
tive Knowledge, and the Theory of Nature, are of no man-
ner of Uſe, unleſs they are to put into Action, and produce
ſuch Meaſures, as ferve in the Defence, or for promoting the
Advantage, of the Publick." Is there a Man lo entirely given
up to the Study of Nature, who, in the midſt of his Philoſophi-
sal Contemplations, if a Meſſenger, lhould bring him the News,
that
C 2
12
The Accompliſh'd
Воок І.
that his Fellow-Citizens, his Friends, Relations, Parents, and
Country, were in the utmoſt Danger, unleſs he came to their Re-
ſcue, would not immediately rouze at the Call, and lay aſide all
Enquiries about the Stars, Elements, and Syſtem of the Uni-
verle, for the Sake of his beloved Country? We do, therefore,
feriouſly invite the Contemplative Philoſopher into Action and Buſi-
neſs, and give up the Commonwealth and Reins of Government
into his Hands; nor That one Great and General Dominion, which
is bounded only by the Sun and the Elements ; but that Leſſer
Republick, formed and knit together by an Aſſembly, or So-
ciety of Men, which the Subject claims as his own Country, by
Cuſtom, Law, and Birth-right : Becauſe by fuch a Governor as
this, well-verſed in all Divine Wiſdom, we have good Reaſon
to expect, that Human Affairs ſhould be happily conduc-
ted, with ſo much the more Prudence and Juſtice. For the Mind
of ſuch a. Man being well diſciplined and inſtructed; ſeaſoned
withi the Nurture, and full fraught with the Knowledge of God's
Wiſdom, Reaſon, and Laws, he will moſt probably approve
himſelf to be (as it were) a God to his Country. With a Mind
and a Soul thus happily turned to Wiſdom, Solon took upon him-
ſelf the Adminiſtration of the Athenian, Lycurgus" of the Spar-
tan, and Parthenides of the Eleatick Commonwealth. In the Laws
and Inſtitutes of this Divine Wiſdom, was Epaminondas of Thebes,
trained and brought up by Lycis the Pythagorean ; Dion of Syra-
cuſe, by Plato ; Alexander the Great, by Ariſtotle; Pericles, by
Anexagoras ; the Princes of Italy; by Pythagoras; Oétavites Augup
tus, by Agrippa ;, and many other Governors and Monarchs; by
their Tutors and Maſters in Philoſophy. Hence the Ancients al-
ways eſteemed thoſe Republicks to be truly Happy, which were
governed by Philoſophers; or in which the Governors. admitted
Philoſophers into their Councils and Friendſhip. It was for the
lake of Improvement in Philoſophy and Wiſdom, that Cato, a
moſt
1
CHAP. I. SENATOR.
13
moſt excellent Senator, was fo fond of Athenodorus; Ulyſſes (as
we are told by Homer) of Charitus the Philoſopher ; Pyrrhus of Ar-
temius ; Trajan of Plutarch, and Scipio of Panatius, a Man (as Plu-
tarch aſſures us) of the niceſt Diſcernment between Right and
Wrong, and a Perfect Maſter of Juſtice and Equity. Philoſophy,
when it has taken up its Abode with a Private retired Man, who
gives himſelf up to Eaſe and Solitude, and to a liſtleſs State of
Inactivity, who confines himſelf to his little Cott or Villa, as to
a-Magick Circle, and leaning on his Staff
, and collecting himſelf
within his own narrow Girdle, basks in the Sun-fhine, deſpiſes
every Thing about him, has the Publick in Contempt, and re-
jects all its Services ; ſuch Philoſophy can be of little Service to
Mankind, when it is thus grafted upon a dry rotten Scumpi
and withers away, and periſhes with it. But where the Seeds
of this Wiſdom fall upon quite other : Ground, and where Phi-
loſophy is profeſſed by a Man or a Governor, formed for Magil-
tracy,
born for the Good of others, and fitted for a Life of Bu-
ſineſs and Activity; it never fails to beſtow on all ſuch, Wiſdom,
Greatneſs of Sout; and a Sort of. Divinity.
In the mean time, a Queſtion inay ariſe, What ſort of Repub-
lick is proper to be put under the Care and Direction of this
Great, Wiſe, and Divine Philoſopher; whom we have been hither-
to deſcribing? For there are ſeveral Kinds of Republicks, and
the Ways of Government are as various, . as are the Manners,
Employments, and Conditions of the ſeveral Subjects, who live
inder it: Though all of them are directed to this one great End,
the Publick Good, or Happineſs of Mankind; which Happineſs
we all «naturally ſeek and endeavour after, and yet often differ in
the Way and Means of obtaining it; and the Laws and Cuſtoms
are Various, by: which we attempt to fix and ſecure it. For
whoever will carefully examine the Laws of Hippodamus, made for
the Mileſans, thoſe of Minos, for the Cretans, and thoſe of Lya
.
curgus
14 The Accomplifb'd BOOK I.
curgăts and Solon, which obtained in the Lacedemonian and Athenian
Commonwealths, will find great Differences therein, and much
Variety in the ſeveral Offices of their Magiſtrates, and in the Forms
and Conſtitutions of their Government. The Seven famous Wife
Men (commonly ſo called) "Thales only excepted, who withdrew
himſelf from all Affairs in the State, introduced a great Variety
of Inſtitutes, Laws, and Orders, among the People, over whom
they preſided, either at their own Diſcretion, or in regard to the
ſeveral Humours and Diſpoſitions of their Subjects; and differed
very much in the Manner and Method of their Adminiſtration.
Whence have ariſen great Contentions, and Various Controver-
ſies, not only among the Academicks, but thoſe of other Schools,
who often make it a Queſtion, how many sorts of Commonwealths
there are, and which is the moſt Excellent, and beſt deſerves the
Preference. Plato and Ariſtotle ſeem to me to have diſtinguiſhed
themſelves, above all other Authors, upon this Subject; who by
ſearching more narrowly into Human Nature, and carefully ex-
amiaing the Temper and Diſpoſition of the ſeveral Climates and
Regions of the World, have by their Learning and Diligence at
laſt diſcovered, what kinds of Adminiſtration, what Offices, Or-
ders, and Laws, are in themſelves moft Excellent, and to what
Nations or People they are beſt adapted. To their Opinion I
readily ſubſcribe, and chuſe to be numbered with their Followers.
Accordingly I reckon Three Kinds of Government; the firſt of
which is Monarchy, the ſecond Ariſtocracy, and the third Demo-
cracy; or as the Latins deſcribe them, a Government by one
fingle Prince, by many Nobles, or by the whole Body of the People.
In the Formation of Man, God was pleaſed to make him a Pera
fect Emblem, or Image of the Body Politick. For as the Ani-
mal Power is divided into Three Parts, and has Three principal
Seats in the Body Natural, ſo is it in the Political. Reaſon, like
2 King, aſſumes the Uppermoſt Region, and is ſeated in the Head,
1
.
i
28.
CHAP. I. SENATO OR
15
R.
as in a Throne or Tower, and there keeps Guard, holds its Council,
and governs all beneath it. Next to the Head, and in cloſe
Conjunction with it, are the Bofom and the Heart, the Seat (as
Plato calls it) of the Paſſions and Affections, and this is the Se-
cond Place of the Animal Life's Reſidence; where it acts in Con-
cert with the Head, and readily and vigorouſly executes what-
ever Counſels and Deſigns the Superior Reaſon dictates and con-
trives. The Third and Loweſt Part, as diſtinct from the two
former, lies below the Heart, in the Belly and Bowels, and reſem-
bles the mixed Multitude, who are ſometimes Idle, Drowzy, and
Slothful, and at other Times Petulant, Noiſy, and Turbulent ;
Slaves to their own Appetites, and liable to be hurried away in-
to any Exceſs or Extravagance. In this Threefold Diviſion of the
Animal Life, we have a clear View and Repreſentation of the
Three Social States, or Kinds of Government. The Firſt, or Re-
gal State, ſeems to have a Natural Right to Dominion : The Se-
cond, though placed in a Lower Degree, is yet equally Uſeful, if
Care be taken to keep it in Subſerviency, and Subordination to
the Firſt. For as Reaſon, without the Affections, is as a Mo-
narch without his Guards and Forces, unfit for Action or De-
fence, and altogether weak and languiſhing; ſo the Senatorial
Power, without its Monarch Reaſon, as a Conductor, and Defen-
der to provide againſt, and to be its Support in cvery dangerous
Action and Adventure, is entirely diſabled, and loſes all its Strength
and Manhood. Hence Ariſtotle well obſerved, That there were
two Parts in Reaſon, one Perfect, Self-conſiſtent, and Abſolute in
its Authority; the other Secondary, and Subſervient to the for-
mer, as a Son is to his Father. Minutius, as we are told by Livy,
ſeems to have explained this Matter very fully, in the Defence he
made for Fabius, when he was accuſed of having engaged too raſh-
ly with Hannibal. I have (ſays he) often heard the beſt Soldiers ar-
gue, That He was the Firſt and Greatest Man, who, upon any Emergence,
1
ܪ
could
L'
--
16 The Accompliſh'd Воок І.
could of himſelf form the wifeſt Schemes and Counſels; and that the
next Beſt and Greateſt was He, who could readily take and follow the
good Advice that was given him: Whilſt the Wretch, who can
neither give nor take Advice, is to be looked upon as funk and
loſt in Folly and Contempt. It is the Office and Duty of Sena
tors, to follow Realon, as their Monarch, their ſtrong Leader,
and ſure Guide, in all Undertakings whatſoever ; and to exert
the Affections, as Spurs and Incitements to Bravery and Boldneſs
.
To which Purpoſe, Ovid, ſpeaking of a Hero, makes this fine
Obſervation :
!
He Rages; but 'tis Heav'n inſpires his Rage.
The Third and Laſt Part of the Animal Life is the true Image
and Repreſentation of Popular Government, when the mixe Mul-
titude ſet up for a Power to do whatever pleaſes them, and will
not be controuled by any Laws, but thoſe of their own making,
Hence it comes to paſs, that they often fall into Diſorder and
Confuſion; becauſe they are naturally inclined to follow their own
Brutiſh Inclinations, are governed by their unruly Luſts and Appe-
tites, and have a Low and Vulgar Opinion, and Contempt of
that Kind of Life, which is in exact Conformity to the Rules of
Right Reaſon and Vercue.
Beſides this, there is another Kind of Analogy or Reſemblance,
made Uſe of by Ariſtotle, in his Account of Government; and
this is borrowed from the Nature and Conſtitution of Private Fami-
dies. Monarchy, or Kingly Government, is very aptly repreſent-
ed by the Power and Authority, which a Father has over his
Children, whoſe Office it is to be careful of, and watchful over
them; to provide for their Suſtenance and Welfare, and whenever
they are Diſobedient and Wicked, to Reform, rather than to Pu-
nith them. In the very fame Manner, all good Kings ought to
behave
CHAP. I. SENATO R.
17
behave towards their Subjects; and hence it is, that Jupiter, King
over all, is by Homer called, the Father both of Gods and Men.
The Authority which the Husband has over his Wife, is an exact
Reſemblance of the Power of a Few Sele&t Nobles, in a State of
Oligarchy. This Authority of the Husband ought always to be
exerciſed in the mildeſt Manner, and with a perfect Regard to the
Rules of ſtrict Juſtice; no Commands are to be laid upon the
Wife, but ſuch as are entirely agreeable to Goodneſs and Vertue.
Democracy, or the Popular State, is beſt deſcribed by a Fraternal
Society, or the Agreement among Brethren; between whom there
is no Difference, but in the Priority of Birch. Now as a Father,
when he becomes eminently Wicked, and is remarkably Cruel
and Inhuman towards his Children, does thereby loſe the very
Name of a Father, and is no better than an Unnatural Tyrant:
So when a King is under no Reſtraint, but of his own Will and
Luſts, when he tramples all Law under Foot, is by his Life a
Scandal, and in his Government a Plague to his people, he im-
mediately forfeits the Name of King, and cannot juſtly be cal-
led by any other Title, but that of Tyrant. In like manner,
when a Wife is at open Enmity with her Husband, when inſtead
of taking due Care of her Children and Houſhold, ſhe neglects
both, or gives them up to Confuſion and Ruin, ſhe thereby loſes
all chat Power and Authority, which is the undoubted Right and
Property of every good Parent : And juſt ſo it is, when Brethren
turn Brutes to one another, and fly out into all the Exceſſes of
Unnatural Hatred; when they diſturb a Family by Broils and Con-
tentions, or attempt its Ruin by Sloth or Luxury: By which
Means they effectually forfeit the Name of Brethren, and loſe all
the Right and Power which the Priority of Birth gave them over
each other.
From this Corrupt State, and cheſe Abuſes of Authority, by
which the Art of Good Government is debaſed and vitiated, there
D
ariſcs
18
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
ariſes another Threefold Diviſion of Power, different from, and
contrary to that Threefold Diviſion, which we have already men-
tioned. Theſe are, Tyranny, in Oppoſition to Monarchy, or King-
ly Government; Oligarchy or Dinajły, in Oppoſition to Ariſto-
cracy; and Oclocracy, or the Wild Outrages and Infolence of the
Mob and Rabble, in Oppoſition to Democracy, or the Government
of the People. Policy, which in Plato and Ariſtotle's Senſe of
the Word, does ſometimes ſignify only a Popular Scate, is but a
General Term, importing the Conſtitution at large, or the Ad-
miniſtration of Publick Affairs, without regard to This or That
Particular Form. To theſe Six Parts or Branches of Power and
Government, Plato hach added a Seventh, when he ſubdivides
Kingly Government, and ſays there are two Sorts of Kings; one
Limited and bound down to the Obſervation of Known Laws and
Statutes, and the other Free, Abſolute, and under no Legal Check
or Reſtraint. The Government (ſays he) of a Single Prince, well
informed in the Knowledge of Wholſome Laws, and duly reſtrained to
the Obſervation of them, is of all the other Six Political Forms, the
Beſt and moſt Eligible: But where there are no fixt Certain Laws
to reſtrain ſuch a Governor, the Subject can never be truly Eaſy or
Happy under him. And yet it is much better to live under ſuch
a State as this, than under any of the other States, (the Seventh
only excepted) if they too are without Known Laws, as well as
the Monarchical : Though ſtill the Monarch governing by Law, is
of all other Powers the Beſt and moſt Eligible, and comes neareſt
in Reſemblance to the Divine Authority.
It is very eaſy to trace that apparent Variety, which is to be
found in the ſeveral Forms and Conſtitutions of Human Govern-
ment, and to account for it by the Variety of Manners, Diſpoſitions,
Tempers, and Ways of Life and Education, which is commonly
obſerved in Mankind, without reſorting to a Divine Decree or Fa-
tality, as the true Cauſe of it; or leaying it at Random, and in
the
i
CHAP. I. SENATOR.
19
the Hands of uncertain Chance and Fortune. The Difference
plainly to be ſeen in the ſeveral Climates and Situations, of the ſeve-
ral Regions and Provinces of the World, will naturally occaſion a
good deal of Difference in the ſeveral Humours and Diſpoſitions
of their Inhabitants, and muſt conſequently produce a like Diffe-
rence in the ſeveral Forms and Conſtitutions of their Government.
Add to this, the many Rebellions, Sedicions, Wars, and Tumults,
which often ſhake and overturn the Greateſt, Strongeſt, and Beſt
ſettled States and Kingdoms, and change the old Conſtitution
into a quite New and different Form: For ſuch is the State and
Condition of all Human Affairs, and Vice is ſo cloſe a Neigh-
bour, and makes ſuch near Approaches towards Vertue, and Good
and Evil are ſo twiſted and interwoven with each other, that it is very
common for a Man, or a whole Body of Men, to fall at once from
the higheſt Pitch of Integrity, into the loweſt and moſt groveling
Corruptions. Sometimes a Commonwealth, though in itſelf well
ordered and conftituted, is by the Miſmanagement and Mal-admi-
niſtration of thoſe who preſide over it, ſuddenly overturned, and
paſles from one Political Form, into another.
Thus it often hap-
pens, that Tyrants are made out of Kings; that the Government
of a Few Select Nobles dwindles into a Fa£tion; and that a Po-
pular State is ſubverted, to m.ke Way for Mob-Uſurpations, and
che Tyranny of the Rabble
. The ſeveral other Political Forms are
alike Subject to the ſame Turns, and Revolutions; all which
Changes were by Plato aſcribed to a certain Fatality, and to the
Motions and Influence of the Heavens, Stars, and Planets. But
beſides this, there is a Difference in the ſeveral Forms of Govern-
ment, which ariſes from the Difference there is between Man and
Man, in the Order, Condiçion, and Circumſtances of Life. For
in ſome Countries and Nations, the Rich have the Majority, and
in others, the Poor. In ſome che Nobles, the Soldiery, and the
Husbandmen make the Majority; and in others, the Merchants,
Mechanicks,
$
D 2
20
The Accompliſh'd BOOK .
I
Mechanicks, and Traders are the Bulk of the People. Now
where there is a Prevailing Superiority of Traders, Artificers,
and Husbandmen, the Popular State is beſt adapted to ſuch a
Country and Conſtitution : The Ariſtocratical Form ought always
to prevail in thoſe Nations, where there is a ſuperior Abundance
of Men Rich and Opulent: And thoſe Countries are ficteſt to
receive a Princely or Monarchical Model
, wherein is the greateſt
Number of Men, Good and Wiſe, and excelling in every Hero-
ick Vertue. There are Three Things, which are particularly Uſe-
ful and Serviceable in the Government of a Commonwealth; and
theſe, in Ariſtotle's Opinion, are Liberty, Wealth, and Vertue.
Which of theſe is moſt Uſeful, cannot eaſily be determined: And
as to Nobility or Superiority of Birth, which is ſometimes rec-
koned to make a Fourth Part in this Diviſion, we can look upon
it no otherwiſe, than as an Attendant upon Two of the above-
mentioned Qualifications, Wealth and Vertue. Hence it is, that
a Popular State is commonly ſaid to conſiſt of an even Mixture of
the Rich and Poor; whilſt a Fa£tion of the Rich and Wealthy ends
in an Oligarchy; and a juſt Mixture of all. Three, that is, of the
Rich, the Wiſe, and the Free, moſt commonly produces that
Form which is uſually called Ariſtocratical. The neareſt in Refem-
blance to this Form, was the Old Carthaginian Commonwealth, where-
in the greateſt Regard was always had to Wealth, Honeſty, Genius,
and Education. All the ſeveral kinds of Commonwealths, which
have been Eſtablished in the World, either by Uſe and Cuſtom,
or which have been ſet up and founded, by the Wiſdom and In-
duſtry of Philoſophers and Legiſlators, being thus fully enume-
rated and deſcribed by us ; the Diſcerning and Judicious may very
caſily diſcover, which of theſe kinds or Forms of Government is
the Beſt and moſt Eligible. All Orders of Men whatſoever are
naturally diſpoſed to extol and magnify their own Country, to
prefer that particular Eſtabliſhment, under which they were Born
and
CHAP. I. SENATOR
21
and Educated, to all others whatſoever, and to chuſe it before any
Foreign Scheme, or Conſtitution of the Neighbouring or Remote
Nations. Some there are, who are moſt Fond of a Regal State,
as being in their own Nature Generous and Heroick, and therefore
readily diſpoſed to give up the Supreme Power into the Hands of
a Single Perſon, eminent for his Vercue, and diſtinguiſhed by his
Actions and Exploits. The Cappadocians, who had lived under
Kingly Government for many Ages together, would by no means
accept of the Democratical Form, when it was offered them by the
Romans : And therefore Ariobarſanes was ſent to be their King,
and was voted the Friend and Ally of Rome. On che ocher hand,
the Athenians, who had been uſed to a Democratical or Free State,
could never be brought to ſubmit to the Government of a Few
Nobles, or of a Single Perſon. There are other Nations capa-
ble of ſubmitting to Tyranny, as particularly the Sicilians, whoſe
Government was of this ſort, or very near it: And with theſe
are to be reckoned moſt of the Aſiatick Nations, whoſe ſervile
Nature and Diſpoſition have all along kept, and ſtill keep them
in Subjection to Arbitrary and Tyrannick Dominion.
ge-
neral, That ſort of People (lays Ariſtotle) are beſt qualified for
Civil Empire or Policy, who out of a Senſe of their own Great
Actions and Exploits, their Glory and Renown in War, and mind-
ful of their own Honour and Dignity, are readily diſpoſed to take
their Turns, either of Dominion or Obedience. But let us now
purſue the Subject that is before us, and enquire in a more par-
ticular Manner, which of the ſeveral Political Forms and Syſtems
is the Beſt and moſt Eligible,
In geo
CH A P.
22
Book I.
The Accompliſh'd
CHAP. II.
1
The C O N T E N T S.
The Peripatetick Philoſophy recommended. Wherein Human Happi-
neſs confifts
. Of communicating our Happineſs to others. Of
Civil and Philoſophical Life. A mix'd Life, moſt truly Di-
vine. Plato's Account of the Formation of Mankind. Of the
Monarchical State. How Kings may be ſaid to be Gods of
the Ariſtocratical Form. How it differs from the Democratical,
or Popular Form. The Preference due to Monarchy and Ariſto-
cracy. How theſe Two Forms are to be Mixed or United. The
Glory and Advantages of this Union. What we are to under-
ſtand by the Word People. Of the Good Things belonging to a
Nation. The ſeveral Orders of Subjets. of Counſellors and
Soldiers. The Dignity of the Prieſthood,
HE ſeveral Writers and Obſervers upon the Nature of
Government, when they come to enquire after That
particular Form ·or Syſtem, which has the Preference
to all others, and is moſt Beneficial to Mankind, do in the firſt
place endeavour to know and find out, what kind of Life among
Men is to be eſteemed the Beſt. For unleſs this Preliminary
Queſtion be well and fully reſolved, all 'Enquiries after Good
Government and Policy are Vain and Fruitleſs, and amount to
no more than a Wild Wandering and Roving in the Dark, with-
out 'being able to find a Sure and Right Way to walk in. What
it is, that makes Human Life truly Good, and how this Bleſ-
ſing is to be attained, the Philoſophers are divided in their Opini.
On this Subject the Stoicks, Peripateticks, and Epicureans,
T
ons.
are
CHAP. IL SENATOR.
23
are at great Variance with each other, and have ſplit Mankind
into Sečts and Parties, and occaſioned great Differences, both in
Matters of Opinion, and in the Choice and Manner of Life.
We readily chuſe to follow the Peripatetick Order, out of whoſe
School have ariſen Men, moſt Perfect in the Knowledge of what
is really Good, and who to the Full Poſſeſſion of True Vertute
have added the Poſſeſſion of all other External Goods, as alike
neceſſary to Human Happineſs, and not only to make Life Per-
f:ct, but to grace and adorn it. Hence it is, that the Diſcipline
and Inſtitutions of the Peripateticks have been always found by
Experience to be of excellent Uſe, in ſecuring the Happineſs of
Mankind, and the Common Good of Societies.
We do not
however entirely diſagree with the Stoicks, who fond of an Ab-
ſtemious and Auſtere Way of Life, place all Happineſs in Vercue
only: And we agree with them, in what themſelves readily al-
low, that for the Sake of Vertue, External Goods are in them-
felves deſirable ; that they are Proviſions made by Nature and For-
tune, for the Uſe, and to ſerve the neceſſary Occaſions of Man-
kind; and that the Poſſeſſion of them is an Advantage in Life,
and adds to its Happineſs and Perfection. Fer ſince Happineſs
is to be numbered among the Perfections, and Nothing can be
Perfect, where there is any Defect; whoever would be truly Hap-
py, muſt endeavour to be ſo in the higheſt and moſt perfect De-
gree. Such a Man ought therefore to be Wiſe, Jult, Tempe-
rate, Brave, Rich, and Honourable; Handſome, and well made
in his Perſon ; and of a Sound, Healthy, and Robuſt Conſtitu-
ticn. Since now Man's Life is made Perfect by Happineſs
, and
ſince Man conſiſts of a Soul and a Body, it is neceſſary, that his
Happineſs ſhould extend to both theſe : For if there be any Thing
wanting, or any Defect in éither Part, the Whole Man cannot
poſlibly be ſaid to be perfectly and entirely Happy. Beſides, if
Happineſs conſiſts in the Attainment of Good Things, the Happy
Man
1
24
The Accompliſh'd
Воок І.
ܪ
it among
Man ought to abound in theſe External Goods ; and when he is
poſſeſſed of them, he ought to conſider, that he was not Born
for his own Sake only, and that it is his Duty, out of the Abun-
dance of his own Happineſs, to ſpread Abroad the Overplus of
his Fellow-Creatures, and (as Cicero adviſes) to beſtow
ſome upon his Country, ſome upon his Friends, and Parents; and
ſome upon his Relations, and Acquaintance. Among all theſe,
he ought to deal out a Share and Portion, not only of Juſtice
and Prudence, and the other Treaſures and Vertues of his Mind;
- but if he would really acquit himſelf as a Happy Man, of thole
other Good Things allo, which Nature produced and intended
for the Uſe and Benefit of Human Life. A Liberal Man muſt
have Wealth, in order to give Proofs of his Vertue, by Acts of
Liberality and Munificence. So muſt the Juſt Man, that he may
have it in his power to reward as well as puniſh: And the Tem-
perate Man ought to be entirely Free, and inveſted with Autho
rity: For without Power and Freedom, it can never be known,
whether he is really a Maſter of that Vertue, which is aſcribed to
him.
In the Opinion of the Beſt Philoſophers, there are Three Kinds
or Conditions of Life. **The Firſt is employed altogether in Ac-
tion; the Second in Conteniplation ; and the Third in the Purſuit
of Pleaſure. This laſt Sort, which is wholly taken up with the
Gratification of our Luſts and Unruly Appetites, is indeed the
Life of mere Bruces, or of the Scum and Dregs of Mankind,
who are little 'better than Brutes. The Firſt Kind of Life,
which is Converſant in Action, unleſs it be duly regulated by
Wiſdom and Vertue, is the Life of Fools, and often expoſed
to the greateſt Exceſſes of Vice and Wickedneſs : And in like
manner, the Second Sort of Life, which is wholly ſpent in mere
Speculation, is altogether Uſeleſs and Unprofitable
, unleſs it pro-
duce Fruits worthy of its Knowledge, and its Searches after Truch
are
CHAP. II. SENATO R.
25
are followed by a ſuitable Regularity in its Conduct and Actions.
For as he, who with a Conſtant, Fix'd, and Steady Eye, gazes
upon the Sun, in its full Splendor, will by its Exceſs of Light ſoon
be made Blind; ſo the Mind of Man, wholly intent upon itſelf,
and upon thoſe great and dazzling Secrets, which are lodged in, or
formed by it, will by degrees loſe all its Acuteneſs and Vigour,
and be at laſt buried in a State of Darkneſs and Stupefaction.
Whoever, therefore, reſolves to make Vertue the only Guide of his
Actions, and to preſerve Happineſs as the great End and Attain-
ment of Life, muſt give himſelf up entirely to both, as well the
Philoſophical Life, or Life of Contemplation, as the Civil Life, or
Life of Action. For a mix'd Life, made up and compounded
of theſe Two, is truly calculated for Bliſs and Happineſs, and
neareſt reſembles the Life of the Deity. He, who employs him-
ſelf in Divine Speculations, and furniſhes his Mind with the Beſt
and Nobleſt Knowledge, cannot but be very Dear to his Maker.
For whoever follows the Genuine Dictates of his own Mind and
Underſtanding, is moſt like the Deity, and muſt therefore be
beloved by him. Becauſe every Being naturally Loves and
Cleaves to his own Likeneſs.
They, who add Practice and A&tion to a Life of Theory and
Speculation, and are Juſt and Honeſt in all their Conduct, do
readily give into a Way of Exiſtence, perfectly Happy and Di-
vine : For without doubt, the Meaneſt of Mankind cannot but
know, that of all the Benefits and Bleſſings beſtowed upon them
by their Maker, the Greateſt and moſt Excellent is the Faculty
and Exerciſe of their Reaſon ; in the Strength of which we are
enabled to bring both Heaven and Earth within the Compaſs of
our own Knowledge, and to make an Acquaintance with the Deity,
and with the Way and Manner of Serving and Worſhipping him
aright. They therefore, who in Conformity with the Dignity of
their Nature, and by a Right Uſe of the Benefits conferred 012
E
theni,
26 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK I.
1
them, take care to improve the Divine Principle which is in them,
and as well by the Contemplation both of Human and Heavenly
Things, as alſo by a ſuitable Conduct and Behaviour, endeavour
to approach as near as poſſible to the Likeneſs and Reſemblance
of their Maker, and to excel in all thoſe Vertues, which are com-
mon both to Divine and Human Beings; Theſe Men ſeem to
be Born of God, and ought to be efteemed as Gods, among Men.
On the contrary, if they lofe their Humanity, and forget the
Dignity of their Nature; if they follow only their own Senſual
Appetites, and Stifle or Reſiſt their Nobler Power, and that Active
and Vigorous Principle, which is in them; they are no longer
Men, but only in Name and Shape, they become debaſed and
degenerare, and are quite fallen from the proper Station and Dig-
nicy of their Nature.
There being a plain Difference and Diſagreement in the Various
Tempers and Diſpoſitions of Mankind; ſo that ſome, by a Right
Ufe and Exerciſe of their Reaſon and Vertue, are entirely Free,
Noble, Ingenuous, and fitted for Empire and Command; whilſt
others are of an Abject, Rude, and Ruſtical Diſpoſition, and
feem deſtin'd to Obedience and Servicude: Hence it is, that
Every Commonwealth and Society of Men readily give up into the
Hands of the Wiſe and Prudent, all their Publick Offices, Ho-
nours, Dignities, and Power,;, and always behave towards them
with Submillion and Reſpect. 'Tis a Fine Obſervation of Plato's,
That in the Formation of Mankind, their Creator did not mix and
temper them all alike ; but made them of very different Ingredients
and Materials, in their compoſition. Gold, was the Chief In-
gredient that was made Uſe of, in the Formation of Men fit
for Power, and deſigned for Empire and Command: Whilſt the
Men beſt qualified to Execute their Commands, and to Succour
and Defend a State, were made of Silver: And the Husbandmen
and Mechanicks were chiefly formed of Braſs and Iron. This
Allegory
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
27
any ſuch
Allegory of Plato is by Ariſtotle applied to the ſeveral Tempers,
Diſpoſitions, and Vertues of Mankind.
Now, though every
Parent is deſirous, that his own Offspring ſhould be like himſelf
,
becaufe this Likeneſs ſerves tọ improve that Love, which is be-
tween Relations ; yet it often ſo happens, that a Golden Offspring
degenerates into Silver, and the Silver into Braſs and Iron. Whence
our Maker has particularly enjoined.all Parents, Princes, and Go-
vernors, that they should, above all other Things, make chem-
ſelves acquainted with the True Nature, Diſpoſition, and Incli-
nations of their Childoen, and take care, in their Education, to
purge out the Drofly Iron Particles, and pour in the Pureft Gold;
or if they find them Untractable, and Incapable of
Improvement, that they ſhould never ſuffer them to be entruſted
with Power and Dominion ; but give them up entirely into a
Private Life. Crantor, Xenocrates's Scholar, directs Men to dedi-
cate the Firſt Part of their Lives, to the Exerciſe of Vertue; the
Second, to the Improvement of their Healths; the Third, to the
Enjoyment of Lawful Pleaſures; and the Fourth, to the Acquiſi-
tion of Wealth and Riches. Withour. Vertue, Life is a State of
Infamy; and without Health, it is a State of mere Weakneſs and
Childhood. For the Soul, in a Sick or Infirm Body, droops
and languiſhes, and is unable to perform içs proper. Offices aright.
Whence it is, that the wiſeft Legiſlators have always taken care to
provide for the Health of all their Subjects in private Life, by
Salutary Laws and Edicts, enforcing Temperance, and forbidding
Luxury. For in the Private Happineſs of the Subjects, .conſiſts
the General and Publick Happineſs of the Commonwealth.
We are now to enquire, with which of the Three abovemen-
tioned Forms of Government, this Beſt, Happieſt, and moſt Hea-
venly Condition of Life, is 'moſt-agreeable ; and after this En-
quiry is once finiſhed, it may be eaſily known, which is the Beſt
and
E.2
-
28
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
and moſt Eligible Form of Government; and we ſhall be able to
trace ic by its own Native Beauties and Excellence.
In Monarchical States, where the Government is in the Hands
of a Single Perſon, fuperior Vertue, and the Glory and Renown
of good and great Actions, are the ordinary Inducements, by
which Men are directed to look up to one ſingle Perſon, more
Excellent than the reſt, to make him cheir King, and cloache
him (as it were) widi Divine Power and Authority; having an
Eye to the well-known Proverb; Dowwell, and Thou shalt be
King. Such a Governor, who is ſuperior to his Subjects in Ver-
cue, as well as Power, will exerciſe his Dominion over the People
wich Juſtice and Equity; and treat all under him, not as a Lord
does his Slaves and Vallals, but as a father does his Children. The
Athenians (as we are told by Demoſthenes, in his Oration againſt
Neara) when their State was firſt modelled and founded by The-
feus, had a Right of chuſing their own King, by holding up their
Hands, and always made Choice of the moſt worthy and excel-
lent Perſon. . Among all the Nations of the World, the Election
of a King was heretofore accounted a Sacred or Religious Solem-
nity, wherein the People reſorted to Divine Auſpices and Omens,
for the Direction and Approbation of their Choice. Romulus was
elected by the People upon the fudden and extraordinary Appear-
ance of cwelve Vulturs, as we are told by Livy; or, as Diony-
fius aſſures us, at the Hearing of a great Clap of Thunder, was
elected and folemnly inaugurated King of the Romans. Which
People had a Law among them, That no Man ſhould be admit-
ted to the higheſt or any other great Office in the State, without
conſulting the Gods; and it was a Maxim all along maintained
by the Romans, that the Augurial Solemnity, or Right of Aus-
picy, was of Sacred and Divine Authority. Homer and Iſocrates
both
agrece
in the Maintenance of this Truth; That the Sove-
reignty or Supreme Power in every Kingdom is of Divine Au-
thority
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
29
thority and Inſtitution ;. and that every Monarch does in ſome
meaſure reſemble the Divine Majeſty. The Perſians look'd upon
their Kings to be as ſo many Gods; and were perſuaded that Monar-
chical Majeſty was the Tutelar Deity of the Commonwealth. And
accordingly the Old Latins call'd their Kings by the Name and
Title of Indigetes, and look'd upon them as a Lower Order of
Gods made out of Men or Heroes. Such, for Inſtance, were Æneas.
and Romulus, whoſe Bodies, the Remains of their Mortality, were
no where to be found. The Riglit of electing Kings was veſted
in, and belong'd only to ſuch of the People, who were eminenc
for their Goodneſs and Love of Liberty. Such only who ſtood
poffels’d of this high Character, were look'd upon as the pro-
pereſt Perſons to call thoſe Kings to an Account, who were de-
clared Enemies to Vertue; and to execute Vengeance upon Tyrants.
The Old Law of the God we worſhip, directs what Manner of King.
ſhould be choſen, and qualifies ſuch Men only for the Thrones
who are’eminently Good and Righteous, and Obedient in all things
to the Will and Law of their Maker. Thoſe Nations, which
are govern'd by Kings, in an unalterable and uninterrupted Suc-
ceſſion, are in the Judgment of us Polanders) either ſuch, whoſe
People were heretofore of a barbarous and ſavage Diſpoſition, or
much addicted to Tumults and Seditions: And of theſe we now
ſee many ſtill labouring under the heavy Yoke of abſolute Do-
minion and Tyranny. Ariſtocracy, or the Government of a few
Nobles or Worthics, conſiſts entirely of Men eminently Ver-
cuous, Popular, and Renowned for thoſe excellent Qualities, in
which they ſhine and abound; and by which they rule and
vern, ſo as to deſerve the Character of good and wiſe Men; ſtill
making the Precepts of Vertue, and the Laws of their own Country,
the Sole Rule and Meaſure of their Adminiſtration.
But now
in Popular States, Things are quite otherwiſe : For ſince Liberty
is the only great End and Deſign of this ſort of Government,
in
:-
go-
30
The Accompliſh'd Book 1.
.
in which all Things are managed and directed at the Will and
Pleaſure of the Multitude, and ſubject to their violent and un-
certain Humours; for theſe Reaſons, there is in ſuch a Stare very
little Regard. had to Vertue and Right Reaſon. For in every
Government of this kind, thoſe Men only are reckoned Good
Subjects, who ſerve to aggrandize the Publick ; -though in Mat-
ters of Private Life, they are neither Truly Honeft, nor have any
Regard to: Verque in their Actions and Conduct: And it is not
mere Honeſty, but Gain and Profit, and the Maintenance of
Publick Liberty, which are in their Opinion the Full Meaſure and
Standard of Political Vertue. It is the common Right of every
fuch State, that all Dignity is to be obtained by Numbers, and a
Prevailing Majority. They never reckon Juſtice by the Truth and
Reality of Good Actions, but by Popular Vote and Opinion ; and
they look upon every Thing to be Honeſt, which is in Vogue,
and extolled by the Multitude. So that if the Precepts and Of-
fices. of Vertue are ſometimes perverted and fet alide in every
other Kind of Government, yet this is oftner, and much more
commonly the Caſe in Democracies, or Popular States. Among
the People under this Form of Government, when there is here
and there a good Man found, who has an honourable Contempo
of Low and Vulgar Life, and may now and then take upon
him to Admoniſh, Cenſure, and Reprove his Fellow-Citizens,
when they go aſtray, and are in che wrong.; and ſhall attempt to
réform, and bring them back into the Right Paths of Honeſty;
ſuch a one will be ſoon looked upon as an Enemy to Publick
Liberty, and may perhaps expoſe himſelf to Reproaches, Igno-
miny, and Oſtracifon, and be at laſt puniſhed with Death. In
many of the Greek Republicks, ſuch heretofore was the Fate of
many of their Beſt and Greateſt Men, as of Cymon, Ariſtides,
Thucydides, Socrates; Themiſtocles, Damon; and among the Romans,
of Camillus, Scipio, and many others. The Caſe of Ariſtides is
very
1
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
31
very Remarkable, and worthy che Notice of Poſterity. This
Great, this Wiſe, and Vertuous Man, by the Integrity of his
Life, and by his Perfect and Unſullied Honeſty, had very deſerved-
ly obtained the Glorious Surname, or Title, of Juft. Upon a
Day, when the Athenians had appointed a Publick Aſſembly, for
the enforcing and executing the Law of Oſtraciſm, a common
Boor or Ruſtick, entirely Ignorant of Letters, came up to him
in the Forum, and in great Halte, and with much Earneſtneſs, in-
created him to write down Ariſtides's Name in a Shell, which he
then offered him, being of the ſame Sort with thoſe, on which
the Sentences of Oſtraciſm were uſually inſcribed. Ariſtides was
aſtoniſhed, and asked the Fellow, what Harm Ariſtides had done
him, or his Country? None, (replied the Boor) neither do I fo
much as know the -Man; but it is intolerable, he should take upon
hip
the Name of Juſt, or be Thought a better Man than the reſt of his
Neighbours. Of much the lame Mind were the People of Ephe-
Jus, when, as we are told by Cicero, they baniſhed Hermodorus,
one of their Princes, and drove him out of their Cicy, with this
Sentence in their Mouths, Let no Män amongſt us pretend to more
Excellence than his Brethren : Whoever does ſo, let him be
another City, and another people. A worthy Principle this, and
well becoming a Popular, or Mob-Government ! So true is the
abovenientioned Saying of Plato, who declares every State to be
Short-lived, the Conſtitution of which is chiefly made
up
of Braſs
and Iron, or in which Fools and abject Wrecches, deſigned by
Nature for Servitude, rather than for Empire, have the Sole Power
and Authority. A People of this Temper and Diſpoſition, when
their Spirits are ſet on Float, and they are fluſhed and elated by
any unexpected Succeſs in War, do very eaſily give themſelves
up to be flattered and allured by thoſe, whom they have made
their Leaders and Conductors in any Warlike and Succeſsful Ex-
pedition; who loudly harangue them, upon the Glory of their
Arms,
gone to
a
-
32 The Accompliſh'd
Воок І.
*
re
Arms, and the Greatneſs of their Verţue; extol them to the
Stars, and taking them in the Humour, and in the Critical Sea-
ſon, when, perhaps, from a Low and' Inconſiderable Eſtate, they
are Riſen on a Sudden, and as it were'Gluteed and made Drunk
with Renown, do by degrees állure and prevail upon them, to
depoſe their former Governors, Men perhaps of the Beſt Cha-
racters, for Wiſdom and Conduct; and then thruſt themſelves for-
ward into their Places, and when they are Maſters of Power,
exerciſe it in the moſt“Arbitrary Manner, and know no other Law,
but their own:Will and Pleaſure. Hence it is, that every Go-
vernment of this Sort is very ſeldom of any long Duration. A
People divided in their Opinions and Sentiments, and void of
Wiſdom and good Counſ-l, are eaſily ſplit and crumbled into Par-
ties and Factions; and after long Broils and Contentions, are as
eaſily delivered up into the Hands of a Few, or of a Single Lord
and' Maſter. Thus the People of Athens, when they had obtain-
ed a Great and Signal Victory at Sea over the Medes, were ſo
tranſported and infatuated with their Succeſs, that they ſoon flung
their State, by Tumults and Seditions, into the utmoſt Diſorder
and Confuſion, in ſpite of all the Endeavours of their Beſt and
Wiſeſt Citizens to the contrary. Such Tumults and Seditions are
- very often the Riſe and Origin of Popular Governments : Thus.it
fared with the Romans, in their ſeveral -Struggles and Contentions,
boch with their Kings and Senates. Sometimes Popular Govern-
ments owe their Riſe to the Ambition and Cunning of a Few;
when taking Advantage of the vain-glorious and high-ſpirited
Temper of a People, they puſh themſelves into Power, and at laft
ſeize upon -the "Liberties of a Nation. This (as we have already
obſerved) was in Fact the Caſe of the Carthaginians, at the Time
of their vanquiſhing the Medes; and of the Romans, Toon after
- their Conqueſt of Carthage. Sometiir,es a People
, juſtly provo-
ked and irritated by the Tyranny and Uſurpations of their Kings,
take
;
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
33
take upon themſelves the undoubted Right of vindicating their
own Liberties ; and by a well-formed Conſpiracy, or by open
Arms, ſhake off the Yoke, drive out their Lords and Maſters,
and take the Government entirely into their own Hands : And
this was very lately, and within our own Memory, the Caſe of
the Helvetick Cantons. A Popular Government, when it is well
fortified and ſecured by Good Laws, and theſe Laws are duly Ex-
ecuted, may be reckoned conſiſtent enough with the Strict Rules
of Juſtice and Good Policy : But Mob-Governments, which have
no Regard either to Law or judgment, do by no means deſerve
the Name of Regular and Well-ſettled Commonwealths. Of Oli-
garchies and Tyrannick Empires, I have little to ſay; becauſe theſe
Sorts of Government are founded in Injuſtice, and in direct Oppo-
ſition to the Rules and Inſtitutes of Publick Vercue, of Civil
Life, and Common Honeſty.
In all our Enquiries after the Beſt Conſtituted and moſt Per-
fect Form of Government, and what is the moſt Excellent of all
other National Settlements, there are Three Things to be confi-
dered, and chiefly attended to; and theſe are, Authority, Law,
and Liberty. For thoſe Governments well deſerve the Preference,
in which there is all imaginable Regard had to Juſtice and Liberty:
And the greater ſtill is their Glory, the longer and the more firmly
and conſtantly they remain Fix'd and Immovable, and Well-con-
firnied in the continual Practice and Exerciſe of theſe Verrues,
which alone are ſufficient to give a People the Character and Re-
putation of Nobilicy and Antiquity. It was the particular Glory
of the Lacedemonians, that they remained without any. Alteration,
in their Manners and Cuſtoms, in their Laws and Conſtitucions,
or in the Form of their Government, for Seventy Years together :
And
a much
greater Share of the ſame Glory juſtly belongs to
the Commonwealth of Venice; which State has, for cheſe Ten Centu-
F
ries
34
The Accompliſhid
Воок І.
ries laſt paſt, remained unaltered and unſhaken, and without any
viſible or material Change in its Conſtitution.
The Deſign of our having been ſo very particular in tracing
and deſcribing the ſeveral Forms of Government, and the Nature
of the People, who are in Subjection to cach of them, was no
other than This; That we might be thereby convinced of the Supe-
rior Excellency of the Monarchical and Ariſtocratical Forms, as be-
ing juſtly Preferable to all other Forms whatſoever. The Latter of
which is truly Excellent, becauſe the Beſt and Wiſeſt Men in it are
entruſted with the higheſt Offices, and have the Adminiſtration of
Publick Affairs put entirely into their Hands. And the Former
is ſo too, becauſe it ſets up Reaſon as a Queen over all, and unites
the Hearts and Minds of its Subjects in one common Principle,
the Good of the Publick; with a View to which the Beſt and moſt
Excellent of Subjects is ſingled out and honoured above all the
reſt, and the Supreme Power committed entirely to his Carc.
Under theſe Two Forms of Government, Human Life appears to
the beſt Advantage, and ſhines out with the greateſt Luſtre and
Dignity: Such a Life, as truly denominates not only Private Per-
ſons, but Publick Societies happy. Some have been of Opinion,
that the Beſt-fettled Conſtitutions conſiſt of Three Orders or De-
grees of Men in Power; and accordingly, that the Lacedæmonian
State was well formed and conſtituted, becauſe all Power therein
was divided between a Single Perſon or King, a Senate or Body of
Nobles, and the People repreſented by their Ephori
, who were Elected
by and out of their own Body. Polybius excols the Roman Govern-
ment above all others whatſoever, becauſe it conſiſted of King, Se-
nate, and people: Three Powers, ſo well tempered and mingled
together, that the King could not Ay out into Tyrannick Inſolence,
for fear of the People; nor the People deſpiſe or inſult their King,
for fear of the Senate: Which Sort of Government hath been ever
reputed, and with very good Reaſon, to be the beſt Conſticured
and
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
35
and moſt Excellent. For as it is in Muſick, either Vocal or In-
ſtrumental, where a Multitude and Variety of diſtinct and diffe-
rent Notes are put together, in order to make Juſt and True Con-
cord: So from an Agreement between the Upper, Middle, and
Lower Orders of Mankind, ariſes (as Cicero ſpeaks) That True
Political Concord, which anſwers to Harmony in Sounds, and which
is cemented and held together, by what it naturally produces,
the common Good and Welfare of the Society.
This Form then, and Conſtitution of a Republick, we do
readily preferr to all others, which naturally produces the Beſt and
moſt Vercuous Subjects; and wherein the Three Orders of King,
Senate, and People, have all the Power committed entirely to their
Care. Above all Things it is to be wiſhed, that the King, by his
Actions and Conduct, would ſet an Example of Vertue and
Goodneſs to all his Subjects, would be directed by the Counſels
and Advice of his Senate, and conform to the Laws of his Coun-
try in every Thing. For the Law is the Publick Reaſon and
Senſe of the Community, and whoever obeys the Law, does at
the ſame Time obey his Creator too: For God is Reaſon itſelf,
and the Firſt Great Intelligence of the Univerſe. By the Exam-
ple of their King, the Senators ought alſo, in like Manner,. to
be ſtrictly Good and Vertuous ; becauſe they are to ſtand be-
tween King and People, and by their Deliberations and Advice,
to cake care from time to time, that the Safety and Welfare of
the Coinmonwealth may be always duly provided for, and firmly
eſtabliſhed. Counſel and Judgment, and Authority, are the
Sum of that Power, which is lodged in their Hands. Every
Good King will conſider them as his Boſom and Faithful Coun-
ſellors, always in readineſs to direct him with their Advice, and
to aſſiſt him with their Strength. Whence every ſuch King is
faid to have many Hands, Eyes, and Feet, continually about
him, and ever ready to be employed in his Service, upon any
great
F2
--
36
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
great or ſudden Emergence. There is almoſt a Divine, or at leaſt
ſomething more than a mere Human Capacity, required in That
Man, who ſingly and alone, or in the Conceit and Opinion of
his own Abilities, rafhly ventures upon the Adminiſtration of all
the Publick Affairs, and Intereſts of a Nation. But where there
are many Counſellors and Adviſers, upon every Publick Emer-
gence and Undertaking; and what they dictate and adviſe, is
Ieft to the King, or to a Single Perſon, to tranſact and put in
Execution ; there is the greateſt and ſureſt Proſpect of Succeſs.
Whoever depends on his own Private Opinion, and affects to be
Singular in his Judgment, is rather' Proud and Raſh, than truly
Wife. The Counſels and Decrees of many are of
great Service to
the Publick, when they are put into the Hands of a King, or Sin-
gle Perſon, to Execute them; but if
but if many Hands are entruſted
with the Execution of them, all ſuch Undertakings are conimon-
ly Vain and Unſucceſsful. When a Maſter gives out an Order or
Command to many Servants at once, he only puts them in a
Hurry and Confuſion, and will have Nothing done, or Nothing
done as it ſhould be : But his Buſineſs ſhall be well and ſoon diła
patched, when once he pitches upon a Single Perſon, fit to un-
dertake it. Juſt ſo it is in the Affairs of Government; where,
when many are empowered to execute, what many have adviſed,
they only lie upon the Watch, and ſtand at Gaze on each other ;
no one will undertake, what is the Buſineſs of All; and thus the
Publick Offices come to be neglected, and the Buſineſs of a State
to go backward, or to lie Unfiniſhed, and in Confuſion. A Mul-
titude of Rulers is (according to the Proverb) a Publick Griev-
Let there be only One King, and with him, let all the Execu-
tive Power be Entruſted.
In the Conſtitution of Human Bodies, the Separation of the
Head and Heart, is ſure and immediate Death : And in the Body
Politick, a Separation between King and Senate, is proportionably
Dangerous;
ance.
CHAP. II. SENATO R.
37
Dangerous ; is always followed with Civil Diſcord, Diſſenſion,
and Confuſion, and eaſily brings on the Ruin and Overthrow of
a Government. Of the Two Powers, the Senatorial may poſſibly be
reckoned the moſt Beneficial to the Publick, becauſe it conſtant-
ly ſupplies both King and People, with good and wholſome Coun-
lel and Advice. In the Animal Life, the Heart is of the greateſt
Uſe, becauſe it gives Strength and Vigour to the Head, which is
the Seat of the Rational or Intelligent Faculty: And the Heart is
the Reſemblance of the Senatorial Order. But then the King is
alike Uſeful, becauſe, by taking the Advice of his Senate, he makes
their Wiſdom his own, and in the Strength of it, governs the
whole Body, juſt as Reafon governs the whole Man; though noc
without the Proper Informations and Aſſiſtance borrowed from
the Senſes, on which account it is more Noble than them all. A
King therefore, who will be under the Direction of his Senate, and
collect together within himſelf the united Wiſdom of a Great and
Wiſe Body, and govern by the Rules and Dictates of it, muſt be
truly Perfect in Reaſon, in Counſel, and in Diſcipline, and far
Superior to the mix'd Multitude and Maſs of People, over whom
he preſides
. Such a Monarch cannot but govern wiſely, and with
the moſt Conſummate Prudence: Becauſe he never relies on his
own Private Opinion, which may often vary, and lead him into
Errors; but on the Common Reaſon, and United Counſel of his
Senate, by which his own Private Reaſon is made Perfect :- And,
whatever Governors are under this Direction, ought really to be
conſidered and eſteemed as Gods upon Earth. As the Hand, the
Emblem of Strength, is divided into Fingers, and by this Partition
is made ſtronger and fitter for any Manual or Mechanick Opera-
tion; ſo, in the Adminiſtration of Publick Affairs, a Single Ruler
or Governor receives double Strength and Aſſiſtance, from a Select
Number of Faithful Senators and Counſellors. Every Man has
his own particular Talents, and no one Man is equal to all the
Affairs
-
>
38
The Accompliſhd Воок І.
Affairs and Offices of Publick Life. The Macedonian Alexander
could with a ſmall Force fubdue great Armies : Pyrrhus was an
cxcellent Camp-Maſter : Hannibal often Victorious, but never able
to make a Right Uſe of his Victories : Philopæmen was efteemed a
Good Commander at Sea, and Cleon at Land: Cicero excelled as an
Orator, Pompey as a General, and Cato as a Senator : Scipio was
truly Great in Boch theſe Characters; and many others have had
their Proper and Peculiar Excellence: For according to the Proverb,
Every Man is a Roſcius upon his own Scage, or a Maſter of his
own Art. We heartily wiſh, that in our Commonwealth, the Or-
der or Body of the People, who have a Share or Part in the Go-
vernment, did really..conſiſt of Men, Well-born and Bred, and
throughly Converſant in the Knowledge and Practice of every
Vercue : And that the. Bulk of them were fit to take the Second
Place, and come next in Order toche Ariſtocratical or Senatorial
Dignity. For then in Fact, the Body of the People would make
a Seminary, or Nurſery of Men, well qualified to appear in the
Senate, and to Execute all the Magiſterial Offices in the State :
There being 110 other Difference between the Magiſtrates and the
People, but this ; That the Former, on account of their Experi-
ence and Vertue, are advanced 10.a Higher Station and more Ho-
nours; whilſt the Latter, that is the People under them, are alike
employed in the ſeveral Offices of Civil and Private Life, and in
Acts of Obedience towards their Superiors.
By the Word People, I do not mean a Mixd Mulcitude of
Ruſticks, Boors, and Mechanicks, che Mob and Rabble, the
Scum and Lees of a Country; but a Regular Body of Citizens
and Subjects, generous by Birth, civilized by Education, and
every way duly qualified to fill the Publick Offices of a State,
whenever they ſhall be legally Invited and Advanced thereto. For
ſince we have all along undertaken to treat only of ſuch a Form
of Government, as was the Beſt and moſt Excellent in its Kind;
ſince
1
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
39
ſince That Government is certainly the Beſt, in which the People
are moſt Happy; and ſince Vertue is the Cauſe and Foundation
of all Happineſs; it muſt neceſſarily follow, that every good Go-
vernment ought to be well furniſhed with a Set of Men, by their
Nature and Diſpoſition well-turned and qualified for the Prac-
tice of Vertue and Honeſty, and for the Enjoyment of True
Happineſs. For this Reaſon it is, that we Polanders exclude all Me-
chanick, Mercantile, and Servile People, from any Share in the
Government of the Commonwealth, as being an Order of Men
perfectly Degenerate, and funk in the Dregs of Low Life, and
utterly unacquainted with the Knowledge and Practice of true so-
lid Vertue. "But ſtill, as unqualified as they may really ſeem to
be, for any Publick. Truſt or Office, becauſe they are wholly taken
up with Employments altogether unfit for, and unworthy of a Ge-
nerous and Free Temper and Diſpoſition of Mind, they are Uſe-
ful to the Publick, as they are the Strength and Force of the So-
ciety; and on account of their Hardineſs and Numbers, are very
fic to be Employed in the Defence of it. Conſtantine the Emperor
took care, by a particular Law, or Publick Edict, to keep out all
Mercantile Subjects, and thoſe of the Lower Order of the Popu-
lace, from any Place or Office in the Government. For Cities
were Originally founded, and Societies inſtituted, not ſo much
for the sake of thoſe Men, who by their Employments are barely
neceſſary to ſupport Human Life, as for the sake of Thoſe, who
by their Wiſdom, Vertue, and Integrity, Bleſs and Adorn it. And
yet ic is by no means Juſt and Right, that thoſe of this Loweſt
Order of Men ſhould be looked upon with Contempt, or ex-
poſed to Diſgrace or Miſery, by Oppreſſion or Malcreatment :
Neither is it for the Peace or Welfare of the Publick, to make
them Deſperate, and leave them without any Hopes, or Proſpect
of Riſing to Wealth or Honour. For their Merit is, that the
Heavieſt Toils and Publick Burdens lie wholly upon them, and
without
40
The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
without them no Government can be of any long Continuance.
There are certain Offices and Honours in the State, fit to be be-
ſtowed upon them, and to be made the Incitements to their Ver-
tue, and the Rewards of it.
So that among them too, as well
as among the Noble and Generous, there ſhould be always an En-
couragement to Excel, and a proper Price ſet before them, either
..of Profit or Honour, to ſpur them on to Vertue, and to requite-
their Labours, and Services done to the Publick.
Ariſtotle, and his Maſter Plato, do both agree in reckoning up
the ſeveral good Things, by the Abundance of which a City or
Scate is preſerved, and without which it muſt inevitably come to
Ruin. Theſe good Things may be reduced to Six ſeveral Heads.
Under the Firſt are ranged, all Proviſions or Conſumables, neceſ-
ſary to the Support of Human Life ; and theſe are furniſhed by
the Husbandman and the Shepherd. Under the Second, are con-
cained all Arts and Mechanick Employments, in Uſe among Man-
kind, for the ſupplying them with Proper Conveniencies, as clie
Cloathing of their Bodies, and the Providing of ſuch other Necef-
ſaries, as ſerve to the Maintenance and Well-being of our own Spe
cies : And theſe are dealt out to us, by the ſeveral Handicrafts and
Mechanicks of a Nation. Under the Third Head are comprized
Arms, Ammunition, and all kinds of Military Stores. For in
caſe of any Foreign Attempt and Invaſion, or in order to ſup-
· preſs any Inteſtine Commotions and Inſurrections, it is abſolutely
neceffary, that every Stare ſhould have a Well-diſciplined Force al-
Ways in Readineſs, to keep Peace and Quier at home, andito Pro-
tect and Defend the Liberties of a Country, againſt the Hoſtile
Incurſions of its Neighbours. Under the Fourth Head, may be
reckoned Money and Treaſure, neceſſary for the Support both of
the Civil and Military Eſtabliſhment. Under the Fifth, the Care of
Religion, and the Adminiſtration of Publick Worſhip. And un-
der the Sixth Head are to be reckoned, Counſel and Juſtice, boch
for
ko
!
CHAP. II SENATO R.
41
to,
for the Well-ordering and good Government of the Publick, and
for preventing and ſuppreſſing all Manner of Wrong, Violence,
and Iniquity ; and the reſtraining of the Diſorderly and Wicked,
by proper Penalties and Puniſhments, from living by Rapine, and
in Contempt of the Laws, and from Acts of Violence, Injuſtice,
and Oppreſſion. Hence it is plain, that every State, or Body Po-
litick, may be very commodiouſly divided into Six Sorts or Or-
ders of Men; Husbandmen, Mechanicks, Traders, Soldiers, Prieſts,
and Judges, or Counſellors
. Of theſe Six, the Three Firſt are by
no means duly qualified to take upon them, or to be admitted
any High Truſt, or Office of Power in the State. They are nei-
ther Born to, nor Deſigned for, Government; but are a mix’d
Mulcitude, intended for Labour, and to ſupply the Lower and Ser-
vile Functions and Offices of Life. To make a Nation truly Hap-
py, it muſt be furniſhed with a Sett of Men, Generous by Birth,
of a Free and Liberal Education, and at leiſure to Study and Im-
prove themſelves in Uſeful Knowledge. For ſuch only are fit to
Preſide in the State, and to make a Country Happy : Whilſt the
Mob and Populace have no Opportunity of atcaining theſe necef-
ſary Accompliſhments, and are altogether of a Sordid and Servile
Nature. The Two Orders of Men, who have the Beſt Precenſions
to Power and Authority in a Government, are Soldiers and
Counſellors. For ſince there are Two Seaſons, which have their
due and alternate Influence upon every Country, a Time of Peace,
and a Time of War; it is certainly Right and Juſt, that thoſe
Men, who are alike Serviceable to the State, as well by Defend-
ing it in Times of War, as by Adminiſtring to the Good Govern-
ment of it in Times of Peace, ſhould be eſteemed as the Beſt and
moſt Uſeful Subjects, and be promoted to the Higheſt Truſts and
Offices therein. Every Nation, in a State of War, is beſt pre-
ſerved by Valour; and in a State of Peace, by Counſel: And there-
fore. Counſellors and Soldiers are the fitteſt Perſons to be entruſted
G
with
42
The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
Whilſt their El-
with Power; becauſe they are chiefly concerned and employed both
in the Defence and Good Government of che Society. To that
Order of the People, properly ſo called, belongs the Right of chu-
ting their Magiſtrates, and all other Privileges neceſſary for the
Preſervation of Publick Liberty, and the Promotion of the Com-
mon Happineſs; not to the whole Order in general, but to a Se-
lect Number of Men, of diſtinguiſhed Vertues and Abilities. The
Youth of a Nation are fitteſt to be employed in its Armies and
Forces, on account of their Health and Vigour, the Strength of
ders are beſt qualified for Magiſtracy, and the Publick Offices; be-
cauſe the greateſt Wiſdom and good Conduct is to be expected from
their Mature Age and Experience. It is a neceſſary Conſequence,
ariſing from this ordinary Diſtribution of the Publick Offices and
Places of Truſt in any Government, that the Common Good is
no where ſo well provided for, nor the Magiſtracy fo well execu-
ted, as when the Elders and moſt Prudent among the People are
advanced to the Higheſt Poſts of Honour and Authority; without
doing any Injury to thoſe Beneath them; who, by reaſon of their
Youth and Inexperience, are not as yee arrived at the ſame Merit
and Dignity.
Of all the Orders of Men, which we have hitherto recounted
and deſcribed, the moft Excellent is the Prieſthood, or That Order
of Men, whoſe Buſineſs and Duty' it is, to attend upon, and to
a 'miniſter in things Sacred and Divine. The Prieſthood was ever
held in the Higheſt Efteem and Veneration, on the account of the
Dignity and Excellence of this Holy Office. Among the Old
Eg yptians, their King was not permitted to enter upon the Exer-
cile of his Power, without the Conſent of the Prieſthood. i 'It was
a Principal Part of their Office, to make Oblations, and offer up
Sacrifices to the Gods, for the Safety and Proſperity of the People :
And to implore the Bleſſing of Heaven, and draw down from the
Divine
1
i.
P
CHAP. II.
SENATOR.
43
Divine Bounty all the Good Things neceſſary to the Happineſs of
the Commonwealth in general, and of every Private Subject and
Member thereof. Hence it was, that when Alcibiades was publick-
ly condemned by the Athenians, and Part of his Sentence was, That
He ſhould be openly curſed by choſe of both Sexes, then in the
Prieſthood; one of the Prieſteſſes very bravely refuſed to join in this
Office, alledging, That the Prieſthood was inſtituted only to Bleſs,
and to offer up Holy and Righteous Prayers, and not to pour out
Wicked and Unjuſt Execrations. Plato, in his Commonwealth, makes
it a Standing Law, That the Election of every Prieſt was to be left
entirely to God, and this Election to be decided by caſting of Lots :
That before a Candidate was admitted to the Deciſive Tryal, he
ſhould be firſt ſtrictly examined, whether he were perfect and
well formed in his Perſon, without Defect, and without Blemiſh;
a Freeman, Well-born and Educated, and of a Generous or No-
ble Deſcent, taken out of a worthy Family, and the iſſue of Good
and Honeſt Parents ; and whether he were pure from all Imputa-
tion of Blood, and not polluted by any of thoſe Vices, which
never fail to obſtruct the Due Performance and Efficacy of all Di-
vine Offices. Plato further ordained, Thar no Prieſt ſhould con-
tinue any longer in the Performance of Divine Worſhip, than for
one Year only: And that no one ſhould be admitted to this Holy
Office, till he was Sixty Years of Age. Theſe, and many other
Rules and Precepts of this Great and Wiſe Philoſopher, relating to
the Prieſtoood, ſeem to have been dictated to him by Divine Re-
velation : And we may eaſily believe, that he borrowed them nor
from the School of Socrates, but from the Inſtitutions and Diſci-
pline of Moſes. For he had much of his Education from the Prieſts
of Eg ypt, and their Opinions and Sentiments are ofren mingled
and interſperſed with his works. So that his Sayings are looked
upon, as more than Human, and himſelf is often called the Di-
vine. Ariſtotle ſets up a Sore of Holy and Sacred Magiſtracy,
diſtinct
G
44 The Accompliſh'd
Воок І.
diſtinct from the Secular and Political Adminiſtration, and corn-
mits it entirely to the Care of ſuch Men, who are grown old,
and have behaved well in the Service of their Country. For ſince
the Worſhipping of our Maker is the great indiſpenſable Duty of eve-
ry Citizen and Subject, and ſince we have made it plainly appear,
that every Socicty conſiſts chiefly of Two, ſeveral Orders of Men,
which are Soldiers and Counſellors, and that no Servile Mechanick,
or Trading Subject, nor any of the Vulgar and Sordid Multitude,
ought to be admitted into the Order of the Prieſthood; it remains,
that only the Military and Civil Officer are duly qualified to re-
ceive this High Honour, and even they too are not to be inveſted
with it, till by the Maturity of their Age, and after an Entire
Conqueſt over their Fleſhly Luſts and Paſſions, they are fitted for
the Service of the Altar, and qualified to intermeddle in Affairs,
which are altogether of a Pure and Heavenly Nature. It is but
jult, that They, who in the Flower of their Youth, have expended
their Strength and Vigour in the Service of the State, and are fix-
ed and worne out with the Load and Hurry of Worldly Buſineſs,
ſhould Retire, and be at Eaſe in the Sacerdotal Office, and make the
Altar their Reſting-Place, and the Sanctuary of their Old Age.
With ſuch Men therefore as theſe are, the Care of Holy Things,
and the Offices of Religion ought moſt certainly to be entruſted.
I paſs by the Atheiſtical Opinion of ſome Philoſophers, concerning
a merely Political Prieſthood, and the Wild Notions of Others, noc
altogether ſo wicked as the Former, but yet widely differing from
us, who have the True God, and his Worſhip, Religion, and
Prieſthood, happily made known to us. What I have borrowed
upon
theſe Subjects from the Schools of the Philoſophers, was in-
tended for no other purpoſe, but to bring us acquainted with the
Ancient State of Religion ; and to thew us, how Sincere and Di-
ligent even the Pagans were, in the Worſhip of their Maker.
have no Deſign to enquire, by whom and in what manner, all Elec-
tions
--
CHAP. II. SENATOR
45
tions to the Prieſthood are to be managed and decided, in the
Church and Nation to which we belong: But I ſhall ſpeak freely
of che PretenGons of the Prieſthood, to intermeddle in Secular At-
fairs, and to be preferred and advanced in the State. It is enough
evident, that their Order was originally inſtituted by our Bleſled
Saviour JESUS CHRIST, the Sole Author of all Good to us,
and our Great and Only Lawgiver, who, from the Firſt and Earlieſt
Times, was himſelf a Prieſt after the Rules, and of the Order of
Melchifedech, whereby he became the Head and Founder of an
Everlaſting Prieſthood : Than which Order therefore, no other what-
Toever, either in Heaven or on Earth, can be more truly Noble,
Sacred, Excellent, and Divine. For to them he has committed
the Promulgation of his Laws, the Diſpenſation of his Holy Rites
and Myſteries, and the Denunciation of his Decrees and Judg-
ments; making them as it were his Vicars upon Earth, and Par-
takers of his own Divine Authority. Hence it is, that the Gover-
nors of every Well-conſtituted Commonwealth have always thought it
Juſt and Neceſſary, as well as Beneficial to the Publick, to take in
the Prieſthood as their Companions in Power, and Partners in the
Adminiſtration of Government. And for this there is very good
Reaſon: For what can be more for the Dignity and Advantage of
a State, or conduce more effectually to the due Management of all
its Affairs, with Juſtice and Piety, with Advantage and Succeſs,
than to have thoſe Men entruſted with Power and Authority, who
borrow their Wiſdom, not from the Delphick Oracle, but from the
Eternal Mind and Reaſon of all Things; and are by him inſtructed
to preſerve and direct a Nation, in the Ways of Righteouſneſs,
Holineſs, and Juſtice. None, but the Sons of Violence, a Rude,
Ignorant, and Barbarous People, Strangers to the Name of a Com-
monwealth, truly Chriſtian, Vicious, Wicked, and the profeſſed Ene-
mies of all Religion, would ever agree to keep our ſuch Men from
all share of Power and Authority over them.
Government
For ſince every
46
Ihe Accompliſh'd BOOK I
Government is preſerved by Religion, in the Knowledge and Prac-
rice of which the Prieſthood is preſumed to excel all other Orders ;
Thoſe Governors certainly may be ſuppoſed to act in the Beſt and
Wiſeft Manner, who make Prielts their Partners in Power ; by
which means a State may come to be under the Direction of the
mort Worthy and Religious Men in ir; may have the Law of God
fully made known, and faithfully interpreted; and the Whole Bo-
dy of their People thereby preſerved from every Vicious and Hurr-
ful Infection, and in a State of Health, Safety, and Proſperity.
This in fact was the Caſe of the Roman, the Eg yptian, the Jewiſh,
and of many other Nations. And ſince to this Order of Men, God
has committed the Care of the Eternal Happineſs and Salvation
of his people, it is certainly impoſſible for us to be ſo very Weak,
Fooliſh, and Mad, as to imagine, that it is either Unreaſonable or
Unneceſſary for us, to entruſt them with the Care and Overſight
of our Families, Fortunes, Liberties, and Properties.
.
CH A P.
..
CHAP. III.
47
SENATOR.
CHAP. III.
P.
The CO N T E N T S.
Inſtances of ſome particular Forms of Government. The old Athe-
nian State. Of the Lacedæmonian and Roman. Of the German,
French, Spaniſh, Poliſh, Engliſh, and Venetian Conſtitutions.
What Things contribute to the Publick Happineſs
. Law is the
Great and only Rule of Government. The General Qualifications
of all Candidates, for any Publick Office. Of the Three Powers
in every Monarchical State. The Original and Neceſſity of the
Senatorial Order. Inſtances of its Riſe among the Romans and
Spartans. What a Senate is, and what is meant by the Word
Senator. More Proofs of the Dignity of this Character. The
General qualifications for this Office. Every Senator ought to be
a Native of that Country in which he is choſen; or advanced to
any Place of Truſt,
Itherto we have endeavoured to ſhew, in the cleareſt and
moſt convincing Manner, what is the beſt Form of Go-
vernment; what kind of Civil Life is the moſt. Eligi-
ble ; and what Ranks and Orders of Citizens, are the moſt Ule-
ful and Beneficial to the Publick. We have deſcribed a State or
Society; in which, if the ſeveral Offices of Vercue are duly Execu-
ted, and if it abounds in all the Proviſions of Fortune and Good
Things of this Life, and has a Due Senſe, and can make a Right
Uſe of its own Happineſs, nothing under Heaven can be found
or imagined, more Lovely, Bliſsful, and truly Divine, than ſuch
a Conſtitution. In this Deſcription we have not copied from
Plato and his Ideal, or imaginary, Way of Writing: The Common-
wealth,
H
a
48
The Accompliſh'd Воок І.
wealth, of which we have drawn the Picture, is not, like his, with-
out an Original, or ſuch as never was, nor is, nor (in all proba-
bility) ever will be, extant anong Men. We think it neceſſary
to produce ſome Inſtances or Examples of that Kind of Govern-
ment, which we have been hitherto recommending. And though
we agree to the General Reaſoning and Wiſdom of the Ancient
Philoſophers, yet as their way ſometimes is, whenever they follow
Fancy only, and indulge their own Airy Conceits, without accom-
modating their Notions to Publick Uſe, and the general Good of
Mankind, we take our Leave of them, and reject whatever is to
be found in their Sayings or Writings, which is no ways Applica-
ble to the Preſent Times, and to the Vſes and Advantages of Civil
Life. In vain do we look for the Republick of Plato, among
the Venetians, Helvetians, and Ligurians; or expect to find it in
any other Nation or Community. The Cyrus of Xenophon is per-
haps an inimitable Original
, and was never yet copied by any
Monarch, in any Court whatſoever. I paſs by many ocher Wri-
ters, of the ſame Sort, and upon the like Subject. For us, and
our Undertaking, the Method and Manner of Writing we pro-
poſe to follow, are entirely adapted to common Uſe, and fitted to
the Neceſſities and Cuſtoms of Mankind; and therefore, we have
all along taken care to mingle Hiſtory with Philoſophy, and to let
them both go on Hand in Hand together. It is very eaſy to find
the True Copy and Perfect Reſemblance of that moſt Excellent
Form of Government, which I have endeavoured to deſcribe, in
the Old Athenian Monarchy. For the Inhabitants of that part of
Greece, being in a Wild and Diſperſed State, and wandring up and
down the Fields, like Sheep without a Shepherd, were firſt by
Cecrops, and afterwards by Theſeus, reduced to a more Civilized Way
of Life, and drawn together within the Compaſs of one City.
The former of theſe Two Leaders was the Founder of this City,
which he called by his own Namc, Cecropia, and which was after-
wards
o
Chap. III. SENATO R.
49
wards called Athens. He too firſt inſtituted a Government among
them, which was afterwards handed down to Poſterity. After lo
long a Tract of Time, and for want of Proper Lights from Hifto-
ry, it is not eaſy to know, in what Relation the then Senate ſtood
towards their Kings, or with what Powers they were inveſted. We
may however very eaſily conjecture, that they had a Select Num-
ber or Order of Wiſe and Prudent Men among them, whoſe Ad-
vice upon all Occaſions they made uſe of, in the Well-ordering and
Government of the Commonwealth. For according to the Teſti-
mony of Thucydides, their Kings very often reſorted to the People
for Advice, and were determined by their Suffrages or Votes, in
all Caſes of Doubt and Difficulty, or whenever they were at a Loſs
what Reſolution they ought to take, or by what Opinion they
were obliged to abide. But now the Firſt State and Condition
of this Republick did not laſt long. The Commonwealth was ſoon
changed ; and in the Various Courſes and Ebb of Time, the Great
Author of all Human Turns and Revolucions, ic declined and
dwindled, and ſunk at laſt into the Hands of an Abject and Sordid
Ser of Men; who by Force and Violence ſeized all the Power into
their own Hands, and executed it entirely at their own Will and
Pleaſure. The Commonwealth of the Lacedemonians, (as I have al-
ready nored) conſiſted of Three ſeveral Orders of Governors, the
King, the Nobles, and the People. And what ſhall I lay of the Ro-
mans ? For among them, the Regal State was always called, the
Golden Age. Romulus
, their Firſt King, elected (as we are told
by Livy) and placed in the Throne, by the Common Conſent and
Suffrages of the People, not without the Concurrent Affent and
Approbation of the Gods, laid down the Original Scheme and Firſt
Rudiments of their Government; which ar che Beginning were very
Narrow and Imperfect. He would not take upon himſelf the whole
Power and Adminiſtration of Publick Affairs; but appointed a Se-
nate, or Aſſembly of an Hundred Men, whom he made his Partners in
H
the
50
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
...,
the Government: And theſe, on account of their Superior Age
and Character, as being Eminent for their Wiſdom and Vertue,
were called Fathers. At the ſame time, leſt the People ſhould
imagine they were excluded from having any Share in the Publick
Honours and Offices, and ſhould thereupon be provoked to En-
mity, both againſt King and Senate, he admitted them into the
Leſſer Truſts and Places of Authority; gave them a Judicial and
Deciſive Power, particularly in the great Important Article of ma-
king Peace or War
, and inveſted them with many other Privileges.
Happy had it been for the People of Rome, if this State of their
Conſtitution had never been altered, or if their Government had
never gone off from its Firſt Foundation. Many Toils, and much
Blood"might then have been ſpared, which was ſo laviſhly expended
in the Defence of their Liberties, and for the Enlargement of their
Empire. The General Tranquillity would not then have been ſo
often interrupted, by Civil Seditions and Tumults; which were
ſo very frequent among them, that they ſeldom had much Time to
breathe in, or had any long and laſting Enjoyment of True Hap-
pineſs.
From this Excurſion among the Ancients, let us draw home-
ward, and come nearer down to our own Times. In Germany,
the Government conliſts of an Emperor, of an Aſſembly of Elec-
tors, Princes, and Nobles, and of the States, or Deputies of the
People
. But this great Body of the Empire is divided into fo
many Principalities and Juriſdictions, different in Name and Power,
that it would really take
up too much of our Time to run through
and deſcribe them all. In France, the Government is ſtrictly Mo-
narchical. The King is not Reſtrained by any Law, or Account-
able to the People for his Adminiſtration, Ruling Abfolutely, and
according to his own Will and Pleafure : But yet, ſuch is his Wif-
dom and Conduct, that he never breaks in upon the Well-known
Rules and Precepts of Righteouſneſs and Equity, and by all his
Actions
1
CHAP. III.
SENATOR.
SI
-
Actions endeavours to ſet the World an Example of a Good and
Wiſe Governor. The Palatines, or Nobles of France, are in their
Language called, Peers : The People are divided into Three Orders,
che Quality, the Prieſthood, and the Commons: Out of theſe,
the King elects a certain Number, and calls them together in one
Aſſembly or Council, in which, upon every Emergence, all the
Grear and Arduous Affairs of State are brought into Debate, and
finally determined. This Great Council is called, the Aſſembly of
the Three Eſtates, and reſembles the Panætorian, or Pylaick Coun-
cil, among the Ætalians, often mentioned by Livy; and the Ge-
neral Council of Ionia, which was called Panionium.
In Spain,
the King has the Supreme Power in his own Hands; but yet he of-
ten calls a Council Royal, in which the Nobles have a Seat, and next
to them the Deputies of the People, who are divided into Three
Orders, the Order of St. Jago, of Calatrava, and Alcantara; and
theſe, together with the King, have all the Affairs and Intereſts of
the Government under their Inſpection and Determination. The
Kingdom of Poland is a Mix'd State, made up of all the Three
Forms of Government. It conſiſts of King, Nobles, and People.
But then by the People are to be underſtood, the Nobility of the
Lower Orders, the Knights and Gentry. In this Commonwealth, there
is a Scrict Union and Alliance between all the Three Orders ; ſo very
Strict, that the King can do no Publick Act of Government, with-
out the Advice and Authority of the Senate, nor the Senate, in
like manner, do any Thing without the King and the Nobility.
Hence it is, that the Laws of Poland are in their full Strength and
Vigour, and all Orders are ſolemnly Sworn to Keep, Obſerve, and
Retain them. So chat with us any. Attempt to alter or invalidate
the Eſtabiſhed Laws of our Country, is always looked upon and re-
fented, as a moſt Daring and Heinous Impiety. This Oath, which
is mutually Adminiſtered to every Order, and by which they are
Bound to the Obſervation of the Laws, and the Maintenance of
the
H 2
and
52
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
the Liberties of their Country, is in the Poliſh Language called,
Captur, That is, a Covering for the Head : For as ſuch a Covering
defends the Head from all the Aſſaults of Froſt and Snow, Storm
and Tempeſt; ſo is this Oath a Sure Covering and Defence for
the Publick, againſt all Attempts upon its Laws, Liberties, and
Happinels. In the Maintenance and Support of theſe Publick
Bleſſings, there is no Good Man, who will not venture his Life and
Fortune, againſt Tyrants and Uſurpers, and all other Invaders of
the Common Rights, Liberties, and Happineſs of our People.
For theſe Reaſons it is, that the Poliſh is really and truly a Free
Nation, under the Influence and Direction of this One Maxim,
That True Freedom conſiſts in not Thinking or Doing what is
contrary to Law, and in Living up to the Rules and Precepts of it,
in every Particular. A King of Poland, in the Adminiſtration of
his Government, is obliged to make the Law, the Sole Guide and
Rule of his Conduct. He cannot govern according to his own
Will and Pleaſure, nor make War or Peace, without the Advice
and Conſent of the Senate. He cannot go beyond, or break in
upon their Decrees, nor exceed the Bounds, which They and the
Laws have ſet him. What follows from ſuch a Conſtitution, is
plainly this, That a King, thus Limited in his Power, is ſo much
the more Honourable in his Perſon. His Authority is not only
Dreaded, and his Name held in Efteenı; but He is really Venera-
ted, and almoſt Deified. And for this, there is very Good Reaſon :
For how can ſuch a King be otherwiſe than Eſteemed, Honoured,
Obeyed, and Beloved above all Men, who in his Publick Capacity,
and the Exerciſe of his Power, has no other Will than the Law,
which is the Reaſon and Wiſdom of a Nation; who follows no
other Advice, but the Dictates of a Wiſe and Venerable Senate,
and who uſes no other Authority, than what is Backed by the Af-
ſent and Concurrence of all the Orders of his Realm, and which
iš Enforced by the Love and Good Affections of his People? In
fhort,
CHAP. III. SENATOR
53
-
every Well-
fhort, a King of Poland is ſuch in Reality, as Plato, Ariſtotle, Xeno-
phon, and all the Great Philoſophers and Legiſlators of
conſtituted Republick, only imagined and deſcribed in idea, and
by Repreſentation : Such a King as Nature intended, and ſuch as
God ſeems to require.
The Senate is a Perfect Ariſtocracy, and
have a Supreme Power and Authority lodged in their Hands. This
Body conſiſts of the moſt Prudent and Venerable Men, choſen
out of the Order of the Nobility : Who, together with the King,
have the Sole Right to Adviſe and Determine in all Affairs, re.
lating to the Publick Adminiſtration of the Government. Theſe
Senators are with us, what the Homotimi heretofore were among
the Perſians, and the Ephori among the Lacedæmonians. The Equeſ
trian, or Lower Order of the Nobility, are the Repreſentatives of
the People, and have their Part or Share in the Publick Councils :
And this Order of Men is the Proper Nurſery both of our King's
and our Nobility. Britain, now called England, is a Monarchical
State: The Senate conſiſts of a Sele&t Number of the Nobility, and
of Certain Commoners, Repreſentatives of the People: And theſe
Two Orders, together with the King, do Conſtitute the Great Coun-
cil of the Nation, which is called, the Parliament. The Republick
of Venice is Modelled and Formed very much after the ſame Man-
Under the Name of the People, or Citizens, are compre-
hended the Nobles-and Gentry : And great Care is taken to prevent
any of the Populace from interfering or mingling with theſe Two
Orders, upon any Pretence whatſoever. None, but the Nobility
are admitted into the Great Offices and Places of Truſt, in the Ad-
miniſtration of the Government. Hence it is, that their Senate
makes up the Compleat Ariſtocratical Form, and is both the Head
and Baſis of their State. Out of this Body their Great Duke is cho-
fen, having ſome faint Reſemblance and Image of a King: No
other Republick, no Monarchy whatſoever, has ſo long and fo qui-
etly remained in the Full Enjoyment of their firſt uninterrupred
Conſtitucion,
ner.
..
54 - The Accompliſh'd
Book I.
-
Conſtitution, as the Venetian : But whether this is owing to the
Good-will and Pleaſure of Providence, to the Smiles and Bounty of
Fortune, to their Strict Obſervance of Law and Juſtice, or to the
Nature and Strength of their Situation, ſo happily calculated to
prevent any Inteſtine Diſorders or Seditions of their People, which
might Interrupt their Peace, or prove Fatal to their Government;
we do not aç this Time, or in this place, think it Proper or Perci-
nent to enquire. Let theſe Inſtances of Good and Well-formed Go
vernments and Commonwealths ſuffice at preſent; and let us now exa-
mine, whence their Happineſs ariſes, and to what Cauſes it is owing.
There are Three Things, which contribute chiefly to the Publick
Happineſs and Welfare : Theſe are Magiſtracy, Law, and Civil
Order, or Diſcipline. For without Theſe, no City or Society of
Men can remain long in a Regular and Peaceable Condition. It
is the Duty of the Magiſtrate, to Preſide over the People, and to
Preſcribe to them ſuch Things as are Right and Good, Uſeful to
the Publick, and agreeable to Reaſon and Juſtice.
Wiſely and Elegantly obſerves, That the Law is as much above the
Magiſtrate, as the Magiftrate is above the People; whence it may be
truly faid, that the Magiſtrate is a Speaking Law, and the Law
a Silent Magiſtrate. No Government can poſſibly ſubſiſt without
the Magiſtrate. By his Prudence, Counſel, Fidelity, and Wiſdom,
it is kept Upright and in Good Order : And by his Conduct we
know, how to Form a Judgment of the Happineſs, Regularity, and
Stability of any Government. A Ship overtaken and beſet by a
Storm, riſes and falls, and reels to and fro, expecting Ruin and
Deſtruction every Moment, unleſs timely preſerved by the Care and
Diligence of Thoſe, who are appointed to Steer and Conduct her
àright : And juſt thus it is with a Government, expoſed every Mo-
ment to the Tempeſtuous Fury of Seditions, Tumults, and Civil
Commotions ; and which, unleſs the Magiſtrate interpoſe with
his Utmoſt Diligence and Good Conduct, muſt yield to the Evils
chat
Cicero very
i
.
/
CHAP. III. SENATOR
55
that encompaſs it, and be Rent and Daſhed to Pieces by them, as
eaſily as a Wave is Divided and Torne aſunder by a Rock. In our
Natural Conſtitution we find by Experience, that our Body is go-
verned by the Animal Part, and the Animal Part by the Mind or
Rational Spirit
. In the very ſame manner, every Body Politick,
City, or Society of Men, muſt neceſſarily have an Animal Life,
and this Life is the Law, becauſe it dictates Juſtice and Honeſty,
which are the Perfection of all Human Life : And this Law, thus
animated, muſt be alſo endowed with a Mind or Rational Spirit,
and ſuch is the Good Magiſtrate, when he Governs with Wiſdom
and Prudence, which are the Nobleſt Fruits and Products of his
Reaſon. Where there are neicher Laws nor Magiſtrates, there
cannot be ſo much as the Shadow or Appearance of any Hu-
man Society i and ſuch a Country may be looked upon as
forſaken both by God and Man. Right Reaſon is the Great
Law of Mankind : For this every Wiſe Man looks into himſelf,
and the People look up for it to the Magiſtrate, or to the Written
Tables and Laws of their Country, being very Careful to avoid
whatever is Condemned or Cenſured, not only by a Written Exter-
nal Law, but by the Internal Dictates and Rule of Right Reaſon.
Thoſe Men therefore, who are eminently diſtinguiſhed and noted
for their Superior Wiſdom and Conduct, and have more of the
Golden and Silver Nature I before hinted at, in their Compoſition,
than the reſt of their Fellow-Subjects, whereby they are better fit-
ted for Publick Uſe and Service, ought in Proportion to their
Merit, to be Entruſted and Preferred by their Country. For by
their Counſel and Wiſdom, Cities and Provinces are as well Pre-
ſerved and Defended againſt all Hoſtile Attempts and Invaſions,
as by ſo many Bulwarks and Fortifications; freed from all Dan-
gers, and firmly eſtabliſhed in Peace and Happineſs. It is, in
the firſt place, abſolutely Neceffary; that all Candidates, for any
High Office in the State, ſhould be well endowed with thoſe Par-
ticular
56
The Accompliſid Book I.
ticular Vertues, which tend to the Promotion of the Publick
Good and Welfare: In the next place, that They be Well-affected
to, and True Lovers of the Conftitution of the Government, in
which they are to be employed, deſirous to live quietly under it,
without attempting any changes or Alterations, in prejudice to
an Old and Well-grounded Eſtabliſhment : And in the third
place, that They look upon the Power or Truſt which is repo-
ſed in them by the People, to be intended for no other Uſe or
Purpoſe, but to be employed in their Service, and for the Com-
mon Good. By which means they will Govern and Behave in
their Offices, with ſo much more Honour to Themſelves, and Be-
nefit to Others; whilſt the People under them will readily Obey,
and Submit to them, with no leſs Pleaſure and Satisfaction.
Great Skill and much Wiſdom are required in Him, who wor-
thily Aſpires to any High Office, or Share in the Magiſtracy :
And let him conſider, that it is not one Houſe, or a Single Fa-
mily, one Wife, or a Few Children, that are committed to his
Care: But the Commonwealth, and his Country has entruſted him
with the Government of Vaſt Multitudes, in their Minds, Opi-
nions, Wills, and Affections, widely Differing, and often at Va-
riance with each other; that by his Management and Conduct,
they may be United and brought Together into one Harmonious
State, and League of Love; and that as much as poſſible, there may
be for the future no Difference, or Diſagreement among them.
There are Three Sorts or Degrees of Power, or Magiſtracy in
every Commonwealth.
The Firſt is poſſeſſed by the King, as Su-
preine,
the Second by the Senate, and the Third by the People.
Which of theſe Powers is moſt Beneficial to the Publick, re-
mains now to be enquired into.
enquired into. The Great Vertue, Superior
Wiſdom, and Godlike Conduct of a Good Monarch, are ſet in
a full and fair Light, and every where gazed at and admired.
He is looked upon to be the Lord and Governor of his own
Kingdom,
-
CHAP. III. SENATO R.
57
1
I
-
Kingdom, as his Maker is of the whole World: And for this
Realon, he ought to behave in his Government, with Juſtice and
Piecy; becauſe he is honoured and regarded as the Deputy and
Vicegerent. of Heaven, whence he derives all his Coun'el, Wif-
dom, and Prudence; Vercues and Qualities, which are not to be
conſidered as his own acquired Property, but as Gifts and Bleſſings
beſtowed and poured down upon him, by the Great King of the
Univerſe, under whom he Reigns. But now, ſince no one Single
Man, or Monarch, is by his Wiſdom and Diligence equal to the
Task of Governing whole Multitudes : For it belongs not to
Man, but only to God, throughly to inſpect and take perfect Cog-
nizance of whatever paſſes in the World, and to direct it with a
Juſt Unerring Hand: Hence it is, that all Wiſe States and Societies
are obliged to call in to the Aſſiſtance of their Kings or Governors,
certain Wiſe and Prudent Counſellors, to be Their Coadjutors in all
Publick Affairs, and to Adminiſter with and under Them in the
Government of the Commonwealth. Theſe Counſellors, being a
Middle Order of Men, placed exactly between the Prince and his
People, have in That Situation a full View and Survey on the One
Hand, of the whole Kingly Office, and how it is executed; and
on the other, of the Privileges, Cuſtoms, and Manners of the
People, and how they are diſpoſed and tempered; and can chere-
fore eaſily Foreſee, and readily Provide againſt, any Attempt that
ſhall be made on the Regal Power and Dignity; and as eaſily
and readily Alliſt the People, whenever their Liberties, or the Pub-
lick Welfare, are in Danger. 'On this Account it is, that we look .
upon this Middle Order of Counſellors or Senators, to be the moſt
Uſeful and Serviceable to their Country... A King, however Wiſe"
.
and Good, cannor of himſelf look into all the Afairs of State,
and attend to all its Intereſts : And he is often liable co be tempted
by the Love of Power, or ſome other Appetite or Paſſion, to go
off from the Guidance and Dictates of his Reaſon. On the other
hand,
-
-
I
-
58
Book 1.
The Accompliſbd
hand, the People or Multitude, are, when left to themſelves, a Heada
leſs Unthinking Body, void of Realon, or unable to form, or to
follow the Beſt and Wiſeft Dictates. But now a Senate, or Order
of Men called together, and elected out of the Beſt and Wiſeſt of
their Fellow-Subjects, and ſuch as have diſtinguiſhed themſelves bý
ſome Great and Glorious Exploits ; ſuch a Number of ſo many
Good and Wiſe Men put together, and Aſſembling in the Midſt
,
becween King and People, may from ſuch a Station, as from a
Watch-Tower, look out carefully, and keep a Vigilanc Eye upon
the Publick and all its Affairs, and hold themſelves always prepa-
red, to guard againſt all Tumults, Seditions, and Dangers whatſo-
ever, which may Threaten or Annoy their Country ; always Ready
to keep it in Safety; and to promote its Welfare and Happineſs.
There hardly ever was a Government, or Commonwealth in
the World, in which the Senate was not entruſted either with
the Whole, or at leaſt, with a very Conſiderable Part and Share of
the Supreme Power. For though thoſe Guides or Leaders, who
heretofore gathered and drew together a Wild Savage People, diſ-
perſed and wandring up and down in Woods and Defarts; fixed
and encloſed them in Towns or Cities, and formed them into So-
cieties, had thereupon the Name of King's given them, and did
for a While keep the Sole Power and Dominion in their own Hands;
Yer when theſe Firſt Rudiments and Foundations were once laid,
and che Fabrick began to riſe and grow up to Perfection, it wa
too Great and Unwieldy a Work, to lie altogether under the Di-
rection and Management of a Single Perfon. The People, wean-
ed from their Infant-Srate, would by Degrees contract a more
Manly Diſpoſition; and ſhaking off their former Rude and Savage
Temper, grow Police and Refined, and by Art and Knowledge
ſo far improved, that the Prudence and Authority of a Single Go-
vernor were by no means Sufficient to Guide and Direct, or to Awe
and Reſtrain them. It became therefore abſolutely' necellary for
every
CHAP III. SENATOR.
$9
1
them to be his Partners in the State, and gave them a Share
every. Monarch, to call to his Aſſiſtance certaiu Wiſe Mén or Coun-
ſellors, and to make them his Aſſeſſors and Partners in Power, chat
by their Comimon Advice, and in the Joint Strength of their Wif-
dom, the Whole Commonwealth might be Managed and Con-
ducted with ſo much the more Eaſe and Safety; Honour and
Advantage. Such was the Wiſdom and Policy of Romulus, when
being throughly perſuaded, that to Place or to Keep all Power in
the Hangs of a Single Perlof, was by no njeans, Commendậble,
but reither Odious: Dangerous, or- Unjuſt, he choſe out of the
People One Hundred Men, : Noted for their: Wiktom and Ex-
perience, and thereupon gave them the Name and Authority of
Fathers or Senators. His Example was followed by Theopompus
of Sparta, when he inſtituted the Order of the Ephori, took
of the Supremacy. His Wife indeed cenſured his' Conduct, and
obferved to him, That his Children, when they came to Reign, would
find the Regal: Power. Weakened and Diminiſhed: But the Monarch
ankwer'd, thaat They would find by what he had done, their Kingdom
enlarged, and better fecured than ever : Por it was his Opinion,
that the Wiſdom and Authority of a Senate, were the Support
and Security of Monarchical Government. From theſe Inſtances
it is evident, that the Senatorial Orders was, in the Earlieſt Times,
made Partaker with the Firſt Kings, in theit: Dominion and Pow:
er, and had in fuck Eſteem and Veneration by all Common-
wealths, that they never looked upon any thing in the State as
well fecured and eſtabliſhed, which had not been enforced by
the Wiſdom and Authority of the Senate.
When I make uſe of che Word Senate, I always mean by it an
Aſſembly or Body of Men, with whom is entruſted the Supreme
Power of Counſelling, Adviſing, and Decreeing, in all Caſes
whatever; relating to the Government of the Commonwealth. Ac-
cording to this Deſcription, a Senator is ſuch a Subject or Citizen,
I 2
who
1
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60
Воок І.
The Accompliſh'd
who is legally choſen and called up to have his Seat and Pare in
this Aſſembly, ſo appointed to Adviſe and Decree in all the Af-
fairs of a Government. From which Account of the Nature
and Dignity of this High Truſt, it is evident, that no Care and
Pains ought to be ſpared, in filling this Illuſtrious Order with
ſuch Citizens or Subjects only, as are moſt Eminent for their
Wiſdom, Prudence, and Nobility : Becauſe there is no Society
or Body of Men, ſo Savage and Barbarous, as to refuſe their
Choice of being Governed by ſuch Men, or who will not think
their Obedienee to ſuch Men, or in ſuch a Caſe, truly conſiſtent
with their own Honour and Advantage. Now among the Mul-
titude and Different Ranks of Subjects or Citizens, it is impoſ-
ſible to find a Character of Diſtinction for Wiſdom and Vercue,
more truly Glorious than that of the Good Senator. The Gene-
rality and Bulk of Mankind, either by their Youth and Inex-
perience, or by the Variety of their Circumſtances and Uncer-
tain Way of Life, or their own Natural Inconſtancy, are Divert-
ed and Turned out of the Track and Way, which leads to True
Glory and Greatneſs : But the Good Senator is not to be Warped
by his Affections, or Seduced by his Appetites. The Fire of
Youth cannot lead him Aſtray ; but he is under the Govern-
ment of Reaſon, and the Guidances of his Own Counſel; and
the Maturity of his Age makes his Experience Perfect. A Senia-
tor, or Senior, is One, who is grown Old in the Exerciſe of Good
Senſe, Right Reaſon, Counſel
, Advice, and Judgment; who
has ſubdued all the Paſſions and Unruly Appetites of Youth, and
brought his Reaſon to a State of Maturity; in which State it
really makes the Human Nature Perfect, and brings it near in
Reſemblance to the Divine Image. In every Work and Opera-
tion of Nature, there is (as ſome Philoſophers have obſerved) a
Majority, a Minority, and an Equality. Whatever is in the
Middle, or in a State of Equality, is ſuppoſed to contain all
the
1
1
-
CHAP. III. SENATOR.
61
the Perfections of the Two Extremes : And thus the Good
Senator, who Fills the Middle Scațion between Prince and People,
may Engroſs the Perfections of Both to Himſelf; and whilft he
is thus Poſted, may plainly diſcern, How and in what Manner,
King, People, and Commonwealth Behave in their ſeveral Places and
Offices; how the Magiſtrate performs his Dury, and what Care is
taken of the Laws and Liberties of the Subject; and as the Ba-
lance curris, he may Provide accordingly, and timely Prevent a
Daring and Licentious People from running into Anarchy and Coi-
fuſion, or an Ambitious Monarch from Aſpiring to Tyranny and
Uſurpation. The Neceſſary Qualifications for the Senatorial Office,
are Wiſdom and Prudence in the Higheſt Degree, together with
Long Experience, and a Thorough Knowledge of the World. It
is his Ducy to Wake, and be upon the Watch Day and Night,
whilft Multitudes are at Reſt, and in a State of Eaſe and Quiet.
With him is entruſted the Care of making Many Safe, Happy,
and Flouriſhing, Wealthy, and Abounding in all Good Things.
And ſurely a Due and Full Diſcharge of This Truſt requires
ſuch Talents and Capacities, as are eaſier to be found in the
Divine, than in the Human Nature. Scipio very well obſerved,
as we are told by Cicero, That to the Steerſman we owe a Happy
Voyage, Health to the Phyſician, and Viktory to the General : But
to the Governor of the Commonwealth we owe the Happineſs of
Multitudes, their Wealth, Plenty, Reputation, and Glory, with the
Increaſe of Vertue and Honeſty; all which Bleſſings none but the
Beſt and Greateſt of Mankind can Inſure to his Fellow-Creatures.
Let us now examine, What are the Firſt Exerciſes and Rudiments,
which are the Foundation of that Excellent and Extenſive Wiſdom
and Vercue, which complete the Senatorial Character: For when
this Foundation is once well laid, we ſhall regularly Aſcend Step
by Step to That Exalced Height of Glory, the Crown and Re-
ward of Vertue, of which the Good Senator juſtly ſtands Poleſſed.
Ic
62 The Accompliſb’d Book 1
It is for the sake of the Citizen or Subject, that every Good
Goverument or Commonwealth was at firſt formed and inſtituted:
And therefore we may with good Realon infift, that every Senator
ought to be a Citizen or Subject of That particular Nation or Go-
vernment, over which he is to Preſide. On this Account his
Country may come to have a Tye and Obligation upon him, fo
very ſtrict, that he may not only look upon it as his Ducy to have
always the moſt Ardent Affection for her Safety and Intereſt, buc
think it Honourable
, Honeſt
, and Neceſſary, to venture his Life,
and thed his Blood in her Defence and Service. The Love of one's
Country is Superior to, and Stronger than, all other Paſſions or
Affections whatſoever
. It is almoſt impoſſible for a Man not to
Love That Particular Spot of Earth, above all others, to which
he owes his parents, his Children, his Neighbours, his Friends,
and his own Being; and which has freely and liberally beſtowed
upon him all that is Uſeful, Profitable, and Pleaſant, in Life; to-
gether with a Name and Dignity, and That High Honour and
Station, to which he is now advanced, and in which he has de
ſervedly obtained ſo much Applauſe and Admiration. It is from
Nacure, that we borrow thoſe Ardent Deſires and Affections,
which make the Love of our Country Perfect; for whoſe Sake,
and in whoſe Defence, no Good Man, when duly called thereto,
refuſed to Die with Chearfulneſs. Among the moſt
Profligate and Abandoned Citizens and Subjects, there have been
fone found, who after they had impiouſly Conſpired to over-
throw and deſtroy a Nation, have upon recollecting that this
Nation was their Native Country, Sweet and Delectable, that
ought to be Dear to them above all things, happily. Relented,
and would not proceed to any Acts of Violence againſt her.
Did not Veturia, when her Son Martius was juſt ready to invade
Rome with a Formidable Army, ſtop his Career, and ſoften
his Rage; by putting him in Mind of his Father's Houſe, and
the
ever yet
CHAP. III. SENATOR
63
the Place of his Nativity ? Conjuring him to remember, that he
was approaching thoſe Walls, wherein were the Houſhold-Gods
and Seat of his Family, his Parents, Wife, Children, and all the
Pledges of his Love: And charging him with the moſt Daring Im-
piety, in preſuming'to Violate his own Natural Mother, and Lay
the Country Waſte, to which he owed his Being, and all the Plea-
ſures and Ornaments of Life? On this Occaſion, great was the
Love of Veturia to her own Country: . And no leſs was that of
Martius, when won by theſe Intreaties, he ſpared his County,
though during the Conteſts, which at that Time raged in the moſt
violent Manner, between the People and their Tribunes, and the
Şenate or Patrician Order, Martius had been treated at Rome with a
good deal of Ingraticude. Sertorius, as we read in Plutarch,
made it his earneſt Requeſt to Pompey and Metellus, 'that by their
Interceſſion, he might have Leave to come Home; aſſuring them,
that he had rather live a Private Obſcure Citizen in his own Na-
tive Rome, than be Exiled, and made a Prince or Emperor, in any
Foreign Dominions. So True are thoſe Two Lines in Ovid:
Our Native Soil to all her Sons imparts
A Secret Inſtinkt, to allure their Hearts.
This Love of our Country is a Strong Tye and Bond upon
the
Soul, obliging us to give up ourſelves, and all that we have, into
her Power, as Pledges of the Sincereſt Affection. Pythagoras, as
we are told by Plato, being asked, How a Man could ſo harden him-
ſelf
, as to become Ungrateful to his own Country ? very readily an-
fwered, By trying first to become Unnatural to his own Mother.
Whatever Injuries our Country does us, we muſt heartily paſs
over and forgive. We can have no Reſentment ſo keen, but the
Love of our Country will turn its Edge, foften all our Paſſions,
and ſtifle in us all Thoughts and Projects of Revenge. Ler every
Senator,
64
The Accompliſh'd
Book I.
Senator, therefore, be choſen from among the Citizens and Natives
of his Country, in Preference to all Strangers, Aliens, and Fo-
reigners whatſoever. For their Counſels and Deſigns, in Matters of.
Policy, if they are not really Dangerous and Pernicious to che
Publick, are at leaſt liable to very ſtrong Suſpicions. For this
Rcafon it was, thar the Athenians would not admit Aliens and
Foreigners into their City, much leſs into their Councils and Se-
nate, as being perſuaded, that their Attachment to another Govern-
ment might incline them to attempt new Changes and Innova-
tions ; whereby the Good Old Laws, Manners, and Cuſtoms of
Athens, might be altered; and theſe Alterations produce Seditions
and Diſorders in the State. We find the Venetians to be much of
the ſame Mind at this very Day. For they are remarkably Cauti-
ous, how they admit any One, by a Falle Title or Pretence, into
the Number and Rank of Thoſe, who are entruſted with the Ad-
ininiſtration of the Government: From which all Strangers and
Foreigners are utterly excluded. But now, what is to be Under-
ſtood by the Word Citizen, and to whom That Title is Applicable,
very well deſerves a more exa£t Enquiry.
.. -
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1
СНА Р.
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CHAP. IV
65
SENATOR.
G H A P. IV.
The 'CON TEN T S.
What a Citizen or Subject is. The ſeveral Ranks and Orders of
Citizens. How they ſtood among the Romans. The Differences
between the People and the Populace, or Mob. Out of what
Order of Citizens the Senator ſhould be Choſen. What True
Nobility is, and whence derived. The Qualifications for Nobi-
lity. Of Birth and Vertue. The ſeveral Sorts and Degrees of
Nobility. Of Military and Pacifick Nobles. The Stateſman
Superior to the Soldier. Of Private and Publick Vertue. Of
the Goods of the Body, Mind, and Fortune. Of the Strength
of a Nation, and its Standing Forces. How they are to be Re-
gulated. The Character of a Good Soldier.
PON the Queſtion, What a Citizen really is, or How
to be defined or deſcribed, Philoſophers and Legiſlators
are very much divided in their Opinions. Some take
the Word in the Looſeſt Senſe, and imagine, that all the Inhabi-
tants of One and the ſame City are to be called Citizens, without
any Diſtinction.
Others will have it, that to make a Citizen,
there muſt be a Deſcent in Blood from ſome of the Nobility or
Gentry. Some again are of Opinion, that if there be ſuch a De-
ſcent by either of the Parents, it is ſufficient to make a Citizen :
Whilſt others contend for Pedigree, and a Long Deſcent from
many Noble or Generous Anceſtors, as a neceſſary Qualification
for this Title. And there are ſome who believe, that when a Man
is received into the Community, and has his Freedom by Dona-
tion or Enfranchiſement, he is fully and completely a True and
K
Legal
U?
1
66 The Accompliſh'd Воок І.
j
Legal Citizen. Ariſtotle defines a Citizen to be ſuch a One, who
is born of a Free and Generous Family, and capable of being
admitted into any Office in the Magiſtracy. All theſe ſeveral
Opinions, however different from one another, are caſily Recon-
cilable. For ſince it is the Law or Cuſtom of every Society,
that makes a Citizen, it is not to be wondered at, that there
ſhould be ſuch a Variety of Opinions concerning the Nature and
Qualifications of a Citizen; ſince there is as great a Variety in
thoſe Laws and Cuſtoms, by which he is made. In Popular Stares
or Cities, all the Inhabitants in Common are called Citizens,
whether they be Good or Bad, Rich or Poor, Learned or Igno-
rant: All are alike Qualified for the Publick Truſts and Offices
all are Peers or Equals, Servants and Vaſſals only excepted. Such
heretofore were the Athenians, whilſt their Government was ſtrict-
ly Popular : And ſuch at this very Day, are the Inhabitants of the
Helvetick Cantons. There are alſo many Towns in Germany,
which are called Free; the Inhabitants being altogether Independent
of the Nobility and Gentry, and ſharing all the Power in common
among themſelves. In Monarchies and Ariſtocracies, thoſe Sub-
jects are called Citizens, who live up to the Rules and Precepcs
of Vertue. The Wileſt and moſt Vertuous, are admitted into
all ce Offices of an Ariſtocracy: And in Monarchies, the Firſt of
this Character, has the Sole or Supreme Power, and is made Re-
gent, that is, Re&tèagent, on account of his Superior Goodneſs
and Excellenty. A People of a Servile Nature, and Vicious Dif-
pofition, are not eaſily to be governed, but by a Deſpotick Power ;
that is, by ſuch a Ruler, who treats all his Subjects as ſo many
Slaves, and governs by no other Law, but his own Abſolute Will
and Pleaſure. There is, however, a great Difference to be made,
between a People of a Servile Barbarous Diſpoſition, Ignorant of
the Common Principles of Vercue and Juſtice, Slaves in ſhort of
Nature's Making, and ſuch who are made Slaves, not by any
Vices
CHAP. IV. SENATOR.
67
Vices or Fault of their own, but are oppreſſed and brought un-
der by the Power, Ambition, or Avarice of Tyrants and Uſur-
pers.
We read of ſome reduced to this State, who by Killing or
Expelling the Tyrant, have Freed both themſelves and their Coun-
try; and when they could not ſucceed in ſuch an Attempt, have
readily given up their Lives as a Sacrifice to Liberty. In Oligar-
chies the Chief and 'Only Qualification for Power, is Wealth and
Riches. In this State, they who excel in Wealth, are the only
Perſons who are called, or reputed Citizens. But ſuch Citizens,
by the very Nature of their Qualification, are a Vile and Con-
temptible Order of Men, having no Regard to Vertue; whoſe
Sole Study and Buſineſs it is, by all Ways and Means whatever,
to add daily to their own Private Wealth, and in the Strength of
this Single Recommendation, to graſp at the Higheſt Honours
and Dignities of the State: In the obtaining of which, Money
is always ſure to have the Advantage in an Oligarchical Conſti-
rution, over Wiſdom and Goodneſs.
Among the Romans, there were ſeveral Orders, or Ranks of
„Citizens. The Latin, the Municipal Order, and Thoſe of the
Golonies. For every Citizen held his own Rank and Order in
every
City, upon the ſame Conditions, upon which the City itſelf was
made Free by the People of Rome. Of theſe Cities, ſome were
called Free, in the Stricteſt Senſe ; others were called Fæderal; and
a Third Sort were only Stipendiary. Some were made Citizens
with a Plenary Right, and in Full Privilege; as having a Vore,
or Suffrage, and being capable of any Office or Dignity in the
State. Others were only Honorary Citizens, being made Free,
without having a Right to Vote, and wearing the Name of Citi-
zens, only as a Title and Mark of Diſtinction. Such were Thoſe
of the Equeſtrian Order in Campania, as we are told by Livy; and
ſuch were the Cerites, as they are defcribed by Aulus Gellius. But
now in the Capital City of Rome, They only were accounted Citi-
ܪ
K 2
zens,
--
68 The Accompliſh'd
Воок І.
There are
zens, who were poſſeſſed of a Houſe in the City, and who were
Enrolled and Rated in the Tables of the Cenfors.
From chcle Examples and Obſervations, it is very evident, that
in all Commonwealths and Cities whatſoever, thoſe Men, who have
a Right of giving their Opinion and Vote in all Matters relating
to the Publick, and are capable of being made Magiſtrates or
Officers, in the Government or City, to which they belong, have
the Beſt Claim to the Name of Citizens. Whilſt all their Fel-
low-Subjects under them, who cannot juſtly claim the ſame Pri-
vileges, are rather to be called Inhabitants, or in the Roman Lan-
guage, Clients, than True and Undoubted Citizens.
other Qualifications, which contribute to the making up and per-
fecting the Character of the Good Citizen; and theſe are Vercue,
Birth, Wealth, and Nobility. But in the Judging and Deter-
mining of theſe Qualifications, great Regard muſt be had to the
Particular Laws and Cuſtoms of Every Society. Since every Com-
monwealth conſiſts of Two Orders of Men, the People properly
ſo called, and the Populace, or Inferior Multitude; we may ac-
cordingly reckon Two Orders only of Citizens, the Noble and
the Plebeian. Cajus, a Noted Civilian, ſays, that the Word People
includes all Citizens whatſoever, and takes in Patricians, Nobles,
and Senators; whilſt all beneath theſe are comprehended under the
Name of Plebeians. Thoſe of the Nobility are Citizens, Strictly
and Properly ſo called; whilft Thoſe of Inferior Ranks are Citi-
zens only in Reſemblance and Similitude. We would have the
Senator be of the Former of Theſe Orders, and partake of That
True Nobility, which has its Riſe and Foundation from Vertue.
This True Nobility is of Two Sorts, either Proper and Perſonal,
or Derivative and Hereditary, as being Originally founded in the
Vertues and Superior Excellency of Honourable and Wealthy An-
ceſtors, and by chem Tranſmitted to their Poſterity. They who
are alike Noble and Honourable, on account both of their own
Perſonal
2
Chap. IV. SENATOR
69
Perſonal Vertues, and thoſe of their Anceſtors too, may very
juſtly claim the Preference, and have a double Title to Publick
Eſteem and Veneration. Goodneſs and Vertue often run down
with the Blood, and it is Natural for Children to reſemble their
Parents. The Famous Lyrick Poet, has touched upon this Subject,
with much Elegance and. Veracity.
Heroick Sons their Father's Worth proclaim ;
Their Features, and their Vertues, are the ſame:
Horſes and Bulls their Gen'rous Race improve;
No Eagle e'er produc'd a Țim'rous Dove..
To the Forming and Finiſhing the Full and Complete Cha-
racter of the Truly Noble, or Generous Citizen, Three Things
are requiſite, according to the Opinion of Ariſtotle : And theſe
are, Birth, Wealth, and Vertue. Whoever is happily poſſeſſed
of all theſe Three Advantages, may be truly ſaid to be Noble, in
the Higheſt and moſt Perfect Degree. Such Men as theſe are al-
ways to be Eſteemed and Honoured, as the Beſt and Nobleſt Citi-
zens: But ſince it very rarely happens, that all theſe Qualificati-
ons fall to the Share of any cne Single Subject, it is therefore the
Particular. Privilege and Undoubted Right of Vertue, that by her-
felf, and in her own Strength, ſhe can Ennoble Minkind, withour
any other Qualification. Birth and Wealth are Undoubted Or-
naments of the Noble and Generous; but when Vertue is want-
ing, they ſerve rather to the Debaſing and Degrading of Man-
kind. Where there is Title without Vertue, Men are a Stain and
a Blemiſh to their Name and Family; and the moſt-Renowned
Anceſtors are Obcured and Disgraced by the Viccs and Follies of
an Infamous Poſterity. Tully hath very well obſerved, That it
is much better to Riſe in the World by our own Perſonal Vertues and
Achievements, than to depend upon the Chara&ter and Opinion the
World
1
!
To
The Accompliſh'd Book 1.
IVorld has of our Forefathers: Or, in other Words, To Live in
ſuch a Manner, that we may be the Founders of Nobility, give
Riſe to an Illuſtrious Family, and ſet Poſterity an Example. The
Offspring and Deſcendents of a Noble Houſe, are on that Ac-
count, Honourable, and Worthy of Eſteem, if they take Care
to Surpaſs, or at leaſt to Live up to the Glory and Renown,
which their Predeceſſors, by their Actions, have acquired. For
who can forbear Commending and Extolling ſuch Conduct, which
reflects new Honours upon a Family, and preſerves the Fame and
Renown of Great Anceſtors, from being concealed or buried in
Oblivion, by the Vices and Misbehaviour of their Poſterity ?
There was a very Juſt and Commendable Law among the Rhodi-
ans, by which all'Wicked and Vicious Sons, who lived in a Prc-
feſſed Oppoſition to the Vertues of their Parents, were cut off,
and deprived of their Inheritance; which, upon the Excluſion of
the Profligate and Obnoxious Claimants, deſcended to the Next in
Blood, who was of an Honeſt and Vertuous Character: For our
own Life and Behaviour are the Teſt and Explicit Declaration of
our Legitimacy and Piety, by which Poſterity is convinced of our
Reſpect and Gratitude to the Memory of our Forefathers;
when we take Care to behave in ſuch a Manner, as to approve
ourſelves the Heirs, not only of their Real and Perſonal Eſtates,
but of their Vertues, Glory, Religion, and Fidelity to their Coun-
try; which are the Beſt Eſtate and Effects, and the Nobleſt Inhe-
ritance, of which we can poſſibly come to be poſſeſſed. Accord-
ing to what Juvenal has very well obſerved, It is not a Long Pe-
digree, or a Hall filled with Pictures and Images, but Vertue only,
that gives Riſe and Being to True Nobility.
Statues and Pedigrees are all in vain ;
For only Vertue can Ennoble Man.
Nothing
CHAP. IV. SENATOR.
71
rers.
Nothing but Vertue can Raiſe a Man above the Condition of
his Birth and Fortune: And Vertue is the ſame to all her Admi-
She refuſes None, and opens her Arms to all her Lovers,
in the ſame Free and Hoſpitable Manner. Cleanthes was at firſt
only a Drawer of Water; and Vercue did not find Plato Great
and Honourable, but really made him ſo.
We read of many
Men, who from Slaves have been raiſed to be Monarchs; and of
many Kings, who have ſunk and dwindled into Slaves. Time,
and its ſeveral Changes, have turned the World upſide-down, and
occaſioned theſe Strange Revolutions. What was Agathocles, but
a King made out of a Potter ? What at firſt were Romulus, Tullus
Hoſtilius, Tarquinius Priſcus, or indeed, the whole Roman Race and
Offspring in general ? Juvenal gives us the Beſt Account of their
Original
.
Rome from an Infamous Aſylum roſe,
And no Great Fame to her Forefathers owes.
Whom now ſhall we Look upon and Eſteem as a Perſon of a
Truly Noble and Generous Scock, but the Man who is Naru-
rally Diſpoſed and Inclined to Vertue ? There is, in the Opinion
of Boetius, nothing in Nobility truly and ſubſtantially Good,
but the Natural Neceſſity and Impulle, by which Men are with-
held and reſtrained from Degenerating, and Falling away from
the Vertues and Dignity of their Forefathers
. There being Va-
rious and Different Kinds of Trials and Exerciſes, which are the
Teſt and Proof of our Vertue, this Vercue muſt conſequently
produce Various and Different kinds of Nobility. There is a
Nobility of a Private Nature, which may be properly called,
Philoſophical : And This belongs to the Vertuous Retired, who
give themſelves up to Solitude and Contemplation. There is alſo
a Civil or Publick Nobility, which is obtained by the Glory of
Conducting
72
The Accompliſh'd
BOOK I.
Conducting the Affairs of a Government, or of Adminiſtring to
the Welfare of one's Country; or by fighting her Battles, and car-
rying her through all the Difficulties of an Honourable War, with
Succeſs and Advantage. Courage, Encounters, Bloodſhed, Wounds,
and Scars, gotten in the Publick Service, are the Sure Teſtiinony
and Marks of this kind of Nobility : The Glory of which is
Great and Durable; and its uſual Rewards, Statues and Pedia
grees, together with the Memory of Scars and Wounds Honour-
ably received, are tranſmitted to Late Poſterity, exciting them to
a Pious. Imitation of the Vertues of their Anceſtors, or to the
Glory of Surpaſſing and Excelling them. There is therefore no-
thing in Blood and Anceſtry, but this Privilege and Prerogative of
Nobility, which is an Image and Monument of Primitive Ver-
tue and Excellence, remaining with a Family, as a Pledge of their
Good Behaviour in Life, as a Provocative to Emulation, and a
Spur to prick them forward in the ſame Track of Glory, which
is marked out for them, by the Footſteps of their Forefathers.
In every Commonwealth or Government, there are Two Cri-
tical Seaſons, a Time of War, and a Time of Peace; and ac-
cordingly there are Two Sorts or Orders of Noble Citizens, the
Warlike and the Pacifick. Of the Firſt Order are Thofe Citizens,
who by their Courage and Conduct have either Def.nded their
own Country, or Enlarged its Territories and Dominions : And
of the Second are Thole, who by their Wiſdom and Counſel dif-
tinguiſh themſelves in the Peaceable and Proſperous. Adminiſtra-
tion of the Affairs and Intereſts of a Government. Where both
cheſe Characters, of the Counſellor and Warrior, are happily Uni-
ted in One and the Same Miniſter, his Adminiſtration will con-
ſequently be ſo niuch the more Advantageous and Uleful to the
Publick. For according to common Obſervacion, without Coun-
ſel and Wiſdom, there can be no Great Undertaking; and with-
out Conduct and Action, it can never be Succeſsfully Finiſhed or
Executed.
CHAP. IV. i
73
SENATO R.
Executed. They, who in Times of Peace preſide over the Com-
monwealth, and by their Good Management, preſerve it in Peace
and Quiet, and in a Proſperous and Flouriſhing Condition, are
Preferable to, and more Uſeful than thoſe Other Citizens, who
by their Arms and Conduct either Save and Defend, or Enlarge its
Dominions. As the Soul is Preferable to the Body, Peace to
War, and a State of Eaſe or Tranquillity to the Tumults and Dif-
orders of a Campaign, ſo is the Counſellor or Stateſman, pro-
portionably Preferable to the Soldier or General. Homer intro-
duces Agamemnon ſpeaking to this purpoſe ; That he could much
ſooner make himſelf Maſter of Troy, if he had Ten ſuch Men as Neſ-
tor and Ulyſſes, to Adviſe and Counſel him, than if be had Ten ſuch
Men as Ajax and Achilles, remarkable only for their Perſonal Courage
and Bravery. Of much the ſame Mind was Pyrrhus, when he
freely acknowledged, that Cyneas, by his Wiſdom and Eloquence,
had taken more Cities, than ever himſelf had ſubdued by his Va.
lour and Proweſs. They, who in Boch Capacities are alike Ule-
ful to the Publick, and by their Skill in the ſeveral Arts, both of
Peace and War, can do their Country Double Service, may juſt-
ly Claim and have an Undoubted Right to more Honour and Re-
ſpect, than the reſt of their Fellow-Citizens. · For the more a
Man excells in Vertue, the more he ought to excell in Dignity
and Honour. It is alſo much to be wiſhed, that in every Com-
monwealth, the Good Senator ſhould not only be a Good Citizen,
but a Good Man too: For there is a Wide Difference between the
Vertues requiſite to Adorn a Private, and thoſe which Adorn a
Publick Life. The Private Citizen makes thoſe Vercues his chief-
eſt Aim and Study, which ſerve to furniſh out a Life of Honeſty
and Goodneſs: Whilſt the Citizen of a Publick Character at-
tends altogether to the Obſervation of thoſe Laws, by which the
Publick Welfare is Secured and Promoted. It often happens,
chat a Good Artificer or Mechanick, may be a very Bad Man:
L
And
.
-
--
74
The Accompliſhed BOOK I.
very lit-
And juſt ſo a Citizen, who in his Private Character has
tle Regard to Juſtice, Temperance, and Fortitude, may yet in his
Publick. Capacity be truly Good, and by his Counſel and Cun-
ning, his Diligence and Bravery, be of Great Uſe and Service to
his Country. Something of this Sort was to be found in the
Character of Julius Cæfar. His Private Life was perhaps Un-
blamable, and he might be allowed to be a Good Man; but he
failed in his Publick Character, and was certainly a very Bad and
Corrupt Citizen.
The Good Senator muſt take Care; that his
Character may not be liable to the fame Charge and Imputation.
The Felicity or Happineſs of every Commonwealth, is to be mea-
fured by the Felicity or Happineſs of the Subjects or Citizens, who
are the Members of it. For ſuch as are the Manners and Reputa-
tion of the Citizens, ſuch will every Ciry or Society be in its Re-
putation and Character among Men. The Happineſs of Man-
kind in general, and of every Society of Men in particular, is
derived from one and the fame Original, is enforced by the ſame
Reaſons, and depends upon the ſame Vertues, which make Men
Happy, both in a Private, and in a Publick, or Social State. Το
this Happineſs, whether of Particular Perſons, or of Communi-
ties and Publick Bodies, Fortune muſt concurr as well as Vertue:
A City or Commonwealth is then truly Happy, when it is perfectly
Good. Now of Goods there are Three Sorts: The Firſt and No-
bleſt are Thoſe of the Mind : The Second, thoſe of the Body:
And the Third, are Wealth and Riches, or the Acquiſitions and
Fayours of Fortune. Of the Goods of the Mind, Vertue is the
Firſt and Chiefelt, or rather the Sum and Subſtance of them. For
it is Vercue only that makes a Cicy or Government Wiſe and Cou-
rageous, Temperate and Juft: A City may be then ſaid to be cru-
ly Wiſe, when it is governed by Good Counſel and Prudence,
which have their Riſe from Arts and Sciences, froin Good Diſci-
pline, and a Thorough knowledge of Men and Things: For by
thele,
1
CHAP. IV. SENATOR.
75
theſe, all Publick Wiſdom is Eſtabliſhed. Such Accompliſhments
are not to be found in Artificers and Mechanicks, but in Men of a
Civilized and Generous Education, formed and diſpoſed by Na-
ture, for Vertue, Renown, and Glory. From Subjects and Citi-
zens thus accompliſhed, ariſe Princes, Senators, Judges, Com-
manders, and Governors; and from them the Character of Wif
dom is derived upon a Whole Nation. On the other hand, a Go-
vernment is foon liable to a Charge of Weakneſs and ill-Conduct,
when its Governors and Miniſters are Unwiſe, Unskilful, and
Unlearned. The Courage and Bravery of a State are ſeen in its
Generals, Officers, and Soldiers; by whoſe Induſtry, Valour, and
Skill in the Art of War, a Nation comes to be Renowned, and
Formidable for its Strength and Military Reputation. Such Com-
manders and Forces are a Terror to all Foreign Enemies, the De-
fence and Safeguard of their Country, where any Danger is near,
and ſerve to preſerve it in a State of Peace and Tranquillity.
The Publick Fortitude or Strength of a Nation conſiſts in the
keeping on foot a Standing Force, Well skilled and Diſciplined; by
which Means the Subject is Protected in Eaſc and Quict, and is un-
der no Apprehenſion of any Terrors - from abroad, or any Tu-
mults or Inſurrections at home. It is abſolutely neceſſary, even
in Times of Peace, that the Soldiery ſhould be Well-trained and
Exerciſed in the Military Art, and that they ſhould always employ
their Arms in the Cauſe of Vercue only, and not in the Wild Sal.
lies of Rapine and Violence. To draw the Sword upon a Fellow-
Subject and Citizen, or in any Cafe prejudicial to one's Country,
is an Impiery unworthy the Name and Character of a Good sol-
dier, or even of a Good Man. It is the Higheſt and moſt Dif-
tinguiſhing Glory of the Military Order of Men, to behave with
Gentleneſs, Clemency, and Humanity, towards their own Coun-
trymen, and to reſerve all their Rage and Fury only for their Ene
mies. When the Storm of War ariſes, and the Invader is our
upon
L 2
76
The Accompliſh'd
.:BOOK I.
upon the Hunt, watching an Opportunity to make a Spoil and
Prey of his Neighbour's Poſſeſſions, the Safery, Religion, Ho-
nour, Credit, and Liberties of a Nation, are all depoſited in the
Hands of the Soldiery; their Country depends entirely upon them,
and from their Bravery expects the Deliverance and Preſervation of
its People. Whoever, therefore, aims at the Glory of being
eſteemed a Good and Gallant Soldier, and Defender of his Coun-
cry, muſt take particular Care never to indulge himſelf in Sloth,
Idleneſs
, and Domeſtick Luxury; but give himſelf entirely up to
the Sword and Spear, to Labour and Fatigue, and all the Arts and
Exerciſes of War. No Good Soldier will ever engage in any Pri-
vate Broil or Mutiny, or make himſelf a Party in a Civil
, or a So-
cial War, and will take Care always to be in Readineſs, when his
Country calls him forth to her Defence, upon any Sudden or Dan-
gerous Emergence. The Young and Vigorous are Skilful enough
in ſpreading the Toils for the Deer, the Bear, the Boar, and the
Hare ; and can traiņ up their Dogs to the Chace of the Wild Beaſts
of the. Field and Foreſt: 'Why then ſhould they not be as Skilful
and Diligent in Meaſuring out a Camp, Marſhalling and Leading on
an Army, and in giving Battle and Chace to an Enemy? Whoever
is Unskilful in theſe Arts, let him make War in the Woods : But
whilſt he is forming Deſigns, and laying Snares for the Life and
Poſſeſſions of his Neighbour; or whilſt he paſſes his Time igno-
bly in Sloth and Idleneſs, or in Tumults and Seditions, he is no
longer to be accounted a Soldier, but a Sluggard; and from the
Height of True Nobility, finks down into the Mob and Scum of
Mankind. His Life and Character are a Diſgrace to his Station
and Dignity, and he dwindles to a Slave and a Vaſſal. Suppoſe a
War to be proclaimed, and then conſider with yourſelf
, that you
undertake it in behalf of your Country: Be always Ready and
Prepared for her Defence, left by Unneceſſary Delays, and even
before you have earned your Pay, the Enemy eſcape, and retire,
laden
-
CHAP. IV. SENATOR
דל
your Services.
laden with the Spoils of your Fellow-Subjects; whilſt
whilſt your Coun-
try's Cries to you for Help come too late, in whoſe Defence you
could not have been too Quick and Vigorous ; ſince by your Ling-
ring and Slow Advances, you have Expoſed her to Rapine and
Devaſtation. Suppoſe there be no Eſtabliſhed Pay for the Army,
let not this Delay or Diſcourage you : For it is better to be a Brave
and Voluntary, than an Inliſted and Mercenary Defender of That
Country, to which you owe your Life, and all the Honours,
Wealth, and External Bleſſings, that render it Sweet and Delecta-
ble : Whilſt no other Return or Pledge of Gratitude is required
at your Hands, but only This, that you Love your own Country,
above all Things, and keep yourſelf always in Readineſs
, as her
Faithful Soldier and Volunteer, to appear in Arms for her De-
fence, without any View or Regard to the Mercenary Reward of
Far be it from You to imagine, that Money is
the only Thing, which Ennobles and beſtows Honour upon Ver-
tue; or that you are to approve yourſelf
, not as the True and Faith-
ful Soldier of your Country, but as a Hireling and Stipendiary,
entirely devoted to Self- Intereſt and Covetouſneſs. Whilſt there
is Peace, it is the Dury of every Good Soldier to make himſelf
acquainted with the Art and Exerciſe of Arms, and to train and
qualify himſelf for War; that he may be Worthy of the Name
and Title of a Good Soldier. Among other Things; he muſt
take Care to behave towards his Countrymen and Fellow-Citizens,
with Jultice and Equity, not Domineering or Setting himſelf above
thoſe, whom the Community hath made his Equals ; not uſing
his Arms, or flying out into any Acts of Rapine and Violence,
by which the Honourable Peace and Quiet of his Neighbours may
be Diſturbed or Interrupted. What was it you ever Fought for,
but only Peace ? And when this Bleſſing hath been happily obtain-
ed, why thould you make War at home, and break in upon the
Common Trànquillity? It is certainly the True Intereſt of every
Government,
78 The Accompliſh'd Book L
Government, to reſtrain the Violences and Diſorders of their Sol.
diery, by the Stricteſt Laws, and the Urmoft Severity; to confine
their Armed Men to an Honeſt and Orderly Way of Life, and to
Deterr them from offering any Affrone or Injury to their Fellow-
Subjects : For when Injuſtice is once in Arms, and has gotten the
Sword in her Hand, there is not a more Formidable and Outrage-
ous Monſter upon Earth. Unleſs the Daring Inſolence of the
Soldiery be kept within Bounds, by Severe Laws and Proper Re.
ftrictions, it will ſoon break looſe, and fly our into the moſt Ex-
orbitant Excelles; to the Overturning of the Conſtitution, and
the Reducing all the Good and Well-behaved Members of the
Community, and even the Laws and Juſtice itſelf, to the Miſera-
ble State of being Trampled upon, and Enſlaved by an Army.
Hiſtory aſſures us, that this was often the Caſe among the Romans :
Wich whom it was a Cuſtom of a good many Years ſtanding,
for the Soldiery to make Choice of their own Commanders, and
even their Emperors; the Conſequence of which Privilege was this,
That the Commonwealth came thereby to be ſo entirely Subſervient
to, and at the Mercy of the Army, that neither the Senate, the
People, nor the Laws, were able to put a Stop to, or reſtrain the
Outrages and Violences of the Soldiery. But enough hach been
ſaid upon this Subject; and my Excurſions, like thoſe made by
the Light Horſe, have perhaps taken up too much Time, and ad-
ded an Unuſual Length to my Diſcourſe upon the Military Du-
ties and Offices : In the Proſecution of which, I have been ani-
mated by my Subject, and have made Uſe of the ſame Freedom
and Boldneſs, which is Inſeparable from the Character of a Solo
dier.
I :return now to my Former Argument," A City or Com-
monwealth niay be then ſaid to be truly Temperate and Juſt, when
the Superiors or Governors, and the Subjects or Inferior Members
thereof, do in their Lives and Actions conform to thoſe Rules and
Precepts,
.
I
CHAP. IV. SENATOR
79
Precepts, which Temperance and Juſtice have ſet them. Now
this Conformity is nor to be obtained but by Good and Whole
ſome Laws, which ſerve as a Direction to Mankind, not only how
to .Live, but how to Live Welt. To this purpoſe are all thofe
Particular Laws, commonly called Sumptuary, by which the Diet,
Proviſions, and Cloathing of the Subječt, are duly Regulated, and
all Luxury and Intemperance are Reſtrained'or Prohibited in a Com-
monwealth : And with theſe are to be Reckoned thoſe other Laws,
which relate to Juſtice and Judgment, and by which the ſeveral
Courts and Tribunals of a State are kept in due Order, and do there-
by ſerve to the free and open Exerciſe and Adminiſtration of Fuf-
tice; a Vertue by which we are taught to Render unto every Man
what is really his own. When the Subjects or Members of the
Body Politick are Sound and Healthy, Robuſt, Lively, anď Cou-
rageous, Rich and Honourable, Illuſtrious and Glorious, it is then
moſt certain, that a Commonwealth may be truly ſaid to abound in
all the Bleſſings which attend the Body, and in all the Goods
and Acquiſitions of Fortune. But of Theſe we ſhall Treat more
at large towards the End of this work. Thus we have hitherto
fhewn at large, what is the True Happineſs of a City or Com-
monwealth, and wherein it conſiſts. It now follows in courſe for
us to enquire, what it is, that makes the ſeveral Subjects and Mem-
bers of the Community truly Happy: After which it will be an
eafy Matter to Diſcover, what Arts and Sciences, what Exerciſes
and Employments, are neceſſary to Form, and Furniſh out the
Accompliſh'd Senator ; whereby he may be made Perfect and
thorowly Poſſeſſed of all the Bleſſings and Happineſs, both of
Private and Publick Life.
1
CH A P.
.
.
..
-.
80
Воок І.
8
The Accompliſhid
CH A P. V.
The CO N T E N T S.
Three Things required to make our Nature Perfect. The Origine of all
Human Imperfe&tions. How They are to be Repaired. Of the
Uſe and Benefits of Philoſophy. Objections commonly made to Phi-
loſophy. Some Philoſophers unfit to be Stateſmen. Of Specu-
lative and Recluſe Philoſophers. Of the Middle Claſs or Order.
What Sort of Philoſophy moſt Proper for the Senator. His
Genius and Natural Diſpoſition. The Education of the Senator.
Of Academical Diſcipline. The Advantages and Defe&ts of it.
Of Claſſical Learning. Of Philoſophy in all its Parts and Bran-
ches. Of Natural and Mathematical Knowledge. Of Specula-
tive and Practical Philoſophy. Of Hiſtory and Travel. The
Dignity and Uſefulneſs of Schoolmaſters and Tutors. Which Sect
of Philoſophers the moſt Excellent. The Benefits of Eloquence .
The Manner of Speaking in the Senate. Of the Study of the
Law, and the Abuſes of it.
Ccording to a received Opinion of the Old Sages and
Philoſophers
, there are Three Things requiſite to the
making of Mankind Perfect ; and theſe are, Nature,
Manners, and Reaſon. It is by no means in our own Power to
make ourſelves Happy by Nature. This is a Peculiar Gife and
Bleſſing beſtowed upon us by our Maker: For it is of his Good
Pleaſure only, that Men are endowed with a Natural Diſpoſition,
and Propenſity to Goodneſs, Prudence, and Wiſdom. It allo
frequently happens, by a Lucky Turn and Accident, that as Men
are generated by Men, and Beaſts by Beaſts, ſo Good and Wiſe
Children
А
--
CHAP. V.
SENATO R.
81
.
Children are very often deſcended from Good and Wiſe Parents.
This is certainly the Regular Courſe, and what Nature always in-
tends; but the Reaſon why She is ſometimes Obſtructed and Di-
verted in her Courſe, is plainly this, Becauſe she is Depraved and
Corrupted, has her Work often Spoiled by a Bad Education; and
to ſpeak in the Chriſtian Style, is Tainted by the Original Corrup-
tion and Fall of our Firſt Parents, who were Diverted and Sunk
from their Primitive Perfection, by the Wiles and Artifices of the
Malicious Deceiver. Hence it came to paſs, that nothing was left
behind us, of our Firſt Natural Integrity and Purity, but certain
Glimmering and Dim Fires, which ſerve to Light us in our Search
_after Knowledge and Vercue: So that the Defects
, which are now
in us, muſt be happily ſupplied by Reaſon and Good Manners, or,
in other words, by Art and Exerciſe, before we can regain our
Primitive Perfection. It is therefore the Great Aim and Daily
Dury of Mankind, to conform as much as poſſible to the Firit
Unfallen Nature, that is, to God the Author of it, and to Ad-
dreſs to him, for the Renewal and Reſtoration of our Loft Per-
fection and Happineſs
. It is the Firſt Great Precept and Law of
Human Nature, that Every Man ſhould own himſelf to be the
Workmanſhip and Offspring of God, from whom he derives his
Reaſon and Underſtanding; by which he is made like unto his Ma-
ker. But now ſince this Reaſon of Mankind is Obſcured and Wrap-
ed up in the Folds and Coverture of the Body, and is Shut up and
Encloſed therein, as in a Priſon; by which means it cannot eaſily
come at the True Knowledge of itſelf; chere is a Neceſſity of its
being ſet Free, and delivered out of this Priſon of the Body, be-
fore it can throughly Diſcern, Know, and fully Contemplate, its
own Being and Excellencies, or attain the Perfect Glory of Reſem-
bling its Maker. For then is a Man truly worthy of the Name
and Dignity which he bears in the World, when he lives in Con-
formity to that Part of his Being, which is Racional; and rejects
M
the
care
82 The Accompliſh'd
Bo0к І.
the Groſs and Bodily Part, or will by no means Gratify and In-
dulge it.
There is therefore a Neceſſary Diſcipline, which every
Man muſt Undergo and Inure himſelf to, before his Reaſon,
which is to him a Deity, can be made truly Perfect. Nature is cer-
tainly Maimed and Imperfect, when any of the Good Things are
wanting, which Neceſſarily ſerve to complete its Happineſs. And
in like manner, the Chief Good and Happineſs of Mankind are
Imperfect and Deficient, whenever Reaſon is Maimed or Obſcured.
For Reaſon is to Man the ſame as Nature, Law, Vertue, the Chief
Good, and God himſelf. Whence it follows, that there is a cer-
tain Diſcipline, which every Man muſt undergo, before he can at-
tain the Full Knowledge of God and Nature, of the Laws and
Verrues, and of the Good Things and Happineſs of Life. This
is that True Philoſophy, the Gift of God Eternal and Immutable,
which conveys to us the Full and Complete Knowledge of all
Things, both Human and Divine. By this we are brought ac-
quainted with the Nature of the Deity, and of the ſeveral Verrues
and Vices, with the Principles, Operations, Origine, and Effects,
of all Beings whatſoever. And when we look into This, as into
a Faithful Glaſs, we there ſee the Forms, Images, Species, and
Ideas, of the ſeveral Beings of the Univerſe, and our Two Parts,
both Soul and Body, drawn and painted as it were to Perfection.
Tully hath very well obſerved, That this Univerſal Philoſophy and
Knowledge of all Things is the Guide of Life, the Sure Searcher after
Vertue, the Great Enemy to Vice, an Infallible Remedy, and Laſt-
ing Health to the Soul. There is Nothing in the Whole World,
whether it be Thought or Action, no Incident or Proceeding in
the Commonwealth, the Forum, or Courts of Judicature, whether it
be in a Great Matter or a Sinall, but Philoſophy takes Cognizance
of it ; that Philoſophy, which is the Parent and Conductor of all
Counſels, Undertakings, and Reſolutions whatſoever. .
take Care to be led and governed by this Divine Principle, in all
your
If you
CHAP. V.
SENATOR.
87
06
60
your
Words and Actions, whatever you Say or Do, will be truly
Wiſe, Prudent, and in every reſpect Perfect and Heavenly. No
Wars, Seditions, or Tumults, no Inteſtine Feuds and Animoſi-
ties, no Violent Attempts of the Wicked and Turbulent, can ever
prevail in That Commonwealth, in which the Governors are either
Philoſophers themſelves, or are led by ſuch Counſels, as Philoſophy
dictates and preſcribes.
But here now I can imagine ſome one of the Multitude aſſem-
bled in the Forum, ſtarting forth, and boldly Remonſtrating, in
the following Terms: “What art Thou, o Philoſopher ! who
pretendeſt to make thy Subtle Airy Knowledge a Sufficient
« Foundation, whereon to build the Happineſs of the Publick,
" and the Counſels and Wiſdom of Kings and Princes. Thy
's Whole Art is nothing but Jargon, and a Heap of Noiſy Con-
- tention and Wrangle, inſtead of teaching us the True Way to
Happineſs. Doſt thou ſtill go on to Introduce ſuch an Art as
- this into the Commonwealth, which in all likelihood will be rather
- Fatal than Beneficial to the Publick? Would'ſt thou Rend and
« Diſtract a Government, with Civil Broils and Sedition, as thou
«ç haft filled the Schools and Academies with Diſpute and Conten-
“ cion? There indeed you may Scold and Diſpute on, without
coming to Bloodſhed.
But you cannot Play the ſame Game
« in a Nation, without engaging your Fellow-Subjects in Slaugh-
ter and Confuſion. How can you Philoſophers, whoſe Opini- .
“ ons are fo Various and Different, and very often fo Contrary to
“ one another, ever pretend to agree in Settling the Welfare and
Happineſs of a Government? What Part mult a Nation take
on this Occaſion ? Muſt they adhere to the Epicurean, the Peri-
patetick, or the Stoick Hypothefis ? Do not all theſe Seets differ
« in their Notions, about the very Sum and Subſtance of True
Happineſs, as well as about the Terms, Conditions, and Limi-
“ tations of it ? Is not the Whole Body of Philoſophy, a Wild Un-
certain
CC
M 2
a
$
84 The Accompliſh'd Book I.
“ certain Scheme ; ſince the Maſters of it are not yet agreed, even
“ in their Notions of the Firſt and Greateſt Good? And when
they know not what this is, how can they Preſcribe to us the
“ True Way and Diſcipline of Life? Let ſuch Maſters and Tex
s chers of Vertue as theſe are, who adhere to one Favourite
Scheme, and make That the Sole Reſting-Place, and Taberna-
o cle of Life, be thruſt out and driven from the Community, ra-
“ ther than well-received and encouraged, as the only Dictators
“ of True Policy. Suppoſe there be a Conſultation and Debate
upon the Great Articles of Peace, or War, the Making of
“ Laws, and the Putting of them in Execution; how will a Sett
“ of Philoſophers deliver themſelves, or behave on this Occaſion ?
• Whilſt a Senate is gravely Debating the Great Buſineſs of War,
they will perhaps imagine themſelves aſſembled in a Council of
Cyclops or Giants, juſt ready to take Arms, and fly out upon
“ ſome Deſperate Expedition. What Law can they be ſuppoſed
to Make, or what Meaſure of Obedience will they Preſcribe,
“ who have no other Law worthy their Notice, but what they
carry
within their own Boſoms ? For their own Reaſon, or ra-
«s cher their own Private Opinion, is the only Law they make Uſe
" of, or believe they are Bound to Obey. Look on a Wretch of
one of theſe Sects, and ſee him walking abroad with his Staff
“ and Lanthorn, lighting himſelf at Noonday, coaſting the Streets
“ in queſt of an Honeſt Man, ſtriking Some, and abuſing Others,
and looking upon All thoſe of his own Species as fo many Brutes,
“ his own dear Self always excepted! Such are the Mad Gambols
« and Frolicks of many of the Gang and Herd of Philoſophers,
« whom you ſo much boaſt of: What elſe was Diogenes, Zeno,
“ Epictetus, and many Others ? And would you now Appoint
“ ſuch Philoſophers as theſe
, to be Princes and Governors, Keepers
« and Conſervators of the Liberties of a People ?”.
To
CHAP. V. SENATOR
85
To all This we Anſwer very Briefly and effectually, that there
are Two Sorts of Philoſophers, whom we look upon as utterly Unfit
and Incapable to preſide in the Government of a Commonwealth. Of
the Firſt Sort are They, who have only juſt wet their Lips, and Taft-
ed of the Firſt Elements of Philoſophy, without going through the
whole Diſcipline and Inſtitutions of True Wiſdom; whereby the
Thirſt of our Inordinate Deſires, and the Fires and Violence of our
Vicious Luſts, are Effectually Allayed and Extinguiſhed. Such Men
as theſe are, give into a Way of Life entirely oppoſite to all the
Rules and Precepts of Vertue and Philoſophy : And the Reaſon of
ic is this, Becauſe Philoſophy has not entered far, or taken deep Root
in them. Had it done fo, it would have made them Learned and
Good; Learned, in the Acquiſition of Wiſdom and Prudence;
and Good, in the Practice of Juſtice, Temperance, and Fortitude.
For there is nothing in all Philoſophy more Noble and Excellent,
than the Inſtitutions and Precepts of Theſe Vercues; of which,
whoever makes himſelf a Complete Maſter, is thereby entitled to
all the Bleſſings and Happineſs of Life. Beſides This, there is
Another Sort of Philoſophers, quite different from the Former,
who from their very Childhood' have made Philoſophy their whole
Study and Delight, their Rock and Reſting Place, to which they
are Chained down, and upon which they have fixed their Reli-
dence. Their Speculative Notions and Contemplative Way of
Life, not having any Regard to the Civil and Common Good of
Societies, are therefore of no manner of Uſe to the Publick : And
this Sort of Men, however they may be juſtly reckoned Men of
Learning and Ingenuity, yet becauſe they are Incloſed and Wrapt
up in one Single Syſtem of Philoſophy, and never bring forth
their Learning for the Uſe and Benefit of the Publick, are there-
fore deſervedly looked upon as Unfic for Buſineſs, and Unqua-
lified to meddle in the Affairs and Intereſts of a State. Plato is
of Opinion, that ſuch of theſe Solitary and Recluſe Philoſophers,
who
>
86 The Accompliſh'd
Book I,
who are in their own Nature Civilized, and Well-turned for the
Buſineſs of the World, and capable of being brought to do their
Duty in a Publick Station, to their own Glory, and the Advan-
tage of their Country, ſhould be compelled to come out of their
Retirement, and obliged to take ſome Publick Truſt upon them.
Becauſe he looks upon them to be well Qualified for the Govern-
ment of a City, and capable of appeaſing any. Tumults and Sedi-
tions, or of Keeping the People Eaſy and Quier. But for Thoſe,
who are of a quite different Genius, he gives them up to the En-
joyment of their Solitude and Recluſe Life, and leaves them and
their Philoſophy to grow old together. In the mean time, we are
clearly of Opinion, thar neither They, who have only made a
Small Progreſs in Philoſophy, nor They, who have gone too far,
and are wholly Immerſed and Swallowed up in Speculations,
ſhould at any Time be admitted into a Publick Station and Of-
fice in the Government. Nor the Former ; becauſe they have not
yet obtained That Honeſt and Vertuous Way of Living, which
Philoſophy preſcribes : And by no means the Latter; becauſe they
Imagine they have attained to more Happineſs, than what is to
be met with in the Civil or Political Life, and that Solitude is the
only State of Bliſs, which is the ſame to them, as the Fortunate
Iſlands, or Garden of the Heſperides. This however is certain, and
Plato agrees with us in the very fame Opinion, that Mere Philoſo-
phy preſcribes ſuch a Way of Life to Mankind, as is by no means
compatible with the Duty and Office of a Good Magiſtrate, and dif-
poſes us to look upon all High Stations and Dignities with Con-
tempt and Indignation. Hence it is, that we are under a Neceſſi-
ty of Looking ouç for a Middle Claſs and Order of Philoſophers,
particularly fitted and well-qualified for the Adminiſtration of
Publick Affairs : And ſuch are they, who, in all their Philoſophi-
cal Studies and Enquiries, have no other View nor Deſign, but
the Atrainment of ſuch Rules and Inſtitutions, as are Conducive
to
CHAP. V
SENATOR.
87
to the Happineſs of Human Society, and the Good Government
of the Commonwealth. This is that Particular Sort of Philoſophy,
of which we would have the Accompliſſ'd Senator take Care to make
himſelf a Maſter ; whereby he will be fully inſtructed, how to
govern and bear Rule in his own Country, and will approve him-
ſelf a Common Friend and Publick Bleſſing to Mankind.
It is above all Things requiſite, that the Good Senator ſhould be
by Nature Well-turned and Diſpoſed for Vertue, Well-Inclined
to Temperance and Juſtice, readily capable and fond of Inſtruc-
tion. True Philoſophy can never take Deep Root, and bring
forth the Proper Fruits in him, unleſs he has Memory and a Good
Genius, is of a Teachable Diſpoſition, and of a Strong, Free,
and Lively Spirit, being naturally Juſt and Temperate, and a Lo-
ver and Admirer of Truth. Nothing but a Good Education can
Improve upon This Stock, and bring it to Perfection ; and ſuch
an Education every Good Senator ought to have; from the Earlieſt
Years and Firſt Dawning of his Childhood. For (as Plato very
well obferves) A Good Education is the Source and Fountain of all
Knowledge ; by which we are brought up together with our Fellow-
Creatures, and made as it were Companions and Playfellows in every
Kind and Improvement of Vertue. The Good Senator muſt be trained
and inſtructed from his very Infancy, in the Due Uſe and Exerciſe
of his Paſſions; ſo that all his Joys, and all his Sorrows may be
regulated and reſtrained by the Proper Rules of Juſtice and Vertue.
It is Vertue only that can Inſtruct us, when, and on what Occa-
fions, we are either to Rejoice or be Sorrowful; and herein (ac-
cording to Ariſtotle), conſiſts the True Notion of all Good and
Vertuous Education. As it is the Real Intereſt of every common-
wealth, to make all her Citizens and Subjects Good, chat She hier-
felf
may
be ſo coo; ſo is it particularly Incumbent upon her, to
take Care, in what Way and Manner they ſhould be all brought
up
and educated. The Good Husbandman and Gardener keep a
Warchful
88 The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
Theſe were
Watchful Eye over the Tender Shoots and Branches of their Trees,
and provide in time for their Quick and Early Growch. Juſt ſo
thould a Commonwealth, the Nurſe and Parent of her own People,
be remarkably Careful and Diligent in the Education of all her
Youth, and in Training them up betimes to the Laws and Precepts
of Vertue. The Lacedæmonians had among them a Particular Ör-
der of Magiſtrates, choſen on Purpoſe to take Care of the Edu-
cation of their Youth; and to this Office they Elected none buc
the Graveſt and moſt Prudent of all their Citizens.
called, the Publick Præceptors, or State-Schoolmaſters; and it was
certainly owing to this Wiſe Inſtitucion, that the Lacedemonians
were, of all other Grecians, the moſt Renowned for Vercue and
Warlike Exploits, and had every where this Character given of
them, That They were the Great Maſters of Fortitude, and the
Sole Tutors and Directors of the Art of War. We read in Plu-
tarch, that when Diogenes returned from Sparta to Athens, and was
asked, Whence he came ? and Whither he was going? The Philo-
ſopher readily anſwered, That he came from ſeeing Men, and was
now going to make a Viſit to Women. By which Sarcaſm he plainly
hinted at the Reigning Effeminacy of the Athenians, who on this
Account had made themſelves Ridiculous, not only to the Lace-
dæmonians, but to all the Other Republicks of Greece. Hence it
was, that when a certain Athenian, in a Converſation with Agefilaus,
King of Sparta, was boaſting of the Height and Strength.of the
Walls of Athens, That Monarch very readily anſwered, That ſuch
a Fortification very well became their City: For where Women were to
be shut up and
encloſed, the Higheſt and Strongeſt Walls were always
judged to be of abſolute Neceſſity.
But from this Digreſſion let us now Return to our Former Sub-
ject of Education. A Subject of no ſmall Importance, though
very much Neglected in the Preſent Age, when we ſee ſo little
Pains beſtowed in an Affair, which neceſſarily requires, and really
deſerves
CHAP. V. SENATO R.
89
1
1
deſerves ſo much. Parents are now grown Careleſs and Negli-
gent, and as the Cuſtom is, we ſee them Shifting off the Charge
and Concern of beſtowing a Vertuous and Liberal Education upon
their own Children, and giving it away into the Hands of Stran-
gers.
Nor is this all; but the Heirs of a Noble or a Generous Fa-
mily are delivered over into the Cuſtody and Management of a
Wretched Pedant, or Unskilful Pedagogue. The Care and Dili-
gence of Cato, in the Education of his Son, is never to be enough
Commended. He would by no means ſuffer his own Wife to
Waſh and Bache him, or to Swathe and Dreſs him, unleſs himſelf
were preſent to Overſee and Alliſt her. He had then in his Family one
Chylo, a Grammarian, a Man well enough verſed in Learning, and
with whom he had entruſted the Education of his Child: Yet ſtill
he thought it an Indignity to have a Servant Revile and Reproach,
Inſult and Domineer over him, or whenever he was Tardy and in
a Fault
, give him Bodily Correction. He knew how great a Be-
nefit the Inſtruction and Education of his Son really was, and he
ſcorned to be Indebted for it, to the Pains and Care of a Pedagogue.
When he was fit to be Inſtructed in Literature, and in the Laws
and Cuſtoms of his Country, the Father himſelf would have the
Sole Care of him. None but he muſt teach him how to Aling
the Javelin, to go through the Whole Exerciſe at Arms, to under-
ſtand Horſemanſhip, with the Manner of Fighting hand to hand,
or in Cloſe Combat, the Whole Art of Swimming, and all other
Achievements, by which Youth are inured to the Bearing of the
Two Excremes, both of Heat and Cold. Beſides this, it is alſo
ſaid, thac Cato wrote a Hiſtory in a very Large and Legible Charac-
ter, for the Uſe of his Son, on purpoſe to bring him acquainted
with the Acts and Exploits of his Forefathers, and with the Art
and Method of Preſiding in the Affairs of the Commonwealth.
Whenever his Son was Preſent, the Father would never ſuffer any
Obſcene or Filchy Diſcourſe, or Converſation, or let an Expreſſion
N
flip,
90
The Accompliſh'd
Воок І.
.
.
flip, which had the Leaſt Savour either of Raſhneſs and Anger,
or of Vice and Folly; being on this Occaſion altogether as Cau-
tious, as if a Prieſt or a Veſtal Virgin were at that Time in Com-
pany. Such was the Behaviour of the Great Cato, and ſuch in
general the Good Conduct of all the Romans, in the Care of their
Families, and the Education of their Children! Among the ſe-
veral Nations and Republicks of Greece, there was the fame Care
uſed in the Training up of their Youth. For which purpoſe, Pub-
lick Schools and Academies were opened by their Philoſophers, and
the Diſcipline obſerved in them, is by Hiſtory brought down to
our Times ; the Memory and Glory whereof will no doubt en-
dure for ever. From theſe Philoſophers of Old Greece, the True
Knowledge of all Human Vertues, and the ſeveral Arts and Scien-
ces, by which the Whole Univerſe is diſplayed and made known
to us, are handed down to the Preſent Generation. Theſe were
the Great Maſters and Teachers of That Uſeful Knowledge, which
ſhews us the Way how to Live well and happily, in a Private
Station; and in what manner Publick Societies and Communities
of Men are to be Governed. We of the Preſent Age have, like
rhe Old Grecians, our Academies, or Univerſities, the Seminaries of
Learning and Vertue, whither our Youth reſort, as to a Plentiful
Harveſt, in order to go out from thence, laden with the Fruits
of a Learned and Vertuous Education. It is the General Wiſh
and Deſire, that the Rulers and Governors of theſe Seminaries would
be more Careful to Inſtruct their Youth in the Art of Living well,
than in the Art of Controverſy and Diſputation ; and inſtill into
them True and Sound Philolophy, inſtead of Jargon and Wran-
gle, and the Little Friskith Arts of Sporting and Playing with
Words. Were this the Caſe, we ſhould foon ſee their Scholars
come to be more truly Uſeful Meinbers of the State, and Promo-
ters of the Wulfare and Happineſs of their Fellow-Creatures. A-
mong the Ancients, their young Students in Philoſophy were for
a good
CHAP. V.
SENATOR.
91
-
a good while Hearers only, and not fuffered to speak in their
Schools. But now the Cuſtom is, to bring them forward be-
times, and to encourage them in Noiſe and Clamour. By which
means they ſoon come to be Orators indeed, but without à Mean-
ing; and Philoſophers, without Wiſdom; whilſt the Good Diſci-
pline and Vercue, which found ſo loudly from their Lips, never
Îink Lower, or take deep Root in their Hearts. Their Tutors and
Governors are ſometimes weak enough to commend them, for this
very Spirit of Wrangling, to promote Contentions of this Soro
among them, and to encourage their Pertneſs and Boldneſs in Dif-
putacion; whilſt no Notice is taken of the Vertues of Modeſty
and Humility, of Prudence and Good Behaviour, or of the Love
of Honour and Juſtice. But now the Governors of our Acade.
mies or Univerſities ought certainly to know, that their Schools
were intended for the Propagation and Improvement, not of
a Sleepy, Dreaming, and Speculative ſort of Knowledge, but of
that Civil Science and Wiſdom, the Glory of which conſiits in
Thinking Rightly, and in Doing well. The Old Academies of
Greece were the Seminaries of their Republicks ; out of which,
as out of the Trojan Horſe, came their Beſt Kings, and moſt Re-
nowned Generals and Governors. Alexander and Scipio, Two of
the Greateſt Commanders that ever lived, with many Others too
Numerous to be recounted, had their Firſt Riſe in Glory from
an Academical Education : And in the very fame Way ſhould all thoſe
Citizens be Trained, and throughly Exerciſed, who would learn the
Two Arts of Living Vertuouſly, and of Governing Wiſely. Hence
it comes to be a National Concern; and it is certainly the Duty of
every Government to have Publick Schools and Academies, ſo well
Inſtituted and Ordered, that they may be as Storehouſes and Re-
poſitories, out of which the State may be Furniſhed with all the
Vertues that, adorn Mankind.
N 2
Before
j
1
92 The Accompliſh'd Book I.
and worſe, and fall at laſt into the moſt Horrid Impieties, by the
Before the Good Senator can be throughly Formed and Ac-
compliſhed, he muſt have a Genius and Natural Diſpoſition to
Good, as well as a Liberal and Vertuous Education. When
Human Nature is Turned and ſet upon Evil, it can never be
Mended or Improved by Philoſophy ; : but on the contrary,
is rather in Danger of being made ftill more Vicious and Cor-
rupt, and may perhaps ſink to the Loweſt Degeneracy. For
ſince of ourſelves we are naturally Inclined to Evil
, if this Natu-
ral Inclination, inſtead of being Reformed by Vertuous Pre-
cepts, is really Strengthned and Improved by the Craft and Cun-
ning of Philoſophy, we ſhall only Learn thereby, how to excell
in Wickedneſs, and to be Vicious with ſo much the more Ingenui-
ту
and Succeſs. The Beſt Knowledge, when it falls to the Share
of the Worſt of Men, loſes all its Value; and from a Bleſſing, is
turned into a Curſe, ſerving only to inſtruct Men how to perpetrate
the moſt Execrable Villanies. There is a Brutal Force in every Bad
Man, which Art and Intenſe Thinking may eaſily carry forwards
into ſomething perfectly Savage and Barbarous ; as we ſee a com-
mon Fitt of Anger, by the Improvement of the Subtle Spirits, in-
ſenſibly raiſed to downright Frenzy and Madneſs. Theſe therefore
are Undoubted Truths, That a Genius and Diſpoſition to Good may,
by Vile Arts and Bad Inſtructions, come to be exceeding Evil;
and a Bad Genius and Diſpoſition to Evil, may grow ſtill worſe
Abuſe of Good Inſtructions, and of the Beſt and Nobleſt Educa-
tion. For all Good whatſoever, when it paſſes over into the Op-
poſite Extreme, is ſoon changed into the Worſt of Evils : Juſt as
Good Seed, when it is caſt into a Bad Soil, loſes its Former Na-
ture, and brings forth nothing but Noiſome Weeds. There is
therefore an Irreſiſtible Force in Education, by which the tender
Minds of our Youth are Bent this Way or that Way, juſt as they
take the Firſt and Earlieſt Impreſſions. Diogenes being asked, What
Method a Man ought to take, in order to attain a Life of Eaſe and Tran-
quillity ?
CHAP. V. SENATOR
93
ܪ
quillity? gave this for an Anſwer, That he muſt, in the Firſt place,
Reverence the Gods, for they only can make Men truly Happy; that he
muft, in the Next place, breed up his Children to Vertue ; for a Vicious
Education will make them the Worſt of all Enemies to their own Pa-
rents; and that, in the Laſt place, he muſt take Care to be always
Grateful to his Friends: For it was a Good Saying of the Oracle,
Tlat an Ungrateful Man was a Common Nufance, and an Abomi-
nation to all the World.
In the Progreſs towards a Complete Education, the Young Pu-
pil muſt be Well-Inſtructed in the Art of Speaking, both Properly
and Gracefully; and muſt be ſet to work with all Diligence, in
Searching and Enquiring after Truth. At his Firſt Setting out
upon this Enquiry, there are Three Arts neceſſary to be Acquired,
Grammar, Logick, and Rhetorick. For theſe Arts are as it were the Por-
tals and Avenụes to the Palace, wherein True Wiſdom reſides. From
theſe are to be learned the Rules and Art of Speaking and Conver-
ſing, which muſt be Confirmed and Improved by Uſe and Exerciſe,
and by reading the Works of the Claſſick Orators and Poets. When
the Young Student has made a Progreſs thus far, let him no lon-
ger Content himſelf with theſe Trite, Vulgar, and Ordinary Ar-
tainments ; but let him foar aloft, and early graſp at much Higher
and Greater Improvements. The Rational Soul will now begin
to look more narrowly into itſelf, and to exert all its Faculties,
in queſt of that more Durable and Subſtantial Food, with which
alone it can be well Nouriſhed, and fully Satisfied. Now Philoſo-
phy is not only the Proper Food, but the True Medicine of the
Soul; by which all its Maladies and Sorrows are healed, and by
which Man is made truly and perfectly Happy. We are Raiſed
and Elevated, Spurred on and Excited, by the Deſire of Actaining
ſtill Greater and more Excellent Accompliſhments, when once we
have fhaken off theſe Earthly Impediments, and Clogs of the Bo-
dy, and are purſuing our Enquiries up to thoſe Celeſtial Regions,
whereunto our Soul is always Aſpiring, The moſt we can at pre-
fenc
94
The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
fent altain to, is firſt to Search into the moſt Obfcure and Ab-
ſtruſe Secrets of Nature, and to Contemplate and take a view of
the Whole Syſtem of the Univerſe: And then to look into the
Life, Actions, and Ways of Men, and to ſee how Families are
Ordered, and in what Manner. Cities and Commonwealths are
Governed and Eſtabliſhed. In the Former of theſe Enquiries,
Natural Philoſophy, Metaphyficks, and Mathematicks, are our Chief
Guides : And in the Latter, Moral Philoſophy, Policy, and OEco-
nomy. Both theſe Sorts of Philoſophy have but one and the
ſame End and Deſign in View, or at leaſt there is here but little
Difference between Speculative and Practical Knowledge. For as in
the Contemplation of Heavenly Things and Operations, or the
Ways and Works of our Maker, the Soul is at it were Separa-
ted from the Body, and Endeavours, in its own Strength, to make
itſelf Happy, and ſo far Like unto God: So in a Life of Hone-
ſty and Goodneſs, where the Soul is armed and ſurrounded by all
che Vertues, and is in Full Practice, and a State of Activity, ic
muſt in order thereco ſhake off all the Allurements, Filth, and
Dregs of the Body: And when once the Soul hath, by both theſe
Methods, thaken off the Body and all its Incumbrances, it may
then truly Reſemble its Maker, and in its own Right lay claim to
Happineſs
. But now theſe Two abovementioned Parts of Know-
ledge differ in this particular, That One of them is entirely con-
fiſtent with a State of Eaſe and Leiſure, whilſt the Other is alto-
gether converſant with Buſineſs, and always in a State of Activity
and Employment; though ſtill the Divine Similitude may, in either
of theſe States, be retained by Mankind. Hence it is, that all
Happinels is of Two Sorts, either Private or Publick. They,
who repoſe all their Happineſs in an Active Life, or in the Exerciſe
of all the Vertues, are always to be eſteemed the moſt Beneficial
and Uſeful Members of the Commonwealth. For every Good
Thing, by being communicated to many, does thereby gain ſo
much a greater Addition to its own Real Worth and Intrinſick Va-
lue.
i
i
/
CHAP. V
SENATOR
95
lue. And accordingly the Happineſs, which Diffuſes and Extends
itſelf to Mulcitudes, is certainly preferable to that Narrower and
more Contracted Felicity, which a Single Perſon engroſſes wholly
to himſelf. And yet ſtill it muſt be confeſſed, that a Life of Spe-
culation is Firſt in Order, and more Honourable than the Other,
becauſe Speculation always precedes Practice, and gives Life and
Dignity to the Beſt and Nobleſt Actions. It is the Great Privi-
lege of the Divine Being, to remain Unmoved and Unactive, and
to paſs away Eternity in Contemplation, and in the Overſight and
Providential Survey of the Univerſe. By whoſe Example lome
Philoſophers have preferred a Life ſpent in the Contemplation of
Heavenly Things, to a Life of Activity, and to all the Bleſſings
and Happineſs, of which Human Nature is capable.
But now ſince the Good Senator's Happineſs, and all his Know-
ledge and Wiſdom, are entirely Converſant with a Life of Activi-
ty and Buſineſs; becauſe he is certainly ſuch a One in his Charac-
ter, who knows how to meaſure all his Actions by the Rule of
Honeſty and Right Reaſon, who is well Qualified to manage all
Affairs boch Private and Publick, and who underſtands how to
Govern a City by Counſel and Wiſdom, how to Found and Eſta-
bliſh a Conſtitution by Wholſome Laws, and how to Reform it by
a Regular Execution of Juſtice; it muſt follow, that he ought to
make himſelf acquainted with that Part of Philoſophy, which gives
out the Rules and Precepts of Vertue, which are the Bounds and
Limits of all Human Actions, and contain the Whole Art and
Science of Behaving well, in a Publick or National Adminiſtra-
tion. Whatever relates to Manners and Good Conduct, he muſt
be ſure to underſtand throughly, and to put in Practice with the ut-
moſt Exactneſs, becauſe upon this . depends the Art not only of
Living, but of Living well
, and of giving Good Advice to others,
and Governing them with Wiſdom and Diſcretion. How ſhall
That Man lead a Life agreeable to the Rules of Strict Verrue, who
really
>
care
96
Book I.
The Accompliſl’d
really knows not what True Vercue is ? And how ſhall He be able
to ſet a Senate right in the Great and Fundamental Duties of Jul-
rice, Prudence, Temperance, and Fortitude ? Or how ſhall He
Undertake to appeaſe a Tumult, or queil a Sedition ; to Diſpenſe
or Expound the Laws, who is Ignorant of the Common Princi-
ples and Precepts of Juſtice and Prudence ? Can ſuch a One as this
be able to give his Advice about a War or a Peace, a League or a
Treaty, and to give it Well and Wiſely, who really knows not
when a War is Juſt or Unjuſt, a Peace Honourable or Diſhonour-
able, and a League Dangerous and Fatal to the State, or Well-
made, and fit to be kept Sacred and Inviolable? It is the Se-
nator's Duty throughly to Underſtand all the Obligations to Ho-
neſty in their Full Force and Urmoft Extent, and all the Vercues.
To know them not only by Name, or juſt as the Sounds reach
his Ears, when they are mentioned or called over, but to compre-
hend their True and Real Nature, and to keep and retain them in
his Mind. The Sum and Subſtance of all this Uſeful Knowledge
is not to be obtained, but by Conſulting the Works of the moſt
Approved Authors and Writers in Moral Philoſophy, Policy, and
OEconomy. For out of theſe Treaſures we may make a Collection
of all the Vercues, and of all the Arts of Government, and be
able to tell, how Men are to behave in their own Moral Charac-
cer, and in what Manner they are to Order and Direct their own
Families. By applying ourlelves to theſe Studies, we ſhall be well
Inſtructed to Form a Right Judgment upon all che Tranſactions
and Affairs of Life, and to Diſcern berween Honourable and Dif-
honourable, Good and Evil.
But beſides this, there is another Sort of Learning, neceſſary to
the Accompliſhment of the Good Senator, by which we are
brought acquainted with, and obliged to Retain in our Memories,
the moſt Remarkable Sayings and Exploits of Thoſe, who have
gone before us in the World, juſt as they are delivered and brought
down
..
CHAP. V. SENATO R.
97
down to us, in the Memorable Relations and Traditions of our
Forefathers. The True and Perfect Account of all theſe Things,
ſo well worthy of Note, is no where to be inet with, in fo Full
and Ample a Manner, as in the Monuments and Remains of
Faithful Annaliſts and Hiſtorians. What Tully obſerves, is certainly
True, and very much to the Purpoſe, when he calls Hiſtory The
Witneſs and Evidence of Paſt Times, the Torch-bearer and Guide of
Truth, Human Nature's Remembrancer, the Leader and Condu&tor of
all our Actions, and a Meſſenger and Envoy ſent to us by our Fore-
fathers. I would gladly ask, from whom ſhall we learn True
Fortitude, Fidelity, Juſtice, Temperance, Frugality, and a Tho-
rough Contempt of all Pain and Sorrow, and even of Death it-
ſelf, but only from the Cornelii
, Valerii, Fabritii, Curii, Decii,
Mutii
, and the Other Heroes of Antiquity? And what ſhall I ſay
of the Great Examples of our own Age and Nation, eminent in
every Degree of Vertue and Glory? Shall I mention the Lechian,
Piaſtian, Boleſlaian, or Jagalonian Families, ſhining and eminent
in every Degree of Vertue, by whoſe Example the preſent Age
is not only improved and edified, but gives out their Well-ſpent
Lives, the Worth and Dignity of their Character, and their Good
Conduct and Honeſt Behaviour, Worchy of Eternal Praiſe and
Commendation, as a Pattern fit to be copied by all Succeeding
Generacions ? From ſuch Principles, and ſuch Examples, the Good
Senator may eaſily learn, What the Precepts of Vertue really are,
which he is obliged to conform to; and what are choſe Exam-
ples of Vertue and Fortitude, which it is his Ducy and Intereſt
to follow.
To this Scock of Learning and Knowledge, many Additions
are to be made, before the Good Senator can be throughly Accom-
pliſhed. He muſt take Care to be well acquainted with the Cuf-
toms of his own Country, and the Manners of his Country-
men, their Way of Living, their Temper, Diſpoſition, and Ge-
O
neral
-
98
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
--
neral Behaviour, their Sentiments and Opinions concerning the
Preſent Poſture of Affairs, and all the Remarkable Occurrences,
and Paſſages of Publick Life. Beſides this, he muſt be ſure to
make himſelf a Maſter of that truly Uſeful and Neceſſary Know-
ledge, which completes the Character of a Wife Stateſman. He
muſt throughly Underſtand the Laws of his own Country, and
how, or in what manner, they are Made and Enacted. He muſt
be well acquainted with the True Nature of War and Peace, what
Quarrels and Enmities his People are engaged in, and what Leagues
and Treaties are Subliſting between them and their Neighbours :
What Taxes, Ducies, and Cuſtoms, are already Impoſed, or Ne-
ceſſary to be Demanded : What the Rights of the Subject are,
and what the Proceedings of the Miniſtry: What Diſcipline is
Obſerved, or in what Manner the Laws are Executed : What
are the Diſpoſitions of the People, and how at preſent they ſtand
affected: What are their Diſcontents or Differences, and how they
are to be Allayed and Pacified: What is the Preſent State of Mo.
ralicy : How the Youth of his Country are Educated and Em-
ployed: What Principles, Cuſtoms, and Rules of Conformity,
are neceſſary to be Introduced, in order to Reform or Moralize
a People ; and what is the Preſent State of Religion, and the
Publick Worſhip of GOD. Nor muſt the Good Senator be Igno-
rant of what paſſes among the Allies and Confederates of his
own Country; what are their Rights and Demands, and what
Agreements and Conventions are Subſiſting between his own Peo-
ple and their Neighbours. He muſt in ſhort be acquainted with
all the Reaſons and Ends of Government, underſtand all the Cuſo
toms and Uſages of his people, the Proceedings of all the Courts
of Judicature, and all Publick Allemblies. Neither is it fit he
ſhould be altogether a Stranger to whatever daily occurrs in the
Publick Adminiſtration, or in Judicial Proceedings, or to the Ex-
amples and Characters of all about him, and to the Deſires and Ex-
pectations
ܪ
care
CHAP. V.
SENATO R.
99
pectations of All his Fellow-Subjects
. Anthony ſeems to me, to
have given a Full and Lively Deſcription of a Good Counſellor or
Governor, when he ſays, He is ſuch a One, who well Underſtands,
and always Adheres to, whatever may Contribute to, or Promote the
Eſtabliſhment and Welfare of a State; or Add to, and Increaſe its
Happineſs. Such Counſellors and Senators were the Lentuli, the
Gracchi, the Metelli, the Scipio's, and the Lalii, of Old Rome. Bur
now in Theſe our Times, ſuch Examples are Uncommon enough:
For we often fee Men crowding for Honours and Offices, and
making themſelves Candidates for the Senatorial Dignity, and Go-
vernment of the Commonwealth, without bringing along with them
to the Place of Election, the Neceſſary Qualifications of Wiſdom,
Knowledge, and Experience. If here and there a Candidate of a
more Exalted Character appears in Publick, yet ſtill perhaps his
only Recommendation is a Single Campaign, or the Services of One
Tear, or it may be a Little Sinattering in the Law, or the
Greatneſs of his Wealth, or the Popular Clamours of his Follow-
ers and Dependents ; whilſt he has nothing beyond all this, or at
leaſt but a very Slender Acquaintance with the Beſt and Nobleſt
Arts, or with all thoſe Vertues which are neceſſary to the Forma-
tion of the Accompliſ’d Senator ; the Perfection of whoſe Charac-
ter conſiſts in this, That he be always ready and well reſolved, to
Think and Act aright; That he look upon it as Diſhonourable to
follow the Opinion of others Servilely and Implicitly; That he be-
have as if he were always a Candidate for the Firſt Place in the
Court of Wiſdom, and labour to attain the Utmoſt Glory that
Good Counſel and a Good Life can give him, to adorn and make
his Character Perfect; and, That he never look upon any thing as
truly Juſt and Right, Worthy of Praiſe, and Agreeable to Sound
Wiſdom, but what is dictated to him by the Precepts of Vertue,
the Laws of his own Country, and by Right Rcalon. The
Knowledge of Men and Things is certainly the Riſe and Foun-
dation
02
IOO The Accompliſh'd
BOOK I.
dation of all True Wiſdom, which can never be attained, but by
a Thorough Acquaintance with the Beſt and Nobleſt Arts and Sci-
ences; and withour theſe it is Impoſſible for any Man, much more
for a Senator, to Think, and Speak, and Act upon all Occaſions,
either Well or Wiſely.
For the Greater Improvement of his Knowledge, and the Per-
fecting of his Character by Wiſdom and Prudence, it may be Ne-
ceſſary for the Senator to become acquainted with the Laws and
Cuſtoms of other Countries, beſides his own, and the Ways and
Manners of their People. This Sort of Knowledge is to be ar-
tained by Travel : And accordingly Homer ſpeaks thus of Ulyſſes;
Muſe, Sing the Man, who fail'd from Phrygia's Shore,
Through various Realms; their Manners to explore,
Their Cities, and their Laws.
The Great Benefit to be made of Travel, ariſes from our Ob-
ferving carefully upon the Good Behaviour, Manners, and Civili-
ty of Thoſe abroad ; and upon ſuch of their Rights and Cuſtoms,
as are Laudable and Worthy our Imitation ; and from Noring and
Cenſuring their particular Follies and Vices, which we muſt be
alike careful to Avoid. The Laws of Foreign Nations, their Juriſ-
dictions, Liberties, Way and Manner of Living, their Civil and
Military Diſcipline, with the OEconomy and Management of their
Domeſtick Affairs, the Situation of their Country, their Clime
and Soil, their Publick Buildings, their Ornaments and Fortifica-
cions, are alſo well worth our Notice, and deſerve the Particular
Enquiries and Inſpection of the Judicious Traveller. Beſides this,
may
be of Uſe to know the True and Real Character of every
Prince, whoſe Dominions we Viſit; and to enquire, what Opi-
nion the People have of him, and how they are affected towards
his Government. If there is a Senate or Great Council ? How are
they
1
CHAP. V. SENATOR
IOI
1
they Choſen, and what are the People's Sentiments of their Pru-
dence and Conduct? How, and in what Manner is Juſtice Admi-
niſtered? What is the National Genius of the Country? What the
Temper and Diſpoſition of the Inhabitants ? What particular Men
have they among them, Eminent for their Wiſdom and Learning,
and what Great Generals and Commanders? Theſe are the Proper
Enquiries to be made by a Wife and Judicious Traveller; and beſides
theſe, he may perhaps be Artful enough to make ſome Uſeful and
Advantageous Diſcoveries, which he may Retain and Bring home
with him; and when a Proper Opportunity offers itſelf, they may
be Produced to the Advantage and Improvement of his own Coun-
try, or in order to do her Service upon ſome Critical and Neceſſary
Emergence. But then Great Caution ought to be uſed on this
Occaſion, and we muſt be very Sparing and Wary in our At-
tempts to introduce any Strange and Foreign Cuſtoms into our
own Country, leſt we thereby Infect our People with the Icch of
Novelty, and Corrupt their Minds by Softneſs and Effeminacy ;
whereby they will be ſoon brought to forget the Rigid Vertues and
Plain Honeſty, with the Manners, Laws, and Cuſtoms, of their
Forefathers. For the populace are in their own Nature change-
able enough, and over-fond of Novelty; and nothing is more
Fatal to a Government, than Dangerous and Pernicious Innova-
tions. But when we meet with any Thing, which is truly Honeſt
and Laudable ; any thing that is Agreeable to the Manners and
Temper of our Countrymen, Uſeful and Beneficial to the Publick,
and Well-Fitted to the Clime and Soil in which we live; Every
thing of this Sort we may ſafely borrow from Scrangers, and bring
home with us : And beyond this any Arcachment to Foreign Fas
fhions, Modes, and Cuſtoms, is by no means fic to be Endured.
Many of the Greateſt and Wiſeſt Men of Antiquity, took Parti-
cular Delight in Travel. Thus did Neftor, Menelaus, and Alexan
der the Great : And it is a Remarkable Epitaph Extant in Diodorus
Siculusz
!
:
102
The Accompliſhid Book 1:
Siculus, which was once Inſcribed upon the Monument of Oſiris
,
King of Egypt : “I am That Osiris the KING, the Eldeſt Son
« of SATURN, who leave behind me no Spot of Earth, which I did
not once Vifit ; thereby Learning All that is Neceſſary and Uſeful to
16 Mankind."
If a Youth, who intends to Qualify himſelf for the Senatorial
Dignity, has no Opportunity of Travelling, let him ſupply this
Defect, by Reading over the Beſt and moſt Approved Coſmogra-
phers, Geographers, and Hiſtorians : And let him be always Careful
to lay in ſuch a Stock of Knowledge, as may preſerve him from
That Low and Childiſh Behaviour, which is the Neceſſary Reſult
and Effect of Ignorance. In that Part of Philoſophy, which treats
of the more Obſcure Operations, and Abſtruſe Secrets of Nature,
I would not have him entirely Unskilful : But then he
But then he may be ve-
ry Sparing of this Sorc of Scudies ; and to run too far into them,
or with too much Eagerneſs, is neither Pleaſant nor Profitable. The
Way of Life, to which he is deſtined, does by no means require
an Univerſal Knowledge. Wiſdom has a Large Field to range in,
Boundleſs and Unmeaſurable. The Sciences muſt be Cantoned
out and Parcelled, ſince no one Single Perſon can poſſibly make
himſelf a Maſter of them All. Whatever falls within the Com-
paſs of our Knowledge, may be divided into Three Parts, Things
Honeft, Pleaſant, and Profitable. The Knowledge of what is
Honeſt and Pleaſant, ſerves rather to Sweeten and make Life Agree-
able, than to Qualify us for the Affairs of Government ; that
when the Mind is almoſt Spent and Tired with the Buſineſs of the
Court, the Roftrum, and the Tribunal, it may Retire, and Collect
new Strength and Vigour, Refreſh and Recreate itſelf, by Indulging
for a Time in Lawful Eaſe, Softneſs, and Delicacy. It is not to
be denied, that this Sort of Philoſophy may poſſibly do the Pub-
lick a Good deal of Service, eſpecially if its Followers do really
Love a Civil Life, or Life of Buſineſs, and take more Pleaſure in
coming
1
i
CHAP. V.
SENATOR.
103
-
coming abroad into Publick View and Converſation, than in hi-
ding and immuring themſelves in Cells and Solitude. But if their
Want of Health, or any other Impediments and Avocations; if
their Incapacity for the Execution of any Publick Truſt or Office,
will not permit them to appear in any Higher Station; let them go
down among the Lower Claſſes of our Youth, give into Dreſs and
Gayety, or go back to the Schools
, or frequent the Publick Aſſem-
blies, and Places of Reſort for Diverſion or Exerciſe. There is a
Private and Retired Sort of Philoſophy, which yet is of Great
Uſe and Service to the Publick. For we are not to look upon
Them as the Only Philoſophers, who know how to Manage and
Direct the Affairs of a State or Commonwealth : Since beſides
Theſe, there are others, to whoſe Written Labours and Immortal
Works we are Indebted, for the Remains and Monuments of True
Wiſdom and Learning. And there is alſo a Third Sort of Philo-
ſophers, whoſe Buſineſs it is to Inſtruct thoſe under their Care in
the Rules of Vertue, and in the Art of Government ; from whoſe
Lectures and Labours we borrow all our Knowledge in Law, Mo-
rality, and Government, and in the Way and Method of attaining
True Happineſs. Theſe Men certainly deſerve well at our Hands ;
becauſe by their Leiſure and Retirement we are Inſtructed in Buſi
neſs, and taught to come abroad with Reputation and Advantage.
The Ancients had many Philoſophers of this Order : Such were
Theophraſtus, Heraclides of Pontus, Dicæarchus, Socrates, and Pytha-
goras : And it is remarkable, that the Book which Dicæarchus the
Philoſopher wrote upon Government, was by a Decree of the Spar-
tan Commonwealth, ordered to be Read publickly once a Year, and
that all their Youth ſhould be Aſſembled together, to ateend co,
and hear the Lecture.
The Proper End and Deſign of True Philoſophy, is to Ma-
nure and Cultivate the Mind, to Plant in it the Seeds and Princi-
ples of Vertue, and not to Grate or Tickle the Ears with Conten-
cions,
101
The Accompliſh'd
BOOK I.
ers.
tions, Wrangle, and Diſputation. All ill-Language, Scurrilous
Contumelious and Paſſionate Expreſſions, all Noiſy Combats and
Contentions about Words, ſeem to me to be Unworthy of the
Name of True Philoſophy. And it is certainly downright Folly to
imagine, that Vertue and Philoſophy are only Empty Sounds: For
Conſtancy, Fidelity, and Probity, which make the Sum of all
Philoſophy, are Real and Subſtantial Vertues. All other Arts and
Sciences are not (properly ſpeaking) Vertues, but are the Inſtru-
nients and Ornaments, by which Vertue is Attained and Perfected.
There are alſo Various Sects in Philoſophy, but theſe Differences
ought by no means to diſturb or diſtract the Minds of its Follow-
Let Epicurus be Baniſhed out of our Gardens, or at leaſt out
of our Minds: For That Sort of Philoſophy, which Patronizes
Pleaſure, ought never to be Admitted into the Preſence of the Good
Senator, whoſe True Character we are in Search of; nor be receiv-
ed by him, whoʻis deſtined to preſide in the Councils and Govern-
ment of his Native Country. I have by no means the ſame Aver-
fion to the Sect of the Stoicks. Let them however be Quietly
diſmiſſed, as Unfit Companions for the Good Senator : Becauſe (as
Tully informs us) they Maintain and Believe, that all thoſe Men,
who are not Truly Wiſe, are no Better than Slaves, Robbers,
Common Enemies, Barbarians, and Madmen; whilſt at the ſame
time they are not chroughly agreed among themſelves, wherein to
fix the True Notion of Wiſdom. Now certainly it muſt be a
very Great Abſurdity, to Elect ſuch a Man into the Senate, who
is firmly perſuaded, that all his Aſſeſſors and Companions in the
fame Truſt, are ſuch Men, as really have no true Notion of Wil
dom and Liberty, and are Unworthy of the Name of Citizens.
There have been Great Contentions between the Stoicks and Peri-
pateticks, concerning the Firſt or Chiefeſt Good. But the Peripate-
ticks are That Seet of Philoſophers, which I ſhould moſt readily fol-
low, becauſe they ſet out the ſeveral Vercues in the Beſt Order, and
enforce
CHAP. V.
SEN ATO R.
105
enforce them by the Strongeſt Arguments. Truch ſeems to have
been the Chief Aim of all their Enquiries; and out of their Schools,
as out of the Trojan Horſe, have come forth Citizens, Comman-
ders, Kings, and Philoſophers, of the Beſt and Nobleſt Charac-
ters.
When the Good Senator hath once made himſelf Maſter of all
Theſe Arts and Sciences, and This Immenſe Stock of Knowledge,
the Attainments he is poſſeſſed of will Shine forth, and become ſo
much the more Conſpicuous by Eloquence, which is the Orna-
ment of Wiſdom. Where this is wanting, all his other Accom-
pliſhments, let them be never ſo great, will inſenſibly Dwindle and
Fall away in Obſcurity. Eloquence, or the Art of Speaking
Wiſely and Finely, will enable the Senator not only to Support his
own Dignity, but to Defend the Rights and Liberties of many
other Private Perſons, and the Cauſe and Intereſts of the Common-
wealth. By this che Minds of Men, when Ruffled and Raiſed to
an Undue Ferment, are eaſily Compoſed and Pacified. By this,
when they are Lulled and Becalmed, they are as eaſily Raiſed and
put in Agitation ; and This has done more Sure and Fatal Execu-
tion, than the Sword or the Spear. Whenever the Senator riſes to
Speak, let him Speak with all the Force of Reaſon and Wiſdom,
and with all the Graces and Ornaments of Rhetorick. Let his
Speech be Well-weighed and Compoſed, and yet ſeem to be Ex-
tempore ; and let the Dignity of Action and Geſture always ac-
company whatever he has to Deliver.
Next to Eloquence
, lec
him endeavour to make himſelf a Maſter of the Civil Law, the
End and Deſign of which, is to preſerve a Juſt and Exact Equality
in the Diſtribution of All Things. For who is ſo well qualified
to decide che Cauſes and Controverſies of his Countrymen, to ſup-
preſs Tumults and Seditions ; well and wiſely to defend the Laws of
his own Nation, or the Cuſtoms, Rights, and Liberties of the
People, as the Man, who is really a Maſter of Law and Equity ?
P
It
--
106 The Accompliſh'd
Book I.
It is a well-known and very True Saying, That the Houſe of
Good Lawyer is the City Oracle. Anthony deſcribes the Good Law.
yer as One, Who well Underſtands all the accuſations, Pleas, Defen-
ces, and Cautionary Proceedings, which, by the Laws and Cuſtoms of
his Country, are in Uſe among Men, in their contentions and Contro-
verſies with one another. But the Lawyer I would Exclude from
the Senate is ſuch a One, as is a Notorious Brawler and Tongue-
Pad. For this Sort of Creatures are of a Low Vulgar Order,
Servile and Mercenary, capable of being made the Miniſters of
Falſhood and Injuſtice : Wretches, who often bring their Tongues
and their Minds too, Well-armed and Inſtructed, into a Court of
Juſtice, and there Employ them in the Defence of Wrong and
Oppreſſion. It is indeed hardly poſſible for That Man to be a Sin-
cere Lover of Truth and Equity, who will Proſtitute his Elo-
quence, and let out his Tongue to Hire. But now on the other
hand, it is part of the Office and Duty of the Good Senator, to
preſerve the Proceedings of Judicature from all Corruptions of
Fraud and Deceit ; to become a Voluntary Accuſer, and Strenu-
ous Adverſary of all Wicked and Traitorous Subjects, and a no
leſs Hearty and Zealous Defender of the Good and Vertuous; not
having any View or Regard to his own Private Profit or Intereſt,
but being wholly Actuated by a Juſt Senſe of his own High Dig.
nity, a Sincere Love of Juſtice, and a General Good Will and
Affection for his Fellow-Subjects. Such was the Behaviour, and
ſuch the Principles of the Wiſeſt and moſt Noble Romans, that ever
fạte down in their Sénate. Hiſtory is full of Inftances to this
Purpoſe: But from this Digreſſion, I return to the Proſecution
of my Firſt Deſign, and am now to ſpeak of the Nature of Civil
Wiſdom of Diſcipline.
СНА Р.
1
-
CHAP. VI. SENATOR.
107
.
Lives of all our Countrymen and Fellow-Citizens, ac-
CH A P. VI.
The CONTENT S.
Of Civil Wiſdom and Diſcipline. Of Bodily Improvements and Ex-
erciſe. What are the moſt Manly Exerciſes. Of Good Genes
rals, and Good Senators. The Romans remarkable for theſe two
Characters. Of Good Laws and Statutes. An Encomium on
the Greek Commonwealths. The Length of Art, and Shortneſs
of Life. The End and Aim of every Man's Accompliſhments. The
Grounds and Foundation of the Poliſh Policy. The Perfection and
Happineſs of the Golden Age. The Fall of Man, and Riſe of
Philoſophy. Which Sort of Philoſophy deſerves the Preference.
IVIL Wiſdom or Diſcipline is nothing elſe, but the Art
of Directing and Conducting our own Lives, and the
cording to the Rules and Precepts of Vertue and Juſtice. The
Philoſophers call That Man truly Civilized, who has all the Facul-
ties and Vertues neceſſary to the Due Adminiſtration of Power :
As they call him Kingly and Royal, who is qualified in the fame
manner for the Higheſt Place, or Supream Power, in a State; or
(as they ſometimes add) has Authority to make Laws, for the
Becter Regulating of Private Life, in all Vertue and Honeſty.
The End and Deſign of all Civil Diſcipline, is the Good of the
Community, or in other words, the Strict Adminiſtration of
Juſtice: For herein conſiſts the Welfare of the Publick. Plato,
in his Inſtitution of a Commonwealth, hath preſcribed Two Sorts
of Diſcipline; One for the Motions of the Body, and the Other
for the Powers of the Mind. He calls Muſick, the Diſcipline of
the
P 2
108 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK
I.
ܙ
the Soul, and Exerciſe the Diſcipline of the Body. By Mufick he
underſtands, That Harmony, Concent, and Concord, which is
between the Soul and Vertue, when they readily Anſwer to, and
Agree with each other. This Agreement is not to be procured, or
brought about any other Way, than by Philoſophy and the Laws ;
for by theſe Two we are taught tº Diſtinguiſh between Honeſt
and Diſhoneſt,; Juſt and Unjuſt; what is to be Loved and
Choſen, and what to be Hated and Rejected; as alfo how
we are to Behave towards our Friends, our Parents, and
our Governors. By Exerciſe he means all thoſe Motions of the
Body, which ſerve to the Improvement of our Strength, and the
Increaſe of our Fortitude. Such are Dancing, Racing, Wreſtling,
Hunting, Riding, and Flinging the Javelin, both with the Righc
Hand and the Left: For by the Miſmanagement of Nurſes, the
Strength of theſe Two Limbs is very much Impaired, or rendered
vaſtly Unequal. In ſhort, whatever trends to the Improvement of
Man's Body, either in the Art Military, or in any Lawful Sport or
Diverſion, may be comprehended under the General Term, or
Name of Exerciſe. There is nothing whatſoever, which is of
Greater Uſe and Service to Mankind in general, and eſpecially to
Thoſe of the Civil or Senatorial Character, than to join the Exer-
ciſes of the Body, and thoſe of the Mind together, and to add
Temperance to Fortitude; that by this Laſt Vertue they may learn
not to D«ſpiſe what is below them; and by the Former, not to
Aſpire to what is Above them; and by both theſe Vercues in Con-
junction, may be Reſtrained from the Exceſſes of Fear and Bold-
neſs. Fortitude will Inſtruct us, how to Reſent and Guard our
Selves againſt any Publick or Private Injury; and Temperance
will preſerve us from offering any Injury to Others. Fortitude
will make us in Love with Goodneſs and Honeſty: And Tem-
perance will make us Averſe to whatever is Baſe and Ignoble.
Mufick and Exerciſe (to Speak in the Platonick Way) are Great
Helps
CH AP. VI. SE NATO R. 109
Helps to us in all Caſes of this Nature. By the Former, we are made
Temperate, and Accompliſhed in every other Vertue : And by the
Latter, we are Improved in Fortitude, both of the Mind and
Body: And there is Good Reaſon, why theſe Two Accompliſh-
ments ſhould be joined together: For Exerciſe, without Mufick,
is apt to Sour our Nature, and make us Cruel and Savage: And
Mufick, without Exerciſe, is alike apt to make us Sofe and Effe-
minate. But when Both meet together in a Man, they render his
Character and his Vertues Perfect.
The Way and Method, by which every Senator may attain True
Glory, and in the Attainment of which he ought always to Exer-
ciſe himſelf, is by Wiſdom and Good Counſel, in Times of
Peace; and by Fortitude and Good Conduct, in Times of War.
For Theſe Services, by the very Condition of his Birth, his own
Country may juſtly Claim at his Hands. It was a Noble Inſti-
cution and Cuſtom among the Romans, worthy of the Praiſe and
Imitation of all Poſtericy, for the Sons of their Noblemen and
Citizens of the Firſt Rank, to be bred in ſuch a Manner, as that
they might attain the Two Glorious Characters of being Good Se-
nators at home, and Brave Generals and Commanders abroad.
Hence it was, that no other Nation or Republick could ever Boaſt
of ſo many Senators and Generals, ſo truly Wife and Courageous,
as were at one time incloſed within the Walls of Rome: And on
chis Account it was, chat Cyneas the Ambaſſador of Pyrrhus to the
Romans, was pleaſed to call The Senate of Rome, an Aſſembly of
Many Kings.
Some Philoſophers have been of Opinion, that a Good Part of
Civil Diſcipline conſiſts in Reforming and Moralizing the Whole
.
Body of the People. For the Good Citizen is not only to be In-
ſtructed, how to Govern, but alſo how to Obey; and not only
to Obey the Magiſtrate, or Thoſe in Authority over him, but to
Reverence and Love them. Now ſince this is to be brought about
by
;
IIO The Accompliſh'd
BOOK I.
by Enacting Good and Wholſome Laws, the Senator muſt on this
Occaſion exert all his Beſt Faculties, and Labour to approve him-
ſelf a Wiſe and Skilful Legiſlator. For 'Obedience to the Magi-
ſtrate, and to the Laws, is the Firſt Step towards an Honeſt and
Vertuous Life: All Law being nothing elſe but Vertue and Ho-
neſty, reduced to a Fixed Standard, and to a Certain and Order-
ly Regulation. When Theopompus, King of Sparta, was told, that
the Reaſon why the Lacedæmonian Commonwealth Flouriſhed and
Proſpered in ſo extraordinary a Manner, was This, Becauſe they
had Kings and Rulers well verſed in the Art of Government: He
readily denied it, and gave This as the Beſt Reaſon, Becauſe the
Subječts were as well verſed in the Art of Obedience. The Laco.
nian Diſcipline, (according to the Teſtimony of Plutarch) con-
ſiſted chiefly of theſe Particulars : They knew how to Obey the
Laws and the Magiſtrates : They could firmly endure aný Labour
or Fatigue : They underſtood the Art of War, and were always
Prepared either to Conquer or to Die. Almoſt in Every Govern-
ment and Commonwealth of Greece, there were Common Rules
and Principles of Diſcipline, generally allowed and agreed unto,
by which their Youth were daily Trained and Exerciſed, and were
thereby fully Inſtructed, how to Govern their own Country in
Times of Peace, and how to Defend it in Times of War ; and
whenever they Retired from Publick Buſineſs, how to Behave in
Private Life, Vercuouſly and Honeſtly, and with Pleaſure and Con-
. They had their Schools, their Games, and Exerciſes.
Muſick, and Painting, and Swimming, were their ordinary Diverſi-
ons: And of ſuch whom they had a Mind to Ridicule for their
Want of Senſe and Good-Breeding, it was uſual for them to ſay,
That they could neither Read nor Swim. · A Theban being asked, By
what means the Conſtitution of a Kingdom or Commonwealth might be
Preſerved? Anſwered, By fuffice, and the Obſervation of the Laws;
and above all other Things, by Training their Touth to Good Diſcipline,
and
centment.
--
CHAP. VI.
SENATO R. III
.
and Preſerving their Old Men from Covetoufneſs. The Power of
Good Diſcipline is certainly very Great, and eſpecially of That Dif-
cipline, properly called Civil, by which the Members of every So-
ciecy are trained up, and fitted for the Reception of every True
and Perfect Vertue.
By the way, we muſt by no means paſs by a Well-known
Truth, which ſtands Confirmed by Common Obſervation, That
there have been a Good Many Men in the World, who never had
the Leaſt Tincture of Learning, or any Acquaintance with the
Arts and Sciences, who never taſted of the Rudiments of Philoſo-
phy, or perhaps ever heard of its Name; and yer by their Con-
duct have approved themſelves Wiſe Men, Prudent, Good, Juſt,
and Courageous, and have Execured the Offices of the Common-
wealth laudably and worthily. The Truth of this Obſervation,
and the Examples of theſe Men, feem perhaps to require of us
ſome other Account of Philoſophy, than what we have already
given, to Reject all that we have hitherto ſaid upon this Subject,
and to give it as our Opinion, that True Wiſdom is not to be ac-
tained by Study, or by Length of Years. For according to That
Well-Known Proverb uſed by Phyſicians, Art is Long, but Life is
Short : And the Opinion of Plato is very remarkable, who ne-
ver would Pronounce a Man truly Happy, till by Old Age and
Experience, and upon the Laſt Declenſion and Verge of Life, he
began to Form his Sentiments of the World, and his Notions of
True Wiſdom. For it is Experience only, that can Improve and
make us Better, and nothing but Time and Age can add to our
Prudence and Wiſdom. Theſe moſt certainly are Great and No-
ble Accompliſhments; but it is a Sad and Melancholy Conſidera-
tion, that before we can Arrive at Theſe Attainments, there are.
many
Difficulties and Obſtructions laid in our Way, by the Un-
certainty of our Lives, and the Frailey of our Nature There:
are many, who are but juſt arrived at the Middle Stage of Life,
when
112
The Accompliſh'd Воок І.
whicn Death meets them half-way, and cuts them off from Pro-
ceeding any further. And Others there are, who give themſelves
up to follow the Luſts of the Body, rather than the Dictates of the
Mind, and have a Life of Vertue and Wiſdom, as too Rough
and Ruggid, and more to be avoided than Scylla of Charybdis.
What ſhall I ſay of Thoſe Men, who for want of a Natural Ge-
nius and Capacity, can never Think or Act as becomes Philoſo .
phers ? All theſe Impediments tend very much to the Cutting us
off from all Hopes of attaining True Wiſdom and Sound Philo-
fophy; yet we muſt not therefore be Dejected, or let our Minds
be caſt down, or over-run with Deſpair. The Happineſs of Life
is not to be reckoned by the Length of Time, or the Number of
our Years, but by our Growth and Proficiency in Vertue. With-
out Vertue, our Life will be unavoidably Short, Wretched, and
Miſerable, though it ſhould exceed the Age of the Phænix, or the
Number of Years that Neffor reckoned. Where is the Diſadvan-
tage of Dying Young, if after Death, Vertue ſhall give us New
Life and Immortality? When Silenus che Poet was taken Priſoner
by ſome Scouts and Maroders belonging to Midas's Army, and
was by them brought into the King's Preſence; for want of Mo-
ney to Redeem hiinſelf, he begged leave, inſtead thereof, to make
the King a Preſent much more Valuable chan either Silver or Gold,
and accordingly Preſented him with theſe Two Short Sentences,
telling him with as much Gaiety as Truth, That the Greateſt Bleſ-
ſing the Gods could beſtow upon Man, was, Not to bring him into the
World at all: And the Next to this was, To take him out of it as
foon as poſſible. When by a good many Reaſons and Arguments
he had Supported and Eſtabliſhed theſe Two Principles, the King
ordered him to be well Rewarded, and readily Diſmiſſed, and
gave
him his Liberty. I would now only ask this Queſtion, Which
Life of the Two is the moſt Happy and Preferable? Whether
a Life of Corruption, Frailty, and Miſery; or That Glorious,
Happy
CHA P. VI. SENATOR.
II
3
neath us.
Happy and Immortal Life, the Poſſeſſion of which is Aſcertained
and Secured to us by Vertue? We Live but to Die; and why then
ſhould we not chuſe to Die, that we may Live ? All our Studies,
and all our Labours ought to be freely Expended in the Search and
Acquiſition of Vertue; and Philoſophy is the Parent, the Nurſe
and Nouriſher of Vertue, by which if we are not Raiſed to che
Higheſt Dignity and Station in Life, yet we ſhall be ſo far Eleva-
ted, as to have vaſt Numbers and Multitudes at a great Diſtance be-
There is an Honeſt Ambition, which, if it cannot
carry us up to the Firſt, may at leaſt fix us in the Second or
Third Rank of Mankind. In the Race of Glory (as Tully well
obſerves) it is Great to come in Şecond, and Honour enough to
ſtands next in Precedence to the Firſt and Beſt Charakters in Life. In
War, if we cannot reach the High and Exalted Renown of an
Achilles, we ſhall be enough Heroick, and far above Contempt,
if we can at leaſt copy the Example of an Ajax, or a Diomed: And
ſurely That Man is by no means to be Cenſured for his Want of
Skill and Learning, or to be puſhed down into the Loweſt Order
of Philoſophers, who cannot vie with the Wiſdom of a Plato, a
Solon, or a Lycurgus.
There are many Men (as I have already hinted) who have ac-
quired a very Large Stock of Wiſdom, and have made themſelves
Maſters of the Art of Government, without Conſulting the Books
and Writings of Philoſophers, and without any other Aſſiſtances,
but the Inſtitutes and Precepts of their · Forefathers, the Examples
of their Wiſdom and Goodneſs, Uſe and Experience, Paternal
Inftruction, and Domeſtick Diſcipline, the Laws, Cuſtoms, and
Manners of their Country, a Happy Well-turned Genius,
and a Natural Capacity, upon which chey Grafted ſome few Im-
provements and Advantages of an Honeſt and Liberal Education,
In every Nation and Commonwealth, there have been many In-
ſtances of Men of this Character, who borrowed all their Civil
Q
Diſcipline
I14 The Accompliſh'd Bo0к І.
}
Diſcipline or Wiſdom, from the Publick Forum, and had no other
Maſters or Tutors, but the Laws and Cuſtoms of their Country,
and the Preceprs, Manners, and Example of their Forefathers.
Demades, a Man of great Prudence, and well verſed in Publick
Buſineſs, being one Day asked, from whom he had learned all his
Wiſdom, and who had been his Tutor or Preceptor ? Readily anſwer-
ed, The Tribunal of Athens : For he looked upon the Forum, ,
and upon Experience in Publick Affairs, as far Preferable to the
Inſtitutions and Speculations of Philoſophy. The Old Romans,
in the Strength of their Natural Genius and Capacity, and without
ever Conſulting the Books and Writings of the Philoſophers, drew
out that Fine Scheme and Well-formed Conſtitution of a Commons
wealth, which they bequeathed to Future Generations. And what
thall I ſay of our own Forefathers, who raiſed the Fabrick, and
drew out the Syſtem of a Conſtitution, not much unlike the Ro-
man, for the Uſe of Us their Poſterity? The Old Polanders were
by no means acquainted with the Diſcipline of Plato, Solon, and
Lycurgus, or with the Works of Ariſtotle, and other Philoſophers
and Legiſlators of the Firſt Note and Character. Inſtead of Books,
they looked into Themſelves, and by their own Natural Genius
and Vertues, raiſed themſelves to Glory and Happineſs. Their
Firſt and Greateſt Wiſdom, was to make Vertue their Sole Guide
and Leader, whom they were reſolved to follow; and to whoſe
Dictates all their Thoughts and Actions were exactly Conforma-
ble. They had very little. Buſineſs or Employment for their Kings
and Senate, in compoſing Feuds and Differences
, or in putting an
End to Strife and Contention, by Judicial Decrees and Sentences :
But thoſe High Offices were altogether taken up with the Impor-
tant Concerns of Setting the People a Rule and Example of Ver-
tue, or Leading them on to War, for the Safety and Defence of
their Country:
1
1
The
CHAP. VI. SENATO R.
115
1
The Firſt and Pureſt Times, by the Poets called, The Golden
Age, produced a Sett of Men, perfectly Wife, and truly Good.
Well might they be called ſo, ſince in thoſe Clear Dawnings of
Unlullied Nature, and thoſe Unmixed Rudiments of Life, Ver-
tue ſhone forth in full Luſtre, and had the Sole Dominion and
Power over All : Whilſt Vice and Folly had not yet ſhed their
Pernicious Venom, and Infected and Corrupted the World. Men
were then eaſily Allured and Drawn into the Love of Vertue and
Right Reaſon, Truth, Juſtice, Honeſty, and Sincerity: Becauſe
to follow Theſe, was the fame Thing as to follow Nature : By
whoſe Impulſes and Inſtinct, they were Led and Directed into All
Good, and Reſtrained and Preſerved from All Evil. And certain-
ly there could be no great Difficulty in avoiding Vice and Folly,
at a Time when the very Names of them were not ſo much as
Known or Heard of in the World. Ovid hath very Elegantly
Deſcribed this State :
The Firſt Pure Age, with Gold Unfully'd flow'd;
When Man, without a Law, was Juſt and Good.
No Judge they had, no Summons to the Bar,
And as they had no Guilt, they knew no Fear.
But ſoon after this Bright and Glorious Morning, the Sun of
Righteouſneſs and Vertue began to decline from his Meridian Lụf-
tre, and ſet at laſt in a Thick Shade, and brought on a Gloomy
Night of Vice, Ignorance, and Folly. Upon this Great Change
the Minds of Men were Warped and Turned, and ran down vio-
lently into quite Another Channel. They were now grown as
Fond of Vice, as ever they had been of Vercue. They forgot
and furlook their Firſt Love, and grew fond of this New Miſtreſs
,
though all over Corruption. They not only Slighted and Neglec-
ted Vertue, but heartily Hated, and Armed themſelves againſt her.
Q2
To
}
1
}
-
1
116
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
To live by Rapine and Injuſtice, and by Injuring and Oppref-
ſing Others, was thought Heroick and Glorious : And their Rea-
ſon was of no Uſe to them, but as they Proſtituted it to their
Luſts, and employed it in the carrying on of the moſt Wicked and
Villanous Deſigns. Hence the ſame Author goes on in this Manner:
The Iron Age was Laft, replete with Vice ;
When Faith and Truth were baniſl’d to the Skies :
Whilſt in their Stead, Fraud and Oppreſſion reign ;
The Luft of Empire, and the Love of Gain.
vages, and
and gave
This Gulph and Deluge of Vice and Wickedneſs had certainly
Swallowed up and Overwhelmed Mankind, if Reaſon and Na-
ture, after the Great Shock and Defeat ſo ſuddenly brought upon
them, had not Sounded a Retreat, and collecting their Scattered
Forces together, Retired and taken Shelter under the Patronage
and Protection of a Few Men, willing and able to Retrieve their
Loſſes. Theſe Happy Few were the Nobler and Better Part of
Mankind, who ſtill maintained and carried on the War againſt
Vice, and when their Fellow-Creatures were almoſt turned to Sa-
into a Roving, Wild, and Brutiſh Way of Life,
endeavoured to Reclaim and bring them back to their Former
State of Humanity, by their Learned Arguments and Diſcourſes,
and, by Writing as well as Speaking, to Inſtruct them in the Offi-
ces, Vercues, and Dignities, by which the Honour of Fallen Na-
cure might be Reſtored to its Former Luftre. Theſe Men founded
Cities, and gave out Laws, which are Sure Guides of Life.
Theſe Reduced all the Vertues to certain Rules and Precepts, and
the Manners of Mankind to certain Offices and Duties. Upon
Theſe they Wrote at large, and made this ſort of Learning
the Subject and Burden of many Volumes. Next to them came
Others, who not only created of the Moral. Duties and Offices of
Mankind,
1
1
CH AP. VI. SENATOR 117
.
1
Mankind, but of the Nature and Works of the Univerſe.
This
Knowledge both of Human Nature and of Univerſal Nature,
was by the Greeks called in one Word, Wiſdom; and the
Maſters and Profeſſors of it were called Wiſe Men. But this
Title appearing afterwards to be too Lofty and Oftentatious, Py-
thagoras was the Occaſion of changing íó Hateful a Name, for
the more Humble and leſs Invidious Appellation of Lovers of
Wiſdom, or Philoſophers. By theſe means it was, that the Light
of Nature, which had been ſo long Clouded and Obſcured by
Vice and Corruption, began to ſhine out again : And thus the
Knowledge of Things Human and Divine, was Conveyed and
Handed down to us by Philoſophy. Through her Beneficial Aid
and Aſſiſtance we are enabled, in ſome Degree, to recover the Pri-
mitive Vercue, Simplicity, Innocence, and Happineſs of Life,
which we had before Loſt and Forfeited. Whoever among the
Ancients was throughly reſolved to live Honeſtly, to free himſelf
from all Manner of Vice, and to make an Acquaintance with Ver-
tue, and Delight himſelf therein ; there was but one well-known
Method for ſuch Men to take, which was, to apply chemſelves to
the Writings and Lectures of the Philoſophers, and to receive their
Inſtructions, as being diſtruſtful of their own Natural Propenſity
to Vice, and juſtly Fearful and Diffident, left Ill Arts and a Bad
Education, Darkneſs and Ignorance, Sloth and Idleneſs, Eaſe and
Delicacy, Ļeiſure and Wantonneſs, Falſe Opinions; Wicked Cul-
toms, and Vicious Habits, ſhould ſpread their Early Infection,
and by Degrees Taint and Corrupt them. 'Tis Philoſophy there-
fore, that revives the Golden Age, and brings Man back to his Pri-
mitive State and Way of Life, the Fulneſs of his Nature, and the
Completion of his Happineſs : And when we learn from Philo-
fop' y, That Humane Way of Life, which was in Faſhion during
the Golden Age, and all the Vercues and Rules of Honeſt and
Good Behaviour ; we are then fully accompliſhed, by the Acqui-
ſition
118 The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
ſition of Civil Wiſdom and Prudence, and put into the Poſſeſſion
of True Felicity and Happineſs
.
There are but Two Ways of attaining to Wiſdom and Pru-
dence, without the Help of Education and Diſcipline, or any
.the
leaſt Proficiency in Philoſophy. The Firſt of theſe is by a Partici-
pation, or Infuſion of a certain Divine Nature, enlightning the
Mind, and enabling it to Comprehend, Foreſee, and Underſtand
all Things, without Labour or Study. The Ancients Imagined,
that Theſeus and Cecrops, among the Greeks, and Romulus and Numa
among the Latins, were thus Divinely Illuminated; and that their
Great Skill and Knowledge in the Art of Government did by no
means come from the Ordinary Precepts and Inſtructions of Cer-
tain Sages and Maſters of Philoſophy, but were infuſed into them by
a Superior Genius, and took their "Riſe from the Inſpiration of cer-
tain Celeſtial Beings, whom they called the Muſes. The other
Way of attaining to Wiſdom, is by Cuſtom and Uſe, by a Long
Attendance upon the Forum and the Courts, and by a Courſe of
Practice in the Several Proceedings of Law and Juſtice; by which
Men are trained to the Knowledge and Arts of Government : And
if ſuch Men, ſo trained, are in their own Natural Diſpoſition
Good and Vertuous, and make the Laws of their Country the
Rule of their Behaviour, and the Sole Meaſure of their Conduct,
in the Diſcharge of any Publick Truſt or Office, they may eaſily
attain a Good and Laudable Character : Though with all their
Prudence it will be Difficult, and almoſt impoſſible, for them to
avoid ſome Slips and Miſtakes; and their Conduct will be liable to
many Turns and Alterations; whilſt their Character, far from be-
ing Perfect, will very often be in Danger of a Forfeiture. On
the other hand, if ſuch Men prove to be of a Wicked and Corrupt
Diſpoſition, they will(by Practice) add daily to their Impiecies, and
by Degrees fill
up the Meaſure of them, and of their own Folly
and Diſgrace: There being no Greater Scandal, Bane, and Plague,
ܪ
to
1
CHAP, VI. SENATO R.
1
119
-
to a Nation, than a Miniſter or Magiſtrate, Daringly Wicked, and
Grolly Ignorant. Mitio, in the Comedy, ſays very well, That
Want of Knowledge is the Sure Forerunner of all Injuſtice. An Ig-
norant Stateſman, or Publick Officer, who underſtands not the
True Meaſure and Rules of Government, and imagines perhaps,
that a Little Skill and Experience, in ſome one Court or Tri-
bunal, is the Sum and Completion of all Civil Wiſdom and Diſci-
pline, is really better Qualified to Foment Differences, and raiſe
Tumults and Seditions, than to find out the Proper Reaſons and
Arguinents to ſuppreſs them ; to underſtand the Political Art and
Management, or to give out the Good Counſel and Advice, by
which Publick Grievances and Common Evils are effectually Heal-
ed, or happily Prevented. How can He Adviſe or Aſſiſt on theſe
Occaſions, whoſe Hands are Weakened, and whofe Underſtand-
ing is Darkened by Ignorance, That Groſs Profound Ignorance,
which is the Parent of all Vice, and the Root of all Evil ?
Since then it is very Evident, char Mere Nature is not of her
ſelf a Competent, and Sufficient Guide, to lead and direct us in our
Search after Truth and Vertue, Wiſdom and Happineſs; Becauſe
the Mind, which makes this Search, 'is Retarded and Overburden-
ed by the Preſſure and Droſs of the Body, and the Whole Man is
perverted in his Nature, and fatally Curious to make an Acquain-
tance with Evil, not being able in its own Strength to maintain a
Life of Innocence and Vertue, ſuch as was Common enough in
the Firſt and Pureſt Age of the World: Hence it muſt follow,
that there is a Neceſſity of our looking out for a New Method and
other Principles and Counſels, whereby to free ourſelves from this
Bondage and theſe Incumbrances of Fleih, in which we are at
preſent Entangled; from the Dominion and Power of Vice, and
from the General Contagion and Corruptions of the Preſent Age:
Whereby we may recall That Firſt and Pureſt Age of Primi-
rive Innocence, in which the Life of Man was perfectly agreeable
to.
-
I 20 The Accompliſhid Book I.
:
:
to the Dignity of his own Nature, and neareſt in Reſemblance to
the Divine. There are but Two Ways of Accompliſhing this
Great Work, which can never be completed but by Art and Ex-
erciſe : The Latter of theſe Two is perfected by Labour, and the
Former by Philoſophy. That Immenſe and Extenſive Body of
Knowledge, which takes in the Ideas of all Things Human and
Divine, which comprehends all Arts and Sciences, the Deſcription
of all the Vercues, all Schemes and Syſtems of Government, and
in ſhort the Whole Univerſe, as it ſtands limited by the Well-
Known Boundaries of Earth and Heaven, is comprized and briefly
denoted by the ene Single Name of Philoſophy; which ſets the Mind
free from its Impriſonment in the Body, fubdues all the Luſts and
Unruly Appetites, and teaches us how to Adviſe and Govern, both
Ourſelves and Ochers, that we all may Live Well and Happily. Let
the Candidate for the Senatorial Dignity follow this Great Miſtreſs,
and liſten to all her Dictates and Precepts: And let him not af-
fect a Life of Solitude and Retirement, or Walk by himſelf, in
the Forum, the Temple, or the Courts of Judicature, when there is
no Reſort to thoſe Places : Let him not ſhun the Sight and Con-
verſation of his Fellow-Citizens, or Retire to a Dark Cell, and a
Life of Idleneſs and Obſcurity. But let him Delight himſelf in
Society, and in a Free and Open Communication with choſe of
his own Country, and with That Publick Body he is bound to
Defend and to. Adorn. There is no Luſtre in Vertue, Good
Senſe, and Wiſdom, when they are Shut up and Confined to Dark-
neſs and Solitude. Let them come forth, and appear upon the
Stage of Buſineſs: For Wiſdom, when Retired and in Obſcurity,
is of no more Uſe, than the Treaſure of a Miſer, whilſt it lies
buried under Ground. They are Both as Unprofitable, as when
we really are without them. Nothing appears with more Gran-
deur and Luſtre, than Vertue, juſt riſen from her Cell, and com-
ing abroad in the View of Mankind, Diſdaining her Former Ob-
ſcurity,
1
--
CHAP. VI. SENATO R. I21
curity, and ſhewing herſelf openly to the World, that all Eyes
may be fixed upon her Beauty, and all Ears open to her Pre-
cepts. It is in fact hardly poſſible for the Beſt and moſt Judici-
ous to know, when a Man is truly Excellent, unleſs they have
made a Trial and Experiment of his Vertues : The Courſe and
Barriers are the Place of Trial for the Race-Horſe: The Ring, or
the Stage, for the Wreſtler and Combatant: And the Good Senator
can never be truly Known, but by his Actions and Exploits.
+
:
..
R
CH A P..
122
Book I.
The Accompliſh'd
CHAP. VII .
The CO N T E N T S.
Of the Manner of Electing the Senator. Al Canvalſing Unlaw-
ful
: The Ways of attaining to Honours and Offices. Avarice
fatal to a State. Honours ought not to be Sold. All Elections
ought to be under one Eſtabliſhed Rule. Magiſtrates fould ſet
the People a Good Example
. Mal-Adminiſtration the Ordinary
Cauſe of all State-Revolutions. Out of what Order of Subječts
the Senator ſhould be Elected. The Manner of Electing as dif-
ferent as the Forms of Government. Of Elections by Lot. How
the Greeks Elected their Senators. How Candidates ought to be
Qualified. Who ought to be the Electors.
The Ill Practices of
Ambitious Candidates. The Mob excluded from all Elections.
Of the Intereſt of the Crown in Elections. How the Romans
Ele&ted their Senators.
Itherco we have been Treating of That Particular Diſci-
pline and Manner of Education, which are Neceſſary to
Qualify The Accompliſh'd Senator, for the Attainment
of True Happineſs in Private Life, and of the Happineſs of his
Country, by a Publick Adminiſtration. And we Flatter our-
ſelves, that Enough hath been ſaid upon this Subject. But ſince
Nature, in her own Strength, is not able to furniſh us with Know-
ledge ſufficient to make us truly Wiſe and Happy : And ſince
theſe Great Ends are to be attained only by Study and Exerciſe;
we mult purſue our Improvements to the Utmoſt
, and ſtill Study on,
at leaſt whilſt there is any thing Remaining, of which we are igno-
rant: Or, in other words, the Words of Seneca, We muſt Study
fo
H
1
-
CHAP. VII. SENATO ITO
123
R.
ſo long as we Live, or ſo long as we find any Benefit or Advantage
by what we Learn. By this we may certainly know, when we
have made a Good Progreſs in Vertue, if we find our Luſts and
Unruly Deſires Quelled and Subdued within us, by the Superior
Force of Reaſon and Vercue; that All is Calm within us; and
that without us, our Life and Actions are exactly agreeable to the
Rules of Juſtice, Prudence, and Temperance, and nearer Reſem-
bling a Heavenly than an Earthly State. I proceed now to En-
quire into the Form and Manner of Electing the Senator to his
High Truſt and Office: And on this Occaſion, the Stricteſt Equi-
ty, and the moſt Exact Decorum, ought never to be Omitted.
Of all the Benefits and Advantages, which contribute to the
Preſervation both of the Being and Happineſs of a Commonwealth,
there is none Greater, or more for the Glory of a State, than what
accrues to it by a Timely Care and Wiſe Proviſion, not to admit
any to a Publick Truſt or Office, but thoſe, who are moſt Emi-
nent for their Prudence, Wiſdom, and Vertue: And in all Pub-
lick Elections, to make Choice of ſuch Men only, who are Re-
commended by the Laws, and their own Private Good Character ;
by the Dignity of their Station, the Weight of their Example,
their Modeſty, and other Well-known Vertues and Accompliſh-
ments : And not puſhed into Power, by Force and Violence, or
by Ambition and Bribery. The Dignity of the Magiſtracy is a
Concern of the Utmoſt Conſequence to a State, and requires the
Niceſt and moſt Critical Diſcernment. For the Generality of the
People are eaſily induced to believe thoſe Men to be Wiſe, and
Good, and Honourable, whom they ſee Preferred and Entruſted
with Power; and Behave towards them, and Addreſs to them as
fuch. Indeed Power and Magiſtracy are a Sort of Private Tribute,
or Acknowledgment, paid to a Particular Perſon by his own
Country, in Return for his Great Vercues and Eminent Services.
It is therefore the Ducy of every Good Man, and every Good Ci-
-- R 2
tizen,
:
124 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK I.
tizen, in his Purſuit after any Perferment, or when he ſtands for
any Office in the Magiſtracy, to have always in View the Safety
and Honour of his Country, rather than his own Private Power,
or the Advancement of his Fortune. The Examples of ſome of
the Old Romans, ſuch as Sylla, Cima, Carbo, Marius, Pompey,
Cæſar, and Others, are by no means to be followed by the Mo-
dern Senator. For by their Ambitious Deſigns, and their Facti-
ous, Tumultuous, and Seditious Proceedings, they brought on a
Civil W.ir, and Overturned the Conſtitution of the Commonwealth.
What Lucan ſays of Cæfar and Pompey, is well worth our Obſer-
vation :
1
?
Good Fortune to the Utmoſt Height will Soar :
Pompey could bear no Equal in his Pow'r,
And Cæiar no Superior.
Superior. —
It would be much for the Publick Intereſt, if a Law or Laws
were made, for Reſtraining Ambition, and for Preventing the
Common Practice of Soliciting and Canvaſſing for Places and Of-
fices in the State. Such a Law was wiſely Contrived by the Ro-
mans, at that very Time, when their Commonwealth was in the
molt Flouriſhing Condition. For among them to Canvaſs open-
ly and publickly for any Place or Office in the State, was Puniſh-
ed with Baniſhment. This is That Sort of Ambition, which I
look upon as juſtly Culpable and Worthy of Cenſure ; whereby
Daring Men, not having any Regard to the Publick Laws, or to
Comm:n Honeſty, are tempted to aſpire to the Higheſt Honours
and Offices of a Government, and to attain the Pofleſſion of them,
by Force and Violence, by Doles, Largeſſes, and Entertainments,
or by ariy other Indirect and Diſhoneſt Practices. There are many
Candidates, who in a Profeſſed Diſtruſt and Diffidence of their
own Vercues and Due Qualifications for an Office, ſet up for
Honours
CHAP. VII. SENATOR
125
Honours and Dignities, to which they have no other Pretenſions,
but by Corruption and Bribery. And a more Fatal and Pernici-
ous Peſt and Plague than this is, cannot well break out, and ſpread
itſelf in any Government whatſoever. Men of this Character
have a Natural Averſion to Vercue and Honeſty, and look upon
Riches as the only Proper Means of Acquiring Honours and Pre-
ferments. All their Care is to add to their own Private, and not
to the Publick Stock ; becauſe they imagine that Wealth, and not
Vertue, has the Diſpoſal of all Publick Dignities and Offices. In
every Commonwealth, where ſuch Men are in Power, it muſt follow
in Courſe, that Coverouſneſs, and the Inordinate Defire of Wealth,
will moſt certainly prevail; and Luxury, Deceit, and Fraud,
Strife and Contention, and a General Contempt of all Laws and
Offices, Human and Divine, will be the Natural and Undoubc-
ed Offspring of ſuch Foul and Unclean Parents. Whoever gives
into this sort of Principles, will always have an Eye to what is
for his Intereſt and Advantage, without any Regard to what is
Honeſt and Vertuous; and when he plainly ſees that Vercue is
really Diſreſpected, as well as Unrewarded, and that no Regard is
paid to her in the Diſpoſal of Offices and Preferments ; he will
ſer himſelf upon acquiring Power and Dominion over his Fellow-
Citizens, and upon cruſhing thoſe beneath him, by all manner
of Fraudulent and Diſhoneſt Artifices, or by Force and Violence.
Whilſt the Poor Oppreſſed Subjects are forced to bow down their
Necks, to Live in Miſery, and in a State of Vaſſalage and Servi-
tude to the Rich and Mighty; whom nor Vertue, but Power,
Luxury, Treachery, and Deceit, have ſet in Authority, and pla-
ced them above their Brethren. Theſe are They, with whom Ver-
rue and Honeſty are of no Weight, when the Balance is ſet, and
their own Private Intereſt is put into the Oppoſite Scale.
And
Theſe are the Men, who can baſely Profticure the Laws, Rights,
and Liberties of their Country, and even Publick Juſtice itief;
схрана
i
126 The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
cxpoſe them to Sale, or ſet them up to Auction. When there was
but too great a Number of this Sort of Senators in Rome, Jugur-
tha, well obſerving the Corrupt State of the City, is ſaid to have
Exclaimed in this Manner: O Venal and Mercenary Rome! How
art thou Expoſed to Sale, if thou could'ſt but find Buyers? When
the Lacedemonians conſulted the Oracle, about the Manner of Eſta-
blishing and Perpetuating their Government, Apollo gave this An-
ſwer, That Nothing but Avarice could be the Ruin of Sparta : And
to avoid the Ill Conſequences of this Fatal Prediction, they called
in all their Gold, Silver, and Braſs Money, and forbud the Uſe
of thoſe Metals in their Coin : Inſtead of which, they gave out
a New and Baſer Species of Money made of Iron, much fitter to
raiſe Contempt, than to give any Allurement, and of no Uſe,
but to carry on the Ordinary Buſineſs of Trade, and to make
Commerce circulate.
There is Nothing in which a Government can better employ
all its Care and Caution, than in preſerving its Honours and Dig-
nities from being Proſtituted and Expoſed to Sale, liable to be
Marketed and Exchanged for Money, inſtead of being made the
Prizes and Rewards of Vercue. Nor is it eaſy to be too Scrict
and Rigorous in Puniſhing Thoſe, who are Bribed and Hired to
oppoſe and carry on a War againſt Vertue. Avarice is a Com-
pendious Way of Ruining a State
. For when the Rich and Weal-
thy have plainly gotten the Advantage and Aſcendant over the
Good and Vertuous, every Subject and Citizen will naturally
make it his Whole Study and Endeavour, to improve his Fortune
rather than his Character ; and how ſoon then muſt a State be
Over-run with Delicacy and Effeminacy, Fraud, Luxury, Covet-
ouſneſs, and all other Vices whatſoever? Where this is the Caſe,
Vertue will ſoon be run down and trod under foot. The Piety of
the Prieſt, the Bravery of the Soldier, the Prudence, Fidelity, and
Diligence of the Senator, and the Civil Diſcipline of the whole
Body
-
CHAP. VII. SENATO R.
127
As to
Body of the People, will be all ſet aſide, to make room for Ava-
rice and Self-Intereſt, for Shameleſs and Undaunted Impudence, for
Violence and Oppreſſion, Injuſtice, Luxury, and All, even the
moſt Uriclean, Savage, and Barbarous Vices. It is therefore abfo-
lutely Neceſſary, that an Eſtabliſhed Form, and Regular Method
ſhould be always ſtrictly obſerved in the Choice of Magiſtrates, as the
ready Means to preſerve Vertue in its fulleſt Luſtre, and to ſecure
the Intereſt and Elections of ſuch Men only, who are, by their Wiſ-
dom and Goodneſs, beſt Qualified for a Publick Truſt.
the Way and Manner of Chụſing Fit Perſons to ſerve in the Leller
or Lower Offices of a Government, it is not (at leaſt in this place)
much for my Preſent Purpoſe, to make a Particular Enquiry about
them. The Proceedings and Validity of all ſuch Elections, muſt
be Regulated and Aſcertained, by che Laws and Cuſtoms of every
Society. But ſince the Senator is the Firſt of all Magiſtrates, and
the moſt Important Officer of the State, with whom is entruſted
the Sole Power of Adviſing in all Publick Affairs, and upon whom
all the Motions of Government Turn; no Care and Pains ſhould
be omitted, in the orderly Conducting of ſuch Elections, in which
a Whole Nation, both as to its Safety and Welfare, is ſo very
nearly Intereſted. When a State is unhappily placed under the
Direction of a Sett of Corrupe and Wicked Senators, its Affairs
can never be Well and Duly Adminiſtered; and it will be very Dif-
ficult to trace the Footſteps of Common Juſtice and Equity, or
to diſcover ſo much as the Leaſt Remains, or perhaps the very
Form of Religion, in ſuch a Government. Fraud, Treachery,
Injuſtice, and a Contempt of every thing that is Sacred, will ſoon
take hold of, and infect the Populace; when once their Supe-
riors ſet them a Bad Example, and lead them, like Beaſts fol-
lowing the. Track, into all Vice and Corruption. The Vices
and Corruptions of thoſe in Authority, have very often been the
Occaſion of Political Changes and Revolucions, and of turning a
Stare
128 The Accompliſh'd Book I.
1
State either Upſide-down, or quite out of its Firſt Commodious
and Regular Channel
. Limited Monarchies have been changed into
Abſolute
, or the Unlimited Dominion of a Single Tyrant : Ariſtocra-
cies into Oligarchies; and Democracies, or Popular States, into the
Wild and Confuſed Ravages of the Mobb and Rabble.
For the Berter Preventing of theſe Miſchiefs, and the more Or-
derly Conducting of all Senatorial Elections, Three Things are
chiefly to be conſidered. Firſt
, Our of what Order of Men the
Senator is to be Elected : Secondly, By whom he is to be
Elected: And Thirdly, After what Manner and Form the
Ele&tion is to be made and perfected. To the Firſt of Theſe
Queſtions I have (as I conceive) already given a Sufficient An-
fwer, in that Part of my Preſent Work, in which I have
thewn at large, that He ought to be Choſen out of the Order of
the Nobility, or of the Gentry of the Firſt Rank and Condition.
To the Second Queſtion, Who are to be the Ele&tors? we are now
to give an Anſwer: And before we can do this Effectually and to
the Purpoſe, we muſt once more conſider a little the Various Forms
of Government, and their Laws and Cuſtoms: After which it
may be eaſily ſeen, what Method of Electing is moſt agreeable
to the Conſtitution of every Particular State, and which of all
the Several Methods is the Juſteſt and moſt Perfect, wherero a
Wiſe and Well-ordered People ſhould always take Care to Conform.
In the Choice of all Magiſtrates of all Orders and Degrees what-
foever, and eſpecially in the Choice of Senators, the People of
every Nation under Heaven have Three Things chiefly in their
View; and Theſe are Liberty, Riches, and Vertue. Which of
Theſe Three is Firſt in their Affections, and whereto they pay the
Greateſt Regard, a Short Enquiry will Determine. They, who
live under a Popular Form of Government, are always molt Fond
of Liberty, which is their Chief Good and Greateſt Delight; and
no wonder they look wholly to this in all Elections, ſince the
Very
Conſtitution
CHAP. VII. SENATOR.
129
Conſtitution of their State is founded thereon. The Liberty they
are fo much in Love with, does (as they imagine) conſiſt chiefly
of the Two Alternate States, and Conditions of Governing and
Obeying: And according to their Notions of Juſtice and Equity,
no one Private Subject has more Right to the Sovereign Power
than another ; which Power, becauſe it cannot be in the Hands of
All, at one and the ſame time, every Member therefore of the
Commonwealth, ought to take it in his Turn, when to Govern, and
when to be in Subjection. Hence it was, that in the Choice of
their Magiſtrates, they always made Uſe of Lots, and no one was
Excluded from the Right of Drawing, or of being a Candidate.
But certainly Raſh and Unadviſed Chance had more of Intereſt in
this Affair, than Reaſon and Good Counſel. The Whole Deſign
of this Inſtitution was only to Preſerve Liberty, Sacred and In-
violable: For ſince they looked upon themſelves as a Body of
Men in every reſpect Equal, they appealed to Fortune in the Deci-
fion of all Differences between them, on purpoſe to prevent
the
Poor from having Dominion over the Rich, the Learned over the
Unlearned, the Strong over the Weak, and the Wiſe over the Ig-
norant: Left by their Wealth, Learning, or Wiſdom, they ſhould
Impoſe upon their Clients, or Thoſe under them; and in a little
Time perhaps, fome Single Perſon ſhould make Seiſure of the
Common Liberties, and Subject the Whole Republican Conſtitu-
tion to his own Abſolute Power and Dominion. The Advocates
for this Form of Government, always take it for granted, that
a Whole Multitude will be much more Zealous and Hearty for the
Preſervation of the Liberties and Welfare, and the Improvement
of the Happineſs of the Commonwealth, than either a Few Seleet
Governors, or a Single Perſon, or Sole Monarch. In ſuch a State
as this, the Condition of all the Subjects is exactly One and the
Same; and there is no Difference berween the Rich and Poor,
the Wiſe and the Ignorant, or between any other Orders and Cha-
S
racters
b
130 The Accompliſh'd Book 1.
racters of Men, but only between the Freeman and the Slave. In
an Oligarchy, the Cafe is quite otherwiſe : For there a Few Noted
Men, for their Wealth, Wiſdom, and Good Conduct, Superior
to the Reſt, have the Whole Adminiſtration of the Government
put into their Hands. But in States ſtrictly Popular, the Igno-
ble, the Poor, the Mechanick, the Husbandman, and Hireling,
have the faine Pretenſions to Power, and are capable of being
Elected into the Higheſt Offices.
Among the Old Athenians, there were at Two ſeveral times Two
Diſtinct Forms of a Commonwealth. Under the Firft of Theſe, the
Supreme Power was entirely in the Hands of a Sele&t Number of
Men, eminent for their Wealth or Wiſdom: And under the Se-
cond, the Supremacy was ſhared 'in Common by the Whole Body of
the Freemen, or Denizons of Athens. The Firſt of theſe Forms
was introduced by Theſeus, who froin a Wild, Wandering, and
Savage Way of Life, drew the People together into One City, and
perſuading the moſt Powerful among them, that a Popular State
was Preferable to Monarchy, did accordingly Eſtablish it in fuch
a Manner, chat the Supreme Power was entirely in the People,
whom he made his Equals in every reſpect ; the Rights and Ti-
tles he Reſerved to himſelf
, being only Theſe Two, That He was to
be the Keeper of their Laws, and their Leader and Commander
in all Warlike Expeditions. He Inſtituted one General Court and
Council, conſiſting of the Whole Body of the People, and made
no Difference becween the Nobles and the Commons, but only
this, That to the Nobles ſhould belong the Holy Offices and Care
of Religion, the ſeveral Functions of the Magiſtrate, and the Ad-
miniſtration of Juſtice : Though with this Reſtriction, and under
theſe Limitations, That on no Account whatſoever they ſhould
Claim any Precedence, or any Honours or Dignities, Superior to
all ocher Members of the Commonwealth, but remain in a Perfect
State of Equality. This Great Founder of the Athenian State,
was
1
1
,
Chap. VII. SENATOR.
131
was not (as Ariſtotle witneſſes) Ambitious of a Kingdom, but
Behaved as one of the People, and Inſtituced a Government,
which was always looked upon, as Agreeable in every Part, to
Juſtice, Equity, and the Happineſs of Mankind. The Admi-
niſtration of his Government, was not carried on by Force and
Popular Violence, but calmly Directed by Reaſon and Judgment;
and the People were made Happy by the Beſt and Nobleſt Means,
the Honeſty of their own Private Lives, and Obedience to the
Publick Laws and Magiſtrates. To this Original Plan of Go-
vernment laid down by Theſeus, ſome Additions were afterwards
made by Draco, during his Adminiſtration. He found it Neceſ-
ſary to Introduce Penal and Sanguinary Laws : And after him
Solon, (as we are informed by Plutarch) when the Athenians, by
their many Seditions and Tumults, had Narrowed and Con-
tracted their State to the Oligarchical Form, gave them New Laws
and Offices, not much different from their Firſt Inſtitution and
Introduced the Cenſe-Books and Tax-Rolls of their People. Beſides
This, there was a Later Form of Government, or rather a Second
Democracy at Athens, the Founders and Contrivers of which were
Clifthenes, Ariftides, Pericles, and Demofthenes, during the Courſe
of their ſeveral Adminiſtrations. Theſe Men, over-fond of Po-
pular Applauſe, reduced all Orders and Degrees of Citizens to a
State of Perfect Equality. They increaſed the Numbers of the
Tribes, and enrolled not only Slaves, but Foreigners, as Freemen
and Denizons. Clifthenes brought in the Judgment and Sentence
of Oſtraciſm, to be inflicted on all Thoſe, who, from the Opi-
nion the People had of their Superior Wiſdom, Prudence, and
Vertue, might be ſuſpected of a Deſign to Infringe upon the Com-
mon Liberties. Ariſtides permitted the Magiſtrates to be Choſen
out of the Meaneſt and Loweſt of the People. Pericles lefſened
the Authority of the Senate, and very much impaired its Luſtre
and Dignity. Demofthenes not only ſuffered himſelf to be Seduced
into
S7
132 The Accompliſh'd Book I.
into an Opinion, favourable enough to the Licentiouſneſs of the
People, and to the Prevailing Notion, that the Supreme Power
was wholly veſted in Them, but to ingratiate himlelf ſtill fur-
ther, did, in a Ser and Publick Oration, openly Defend their Su-
premacy, and Applauded their Licentiouſneſs. Ariſtotle, and his
Great Leader and Preceptor, Plato, with many other Political Phi-
loſophers, never Condemned the Popular Form, as an Abſurd
or Unjuft Inſtitution, provided die Laws of it were Good, and
the People naturally Civilized, and Well diſpoſed to keep and ob-
ferve chofe Laws themſelves had made. For who can find Fault
with That Commonwealth, in which, though the People are the
Legiſlators, the Lords and Makers of the Law, yet the Law, when
once it is made, is to Them as a Sole Monarch and Abſolute So-
vereign, whom they are never to Diſobey, and in whoſe Keeping
are all their Liberties? I can readily grant, that ſuch a Conſtitu-
tion is of all Ochers the moſt Deſirable, if it could be Secured
from thoſe Tumultuous and Seditious Diſorders, and thoſe Turns
and Changes, which in Governments ſtrictly Popular are al-
moſt Unavoidable. The Multitude are well known to be a
Changeable Uncertain Body, apt enough to Abuſe their own Juſt
Liberties, and to run them into Exceſs and Extravagance. When
they are Uppermoſt, they are the Worſt of all Tyrants; and
when they are kept Under, the moſt Abject Slaves. Give them
but a Taite of the Sweets of Liberty, and they will greedily take
down deeper Draughts, till they are Surfeited and Intoxicated with
it. If by their Exploits and Behaviour, they have gained ſome
ſmall Power or Reputation, they preſently grow Proud and In-
folent, claim Precedence of all their Neighbours, and will hear
of no Rivals or Competitors in Glory. By theſe means they
Contract a General Odium, raiſe Feuds and Animoſities, grow
Turbulene and Seditious, and by the Intemperance of their Am-
bition, are at laſt carried away into all manner of Confuſion and
Diſorder.
a
CHAP. VII. SENATOR.
133
1
Diſorder
. Out of which, ſometimes ariſes that Fleeting Short-
lived Form, or Shadow of a Government, which the Greeks call
Oclocracy, or the Inſolent Dominion and Tyranny of the Mobb and
Rabble.
In other Commonwealths of a Different Make, it often happens,
that the Subjects or People, dazzled with the Luſtre of Riches, and
too much Addicted to Covetouſneſs, are thereby tempted to make
Choice of ſuch Governors, who have no other Recommendation,
but their Wealth; to imagine, that only ſuch Men are to bear the
Firſt Honours, and Execute the Higheſt Offices of State, and to
make them the Keepers and Conſervators of all the Publick Li-
berties. This Sort of Government, wherein the Supreme Power
is lodged in a Few Hands, the Greeks call an Oligarchy, in which
the Rich and Wealthy are always at the Helm, and have the Sole
Adminiſtration in their own Hands. In all Oligarchies, the Sena-
tors, and other Magiſtrates, are choſen either out of the Whole
Body of the People, or out of a Select Number of Candidates,
either by. Lot and Balloting, or by the Votes and Suffrages of the
Electors. But when Riches are the only Qualification for Power,
and all Honours are made Subfervient to Wealth, the Subject
will be ſure to Lay out all his Pains and Study in the Improvement
of his own Private Fortune, rather than in the Artainment and
Increaſe of True Vertue. And in every State, where Wealch is
had in ſuch High Veneration, and almoſt Deified, Avarice will
ſoon come to have the Sole Dominion : Sanctity, Piery, and Re-
ligion, will be thrown down and demoliſhed, to make room
for the Setting up of this Idol ; to whole Faral Influences are ow-
ing, all the Plagues and Diſaſters, which can poſſibly Viſit and In-
felt a Commonwealth.
Monarchies and Ariſtocracies are indeed the only Forms. of Go-
vernment, in which the Greateſt Regard is paid to Vercue in all
Publick Elections, as the Sureſt Guide to Happineſs, and the
Great
134 The Accompliſh'd BOOK I.
Great Promoter of the Good and Welfare of all Communities and
Societics of Men. In the Choice of a King, whecher the Electors
proceed by Lot and Balloting, or by Votes and Suffrages, their Way
is to fix upon luch a Candidate, who by his Sanctity, Prudence,
and other Great and Heroick Accompliſhments, is remarkably
Diſtinguiſh’d, and more Excellent than all his other Competitors.
The ſame Method is to be Obſerved in the Choice of Miny, or
of a Select Number, where the Ariſtocratical Form is looked upon
as preferable to the Monarchical, or where they chuſe rather to be
Governed by a Few chan by a Single Perſon. Such Electors will
not look upon the Lot and Ballot, or what Blind Uncertain For-
tune ſhall pleaſe to Determine, as the ſure Proof and Teſtimony
of that Good and Juſt Character, which alone can recommend
a Candidate to the Firſt and Higheſt Offices of State: But, with
more Safety and a better Aſſurance, will Depend altogether on the
General Judgment, the Fixed and Eſtabliſhed Opinion, and the
Experience which the Beſt and Wiſeſt of their Fellow-Subjects have
of a Man's Character: And when they are agreed in their Judg-
ment, they may very eaſily agree in their choice. This General
Voice is the Nobleſt Teſtimonial, and the Beſt Recommendation
to Power : And accordingly the Poet, when he would deſcribe
a Patriot in full Glory, Luppoſes Him walking in the Publick
Streets, and ſays,
The People point, and ſhew him to each other,
And
cry,
That's He.
An Eſtabliſhed Character, which is well ſupported by the Pre-
vailing and Concurrent Teſtimony of the Beſt and Wiſeſt Mem-
bers of a Society, is the very Height of Glory, and the Nobleſt
Qualification for all the Honours our Country can beſtow upon
Whilſt the Popular Urn, or Ballot.Box, is only one of Blind
Fortune's
US,
CHAP. VII. SENATOR.
135
-
Fortune's Tools and Implements, by which she deals out Honours
and Offices in a Looſe Uncertain way, and Scatters them at ran-
dom, without Reaſon, and without Judgment: Whilft Vertue
ſtands by unregarded, and has no Share in the Diſpoſal of theſe
Favours. There are indeed ſome Free States, in which I do by no
means Condemn the Uſe of Lots, either before, or after the Publick
have paſſed their Judgments, upon the Good and Vertuous Charac-
ters and Qualifications of the ſeveral Candidates. For in many ſuch
Societies, there may poſſibly be Great Numbers of Wiſe, and Good,
and Vertuous Men; and the Superiority or Difference between them
may nor eaſily be Determined, without appealing to Fortune : In
which caſe the Uſe of the Lot is not only Allowable, but the only
Way of Deciding an Election juſtly and impartially. And beſides
the Judgment a Candidate is ſuppoſed to have formed, of his
own Worth and Qualifications for the Place or Office in Queſtion,
when he has alſo the Concurrent Judgment of his Fellow-
Citizens, and can at laſt obtain the Judgment of Fortune in his
own Favour, he is then Fully and Rightfully Choſen. Hence a
Magiſtrate Elet, was by the Latins ſaid to be Allotted to his of-
fice, thereby intimating, in what Manner he was Choſen. The
Lot, or Ballot, is ſtill in Uſe among the Venetians: And in the
Choice of the Senate of Fifty, the fame Method was Preſcribed
by Solon, when he compiled the Laws of Athens. Among whom
the Way and Manner was, to take down the Names of certain
Perſons, choſen out of Every Tribe, well approved and qualified
for the Senatorial Dignity, in Particular Rolls, which were puc
into a Box provided for that Purpofe: In another Box were puc
as many White Beans, as there were Names or Rolls in number,
and as many Black: Out of which Boxes when the Name of a
Candidate was drawn, with a White Bean drawn againſt it, ſuch
Candidate was duly elected a Senator; and They, againkt whoſe
Names a Black Bean was drawn, were. Diſmiſſed and ſent Home, as
having
I
1
136
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
having no Intereſt in That Election. Hence Thucydides calls the
Athenian Senate, The Council of the Bean. Among the Romans,
once the Lords and Maſters of the Univerſe, the Manner of Elect-
ing their Senators was Various, according to the Various Turns
and Revolucions, which ar different times obtained in their Com-
monwealth. Their Kings, Conſuls, Diktator, Tribunes, Cenſors, and
Emperors, had in their ſeveral Turns, and in the Different Stages
and Periods of their Government, the ſole Power of chuſing their
Senators. But the Lot or Ballot was never in Uſe till Auguftus's
time, when he reſtored and filled up the Senate. This, however,
is certain, That in all their Elections to this High Dignity, they
never regarded any other Qualifications, but Vertue and Honour,
Renown and Glory, Birth and Blood, Order and Station, and the
Credit and Reputation of having diſcharged the Queftor's, Cenfor's
,
or other High Truſt and Office in the Government, Faithfully and
Honourably.
As there certainly is nothing Greater and Nobler, more Illuſtri-
ous or truly Divine, than Vercue; ſo can we not fix upon any
one thing whatſoever, which ought to have more Weight and In-
fluence in all Senatorial Ele&tions and Returns. For nothing but Ver-
que can eſtabliſh the Senatorial Character upon the Solid, Immove-
able Foundations of Juſtice, Fortitude, and Prudence. It is in-
deed highly Convenient, that all Magiſtrates, in cvery well-regu-
lated Commonwealth, of what Order and Degree ſoever they are,
ſhould be well accompliſhed in all theſe Vertues; but the Senator
ought to be a Complete Profeſſor, and a Perfect Maſter of them:
Becauſe the Cuſtody of the Laws, the Arbitration of the Publick
Liberties, and the Preſervation of the Government, Whole and
Entire, are entruſted in his Hands, and committed to his
Care and Direction. From a Vicious and Corrupi Magiſtrate
the People very eaſily take the Infection, and become Wicked
and Debauched: Whilſt on the other hand, by the Vercues and
Good
/
CHAP. VII. SENATOR
137
many Fola
Good Example of the Magiſtrate, they are as eaſily Reformed
and Amended. When Men in Power give a Looſe to any Vice,
they are doubly Criminal; becauſe they are ſure to have
lowers. For in every Country, ſuch as the Princes are, ſo will
the People be: And whenever their Leaders and Governors change
their Manners and Behaviour, the Subjects and Followers will take
care to be in the Faſhion. Plato, as he is quoted by Cicero, very
well obſerves, and with a good deal of Wit, as well as Judgment;
That when the Maſters of the Concert alter their voice and their Notes,
the Chorus naturally give into the ſame Key and Tune. But certain-
ly it is much more Pertinent to obſerve, that when Princes and
Governors change their Morals and Way of Life, the Publick Man-
ners, Rites, Cuſtoms, Inſtitutions, and the Whole Common-
wealth, are thereupon immediately altered. The Conſequence of
a Bad Example from our Superiors or Thoſe in Authority, (the
greateſt Misfortune that can well befall a Nacion) being plainly this
,
That when they are not only Bad themſelves, but make others ſo
too, they become anſwerable not only for their own Faults, but
for the Vices and Corruptions of a Community; and are as wicked
by Proxy, as they are in their own Perſons. Such Men certainly
deſerve double Puniſhment, who add the Sins of a Multitude to
thoſe of their own Committing: And with what Face can they
Exhort others to follow Vertue, when themſelves have Forſaken it?
or to Obey the Laws, which themſelves have Broken? Among
the Romans, Scylla was held in the Utmoſt Contempt, and became
perfectly Ridiculous, becauſe he was perpetually Exhorting his
Fellow-Citizens, Adjuring, and even Compelling them, to be
Sober, Chaſte, Frugal, and Temperate; when at the ſame time
it was very well known that Drunkenneſs, Luxury, and Intempe-
rance, were his own Favourite and Peculiar Vices.
Lyfander
though he went into quite the Oppoſite Extreme, was altogether
as culpable as Scylla: For he readily and openly indulged all his
T
Fellow-
138
The Accompliſh'd Воок І.
Fellow-Citizens in the Habitual Commiſſion of thoſe very Vices,
from which Himſelf moſt rigorouſly Abftained. Lycurgus, a Man
far Superior to Both theſe, and well worthy of the Name and
Reputation he hath fo juftly Acquired, never Enjoined Others to
keep and obſerve any Law or Precept whatſoever, but he kept and
obſerved it Himſelf, and thereby let them an Example of Perfect
Obedience and Conformity. It is therefore a Duty Incumbent
upon all Citizens and Subjects, in all Senatorial Elections, and in
the Choice of every Magiſtrate, who is to fill the Vacant Places
or Offices of Publick Truſt, to exert their Beſt Judgment and Ut-
moſt Prudence, in the free Exerciſe of Thar Right, with which,
as Elečtors, their Country hath inveſted them: And they ought
certainly to make Choice of fuch Men, who by çheir Capacity,
Conduct, and Wiſdom, by their many Vertues, Exploits, and
Good Behaviour in Leſſer Employments, have deferved well of the
Publick, and gained a Juſt Pre-eminence over their Fellow-Citizens.
The Way and Method of finding out ſuch Candidates, and mak-
ing an Acquaintance with their Characters, is not, as I conceive, by
the Uſe of Lots, and Balloting: For whilſt we think the Common
Equality and Publick Liberties are beſt preſerved by this Method,
we thereby expoſe ourſelves to much greater Dangers, and run the
Riſque of chuſing ſuch Men, who are not only Strängers to the Ver-
tues, but Unworthy of the very Name and Dignity, of Senators.
Let every Free-Subject therefore, in the Maintenance of this Com-
mon Right, keep the Publick Good always in View, and take Care
how he Entruſts an Idle, Ignorant, or Únskilful Candidate, with
Power, or gives him ſo much as the Chance or Alternate Turn, of
Holding or Enjoying a Place or Office in the Commonwealth. For
then are the Common Rights of the Subject ſecured to him in the
Beſt Manner, when none but the Prudent, the Wiſe, and the Ex-
perienced Governor, can demand of him the Ordinary Returns
of Submiſſion and Obedience.
The
CHĀP. VII. SENATOR.
139
The only Beſt and moſt Rational Method of Electing Senators,
is in my Opinion no other than this; To make thoſe Members
of a Commonwealth the Sole Elektors, who by their Wiſdom,
Prudenice, and Juſtice, have eminently Diſtinguiſhed Themſelves,
and in the Strength of theſe Vertues, will not fuffer the Leaſt
Vile or Scandalous Action that gives Juft Offence, to paſs Un-
cenfüred, and to eſcape being made a Diſqualification for all Pub-
lick Truſts and Offices. In the Republick of which we are Mem-
bers, and which is under the Direction and Government of King,
Senate, and people, a Queſtion may poſſibly ariſe, Whether the
Senator is to be choſen by ai Few Select Elečtors, or by the Mul-
titude, or only by a Single Perfon? They who would have More
than-One Elector, do either admïcc the Whole Body of the People to
this Rights or only a Sele&t Order or Number of them Of the
Firſt Sort are They, who live under a Popular; and of the Se-
cond They, who live under an Amiftocratical Forni of Govern-
The Patrons of One of theſe
: Opinions muſt naturally
Diſſent from Thoſe who are of a quite Oppoſite Judgment con-
cerning the Manner of conducting Senatorial Ele&tions : And the
Former Opinion is moſt agreeable to a Democratical, as the Latter
is to an Ariſtocrátical Form of Government. From This Contena
tion between the Pations of Both Opinions, may probably ariſe
Tumulcs and Seditions ; unleſší by laying aſide their Mutual Dif
cord and Contentions, Both Parties come to an Agreement, that
Each in his Turn ſhall enjoy its own Righit and Power of Ele&tion.
But if ſuch an Agteenient were really made and eſtabliſhed, to the
General Satisfa&tion of Mankind; yet the Tumults and Diſorders
confequent thereupon would be: altogether as Great; as Thoſe it
was. Intended to proveht. For every Mari natiirally paſſes a
Wrong Judgment upotr himſelf, and is eaſily perfuaded to be-
lieves that he excells his Neighbours in Wiſdom and Conduct,
andi hias better Presenflons-to cher: Favour; - than any other Candi-
dace.
ment.
T 2
140
The Accompliſ'd BOOK I.
1
date. He readily imagines, that he is Deſpiſed and Hated by the
Oppoſite Party, and raiſes Feuds and Animolicies to the Splitting
and Dividing of the Body Politick. After this, he has no longer
any Regard to Merit, but leaves all the Vertues behind him, and
fers
up for Power and Magiſtracy, by an open Avowance of his
Ambition, and in the Strength of his Power and Wealth, the
Number of his Clients and Followers, and the Zeal and Activity
of his Friends, reſolves to gain, by Force and Violence, or by
Bribery and Corruption, what his own Vertues would by no
means Enticle him to. Such Methods of Attaining Power rea-
dily tend to the Enſlaving of a Free Body of Good and Worthy
Citizens, and often give the Worſt and moſt Wicked Governors an
Abſolute Power and Dominion over them; whilft Vertue, Juſtice,
and Prudence, are ſet aſide; and Vice, Injuſtice, Fraud, and
Treachery, are let looſe to Over-run, and Lay Waſte, a Govern-
It is certainly a very Dangerous Experiment, for a Com-
monwealth to truſt the Choice of their Magiſtrates in the Hands
of the Populace, or Mixed Multicude; who are by no means
Competent Judges of the Worth and Qualifications of their Can-
didates. They art too apt either to Envy and Malign, or Im-
plicitly to Favour thoſe Men, in whoſe Hands they have, by any
Former Grants or Truſts, already Depoſited their Safety and In-
tereſts. Parciality is more likely to Sway with them, than
Sound Judgment and Diſcretion : They are eaſily Flattered, and
won by Submiſſion and Intreaty; and are naturally led to Eſteem
and Reverence thoſe Men in the Higheſt Degree, who ſubmitt
to the Loweſt Methods of Canvaſſing and Soliciting their Favour.
In fhort, all their Reſolutions and Determinations are formed,
not upon a Regular and Judicious Choice, but Raſhneſs and Incon-
ſideration, and very often Force and Violence have the Greateſt
Share in all their Proceedings. There is (as Cicero hath well
obſerved) neither Counſel, nor Reaſon, nor Diſcretion, nor Atten-
tion
ment.
CHAP. VII. SENATO R.
141
upon their
tion in the Mobb or Multitude ; and the Wiſeſt of Men have looked
very
Beſt Proceedings, rather as Tolerable, than Com-
mendable. They are more eager to Chuſe by Affection, than by
Judgment; and they are oftener Allured and Enticed, than re-
gularly Inclined and Directed, to give their Votes and Suffrages.
However, therefore, the Cuſtoms, Uſages, and Laws of ſome
Commonwealths may determine the Rights of Ele&tion ; we can
never allow the Mixed Multitude any the Leaft Share or Intereſt
in theſe Rights ;, nor can we think their Interpoſition therein
conſiſtent with the Welfare of a Well-Conſtituted Government.
We Polanders are clearly of Opinion, that the Right of Electing
Senators, ought to be entruſted wholly in the Hands of a Single
Perſon; One, who by his Superior Vertue, Wifdom, and Pru-
dence, is allowed to be the Firſt Man in the State: Becauſe it is
much eaſier for him to guard againſt all the Above-mentioned
Dangers and Evils, which unavoidably attend all Popular Elections :
But then this Right or Power of Electing muſt be Veſted in him
by the Laws, or Delegated to him by the People: And he muſt
not Claim it to himſelf, or attempt to Uſurp it, by Superior Pow-
er, Force, and Violence, by any Arbitrary Incroachments, or
by Bribery and Corruption. It is the Undoubted Right of a
Free People, to Chuſe thoſe Senators, in whoſe Keeping they
depoſite all their Intereſts : But in our Opinion) they would do
well and wiſely, to give up this Right in Truſt, and committ it to the
Care of a Single Elector, who may more effectually anſwer the Great
Ends of This Inſtitution. Romulus, the Father and Founder of
Rome, was the Sole Ele&tor of Thoſe Hundred Citizens, who com-
poſed the Firſt Roman Senate: And by this Precedent, the Kings,
his Succeffors, reſerved all' Senatorial Ele£tions' entirely to them-
ſelves. When the Proud Tarquin's Unſucceſsful Tyranny was at:
an End, and with him was Extinct the Whole Race of the Ro-
mam. Kings, the Power of Elečting to the Senatorial Office did not
Devolve
142
The Accompliſh'd Book I.
Devolve to Maný, but was retained only in a Few Hands; for
the Conſuls, the Cenſor, the Dictator, or (when their Government
was changed into a Monarchical Form) the Emperor, did in their
Several Turns chuſe all the Members of their Senate. This Ro-
man Precedent our Anceſtors of Poland very wiſely. Introduced into
their Commonwealth; and by giving up their Right into the
Hands of the King, made him the Sole Judge of every Candidate's
Vertues and Qualifications, and the Sole Ele&tor of ſuch Perſons,
who by the Laws of Poland, were for their Age and Experience,
their Nobility, Wiſdom, and Prudence, wellQualified for the Se-
natorial Office. Hence it is, that our Kingdom has gradually In-
creaſed in Reputation by the Vertues of its Senators, as well as of
its Kings ;, and our Senate hath been called, not only the Great
Council of Poland, but of all the North. Leć the King therefore
with us have the Sole Right of Chuling all the Members of our
Senate; and in the Exerciſe of this Right, we Require at his
Hands, the utmoſt Efforts of all his Prudence, Fidelity, and
Wiſdom; and that he never Admitt.a Partner or. Alſociate in his
Government, who has nothing at Heard but the Acquiſition of
Wealth, the Increaſe of his own Private Forcune, or of the For-
cunes of his Family,, or is perhaps only Skilful in Architecture;
or Fortification: And that he make. Choice of ſuch Counſellors. .
only, who know how to make Laws, to Govern a Nation, and
Protect and Preſerve their Fellow-Subjects. When we are Sick,
or out of Order, we readily Reſort to the moſt Learned and Skil-
ful Phyſician. In the Cloathing of our Bodies, and the. Build-
ing our Houſes, and in many other. Caſes of the ſame fort, we
employ the Beſt and Moſt Experienced Workmen in their ſeveral
Crafts and Profeſſions. And why then ſhould: we not be as Care
ful in providing for the Welfare of a Nation, and the Good Go-
vernment of the People, by, looking out for, and electing ſuch
Men,
܀
2
CHAP. VII. SE NATO R. 143
1
1
Men, who, by their Wiſdom, may Preſerve a Community in
Peace and Happineſs ? No Cunning, Wiſdom, or Diligence,
however Keen and Active, can be becter employed, than in
Finding out and Promoting Men of chis Character. A Good
King will not only Enquire into thoſe Senatorial Qualifications ,
which we have already mentioned, ſuch as Good Birch and Edu-
cation, and the ſeveral Arts and Accompliſhments, which Fit a
Man for Publick or Civil Life; and Improve his Natural Ge-
nius and Capacity, by enabling him to Govern a Commonwealth
well and wiſely: But will allo Examine the Candidates other
Qualifications, ſuch as his Moral Character, his Reputation, Fa-
mily, Age, and Vertues. * Nor is This All : But a farther En-
quiry ought to be made, Whether the Candidate hath borne any
Office in the Magiſtracy? And in what Manner, or with what Fi-
delity, Prudence, and Diligence, he 'Diſcharged it? For they, who
have gone through ſome ſuch Office, are the fitceſt Perſons to be
made Senators. Such was the Uſual Practice among the Romans,
with whom the Order of .Magiftrates was always a Seminary or
Nurſery for the Senate. In ſhort, a Good King ought always to
have the Good and Welfare of his People in View: And if this
be his Chief Aim, he will eaſily learn to Diſtinguiſh thoſe Coun-
ſellors and Senators, whom his Country ſtands in moſt need of,
and to Judge of their ſeveral Talents and Capacities. What Theſe
Talents are, and wherein conſiſts the Senatorial Prudence, ſo ab-
ſolutely neceſſary to the Preſervation of a State; and what are his
ſeveral Duties and Offices, I ſhall now proceed to enquire; whence
it will plainly appear, what Caution a King ought to uſe in the
Choice of his Senators, and what Rules and Precepts the Senator.
ought to Obſerve and Retain, in the Adminiſtration of Publick
Affairs.
--
But
144 The Accompliſh'd, &c. Book I.
But ſince my Firſt Deſign is ſwoln to an Uncommon Bulk,
and ſpun out to too Great a Length ; I think it Convenient to
deferr the Proſecution of it to a Second Book; wherein all theſe
Particulars ſhall be explained at large. For I would not have the
Reader's Mind Over-burthened or Perplexed, by the Weight and
Intricacy of thoſe Subjects which we have hitherto Treated of.
1
The End of the Firſt BOOK.
THE
I
-
[ 145 )
THE
Accompliſh'd Senator
BOOK II.
CH A P. I.
The CO N T E N T S.
The Conne&tion and Argument of the Second Book. The Senator
ought to be Well-acquainted with the Conſtitution and Laws of
his own Country. It is greater to Preſerve than to Found a Com-
monwealth. Every Poliſh Senator is a Mediator between-King
and People. The Senator how Poſted in a State. The Common
Artifices of Tyrants. The Office and Duty of a King. How
He ought to Regard His Senate. The Humours of the Mix'd Mul-
titude, and Riſe of all Seditions. The Mixture and Harmony of
the Three Eſtates of a Kingdom. How Tumults and Seditions
may be appeaſed. Every Order or Eſtare in a Government ought to
be Zealous in maintaining the Rights of the Other Two. Of the
Doctrine of Equality. The Rights of the Subject. Of De-
magogues, and Alterations in Religion. Of the Four Cárdinal
Vertues, the Great and Neceſſary Qualifications for the Senato-
rial Office.
W
HAT are the Firſt Rudiments and Inſtitutions of the
Senatorial Dignity; what the Various Forms and Mo-
dels of a Commonwealth, or Body Politick; and which
of them beſt deſerves the Preference, we have ſhewn at large in the
U
Firf
.
146
The Accompliſhid Book II.
Firſt Book ; and (as we conceive) to the full and entire Satisfaction
of our Readers. Therein are laid the Firſt Foundations of that Ge..
ncral Good and Common Happineſs, in which are compriſed all
the Bleſſings and Benefits, and all the Renown and Glory, which
Man in a Civil State is capable of, or which Heaven can beſtow
upon Human Societies.
We ſhall now, in this Second Book, pro-
ceed to thew, What thoſe Particuler Vertues are, by which the
Senator, after he hath gone through the Firſt Elements of Policy,
may at laſt attain the Fulneſs and Perfection of his High Charac-
ter; and may make himſelf a Maſter of all That Wiſdom, by
which the Arts of Government are. Learned and Practiſed, with
the utmoſt Skill and Dexterity.
Here then, in the Firſt place, the Good Senator muſt take parti-
cular Care to make himſelf acquainted with the Whole Frame and
Conſtitution of That State or Government, in which he is ap-
poinţed a Counſellor or Miniſter : He muſt know, what Temper
and Diſpoſition the People are of; what are their Laws and Li-
berties ; what their Manners and Diſcipline ; their Rights, Uſages,
and Cuſtoms : And he muſt not only have Abilities to diſcover,
and make a Proper Uſe of all the Ways and Methods, by which
a State may Prelerve and Improve itſelf
, or add to its Acquiſitions
and Reputation ; but alſo to Foreſee and Prevent all thoſe Dangers
and Evils, by which it may be leſſened in its Intereſts and Charac-
ter, or its Conſtitution Shaken and Diſordered, or perhaps entirely
Diſſolved and Subverted. 'Tis not enough for a Pilot or Maſter of
a Ship to ſteer a Well-known Courſe, and to bring his Veſſel ſafe
into Port, when the Winds and the Seas are all along Favourable
to him, during the Whole Voyage; unleſs he is alſo acquainted
with Storms and Tempeſts, underſtands the Nature of them, has
tried their Utmoſt Force, can guard againſt all the Dangers of the
Deep; and when his Ship has been well Toſſed and Shaken by the
Winds and the Waves, can carry her into Harbour, where ſhe
may
1
1
CHAP. I.
SENATOR. 147
-
may be at Reſt and out of Danger. The Caſe is exactly the ſame
with the Good Senator. If in a Well-Settled State, where All is
Quiet and Orderly, he behave with Prudence, and govern Wiſely
and Diſcreetly ; it is no ſmall Credit to his Adminiſtration : But
his Higheſt Merit, and Greateſt Glory will be, when the Blafts
of Sedition are in their Full Roar, and the Waves and Floods of
Diſſenſion break in and beat hard upon a State ; then to interpoſe,
and ſmooth and becalm a Ruffled Nation, to reſtore the Wiſhed-for
Tranquillity and Quiet, and Pacify the Minds of the People, al-
lay their Mutual Heats and Reſentments, and bring all things back
into the Right Channel of Order and Diſcipline. Theſeus was
enough Renowned, becauſe by his Conduct, the Wild, Vaga-
bond, and almoſt Savage Athenians, were reduced from a Barba-
rous to a Civilized and Social State, and had a Cicy and Laws given
them by their Founder. But the Glory of Solon, was ſtill Grea-
ter, becauſe by his Wiſdom and Management, this City was re-
ſtored to Order, and kept in Unity with itſelf, at a Time when it
was almoſt Diſtracted and Torne to Pieces, by Sedition and Civil
Diſcord, and had other Laws and Offices given them by their Reſtorer,
more Effectual to the Confirmation of the General Peace, and Pub-
lick Tranquillity. When the Gauls had brought Rome to the very
Brink of Ruin, it was ſurely as Great in Camillus to Save, as in
Romulus to Build it. The Fabii approved themſelves the Defenders
of their country's Liberties, by Finiſhing the Vejentine War, in
the very Neighbourhood of Rome, with ſo much Glory and Repu-
tation : But the Glory of Cicero was ſtill Greater, who ſaved Rome
itſelf from the Traiterous Conſpiracy of Cataline. Pompey might
very well be called a Lover of his Country; but Cicero was the
Deliverer of it; which gave Pompey an Occaſion of Saying, That
if Cicero had not ſaved Rome, himſelf bad wanted' a City to Tria
umph in : And the Great Orator, in one of his own Speeches, very
juſty Glories in Saving Romé, by his Counſels, which Others, by
U2
their
148 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
cheir Arms, had only Magnified or Enlarged. Take all the Ver-
tues of Cæfar and Pompey together, and when they are compared
with thoſe of Scipio Africanus, how great is the Difference between
them? They indeed fought many Battles, and by many ſignal Ex-
ploits advanced the Glory of their Country: But when Rome was
Tottering, and in its Laſt Convulſions, when there wanted but
another Day to complete its 'Ruin, and the Victorious Hannibal
was juſt ready to make Spoil of all its Liberties, Scipio interpoſed,
as a Mighty Deliverer, and by Saving his Country, added to her
Former Power and Glory : So True is That Aphoriſm;
'Tis Greater to Preſerve, than to Acquire.
The Glory of Cyrus conſiſted altogether in Subduing King-
doms, and Enlarging the Territories of his Empire; but he was
enough Unhappy in the Poſſeſſion of what he had gotten. His
Acquiſitions were Many and Great ; but he had not the Art
of Retaining or Keeping, what he had Acquired with ſo much
Glory. In the ordinary Accounts of Life, a Day of Deliverance
is much more Lucky and Memorable, than the Day of One's Birth,
and it is far more Meritorious to be Active in the Preſervation, than
in the Propagation of Mankind. Let the Good Senator therefore ex-
ere all his Prudence, not only in taking Care of things Preſent, but
in looking to and providing againſt the Turns and Contingencies
of Fucurity : And let his Views extend to every particular Con-
cern and Circumſtance, whịch may any way affect the Pub-
lick Welfare. Let him weigh well, and narrowly look into,
all the Changes, Chances, Hazards, Turns, and Tendencies,
a State is Subject to; by which means he will always have it
in his power to guard againſt any Dangers which may threaten his
Country, either by Averting an Evil he Foreſees is coming, or
by Plucking up and Extirpating a Publick Miſchief, before it
has taken too Deep Root, or is grown up r a too Formidable
Height.
CHAP. I. SENATO R.
149
-
Height. Nor would I have the Senator unacquainted with the Va-
rious Forms and Conſtitutions of other States and Commonwealths
beſides his own. Their Examples may be of Uſe to him, and
he may reap many Benefits, by looking narrowly into the Laws
by which they are Governed, and the Manners and Cuſtoms which
obtain among them, or which are Introduced for their Greater
Security and Preſervation; together with the Changes and Alte-
rations, by which a State is Reformed or Amended. The Order
and Coherence of each Particular Conſtitution, the Manner of
holding its Great Councils, the Diſpoſition and Dependence of
all its State-Offices, its Liberties, Dignities, Authority and Jurif-
diction, are all Subjects of Importance, and well worth the Se-
nator's moſt accurate Enquiries.
Here, in our own Country of Poland, where the Senator is as
it were a Mediator, and has his Poft aſſigned him Exactly in the
Midſt between the King and the People, it is a neceſſary Part of his
Knowledge, to be able to ſet out the true Legal Limits and Boun-
daries of the Royal Prerogative, Grandeur, and Juriſdiction; and
of the Rights and Liberties of the Subject. Differences and Con-
tentions will often ariſe between King and People; whilſt one Party is
preſſing forward, and aiming at too much Power, and the other
falling back into an Exceſs of Liberty. Theſe Contentions, when
carried on with Intemperate Heats, and a Spirit of Violence, have
very often, and very ſorely Afflicted our Government. The Il-
ſue and Conſequence of every ſuch Scruggle being commonly This,
That where the King prevails over the People, he ſoon commences
Tyrant; and where the People are ſucceſsful, we preſently ſee as
many Tyrants ſtart up, as there are Heads and Leaders of the
Multitude. Now the Arbitrary Power of Many Tyrants is much
more Intolerable than That of a Single Perſon. Death ſoon puts
an End to the Uſurpations of a Single Tyrant, or his Luits and
Paſſions may be eaſily allayed, or worne out by Sariety : But the
Tyranny and Licentiouſneſs of a Multicude are Inſatiable, and
their
150 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
their Inſolence increaſes by being Indulged. They ſpread abroad
and ſcatter their Poiſon every where, and tranſmit the Contagion
of it to Late Poſterity. To prevent theſe Evils, the Senator muſt
Interpoſe with all his Diligence, and uſe his beſt Endeavours to
preſerve the Juſt Undoubted Liberties of his Fellow-Subjects, in
that Regular and Legal State, in which they are held in common
by all the Members of the Body Politick. From the Mid-way
Scation, where he is properly Poſted, he muſt look our con-
ſtantly, and keep a Watchful Eye upon the Publick Welfare, and
exert his Urmoſt Diligence, in preſerving the Commonwealth, from
whatever Dangers or Detriment it may poſſibly be Expoſed to,
either by the Ambition of a Few, who are Aiming at more Power ;
or the Seditions of a Multitude, contending for more Liberty. For
the Senator, in his Proper Poſt, and by the very Nature of his Of-
fice, is really a Judge and Arbitrator between the Quiet and Peace-
able, and the Violent and Unruly; between Liberty and Servi-
tude, between King and People.
Many are the Artifices of Tyrants, by which they ſet themſelves
to Invade and make Spoil of their People's Liberties. As it is Na-
tural for them to entertain a Jealouſy and Suſpicion of All about
them, who are juſtly noted for their Vertue, Goodneſs, and Wif
dom ; ſo their Firſt and Greateſt Care is, to remove all ſuch out
of the way: And when they are removed, all other Opponents,
either by Force and Violence, or by their own Cowardice and
Weakneſs, are eaſily brought under and Enſlaved; after which, all
Law and Juſtice are foon laid aſide, and the Will and Luſt of the
Uſurper are the only Meaſure and Rule of Government. Agree-
able to this Artifice, was the Advice given by Periander to Thraſi-
bulus, when he bid him Trim bis Harveſt
, and Lop off all the Ears of
Corn that grew above the Reft: Thereby intimating, that he ſhould
put to Death all the Choiceſt Nobility, and moſt Eminent Sena-
tors of Athens.
Sextus, the Son of L. Tarquinius, had an Inti-
nation
CHAP. I.
SENATOR 151
mation given him, much to the fame Purpoſe: For he fled to the
Gabii, under Pretence of being Baniſhed, though he was privately
ſent by his father, on purpoſe to betray and enſlave that People.
When he had enough Ingratiated himſelf
, he diſpatched a Mellen-
ger to his Father, intreating his Advice, How to Behave, in order
to finiſh his Deſign? The Old Tyrant gave no Anſwer, but took
the Meſſenger into his Garden, and in his Preſence cut off all the
Heads of the Poppeys, which grew Uppermoſt in the Flower-beds.
Upon the Return and Report of the Meſſenger, the Son took the
Hint, put the Principal Men among the Gabii to Death, and then,
by Succeſsful Rapine and Violence, ſeized upon the Government,
and put an End to the Liberties of That Republick. Beſides
This, there is Another Artifice of great Uſe to Tyrants and Uſur-
pers; which is, to prevent, as much as poſſible, alí Commerce and
Intercourſe, between the Better Sort of Citizens ; and to keep
them from Forming Societies, Clubs, Meetings, and Aſſemblies,
either for the Friendly Entertaining, or Mutually Converſing with
each other : And by all means to Diſcourage the Study and Im-
provement of the Liberal and Uſeful Arts and Sciences. There is
alſo another Stratagem commonly practiſed by ſuch Men; and that
is, to foment Factions and Parties, to low the Seeds of Diſcord and
Contention in Abundance, to raiſe Jealouſies and Suſpicions a-
mongſt Brethren and Fellow-Citizens ; that they may worry one
another, and conſume their Subſtance in Perſonal Broils and Private
Quarrels : 'Then, when they are Poor, to lay freſh Taxes and heavy
Burdens upon them, on a Pretence of ſome War, or Warlike Pre-
parations: By which means they may be drained of their Wealth,
pinched and enfeebled by Poverty; and That Generous and Noble
Spirit humbled and brought down, which is ſo Neceſſary and Ser-
viceable to a Free People, in the Defence of their Common Rights
and Liberties. Theſe, and many ſuch-like Artifices of Tyrants
and Uſurpers, the Good Senator ought to be well acquainted with,
that
152
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
that he may always keep himſelf upon the Guard, and be able to
Foreſee and Prevent a Coming Evil, before it falls upon, and in-
feſts his Country:
It is alſo a Neceſſary Part of the Senator's Duty, to enquire
narrowly into the Office of a King, the Nature, Limitations, and
Extent of his Authority. He ought to know, that Kings were made,
not for their own, but their People's Sake; and that in all their
Councils and Undertakings, they ſhould prefer the Joint and Com-
mon, to any Separate or Private Intereſt whatſoever. They Go-
vern by, and under the Law; and the great Deſign of their Go-
vernment is, that the Rights and Liberties of their People may be
Maintained and Preſerved. The Senate have an Authority and
Dignity concurrent with the Regal; and to this Body they owe a
Proper Deference and Regard, and ſhould always be in Readi-
neſs to Protect and Defend it. The Auchority of Kings was in-
tended as a Security for the Good and Vertuous, and as a Ter-
ror only to the Wicked. The Supreme Power was lodged in
their Hands, as an Avenger of Wrongs and Injuries, .a Keeper
and Protector of Liberty, and a Judge to Decide between the
Evil and the Good. A truly Excellent Prince has the ſame Care
over his Subjects, which the Shepherd has over his Flock; and
all this Care is to make thoſe under him Happy and Flouriſhing.
Homer calls Agamemnon the People's Shepherd; and Plato, in Imi-
tation of Homer, calls a Monarch, the Paſtor and Curator of Man-
kind. As a Father governs his Children, ſo ought a Good King
to govern his People, and not as a Lord domineers over his
Slaves. In the Execution of the Paternal Office, a Good Father
will not only Admoniſh and Reprove his Children, and endea-
vour to win them by Gentleneſs and Kindneſs, but will fome.
times lay about him with the Rod, and deal out the Wholſome
Severities of Chaſtiſement and Correction : And juſt in the ſame
Manner will a Good King behave towards his Subjects: He will
convince
CHAP. I. SE NATO 1
153
R.
convince them, that he chuſes rather to Preſerve his People, chan
his own State and Dignity: He will be Awful and Rigid, Gen-
tle and Merciful, when a Proper Occaſion offers, or as the Sea-
fons of Government require ; and will in all Things approve
himſelf a Father to his Subjects, by Defending and Protecting
them. in their Juſt Rights, and by Promoting their General
Good and Common Intereſt. The Difference between a King
and a Tyrant is plainly this, That the One is altogether as Soli-
citous in ſecuring his own Private Advantage, as the Other is in
taking Care of the Publick. Whilſt a Tyrant is altogether intent
on Pleaſure, Honeſty and Goodneſs are the Delight of a King.
The Love of Wealth is as ſure a Mark of a Tyrannical, as the
Love of Honour is of a truly Royal Diſpoſition. A King is en-
compaſſed on every Side by Free and Faithful Citizens; but Mer-
cenary Foreigners are the Body Guards of a Tyrant. When Al-
phonfus, King of Arragon, was asked, In what Subječts or Citizens
he took moft Delight? His Anſwer was, In Thoſe, who were more
afraid of any Evil that might poſſibly happen to him, than they were
of bis Perſon or Power: And in this he was perfectly Right: For
wherever we Fear, we very naturally Hate too: And therefore
every Good King will always Repoſe more Confidence in the Fi-
delity, Love, and Affections of his People, than in the Strength
of his Arins, or the Number of his Forces. In ſhort, a King
ought always to be conſidered and revered as the Great Adminiſtra-
tor of Wiſdom and Counſel, the Defender of the Laws, the Ar-
biter of Right and Equity, and the Preſerver of the Common
Liberties of his people. And for the better Diſcharge of all theſe
High Offices, let him conſtantly reſort to his Senate for Advice
and Direction, and always Love, Honour, and Eſteem That
Venerable Body, and treat them with a Filial Regard and Af-
fection. Trajan, one of the moſt Excellent Emperors that ever
reigned over Mankind, would often, and with great Prudence,
X
call
-
154
The Accompliſh'd Book 11.
call the Senate by the Name of Father: For as a Father caucions
his Son in all the Intereſts and Advantages of Life; ſo does the
Senate adviſe and direct their King in the making of Laws and
Ordinances, and in all the Methods and Meaſures of a Wiſe Ad-
miniſtration; by which a State is preſerved in Peace and Happi-
neſs. Theſe Things, and whatever elſe is to be met with in the
Laws, Ulages, and Cuſtoms of a Country, which may in any
fort relate to the Office of a King, the Good Senator muſt take Care
to be well acquainted with, and muſt add all this to his Ocher Ac-
pliſhments in Learning and Wiſdom.
In the mean time, the People, or Mixed Multitude, are to be
conſidered as an Inconſtant Fluctuating Body, among whom the
Diverſity of their Years and Ages naturally produces as great a Va
riety in their Humors and Undertakings. For fince the old,
the Young, and the Middle-Aged, are all mingled together in
one Common Maſs, hence ariſe Great Differences and Diſſenſions ;
every one follows his own Will and Pleaſure, in virtue of their
Undoubted Right, and in the Free Exerciſe of their Common
Liberties. Becauſe they are naturally Free, every one imagines,
that the Modelling of his own Manners and Converſation belongs
entirely to himſelf: And they are eaſily perſuaded, that Liberty
conſiſts in a Man's doing whatever he has a Mind, or a Power,
As their Manners and Ways of Education are vaſtly
Different, ſo are their Wills and Inclinations; whence ariſes as
great a Difference and Variety in their Opinions, concerning the
Laws, Liberties, and Conſtitution of their Country. Theſe
Differences readily produce Diviſions, Feuds, and Animoſities;
Jealouſies, Milunderſtandings, Tumults
, and Seditions. Whence it
follows, that the Rabble are always variouſly
. Affected towards
the Government under which they Live: They, who have had
a good Education, and a tolerable Inſight into the Liberal Arts
and Sciences, or are naturally Well-Diſpoſed a d Inclined to Ho-
peſty
to do.
-
CHAP. I. SENATOR.
155
--
neſty and Goodneſs: They who have got the better of their Paf
fions and Luſts; and are Enemies to Effeminacy, Debauchery,
and Voluptuouſneſs; all ſuch will take Care to conform them-
felves and their Actions to the Rules of Juſtice and Equity, of
Peace and Civil Society; will never Depart for a Moment, or
even in the Minuteſt Article, from the Good Principles of Vertue,
Fidelity, Religion, and Honour, handed down to them by their
Fore-fathers: Bur will keep and retain them as a Legacy or In-
heritance, which the Founders of their State have Bequeathed and
Entailed upon their Poſterity. Such Men very well deſerve the
Name and Character of Good and Faithful Subjects : But there
is another Claſs of Citizens, who are encirely devoted to Do-
meſtick Folly and Licentiouſneſs. A Home-bred Generation, who
never Looked or Went abroad, in queſt of any thing truly Mag.
nificent and Illuſtrious; and never Did, or perhaps Heard of an
Action, really Great and Worthy of Renown. Such Subjects are
the Common Ringleaders of all Seditions, and by their Craft
and Subtilty, often prové a Grievance, a Peſt, and Plague to
any Government. They know not how to behave Prudently,
Peaceably, and Modeſtly; or to take Example by the Good and
Vertuous; and yet are willing to be Ranked and Numbered
with the Beſt and moſt Valuable of their Fellow-Subjects. Ra-
ther than be looked upon as Idle, Uſeleſs Creatures, born to no
Purpoſe whatſoever, they are perpetually Studying and Invent-
ing ſome New Artifice or Stratagem, by which they may Dif-
tinguiſh themſelves, and get a Name and Luſtre among Mankind.
Hence they go on by Chance, rather than by Choice, to ſet
themſelves up as the Patrons and Aſſertors of Liberty, to Ha-
rangue the Mob, to raiſe a Cry and a Clamour, and without
Diſtinguiſhing between what is Sacred and Profane, to throw all
things into Confuſion. If they happen to Excell thoſe about them
in the Volubility of their Language, or in the Natural Turn of
their
X 2
156
Book II.
The Accompliſh'd
their Genius, always ready to Promote Sedition and Diſorder, then
they ſet themſelves up for Leaders and Conductors of the Blind
and Unskilful, and undertake the Correction and Amendment
of the Laws, Religion, Faith, and Manners of their Fellow-Sub-
jects. A Conſpiracy is formed both againſt King and Senate,
and againſt every Subject, who is eminent for his Vercue and
Piery; whilſt under their Management and Direction, the whole
Cominonwealth muſt undergo a New and Thorough Reformation.
Theſe Incendiaries are by the Greeks called Demagogues, and by
the Latins, Worſhippers of the Rabble. Under Pretence of Defend-
ing the Publick Liberties, they raiſe New Troubles, and attempt
new Changes in a Government; only to ſcreen ſome of their
own Faults and Iniquities from Juſtice; or Scir the Waters and
Sow Diſcord and Contention, only to gratify their own Natu-
ral Turbulency and Spirit of Diſcontent: Or elſe becauſe their
own Patrimony is waſted, and their Private Circumſtances much
involved, or urterly impaired, perhaps by Intemperance, or
ſome other Vice of a Deeper Dye, they are therefore reſolved
to kindle a Fire, in which others may be conſumed as well as
themſelves, and to throw their own, together with the Fortunes
of the Publick, into one and the ſame Common Heap of Rub-
biſh and Ruins : For when there is a Neceſſity of Periſhing, they
are very willing not to Periſh alone. In Ancient Rome there were
many of this Character ; ſuch as Gracchus, Clodius, and Cata-
line. Such was Clifthenes at Athens, with many Others in other
Nations and Commonwealths.
In the Republick or Nation to which we belong, the Body
Politick (as I have already obſerved) conſiſts of Three Ranks
or Orders of Men, cloſely Connected and United with each
other; and in this Temperament, Harmony, and Conjunction,
corífiſts the Security and Happineſs of our Government. But if
ahele Conſtituent Parts and Members of the Body Politick are.
Diſplaced
Chap. I. SE NATO R.
157
tion.
1
Diſplaced or Rent in Sunder, the whole Conſticution is preſently
Deformed, and Over-run with Miſery and Confuſion. Other Go-
vernments, whoſe Conſtitution is altogether Simple and Uncom-
pounded, are liable therefore but to one Great Turn and Altera-
But becauſe our Commonwealth is mixed and compounded
of Three ſeveral Parts, it muſt conſequently be always in Danger
of as many changes and Revolutions. For if the King abuſes
his Juſt Power, and exceeds the Proper Bounds of his Regal Of-
fice, we are then liable to be Enſlaved by a Single Tyrant : If
the Senate are falſe to their Truſt, we are in Danger of having
many Abſolute Lords and Maſters ſet over us : And if the Mul-
titude or Populace, by open Force and Violence, get the Better
both of the Regal Power and Senatorial Authority, we ſhall then
be viſited with a Mobb and Rabble of Tyrants, the greateſt Plague
that can befall a Society. Unleſs therefore, in
Unleſs therefore, in every Commonwealth,
thus Formed and Conſtituted, the Office, Liberty, Juriſdiction,
Dignity, and Authority, of each of theſe Three Orders be punctu-
ally ſet out, aſcertained, and circumſcribed, by good and whol-
fome Laws, made for that Purpoſe; and every Member of each
Order be duly and effectually Reſtrained, not only by their own
Fears, but by ſpecial Penalties, from all Vice and Injuſtice, and
from the Breach of thoſe Laws, which confirm them in their
ſeveral Powers and Dignities ; the Honeſt Well-Diſpoſed Sub-
ject will in vain look for Reſt and Quict, and all the Happineſs
of Private Life, under ſuch a Conſtitution. Here then muſt the
Senator interpoſe, and look narrowly to the Execution of his
High Office: He muſt (as Cicero ſpeaks) confider well with him-
felf, that, by his office, he is the Repreſentative of a Whole City
or Society, whoſe Publick Intereſts are entruſted to his Perſonal Cure.;
that it is his Duty to ſupport the Honour and Dignity of his Country,
to look well to the Obſervation of the Laws, to aſſign to every one
bis Proper and Peculiar Rights, and to give a true and faithful Ag-
count
ܪ
1
158
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
count of whatever is committed to his Charge. In his Private Ca-
pacity, he inuſt put himſelf upon a Level, and live in Subjection
to the ſame Laws and Rules of Equity, with the reſt of his Fel-
low-Subjects ; behaving in ſuch a Manner, as not to be Deſpicable
and Below his Character, nor yet Inſolent, Aſpiring, and Above
his Brethren ; but in all chings Careful and Studious, always to
preſerve the Commonwealth, in the Ways of Peace and Honeſty.
It is likewiſe his Dury and Intereſt, to be Cautious and Moderate
in the Right Uſe of his Liberty; That Temperate Liberty (as Quin-
tius calls it in Livy) which is Health to every Good Subject ; not
That Exorbitant Liberty, which is often grievous to others, and as
often betrays thoſe who aſſume it, into many Raſh Enterprizes,
and pulhes them headlong upon their own Ruin.
Whenever an Unruly People, prone to Licentiouſneſs, are brea-
king out into any Publick Diſorders, the Severity of the Law muſt
be ler Looſe to Quell and Suppreſs them : It being the Undoubted
Intereſt of every Government, to preſerve its Good and Faithful
Subjects, from being Injured and Inſulted, by the Wicked and
Unruly. Every Commonwealth is the Sole Undoubted Property
of the Good Subject only : Whilſt the Wicked and Profligate
have juſtly Forfeited all Right thereto. It is indeed impoſſible to
ſecure a State from all Commotions, Diſorders, and Seditions what-
ſoever ; and the Obſervation made by Hannibal, and recorded in
Livy, is certainly Juſt and True; That a Great City, or Society, can
never be long at Reft. If it has no Enemies abroad, it will ſoon find
ſome at home ; and like other Great Bodies, if it is ſafe from all Exter-
nal Injuries, its own Weight and Vigour will very often Depreſs and
Incommode it. We are Men (ſays the Comick Poet) and Frailty and
Humanity are inſeparable Companions. Ler our Pretenſions to Wif
dom, Prudence, and Goodneſs, be what they will, yet Corrupt
and Fallen Nature will preſs forward in the Smooth and Declining
Ways of Vice, with much more Eaſe and Alacrity, chan when
WC
CHAP. I. SENATO R.
159
we are climbing the Steep Aſcent, and Height of Vercue. Beſides
this, daily Experience convinces us, that in every Community and
Society of Men, there is always a much greater Number of the
Weak' and Wicked, than of the Wiſe and Vercuous. Whenever
therefore the Storms of Sedicion ariſe, and threaten the Publick
Peace, the Good Senator, who is embarked with all his People, in
one and the ſame Veſſel, which is the Commonwealth, now fur-
rounded and toſſed to and fro by an unruly Tempeft, will do well
to follow Cicero's Advice, and by bearing patiently the Firſt Onſet,
by complying with the Preſent Humours of the People, by ſoft-
ning and alluring the Diſaffected, by confirming thoſe in their Loy-
alty, who have not yet gone Aſtray, and by Appeaſing and Allay-
ing the Turbulent and Outrageous; he may poſſibly prevent the
Worſt
, and preſerve a State from falling into the Hands, or being
at the Mercy of the Vileſt and moſt Profligate of all its People.
Diſſimulation and Connivance are ſometimes not only Lawful, but
very Uſeful and Neceſſary Expedients, where a Body of Men are
engaged in any Wicked Deſign, by Miſtake and Unpremedita-
ted Error, and not with any Deſperate and Malicious Intention.
Where the Caſe is different, and Attempts are openly and volunta-
rily made, to carry on ſome Black and Barefaced Villany, any
Kindneſs or Mercy ſhewn to the Leaders or Followers in every ſuch
Enterprize, is urterly Unlawful and Pernicious, and can end in no-
thing elſe, but the Deſtruction and Overthrow of all Government
whatſoever. In order cherefore to Reſtrain and Appeaſe the Dil-
orderly and Unruly Wills of the Multitude, and to Quell their
Raih and Hadſtrong Motions, and Tendencies to Sedition, the
Senator muſt apply his Belt Diligence and Ucmoſt Wiſdom; al-
ways obſerving the Two Excellent Rules laid down by Plato, and
recorded in Cicero ; By the Former of which, He muſt be ſure to:
take Care, that in Defending the Rights and Liberties of his
Fellow-Subjects, his Conduct may plainly appear to be altogether
influenced
160 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
inflụenced by the Nobleſt Principles, the Love and Care of the Pub-
lick, without any Regard to his own Private Advantage : And by
the Latter, that all his Concern and Endeavours muſt extend to the
Whole Entire Body of the Commonwealth ; left by his Zeal and For-
wardneſs in the Defence of one Part, or Member of it, he be
ſuſpected of a Deſign to Deſert or Betray all the reſt. Whoever
is Over-Active and Solicitous, in Maintaining or Promoting the
Particular Intereſt of any one Order of the Government, diſtinct
from, and excluſive of the reſt, will thereby open a Gap and In-
let for Popular Diſcontent and Sedition, the Two Great Evils that
never Fail to Weaken or to Overthrow a Government. The
Good Senator ought to be alike Zealous for the Royal Intereſts, as
for thoſe of the People ; and as ready to Defend the Cauſe of the
People, as of the Nobility or his Fellow-Senators. The Wiſe, and
the Weak, the Rich, and the Poor, with all other Ranks and De-
grees of Men, are to be maintained in their ſeveral Rights
, with
the ſame Diſintereſted Zeal and Impartiality. It was the Want of
ſuch a Publick Spirit of Patriotiſm as this is, that occaſioned all
thoſe Broils and Contentions, which ſo miſerably Rent and Afflic-
ted the Athenian State, and brought on thoſe many Seditions, Tu-
mults, Revolts, and Civil Wars, which were the Scandal and
Overthrow of the Roman Government.
To Prevent theſe Miſchiefs, the right Way and Method is, to be
always Strict and Severe in the due Obſervation of the Great and
Fundamental Rule of Equality, by which the Safety and Welfare
of a State, and the Mutual Love, Good-will, and Affection of
all its Members and Subjects, are effectually Maintained and Pre-
ſerved. Wherever this Doctrine and Principle of Equality is
Diſregarded, or not Well-attended to, Civil Feuds, Animoſities,
and Contentions, naturally follow, and infeſt That Government,
in which Equals aſpire to an Unequal or Superior State, and Un-
equals or Inferiors co a State of Equality. 'Tis a very Juſt, as well
as
)
CHAP. I. SENATOR 161
ܪ
ways to be
as Common Obſervation, that Peers and Peers, Equals and Equals,
always agree very well together. They, who by their Birth or
Wealth, are above their Brechren, muſt not therefore claim an
Inequality or Superiority over them. Nor are they to be reckoned
Equals, who enjoy the ſame Common Liberties. They indeed,
who excell in Vertue, are on that Account Superior to their
Neighbours; and yet in another reſpect, they are only their
Equals ; they are Equals by a Rightful and Judicial, or, as the A-
rithmeticians term it, by a Numerical Equality; but they are Superi-
ors in Dignity, or in the Power of Giving and Beltowing Ho-
nours and Rewards, to which Vertue always has the Beſt Claim and
Pretenſion. This Sort of Equality, becauſe it cannot be truly Scated,
or rightly Meaſured, but only by Strict Reaſon and Judgment, is
therefore called Geometrical. But now the Good Senator ought al-
to be very Punctual and Exact, in adhering to this Doctrine
of Equality, take it in either of the Two Senſes, or Meanings al-
ready mentioned. In the Diſtribution of Law and Juſtice, and
in the Preſervation of the Common Liberties, he muſt have the
ſame Regard to all his Fellow-Subjects ; not taking from one, or
giving to another, more than what is their Real Due; becauſe in
their Claim of Right and Liberty, they are entirely Equal : And
it is very eaſy to find out, wherein this Liberty conſiſts, and what
are the True Bounds of it, becauſe it is ſet out, defined and limit-
ed, by che Laws of every Nation, whereto every Man may reſort,
for a Full and Juſt Account of his Rights, and of all that he can
claim as Due to him, either by. Written Statute, by Cuſtom and
Uſage, or by Private Gontra£t and Agreement : And in the Judging
and Determining of all ſuch Caſes, no Regard muſt be had to the
Superior Influences of Wealth, Birth, or Power ; but the Rich
and Poor, the Noble and Vulgar, muſt be all created alike, and-
have Juſtice adminiſtered to them with the Utmoſt Impartiality.
But now That other Sort of Equality, which cannot be well Sca-
Y
ted
162 The Accompliſk'd Book II.
tion.
ted but only by Reaſon and Judgment, and which is conſiſtent
with the Claim of Vertue to Superior Honours and Dignities, lies
much more out of the Way, and is not ſo eaſily Diſcerned and Af.
certained. To Form a Right and True Judgment of the Vertues,
the Intrinſick Value, Worth, and Wiſdom of Others, ſeems to
require a Divine, rather than a Human Intelligence and Penetra-
We are often deceived with Falſe Colours, and Fair and Spe-
cious Pretences; and we are by no means Competent, or at leaſt,
Infallible Judges of one Another. To paſs an Unerring Sentence
on theſe Occaſions, is a Task of Uncommon Difficulty, and fit
only to be performed by Omniſcience. And yet ſuch a Diſcern-
ing Spirit is above all other Things moſt Uſeful and Beneficial to
the Publick : For if we were thereby Enabled to make a Right
Eſtimate of the Vertues and Dignity of other Men, when theſe
are ſubmitted to our Judgment and Cenſure; we ſhould then be
able to know, who were the Propereſt Perſons to be entruſted with
the Publick Intereſts and Offices, and whom we ought to reject :
and ſet aſide; whom to Love, and whom to Hate; whom to Re-
ward, and whom to Puniſh; and by making Choice according-
ly, we ſhould preſerve our Country in Peace and Happineſs :
Whereas by, a Bad and Erroneous Ele&tion, we expoſe it to be over-
run by Vice and Corruption, and whatever may Spoil the Beauty,
or Defile the Purity of the Body Politick. It is further to be ob-
ſerved,. That in Popular Governments, where the Rude Unskilful
Mobb and Multitude have all the Power, but without Reaſon or
Judgment to direct them in the Right Uſe of it, the Way is, to
leave the Diſtribution of all Rewards and Puniſhments to be de-
cided by Lots; not without a Solemn Addreſs and Application to
Heaven, that the Choice
may
fall
upon the moſt Worthy and De-
ſerving. But ſince in the Uſe of Lots, Reaſon is ſet aſide, and
we depend entirely upon the Raſh and Uncertain Deciſion of For-
cune ; we therefore diſmiſs chis Blind Guide from all Share, in a
Matcer
?
CHA P.
I.
SENATOR.
163
Matter of ſuch Moment, and depend entirely upon Human Pru-
dence and Wiſdom, in determining and preſerving a true and per-
fect State of Equality. The truly Wiſe and Prudent Senator will
eaſily know, how to behave with Decency and Honour, on all
theſe Important Occaſions; and in order thereto, will follow the
Good Conduct and Example of a Wife and Worthy Maſter of
a Family, who having many Members of his Houſhold Freeborn,
and of a Liberal Education, treats one according to his Age, ano-
ther according to his Proficiency in Vertue, and a Third according
to his Preſent Condition and Circumſtances. In juſt the ſame
manner does the Senator treat his Fellow-Subjects, in regard to
their Years, Vertuies, Condition, and Manner of Life, and the
particular Rank and Order to which they belong. Beſides this, he
will always have a due Concern for the Rights and Liberties of the
People, who know very well, that their General Claim conſiſts
chiefly of theſe Particulars; That they are capable of all Offices in
the Magiſtracy; That they have a Right to Interpoſe in the Making
and Amending of all Laws; That they have a Vote and Suffrage in
the Paſſing of all Publick Statutes and Ordinances, and in all Čau-
ſes, where the Lives, Liberties, or Properties of their Fellow-Sub-
jects are brought into Queſtion; That they cannot be Seized and
Detained, Impleaded, Impriſoned, Bound, Fettered, Tortured,
or Executed, contrary to Law; That they cannot be deprived of
their Wealth or Poſſeſſions unjuſtly, or without a Sufficient Cauſe;
That no Tax or Tribute can be extorted from thein, but for
very
good Reaſons ; That where the Magiſtrate commands any thing con-
trary to Law, they are not bound to obey him ; Thac in luch a
Cafe they have a Right to Admoniſh him, and to Remonſtrate
againſt his Proceedings ; That they are not in the leaſt co be Injured
and Oppreſſed, by thoſe in Power; and, That they are Free to Think
and Do as they Pleaſe, except only, where Law and Equity have
laid them under a Reſtraint ; That they have a Right to oppoſe Ty-
Y 2
rants,
164 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
rants, in Defence of the Laws and Liberties of their Country; That
they have a Share and Part in all Publick Councils whatſoever ; and,
That the Sum of all their Political Principles conſiſts briefly in be-
lieving, that the Power of Commanding is entirely in the King,
and the Power of Adviſing altogether in the Senate. For when
the Senate is thus ſet at the Head of all Publick Councils, and what
they Decree is well obſerved by all other Orders of the State; then
is the Government well tempered and regulated; and then is the
Great Law of Equality well obſerved among the Subjects, when
the People enjoy their Properties, the King his Authority, and the
Senate their Right of Adviſing; and when above all other things,
there is a General Agreement and Reſolution, that the Laws ſhall
every where, and in all Caſes, be duly Obſerved and Executed.
But in nothing more can the Senator diſplay his Diligence and
Care, than in preventing and ſuppreſſing all Seditions, which
rend and diſtract the Body Politick, and expoſe the Lives of all
its Members to Uneaſineſs, Miſery, and all ſorts of Calamities.
Every thing Human and Divine, Sacred and Religious, is put
out of Order, Perverted and Polluted by Sedition : And when
this Deadly Poiſon has once taken hold of and infected a Com-
monwealth, its Vigour and Glory foon fade away, and its whole
Conſtitution is eaſily Diſſolved or Subverted. The Cauſes that
give Riſe to Sedition, are ſo many and various, that the Mind
and Reaſon of Man cannot eaſily enumerate or account for them.
And therefore the Senator ought always to be upon his Guard,
and uſe his beſt Care and Endeavours, that the Malady, when it
has once broken out, may not ſpread itſelf ſtill farther and
farther, and at laſt Infect the very Vitals of a Government. Par-
ticular Care muſt be taken, to Reconcile all Differences, and
Reſtore Amity and Concord among Thoſe who are in Power and
Authority: For their High Example very often enliſts and draws
after it the Whole Multitude, or, at leaſt the Majority of the
People:
8 :
CHAP. I. SENATO R.
165
People: And ie is well known by Experience, that the Greateſt
Turns and Changes of Government, have had their Riſe from
very ſmall Beginnings, and the minuteſt and moſt trifling Inci-
dents. In quelling therefore, and allaying all Seditious Commo-
tions, Two Methods are principally to be obſerved: One is, to
Enquire well
, and Know perfectly, why, and on what Occaſion,
the People are uncaly? Whence, and from what Cauſes ariſe
their Diſcontents? How they are Animated, and what
puts
them
into Confuſion and Diſorder ? For ſo it ſometimes happens, that
a ſudden Hear or Fury, an Inordinate Appetite and Unreaſoira-
ble Demand, a Panick Fear, a Fitt of Anger and Refentment,
or ſome ſuch Unruly Paſſion and Affection, kindles the Fire, and
calls the Multitude to Arms. Sometimes they are Provoked and
Inſtigated by Avarice, or a Thirſt for Prey and Plunder ; or
by Revenge, and the Hatred and Contempt of their Superiors :
And at other times, Religion is the Great Cauſe of the Quarrels
and Sounds the Firſt Alarm to all their Tumultuous Motions:
Such was the Caſe at Rome, upon the Introduction of the Etruſcan
Worſhip and Ceremonies : And within our own Memory, as great
Diſorders have happened on the very ſame Occaſion in Germany;
France, and Bohemia; where the State hath been miſerably Reno
and Afflicted, by the Attempts made to Innovate upon, or to alter
the Eſtabliſhed Religion. There are alfo other Cauſes, which give
Riſe to Sedition; as when one Order of Subjects aſpires to a Place
or Dignity in the State, which does not legally belong to them;
and taking Advantage of ſome Succeſsful Exploit or Enterprize,
fer themſelves up above their Brethren and Equals; which was the
Caſe of the Council of Areopagus at Athens, and of the Nobility
at Argos, after they had been Succeſsful in War, againſt the Lace-
dæmonians, and thereupon attempted to alter the Popular Conſtitus
tion of their Government. In the very fame manner, the People:
of Syracuſe, much elated by their Succeſs againſt the Athenians;
changedi
166 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
changed the Democratical Form of their Government into a Per-
fect Oclocracy, or Mobb-Commonwealth. Not unlike this, was the
Caſe of the Roman State, wherein the People taking a Diſguſt to
the Senate, openly Revolted from its Authority, and chole their
own Tribunes ; who, by Inſolence and Outrage, ſoon got
the bet-
ter of the Senate, leſſened and diminiſhed its Power and Privi-
leges, and by the many Tumults and Inſurrections of their own
raiſing, reduced the Commonwealth to the very Brink of Ruin.
Another Way of Promoting and Fomenting Sedition, is by Suf-
fering one Single Perſon to engroſs many Great Places or Offices
in a Scare, and to hold them at one and the ſame time, in Con-
junction. This is a moſt Pernicious Practice, in whatſoever Go-
vernment it obtains : For by this means, others, who have as
good Pretenſions, are diſcarded and laid aſide, as Unworthy of
any Publick Truſt or Honour. It is therefore highly reaſonable,
chat every Miniſter and Officer of State ſhould content himſelf
with one Office at a Time: For by this Regulation, the Common-
wealth will find its Advantage, in having ſo much a Greater Num-
ber of Faithful Stewards, always attending its Affairs and Inter-
eſts, and of Diligent Labourers
, always employed in ſecuring and
promoting the General Welfare and Happineſs. In Petty States
and Societies, it may perhaps be ſometimes convenient to entruſt
many Offices at a Time in the Hands of a Single Perſon; but in
Large and Populous Commonwealths, ſuch a Practice is
very
often
the Forerunner of Great Diſorders and Seditions. But to prevent
and put a Stop to every Commotion of this Sort, let the Senator, in
all Caſes, and on all Occaſions, take particular Care, that the Laws
and Cuſtoms of his Country be duly and punctually Obſerved;
and let him be ſure to oppoſe the Firſt Efforts and Tendencies to
Sedition, before it ſpread too far, and gather to a Head; left it be
then too Scrong and too deeply Rooted, to be eaſily Quelled and
Eradicated.
CHAP. I.
SENATOR.
167
Eradicated. For 'tis a Juit Obſervation, that every Evil is eaſily
cruſhed in the Egg, but when it is Hatched, Winged, and Full-
grown, it is not ſo eaſily Tamed and brought Under. Among
other things, the Senator ought to be very Cautious, how he Liſtens,
or gives Credit to, every Rumor or Falſe Report, which is given
out, on purpoſe to Amuſe and Miſlead the People. Such Tricks
and Artifices are often made Uſe of in a State, by Subtle and Craf-
ty Incendiaries, who have no other Deſign, but to Flatter and
Betray the giddy Multitude, and to blow up a Gale of Popular
Breath in their own Favour ; and who will attempt any thing
that Courage and Confidence can inſpire, in order to bring about
a Turn and Revolution, which may be of Advantage to their
own Particular Deſigns and Self-Intereſt. The Deſtruction of the
Better Sort, or of the Good and Faithful Members of the Com-
monwealth, is what ſuch Men chiefly Aim at, in all their Combi-
nations and Conſpiracies ;. and they raiſe a Popular Clamour, and
a Tumultuous Duſt and Cloud, only to Scifle and Conceal their
own Private Faults and Particular Vices. The Fire which is kin-
dled by the Breath of their Noſtrils, and blown into a Flame by
their Inſolence and Fury, unleſs it is ſoon brought under, and in
due time extinguiſhed, will preſently ſpread itſelf far and near,
and lay waſte the faireſt Structure of a Government that ever yet:
was Erected. There is a Neceſſity of looking out in every Re-
publick, for ſome One excellent Man, of more than Human
Abilities, with whom All its Quiet, Safety, and Happineſs, may
be Depoſited and Entruſted ; and under whoſe Leading and Con-
duct it may eſcape all Tumults, Seditions, Contentions, Animo-
fities, Changes , Alterations, and all other Dangers whatſoever ;
may always remain Happy, and in a State of Perfect Eaſe and
Tranquillity. Such a Man, ſuch a Hero, who would fully an-
fwer this High and Exalted Character, ought to make himſelf a
Perfect
1
168
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
Perfect Maſter of the Vertues of Prudence, Juſtice, Fortitude, and
Temperance : For theſe are the Four Cardinal Vertues
, upon which
all others Turn and are Dependent : And all Words and Actie
ons, all Human Affairs and Negotiations, are derivable there-
from, as from their Proper Source and Fountain.
.
снА Р.
.
CHAP. II.
169
SENATO R.
CH A P. II.
The C O N T E N T S.
Of Prudence; its Excellencies, and how far Preferable to the Other
Vertues. Prudence Defined and Deſcribed. The Difference be-
tween Speculative Wiſdom and Prudence. Of Civil and Do-
meſtick Prudence. This Vertue limited by Truth and Juſtice.
Honeſty, and Profit the Scope of all Human Endeavours. The
Two Great Errors of the Imprudent. Of Laws, Good Exam-
ples, and Wholſome Exerciſes. A Caution to be obſerved in making
of Laws. Of the Vigilance and Extenſive Knowledge of the
Senator. They who Love not their own Country, are worſe than
Brutes. Of the Leſſer Vertues, Attendant upon, and the Cong-
panions of Prudence. Of Ingenuity, Docibility, and a Good
Memory. Of Intelligence, Senſation, and Reflection. Of
Circumſpection. Of the Uſe of Scanding Forces. Of the Ad-
miniſtration of Juſtice. Of Human Foreſight. Of Falſe Pre-
tences to Foreſight
. Whence the Senatorial Foreſight is derived.
Of the Good Genius. Of Example, Experience, and Hiſtory.
of Caution. Some Rules to be Obſerved in Speaking in the Sea
nate. Of Sagacicy. Of Cunning and Artifice.
N the Ordering and Conducting of all Human Actions what-
ſoever, the Firſt, the Sureſt, and perhaps the Only Guide, is
Prudence. Without This, we are ſo far from being able to
conform ourſelves in Practice to all the other Vertues, in a Com-
plete and Exact Manner, that we cannot really attain the Full
and Perfect Knowledge of their True Nature and Excellencies.
Whence Socrates comprehends all Vertue whatſoever, under the
Namc
-
I
Z
1
170 The Accompliſh'd. BOOK II.
Name of Prudence; though Ariſtotle differs from him in this Par-
ticular: And perhaps he might have ſaid more truly and juſtly,
that no Vertue was of any Long Continuance, or could keep its
Ground, and Shine out in its full-and-proper Luſtre, without Pru-
dence. And therefore Bion Boriſthenius gives the ſame Preference to
Prudence, above all the other Vertues, as he does to Sight, above all
the other Senſes. But then he adds, Thac Old Age is the Proper
Seaſon for this Vertue, as Touth is for Strength and Fortitude. We
dọ therefore recommend Prudence to The Accompliſh'd Senator, as
his Firſt and Nobleſt Endowment. For without this, he will ne-
ver be able to Speak and Act, as becomes his Age and Dignity;
and all his Words, and all his Conduct, will be perfectly Vain and
Inſipid, unleſs they are Well-Seaſoned with, and have the Strong
Taſte and Reliſh of this whollome and excellent Vertue. But now
in order to Define and Deſcribe the true Nature of Prudence, it is
neceſſary we ſhould enquire, What it really is, and wherein it con-
Gifts. The Latins derive Prudence froin Providence, or Forefight,
becauſe the Mind is thereby directed to look forward upon future
Things and Events, at the ſame time that it retains the Remem-
brance of Things Paſt, and Diſpoſes of Things Preſent, in a due
Order and Regulation. He, who never thinks of what is Paſt,
muſt be ignorant of the ordinary Occurrences of Life; and he who
has no Inſight into Future Things, muſt be always Expoſed to
many Dangers ; which, for want of Caution, he cannot eaſily
avoid. Prudence (as Cicero deſcribes it) is the Art of knowing Good
and Evil, and the Difference between them; whereby we Diſtinguiſh
between what is Deſirable, and what is to be Avoided ; and Regulate our
Choice accordingly
. In Ariſtotle's Opinion, It is a Habit of the
Mind, cloſely conne&ted with Right Reaſon, and altogether converſant
in Action and Buſineſs, and in all the Accidents and Events of Life,
whether they be Good or Evil. Speculative Wiſdom differs from
Prudence in this reſpect, becauſe the Former never goes beyond
the
ܪ
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
171
the narrow Bounds of Thought and Contemplation; whilſt the
Latter is wholly employed in Action, and in the Affairs and Ne-
gotiations of Human Life
. Good Counſel and Good Fortune are
neceſſary Helps and Auxiliaries to Prudence, in ſettling and ſecu-
ring the Juſt Bounds and Limits of That Good we are in queſt of:
But Speculative Wiſdom wants neither Counſel nor Advice, be-
cauſe all its Enquiries terminate in Certain and Self-evident Truths.
Hence it is, that Geometers, Mathematicians, Natural Philoſophers,
with many other Sages, who confine themſelves and their Studies
to mere Theory, have much better Pretenſions to Wiſdom and Learn-
ing, than to trúe Prudence: And Diogenes, Zeno, Crates, Chry-
Sippus, Carniades, Democritus, Metrocles, Ariſtippus, , Anexagoras,
Thales
, deſérved the Character, rather of Wiſe and Learned, than
of Prudent Men: For the Aim and Scope of all their Philoſophy,
was quite different from That of True Prudence. They con-
fined themſelves to Abſtract Notions', and the Secret and Ab-
ſtruſe Parts of Knowledge, and had no Pleaſure beyond this: They
never meddled with the more Solid Part, or regarded any Enquiries
that were immediately Uſeful or Beneficial to Mankind: Whilft
Prudence has always the General Good and Publick Advantage in
View, and holds all her Conſultations, and Deliberates entirely
upon that Single Subject. If indeed thoſe Learned Men, laying
aſide the Natural Averſion they had to the World, and to the
the Ways and Cuſtoms of its Inhabitants, would have applied
themſėlves to the Affairs and Government of their Country,
there is no Doubt but they would have Excelled and Diſtinguiſhed
themſelves by their Prudence: And of this we have ſufficient Proof
from the Great Examples of Pericles, Solón, Lycurgus, Plato, De-
moſthenes, Cato, Cicero, and many others.
True Prudence then has it's Riſe from Sound Reaſon, and when
the Senator hath made himſelf a Máſter of it, either by the Study
of Philoſophy, or by Political and Civil Diſcipline, or by Long
Ule
Z 2
..
172
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
Uſe and Experience, he will then be able to Foreſee and Guard
againſt any Future Events, and to behave well and wiſely upon
preſent Occaſions and Emergencies: And when a Sudden and per-
haps Hazardous Affair is undertaken, he will be always ready to
give an Extemporary Good Advice, and by his Counſel to Ex-
pedite and Forward the Service and Welfare of his Country. A
Prudent Man will ſoon attain the two Great Accompliſhments
of Human Life: He will have a Thorough Inſight into all Af-
fairs, and will know and Underſtand Himſelf. This therefore is
that Great, Excellent, and truly Divine Vertue, in which the
Good Senator ought always to abound, as his Beſt and Nobleſt
Ornament. For without this, all the Reaſon of Man, all his
Verrues, Actions, and Sentiments, are vain and unprofitable
.
The Firſt Leſſon that Prudence teaches us, is, as the Philoſophers
expreſs it, That a Man ſhould be Wiſe for Himſelf. A Prudent
Man will in the Firſt place take Care of himſelf
, and be well
Adviſed in the Management of his own Particular and Private
Affairs. For without this, he is liable to the Imputation of
Groſs and Notorious Folly. Prudence includes the Care of our
own Domeſtick or Family-Concerns, as well as the Art of mak-
ing Laws for the Publick, or of Preſiding in Council, or in Judg-
What we exerciſe at home, is, by Cicero, called Domeſtick,
and what is employed in the Publick Service, is, by the ſame
Author, called Civil Prudence. But in what Capacity, or on
what Occaſion ſoever, we are obliged to exert this Great Ver-
tue in its full Force, we muſt ſtill be careful to have all along
a very ſtrict Regard to Truth and Juſtice. For Truth is the
Undoubted Property of the Prudent; and if we in the leaſt de-
viate therefrom, all that we ſay or do, will have a Taint and
Corrupt Mixture of Falfhood and Impiety. He therefore, who
juſtly weighs, and wiſely conſiders with himſelf, what is True
and Juſt, Decent, and Proper to be done, upon every Occaſion,
and
ment.
CHAP. II. SENATO R.
173
and who is Quick and Acuce, Speedy and Expeditious, in the
Performance of it, does (in my Opinion and Judgment) beſt de-
ſerve the Character and High Title of a Prudent Man: But now
in all his Searches after Truch and Wiſdom, the Senator's Pru-
dence muſt take its Riſe from certain Principles, as from a Source
or Fountain, whence it may trace the Iſſues and Progreſs of Truth;
and theſe are Honeſty and Profit. For whatever is Said or Doneg
either in a Publick, Private, or Mixed, Caſe and Capacity,
ought always to have ſomething, either Honeſt or Profitable, in
View, as the Mark and Scope of all Human Endeavours and
Enterprizes. Whatever we can comprehend by Thought, or ex-
preſs by Language, is briefly, but really and fully compriſed
within theſe Two Great Limits and Boundaries. But then ir
requires a very Acute and Penetrating Genius, to be able to Dif-
cover and to Diſtinguiſh exactly between what is Honeſt, and what
is Profitable; Becauſe the Mind is often Darkened and Obſcured
by the Luſts and Lower Appetites, and Man's Judgment is De-
praved and Perverted, and his Reaſon Dethroned and Deprived
of the Proper Dominion it ought to have over all his other Fam
culties. Whence it often happens, that we are deceived not only
in our Notions and Opinions of what is Honeſt and Proficable;
but are really ſo far Blinded and Belotted, as to grow doatingly
Fond of the Vileft and Fouleſt Vices. To prevent our being
thus ſhamefully Impoſed upon, there are Two very Great Er-
rors, which we muſt be careful to avoid. One is, that we
never Preſume to Know, or raſhly and tenaciouſly Adhere to,
any one Point or Principle, of which we are really Ignorant.
And the other is, that we never give our Conſent to any thing
really ill, or which is contrary to the Known Rules of 'Vertue,
and the General Prevailing Opinion of Good and Wiſe Men.
But now the Senator may eaſily and fully comprehend the Uc-
moſt Extent and Due Limits of whatever is Honeſt and Profitable,
if
174
The Accompliſh'd Book 11.
if he will always keep a Fixed and Steady Eye upon the Good
and Welfare of the Publick. For this is the Sole Aim and
Scope of all Senatorial Prudence and Wiſdom: From which there
never ſhould be any the leaſt Deviation whatſoever. Neither
his God, his Country, his Fellow-Subjects, 'nor the Laws of
Prudence, require any thing more at the Hands of the Good Se-
nator, than that he ſhould, upon all Occaſions, uſe his beſt En-
deavours to promote the Welfare and Safety of the Commonwealth :
And as I have already obſerved, then will a Commonwealth be
truly Happy, when it is furniſhed with an Affluence of all Good
Things; when its Members are Juft, Temperate, Prudent, Brave,
and Free; when they are Bleſſed with Health and Wealth, are
at Peace and Unity among themſelves, and entirely at Reſt from
all Diviſions, Parties, and Factions, whatſoever. It is alſo a
Part of the Senator's Duty, to extend all his Care and Pains, not
only to the making of his Country Happy, but alſo to find
out and apply the Beſt and Propereſt Means, for Securing, Con-
tinuing, and Perpetuating its Happineſs
. For ſo it often hap-
pens, that a People, or Body of Subjects (and what People is
there, whoſe natural Inclinations to Vice are not much ſtronger
than their Love of Vertue ?) will by Degrees fall away, and go
aſide from the Streight Paths of Honeſty and Goodneſs; whilſt
Corruption gains Ground, and inſenſibly ſteals in upon them;
till at laſt the Infection over-ſpreads the whole Body Politick;
and draws after it a Train of many Evils; which, like a Tem-
peſt; ſurround, and ſhake, and toſs it to and fro, and keep it
always Fluctuating, and in a State of Uncertainty and Danger.
In order to prevent the Riſe and Growth of all ſuch Publick Mif-
chiefs, a Timely and Effectual Remedy muſt be Provided by the
Enacting of Good and Wholſome Laws. For the Law is a Bond
and Tye upon every Officer and Magiſtrate, obliging and reſtrain-
ing him to the Exact Performance of his Dury, and is the Great
Preſervative
5
CHAP. II. SENATOR.
175
-
Preſervative of every Subject's Vertue and Fidelity. Beſides thoſe
Strict and Expreſs Laws, which have Rewards and Puniſhments
annexed to thein, there are other Methods, highly conducive to
the ſame Good Purpoſes ; as by: Preſcribing and Encouraging
Good Examples, by Introducing Uſeful and Laudable Modes and
Cuſtoms, and by Promoting ſuch Exerciſes and Entertainments,
as inay bring the People to be in Love with Vertue, to-look on iç
as a Pleaſure ; and conſequently to give themſelves up, with ſo
much the more Readineſs, as its Zealous Votaries and Followers.
Something of this Sort was attempted in the Laconian State, where
many ſuch-like Inſtitutions and Ordinances were given out to this
purpoſe, and had with them the Full Force and Authority of Eſta-
bliſhed Laws. To this we muſt always be ſure to add, the Right
Uſe and Full Extent of Diſcipline ; by which the Minds of the
People, both in War and in Peace, are trained and innured to the
Knowledge and Exerciſe of every Vercue whatſoever. There is
one Way and Method commonly made Uſe of, by Good and Wiſe
Senators, in the Framing and Compiling of Laws, which is, to
Aim chem rather at the Preventing, than the Suppreſſing of Evil;
and thereby to cut off from every Subject all Opportunity and
Occaſion of Offending. This is a Commendable Practice, and
Worthy of the Good Senator's Imitation. For it is his Ducy and
Office, to heal and compoſe the diſtempered, or diſordered Minds
of the People, by Good and Wholſome Laws; juſt as a Skilful
Phyſician heals and compoſes the Diſtempered, or Diſordered Bo-
dies of his Patients, by Good and Whollome Medicines and Pre-
fcriptions.
Here by the Way I can by no means approve of Their Method,
who upon the Firſt Breaking out of any Publick Vice or Malady,
ſet themſelves immediately to ſuppreſs it by Penal Strictures and Se-
verities : And I ſhould rather chuſe to trace and enquire into the
Riſe and Original of it, and to cut it off at the Fountain Head,
by
176 The Accompliſh'd
Book 11.
ܪ
by Suppreſſing its Firſt Cauſes, than by Purſuing it with Severity,
through all its Effects and Conſequences. In my Opinion, all our
Counlel and Wiſdom ought firſt to be employed in bringing Men
to Juſtice, rather than to Execution. Suppoſe
, for Inſtance, a
State ſhould be viſited with a Dearch or Famine; would not That
Magiſtrate be very Cruel and Inhuman, who ſhould ſpend all his
Time 'in puniſhing Theft with Death, and not rather einploy
himſelf chiefly, in finding our Ways and Means to ſupply his
Country with Proviſions; whereby all Occaſion of Stealing would
be taken away, or at leaſt the Neceſſity of it Prevented ? On the
other hand, imagine a Country over-run with Luxury and Debau-
chery; would it not be much better to Stop the Inundation by
Sumptuary, than by Sanguinary Laws ? 'Tis an Excellent Preſcrip-
tion given out by Cicero, when he ſays, That the Beſt Cure for
Avarice is to Suppreſs Luxury, its Mother-Vice, by which it is brought
forth and nouriſhed.
In ſhort, the Good Senator muſt always keep a Watchful Eye
upon whatever may be for the Advantage, or to the Prejudice of
the Commonwealth. For unleſs this be done, and if he remains
Careleſs or Ignorant of theſe Publick Concerns, whenever his Coun-
try is viſited with any Policical Malady or Diſtemper, or turns its
Sword into its own Bowels, by Civil Diſcontents and Animofities,
he will never be able to find a Proper Remedy for theſe Evils, or
to uſe and apply it effectually. He muſt therefore be always In-
quiſitive, and look narrowly into the Lives and Conduct of his
Fellow.Citizens, and obſerve how they ſtand Affected to the Con-
ftitution, and whether they are Punctual and Regular in their Obe-
dience to the Laws, and Lawful Commands of their Superiors;
how the Magiſtrates execute their ſeveral Offices, and the Truſts re-
poſed in them ; whether they are Active and Diligent, True and
Faithful to their Country; or whether they are Covetous, Cruel,
and Inhuman, or Juſt, and Good, and Merciful; what Inſtances
are
CHAP. II. SENATOR
177
si
are to be given of their Prudence and Good Conduct, and what
of their Skill and Experience in the Laws, and of their Juſtice and
Impartiality in the Execution of them; and whether they proceed
in Judgment upon the Known and Publick Laws, or upon any
Private and Arbitrary Decrees of their own Making and Ordain-
ing. He muſt likewiſe extend his Views to the Whole Common-
wealth at once, and to all its ſeveral Parts and Members. He muſt
be well acquainted with the Rights, Liberties, and Immunities of
the People, and the Laws and Cuſtoms on which they are found-
ed. He muſt (as Cicero very wiſely Directs) Be able to tell, what
Defence a Nation can make for its ſelf; what are its Forces and Fortifi-
cations what its Treaſure and Revenues ; who its Friends, Allies,
and Stipendiaries ; and by what Laws or Compatts, by what Treaties
or Conventions, and under what Terms and Conditions, they ſtand Bound
and Engaged to the Commonwealth. Laſtly, he muſt underſtand in
general, the Way and Manner of Decreeing in all Caſes whatſo-
ever ; the Precedents of Former Times, and the Conduct and Ex-
amples of his Progenitors and Predeceſſors. This is the Sum of
that Extenſive Knowledge, which a Prudent Senator muſt take Care
to be Maſter of, and always to keep and retain. For he is ſo Sta-
tioned, that the Eyes of all his Fellow-Subjects and of his Coun-
try are continually upon him, and to him they look up for their
Common Safety and Security. If he is Careleſs and Ignorant, or
Unwilling to do his Country Good, he is not only an Ill Man, or
an Ill Subject, but an Infamous and Abandoned Traitor. Next
to the Love of God, the Love of our Country ought to be the
Strongeſt and moſt Vigorous Paſſion of our Souls; and in Con-
ſequence of this Love, our Country may demand of us a Strict,
Conſtant, and immovable Fidelity. He, who loves not his own
Country, is perhaps little better than a Beaſt; and really not ſo
good as ſome Creatures of the Animal World beneath us : For they
have a Natural Deſire and Affectionfor their Native Lands or
Fields,
Аа
178 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
Fields, which are to them particularly Sweet and Delectable, and
will chuſe rather to periſh, than to be forced or driven out of that
particular Spot of Ground, where they were brought forth and
nouriſhed, which is, in effect, their Country. If this Love of
our Country were happily united to, and cloſely connected with
True and Conſummate Prudence, we ſhould then be all of a Mind,
and in a State of Perfect Concord : Nothing would ever be ſaid
or done in a Senate, that ſavoured of Malice, Partiality, Impru-
dence, or any other Iniquity ; but all things would be ſtrictly
Weighed and accurately Examined, and after a Due Deliberation,
and an Alternate Debate, what was Enacted or Decreed, would
be the iſſue and Effect of true Solid and Unerring Judgment. Thus
far then we ſee, what the Force and Power of True Prudence is,
and whar the Extent of its Influences. By Prudence, a Way and
Inlet is opened to us, by which we have Acceſs to all the other
Vertues ; and without this Support, every Vertue beſides is
Weak and Feeble, and cannot Stand our long, even in its own
Defence. By the Aid and Alliſtance of Prudence, we are inſtruc-
ted and enabled, to become truly Juft, Temperate, and Brave,
and know when, where, and in what manner, theſe Vertues are
to be duly Exerciſed and put in Practice.
Prudence is a Vertuie of ſuch Dignity, that She carries with her,
and Draws after her, a long Train of many other Vertues, her
Companions, Followers, and Attendants, who ſerve as a Guard
to defend, and as an Equipage to grace and adorn her. By their
Subſcrviency, She executes her High Office, and extends the In-
fluences of her Adminiſtration much Farther and Wider. When
all theſe Vertues are well-fixed and rooted in the Senator's Memory,
and with all his Beſt Care and Diligence he hath entirely Devoted
himtelf to their Service; he cannot fail of attaining the Utmoſt
Praiſe and Glory due to Senatorial Prudence, whether it be diſplay-
ed in A&tion, or in Counſel, or in the General Management and
Good
1.
-
CHAP. II.
SENATOR.
179
Good Condu&t of Life. The Senator therefore muſt be Ingenious,
Docible, of a Good Memory, and Underſtanding, Circumſpect,
Provident, Cautious, Sagacious, Cunning, and Crafty. For all
theſe Vertues or Accompliſhments, in the concurrent Opinion,
both of the Platoniſts and Peripateticks, are the Neceſſary Atten-
dants and Companions of Prudence.
Ingenuity is a Natural Power or Faculty, conjoined and ſuper-
added to our Reaſon, by which we are enabled to Invent and Diſ-
cover all the Fineſt and moſt Secret Parts of Knowledge, that
can poſſibly be attained unto, by a Human Underſtanding. Where
there is no Great Aſſiſtance to be had from Induſtry, Ďocibility,
and a Good Memory; or where little Uſe is made of theſe Helps,
Ingenuity is of itſelf a very Shining and Valuable Accompliſhment,
and very often ſerves to recommend Men to Publick Notice and
Favour, who have really very little Knowledge or Experience, in
any one Art or Science whatſoever. Let the Senator therefore be
well acquainted with the Strength and Extent of his own Inge-
nuity, and improve it in ſuch manner, that it may be always
Sharp and Quick, in the Invention and Diſcovery of Proper Mat-
ter, and Uſeful Topicks; Fertil and Elegant, in Explaining and
Adorning them; and Firm and Conſtant, in Remembring and
Retaining them. That particular Sort of Prudence, which is ſeen
and exerciſed in our Firſt Conception of Things, is entirely owing
to a Quick and Acute Ingenuity, which is Increaſed and Improved
by Docibility, and a Good Memory : Of which they who are
Maſters, are commonly called Ingenious : And this is Confirmed
and Eſtabliſhed by Diſcipline, Uſe, and Experience. The Inge-
nuity moſt to be liked, and to which the Higheſt Commenda-
tions are due, is ſuch, as is neither Volatile and Inconſtant, nor
Pert, Peculant, and Scurrilous, nor Slow, Dull, and Heavy ;
nor Light, Frothy, and Fallacious ; nor Turbulent, Impudent,
and Incorrigible: But is, on contrary, Solid and Conſtant, Sharp,
Keen,
A a 2
180 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II.
ܪ
Keen, and Well-pointed; Candid, and Good-natured; Bright,
and Clear ; Pleaſant, Elegant, Genteel, and Free.
Docibility and Memory are great Helps and Recommendatory
Advantages to a Lively and Quick Ingenuity. By the Former, we
are enabled to Underſtand, and to Explain, whatſoever we Learn
or Borrow from others; and by the Latter, to Keep and Retain
all Truths, which we have formerly Thought of ourſelves, or
which others have given out and delivered to us. In the Atrain-
ment and Exerciſe of theſe Accompliſhments, the Senator ought
to be doubly Diligent. For not to Recain or Remember, what
we have Heard and Seen, is really a Mark and Proof of a very
Mean and Low Capacity, if not of Downright Dulneſs and
Stupidity. In theſe Attainments and Exerciſes, the moſt Eminent
among the Ancients, were Demofthenes, Alcibiades, and Mithri-
dates.
As Ingenuity is the Glory and Ornament of the Senatorial Cha-
racter, ſo Intelligence or Underſtanding, is as a Light and Guide to In-
genuity; and in virtue of this Capacity, we are enabled to appre-
hend and cake Cognizance of all Things, or of their Ideas, as
they are brought in, or conveyed to us, by Senſation and Reflec-
tion, and to Form a Right and Diſcriminating Judgment between
Truth and Falthood. Intelligence is the Common and Univerſal
Facully, by which all Knowledge is Acquired, and by which we
are directed how to diſtinguiſh between Vice and Vertue, and to
allign Puniſhments for the One, and Rewards for the Other. To
this Faculty the Senles are always cloſely joined and united, and
they are the Meſſengers and Interpreters between us and the Things
that are without us. As they are Fallible, we muſt take Care
how we are Deceived or Milled by them, and muſt Endeavour to
preſerve them from Decay and Languiſhing, and from a State of
Drowſinels and Stupidity. It often happens, that we are ſhamefully
impoſed upon by the Subtle and Artful, or by the Falle and Ima-
ginary
ܪ
CHAP. II. SENATO R.
18
ginary Appearances of Things; and are thereby enticed, and
prevailed with, to offer Violence
, not only to Right Reaſon, but
even to Common Senſe : Which Fallacy we muſt be
we muſt be very Careful
to avoid, in all the Affairs and Intereſts of Life ; but eſpecially
in thoſe Important Moments of it, when we are called upon to
Diſcern, and to paſs Judgment, between Truth and Falſhood,
Good and Evil.
Circumfpe&tion is another Vertue, without which the Senato-
rial Character cannot be made Perfect. In the Practice of this
Vercue, he ought to extend his Views, not only to his own
Private and Domeſtick Affairs, but to the Common Good and
Publick Welfare, and whatever may be Injurious and Detrimen-
tal to his Country. It is a Part of his Office and Duty, to look
round
upon
all the Quarters and Avenues of a Scare, and to watch
every
Blaſt and Storm, that may be juſt Ariſing and Threatning
any Danger; the better to provide for the Publick Safety and
Difence.
This Vertue, called Circumfpe&tion, is nothing elle but
a Wiſe and Accurate Conſideration of what is proper to be done
on every Important and Momentous Occaſion, and ſerves to the
beſt and nobleſt Purpoſes both in War and in Peace. In War
it always goes before, and prevents the Malicious Interpoſition
and over-bearing Sallies of Fortune, by prompting a Commander
carefully to look round upon all the Various Ways and Methods,
and to chuſe the Beſt, by which an Enemy may be Attacked
and Defeited.
It never enters upon any Undertaking or Adven-
ture, in a Raſh and Bold Manner, or repoſes all its Confidence
in Chance and Good Luck; but relies altogether upon Sound
Reaſon, and Mature Counſel and Deliberation.
markable for this Vercue, and is ſaid to have ſaved the Roman
State ty a Wiſe and Premeditated Delaying and Forbearance of
Aktion. The Conduct of Flaminius was quite of another Sort;
who, for Want of Circumfpe£tion, and by too great a Confi-
dence
Fabius was re-
182
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
ܪ
.
dence in his own Strength and Perſonal Bravery, was ſet upon
by Hannibal, drawn into an Ambuſcade, and thereby entirely
Defeated. I need not mention 2. Cepio, the Conſul, with many
Ochers, who miſcarried in the very ſame Manner. But now in
Times of Peace, the Senator muſt look out, with all the Eyes
of Argus and Lynceus, and exert all the Powers of this Uſeful
and Neceſſary Vertue of Circumfpe&tion, in all Caſes, which
concern the Peace, Unity, and Welfare of his Fellow-Subjects.
Without this, it is impoſſible to Foreſee and Prevent Seditions,
Tumults, Wars, or any other Accidents and Misfortunes, which
may diſturb or overthrow a Government. There are ſome Mem-
bers of a State ſo very Imprudent, or ſo blinded by the Diſ-
honourable Love of Eaſe and Luxury, that they hardly Diſcern
aright, what is really Preſent and in full View before them;
much leſs are they able to look forward into the Future Events
and Contingencies of Things, by which a Commonwealth may
be Incommoded and brought into Danger. Such Senators ought
to be Admoniſhed and put in Mind of their Dury, or to be Ře-
moved and Diſmiſſed from the Truſt repoſed in them ; ſince
they have ſo notoriouſly abuſed it, and are fit to be numbered
only with the Uſeleſs and Unprofitable Citizens, who are more
Intent upon Serving themſelves, than upon Serving or Saving
their Country
They can calmly and tamely behold a War
hanging over their Heads, and threatning all around them:
They ſee the Enemies making Incurſions, carrying off the Spoil
and Plunder of their People, and driving away their Country-
men into Slavery. Their Wives, Sons, and Daughters, are ſold
to Foreigners or Barbarians; their Towns and Villages are Burned
and Deſtroyed, their Country Waſted, and the Temples of their
Gods Polluted by Profanation and Sacrilege : In ſhort, they behold
their Native Kingdom expoſed as a Mark to be Shot at, Pierced,
and Wounded, by the Shafts and Arrows of Infolent and Savage
Invaders;
CHAP. II.
SENATO R. 183
ܪ
Invaders; whilſt for want of Circumfpe&tion, they are unable to
provide a Proper and Effectual Remedy for theſe Evils, or know
not how to apply it, in order to heal and allay the Sores and
Calamities of their Country. At another time perhaps, they
can in like manner, ſee their Fellow-Citizens running headlong
into Sedition and Diſorder, torne and crumbled, weakened and
enfeebled, by Parties and Factions; the Liberties of the Meaner
ſort trampled upon by thoſe in Power, the Publick Faich, and
even Religion itſelf, deſpiſed and neglected; whilſt themlelves are
Unconcerned at ſo direful and horrid a Spectacle. But then here
the Good Senator interpoſes, and ſpreads out both his Arms to
ſave and protect his Country. He endeavours, with all his
Might, to Reſtore to her, Peace and Tranquillity, and to Secure
and Perpetuate her Happineſs. He provides againſt the Incurſions
and Outrages of Strangers, by a Strong and Sufficient Force, able
to Guard and Defend the State, and to Repell the Inſolence of
the Hoſtile Invader; raiſes and repairs the neceſſary Fortifications ;
ſtrengthens and ſecures the Frontier Towns, with good Works
and Garriſons; reinforces the Strong Holds and Places of Retreat,
and guards all the Inlets and Acceſſes, by which an Enemy may
make his Approaches to Spoil a Country.
Ule and Advantage to the Publick, always to have in Readineſs
a ſufficient Body of Troops, well Armed and Diſciplined, to
watch and oppoſe the Motions of an Invader, and to ſecure and
Protect their Fellow Citizens. For when a Commonwealth is well
provided with ſuch able and faithful Defenders, and is guarded
and ſurrounded by them, as by a Wall or Bulwark ; it may then
look upon all its Neighbouring and Foreign Enemies with Con-
temps, and defy all Attempts of an Invaſion, to the Endanger-
ing of its Safety and Happineſs. Such a Body of Defenders, was
heretofore kept up in the Lacedæmonian State ; and they very well
deſerved the Title uſually given them, of being The Walls and For-
tifications
It is alſo of great
2
184 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
tifications of their Native City. In the mean time, the Good and
Happineſs of the Subject is moſt effectually Preſerved, by a due
Adminiſtration of Juſtice, by keeping the Subject always in Tem-
per and Well-affected to the State, and by a Strict and Impartial
Execution of the Laws. The Accompliſh'd Senator muſt be particu-
larly Circumſpect and Prudent, in the Proſecution of theſe Good
Deſigns, and in the Attainment of theſe Publick Bleſſings. For to
be Remiſs and Negligent in Suppreſſing all Sedicions and Diſor-
ders, and in Securing the Peace and Happineſs of a Government,
is not only a ſure Mark of Folly and Ignominy, but a Proof of
Groſs Impiety and Treachery to the Publick. And where now
ſhall we find any other Subject of the Commonwealth, but only
the Accompliſĩd Senator, who is Sufficient for theſe Things ? He has
his poſt in the very Centre of the State, whence he has a Clear and
Exact View of all the Rights and Liberties of his Fellow-Subjects,
whether they concern their Lives or their Properties, and of all
the Motions and Approaches of the Turbulent and Seditious :
And he is thus Pofted, as it were by Divine Appointment, that
he may have a Full Proſpect and Survey of all Things about
him, may Form a Proper Judgment of all Preſent Occurrences ;
and by his Circumſpection and Diligence, may Enlarge his Views,
and make a Wiſe and Timely Proviſion even for Future Events
and Contingencies.
As by a due and regular Precaution, the Phyſician guards againſt
the ill Conſequences of a Growing Diſtemper; the General againſt
the Stratagems and Ambuſhes of an Enemy; and the Maſter of
a Veſſel, againſt a riſing Storm or Tempeſt: In the very fame
manner, does the Good and Prudent Senator provide againſt all
Dangers, Decays, Turns, Changes, and Accidents, that may
be-
fall a State, to its Prejudice and Diſadvantage: He has an Eye
not only to what is Preſent, but to what in all Probability will
hereafter happen. This Foreſight is That Power or Vercue, which
the
:
CHAP. II. SEN ATO R. 185
the Latins call Providence ; and they who are Maſters of it, are
from thence Styled Provident, or Prudent Perſons. Now Providence
(as Cicero deſcribes it) Is the Art of foreknowing Future Things, long
before they are Produced, or aftually Subfifting. 'Tis true that Pre-
ſcience, or the Foreſight of Things to come, is rather a Property of
the Divine, than of the Human Nature. This Faculty is Pecu-
liar and Eſſential to our Creator, and none but He can ſee clearly
and diſtinctly, into the Dark Events and Secrets of Futurity. But
ſince we are made after his Image, and are thereby in ſome meaſure
Parcakers of the Divine Wiſdom, it may ſo happen, that in ma-
ny Caſes, we may be able to forefee and know ſome things which
are to come, and before they really happen. There are Two
Ways of doing this; One is by Divine Inſpiration, or ſome Ex-
traordinary Light, which God in his good Pleaſure, condeſcends
to give us : And the Other is, by our own Natural Capacity and
Inſtinct. All I have to ſay upon this Subject of Providence, is to
be Referred entirely to chis Laſt Method of Foreknowing; it
not being at all Pertinent to my Preſent Deſign, to take
tice of thoſe Diſcoveries, which are made by Dreams, by the In-
Spection of Entrails, by Fortune-telling, by Prodigies
, or by conſult-
ing the Stars and Planets, or by Reſorting to, or Converſing with
Necromancers, Conjurers, Augurers, Ariolers, Aſtrologers, Dæmons,
and Apparitions, or with the Works and Compoſitions of ſuch-like
Pretenders and Pretended Beings. Even the Infidel and Atheiſt will
ſometimes Undertake to Foreknow and Foretell-what is to come:
But let it only be granted me, that the Mind of the Good Senator may
be fo throughly Sanctified and Purified, and ſo entirely freed from
every Vicious Stain and Tincture whatſoever, that the Body,
wherein it dwells, may become a fit Receptacle of That Celeſtial
Spirit and Divine Intelligence, by whoſe Alliſtance he may be en-
dowed with the Gift of Foreſight and Prediction, and may See
far into the Dark Receſſes of Fucurity : And we may then, and
Bb
on
any No.
186 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II.
on this Account, aſcribe to the Senator a more than Human Un-
derſtanding, a Perfect Unerring Foreſight, immediately derived to
him from his Maker. After which, he is no longer to be Re-
garded as only Wiſe, Prudent, and Provident, but as a Holy,
Pious, Religious, and Divine Creature.
The Ancients give us
many Inſtances of ſome ſuch Extraordinary Men, who were State-
Prophets, and foretold things merely Civil and Political, when
they were Inſpired, and had Raptures put into them, by fome
Celeſtial Nymph, or Virgin, or by ſome One of their Deities. Of
this Sort were the Sybils, and with them may be reckoned Tireſias,
Mopfus, Amphiarus, and Calchas, How this Heavenly Gift of
Providence is acquired, does not ſeem much for my Preſent Pur-
poſe to Enquire: It' muſt be a Ray of Omniſcience, ſtreaming
down from Heaven, and reſting upon the Soul, whence it Re-
flects its Proper Light, with ſo much the more Strength and Clear-
neſs, whenever the Soul is in à State of Secretion and Abſtrac-
tion, from the Dregs of Fleſh, and is wholly intent upon this
Divine Emanation. From this Digreſſion, I return to the Con-
ſideration of that Sort of Providence, which is confeſſedly Hu-
man ; though even this, as it ſometimes ſhews itſelf in its Effects
and Operations, is not to be accounted for, without a Divine Im-
pulſe and Energy. For when a Prudent Man hath taken Care to
Stock and Enrich his Mind with the Knowledge both of Men
and Things, hath made himſelf acquainted with the Affairs and
Tranſactions, both of Paſt and Preſent Times, and with the
Motives and Principles, the Deſigns and Conſequences, the Turns,
Tendencies, and Changes of all ſuch. Affairs and Tranſactions :
And hath likewiſe entertained in his Mind, a Perfect Notion, and
Clear Ideas, of all things proper to be Undertaken and Done,
which are under the Direction of Right Reaſon, or at the Cer-
tain and Regular Diſpoſition of Second Cauſes, and the powers of
Nature ; Such a Proficient in Wiſdom, and in the Knowledge of
all
ܪ
.
CHAP. II. SENATO R.
187
all Things, ſo fully Informied, and ſo well Verſed in all the Parts
of Private and Publick Life, and in all the Concerns and Intereſts
of Government, by Exerting the Utmoſt Force, and the Keeneſt
and moſt Penetrating Faculties of his Reaſon, may be able to look
far into Futurity, and to have a Competent Share of Foreknow-
ledge and Preſcience; by which he may judge aright of Events
and Contingencies; and of the Good or Evil of them, and the
Frailty, Stability, Duration, and Certainty, with which they are
like to be attended. It is indeed taken for granted, that there is
ſomething of a Principle truly Divine, or more than Human, in
Men of this Exalted Character ; which Principle has ſometimes
been called by the Name of a Good Angel, or Genius. Such a
One was ſuppoſed to be conſtantly Reſident in the Great Socrates,
to whoſe Dictates he was always Conformable : Though I.can-
not think any thing elſe is meant by this Angel or Genius, than a
Mind richly endowed with Wiſdom, kept Chaſte, and Clear, and
Free from Vice, and conſtantly Exerciſed in Judging uprightly
and impartially of all things Subject to its Enquiries and Cogni-
And in the Strength of this Faculty, a Man may come to
know things Future and Contingent, and to Form a certain Judg-
ment of them, upon very Slight Notices and Forerunning ob-
fervations. Example and Experience, to which the Senator oughe
always to have a very Great Regard, are alſo a Sure Means of ar-
taining this Faculty, or Vertue of Foreſight and Providence. "Sup-
poſe, for inſtance, a Man had a mind to prognoſticate, or foretell the
Troubles and Confuſions, which, in all Probability, would Plague
and Perplex a Commonwealth, if an Attempt ſhould be made to
Alter or Subvert the Eſtabliſhed Religion ; how could he poſſibly
Form his Conjectures more certainly and effectually, than by look-
ing back upon, and by conſidering the ſeveral Diſtreſſes, and Ca-
lamities, which on this very Account befell the ſeveral States and
Kingdoms of Germany, France, Bohemia, Hungary, and England: By
which
zance.
B b 2
188
The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
.
which they were miſerably Rent and Shaken, and brought to the
very Brink of Ruin and Deſolation ? This Way of Judging of
Things to come, and of Preſaging and Foretelling Future Events,
holds good in all other Caſes of like Sort, or whenever we Judge
of the Confequences of things, in any one Situation of Publick
Affairs, or Critical Juncture whatſoever. In the Purſuit and Ap-
plication of this Method, Hiſtory and Experience are of very great
Uſe to us; becauſe Examples are cogent and Prevailing Ar-
guments, to fer us right in our Attempts to Avert, or to Sup-
preſs any Impending Evil; and we naturally fly from That, which
we are well aſſured hath been Dangerous, or Fatal to others. Let
the Good Senator therefore, exert all his Prudence in a Providential
Care of the State, and in Foreſeeing and Guarding againſt all Evils,
which may poſſibly threaten or annoy his Country. Let him
Forego no Opportunity, and Spare no Pains, in preparing himſelf
and his Fellow-Subjects for Action, in Warning them of their
Danger, and in Conſulting of Proper Ways and Means to guard
themſelves againſt it. For according to a Well-Known and Com-
mon Obſervation, we can never be wounded by the Dart or Jave-
lin, which we fee before-hand is directly aimed at, and coming
towards us.
When any Miſchief or Evil falls upon us Suddenly
or Unawares, we cannot ſo eaſily avoid it, and perhaps not with-
out a conſiderable Loſs and Damage to ourſelves : For in theſe ſud-
den Attacks and Onſets, we are Surprized and Overtaken, are
Struck at once with a Panick Fear and Confternation, and have
neither Time nor Power, ſufficient to help ourſelves, or to Work
out our own Deliverance. When in the Maturity of our Judg.
ment, we can ſee Danger coming at a Diſtance, we are then Pre-
cautioned, and can provide againſt it. But our Caution muſt be
Well-timed, and Previous to our Danger, left we Taſte and Feel
abe Miſchief that threatens us, and grow Wiſe only by our own
Experiments. For when all that we apprehended, is really fal--
len
CHAP. II. !
189
SENATOR
len upon us, and we have taſted of its Utmoſt Malice and Seve-
ricy, to cry out, Who would have Thought it? Is the Low, Vulgar
Expreſſion, and Ordinary Language of Fools. When a Ship is
Safe and in a Calm, or before a Proſperous Gale, ,then is the pro-
per Time for the Maſter, or the Mariners, to look about them,
and provide againſt the Dangers or Deſolation, which a Sudden
Storm or Tempeſt may poſſibly bring upon them : But when the
Sea is Swoln and has got a Head, and all the Furies of the Winds
are let looſe upon chem, a Wife Foreſight and Providential Care
come too late, and are then to no purpoſe. In the very fame man-
ner, whilſt All is Well, and the Commonwealth Safe and Quiet,
Whole and Entire, not diſturbed by any Inteſtine Broils and Cont
motions, nor threatned and ſurrounded by any Foreign Enemy
and Invader ; then muſt the Good Senator be upon his Guard, and
keep his Eyes and Thoughts always Watchful
, and Intent upon
the Safety and Welfare of his Country. From what is Paſt, and
from what we have already Seen, and Felt, and Experienced, it
is much better for us to be Doubtful and Suſpicious, than to be
made Wiſe only by Future Trials and Experiments. For as a
Certain Author very well obſerves, It is much more eaſy to find Fault
with what is Paſt, than to Corre&t and Amend it.
After Providence, the next Vertue in Rank and Order, is
Caution, her immediate Attendant and inſeparable Companion. As
Providence guards and ſecures us againſt Future, ſo Caution does
againſt Preſent Evils, and all the Dangers that can poſſibly Beſer
and Surround us. We have a Natural Deſire and Affection for
whatever promotes our own Good and Welfare, and a Strong
and Natural Averſion to whatever may Hurr or Incommode us.
This Averſion to Evil, when duly Regulated and Conducted by
Right Reaſon, is (properly ſpeaking) Caution: And to this the:
Wiſe Man lays Claim, as to his Particular and Undoube-
ed Property The Great Benefits and Advantage of this
Vertue
.
I 90 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
Vertue are to be ſeen in every Thing we say or Do; for to
Spcak what wc Think, and to Execure what we Deſign, with
Caution, is an Eſential Part of the Character of Thar Man, who
is Perfect in Prudence, who is a Maſter of Buſineſs, and of all
the moſt Important Affairs and Offices in Life. The Senator there-
fore, in all Publick Speeches and Debates, muſt keep to the Rules,
not only of Gravity and Brevity, but of Caution too, and muſt
be, as Horace well expreſſes it,
.
Sparing of Speech, and Cautious in his Words.
-
For it very often happens, that by a Raſh and Eager Way of
throwing out our Words, Wildly and at Random, we are often
brought to ſay thoſe Things, which we may after be very Sorry
for, and by ſome Unguarded Expreſſions, bring ourſelves, and
our Country, into Danger
. This
, eſpecially, may be often the
Caſe, when we are ſent abroad, as Envoys and Repreſentatives of
the Commonwealth; if in our creating with Foreign States, or in
any Conſultation at home, upon Matters of the firſt and higheſt
Importance, we ſhould heedleſly let drop any Thing, or haſtily
diſcover any Secret, that the World ought by no means to be let
into. It is, as the Comick Writer well obſerves, very Idle and Ri-
diculous to Admit, or Take for Granted, what a Man may Cautiouſly
Avoid, or Decently Deny. Let the Senator, therefore, when he
ſpeaks in any Publick Debate, always keep in View the follow-
ing Precautions. Let him take Care not to ſpeak in a Fitt of
Anger or Mirth, or in a Fright, and under the Apprehenſions of
Fear, or raſhly, haſtily, and in a Hurry; or without Forethought
and Premeditation. For by obſerving theſe Rules, he will be ſure
to maintain the Character of a Wiſe and Able Speaker. Suppoſe
he is in Treaty, or has any Affair to tranſact with the Enemies
of his Country, with any Neighbouring State, or with their
Ambaſſadors
----
CHAP. II, SÉNATO R.
191
Ambaſſadors and Miniſters, who, by the very Nature of their
Office, are always prying into the Secret Councils and Deſigns
of other States, and employ all their Art and Cunning, watch
all Opportunities, of forming the Beſt Conjectures they can, and
take Notice of every Sign and Token, every Incident and Ap-
pearance, that occurrs to their own Obſervation, or which they
can Wring or Extort out of others; in order to lay hold of
ſome Secret of Importance. On this Occaſion, the Senator muſt
be ſure to Arm himſelf with his Beſt Caution, to faſten and lock
up his own Breaſt, to Guard and Secure it on every Side, and
to keep ſo ſtrict a Watch over all his Words and Geſtures, the
Motions of his Eyes, and the Features of his Countenance, that
not the leaſt Notice or Intelligence whatſoever may break out from
any of theſe Quarters, to betray the Secrets of his Heart. There
is alſo inuch Caution to be uſed, in giving Credit to the Reports
and Informations brought to us by Ocher Men. For Incredulity
is very often a Uſeful, Neceſſary, and Prudential Vertue. But
then the Contrary Extreme is as much to be avoided, and we
muſt take care not to be Over-difficult and Slow of Belief. On
ſome Occaſions, we may readily Come into and Applaud, what
is Related or Diſcloſed to us by Others; always provided that our
Credulity be conſiſtent with the Dignity of our Station, and our
Love and Regard for Truth. For an Unjuſt or Ill-grounded Al
ſent is always-againſt the Laws and Rules of Veracity. Tacitur-
nity is no Doubt a Vertúe; but by affecting too much of it,
we may give others an Occaſion of Reflecting either upon
our Capacity and Abilities, or upon our Courage and Manhood,
and expoſe ourſelves to Cenſure, as Weak and Unskilful, or as
Eaſy to be Daſhed and Daunted, by an Exceſs of Modeſty; ſuch
as better becomes a Raw Girl or Maiden, than an Able and
Experienced Stateſman. There is a Regulation to be Obſerved,
and a particular Art in Knowing, When to Speak, and when to
be
192 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
1
be Silent. But of one Thing we muſt always be Cautious,
which is, that we take Care to Hear, more than we Speak:
For Nature, when ſhe gave us Two Ears, and but One Tongue,
did thereby ſeem to Dictate this Good Advice to us. To Know
how, and when to be Silent, is a Great and Principal Part of
Prudence. For in the Intervals of Silence, we may well weigh
and conſider before-hand, not only What, but How, and Where,
and before Whom, in What Place, at What Time, and on
What Occaſion, we are to Speak; and may Direct and Frame
our Diſcourſe accordingly. Caution is alſo a very Uſeful and
Neceſſary Ingredient in all Counſels or Conſultations, for
carry-
ing on any State-Enterprize, or Affair and Undertaking of Im-
portance. But then in the Uſe and Right Application of it, a
good deal of Skill is required, in making the Proper Enquiries for
our own Satisfaction, that ſuch Undertaking is truly Honourable,
and Conducive to the Publick Welfare, and that we run no.
Hazard either of our own Reputation, or of the Safety and
Intereſt of our Fellow-Citizens. All Good Counſel muſt on
theſe Occaſions be the Effect and Produce of Integrity , Fore-
fight, and Prudence; and in tracing all the Parts of it, the
Senator muſt exert all the Vigour of an Acute and Lively In-
vention, all his Sagacity and Caution, and (as I may venture
to add) all his Cunning and Artifice. How Great and Necef-
ſary a Vercue Caution is, in all Military and Warlike Undertak-
ings, I need not at preſent Mention ; my chief Buſineſs and
Deſign being to inſtruct the Senator how to behave in the Com-
monwealth, in the Senate-Houſe, in the Forum, in the ſeveral
Courts of Judicature, and to ſpeak to him in his Gown, and
not in his Armour. Let me only obſerve by the Way, that
Wars are brought to a Speedy Concluſion much ſooner, and
with much better Succeſs, by Caution, than by any other Vertue
xvhatſoever. For by this Armies are Preſerved, and the Deſigns
and
are
CHAP. II.
SENATOR. 193
and Stratagems of an Enemy Diſcovered and Defeated. So that
let a Commander have all the other Military Vertues in Per-
fection, yet
if he wants Caution, he can never Act up to the
High Dignity and Character of a Great and Accompliſhed Ge-
neral.
Sagacity is Another Vertue, neceſſary to form the Character
of an Accompliſhed Senator. Now Sagacity conſiſts in a Quick,
Ready, and Accurate Perception, and Apprehenſion, of the full
Meaning, Drift, and Deſign, of whatever occurrs to us in the
Way of Intelligence and Information, or in the Way of Coun-
ſel and Advice. Sagacity, in the Stricteſt Senſe of the Word,
is really nothing elſe but Senſation Quickened and Refined, to
all the Nicery and Delicacy of which our Faculties are capable ;
whence this Vertue is ſometimes Aſcribed even to the Bruce Ani-
mals that are beneath us. As our Prudence is ſhown in form-
ing Good Counſels and Deſigns, of our own Contrivance; ſo
our Sagacity is ſeen by our Readineſs to Apprehend and Take,
and by our Wiſdom and Prudence, to form a Right Judgmenc
of whatever is Offered or Propoſed to us by Ochers.
Laſtly, It is not enough for the Good Senator to be Acute
and Quick-ſighted in penetrating into all Publick Affairs, and
in Judging of their Preſent State, and of their Iſſues, Events
and Conſequences; but he muſt alſo be Cunning, and Crafty,
a Maſter of Deſign, Artifice, and Stratagem, able to ſearch
and pry into, the very Thoughts and Intentions of his
Fellow-Citizens, to know What are their Wills and Deſires,
what their Preſent Sentiments and Opinions, and what their
Hopes and Expectations. For by knowing what they Intend
and Deſign, he may be the better Able to keep them within
the due Bounds and Limits of their Dury, and may have it in
his Power to avert any Evils or Dangers, with which his Country
Сс
may
out,
194
The Accompliſh'd Book 11
may be threatened. A Malcontent and Dilaffected Body of Ci-
tizens will ſometimes ariſe, and form Plots and Conſpiracies
againſt their Betters and Superiors, either out of Hatred and Ma-
lice, or in a ſudden Fice of Rage and Fury, or to ſhew their
Bravery and Boldneſs, in Defence of their own Rights, when
they imagine they are Oppreſſed, and held in Contempc by thoſe,
who have gotten the Sole Power and Government of the Common-
wealth into their own Hands, and make no other Uſe of their
High Titles, Great Riches, and Power, but to curb and reſtrain,
to inſult and trample upon their Subjects and Inferiors. From
theſe Cauſes and Seeds of Diſcontent, ariſe open Hoftilities, and
a Reſolution of Attacking and Subduing thoſe in Power. Civil
Wars, Tumults, and Seditions, readily follow: Death and De-
ſtruction are threarned and contrived; and if the firſt Stirs and
Motions of ſuch Malcontents, meet with Encouragement and
Succefs, they care not if the Whole Commonwealth be thereby
brought to the very Brink of Deſtruction. In order to a Timely
Suppreſſion of theſe Diſorderly Motions and Tendencies to Re-
bellion, and for the effectual Quieting of the Minds of an In-
cenſed and ill-diſpoſed People, the Good Senator muſt Interpofe
in Time, and exert not only all his Prudence, but all his Cun-
ning, Artifice, and Subtlety. It may be in vain for him to
imagine, that he can do any. Good by mere Dint of Induſtry
and Diligence, or by throwing himſelf into the Breach, and ap-
pearing openly in Defiance and Oppoſition to theſe Tumultuous
Proceedings. His beſt Way will be to attack the Enemy in the
Rear, or to break, and diſunite his Forces, by annoying him
at a Diſtance.
At the ſame time he ought to omit no Perſua-
fions, Admonitions, Intreaties, Remonſtrances, Cenſures, or
Chaſtiſements, which may by Degrees reduce an Incenſed and
Diſaffected People to a Sofrer, Gentler, and more Civilized
Tenper
i
I
CHAP. II. SENATOR 195
Temper and Diſpoſition. After which, he may freely throw in
his Full Power and Authority, in order to avert the Evil wich
which his Country is threatened, and to preſerve his Countrymen
from ever entering upon the ſame or any ſuch Wicked, Trai-
terous, and Execrable Deſigns,
.
Сс 2
C H A P.
1
I
5
196
BOOK II.
6
The Accompliſh'd
CHAP. III.
The CONTENT S.
Of Conſultation and Deliberation. Of the Subject Matter of all
Deliberations. Of Raifing Money by Taxation.
Of Exports
and Imports. Of making War and Peace. Of the Defence and
Safeguard of the Realm. Of Trade and Commerce. Of the
Making of Good and Wholfome Laws. Good Counſel the Re-
fult of all Wife Deliberations. Of Things Honeſt and Profita-
ble, and the Differences between them. Fortune ought never to be
depended upon. Of Subtle and Bold Undertakings. Of Raſh-
neſs and Expedition. Of Preliminary Conſultations. Of
Giving Sentence and Opinion. The Benefits of Experience. Of
True and Falle Oratory. Of the Manner
. of Voting and Giving
Opinions. Rules to be obſerved in Speaking and Debating. Of
Perſonal Attendance in the Senate. The Perfection of the Se-
natorial Character. Of Falſe Patriots.
Y what Arts and Counſels, by what Ways and Means, the
Peace and Tranquillity of a State may be Preſerved or Re-
ſtored, and all Factions, Tumults, and Seditions,
may
be
Prevented or Suppreſſed; and all the Cauſes and Occaſions, which
gave Riſe and Being to ſuch Diſorders, may be removed and taken
away; is a Matter of the Higheſt Conſequence, which ought to
be again and again thought on, and well weighed, by the Good
Senator: Becauſe it is an Eſtabliſhed Truth, that the Whole of
his Duty is briefly comprehended in this, That he always take
Care to preſerve his Country in Peace and Security. The better
to Forward and Perfect this Great and Glorious Deſign, the Pro-
per
B
---
CHAē. III. .SENATORt
. 197
per Means to be made Uſe of are, Conſultation and Deliberation, the
Ordinary and Natural Products of which are, Good Counſel and
Advice, the only Proper and Salutary Medicines for a Diſtem-
pered or Declining Commonwealth. In the Courſe and Progreſs
of all Conſultations, particular Care muſt be taken, that every
Subject brought into Debate, may be well-weighed and throughly
examined, in aș Nice, Accurate, and Judicious a Manner, as Hu-
man Prudence, or Human Wit, can poſſibly Preſcribe or Deviſe.
All Conſulcations whatſoever proceed entirely upon ſuch Matters
only, as relate to Mankind, in a Publick or Social State, and to
the Safety and Welfare of States and Communities. We are not
to Deliberate or Conſult upon ſuch Affairs as are Proper and Pecu-
liar to a Future State, and of Eternal and Immutable Duration:
We are not to meddle with Impoſſible Events, with Natural Cauſes
and their Effects, or with the Wild Rovings and Extravagances of
Chance and Fortune. We are not to enquire into the Things of
that World which is Above us, and out of our Reach, or into the
Secrets of this Lower Subterraneous World, which are hid from
us, and removed far out of our Sight. · We are not to look for
Hidden Treaſure, or any other ſuch Diſcoveries ; of which there
is not the leaſt Sign or Token, to warrant the Probability of a
Succeſsful Enquiry: Neither are we to Diſpute upon Trifles, and
Things of no Conſequence; ſuch as a Vacuum, and the like; or
upon what is already Paſt and Done, and which cannot be Al-
tered: But all our Conſultations muſt turn upon Fucure Events,
what may happen, either one Way or Other; and accord-
ingly as it does happen, may thereby affect the Good and Welfare
of our Fellow-Creatures and Fellow-Citizens. Ariſtotle has very
juſtly reckoned up or enumerated Five different Sorts of Things,
which are the Proper Subjects of Debate and Conſultation ; and
theſe are, the Raiſing of Money by Subſidies and Taxations ; the
Proclaiming of War; and the Making of Peace; the Defence
and
-
or upon
.
-
1,98
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
and Safeguard of the Realm ; the Balance of the Several Imports
and Exports in Trade and Commerce, and the Paffing and Enacting
of Good and Wholſome Laws. If a Conſultation is to be held
upon Ways and Means to raiſe Money, Enquiry muſt be made into
the Duties and Cuſtoms, payable by a Country; that if they are too
Sniall, they may be Augmented ; and if too Great, they may be
Leſſened and Diminiſhed: For no New Taxes ought to be Im-
poſed or Collected, but upon a very Urgent and Neceſſary Occa-
lion; becauſe all ſuch Extraordinary Impoſitions are grievous to
che Subject ; and how Juſt and Reaſonable ſoever they may be,
are often made the Occaſion of Tumults, Seditions, and Civil
Diſorders. When the Emperor Tiberius was perſuaded by ſome of
his Friends, to Lay a New Duty or Tax upon the People, he very
readily.:anſwered, That a Good Shepherd had a Right to the Fleeces
of his Flock, but had none to Flay and Devour them. In the Dif-
poſition of the Conſumables and Proviſions of a Country, the
Good Senator ought to adviſe the Keeping and Retaining of all
luch as are Neceſſary; and the Exportation of ſuch only as a Peo-
ple can eaſily Spare, or are willing to Part with ; And in Deter-
mining this point Juſtly and Prudently, we muſt enquire into
the Cuſtoms and Conditions of other Countries, as well as of
our own; on which Occaſion, Hiftary may be of great Uſe, and
give us many Lights and Informations preliminary to all ſuch En-
quiries. In Deliberating upon the Two Great Affairs of War and
Peace, it is firſt Neceſſary for us to know, what is the Preſent
Military State of our Country; what, and how Numerous its
Forces are ; and how far they are capable of a Reinforcement,
or Augmentation ; of what Sort the War is, which we are entring
upon, and with what Enemy we Engage; whether with the Turk,
Tartar, or any other Nation. A Strict Enquiry ought alſo to
be made into the forces and Military Strength of our Ene-
mies; Whether their Horſe or their Foot, are moſt Formidable ;
whether
CHAP. III. SENATOR.
199
whether they are Diſciplined and Exerciſed in the ſame; or in a diffe-
rent Manner from our own Troops; and whether they are a Match
for us, or Inferior to us in Number and Strength; that we may Re-
gulate our Conduct accordingly, and make Peace with thoſe who are
too Mighty for us, and War upon thoſe who are Weak and Unable
to reſiſt us; the Scheme of which, and all its Operations, ought to
be well Laid and Sectled, upon the Beſt Principles of Prudential
Foreſight and Conſideration. It may likewiſe be of Uſe to us, on
theſe Occaſions, to look over the Examples and Hiſtorical Accounts
of Former Wars, their Riſe, Progreſs, Iſſue, and Events For Si-
milar Inſtances and Parallel Examples always illuſtrate and Explain
cach other. The Cauſe and Occaſion of every War, and the
Juſtice of it, muſt alſo be well Weighed and throughly Enquired
into ; and we muſt be well aſſured, after many: Trials, that the
Matters in Difference, between us and another Stace, cannot be
fairly Decided, but only by the Sword : . For as the Comedian well
obſerves, 'Tis a Wiſe Way of Proceedings to try all Expedients for an
Accommodation, before we come to Blows : And an Honourable
Peace is always Preferable to an Unjuft War: In all Deliberations
or Debates upon the Defence and Safeguard of the Realm, En-
quiry muſt be made, and an Account caken, of what Strong Holds
and Defenſible Places, Guards; and Garrifons, are neceſſary for
this purpoſe ; and what is the Preſent Condition, Order, and Dif-
cipline, of the Standing Forces and Militia of a Kingdom. And
if the Debate be upon Trade and Commerce, and the Exports and
Imports of a Country, it is in the Firſt place requiſite to Enquire;
whether any Neceflaries, of which the People are in Want, do
ever go out of the Kingdom; and whether any thing is Exported
or Sold to Foreigners, but only mere Superfluities, or the Reſidue
and Overplus of what is ſpent at home. We muſt alſo take Care
to make a Juſt Eſtimate and Calculation of the Price, and Value
of all Commodities, ſold to, or exchanged with Foreign countries;
and
200 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
and to Balance the Difference between Profit and Loſs; that the Pub-
lick Treaſure or Current Coin of a Commonwealth, may not be Lef-
ſened or Diminiſhed: And.we muſt likewiſe be Strict in prohibic-
ing the Importation, or Uſe of all ſuch Conſumables, as ferve to in-
troduce or encourage Luxury and Effeminacy. But Laſtly, the
moſt Conſummate Prudence is always requiſite in the Making and
Enacting of Good and Whollome Laws : For therein conſiſts the
very Being, as well as Happineſs of the Publick. On this Oc.
caſion, it is Neceſſary we ſhould be well acquainted with the
Whole State, Condition, and Circumſtances of a Nation, the
Preſent Situation of its Affairs; what Laws it Stands in need of;
what New Ordinances will be well received by the People, or moſt
effectually conduce to the Preſerving and Strengthning of the Con-
ftitution, and the Securing and Promoting of the Common Good
and Happineſs
. For the Commonwealth was not made for the Law,
but the Law for the Commonwealth. And the better to inform -
ourſelves upon this Subject of Legiſlation, it will be of great Uſe
to us, to enquire into the Laws of other Countries, as well as of .
our own: Whereby we may know, how to guard againſt the
Evils, under which our Neighbours labour ; and to take Example
by them, in all the Inſtances of Wiſdom, and Good Conduct,
for which they are Remarkable or Renowned. By the way it
will be of great Advantage to us, in all Debates and Deliberacións
upon Matters of Moment, or of the Firſt Conſequence, not to
depend altogether upon our own Judginent, but to Adviſe with
Others, and to take them into all our Conſulcations. Becauſe it
is Impoſſible for one Single Senator to know every Thing, or to
have more Wiſdom than many Counſellors. It being an Undoubt
ed Truth, that (as Homer obſerves)
Where Two Adviſe, One muſt be Wifer made.
20
The
CHAP. III. SENATOR
201
The Natural Produce and Reſult of all Wiſc and Prudent Don'.
liberations, is Good Counſel; whereby a Foundation is laid, for
all Great and Noble Actions ; and by this is ſeen the Superior Ex-
cellency and Utmoſt Perfection of the Senatorial Character. Now
Counſel is nothing elſe but the Invention and Diſcovery of the Pro-
per Means, Way, and Method, by which any Action, or Un-
dertaking of Moment may be well Executed, or any Danger or
Inconvenience avoided. It is a neceſſary Part of the Senator's Of-
fice, to be ready, upon every Emergence, to give his Country
good and wholſome Advice : And ſince in every Action or Un-
dertaking, there are Three Things to be conſidered, the Counſel
that gives Riſe to it, the Method in which it is carried on and con-
ducted, and the Iſſue or Event of it; it is therefore-as abſolutely Ne-
ceſſary, that every ſuch Undertaking ſhould be preceded by a Wila
and Prudent Deliberation, as that it ſhould be follow.ed by a Good
and Proſperous Event: And as a Gladiator upon the Stage, well
and wiſely adviſes and conſiders with himſelf, when, and how
and where, to Attack and Wound his Adverſary; in the
very
ſame
manner, muſt the Senator look well to the Perſons, Times, and
Opportunities, whereto his Counſels are Aimed and Directed.
There are (as Cicero obſerves)
Three Sorts of Things upon
which Men Deliberate, or Give, and Take Advice; and theſe are Things
Honest and Profitable, and the Differences that are between them,
whenever they Interfere, or are Inconſiſtent with each other. If in
all theſe Three Points, the Senator is fully Inſtructed and Well-expe-
rienced, he can never be at a Loſs, or unable to give good. Advice,
on any Occaſion, or in any Affair of Publick Life. It is a High
Degree of Wiſdom, to judge aright of what is Horff and what
is Profitable. And where: Two Subjects of the fame Sort offer
chelſelves to our. Conſideration, it is a Mark of Uncommon Prů,
dence to be able to decide, which of the Two is moft Honeftor
moſt Profitable. Sometimes we are called upon to give an Exte me
Dd
porary
202 Thé Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
porary Advice, and are ſurprized into a Neceflity of delivering our
Opinion in hafte, and at the very Moment is as demanded of us :
But whenever, or in whatſoever Caſes, we do this, we muft never
recede, or vary in the leaft Accicle, from the Two. Main Points of
Profit and Honeſtly; or, in other Words; we muſt always chuſe the
Good, and reject che Evil; and of Two Evils, where Both are
Unavoidable, muſt be ſure to make Choice of the Leaft. The
Beſt and Readieſt Way of Forming Good and Wholfome Coun-
fels, is to keep a Full and Steady Eye upon the firſt and Greateſt
Good, and to have it always in View, whether we are Deliberating
apon
Matters of Publick, or Private Concern, of what relates to
our own, or to our Country's Happineſs. For from this Firſt
Principle all our Thoughts
, Deliberations, and Counſels, oligłe
to be Derived, and conſtantly Referred and Ditected thereto. Un-
leſs the Publick Happineſs be our Chief Aim in every Thing, all
our Counſels and Deliberations are Vain and Fruitleſs. For how
can che Mariner Steer a Right Courſe, when he knows not the
Port to which he is Bound? In Debating within ourſelves, what
Advice is proper to be given, the Utmoſt Prudence is required ;
but in giving it out to others, the Uemoſt Sincerity and Fidelity
Bad Counſel is always moſt Fatal to thoſe who take it, and Good
and Faithful Advice their Greateſt Benefit and Happineſs. The
Senator muſt alſo be Cautious, when he gives 'Advice, to leave as
little Room as poſſible for Fortune to interpoſe, and play her uſual
Gambols and Fears of Extravagance. For Chance feldom brings
about any Events, that carry with thema Evident Marks and Re-
ſemblances of a Wiſe and Rational Contrivance. Andås no Man
is accounted truly Brave and Courageous, whoſe Courage depends
more upon Good Luck and the Caſual Succeſs of it, than: upon his
own Deliberate Reſolution ; ſo neither can the Senator be truly
and juſtly valued for Wiſdom and Prudence, if in all his Conduct
be depends more upon Chance and Fortune, than upon his own
Reaſon
1
-
.
CHAP. III. SEN ATO R.
203
Reaſon and Judgment. Let therefore all his Counſels and Under-
cakings, be the Effects of Prudence, Goodneſs, Fidelicy, Mature
Experience, Thorough Deliberation, Impartiality, and Freedom
of Thought; without the leaſt Stain of Mixture of Folly and
Weakneſs, of Criminal Craft and Cunning, of Temerity and
Raſhneſs, or of Secret Malice and Ill-will to the Publick. Subtle
and Artful, or Bold and Daring Undertakings, are to qutward Ap-
pearance, Pleaſant and Entertaining; they carry a Fair Face, and
dazzle us with a Falſe Luſtre and Brightneſs; but ’tis a hard Task
to Work them up and Proſecute them Aright, and they are often
Pernicious and Fatal in their Conſequences. Let the Senator alſo
know, that nothing is a greater Obſtacle to Good Counſel, than
Eagerneſs and Temerity. For thereby we are often Betrayed into
the Sad and Deplorable State, of a too Late and Unavailable Reo
pentance. Many Inſtances might be given of this in ſome State-
Tranſactions, and many more of a much more Fatal Tendency in
Affairs of War, and in the Management of Campaigns and Ex-
peditions. But then on the other hand, whilſt we are maturely
Debating and Expediting any Publick Undertaking, we muſt have
a Care how we uſe too many, or too long Delays. When our
Scheme is well Laid, and throughly Formed, we may chen be as
Active and Expeditious as poſſible, in the Execution of it. There
are many Affairs, which che Good Senator may with Decency
enough avoid being concerned in : But when once he is Engaged,
he oughe never to Deliſt, till they are happily Perfected and Com-
pleted. We ought, as the Common Proverb directs, To be Slow
in Undertaking, but Quick in Execution. The End and Deſign of
what we Undertake is more to be conſidered, than the Riſe and
Occaſion ; and all our Proceedings are to be Regulated and Juſti-
fied, by the Great Law of Necefſity. Every Commonwealth calls
together its Senate and Aſembly of Wiſe and Experienced Men,
qualified by their Abilities, and' obliged by their Office, to Deli-
berate
od 2
204 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
berate upon all the Affairs and Intereſts of their Country; mature-
ly to weigh all Publick Deſigns and Projects, and to fit and ripen
them for Execution. At all ſuch Conſulcations and Meetings,
fuch Men only ought to be preſent, whenever Affairs come to be
Treated of and Tranſacted, which are of the Utmoſt Conſe-
quence and Higheſt Importance to the Publick. It is, Laſtly, of
great Uſe and Service to a Commonwealth, to obſerve this Standing
Rule, that the Senate never Enter upon any Buſinefs within Doors,
but what has been before canvaſſed, and throughly examined with-
For it is a Great Folly to imagine, that the moſt. Impor-
tant Affairs can be preſently Diſpatched, or require no more Core
Gderation, than only of a ſhort Hour, or a few Tranſitory, Mo:-
out.
ments.
After Deliberation and Conſultation regularly had and taken ,
nothing remains buc the Giving our Sentence, Judgment, or.
Opinion, in any Affair of State, then under Conſideracion: Such
Sentence is nothing more than the Open Declaration, or Signifi-
cation of the Thoughts and Counſels of the Mind.. The Voice.
and Speech are the Proper Inſtruments and Means of Conveying.
our Sentiments to Ochers, in order to make them acquainted with.
the Secret Deſigns and Intentions of our Heart. There.is, a fu-
dicial Faculty implanted in us by Nature :. For we often find ſome
Men, who have no great Charaster. for. Learning and Wiſdom,
are yet very much to be depended upon, for their. Judgment and
Opinion, and in time come to be Maſters of very Good Senſe,
Great Cunning.j
. and Sagacicy, by mere dint. of Uſe and Expe
rience, which are a Sure Guide and Introduction to True Pru
dence. Men of more Years, than Learning, are therefore very
much to be relied upon for their Judgment; becauſe Age, and Ex-
perience have in Effect ſupplied them with a Third Eye, by which
they are enabled to make a Survey, both of Paft Tranſactions,
and Future Events, as well as of the Preſent, with ſo much the
-
more
CHAP. III. SENATO R.
205
more Accuracy and Exactneſs. We really know not what a Man
is, till we have been Witneſſes to his Converſation; and till a Sena.
tor has delivered his Mind and Judgment, there is no Forming a
true. Nocion, either of his Wildom or Prudence. Socrates, one
Day meeting a Youth, whom he had never ſeen before, looked
for ſome time very earneſtly upon him, and at laſt ſaid to him,
Speak, that I may know what You are. The very fame Method muſt
be ufed, and the fame Experiment tried, before we can approve
the Wiſdom and Gravity of the Good Senator, or pronounce him
duly Qualified for his High Station and Office.
For Speech is
the Indication, the Image, and Repreſentative of the Mind: And:
by this, muſt the Senator give Proofs of his Judgment, and of the
Force and Extent of his Capacity; always Directing all his. Dift
courſes to the Good and Welfare of the Publick; for this is the
Great End and Deſign of all Senatorial Sentences and Opinions
whatſoever. There are ſome Orators, whoſe Speeches are all Gloze
and Falſe Colouring, intended rather to Pleaſe and Tickle, than to
Inform and Inſtruct. Their Words are all Tinſel and Feathers,
Shew and Ornament; and they have more Regard in what they-
lay, to Fineſs and Delicacy; than to Plain and Solid Truth. Were
their Specches to be taken to Pieces, ſearched and ſifted to the Boc-
tom, they would appear to be mere Froth and Emptineſs, void of
all Weight and Solidity, Fidelity, Veracity, and Sincerity. The
Good Senator's Rhetorick muſt never be thus Adulterated. He
may diſplay his Eloquence before the Wiſe and Eloquent, but he
muſt ſpeak. Truth even before Fools. There is another Sort.of.
Speakers, who are Swoln and Bloated with Pride, Malice, and ſea-
louſy, enraged and incenſed by ſome Private Quarrel and Animo---
fity; and whenever they have gotten an Opportunity of Speaking
in Publick, lay about them altogether with Petſonal Reflections
and Calumnies. Theſe Men are of no Uſe and Advantage to the
Publick, and ſerve only,to kindle a Fire.co:infuſe Jealouſies and
Miſundere
206
The Accomplifbd BOOK II.
Miſunderſtandings, and to ruffle the Peace of a Country, by in-
troducing Parties and Factions, Hatred, Diſcord, and Contention.
If they were really Good Men, or Good Subjects, they would
Stifle or Conceal their: Private Quarrels, Suſpicions, and Animo-
ſities; and make it their Choice, as well as think it to be their
Dury, not to trouble the Commonwealth with then, under Pre-
tence of doing it Service. There is alſo a Third Sort of Senators,
who for want of a Capacity, for Counſel and Abilities in Speak-
ing, implicitly give into the Sentiments of Ochers, and always
Tread in their Steps; whence the Romans commonly called them,
Pedarian Senators. They who behave in this manner, are really
not much to blame, unleſs they are obliged to it, by downright
Ignorance and Stupidity. For it is of Uſe and Benefic to a State,
to have the leſs Able and Skilful Members of its Councils, readily
complying with, and aſſenting to the Sentiments and Advice of
their Wiſer and more Experienced Leaders. And ſometimes it
chappens, that a Senate is Unanimous, and all its Members of one
Will and one Mind: On which Occaſion, it is much the wiſelt
Way, readily to concurr in the General Opinion, and not to give
any Oppoſition, only for the Sake of making a Speech, or to Spin
out the Time, by Long and Tedious, or Bombaſt and Fulſome
Harangues. Differences in Opinion will unavoidably happen, and
muſt conſequently occaſion Various and Dilatory Debates and Al-
tercations; whereby a Senate may be Split and Divided into Oppo:
fite Sides and Parties. In all Attempts to compoſe theſe Differen-
ces, and to bring all ſuch Debates to a Good and Happy Conclu-
fion, we muſt be very Careful to avoid all Indecent Language, all
Exceſs of Paſſion, all Calumnies, Reproaches, and Perſonal Re-
ſentments ; with whatever elfe may Interrupt the Courſe of a Re-
gular and Wife Conſultation, or Ruffle, or Alienate, the Affec-
tions of our Brethren in the fame Truſt and Office. In order to
put an effectual End to all ſuch Debates, and the Diviſions that fol-
low
CHAP. III. SENATOR
207
is
ter.
low thereupon, the Majority puſt always fiņally Determine the
Matter in Diſpute : For it is moſt Agreeable to Juſtice and Reaſon
to think, that what a Multitude of Wiſe and Able Counſellors are
agreed in, muſt be moſt for the Benefit and Advantage of the
Publick.
The Way and Method of giving Opinions, or taking Suffra-
ges, very
Different in ſome Scąces and Nations, from what it is
in others. In ſome Countries the Order is, that the Seniors ſhould
be firſt Heard in Delivering their Judgment; in others, the Funiors
have the Preference, and in a Third Sort, the Way is, to call up-
on the Wiſeſt, and the moſt Prudent and Experienced Counſellors,
to give their Opinion before thoſe of a Leſs Diſtinguiſhed Charac-
Every Government muſt keep to its own Cuſtoms ; and
whatever hath obtained a Preſcription of many Years, and is agree-
able to the Prevailing Opinion and Conſtant Uſage of a Nation,
is thereupon to be received by the People, as Good, and Juſt, and
Equitable, and for the Intereſt and Advantage of the Society. Ic
is, however, a much better way for the Seniors to deliver their
Opinion firſt, that the Juniors may thereby have more Time and
Opportunity of Deliberating upon the Queſtion. And on the
other hand, when the Juniors are firſt heard, what they ſay may very
often occaſion Differences and Diviſions among the Seniors, and
Puzzle or Entangle a Marter in-Diſpute, by a Multiplicity and Vaa
riety of Opinions. It may alſo be Convenient not to permite the
Members to ſpeak, when, and as often as they pleaſe, but to call
upon them for their Sentence and Judgment; whereby Order and
Decency may be Preſerved, and Tumult and Contention may be
Avoided. And on this Occaſion, the Members may be at Liberty,
to give in their Doubts and Scruples, which may be well excuſed
by the Difficulty of the Queſtion, and the Great Variety of Opi-
nions thereupon ; whereby a Well-meaning Mind is eaſily Per-
plexed, and cannot preſently Reſolve which Side to chuiſe.' Buc
then
!
208
The Accompliſh 'd
Book II.
then in complying with, or adhering to the Judgment of Others,
we muſt be careful to avoid all Suſpicion of Kathneſs and Precipi-
tancy, and of Party or Perſonal Affection : And our Concur-
rence muſt be the Effect of our own Reaſon and Judgment. The
Opinions and Reſolutions of a Senate, are to be valued by their
Weight, and not by the Tale or Number of Voices : And great Care
muſt be taken, that the Beſt and Wiſeſt Members of a Council may
not be Borne-down, or Overpowered, by the Multitude or Majó-
rity. Ariſtotle permitts a Counſellor, deliberating upon any Affair
of Moment, to be Twice in Doubt; but if after this, he could
not come to any Settled Reſolution, he was for that time to loſe
his Right of giving any Opinion at all. We muſt alſo be Cau-
rious, how we Protract the Day, and ſpend too much Time in
Debating a Queſtion, without coming to any Reſolution. For
we are Guilty of a Double Fault, when we Tire both ourſelves and
Others, with Long and Tedious
Harangues. Cato was once very
ſeverely Cenſured by Cæfar, for-Treſpalling upon the Senate in this
very Particular. A Decent Brevity is always to be obſerved in
Speaking, as alſo an Honeſt Plainneſs, and a Clear and Open
Sincerity, without Dawb and Flattery, without any Alluring
and Enticing, or any Cloudy or Doubtful, Perplexed or Ob
{cure Expreſſions. We muſt not be Over-eager and in Haſte to
Speak, nor lay any Snares for others, or mingle any little Trick,
Artifice, or Fallacy, with what we Deliver. Every thing we ſay
muſt have its Weight, and carry with it a Serious, Solid, and Im..
portant Meaning; and muſt be well Seaſoned with Simplicity,
Piery, Sanctity, and Truth. Perhaps too it may not be amiſs
, to
have every Senator ſolemnly Sworn, before he gives his Opinion's
that thereby the Divine Boing may be called upon as a Wirneſs to
the Truth and Sincerity of the Heart. There is no very Material
Difference between delivering an Opinion in Writing, or by Word
of Mouth: The Sureft and Conciſeſt Way is to give it in Writing,
eſpecially upon all thoſe Subjects, to which we cannot Speak to
juſtly
CHAP. III. SENATOR.
209
ous.
juſtly and fully as we ought, without being very Prolix and Tedi-
In ſhort, Theſe Three Rules, laid down by Cicero in his
Laws, ought to be carefully Obſerved by every Senator ; Firſt
,
that he conſtantly give his Attendance in the Senate : Becauſe a Full
Houſe or Aſſembly, always gives ſo much the Greater Weight and
Authority to all its Decrees and Reſolutions. Secondly, That he
Speak only in his Proper Place, or Turn, or when he is called
upon: And Thirdly, that he Speak in ſuch a Manner, as to keep
always cloſe to the Subject in Debate, without Sallying forth into
the Infinite and Boundleſs Mažes of Prolixity and Impertinence.
That Senator, who wilfully and careleſly Abſents himſelf from
the Publick Service, without a Juſt and Allowable Cauſe of ſuch
his Abſence, ought (as the fame Author enjoins) to be Cenſured
and Puniſhed as a Criminal. Neither is it Convenient that Sena-
tors ſhould be permitted to leave the City in which ſuch Aſſem-
blies are held, and to withdraw themſelves into any Foreign Terri-
torię or Dominions; unleſs they are ſent abroad by cheir own
Country, to take upon them ſome Command of Conſequence,
or to execute an Embally, or ſome other Commiſſion of the line
Nature and Importance : Leſt by Thinning the Senate, or by the
Members abſenting themſelves, ſome Decriment or Prejudice ſhould
unhappily befall the Commonwealth. The Romans took Care to
prevent the Ill. Conſequences of ſuch a Practice, by a Law made
for that very purpoſe.
But after all, the Great and Fundamental Principle, which gives
Riſe to all the Senatorial Dignicy, which crowns his Character, and
makes it Perfect, is his
. Conformity in all his Words and Actions,
and in all the Relative Capacities and Offices of Life, to the Strict
Rules of Vertue and Piety, and by approving himſelf a Juſt and
Good Man, and adorning his Station with a Suitable Conduct and
Behaviour. It is not enough for us, that we are Wiſe and Pril-
dent, unleſs we are Good and Vertuous too. For Prudence, with-
Еe
--
OUC
210 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
out Juſtice and Goodneſs, dwindles to Craft and Cunning, and is
commonly looked upon rather as a Vice, than a Vertue. Wiſe
Men are Denominated from their Wiſdom, but it is Vertue that
gives the Good, the Juſt
, the Equitable, and the Honeſt Man, his
Proper Titles; and makes him to be in Character, what he is
really called by Name : And Good Men take their Style from their
Vertues, and not from their Wiſdom. Who then is a truly Good
Man, but ſuch a One as is Deſcribed by Plato, Who well Under-
ftands what Vertue is, who takes it into his Bofom, and Cloſeft Embra-
ces, and lives up to all its Strikteft Commands and Ditates; and who
chufes to die for the Sake of his Country, and to Save her from any
Imminent Danger, or from falling into an Abje&t State of Servitude ;
or from being oppreffed by the Arbitrary Dominion of Tyrants and Ufurp-
ers, or of Men eminent and remarkable only for their Bafeneſs and In-
famy. Such Patriots will endure every thing, rather than ſee the
Ancient Conftitution of their Native Kingdom altered or over-
turned : For every Change or Alteration always turns out to the
Prejudice and Diſadvantage of the People. The Senator muft
therefore Uſe his Beſt Endeavours to approve himſelf an Exam-
ple and Lively Inſtance, not only of Prudence, but of Goodneſs
.
and Juſtice too : For Prudence is no longer a Vertue, than whilft
it is coupled and goes hand in hand with Juſtice; and it is Juſtice
that gives the Diſtinguiſhing Title and Character to all Good Men.
There are ſome Men, railed to High Stations and Dignities in the
State, who thruſt themſelves forward into Publick Bufineſs, by
a Prompt and Eaſy Faculty and Fluency of Speaking, and by
giving Proofs of a Lively Wit, and more than Ordinary Sagaci-
ty; whilſt their Heart and Mind are full of all manner of Deceit
and Subtlety. When ſuch Men as theſe are Engaged in Support-
ing the Laws, or in Defending the Liberties of their Country, no
Orators whatſoever can Deliver themſelves with a Better Grace, or
with more Beauty and Elegance : But when their Speeches are
cloſely
CHAP. III. SENATOR 211
cloſely attended to; ſearched and fifted to the Bottom, they are
all sediment and Corruption; Wrong and Injuſtice are the Lees atid
Remaitider of all their Fluency; there is nothing truly Great and
Noble in what they Say, nothing but Froth and Emptineſs : For
all their Pretences to Prudence are a mere Mask and a Vizor, and
the Tongue that utters ſuch Enticing Muſick, is by no means in
Concert, or has any Communication with the Heart. There is
not a Greater Plague, or more Deadly Poiſon, that can poſſibly
Viſit or Infect the Body Politick, than a Sete of ſuch Men, when
lurking within the Bowels of a Government ; eſpecially, if by
their Power and Authority they are ſo Stationed and Situated, as
to be able to Diſtreſs and incommode it. In this claſs of :
Men, are to be Numbered all Thoſe, who are of a Debauched and
Licentious Diſpoſition and Character ; or who ſet themſelves up
for Men of Reach and Penetration, Artifice and Stratagem, or
for Lovers of their own Intereſt, by a Readineſs to committ all
Manner of Oppreſſion and Injuſtice, or by promoting Tumults,
Seditions, and all other Publick Diſorders. Bad as theſe Men are,
in nothing is their Villany ſeen to greater Perfection, and at no
Time is it more Succeſsful, than when they can draw in their Coun-
trymen to believe, they are really Honeſt, Good, and Faithful
Subjects: For as Man in general, when raiſed to the Full Dignity
and Higheſt Attainments of his Nature, is undoubtedly the Beſt
and Nobleſt of all Animals ; ſo when he falls altogether as Low,
and as far beneath the Standard of Law and Juſtice, he is of all
the Reſt of his own Species the moſt Vile and Dangerous. In
all our Addreſſes to Heaven, for the Safety and Welfare of our
Country, it ought to be our Firſt and moſt Earneſt Prayer, that
all fuch Citizens and Subjects may be utterly Deſtroyed and Rooted
But till this can be done, the Senator is to Uſe his Beſt En-
deavours, that all of this Character may be Reclaimed in Time,
Ee 2
and
A
out.
1
:
212 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
and brought back into the Ways of Truth and Juſtice. Hitherto
we have ſeen what Prudence is, the next Vercue to be enquired into
is Juſtice ; and particularly That Sort of Juſtice, which is an El-
ſential Part of the Senatorial Character.
ܪ
j
3
.
CH A P.
CHAP. IV.
213
SENATOR.
CHA P. IV.
ment.
The C O N T E N T S.
Of Natural Juſtice. Of Mutual Benevolence and Good-will. Of
Piety. of Self-Preſervation, or the Juſtice due to ourſelves.
of Divine Juſtice, or the Juſtice which is due to our Maker.
of Natural Religion. Of Publick Worſhip. Of the Chriſtian
Inſtitution and Prieſthood. The Danger of attempting to Alter
the Eſtabliſhed Religion. How ſuch Innovations come to be
Fatal to a State. Religion, how far advantageous to a Govern-
Examples of the Ill Conſequences of Religious Innova-
tions. Of the Character of Sanctity as annexed to the Senate.
Of the Method of Opening every Senatorial Aſſembly. Of
Human or Civil Juſtice. All Juſtice is founded in Fidelity. .
The Character of a Faithful Man. Of Juſtice in the Diſtribu-
tion of Honours. Of the Ancient Method of Decreeing Ho-
nours. How Thoſe of a Publick Character are Diſtinguiſhed
by the Moderns. Of Numerical and Judicial Equality. Duel-
ling condemned. Of Executive Juſtice. Of Primitive Juſtice.
The End and Deſign of all Good Laws. Of Idleneſs and Luxu-
ry. Induſtry ought to be Encouraged. : The Old Laws of a
State ought rather to be Amended than Repealed. Every Sena-
tor ought to be Punctual in the Obſervation of the Laws. of
the Judge's Duty. Of Severity and Moderacion.
T
Hoever Surveys and Conſiders the General State and
Condition of all Things both in Heaven and Earch,
may eaſily find, that Nature obſerves a conſtant and
regular Courſe, and hath eſtabliſhed certain Firm, Perpetual,
and
W
.
214
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
and Unalterable Rules, and Laws of Motion and Action, which
the Beings around us are not of themſelves able to break through;
but are always Kept and Reſtrained to their own Proper Sphere,
and within the Limits of one and the ſame Track and Circuit, from
which they can never vary, and out of which they can never
Deviate or Wander. The Celeſtial Orbs and Elements, the Se-
veral Orders of the Animal World, the Volatile and Reptile Species,
have an Innate Energy, Tendency, and Inſtinct, beſtowed upon
them, not by Chance and Fortune, but by the Contrivance and
Direction of an All-Wiſe Creator, the Conſtant Courſes and
Regular Effects of which, they have not the Will, or if they
had a Will, they would ſtill be unable to Alter or Superſede.
What now ſhall I ſay of Man? Is it nor Plain and Evident,
that his Maker hath ſet before him Good and Evil, and hath
annexed thereto Life and Deach, Happineſs and Miſery, as a Re-
ward and Puniſhment; and that the Ways leading thereto, the
One on the Right-Hand, Narrow, Rugged, and almoſt Unpal-
fable; and the other on the Left, Plain, Pleaſant, and Eaſy of
Acceſs, Wide, and capable of receiving whole Mulcitudes of
Travellers, are readily Marked out and Set before him? And
that the Good and Pious" are eaſily prevailed upon, to make
Choice of the Narrow Path leading to Life, and the Vicious and
Wicked as eaſily betrayed or enticed into the Broad Way leading
down to Deſtruction? But to come ſtill cloſer to the Subject we
are upon, that is, the Art of Governing Cities and Commonwealths;
If the Rule of Publick Life, and the Scheme and Method of Ad-
miniſtration be Good and Perfect in its kind, Firm, Certain,
and Unalterable, agreeing in every Part with the Law of Nature
or Right Reafon, or in other Terms, with the Law of God, every
Body Politick, under ſuch a Direction, and conſtantly adhering
thereto, will be Laſting and Perpetual; and whenever it departs
from this Rule, will dwindle and fall away into a State of Weak-
nels
CHAP. IV. SENATO R.
215
.
Nature.
neſs and Corruption. To enter into, and go over every Par-
bicular Inſtance, were an Endleſs Task: But in general it is
certain, that all the Beings which our Senſes can diſcover, or
our Underſtanding ſearch into, were by Nature made Perfect in
their Kind, complete in every Part, and pue under one and the
ſame conſtant Regulation. Hence it was, that to live up to the
Dictates of Nature, was by the Stoicks looked upon as the Sum
and Perfection of Human Happineſs. For Nature is our Great
Miſtreſs, the ſure Unerring Guide of Life; and in Following
and Obeying her, we Follow and Obey the God and Author of
The General Agreement therefore, the Conſent and
Harmony of Nature, may very properly be called Juſtice. For
Juſtice is a Vertue that directs us how to maintain chofe Rights,
Compacts, and Agreements, which Nature hath Eſtabliſhed or
Aſſented to. So that whatever is agreeable to Nature, is really
and truly Juſtice; and Injuſtice conſiſts in Croſſing upon, or in
Deviating from this Principle. They who live as Nature directs,
and are obedient to her in every thing, ought therefore to be
Reputed as ſtrictly Juſt
. For not to Think or Do any Thing
that
may
Offend Nature, or God, or Man, is the very Height
and Perfection of all Juſtice. And hence it is, thac they who
treat of Juſtice, do commonly divide it into Three Parts, Natu-
ral, Divine, and Human.
Natural Juſtice has its Riſe from the Firft Principles and Dic-
tates of Nature, which has kindled up Certain Lights in us,
whereby we are enabled to diſcern between the Good we ought to
Chuſe, and the Evil we ought to Shun and Avoid. 'Tis the
Great Law of Equity, that we abſtain from all Injuries; and never
Contrive or Attempt any thing, which may be Hurtful or Diſ-
pleaſing to Others. Mutual Benevolence or Good-will to Man-
kind, is that Great and Fundamental Vercue, by which Men
are drawn together, and united in one Common Body, or Publick
Society.
216 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
Society. In the Firſt Pure Age, which the Poets call Golden, Jul-
tice bore ſo abſolute a Sway, that no Fraud, Violence, or Injury.
could approach to hurt, or to interrupt the Peace of Human
Societies : No Sedicions, Tumults, Parties, or Contentions
broke in upon the General Tranquillity. But Murual Confidence,
Love, and Benevolence, were every where ſeen in the Utmoſt Per-
fection; and Mankind, without the Aſſiſtance of a Legiſlator,
Judge, or Advocate, knew how to Diſcern and to Chuſe what
was Good and Right, and were as Studious to promote the Eaſe
and Intereſt of their Brethren and Friends, as to Secure and take
Care of their own. This Vertue prompts and directs us, how,
and in what manner, we ought to Love our Parents, Children,
and all others who are in any degree Allied or Related to us. . The
Juſtice due to our Parents, is commonly called Piety; and for this
Vertue the Daughter of Cymon was fo eminently Remarkable,
that when her Father was Condemned to be Starved, ſhe fed him
with her own Milk, through the Grates of his Priſon, and there-
by Returned him the Life he gave her, and gave herſelf an Im-
mortal Reputation. The Doctrine of Self-Preſervation, is a Firſt
Principle, common to us and all other Living Creatures whatſo-
ever, and is the Immediate Reſult of Natural Inſtinct. There is
a Debt of Juſtice which we owe to ourſelves, and in Conſequence
of which, we are bound to Maintain and Support ourſelves in
Life, to Defend and Preſerve our own Being, and to look well to
the Conduct and Good Government of all our Actions: Whilſt
they, who by Want, and Famine, or out of a Wilful Neglect and
Contempt of Life, offer Violence to themſelves, and deſtroy their
own Being, 'are to be Cenſured as Notoriouſly Unjuſt, and as Pro-;
feſſed Enemies to Human Nature in general
. We are alſo obliged
by Nature to take care of our Friends, and to promote their In-
téreſt and Welfare; and by Preſerving and Keeping up our own
Families, to Preſerve Poſterity, and to Keep up and Strengthen the :
next
CHĀP. IV. SENATOR.
217
next Generation. In ſhort, they who follow Nature are truly
Juſt, and whatever is Unnatural is conſequently Unjuſt. For
Nature has an Abhorrence to what is Evil, and dictates nothing
but what is Right and Good. This Natural Juſtice the Scholars
and Followers of Socrates did accordingly Define to be The Science
or Knowledge of what is Right and Good, and moſt Agreeable to Reaſon.
He who exerciſes this Vertue in Private Life, and makes it the
Chief Guide of all his Actions, may be truly called a Good Man;
whilſt He who communicates the Fruits and Effects of this Vertuc
to the Publick, is alike Entitled to the Character of a Good Citi-
zen : Becauſe he is a Common Benefit, and does Good to others
as well as to Himſelf
. This ſort of Juſtice, which conſiſts in Li-
ving up to the Dictates of Nature, is not only the Glory and
Ornament of the Senator, but of every Private Perſon whado.
ever. They, however, whom Nature hath happily Diſtinguiſhed,
by beſtowing on them a Larger Share of her Beſt Gifts and En-
dowments, ought in Proportion to Diſtinguiſh themſelves, by a
more Regular and Eminent Practice of this Vertue. And above
all, the Good Senator ought to be moſt Eminent for this Vertue,
in regard to the High Station in which he Shines, and in Gratitude
to Nature, who gave him the Abilities that Qualified - him for his
Office. 'Tis his Glory to Excell and Outſhine others in Juſtice ;
and it is his Shame and Diſgrace, if others Outſhine him in Vertue,
who are Inferior to him in Dignity. Theſe Rules and Precepts,
relating to Natural Juſtice in general, which I have here laid down,
are of Uſe to all Mankind, in the Ordinary Affairs, Conduct,
and Intercourſes of Life.
Divine Juſtice, or the Juſtice due to our Maker, is an Obliga-
tion laid upon us by Nature to Acknowledge, to Worſhip, to
Fear, to Love, and te Reverence Him. This is a Privilege, as
well as Duty, peculiar only to Man. For Nature, in the For
mation of all Living Creatures whatſoever , took Care, that the
Ff
Notion
218
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
Notion of a Deity ſhould be Fixed and Implanted only in the Mind
of Man. To our Creator we look up, whilſt the Animals bez
neath us are Ptone and Intent upon the Earth, and Stoop down
to their feveral Paſtures, for Food and Nouriſhment
. Man there-
fore; of all other Animals, in their ſeveral Kinds and Orders, is
the only Being in the World, with whom Nature hath Entruſted
the High and Honourable Office of Worſhiping and Adoring his
Maker, and of giving him the Reverence and Honour due unto
his Name. This Natural Notion of Religion, is of ſuch General
Prevalence and Extent, that the World never yet produced a Na-
tion ,, that did not Acknowledge fome Deity or other, and think it
Juft, Reaſonable, and Neceſfary, to Inſtitute and Keep up an
Eſtabliſhed Form of Publick Worſhip and Adoration. There is a
Communication and Intercourſe becween the Divine and Human
Nature, which is Cemented and Strengthened by Natural Neceſſity
and Benevolence, and can never be Interrupted or Torne in Sun-
der, ſo long as Man is the Offspring and Child of God, and is
therefore obliged to look up to, and to Honour and Reverence
him, as the Common Parent and Father of all Mankind. The
Worſhip of the Deity ought always to be under the Stricteſt Regu-
lation of Order and Decency, and to be kept'up in Sanctity, Purity;
and Piety; that we may thereby Serve our Maker both with Heart
and Voice, and with a Mind Chaſte and Upright, and free from
Stain and Corruption. All our San&tity and Piety, and our whole
Dury towards God, is briefly ſummed up and contained in this
Single Word, Religion, which conſiſts in performing the Services;
in giving the Honours, and in making the Return of Gratitude,
due unto our Maker, with a Heart full of Purity and Holineſs.
Hence they are called Saints; or Holy and Religious Men; who are
Commiſſioned or Appointed to draw the Body of the People to-
gether, and to Order and Preſcribe the Forms and Regulations of
Divine Worſhip Such are the ſeveral Prieſts and Biſhops in the
Cbriftian
CHAP. IV. SENATO R.
219
Chriſtian Commonwealth, who are Authorized and Empowered
from above, to Propagate Religion, and to Inſtruct Mankind in
all its Doctrines and Precepts; at whoſe Hands we are taught to
expect the only True and Perfect Method of Worſhiping and Re-
verencing our Maker aright. Theſe Men are the Forerunners and
Harbingers of the Almighty, ſent before him to Proclaim and make
Known his Name to the World; whom we are to receive, as
if our Maker himſelf were preſent. They are the Interpreters of
his Laws, and the Officers appointed to give us Notice of his Good
Will and Pleaſure. As in all Religious Enquiries, the Firſt and
Principal Thing to be regarded, is fully to Know and Underſtand,
Who, and What, our God really is, what He requires of us, and
in what Way he would have us Worſhip him; for without this
Knowledge, we can never be fo Juſt to Him, as in Dury, we are
bound to be; ſo in the Fulneſs of this Knowledge, and in our
Conformity thereto, conſiſts the Whole of all Human Happineſs:
And for Happineſs we were Ordained, at the very Time when our
Creator made us.
JESUS CHRIST, the Son of the Only True GOD, is That
Saviour, who hath Enlarged our Knowledge of Heavenly Things,
and Revealed to us the Whole Will and Pleaſure of his Father: He
hath given his own Kingdom, that is the Church, a Perpetual Law,
of Divine Authority; hath Inſtituted a New Spiritual Magiſtracy
or Prieſthood, and hath laid down Certain Precepts and Rules of
Government, which carry with them Plain Marks and Indications
of their Heavenly Original. The Prieſts, or Spiritual Magiſtrates
and Officers of his Kingdom, are by his.own Deputación inveſted
with High Power and Authority, are in effect his Vicars and Vice-
gerents, and in virtue of their Delegation made Partakers in ſome
Meaſure of his Divinity ; at whoſe Hands we are to expect a Sure
Judgment and Deciſion in all Religious Diſputes and Controver-
lies, and to attend to them as the Keepers and Interpreters, not only
Ff 2
of
:
220 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II,
ers ,
ܪ
of the Old Decalogue, but of the New Commandments and Inſtitutions
ſuperadded to the Law of Moſes; in ſo Full and Ample a Manner,
that all They who would be well and throughly acquainted with
True Religion, and know in what Way their Maker ought to be
Worſhiped, with Juſtice, Sanctity, and Piety, ſhould reſort to
theſe only, and to no other Guides or Directors whatſoever : The
Great and Divine Largiver, having exprelly Forbidden, by a Law
of his own, that we ſhould not liſten to any other Guides or Teach-
but thoſe commiſſioned by himſelf, and appointed to be
the Interpreters of the Divine Will and Juſtice, and Promulgators
of the Laws and Decrees of Heaven. As therefore in the Civil
State, or Commonwealth, we Reſort for Juſtice to the Publick
Magiſtrate; ſo in the Spiritual or Chriſtian Commonwealth,
of which we are Members, we Reſort to the Spiritual Magiſtrates,
the Prieſts, and Biſhops, for Deciſion in all Matters of. Reli-
gion, Faith, Piety, and Juſtice towards God. They who af-.
lume to themſelves a Right of Judging and Determining in Spi-
ritual Affairs, and will not be Determined by the Proper Mar.
giſtrate appointed for that very purpoſe, but treat him and his
Authority with Hatred, Deſpight, and Contempt, are no better.
than Traitors and impious Promoters of Sedition ; corrupt and
unworthy Members of the Body Politick, and juſtly liable to the
Severeſt Puniſhments, Infamy, Baniſhment; and Death. What
then ſhall we ſay of thoſe Men, who fly from their own Coun--
try into fome Foreign City or Commonwealth, for the Sake of
Embracing fonie New and Strange Religion ; whilſt they Reject
and Deſpiſe the Laws, the Faith, Piery, and Holy Inſtitutions of
their own Church and Nation, wherein they were Born and Educa-
ted; and had rather remain as Exiles in a Strange Country, chan
Stay at home and retain the Honourable Names of Countryman
and Fellow-Citizen ? Such Behaviour, and ſuch open and bare-
faced Violence offered to Religion, is utterly Unjuſtifiable and
without Excuſe. A Change of Religion is the worſt Plague that
cah,
CHAP. IV. SENATOR.
221"
can Infeſt a Government, and the moſt likely Means to Overcurn
ar Subvert it. Tully hath very well obſerved, That Religious Broils
and Commotions are always attended with Changes and Revolutions in.
the State.. And for this a very Good Reaſon may be given ; for
ſince every Government owes its Preſervation to the Good-will and
Favour, the Care and Overſight of Providence: And ſince no
State can plead a Title to this Favour, but only on the Account
of Religion, which binds and obliges us, and is as it were a League
and Covenant, between Us and our Maker; the Conditions of
which are plainly theſe, That we on our part ſhall Serve and Wor-
ſhip him, and He on His ſhall Defend and Protect, Bleſs and
Proſper us in all our Undertakings; it muſt follow, that upon
every Change of Religion, there muſt be alſo a Change in the
Worſhip of God, and upon the Alteration of the Publick Wor-
fhip, the Minds of Men will be altered at the ſame time, and run
out and wander into a Variety of Opinions, always Wavering and
Unſettled, and Rambling to and fro in a Confuſed. State and Chaos
of Religions ;. the Natural Conſequence of which is, a General
Prevailing Contempt of the Deity, whereby he cannot but be juſt-
ly Angry, and highly Incenſed at the Change he finds in his Peoa
ple, provoking Him
to give them Proofs of his Indignation, by
expoſing them to the Fatal Conſequences of their own Novel Hu-
mors, by leaving them to themſelves, or puſhing them down the
Precipice, upon which they: ſtand Tortering and Unguarded. Faith
and Piety are the Favourites of Heaven ; and by theſe Vertues a:
Nation is Exalted and made Happy. Every thing goes well, and
proſpers with thoſe, who ſerve God faithfully; and every evil Thing
is the Portion of thoſe, who are at Enmity with him.. Beſides
this, the Power of Religion is really ſo very Greatand has ſuch
an Influence
upon
the Minds of Men, that together with Religion
they readily believe themſelves fully Poſſeſſed of all the Vercues be-
longing to Human Nature, and under the moſt Sacred Obligations,
both of Duty and Conſtancy, to Keep and Retain chem. He who
truly
i
the me
222
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
?
.
:
truly Fears and Worſhips his Maker, will always find in himſelf an
Harmonious Agreement and Concurrence of all the Vertues, firm-
ly Eſtabliſhed and ever Increaſmg, True and Genuine, Laſtıng and
Unchangeable. The ſeveral Vertues of Juſtice, Prudence, and
Temperance, are always included in the True Worſhip of God, and
are ſo cloſely. Bound up and Interwoven with Religion, that it is
impoſſible.ro Divide and Separate between them. Conſtancy in
Religion is the ſure Means of Perpetuating the Laws, Cuſtoms,
Vertues, and Conſtitution of a Government. But when Religion
is Altered, Mankind are Alcered at the ſame time, and all the Laws,
Guſtoms, and Vercues of a Country, are immediately Changed
and Subverted. Whence follows a General Diſorder, and Confu-
ſion of all things in Human Life; and Seditions, Tumults, Ani-
molicies, Contentions, Wars, and Bloodſhed, are the Natural
Conſequences of ſuch a State, and haſten the Deſtruction and Final
Overthrow of a Government. For how can we imagine, that the
Wicked and Unjuſt, the Lovers and Promoters of Sedition and
Diſcord, ſhould be duly Qualified to become Mediators, or to treat
of Peace and Amity, of Juſtice and Religion? And what Juſtice
can we expect to find in a City or Commonwealth, or what Fideli-
ty, or Social Agreement among Men, when Piety and Religion are
once ſet aſide? How ſhall he, who is Unfaithful to his Maker, be
True to his Brethren and Fellow-Subjects? And how ſhall the Man,
who is always Unſtable and Wavering in Matters of Religion, come
to be Fixed and Settled, or to Behave with Uniformity, in all his
other Actions, and with a Steady Adherence to all his Compacts
and Promiſes? We all wiſh for Peace in our own Country; But
what Peace can be expected from thoſe Men, who are always ac
War with Faith, Religion, and their own Conſciences ? Dur
Firſt and Greateſt With ought ever to'be, that the True Religion
may be Settled among us, in all Sanctity and Purity; and then,
that it may be firmly Eſtabliſhed, and remain Unalterable. Every
Change
CHAP. IV. SENATOR
223
!
Change in a Well-fettled Government, is carefully
, to be avoided ;
but of all other Changes, a Change in Religion is the moſt Fa-
tal. and Dangerous.
How many Scates and Kingdoms does Hiſtory give us an Aco
count of, which, on Account of Altering the Eſtabliſhed Relia
gion, have been miſerably Mangled and Afflicted, or finally
Ruined and Deſtroyed? When the Grecian quarrelled with the
Latin Empire, and fell into Schiſm and Diſfenſion, it ſoon loſt
not only its Religion, but its Liberty and Language too; and is
now reduced to a State of Abject and Ignominious Slavery under
the Furk. With our own Eyes we have ſeen Countries wallow-
ing in Blood, and are Witneſſes to ſuch a Scene of Calamities,
as we had much rather Picy and Deplore, than attempt to Deſ-
cribe in its Proper Colours and Circumſtances. Ocher Na-
tions have engaged in War for the Defence of their Religion, buc
the Grecian Empire, by taking Arms againſt Religion itſelf, reaped
no other. Benefit from the Quarrel, but to ſee herſelf Stained
and Contaminated with her own Gore. I ſay nothing of France
and Flanders;. both which Countries are hardly yer recovered of
the Wounds they received in a Religious Wär. And I willingly
paſs over miny other States and Kingdoms, who, in attempting
to change the Eitabliſhed Religion, have ſuffered in an Exemplary
Manner, and brought ſuch a Yoke and Bürden upon their Necks,
as they are not yet able to ſhake off. In general, there is nothing
that ſo effectually Blinds
, the Minds of Men, or ſooner Infatuates
them, and ſets them a Madding, than the Raih and Headſtrong
Enterprize of Altering an Eſtabliſhed Religion , . when once the
Giddy Multicude have ſet their hearts upon it
. And therefore
every Good Mágiſtrate, and eſpecially Thoſe of the Sacerdotal Order,
can never be enough careful to Guard againſt all Innovations and
Changes in Religion; and whenever any ſuch are introduced into a
State, to call them immediately. inco Judgment, that they may
be
;
224
The Accompliſhid
Book II.
1
'1
1
be Cenſured and Condemned, and together with the Guilty Au-
thors of them, : may be utterly Aboliſhed, Rooted out, and Ex-
terminated
Let therefore the Good Senator be 'Well-fettled and Confirmed
in his Religious Judgment and Sentiments
, and let him not Waver
or be Doubtful and Scepricalin his Opinion. For Conſtancy
in Religion is the Foundation of True Wiſdom, Vertue, and
Honour. An Unſtable Man, and one of Unſettled Nocions in
Matters of Religion, ought by no Means to approach the Senate-
Houſe. For in the Great Council of a Nation, nothing ought
to be Tranſacted or Decreed, which is contrary to Sound Faith,
and true Religion ; but every Debate and Determination therein,
ought to be the Effects of Conſtancy and Perſeverance in che Prin-
ciples of Sincerity, Sanctity, Purity and Religion. Hence the
Name of Senate had always the Additional Title of Holy or Sa-
cred, annexed to it, becauſe the Matters there Treated of and
Decreed, were looked upon, not only by the Eyes of the Subject,
but of God himſelf, as truly Sacred and of Divine Authority.
For this Reaſon it was, that the Place in which the Senate aſſembled,
was always eſteemed as Holy, and the Senators aſſembled therein,
out of Regard to this ſuppoſed Holineſs, thought themſelves obliged
to abſtain from all Counſels, which Savoured of the leaſt Guild
or Impiety. When the Romans held a Senate, they opened the
Aſſembly with offering of Frankincenſe, and a Sacrifice to Thac
God, in whoſe Temple chey met. By a Chriſtian Senate quite
a Different Method ought to be taken; and before they Proceed
to Buſineſs, Supplications and Prayers ought to be made to the
only True God, with all Piety, Sanctity, and Religious Devotion.
For a Senator therefore to entertain any fälle:or erroneous Opinions
in Religion, is not only Indecent, and Unbecoming his Charac-
ter, but Impious, Sacrilegious, and Abominable.
They
CHAP. IV SENATOR
225
5x7.
They who are converſant in Philoſophy, generally make Choice
of the Peripatetick Scheme above all others, and adhere ſtrictly
thereto, in all their Writings and Diſputations; becauſe it really
contains the Juſteſt and Cleareſt Way of Reaſoning, and the No-
bleſt Sentiments and Rules for all the ſeveral Offices and Inſtitu-
tions of Human Life. In like manner, the Good Senator will
be well adviſed, if he takes the Exterior Form and Syſtem of his
Religion, not from the Greeks or Latins, two Nations more re-
nowned for the Polite Arts and Sciences, ,, than for Sincerity and
Purity in Religion, but from the Premities Church, whoſe Autho-
rity ſtands Atteſted by God Himſelf, and Adorned with the Ex-
amples of Multitudes of Saints; whoſe Succeſſion from the
Apoſtles is clear and Uninterrupted; and whoſe Truch, Purity,
and Sanctity, are Approved and Allowed by the Unanimous
Conſent of all the National Churches upon Earth. They who are
Contrary to chis Inſtitution, and frame to themſelves New Mo-
dels and Devices of a Novel Invention, are not only liable to
the Juſt Cenſures of the State, but are really Profeſſed Enemies
both to God and Man. In the mean time, we oughe heartily
to Addreſs ourſelves to Heaven, and to Beſeech the Almighty,
that after ſo Long a Trial of his Faithful Worſhipers, and ſo
many ſevere Puniſhments inflicted upon the Unſteadineſs and In-
conſtancy of Revolters and Spiritual Delinquents, they may át
laſt Return into the Boſom of the Church, and that all Nations
and Commonwealths may tread in the Good Old Paths inarked
out for them, and learn to be Faithful, Religious, and Juſt,
from the Precepts and Example of their Forefathers.
Enough hath been Hitherto ſaid of Divine Juſtice: Human or
Civil Juſtice is not ſo eaſily Deſcribed, as being a very Abſtruſe
and Intricate Science: For though we are by Nature inſtructed
in the firſt Principles and Rudiments of this Verrue, whereby as
well in the Theory, as in the Practice, it ſeems to be an Ealy At-
tainment,
GS
I
226 The Accompliſh'd Воок ІІ.
2
tainment, Well-known, and Common to all Mankind; yet the
Full and Complete Knowledge and Exerciſe of it, belong to fach
Men only, as are of a more than Ordinary, or even Human Ge-
nius, and have been throughly Converſant in all the Other Ver-
tues, and in all the Arts and Accompliſhments that are of Uſe
and Benefit to Mankind. Before a Man can be a Perfect Maſter
of this Vertue, he muſt be truly Wiſe and Learned: And it is
not Chance and Fortune, or Neceſſity and the Want of a Liveli-
hood, but his own Free Choice and Deſign, his own Reaſon
and Reſolution, muſt make him a Voluntary, Aſſiduous, and
Unwearied Follower and Proinoter of Juſtice Such a Mind, ſo
Exalted, and fo Well Prepared and Inſtructed, ought always to
be found in the Good and Accompliſhed Senator. Civil Juſtice, in
its Uſes and Influences, comprehends and takes in all the Publick
Affairs and Intereſts of Government, and is exerciſed partly in
the Maintenance and Support of Human Societies, and partly in
the Deciſion of ſuch Cauſes, as are brought into the Forum or
Courts of Judicature. Juſtice is of all other Vertues the moſt
Uſeful and Beneficial to the Publick, and contributes moſt to
the Stability, Preſervation, and Reformation of a Government.
All the other Vertues are confined within much narrower Limits,
and
nay be fully Exerciſed and Diſplayed even in Private Life, and
apart from all Society whatſoever. But Juſtice extends itfelf to
Communities and Bodies Politick, and is chiefly employed in the
Defence and Security of Social Life ; whence it may very truly
be called the Great Reconciler and Conſervator of Mankind.
Whatever Things are Baſe and Odious, Indecent or Inhunian,
fly before the Face of Juſtice, and can never ſtand in her Pre-
ſence; whilft Things Fair and Honeſt, Gentle and Peaceable, are
her chief Delight, and always under her Protection : All her Aim,
and all her Endeavour is, to preſerve Mankind in Peace and Unity,
and to faſten them together in the Bonds of Mutual Love and
Benevolence;
-
CHAP. IV.
SENATOR. 227
0
Benevolence; to reſtrain them from Rapine and Violence, from
Diſcord, Hatred, and Sedition; and to oblige them to Give to
every one his Due, and not to Covet or Delire what is not their
own. In this Vertue the Good Senator ought particularly to Excell;
that he may thereby be Qualified and Enabled to Diſtinguiſh him-
ſelf as a Defender of his Country, a Promoter of the Publick
Good, a Protector of the Innocent, an Inſtructor of the Weak
and Ignorant, a Supporter of the Lowly and Humble, a Tamer
of the Proud and Lofty, a Lover of the Good and Pious, an
Avenger of the Wicked and Vicious, a Friend to Truth, and
an Enemy to Falſhood and Impiety: The Foundation of Juſtice
is Fidelity, and Fidelity (as Cicero defines it) is a True, Conftant,
and Exał Obſervation of Whatever a Man aſſents to by Word,
Promiſe
, Agreement, or Contra&t. The truly Juſt Senator will
Confirm and make Good every Thing he ſays, without Scruple
or Ambiguity, will punctually perform all his Promiſes, will
readily ſtand to all his Contracts and Agreements, chearfully an-
ſwer for whatever Securities he has given, and make a full and
clear Return of whatever is Depoſited or Entruſted with him. His
own Word, Will, and Conſent, will be as a Law to himſelf,
obliging him to keep Faith with the whole world, and there will
be no Occaſion to call Witneſſes, or to remind him of any Pub-
lick Law, or of his own Deed, Honour, or Oath, in order to
force and oblige him to be Honeſt. When he is called away from
his own Particular Friends and Private Affairs, to any Publick Al-
ſembly or Court, he will by his Counſel, Advice, and Interpo-
ſition, take the beſt Care he can, to keep out Injuſtice from
making Head, or gaining Ground in the State ; and will preſerve
the Publick from being Haraſſed and Oppreſſed by the Powerful,
or Impoveriſhed and Beggared by the Coverous and Selfith Plun-
derer. He will uſe his beſt Endeavours, that none be admitted
into the Magiſtracy, but ſuch as are Worthy of it, and Promoters
Gg 2
of
228
· The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II.
of the Publick Good; and that Thoſe Men may be turned out and
Diſgraced, who are Unworthy of the Truſt repoſed in them, or
who, by their Vices, are become Careleſs even of their own Pri-
vate Intereſt.
The Honours and Advantages uſually beſtowed
upon thoſe, who by their Vertues and Merit have Signalized them-
ſelves in the Service of their Country, he will, by his Suffrage and
Intereſt, give only to fuch, as by their Integrity and Conduct have
really deſerved them. He will readily Promote the Rewarding of
the Brave and Valiant, and the Puniſhing and Reſtraining of the Idle
and Vicious : For by the due Diſtribution of Rewards and Pu-
niſhments, a Nation is both Preſerved and Exalted.
In the Conferring of Honours, a Strict and Rigorous Obſerva-
tion of Juſtice, is of the Utmoſt Conſequence to a State
. And
whatever Honours are at any time beſtowed, they ſhould always be
Proportioned to the Vertues and Merits of Thofe, to whom they
are given ; ſo that the Greateſt Merit may always be Entitled to the
Higheſt Honours. Every Free Government ought to ſet a Rate
and Value upon its Honours : For theſe are the Rewards of Ver-
cue ; and a truly Good Patriot will always Meaſure the Honours
he receives, by the Merit of his own Conduct and Exploits. No-
thing worſe can be ſaid of any State or Government, than that its
Honours are given at random and promiſcuouſly, without making
a Difference between the Vertuous and Vicious, the Wiſe and the
Fooliſh. It would be well for the Publick, if the Proper Marks
and Diſtinctions of Merit were to be ſet out and deſcribed, by
fome Particular Law or Statute, with a Proviſion, that no Ho-
nours ſhould be Conferred, but where the Vercues and Conduct of
the Perſon for whom they were defigned, ſtood' approved and al-
lowed of, by the General Voice and Concurrence of all Good Sub-
jects and Citizens. Among the Ancients, Statues, Triumphal
Arches, Sepulchral Trophies and Monuments, Publick Orations,
and Panegyricks, with many other Honours of the ſame Kind,
were
CHAP. IV. SE NATO R.
229
were beſtowed in a Solemn Manner, and by a Publick Decree of
che State. But then in the Ordinary Intercourſes of Life, and in
the Mix'd Aſſemblies of our Equals and Fellow-Subjects, the chief
Marks of Diſtinction are, on the Account of Age, Degree, and
Condition, and in giving the Preference, we muſt learn to make
a Difference between the Talents, which are perhaps Neceſſary to a
Man's Scation, or are become Familiar to him by Uſe and Practice,
and thoſe Superior Advantages, which ariſe from Perſonal Merit,
and from a Diſtinguiſhed and Extraordinary Conduct. They,
who are Well-born, and of a Good Family, or of a Fair and Ver-
cuous Character, or are in Place, Office, or Authority, or are
Rich and Wealthy, ought to have a more than ordinary Reſpect
paid, on Account of their being Serviceable and Beneficial to the
Publick. On the fame Account it is, that we Riſe up to the Aged
and Experienced, and give them Honour, Place, and Precedence.
Mankind are Valuable for Three Sorts of Advantages in Life, che
Perfections of the Body, the Accompliſhments of the Mind, or the
Endowments and Acquiſitions of Fortune. To each of theſe we:
muſt have a Particular Regard, for our better Direction how to
proportion our Reſpect and Deference to thoſe about us. We muſt
look in the Firſt place to the Mind, then to the Body, and in the
Laſt place to the Goods and Advantages of Fortune. If we Alter
and Invert this Order of Things; as for Inſtance, if we preferr
Riches to Vertue, we ſhall then be Partial and Unjuſt, in our man-
ner of giving Honour to thoſe, to whom Honour is due. And
theſe Differences and Diſtinctions are neceſſary to be obſerved, not
only in giving Private and Perſonal Honour, but in conferring
the Publick Honours and Offices of the State. The Bencfits
we receive from others, ought to be repaid according to their
Worth and Value, and there is an Honorary Tribute juſtly due:
to thoſe, who have been Serviceable to their Country.
Wichi
1
230
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
.
With theſe Things the Good Senator ought to be throughly Ac-
quainted, and ſo far as he is concerned in the Diſtribution of all
Honours, Preferments, and other Publick Advantages, he ought.
to adhere Strictly to the Great Rule and Law of Equality: For this
is the Weighing-Beam and Scales of Juſtice, in which every one's
Behaviour, Vertues, Actions, and Merit, are tried and examin-
ed, and their Full Weight and Value are taken and adjuſted. But
then we muſt be careful, that we do not put more into One Scale,
than into the Other ; whereby our Judgment and Eſtimate of the
True Weight and Value of Mankind, will come to be Partial and
Unjuſt. They, who Attribute too much to the Undeſerving,
and too little to Men of Real Merit, are Guilty of a Double Fault
and Injuſtice. Whence it is, that this Sort of Juſtice is by the Phi-
loſophers defined to be, A Habit of the Mind, diſpoſing us to aſſign to
every Man his Proper Worth and Dignity, ſo far as is conſiſtent with
the Publick Safety and Welfare. Equality or Equity is one of the
Firſt-rate Vertues, that contributes to the Preſervation of a Go-
vernment, and is a Conſtant Attendant upon, Aſiſtant to, and
Follower of Juſtice, from whoſe Dictates and Directions ſhe ne-
ver Varies the leaſt Point whatſoever. There are Two Ways and
Methods by which ſhe Forms a Judgment and Eſtimate, both of
Men and Things: One is the Vulgar and Ordinary Way of Dil-
cernment, by Number, Weight, and Meaſure : The other more
Uncommon and Difficult to be Adjuſted, is by a Racional Judg-
ment and Computation. Of this Latter Method, the Beſt and
only Maſters are They, who are Renowned for their Wiſdom, and
have been long Converſant in the moſt Weighty and Momentous
Affairs. The Foriner is well known to every One, who is em-
ployed in Buying and Selling, and in the Ordinary Commercial
Contracts and Occupations of Life : But now the Good Senator
muſt be Perfect in his Knowledge of that particular Branch of
Equality, which conſiſts in the Judicial and Rational Eſtimate and
Computation
CHAP.IV
SENATOR
231
Computation of the True Worth and Value, both of Men and
Things; by which he may be able to give to every one his Due,
may diſcern aright, when, and upon whom, and what Honours,
Largeſfes, Preferments and Offices, are to be beſtowed, or confer-
red by the Publick; may judge of Time and Place, Men and
Things, and Determine accordingly, what is Right, and ſuſt, and
Good, Fit and Proper to be done, and moſt agreeable to the Pre-
fcriptions of Wiſdom and Prudence. The True Diſcernment of
Merit, is a Matter of the Utmoſt Conſequence, and highly Ne-
ceſſary to the Doing of Juſtice to Mankind, and to the Promoting
of the True Intereſts of a Government. For Want of this, ſome
States, as well as Men, have betrayed Great Weaknefs and Folly,
and fallen into many Dangerous Errors and Miſtakes; and for
Want of a more Regular Deciſion, Men have been Prompted and
Puſhed forward to try their Merits by Duel, and put the Deciſion
of them upon the Caſual and Uncertain Iſſues of Battle and Com-
bat. Which Practice is not only
. Prejudicial to Particular Govern-
ments, but to Human Society in General. Thus much may Suf
fice for explaining the true Nature of that Sort of Juſtice, whicly
is in Uſe and Practice among Men in a Social State, apart and dif-
tinct from that other Sort, which is altogether Converſant in the
Forum and Courts of Judicature.
This other Sort of Juſtice, very nearly Reſembling and Related
to the Former, is altogether employed in Judicial Proceedings, has
the Laws and Cuſtoms of a Country for its Rule and Meaſure, and
depends upon the Sentence and Deciſion of Wiſe and Upright
Judges. In the Firſt Pure and Golden Age of the World, there
were (as I have already obſerved) no written Laws, but every Man's
own Heart was a Law unto himſelf, without reſorting to the Books
and Writings of Counſellors and Legiſlators. The Chalte Unſul-
lied Virgin, Juſtice, had then a Habitation and Commerce among
Men;, and in thoſe early Times, gave out the Rules and Ordinan-
aest
232 The Accompliſi'd BOOK II.
of among
ainong them.
ces of Living Honeſtly and Uprightly, with
with great Plainneſs and
Sincerity. Whilft She ſtayed upon Earth, and preſided in the Af-
ſemblies of Men, no Deceit
, Injuſtice, or Wickedneſs, was heard
them. But ſoon after this, when the World was Sated
with Vertue and Juſtice, and Men grew weary of being Honeſt,
they preſently croſſed over into the quite Contrary Extreme; grew
Covelous and Deſirous of what was not their Own, were Injurious
and Violent to their Neighbours, claimed more than was their
Due, ſeized upon every Thing that came in their way, would
anake no Return or Reſtitution, and took delight in theſe Arts of
Rapine and Injuſtice. Hence grew Hacred and Contention, Jea-
loulies, Animoſities, War, and Bloodſhed, together with the In-
vention of all manner of Martial Inſtruments, deſigned and con-
trived for the Annoyance and Deſtru&ion of Mankind. To all
theſe Violences, not only Juſtice, but even Heaven itſelf was for-
ced to give Way: Till at length the Goddeſs was Terrified and Dif-
mayed at ſo many horrible Spectacles, and leaving the World to fol-
low its own Luſts and Licentious Way of Living, took Wing and
returned back to Heaven, where next to Libra and Leo, the Scales
and the Lion, ſhe choſe for herſelf a Perpetual Seat and Habitation.
So that to Heaven we muſt Reſort, for all that Wiſdoin and Good
Counſel, which is neceſſary to Government and the Adminiſtra-
tion of Publick Affairs. For in our Preſent State, tainted as
we are with Vice and Folly, we cannot, without the Alliſtance of
Heaven, truly know, what Juſtice is, or learn to Practiſe it in
Perfection. What Homer ſays of Kings and Counſellors, Wella
skilled in the Art of Government, That they are the Sons of Jupi-
ter, is very much for our Preſent Purpoſe: For to Heaven we muſt
apply ourſelves, in order to be fully Inſtructed in all the Rules and
Precepts that Juſtice dictates, and obliges us to obſerve, before we
can bring back and reſtore choſe Bleſſed and Golden Times, in which
our Forefathers lived ; and before we can govern Nations, and
preſerve
po
CHAP. IV. SE NATO R. 233
preſerve the Peace of Societies, in the ſame Manner, as the Chalte
and Spotleſs Goddeſs was wont to do, when the Reſided among
Men. To Heaven we muſt apply ourſelves, before we can call
her down once more from thence, and prevail with her to Stay
and make her Abode with us. When our
own Reaſon is too Weak
and Short-fighted, to guide us into the Ways of Juſtice, Piery, and
Sanctity, the Stern and Awful Goddeſs ought to Interpoſe, and
oblige us to the Performance of our Dury, by the Force of her
Laws, by Admonition, Exhortation, and Correction, and by
Setting our che ſeveral Rewards due to the Good and Vertuous,
and the Puniſhments due to the Wicked and Unrighteous. For
as Ulpian has well obſerved, It is the Unalterable Will and Conſtant
Endeavour of thoſe, who are truly Juſt and Honeſt, that every Man
ſhould have, and enjoy, what really and rightfully belongs to him.
The Firſt Projecting, Forming, and Enacting of all Laws and
Statutes, is the Proper and more Immediate Buſineſs of the Good
Senator, and a Neceſſary Part of his Office and Duty to the Pub-
lick. Thus it was in the Lacedæmonian, Roman, and many other
States and Commonwealths. What Plato preſcribes, ought always
to be obſerved in the Making and Paſſing of Laws, Which ſhould
ever be Enacted, out of a Particular Love and Affection for the People,
and in order to do them good; and not thrown out among the Vul-
gar, as the Perſonal Projects of Arbitrary and Lordly Tyrants,
who affix to the Walls of their Palaces, their own Devices for
Laws, backed with frightful Menaces and Penalties ; whilſt the
Laws of their Country are what themſelves have very little Regard
for : And no Reaſon is to be given for their own Edicts, but whac
is contained in this Imperious Scyle, So would we have it ; or Such
is our Will and Pleaſure. On the other hand, a Good Legiſlator
will always take care, that his Laws ſhould rather appear as Pre-
cepts and Perſuaſions to Good Manners and Diſcipline, than in a
Preſcribing and Mandatory Form. The End and Deſign of all
Hh
Laws
234 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
!
Laws is, to make the People Good and Happy, and agreeable to this,
ought the Mind and Intention of the Legiſlator always to be. For
the Puniſhing of Delinquents is rather a Caſe of Neceſſity, than of
Choice. Hence Juſtinian the Emperor obſerves, That the Law has
Three Great Ends or Deſigns in View; The Firſt is, That the Subject
ſhould live honeſtly; The Second, That he ſhould be ſecured from all
Wrong and Injury; And The Third, That every Man ſhould have and
enjoy what is really his Own. For it is certain, that where Laws
take their Riſe only from Right Reaſon, the Chief and only Deſign
of chem, will neceſſarily be the Encouragement and Promotion of
Vertue, without the leaſt Deviation whatſoever ; becauſe they are
in cheniſelves as ſo many Rules and Schemes of Vertue, Horielty,
Reaſon, Nature, and a Good Life; from which, whoever varies,
is ſo far Criminal ; and whoever Deſpiſes and Tramples the Laws
under foot, does in Effect openly Deſpiſe both Vertue and Reaſon,
Nature and God. It was well obſerved by Heraclitus the Epheſian,
That every Free Subje&t ought to be as Zealous in defending the Laws of
his Country, as in defending the Walls of his City.
ſtand without Walls, but without Laws it can never be of any long
Continuance. To the Laws therefore every Subject ought to pay
a Scrict and Punctual Regard, and to reſort to them for Directions,
how to behave in Life, wherein to correct and reform his Man-
ners,
and to make a Right Diſcernment, between what he is obli-
ged to Chuſe and Follow, and what to Reject and Avoid. Solona
and Lycurgus, are both commended for Enacting ſuch Laws,
whereby the Subject was not only Inſtructed what to do at preſent,
but was put upon Guarding againſt any Future or Diſtant Evils.
The ſame Care may very well become the Good Senator ; and it is
worth, his while to conſider and find out, what Studies, Employ,
ments, and Exerciſes, are fit to be Encouraged by the State, in
order to make the Subject Good and Uſeful to the Publick, and
Conformable in his Behaviour to the Great End and Deſign of Civil
.
For a City may
CHAP. IV. SENATOR.
235
or Social Life. By theſe Means every one will be brought to fol-
low that particular Employment, for which Nature hath Qualified
him in the Beſt Manner; he will look upon it as his Glory to Ex-
cell therein, and when Vertue has the proper Rewards annexed to
it, will Strive and Labour ro Diſtinguiſh himſelf above all other
Competitors. There is hardly any thing too difficult for a Man
to Undertake, when he has a Sure Recompence and Crown of his
Labours in View; and the Propoſing of ſuch Kind of Rewards,
is the ready Way to prevent Lazineſs and Idleneſs, and to drive out
of the Commonwealth the Parent and Nurſe of all Vice whatſo-
ever. Daily Experience convinces us, how eaſily Men periſh and
are loft through Idleneſs and Luxury; and very true is the Saying
of Cato, That by doing Nothing, we are foon brought to do Miſchief.
Diodorus ſpeaks of a Law among the Egyptians, by which every
Subject was obliged to give in his Nanie to the Proper Magiſtrate,
and to Specify what Way of Life he was in, what Buſineſs, Study, or
Employment he followed, how he Lived, and by what Art, Pro-
feſſion, or Occupation. If he gave in a Falſe Account, or was
notoriouſly Negligent and Careleſs in his Profeſſion, he was puniſh-
ed with Death. Draco, obſerving the Looſe and Wanton Lives and
great Idleneſs of his Fellow-Citizens, made a Law to the ſame Pur-
poſe, by which this Crime was declared Capital : And though So-
lon thought this Law too Harſh and Severe, and accordingly foften-
ed the Penalty annexed to it, yet the Puniſhment he introduced
for Idleneſs, was no leſs than Publick Diſgrace or Infamy. By the
Imperial Laws, all Idle and Lazy Perſons were deprived of what
they poſſeſſed, or according to the Degrees of their Crime, were
ordered to be Scourged, or were Condemned to the Publick Works,
Mines, or Edifices. Let every Commonwealth therefore provide
Employment for its People, either by Study and Exerciſe, in the
Arts of Peace, or of War: For Study and Exerciſe, like the Tro-
jan Horſe, have poured forth Multitudes of Good and Uſeful Men,
HI 2
Senators,
236
The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II.
Senators, Judges, and Prieſts, Generals, Centurions, and other
Commanders, who have been eminently Serviceable to their Coun-
try. Let this Method be taken, and a Commonwealth will never
want a Sett of Men, able and well-qualified, to lead out the Peo-
ple to War, and to govern them in a Time of Peace; to Admi-
niſter to them in all their Sacred as well as Civil Intereſts, to de.
fend them from the Incurſions and Treachery of their Neighbours,
and to enlarge their Territories and Dominions, by the Conqueſt
of their more Savage and Barbarous Enemies.
When an Attempt is made to alter the Laws of any State, great
Care and Caution muſt be uſed on this Occaſion; leſt by ſuch
Alteration, the Good Old Manners and Honeſt Diſpoſition of the
People, be allo Altered at the ſame time. For the People are buc
too much addicted to Novelty, and when once they ſee one Altera-
tion made, they will readily Puſh for a good many more, and, it
may be, diſcover an Inclination, to have the whole Body of the Laws
aboliſhed at once: Whereby all Law will ſoon come to be had in
Contempt; and then Tumults and Seditions, naturally follow, and
perhaps Changes and Revolutions in the Government. The Old
Laws of a State, ought therefore by all means to be kept up, Sa-
cred and Inviolable. They may be prudently Corrected and Amend-
ed, but they cannot be totally Repealed and Aboliſhed, without
ſome Hazard; and every Change in a Government, though of
Matters ſeemingly of no great Importance, is a Dangerous, and
may be a very Fatal Experiment. It was a Cuſtom in the Locren-
fian State, that when any One propoſed a New Law, he came into
the Senate-Houſe with a Halter about his Neck, and there publickly
Recited his Propoſal: If it was not Received, or was adjudged to
he Hurtful and Pernicious to the Publick, he was immediately
Seized and Strangled. Remarkable is the Saying of Periander, That
Freſta Diet and Stale Laws were always the moft Whalſome,
3
CHAP. IV. SENATO R.
237
1
It is alſo much to be Wilhed, and much for the Intereſt of a
Government, that Senators, or they who have a Share and Truſt
in the Legiſlature, ſhould be Careful to obſerve the Laws of their
own Making, with as much Exactneſs, as they expect they ſhould
be obſerved by others. For there is nothing the People are more
Inquiſitive after, or look more narrowly into, than the Lives of
their Superiors; and they Endeavour to Conform thereto, as to a
Written Law. When Seleuchus had paſſed a Decree againſt Adul-
tery, condemning thoſe who were taken in it, to loſe Both their
Eyes, and his own Son was afterwards found Guilty of this Crime;
though the Whole City interpoſed, -and deſired that the Puniſh-
mene might be Remitted, yet he would by no means conſent there-
to, but loft One Eye himſelf, and took another from his Son,
whereby he choſe rather to be Punctual in the Obſervation of the
Laws, than to ſet his People a Precedent for Diſobedience, and for
bringing the Stricture and Authority of the Laws into Contempt :
For he looked upon what the Law commands, to be of muclı
greater Force and Weight, than the Commands of a Single Prince
or Potentate:
The Two Great Ends propoſed by every Legiſlator in the Palling
and Enacting of Laws, are Firſt, the Eſtabliſhing a Due and Re-
gular Courſe of Juſtice in the State; and Secondly, the Enforcing
and Executing of Juſtice; in the Courſe ſo Settled and Eſtabliſhed
The Firſt of theſe Deſigns is, what the Legiſlator has in View,
when he Enacts ſuch Laws as are Neceſſary to ſee the People right
in their Notions and Practice of Vercue; and the Second is, what
belongs to the Judge and Magiſtrate, who have the Keeping of
theſe Laws, and by the due Execution of chem; reſtrain the Inor-
dinare Luſts, and put a Scop to the Crimes and Ill-Practices of D2-
linquents. It is Ariſtotle's Opinion, That every Judge fiould take
the Laws and Statutes which he is bound to Execute, only from the Le-
gillator : As wel becauſe it is mot likely to find more Prudence
anul
238
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
Judge is a Mediator between Man and Man, that whatever is in
and Wiſdom in him, than in a Multitude of Judges and Magiſ-
trates; as alſo becauſe the Legiſlator looks cntirely to the General
Good, and to the Laſting and Future Happineſs of a State, and is
free from all Perturbations of Mind and Influences of Paſſion,
which a Judge cannot ſo eaſily avoid, who has to do with Preſen
Things and Perſons, brought before him in Judgment, and
who conſequently is moſt liable to be drawn aſide, and miſled by,
his own Appetites and Affections. As it is entirely for the Inter-
eſt of a Government, that Good and Wholſome Laws ſhould be
Made and Kept, ſo is it altogether as Neceſſary, that an End ſhould
be thereby put to all Controverſies and Contentions among Men.
Offences are Unavoidable, and Doubts and Diſputes will ariſe in
Matters of Right, which it is the Proper Buſineſs of a Judge to De-
cide and Determine. In every Commonwealth, there are of ne-
ceſſity certain Judges Commiſſioned and Appointed, for this
very
purpoſe, to put an End to all Strife, and to adminiſter Juſtice to
the People; whoſe Office is of the fame Conſequence to Mankind,
as the Soul is to the Support and Well-being of the Body. Every
Difference or Unequal between the Contending Parties, may by
his Determination be compoſed and reduced to an Equality. When
a Line is cut and divided into Unequal Parts, by taking what is
Over and Above in One Part, and adding it to what is Short and
Deficient in the Other, we preſently reduce the Whole to an Equa-
lity. And this is a Lively Emblem of the Proceedings and Beha-
viour of a Good and Upright Judge, who is the Life and Soul of
the Law, and the Living Oracle of every Society and Common-
wealth. It is the Proper Buſineſs of every ſuch Magiſtrate, to be
the Interpreter of the Will and Mind of the Legiſlator, and the Mi-
niſter of Juſtice, whoſe Firſt and Greateſt Accompliſhment it is,
1o Know and Diſcern what is Truth and Right. The Laws of
Country are his only Guide and Direction, to which he ought
ſtrictly
a
1
CHAP. IV. SENATOR. 239
1
ſtrictly to Conform himſelf, in all his Proceedings, Opinions,
and Sentences : From theſe he ought never to vary in the leaſt Point
whatſoever, and to give Judgment always as the Law directs, or
according to the Well-known Principles of Juſtice and Equicy.
To this every Judge ought to be Solemnly Sworn, that when he is
in Judgment, he may always have God before him, as a Witneſs
to his Proceedings, and ſtand to the Appeal of his own Mind and
Conſcience, That Oracle implanted by God in every Man's Breaſt,
as the" Evidence to, and Controller of all his Actions. Anger and
Paſſion, Hope, Love, and Affection, Hatred, and Malice, and
every the leaſt Shadow and Suſpicion of it, ought to be Baniſhed
far off from every Tribunal and Court of Judicaturc; together
with Bribery and Corruption, Fear and Terror, Adulation and
Flattery, and whatever may Obſtruct or Pervert the Regular Courſe:
of Juſtice. For when a Judge is Weak or Wicked enough, to give
Way to any of theſe Temptations, Juſtice will ſoon take her Leave
of him, and be Baniſhed out of his Mind, as well as our the:
Court in which he Preſides. Moſt certain it is, that no one Or-
der of Subjects whatſoever, has contributed more to the Promoting
of Sedition, Scrife, and Oppreſſion in the Commonwealth, than
a Sett of Judges who are of a Mercenary, Corrupt, and Adulter-
ous Diſpoſition. On the other hand, by a due and regular Courſe
of Juſtice, a Commonwealth is preſerved in Peace and Unity.
Love and Good-will to Mankind, are every where promoted;
Complaints and Grievances, Hatred, and Contention, Animoſi-
ties, Wars, and Tumulus, ceaſe and are no more, and a Como
monwealth is raiſed to that Pitch of Happineſs, that it can never.
want any Good Thing whatſoever ;, and nothing Evil can ever
come near, or approach to hurt it.
This Particular Sort of Juſtice, which is altogether converſand :
in Judicial Matters, is of luch Benefit to the Publick ; that it ne-
ver ſuffers any one Evil whatſoever
. co remain long in a State, with
ji
QUE
240 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
.
out being effectually cured, and utterly rooted out. For when all
Wrongs are Redreſſed, and all Criminals are duly brought to endure
what they have Deſerved, a Stop will be ſoon put to all Fraud and
Violence, Wrong, and Injuſtice, and to all other Rah, Impu-
dent, and Daring Impieries. Among the Statues and Pictures of
the Ancients, Juſtice was repreſented as a Pure, Lovely, and Chaſte
Virgin, but with a Rough, Stern, and Formidable Aſpect, Eyes
Bright and Piercing, and Features full of Modeſty; but at the ſame
time Grave, Rigid, and Severe. The Deſign and Signification of
which Image and Repreſentation was plainly this, That every Judge
ought to be of a Chaſte and Incorrupe Mind, but of a Severe and
Rigid Behaviour in Judgment, in Diſcernment Acute and Sharp-
fighted, Searching out and Prying into every Thing, Grave and
Steady, Conſtant and Inexorable. Chambyſes
, King of Perfia,
condemned an Unjult Judge to be Flay'd alive, and his Skin to be
affixed to his Judgment Sear, that his Succeſſors, by his example,
might learn to behave Faithfully and Uprightly, in the Execution
And here, by the way, the Good Senator ought
to be put in Mind, that He, above all others, ſhould be moſt Tena-
cious of Juſtice, becauſe the Influence of his Example is of ſuch
Wide Extent,
ht, and becauſe he is under a Double Obligation to be
Juſt, as well in the Enacting, as in the Executing of Laws for the
People. It would be Notoriouſly to his Shame and Diſgrace, if
he ſhould refuſe Obedience to the Laws, of which himſelf is the
Maker and Keeper. The ſame Power and Command which he
has over Others, the Law ought to have over Him: Thar Law
which is not only Written, and hung up in Tables of Braſs or of
Wood, but that Living Law, which is Inſcribed on the Heart, and
contains the Dictates of Right Reaſon and Natural Juſtice. Solon
being asked, How a City might preſerve itſelf in Safety and Tranquil-
lity ? Readily anſwered, By Keeping the Magiſtrate in as Strict Obe-
dience to the Laws, as the Subjects were kept in their Obedience to the
Magiſtrates.
CHĀP. IV. .
241
SENATO R.
☺
Magiſtrates. Bias was alſo of Opinion, That every Government is
Safe, in which every Subje&t ftands in as great Awe of the Laws, as
of an Arbitrary Lord or Tyrant. It is Unhappy for a Common-
wealth, when its Laws are like a Spider's Web, in which only che
Poor and Weak are Taken and Entangled, whilſt the Rich and
Powerful break through and Eſcape the Snare. The Good Senator
ought therefore to be particularly Cautious, in guarding againſt all
Incroachments of this Kind, and diligent and indefatigable in the
Scudy and Knowledge of the Laws of his own Country, which
ought to be his Sole Delight, and the Scope and Meaſure of all his
Actions. For nothing tends more to the Completion and Perfec-
tion of the Senatorial Character, than a Full Knowledge of the
Laws, and a Strict and Regular Execution of Juſtice. It does by
no means become him to be too Severe and Cruel, in the Perfor-
mance of his Dury: For according to a Vulgar Obſervation, the
Extremity of Law is the Extremity of all Wrong and Injuſtice :
And in all his Conduct he ought to take Care, that his Fellow-Sub-
jects may regard him rather as a Stern and Rigid Judge, than as a
Barbarous and Mercileſs Executioner. There is a Wholſome Seve-
rity, which (as Cicero ſays) has much the Advantage of an Hypocriti-
cal and Specious Clemency. Cruelty belongs only to Tyrants and Bar-
barians, and a Fouler Vice cannot well be Deviſed or Imagined;
nor any thing invented, more Monſtrous, Odious, and Deteſta-
ble in itſelf, or more Fatal and Pernicious to. Human Society. Let
the Good Senator therefore make it his Particular Scudy and Endea-
vour, to be Mild and Courteous, and not of a Brutiſh and Savage
Temper: And let him not, for fear of this, go over into ano-
ther and worſe Extreme, and expoſe himſelf to Contempt, by
means of a too great Lenity and Indulgence. For there is ſome-
times a Fault in Puniſhing, much Greater than the Puniſhment it-
felf. Among the Romans chere were Eight ſeveral Puniſhments, or
Penalties appointed by the Laws, Loſs of Goods, Bonds, Stripes,
li
Retaliation,
5
242 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
Retaliation, Ignominy, Baniſhment, Servitude, and Death. In the
Aſſigning and Affixing of All
, or any of theſe Puniſhments, we
muſt exactly Conform ourſelves to the Laws, as the Sole Guide
and Meaſure of all our Proceedings : And theſe Laws may be Mo-
derated and Alleviated, but ought not to be Overturned and ſet
Alide : They may be Reſtrained and Softened, but ſhould not
have the Sting taken out of them, which is wholly aimed at the
Avenging of Wrong, and the Suppreſſion of Vice and Wicked-
neſs
. The Laws ought always to be in Charity with Mankind,
and at Enmity only with their Faults and Vices. And this ſhould
always be a Rule of Behaviour, proper and neceſſary to be Ob-
ſerved by Men in Power, that the Greater their Power is, the
Greater ought their Moderation to be, in the Uſe and Exerciſe
of ita
CH A P.
CHAP. V.
243
SENATOR.
G H A P. V.
The C O N T E N T S.
Of the Vertues attending upon Juſtice. Of Piety. Of the Great
Obſtructions to Piety, Hereſy, and Superſtition. Of Goodneſs
.
of Innocence and Integrity. Of Affability, and how it ougha
to be Tempered with Gravity. Of Benignity and its Concomitant
Vertues, Humanity, Condeſcenſion, Lenity, Clemency, and
Moderation. Of Clemency, Mercy, and Pity. The Doctrine
of the Stoicks condemned. Of Liberality, and the Riſe of This
Vertue. How it ought to be Regulated, and the Extent of it. Of
Magnificence, and how it differs from Liberality. . Luxury ought
to be Reſtrained by Legal Penalties. Of Friendſhip and Amity,
and how theſe Affe&tions ought to be formed and Regulated. Of
Hoſpitality. Of Concord.
USTICE has an Influence and Command over all the other
Vertues, and makes Uſe of, and calls them to her Aſliſtance,
in all Affairs neceſſary to the Support and Welfare of Human
Societies. Hence ſhe is uſually called the Queen of all Ver-
tues, and accordingly Retains in her Equipage more Attendants
and Followers, than belong to any other Vertue whatſoever. The
Firſt of theſe is Piety, and the next in Proceſſion are, Goodneſs,
Innocence, Affability, Benignity, Clemency, Amity, and Concord.
Of all which Vertues when a Man is fully Poffeſfed, and is Well-
furniſhed and Adorned therewith, he will then approve himſelf
a Maſter of the moſt Conſummate and Perfect Fuſtice.
By a Strict and Regular Piety, the Good Senator will not only
Preſerve to himſelf the Favour and Good Will of Heaven, but the
Love
li 2
:
244 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
Love and Eſteem of Men. This Vertue will eſtabliſh his Credit,
and oblige thoſe about him, to pay an Uncommon Regard both
to his Word and Example. No Vanity, Folly, or Deceit, will
ever be expected from Him, who is ſo nearly Related to, and ſo
much the Favourite of his Maker, and whoſe whole Conduct is
Squared and Regulated by the Laws and Precepts of Religion.
When Numa Pompilius undertook to ſettle a Religion among the
Romans, the better to eſtabliſh his Credit with the People, in a Shew
of Sanctity, and on the Presence of a Vow, he withdrew himſelf,
together with the Nymph Egeria, his Suppoſed Wife, into a Place
of Retirement, ſacred to the Muſes, and there conferred with the
Gods, and took Directions from them, concerning the Form and
Model of Religion, which was then to be Introduced among the
Romans. What he had before in vain attempted to bring about by
Authority and Intreaties, was now by this Pious Fraud and Pretence
happily Accompliſhed, and the People were Allured and Prevailed
with, to receive That Religion, and Conform to That Way of
Worſhip, which was of Numa's own Invention. Falle and Fictiti-
olis as this Piety was, it had however its wholſome Uſes and Effects;
What then may we not expect from the True, Holy, and Sincere
Piety of the Religious Senator? It is by no means Proper for me,
in this place, to enter into a Particular Detail of Thoſe Rites, Cere-
monies, and Sacred Inſtitutions, which fall immediately under the
Cognizance of the Good Senator, when the Religion of his Coun-
try is to be Eſtabliſhed or Reformed: Becauſe I have already touched
upon this Subject, in what hath been ſaid concerning Divine fuf-
tice; and becauſe I take it for granted, that every Subject in a Chrif-
tian Commonwealth, is already ſufficiently Inſtructed in the Princi-
ples and Precepts of True Religion. There are Two Extremes,
which the Pious Senator muſt have a Care of falling into, One of
which is Herefy, and the Ocher is Superſtition. For theſe Iniqui-
ties diſturb and infatuate the Minds of Men, and are at utter Va-
riance with True and Unfeigned Piety. By the way we muſt
Remember,
porno
CHAP. V. SE NATO R.
245
Remember, that Piety lays us under an Indiſpenſable Obligation of
Love and Obedience to our Natural Parents, to whom we are by
Nature Indebted, and owe them all imaginable Returns of Duty
and Affections, Good-Will and Reverence. When they are grown
Old, or are Sick and Infirm, we are bound at our own Expence,
or by our own Labour and Induſtry, to Support and Maintain
them; to Aſlift and Defend them in all Dangers and Adverſities,
and to Help and Succour them, whenever they ſtand in need of
our Aid or Protection.
Goodneſs is alſo a Neceſſary Part and Ornament of the Senatorial
Character: And Goodneſs is not to be Attained, but by a General
and Uniform Practice, and Diſplay of all the Vercues, in our Lives
and Actions. The Senator will then approve himſelf
, as a Truly
Juſt and Good Man, when he hath raiſed his Mind to ſo Perfect and
Sublime a State, as not only to Forbear the doing of any thing
that is Evil, but to Forbear it in ſuch a Manner, as if it were
really out of his Power, and perfectly Unnatural to him. Of
ſuch a Man it ought to be ſaid, as was ſaid by certain Rufticks,
or Vulgar Fellows, who (as we read in Cicero) when they had a
Mind to Extoll a Particular Patriot, much Eſteemed among them
for his Goodneſs, were pleaſed to Deſcribe him as ſo very Bright a
Creature, That his Goodneſs was diſcernable at Midnight. Let then
the Good Senator, through the Whole Courſe and Conduct of his
Life, always make Choice of Vertue for his Guide ; becauſe in fol-
lowing her, he will never Slip or Tread awry, or Deviate one Step
from the Glorious and Shining Track, which Juſtice and Probity
have marked out for him.
Innocence, or Intregrity of Life and Manners, is another Ver-
tue, than which nothing more effectually contributes to the Per-
fecting of the Senatorial Character and Renown. By this he will
rid his Mind of all Malice and ill-Will, will learn never to be an
Enemy to any Man, and never to Fear any Man who is an Ene-
my to him; will lead a Quiet and Happy Life, free from all Ter-
TOK,
246 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
ror, Jealouſy, and Suſpicion, and all Dread and Apprehenſion, ,
either of Fraud or Violence; whilſt Sincerity, Purity, Veracity,
Candour, and Generoſicy, will Blaze and Shine out, as the Graces
and Ornaments of all his Words and Actions. The Senatorial In-
nocence ought to take its Riſe and Foundation from a Principle of
doing all the Good he can, and of doing no Wrong, and giving
no Offence to others. This Vertue joins Simplicity to Prudence,
and admits of no Hypocriſy, Diflimulation, or Deceit, and no
Fiction, Diſguiſe, or Falſe Colouring whatſoever. It excludes
from the Senate all Sycophants, Hypocrites, Diſſemblers, Lyers,
Informers, and Promoters of Scandal and Detraction. It makes
a Man Free and Open in all his Actions, and ſets him above the
.Low, Servile, and Mean Practices of Flattering and Diſſembling.
There is no Moderation, either in Innocence, or in Diſſembling.
He only is Innocent, who Abſtains from every Thought and Ap-
pearance of Wrong; and he is certainly a Diſſembler, who will al-
low himſelf in that Vice, on any the leaſt Occaſion, or in any
Trifling Affair whatſoever. Over the Entrance to the Temple of
Ceres Eleuſina, was this Inſcription ; Let no one Enter here, who is
not Conſcious of his own Innocence. For none but the Innocent were
to be admitted into that Sacred Place. The Senate-Houſe is in like
manner Sacred, and is, at it were, the Temple of Truth and Juſtice;
which none ſhould Approach, but ſuch as are of a Clear and Up-
right Character, Blameleſs and Unſpotted in their Lives. Let the
Mind of all who ſit therein be Open and Free of Acceſs, Clear and
Tranſparent, that the Purity and Sincerity of the Heart may be ſeen
to the Bottom, and not appear Dark, Muddy, and Obſcure; or
Winding, Intricate, and Deceitful. Let not the Senator's Mouth
utter more or leſs than what is in his Heart : Let his Tongue be the
Interpreter of his Mind: Ler his Looks, Geſtures, and Features,
give out the Signal
, and exhibit the Marks of his Inward Native
Sincerity; and let them not be Strained and Diſtorted, or Armed
wich
1
CHAP.
V.
SENATOR.
247
with an Artificial Diſguiſe, on purpoſe to Deceive or Impoſe upon
Others. Such little mean Tricks and Artifices are fit only to be
practiſed by Mimes and Strollers, in a Farce or Interlude, or are the
Low Ordinary Attainments of Rude Savages and Barbarians, who
know not what Goodneſs is, who are a Scandal to the Shape, as
well as to the Dignity and Offices of Human Nature, and have
conſequently a very Slender, if any Title, to chat General Truſt
and Confidence, which we are all obliged to repoſe in one another.
To theſe Vices the Good Senator muſt always be an Entire Stranger,
and whilſt he keeps himſelf free from them, he muſt alſo be care-
ful to preſerve others from falling into them; and treat thoſe who
are guilty of them, with the Utmoſt Diſregard and Contempr
.
Neither in Publick, nor in Private, muſt he ever join himſelf to,
or take Part with thoſe Men, who are of a Light, Vain, and Un-
ſteady Temper, and muſt remain as great a Stranger to their Con-
verſation, as he is to their Faults and Follies.
The next Vertue neceſſary to the Accompliſhment of the Sena-
torial Character, is Affability, or a Sweet and Courteous Way of
Speaking to, and Behaving towards all thoſe, who are of an Ap-
proved and Eſtabliſhed Reputation, and are at Peace and in good
Eſteem with their Fellow-Subjects. The Accompliſh'd Senator will
approve himſelf to all Such, as a Man Free and Unreſerved in
Converſation, always ready to Hear and give Attention to others,
ealy of Acceſs, and having his Doors and his Ears open to the Ap-
proaches of his Fellow-Subjects, and to all their Addreſſes and
Complaints. He will be Careful to avoid all thoſe Ways of Speak-
ing, Motions, and Geltures, which favour of too much Petulancy
and Severity, or of Levity and Scurrility, however. Diſguiled and
Recommended, under the Specious Titles of Faceciouſnefs and
Pleaſantry. Mirth and Humour, Jeft and Banter, are luch En-
tertainments as a Senator ought never to Make, or to be very Spa-
ring and Frugal in beſtowing them. It is not the Senator's Buſi-
neſs
248
The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
neſs to ſhew his Wit, but his Wiſdom; not to provoke Laughter by
his Diſcourſe, but by Grave and Serious Reaſoning to Inſtruct and
Reform. Affability and Gravity ought always to meet together
in the Senatorial Character ; not a Haughty Swelling and Inſolent
Gravity, but ſuch as is Tempered with Modeſty, Gentleneſs, and
Good-Will to Mankind.
How neceſſary a Vertue Benignity is, and how much it contri-
butes to a Juſt and Upright Life, Heaven itſelf has ſet us an Ex-
ample. For to the Benignity and Good-Will of our Maker it is
entirely owing, that we are Juſt in our Actions, and Happy in
our Lives. And as he is Benign and Gracious to us, ſo ought we
to be to one another.
For according to a Well-known and very
Juſt Obſervation, It is the Duty of every Man, to be as a God to his
Fellow-Creatures. Under Benignity are to be Ranged the Private
Vertues of Humanity, Condeſcenſion, Lenity, and Gentleneſs, in our
way of Addreſſing and Behaving to others; and the Two Publick
Vertues of Clemency, and Moderation, in the Exerciſe and Execution
of Juſtice. Let the Good Senator, therefore, diſplay his Benignity
among his Brethren, and in all the Parts and Offices of Social Life,
by being Humane, and of a Sweet and Courteous Behaviour, and
by avoiding That Harſh, Sower, and Cynical Diſpoſition, which
can only become a Timon, a Miſanthrope, or Man-hater; and let
his Humanity have that good Effect upon him, that he
by Shew his Love to thoſe about him, and be always ready to Af-
fiſt and to do Good to his Fellow-Subjects. For as Piety and Re-
ligious Worſhip are what we owe to God, fo Love and Good-Will
are what Mankind may with Juſtice demand at our hands.
Clemency is a Vertue, the Obſervation of which properly be-
longs to Thoſe, who are Entruſted with the Magiſtracy, whereby,
in the Puniſhing of Offenders, they are Occaſionally induced to ſhew
Mercy and Compaſſion. Oppoſite to theſe are, Rigour and Cru,
clty, together with that Blood-thirſty Temper and Savage Delight,
which
may chere-
GHAP. V. SENATOR.
249
-
which ſome Men take in Torturing and Afflicting their Fellow-
Creatures, and which are Familiar to Tyrants and Oppreſſors,
who have no Fellow-feeling or Senſe of Humanity: Draco was
one of theſe Savages, who puniſhed Idleneſs, as well as Parricide,
with Death; and being asked, Why he Inflicted the ſame Puniſhment
both upon Great and Leſſer Crimes? very readily anſwered, That
Thoſe Little Crimes deſérved Death; and for the Greater, he knew
not how to Invent an Adequate and Sufficient Puniſhment. The Say-
ing of Scipio was much Milder, and more Agreeable to Humanity;
who publickly declared, That he had rather Save One Citizen, than
Deſtroy a Thouſand Enemies. Clemency is of all other Vertues, the
Greateſt Ornament of Human Nature: And this Vertue (as I have
already obſerved) ought particularly to fine forth in the Conduct
and Character of a Good Magiſtrate. For Power, when Annexed
to it, is ſo much the more Wholſome and S.lutary; it being againſt
Nature, and only Juſtifiable by Neceſſity, that á Man ſhould have
Authority to Indičt Pains and Penalties upon his Fellow-Creature:
And it is as great a Diſgrace to the Magiſtrate to have many Execu-
tions, as it is to a Phyſician to have many Funerals. The Lenity
of the Governor makes the Subject Moderate, and Cautious of Of-
fending But then Clemency and a Placable Diſpoſition ought
to be under Proper Reſtraints. The Commonwealth muſt not be
neglected, nor Severity with-held in the Proper Place, without
which, no Government can be of any Long Duration, nor any
Adminiſtration Laſting and Well-Eſtabliſhed. Mercy and Picy
are neareſt and moſt cloſely adjoining to Clemency, and theſe are
nothing elſe but the Pain and Uneaſineſs, which we find in our-
ſelves, at the Sight or Apprehenſion of what others Suffer and En-
dure. The Stoicks were of Opinion, that no Senſation of this
Kind could poſſibly reach or affečt a Wiſe Man, and looked upon
it as a Mark and Indication of a Low and Pufillanimous Spirit,
that was eaſily caſt down at the Shadow and Appearance only of
Kk
what
}
250 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
what Strangers ſuffered. They conſidered this Vertue, as Com-
mon and Familiar to the Worlt of Men, and as the Uſual Pro-
perty of Weak Women, who will Spare no Tears and Com-
plaints, in order to deliver the Worſt of Criminals from Iinpriſon-
ment or Death. Mercy, as They ſay, has a Regard only to the
Perſon and his Preſent Condition, and not to the Cauſe of his
Sufferings. Whence it is, that they allow of Clemency, as a Ratio-
nal Principle, but condemn Mercy and Pity, as Defects, rather
than Vertues. With their Controverſies and Diſputations we ſhall
by no means Intermeddle, but ſhall give it as our Opinion in
ge-
neral, that Mercy and Clemency, when Exerciſed upon Proper Sub-
jects and Occaſions, are True and Real Ornaments of the Senato-
rial Character.
Human Society receives a good deal of Advantage and Support,
not only from thoſe Good Actions, which naturally Reſult from a
Juſt, Sincere, and Merciful Diſpoſition, but from thoſe Good
Things, with which Fortune ſupplies us; among which are to be
reckoned Money, Wealth, and Riches, whereby either in Giving
or Receiving, we contribure to the Support, Maintenance, and
Comfort of our Own, or of the Lives of Others. Whatever Na-
ture has produced for the Uſe and Advantage of Mankind, was
really intended to be in Common, but not ſo, as that no Man
ſhould have any Property therein, but ſhould by Dividing, Par-
celling, and Giving it out to Others, make it to be as much in
Common, as the Nature of Things would allow of; whence fol-
lows a Neceſſity of Combining and Agreeing together; becauſe we
really ſtand in Need of, and have Occaſion for one another. From
this State of Affairs, the Vertue of Liberality takes its Riſe; by which
we are Directed, How, and When, and What of our own we are
ro Diſpoſe of to thoſe about uş. Liberality is ſo called, becauſe it
really becomes a Free and Liberal Man, and requires a Free and Liberal
Heart, in the Performance and Exerciſe of this Vertue. But then,
ſince
-
!
CHAP. V
SEN ATO R.
251
ſince there are many Degrees of Relation and Affinity in a Common-
wealth, and ſome of theſe are Preferable to the reſt; we can never per-
form this Dury aright, unleſs we firſt take Care to be moſt Liberal
and Munificent towards Thoſe, who are neareſt to us in Relation and
Affinity. Upon this Occaſion we ought always to Conform to the
Order of Nature, to preferr our Parents and Children to all others,
our Kinſmen to thoſe no ways allied to us, our Domeſticks to
Strangers, and our Countrymen to Foreigners. Neither can we
be Punctual in our Obſervations of the Due Courſe and Regular
Proceedings of Liberality, unleſs we take Care not to give more
than our own Faculties and Circumſtances will allow of, and not
to give leſs than is conſiſtent with our own Station and Abilities,
and with That Humanity and Courteſy which are due to our Neigh-
bour. They who never Scint their own Munificence and Genero-
ſity, are really Prodigals; and they who give nothing at all, are
Covetous and Uncharitable Miſers. Whoever would avoid theſe
two Extremes, (and who is there, that would not avoid them?)
let him firſt conſider with himſelf, What, and to Whom he gives,
How and in What Manner, at What Time, and in What Place :
For to give to him, who does not Want it, or to give a Little,
where More is Wanting, is really an Act of Injuſtice; for which
there can be no Manner of Preténce, but the Outſide Shew and
Glory of Munificence. Every Man ought to be acquainted with
the Real Value and Uſes of what he beſtows upon Another. We
muſt not give a Shield to a Prieſt, a Library to a Soldier, or a
Robe to a Ruſtick. Whatever we beſtow upon Others, muſt be
of ſuch Things, as are in the Firſt place Neceſſary, in the Second
place Profitable and Advantageous, and in the Third place Plea-
fant and Durable. The Chief Reaſon for our Liberality, ought
to be the Honeſty and Good Character of the Perſons, upon
whom it is Beſtowed; left the Fruits of our Liberalicy are Éx.
pended by Ill Perfons, and upon Ill Deſigns. For, as Ennius, quoted
Kk 2
by
252 The Accompliſh'd
Воок ІІ. .
by Cicero, very well obſerves, All Benefa&tions, when Ill-timed or
Miſ-placed, are really Criminal, and a Prejudice and Detriment to the
Publick. He who only Rewards the Meritorious, is his own, and
not Another's Benefactor. There are ſome Men, who are raſhly
and intenperately Liberal, and who have no other Inducement to
this Verrue, but a certain Natural Force and Impulſe, which is not
to be reſiſted.
The Benefactions beſtowed by ſuch Men, do by
no means deſerve Thanks, becauſe they are not diſpoſed of, or be-
ſtowed, by Judgment and Deliberation ; neither is there any Re-
gard had therein, to the Publick Advantage or Convenience; and
ſuch Donations are very often made to the Vain, Fooliſh, and
Undeſerving. Theſe Miſtakes the Good Senator ought always to
avoid, and to be very Careful, in what Manner he Exerciſes his
Liberality. For there is no Vertuc that contributes more effectu-
ally to the Eſtabliſhing of Benevolence and Good-Will among
Men; by which we Shew ourſelves to be Uſeful and Aſſiſtant to
Ochers, and give them Proofs of the Juſtice, Munificence, and
Sincerity, of our own Hearts. Liberality is nothing leſs than an
Imitation of the Divine Being. And as God is Good and Liberal
to us, ſo ought we to be to our Brethren. But then we muſt take
Care, that what we lay out in Acts of Liberality, be not a Part of
the Spoils and Plunder, which we have Heaped together, by Ra-
pine and Oppreſſion. Liberality, at the Expence of other Men,
can be no Vertue in us, and is really no better than downright In-
juſtice. What we Give, ought to be of our own Acquiring, by
Fair and Honeſt Means, or by the Help and Aſiſtance of Others;
And we muſt give to thoſe, who in all Probability are like to be
made Better by our Liberality, and either in their Civil or Military
Capacity, have been ſome way or other Uſeful and Serviceable to
their Country. Liberality is chiefly Exerciſed in Relieving the Poor
and Needy, in Paying Money for our Friends and Acquaintance;
where they ſtand Engaged, or Indebted to Others; in Placing out
and
n
CHAP. V. SENATO R.
253
to,
and Providing for their Children; in Redeeming thoſe
, who are
taken by Pyrates and Robbers, from Captivity and Slavery ; in
Aſſiſting and Helping our Neighbours to Improve and Increaſe
their Fortunes; and in other Acts of Charity and Generofity, too
Many to be eaſily Enumerated. Of all the Miſtakes commonly
made by Men of a Liberal Diſpoſition, the moſt Fatal and Perni-
cious, are Thoſe that proceed from Ignorance, or from our not
being able to know, How to Beſtow, or How to Receive a Bene-
fit. We muſt make Choice of Proper Perſons, and Objects for
our Liberality, and conſider well their Behaviour and Character,
what Station of Life they are in, and how they Stand Related
or Affected towards us : For without being Juſt, it is Impoſſible
for us to be Liberal. Neither does Liberality conſiſt altogether in
Parting with our Money: For to ſome we may be Uſeful in their
Particular Buſineſs, and Occupation, to others by our Credit, to
ſome by our Favour, to others by our Counſel and Advice, to
ſome by our Protection and Patronage, and to others by our Me-
diation and Interpoſition; and by many other ſuch-like Ways of
aſſiſting and doing Good to thoſe about us. All which Acts of
Munificence, are by much the moſt Splendid and Honourable, and
Beſt befitting the Senatorial Character and Dignity: Becauſe they
are not supplied by the Purſe, but by a Fund of Vertue, which
is not to be Exhauſted. Among the many Vertues that Shone
out in the Character of Scipio Africanus, this was moſt Remark-
able, That whenever he went abroad, he would not return home,
till by his Liberality and Generoſity, he had added One to the Num-
ber of his friends. "Titus, the Son of Veſpaſian, would often tell
thoſe about him, That he had Loſt a Day; whenever a Day paſſed,
in which he had done no Good to Others. It is alſo the Liberal
Man’s Duty, to make a Return of whatever Benefits himſelf Re-
ceives; a Return not only in Kind, but with ample Intereſt and
Advantage. The Two Great Rules to be obſerved in Giving and
Receiving
ha
.
254
The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
Receiving, are theſe, That he who beſtows a Benefit, ought preſent-
ly to Forget it, and he who receives One, ought always to Re-
member it. To put another in mind of the Good we have done
him, is no better than an Exprobration; and on the other hand,
Ingratitude is a Vice juſtly Deteſtable and Odious, in the Sight both
of God and Man. We muſt alſo be Careful to avoid all Grudg-
ing, Sowrneſs, and Churliſhneſs, in the Way and Manner of Do-
ing Good to Others; that we may not ſeem to do it by Compul-
ſion and Unwillingly, or with Pain and Grief to ourfelves. We
muſt give Freely, Chearfully, and Voluntarily : For whatever we
beſtow cither in Money, or other Things of Value, is not pro-
perly Speaking a Real Benefit, but is rather a Mark, Proof, and
Token, of a Beneficent and Generous Spirit. What a Man gives,
is not ſo much to be Regarded, as the Willing. Mind with which
he gives it; and all Benefits are to be Weighed and Meaſured, by
the Intention and Good Will of the Benefactor. Whence a Cer-
tain Perſon, who had received a Benefit at the Hands of an Unwil-
ling and Churliſh Miſer, was pleaſed to call it, A Morfel of Bread
made of a Stone.
The next Vertue to Liberality, is Magnificence; which is chiefly
ſeen in a Splendid way of Living, and in Publick Largeſſes, and
Donations. Magnificence differs no otherwiſe from Liberality,
than as Liberality is altogether Converſant about Things and Per-
fons of Leſſer Note, whilft Magnificence is wholly employed about
Men and Matters of much greater Figure and Conſequence. The
Magnificence of the Ancients appeared in their Generous Doles and
Largeſes to the People, in Building of Temples, and in Furniſh-
ing and Adorning them, for the Honour of their Deities ; in
Erecting Cities, Towns, and Villages, and in ſuch other Works
and Edifices, as were either for the Honour of Religion, or for
the Uſe and Service of the Publick. Buc then in the Exerciſe of
Liberality and Magnificence, there is a Decorum to be obſerved, and a
Conſideration
.
CHAP. V
SENATOR 255
Conſideration ought to be had of Perſons, and Things, Times,
and Places ; before the Limits of this Vertue can be rightly Sectled
and Adjuſted. There is no greater Folly, than for Men to make
a Shew of Grandeur and Magnificence, without Judgment and Suf-
ficient Abilities, to bear them out in it. 'Tis a Vulgar, but a
very Juſt Obſervation, That our Expences ought never to Exceed our
Income : And though Parſimony is ſaid to be a very Valuable Mer-
chandize and Commodicy, yet we may eaſily come to be too Spa-
ring and Penurious, and by Degrees to be Coverous, Sordid, and
Miſerable, or to be Indolent and Careleſs, both of our own, and
the Intereſt of our Neighbours. We muſt not Brood over our
Wealth, or be Over-ſolicitous in filling our Bags, and accumu-
lating Treaſure to ourſelves, only for the Sake of Gratifying a Lu-
xurious Heir, with That, which might be of Service to our Pa-
rents, our Friends, and our Country. Avarice is an Incurable
Diſtemper, that ( as Saluſt obſerves ) Weakens and Enervates both
Soul and Body: And every Miſer is Intent only upon Two Things
The Keeping of what he has Gotten, and the Getting of all that he
Can.
There is a Moderate, as well as a Profuſe Way of Dif-
poſing of our Money. For the Uſe and Service of Good Meng!
or for Honeſt and Laudable purpoſes, we may be Free and even
Laviſh of it; and we really ought to Keep and Hoard it up, only
for the Sake of our Friends, and in ſome Caſes (as the Vulgar Ex-
preſſion is) for our Phyſician and our Enemy; but above all, for
the Uſe of our Country, whoſe Neceſſities ought to be regarded, be-
fore thoſe of any Private Confideration whatſoever. They, who are
fooliſhly Profule of their Wealth, and Expend it altogether in Luxu-
ry and Gluttony, in Sports and Pleaſures, and ſuch Delights as are
Short-lived and Tranſitory, the Reliſh of which ſeldom or ever out-
lives a Day, deferve no better Character, than that of being Vora-
cious Devourers and Conſumers, not only of what is their Own,
but of what might ferve to the Uſes and Advantage of the Publick..
Such
1
om
256
The Accompliſbd
Book II.
Such Light, Vain, and Unthinking Creatures, are as Prodigal and
Profuſe of their Credit, Reputation, and Honour, as they are of
their Money: And it would be well, if the State would lay them
under a Reltraint, and by a Publick Law, prevent the Abuſes and
Miſapplication of Private Property, and the Conſumption of it,
in a Way perfectly Vile and Infamous. Among the Romans, there
was a Law, that no Senator ſhould run in Debt above ſuch a Sum.
P. Rufinus was expelled the Senate by the Cenfors, for Keeping too
much Money by him : And on the other hand, Æmilius Lepidus
underwent the ſame Fate, for being too Prodigal and Expenſive in
his Way of Living. Let the Good Senator therefore manage his Af-
fairs in ſuch a Manner, as that he may have enough to beſtow in
Acts of Magnificence and Liberality towards Good Men ; and let him
be ready, not only with his Money, but by his Credit, Counſel,
Advice, and other ſuch-like Ways and Means of Expreſſing his Be-
nevolence, to Succour, Relieve, and Alliſt his Brethren and Fel-
low-Subjects: For theſe Two Vertues of Magnificence and Liberality,
ſerve to Sweeten and Reconcile the Minds of Men, and to promote
Amity and Concord in the World, which are the very Bonds of
Unity, and the Cement that holds together all Commonwealths
and Societies whatſoever.
Nature hath ſo Ordered and Directed the Courſe of Human Af-
fairs, that there is no living without Amity and Friendſhip, in the
midſt of all the Afuence that is Neceſſary and Commodious for
our Subſiſtence and Well-being. Man is naturally a Civil and So-
ciable Creature, that can, on no account whatſoever, ſubmitt to be
Deprived of the Comforts and Conveniences of Converſation and
Commerce, with thoſe of the ſame Species. Hence ariſe thoſe Na-
tural Friendſhips, which are Founded in Marriage, Conſanguinity,
and Relation : For Nature is a Friend and Lover of Mankind, and
Collects and Knits them together, by the Ties and Bonds, not only
of Good-Will and Benevolence, but of Blood too. We plainly
ſee,
2
-
CHAP. V. SENATOR. 257
fee, that the Chief Care of all Legiſlators and Founders of Con-
monwealths, in marking out Laws and Statutes for the Uſe and
Government of the People, is, That they may be thereby Knit
and United together in Love and Friendſhip. For when the Laws of
Friendſhip are duly obſerved, it is impoſſible that Malice and Ha-
tred, Contention and Sedition, can have Strength and Vigour
enough, to throw out their Poiſon, and do Miſchief in the World;
whill Concord, Peace, and Tranquillity, are in Full Force and
Power, and effectually Contribute to the Publick Happineſs. The
Sun is not more Neceſſary to the Chearing and Enlivening of the
World, than Friendſhip is to the making the ſeveral States and
Kingdoms of it truly Happy and Proſperous. Every Govern-
ment muſt certainly know, that This is its Firſt and Greateſt
Good, and where This Prevails, all Diſcord and Diſſenſion muſt
immediately Vaniſh. By the Strength and Attraction of this Ami .
able Principle, whole Multitudes of Subjects and Citizens will be
drawn together, as a Nation and Body of Lovers, and ( as Pytha-
goras (peaks) Will be made One. For ſuch is the Power of Friend-
fhip, that it brings Infinite Numbers of the ſame Species, to be of
One Soul and of One Mind. Whence Lælius defines Friendſhip to
be, An Agreement made by Love and Benevolence, in all things both
Human and Divine. Now there are many Sorts and Degrees of
Friendſhip; among which may be reckoned the ſeveral Friendſhips
made by the ſeveral Nearneſſes of Blood, Relation, and Affinity :
But Civil or Political Friendſhip, which is an Agreement or Contract
between Strangers, founded altogether in Vercue, is not ſo eaſy to
be Traced and Deſcribed. For there is a Great Variety in the Tem-
pers
and Diſpoſitions of Mankind, which hinders even Good Men
from coming too haſtily and rafhly into a Contract of this Kind;
and nothing but Time and Cuſtom can make it Binding and Dura-
ble. The Minds of Men are often Changed, upon every Turn
and Alteration in their Circumſtances, and by the ſudden Approa-
·
ches
LI
258
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
.
ches either of Good or Bad Fortune, or by the Differences of Age,
or by the Acquiſition of New Honours or Offices, or by ſuch Dil-
putes as may occaſionally ariſe, on Account of Private Injuries
and Worldly Intereſts. All theſe things ferve to Obſtruct or Inter-
rupt a Courſe of Friendſhip. On the other hand, we muſt not be
too Forward in ruſhing into a Friendſhip at once, with every one
we meet, or who inakes us an Offer and Tender of his Affection;
but as the Vulgar Saying is,. We muſt eat a Meafure of Salt together,
before our Love can be Settled. We muſt look well to the Honeft
Character and Good-Diſpoſition of a Man, before we make him
our Friend, and be fully aſſured of his Fidelity and Good-Will
towards us.
Philofophy is the Beſt Foundation and Cement of
Friendſhip. For Similitude of Thoughts and Manners is the Firſt
Principle of Love and Unity: And the ſame Studies naturally pro-
duce the ſame Will and Deſires in Mankind. Hence aroſe that
remarkable Friendſhip, which was between Theſeus and Perithous,
Achilles and Patroclus, Pylades and Oreſtes, Damon and Pythias.
And ſo great was the Love and Affection between theſe Two laſt-
mentioned Friends, that Dionyſius deſired to make himſelf a Third
Party, in the League and Contract that was between them. The
Mutual Improvement of Vertue, is what ought chiefly to be re-
garded among Friends; and we ſhould be ſo far from making a
Friendſhip with Perſons of a Vicious and Profligate Character,
that the very Sight of all ſuch ought to be Offenſive to us. Friends
fhould always be Few in Number : For there is no Contracting a
Strict and Intimate Friendſhip with a Multitude. We may have
many Familiars, but theſe are rather our Companions and Parta-
kers with us in the Common Offices of Kindneſs and Affability,
than (properly and ſtrictly ſpeaking) our Friends.
We ought to
behave with Civility and Courteſy to All our Acquaintance, but a
Friend is fomething more than an Acquaintance, and is choſen by
us, as the Conſtant and Inſeparable Companion of our Life. Epami-
nondas
-
-
CHAP. V. SENATOR.
259
nondas would often ſay, That he never came from the Forum, with-
out making ſome one Man his Friend: But then this is to be under-
ſtood, rather of a General Good-Liking and Acquaintance, than
of a Particular Intimacy and Friendſhip. In the Courſe and Pro-
greſs of Friendſhip, we muſt be ſure never to do any thing for our
Friend, which is not ſtrictly Juſt and Honeſt : For Honeſty ought
always to have the Advantage over Perſonal Love and Affection.
The Three Great Benefits of Friendfip are, the Increaſe of Vertue,
the Laws of which ought always to be kept Sacred and Inviolable;
the Improvement of our Pleaſures, which are Heightened by the
Sweet and Delectable Intercourſes of Intimacy and Familiarity;
and the Security and Enlargement of our Worldly Intereſt and Ad-
vantage, which are often Increaſed and Redoubled upon us, by
the Aſſiſtance and Good Offices of a Friend. When Pericles was
deſired by his particular Friend, to join with him in giving Falſe
Evidence againſt an Adverſary, the Good Man readily anſwered,
That he was his Friend, no farther than was Conſiſtent with his Honour
and Religious Obligations ; thereby intimating, that no Friendſhip
ought to bind us in Oppoſition to the Rules of Juſtice and Equity,
and the Duty we owe to the Supreme Being. We ought rather to
Reſcue and Divert our Friend from any Evil Purpoſe or Deſign,
than to Aid and Aſſiſt him in the Execution of it. Diſputes and
Contentions will ſometimes ariſe among Friends; but when Boch
Parties are not alike ready and mutually agreed to do each other
Service, or when one inſiſts upon more than the Ocher is able to
perform, all Friendſhip will ſoon be broke off between them. Of
every thing like this, we ought to be very Careful, and nothing
ought to be required of us in Friendſhip, which it is not in our
Power to comply with. On this Occaſion the ſame Rule is to be
obſerved, by which we are directed, How and in What Manner
we are to Honour our Maker, our Parents, and our Preceptors.
It is certain, we can never pay them Honour enough, or be too
Ll 2
Grateful
260 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
-
Grateful in our Recurits for the Benefits they have conferred on
us : But whoever is willing to be Grateful to them, and does all
he can to expreſs his Gratitude accordingly, hath thereby fulfilled
the Obligations he is under, and his Honeſty and Piety are no lon-
ger to be queſtioned. Laſtly, we muſt be careful not to make a
Friendſhip with the Weak and Fooliſh. For all Familiarity with
ſuch Men will ſoon bring us into Contempt. Theſe are the Rules
which the Good Senator ought to obſerve, in all Contracts and
Leagues of Friendſhip, and in the Common Intercourſes and Af-
fairs of Life. He may poſſibly collect together many other Di-
rections to the ſame purpoſe; but in general, he muſt Behave ſo in
all his Friendſhips, as never to depart from the Laws and Precepts
of Strict Juſtice; and muſt take Care, that his Country. may al-
ways have the Largeſt Share in his Affections, as a Pledge and Se-
curity for the Publick Safety and Happineſs. There cannot be a
more Agreeable Spectacle, or Pleaſant Proſpect in a State, than to
ſee the Governors thereof united to each other in Love and Affec-
tion, and treating one another as Equals, Companions, and Friends.
What Peace, Agreement, and Concord, can we hope to find
among the People, when their Leaders are at Variance, and always
Diſſenting and Contending among themſelves ? Though there was
a Conſtant and Well-Known Enmity between Ariſtides and Themi-
ſtocles, yet when thoſe two Great Men were ſent abroad upon an
Embaſſy or Command, the Moment they approached the Athenian
Territories, they preſently forgot their Former Animoſities, and
laid them wholly afide, never to be Reaſſumed or Rekindled, till
after they Returned home, and a freſh Occaſion offered itſelf for
Renewing the Quarrel. Men of a Generous and Noble Diſpoſi-
tion will eaſily bring themſelves, not only to Forget an Injury, but
to Contemn and Deſpiſe it ; and whenever they do this, for the Sake
of their Country, their Name and Character for Juſtice and Good-
neſs, is ſo much the more Glorious, and Remarkable. Not to be
able
..
CHAP. V.
SENATOR 261
able to lay aſide our Hatred and Animoſity, and to involve even
our Friend in our own Private Quarrels, is a Sure Mark of a Rul-
tical, Brutiſh, Savage, and Inhuman Diſpoſition. Friendthip
ought to be Perpetual, but Enmity Mortal and Short-lived. To
Friendſhip we muſt alſo add Hoſpitality, by which we are obliged to
Receįve, and Entertain, and to Treat in a Kind and Benign Man-
ner, not only our Friends and Acquaintance, but even Strangers
and Foreigners: By which means we ſhall be ſure to Acquire not
only Credit and Reputation, but Honour and Dignity. The Laws
of Hoſpitality were ſo very Sacred among the Romans, that they
would never break them, even with their Enemies, nor lift up a
Hand that had been once joined in Hoſpitality to another, either to
Strike or Offend a Gueſt, till the League was broken off between
them. Let the Good Senator therefore take Care, not only to pre-
ſerve the Friendſhips of his own Making, with Truth and Sincerity,
but to preſerve and confirm Thoſe Friendſhips, which are Made
and Contracted between other Men. Friendſhip is of great
the Publick, and alcogether as Beneficial, as perhaps even Juſtice
itſelf
. Plato, who was of Opinion, That no other Vertue what-
ſoever contributed more effectually to the Publick Happineſs, has
therefore, in the Inſtitution and Plan of his Republick, reduced ał
the Laws and Cuſtoms thereof to this one Single Principle of
Friendſhip, and has laid down a Scheme of holding all things in
Common, as a Means to keep Men together in Society, and make
them Hearty and Vigorous in the Defence of it; Exploding and
Baniſhing out of the State thoſe Two Litigious Words, Meum
and Tuum, as being the Cauſes and Occaſion of all Diſſenſions and
Changes in a Government.
Next after Friendſhip follows Concord, which in other Words is
nothing elſe but Friendſhip Civilized, or Publick and Political Amity.
Now Concord conſiſts in a General Agreement and Combination of
all the Orders of Men in a Scare, for the Defence of the Laws and
Liberties
Uſe to
G
262 The Accompliſt'd
BOOK II.
Liberties of their Country, and of the Juſtice, Publick Faith, Reli-
gion, and Tranquillity of the Government. Concord gives a Na-
tion the only Sure Hopes of Security and Self-Preſervation; and
by this the People are obliged to be of One Mind, at all Times,
and upon all Occaſions, and firmly to Unite together, as well in
Council as in Strength, for their own Welfare and Safety. This
therefore the Good Senátor ought always to Promote and Encourage:
For Diſcord is Poiſon to a State; whereas, if the People are Uni-
ted and cloſely Linked together, no Attempts made, by a Tyrant,
Tetrarch, or Imperious Lord, can ever prevail to Break and Subdue
them. Concord is much better than any Muniment or Fortifica-
tion. Whence it was, that the Roman Senate was always held in
the Temple of Concord, thereby intimating, That a Senator ought
never to encourage Diſcord, Sedition, and Turbulency, but in
every thing to promote Peace and Unity among his Fellow-Sub-
jects. Ageſilaus, King of the Lacedæmonians, being asked, Why
Sparta was not, like other Cities, ſurrounded with Walls? bid thoſe
who asked him, look to the Citizens of Sparta, and to the State
of Unity and Concord, in which they lived; and then told them,
That Theſe were the Walls of Sparta. When Silurus of Scythia
his Death-bed, he called his Eighty Sons about him, and
gave
them a Bundle of Arrows to break ; which when they looked
upon as an Impracticable Task, he took out each Arrow, and
broke it by itſelf; thereby inſtructing his Children, that if they
Agreed together, they would be truly Happy and Formidable, and
perhaps Invincible. Mycipſa (as we are informed by Saluft) when
he was at the Point of Death, admoniſhed his Sons, with all the
Affection and Tenderneſs of an Indulgent Father, that they ſhould
always be at Peace and Amity with one another, bequeathing to
them this Golden and Ever-Memorable Sentence, That by Concord,
Little Things are Increaſed; and by Diſcord, Great Ones are Diminiſh
ed. All Senators, therefore, ought to beware of Strife and Conten-
tion
was upon
ز
1
.
-
CHAP. V. SENATO R. 263
tion within their own Body, leſt by their Example they Infect the
Whole Maſs of the People. It is a Shame for Men of this Order,
to ſpend their Time in Wrangle and Ribaldry; and nothing ſo well
becomes them, as Love and Peace, Concord and Benevolence. .
There is an End of That State, in which the Senate is wholly Em-
ployed in Broils and Contentions. How ſhall They ſettle the Pub-
lick Peace and Tranquillity, who are at Variance with One Ano-
ther ? On this Occaſion, á Reconciliation ought to be Attempted,
or They, who preferr their Own Private Animoſities to the Publick
Peace and Tranquillity, ought to be Removed from the Senate-
Houſe ; into which Nothing ſhould be admitted, that has any Ten-
dency to Hatred and Malice, Diſſenſion and Sedition. Theſe
Things we thought proper to be obſerved, in diſcourſing of Jus-
tice and Concord.
i
СНА Р.
264
BOOK II.
The Accompliſh'd
CH A P. VI.
The CON TEN T S.
Of the Third Cardinal Vertue, Fortitude. Its Excellency and Uſe-
fulneſs. How far Superior to the other Vercues. Private and
Publick Fortitude. Of Military Fortitude. Of the Vercues
accompanying Fortitude. Of Magnanimity. Of Ambition,
and the Acquiring of Honours. Of Conſtancy, and the Love
of Truth. How we ought to Behave, towards Superiors, Equals,
Inferiors, and Enemies. Of Perſeverance. State-Secrets ought
to be kept. Of Patience, Civil and Military. Of Confidence,
and of the Good and Evil Genius. Of Security. Its Faults
and Advantages. Of True Heroiſm. Military Men ought to be
Encouraged. Of Deſpair, Anger, and Fortune.
YINCE the Condition of Human Life is ſuch, that it ſtands
Tortering upon a very Narrow and Uncertain Pinnacle, and
is daily Expoſed to Innumerable Perils and Dangers, Af-
flictions and Evils of various Kinds and Degrees ; againſt which we
muſt either bravely Defend ourſelves, or as bravely Endure and
Support ourſelves under them: And ſince Fortitude is that Safe-
guard and Armour of the Mind, by which we are enabled to With-
ſtand all the Attacks of Fortune, and to Bear up, in the midſt
of our own Weakneſſes and Infirmities; it remains, that we now
ſpeak of the Nature and Uſes of this great and Excellent Vertue.
We all naturally deſire Eaſe and Quiet, and to pafs
, away
in a State of Peace and Tranquillity, without Fear, and withouț
Danger ; Secure from all Evils, and Undiſturbed by any Incon-
veniences, Dangers, or Terrors, that may poſſibly Surround or
Overtake
S
away Life
1
1
CHAP, VI. SENATO R. 265
I
1
Overtake us. We are well and juſtly perſuaded, that Vertue is
our greateſt and only Security; and that to her we owe our Eaſe
and Quiet, our Freedom and Deliverance from all Trouble and
Vexation, Care and Solicitude, Sorrow and Anxiety. But now
Thoſe Men are in my opinion) very much miſtaken, who ima-
gine, that it is in our own Power to make our Lives perfectly
Pleaſant and Happy, to keep ourſelves in a continued Calm and
Undiſturbed Stace, without ever being Ruffled or Diſturbed by any
Terrors or Apprehenſions, either of Imaginary, or of Real Evils.
Nature hath marked out for us quite another State of Things, and
Scheme of Life ; hach ſtationed us at a very Honourable Poſt,
hath ſet us in the Midſt of Danger, and expoſed our Minds to as
great
Trials by Trouble and Anxiety, as our Bodies are by Toil
and Pain, by the Sweat of our Brows, and the Labour of our
Hands. And indeed, we ſhould never come to have a true Taſte
and Reliſh, either of Vertue, or of Happineſs, if we never had
any Knowledge or Experience of Pain and Miſery : For when
the Struggle is over, and we have gotten the Better of our Afflicti-
ons, the Sweets of Life do then return upon us with a greater
Guſt, and are doubly Delicious. Vertue really diſdains a Solitary
Unactive Life, is always in queſt of Adventures, delights in Toil
and Labour, glories in Diſtreſs, rejoices in Trials and Temptations,
and triumphs in the midſt of Danger. Hence Hercules is repre-
ſented by the Ancients, as making Choice of the Narrow, Ardu-
ous, and Rugged Way of Vertue, and as turning his Back upon
the Broad and Smooth Way, that leads to Pleaſure and Vice. And
certainly, whoever is a Sincere Follower of Vercue, and a Lover of
True Happineſs, ought to look upon Pleaſure with Contempt ;
not to over-value the Things of this Life; to hate Idleneſs and In-
activity, and to baniſh Fear and Cowardice, as Baſe and Abject
Paſſions. In our Way to Vertue, we muſt Surmount and Break
through whatever Difficulties lie croſs our Pallage : Much more
when
Mm
266
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
when we have Acquired, and are Maſters of it, muſt we Exerc
all its Powers and Faculties, in Bearing for a while, and Combating
with Dangers, Difficulties, and Diſtreſſes, till we have Subdued
them under us, and are Victorious and Triumphant. Vertue is
at all times, and in every Affair of Life, our Firm Support, and
our Sure Defence: To her we owe all our Power and Strength, our
Conſtancy and Courage. There is no Adventure ſo Dangerous
and Difficult, but by her Aliſtance we can happily Finiſh it;
nothing we can Hope for, truly Good and Great, but in Time we
may be able to Attain it. Fortitude is an Exalted Strain, an Eleva-
tion and Excellency of the Mind, an Affection of the Soul, that in
Obedience to, and at the Command of Vertue, enables us to en-
dure the Greateſt Toils, and to perfect the Nobleſt Undertakings.
This alone is the Grace and Ornament of all other Vertues. Pru-
dence, Juſtice, and Temperance, are, in their own Nature and Ope-
rations, too Soft and Delicate, and even Weak and Effeminate,
unleſs Raiſed and Strengthened by Fortitude. To think and do
Well, is the utmoſt of their Attainments : But to think and do
Bravely, Courageouſly, Conſtantly, and like Men, are the proper
Fruits and Effects of Fortitude. This Vertue is therefore Worthy
of the Good Senator's Notice, and of his Beſt Endeavours to attain
it. Without This, he can never Act, or Speak any thing, that is
truly Great and Noble, Famous and Memorable. The Extremes
that lie on each side of this Vertue, and which we muſt be careful
to Avoid, are on the one hand, Self-Confidence, Pride, and Teme-
rity; and on the other hand, Idleneſs
, Effeminacy, and Cowardice.
The truly Brave Man is ſo well Affected to Vertue, that for her
Sake he will be always ready to undertake any Enterprize, and to
withſtand any Dangers; always depending upon his own Reaſon
and Judgment, rather than upon Chance and Fortune: And will
never be hurried into Action, by a Wild, Rajh, and Intemperate
Boldneſs. The Great Glory of Fortitude, is particularly ſeen and
diſplayed,
1
:)
CHAP. VI. SENATO R.
267
any Dan-
diſplayed, either in the Affairs of Domeſtick, or of Publick Life ;
and more particularly in what relates to War and Military Diſci-
pline. Domeſtick Fortitude is the Ornament of our Lives, and the
Security of our Happineſs.' It removes far from us all Uneaſi-
neſs and Perturbation of Mind, all Inordinate Deſires, Unneceſſary
Fears, Inward Pains and Anxieties; all Love of Pleaſure, Rage,
Anger, and the Exceſſes of all the other Paſſions and Affections;
and keeps us in a State of Tranquillity, Laſting and Durable, and
Conſiſtent with our Character and Dignity. Military Fortitude
ſerves to carry us through all Toils, Dangers, and Difficulties ;
and is chiefly ſeen in our Contempt of Death, whenever we are
engaged in an Honeſt Cauſe, or in the Service and Defence of our
Country. The Brave and Courageous Senator will look upon it
as his Duty, not to be diſmayed at the Appearance of
ger, nor to ſhrink at the Difficulty of any Undertaking, which
Vertue puts him upon, or Honour requires at his Hands. It is
the Property of a truly Great and Valiant Mind, not to fear any
thing, to deſpiſe whatever belongs to this World, and to be per-
ſuaded, that no Difficulty can be flung in his Way, which he is
not able to ſurmount. Let this Vertue rouze and animate the Good
Senator, and let him take Care that all his Parts and Faculties,
and all the Endowments and Vercues of his-Mind, may have a Sa-
vour and Tincture of Fortitude, and be Well-tempered and Seaſon-
ed therewith. All the Vertues without Fortitude, like Meats with-
out Salt, are Taſteleſs and Inſipid. Fortitude is an Impenetrable Ar-
mour, both within and without, and defends the Body, as well as
the Mind, from the Adverſe Attacks and Shifts of Fortune. By this
we learn to be Eaſy and Quier in Prudence, Conſtant in Temperance,
and in Juſtice Unſhaken, Firm, and Invincible. Let therefore
the Mind of the Good Senator be always Strengthened and Support-
ed by Fortitude. Let him be Steady' and Reſolute in the Under-
saking of any Difficulty, Magnanimous in the Contempt
of
any
Danger,
M m 2
--
3
268 The Accompliſhd
BOOK II.
Danger, and Intrepid and Unwearied under any Affliction that
ſhall befall him. This Vertue of Fortitude has many other Ver-
tues for its Followers and Attendants: Theſe are Magnanimity,
Conſtancy, Patience, Confidence, and Security.
In the Practice of every Vertue, whatever Things are of a more
ſhining Excellence and greater Renown than others, it is the Pro-
per Buſineſs of Magnanimity to find out ; and when they are known
and diſcovered, to conform ourſelves thereto, with the Utmoſt Ex-
actneſs. This Vertue is chiefly ſeen in the Acquiſition and Attain-
ment of Honours, and looks with Contempt upon all ſuch, as
are not Commenſurate with, or the Adequate Rewards of Vertue.
There is no Approaching or Riſing to Honour, but by the Scale
and Steps which Vertue has marked out. When Marcellus built a
Temple to Honour, out of the Spoils and Plunder which he had
gotten at Syracuſe, he contrived the Portal or Entrance in ſuch a
Manner, that there was no Approaching thereto, but by Paſſing
firſt through the next adjoining Temple of Vertue : Whereby he
taught us this Leſſon, That Vertue has the Only Title and Beſt Pre-
tenſions to Honour. This the Good Senator ought always to have
in Remembrance, whenever he Solicites, or is a Candidate for any
Honours in the State. Whilſt he is upon any ſuch Canvaſs
, he
ought to Deſpiſe all little Vulgar Reports, and groundleſs Calum-
nies and Reproaches, which a Man of Secure and Exalted Vertue
will be far above, and will depend on his own Smooth, Level,
and Shining Character, upon which Envy and Malice can never
fix any Flaw, Spot, or Blemiſh whatſoever. Whether Fortune
Smiles or Frowns, a Brave Mind will be always the ſame, and re-
main Unaltered and Unſhaken; his Fortitude will ſhew itſelf, and
ſhine out, in Times of Danger and Difficulty; and will go boldly
out, to meet an approaching Danger, though Death itſelf ſtand in
the Way. For it is always to be conſidered, that an Honeſt and
Honourable Death, is a Sure Paſſport to a Glorious Immortality.
Sweet
CH AP. VI. SENATO R. 269
freely gave
gave himſelf
i
Sweet is the Memory of Codrus, and never to be Obliterated, who
up to Death, in order to ſave the Roman Army.
And the Fame of Curtius and Scavola, will never be forgotten :
One of whom readily flung himſelf into the Gulph, in order to
ſave his People from the Peſtilence; and the Other burnt off his
Hand at the Altar, for the Sake of. convincing his Enemies, chac
a Roman dared to do any Thing, in Defence of the Honour and
Safety of his country. It is alſo the Duty of the Magnanimous
Senator, to be True and Conſtant in all his Judgments and Deter-
minations concerning the Publick, and not to follow the Vulgar,
who judge of every thing only by Chance, and juſt as their preſene
Inclinations lead them. He will always be a Ready and Volunta-
ry Patron and Defender of Truth, and for the Sake of Truch
and Vertue, will have a natural Averſion for thoſe who are guilty
of Vice and Falfhood; unleſs in ſuch Caſes, and at ſuch Times,
when Concealment and Diſſimulation are Neceſſary, on Account
of the Perſons we are to deal with, or of the Preſent Exigency of
Affairs. He muſt alſo be ready to conferr Benefits upon others,
and to receive thoſe that are due to himſelf, with Gravity, Model-
ty, and Humility. In all Acts of Gratitude we are to obſerve
what Heſiod ſays, That our Returns ought to Exceed what is Given or
Beſtowed upon us : For the Giver is always Superior to, and more
Noble than the Receiver. Taxilis , one of the many Princes of
India, who (as Plutarch relates the Story) went out to meet Alex-
ander the Great, ſaluted him in the following Manner ; “I Chal-
lenge Thee (ſays he) not to Battle, or to ſingle Combat; buc
to a Trial of Skill, in a much Nobler Way. If Thou art In-
« ferior to us, take a Benefit at our Hands : If Superior, beſtow
« One upon us." To whom the Conqueror returned this Anſwer ;
“ The Queſtion (ſays he) between us is This ; Which of the Two
s ſhall be the Greateſt Benefactor to the Other.". Here he
pauſed, and broke off abruptly, ran and embraced the Prince,
gave
270
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
gave him back his Kingdom, and very much enlarged its Domi-
nions and Territories. The Magnanimous Senator will alſo take
Care to give Proofs of his Benign and Equitable Diſpoſition to-
wards All who are near, or about him, and eſpecially towards
Thoſe who are the proper Objects of his Liberality. With ſuch
as are of an Equal or Superior Order to his own, he will take
upon him the Proper Stare, and inſiſt upon the Privileges due to
his own Dignity: But towards thoſe Beneath him, and with the
Humble and Lowly, he will behave with Humility and Conde-
ſcenſion. This Sort of Conduct will procure him Honour and
Eſteem;
and the Contrary to this will provoke others to Hate
and Contemn him. In the Proſecution of Quarrels and Animo-
fities, he will always take Care that his Cauſe be Juſt and Good;
and he will purſue an Enemy openly and fairly, and not treache-
rouſly, and under Cover, or in Diſguiſe. For ic is more Noble
and Generous to expreſs one's Reſentment publickly, than to con-
ceal the Bitterneſs of the Heart, under the Sweetneſs of a Smiling
and Hyprocritical Countenance. Magnaminity will teach him, not
only to forbear che doing any Injury to Others, but to deſpiſe the
Injuries done by Others, and to trample them under Foot. He
will, in a particular Manner, very eaſily paſs over whatever Injuries
are done to Himſelf: For to deſpiſe Injuries, is as ſure a Proof of
Magnaminity, as to deſpiſe Danger. To be eaſily Provoked, and
when we are Provoked, to be Violent, Furious, and Implacable,
is a Mark rather of Effeminacy than Manhood. Lions and Ele-
phants, when they meet any of their Fellow-Creatures of an Or-
der much Inferior to themſelves, and ſee them crouching in an Hum-
ble Suppliant Poſture, will generouſly paſs by, and not hurt them.
In general, the Good Senator will make Honeſty his chief Study,
and will uſe the Conveniences and Neceſſaries of Life, with Fru-
galicy and Moderation : Will Depend upon none but Himſelf, in
the Choice and Manner of his Life : Will follow the Advice of his
Friends,
.
CHAP. VI. . SENATOR 271
Friends, rather than the Example of Strangers: Will entertain no
Ill Thoughts of Others: Nor ſpeak ill of them, or Liſten to
Thoſe, who make a Practice of Calumny and Detraction: Nor
be Angry without a Caufe; which is a Low and Servile Paſſion :
For what Ovid obſerves, is very True
The Brave and Noble eafily are Pleas'd,
And Gen'rous Minds are always foon Appeas’d.
There are ſome Men, who by Pride and Arrogance, aſſume fo
much Splendor to themſelves, that their own Juſt and Natural Luf-
tre is thereby Obſcured and Extinguiſhed. They who are guilty of
this Fault, are moſt commonly ſuch Perſons, as make a very un-
due Eſtimate of their own Vercues, Value, and Dignity; and ar-
rogate more to themſelves, than becomes Men of Real Goodneſs
and Prudence. This Sort of Weakneſs the Senator muſt Guard
himſelf againſt, and muſt always Remember what Tully ſays, That
the Greater our Dignity is, the more Conſpicuous ought our Humility to
be : For Arrogance is a Vice, juſtly Odious and Hateful, in the Eyes of
all Men. But then on the other hand, Care muſt be taken, nor to
fall into the Oppoſite Extremes, the Low Groveling Vices of Levi-
ty and Puſillanimity. For they who take no Notice of any Con-
tumelies, or Injuries whatſoever, and do this either out of Fear or
Negligence, are of an Abject and Slaviſh Temper. And at the
fame time, they who in the midſt of a Good Character for Vertue
and Prudence, are careleſs in their Attendance upon the Higheſt
and moſt Important Duties of their Function, merely out of La-
zineſs and Idleneſs, or out of a mean Diſtruſt of their own Abili-
ties, to aſſiſt their Friends, or ſerve their Country, are to be Con-
demned as Guilty of Sloth and Folly.
In whatever a Senator Says and Does, and in his Manner of bear-
ing with Afflictions and an Adverle Scate, Conftancy is a Sure Guide
to:
272 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
..
to him, a Director of his Conduct, and an Ornament to his Cha-
racter. A Changeable and Unſtable Mind, never Conſiſtent with
itſelf, and liable to more Turns and Shapes, than (as the Vulgar
ſay) ever Proteus was, is as great a Blemiſh to his Character, as
Fraud and Deceit. Reaſon and Judgment ought to have their Share
in all Generous and Laudable Undertakings; but unleſs there be
Conſtancy and Perſeverance in the Proſecution of them, they will
certainly end in a Foul and Shameful Defeat. Every Action
ſhould not only be Juſt and Honeſt in itſelf, but Followed and
made Perfeet by Conſtancy, and by a Steadineſs in Council, that
never leaves Unfiniſhed the Deſign it has once Undertaken. The
Conſtancy of Ariſtides is well worthy to be Recorded, who, when
Dionyſius asked of him his Daughter in Marriage, gave this Brave
and Honeſt Anſwer, That he had rather ſee his Daughter Dead, than
Marry her to a Tyrant : And after himſelf had Slain her, and was
again asked, Whether he was ſtill of the ſame Opinion ? as readily
anſwered, That he Gloried in what he had Said, but was Sorry for
what he had Done. Who is there, that does not Applaud the Con-
ftancy of Cato? For who ever ſaw him Changed or Altered, in the
midſt of all the Troubles and Calamities, which in his time befell
the Commonwealth ? His Colour, Countenance, Looks, Moti-
ons, and Geſtures, were always the ſame, as well when he was
Prætor and Governed a Province, as when he was under an Ac-
culation, and in Diſgrace. In the Senate, in the Army, even in
Death itſelf, and when Pompey loſt the Day, and Cæfar by his Vic-
tory, and with an Armed Force, took Poffeffion of the Liberties
of his Country, he ſtill continued Steady, Unſhaken, and Uni-
form, in all his Behaviour. Xantippe was often heard to ſay of
her Husband Socrates, That he always brought Home the ſame Counte-
nance, with which he went Abroad : For lo Great was his Soul, that
neither Proſperity nor Adverſity could in the leaſt Shock or Dif-
compoſe it. Whatever Evils or Dangers do at any time befall or
threaten
-
CHAP. VI. .
273
SENATO R.
threaten us, we ought to bear them with a Firm and Steady Refo-
lution, and rather to endure any thing, however Grievous and
Amicting, than to part with the Firmneſs and Stability of an Up-
right and Conſtant Mind. The Roman Regulus has ſet us an Example;
who readily expoſed himſelf to a very Severe Puniſhment, rather
than his Country-Men, who had been taken by the Carthaginians,
ſhould be ſurrendered and given up to a State of Vaſſalage and Mi-
fery. When Anexagoras was Scourged by the Command of Nico-
creon, Tyrant of Cyprus, he is reported to have expreſſed himſelf
in this Manner : You may Tear, and Wound, and Mangle my Body :
But my Mind is Invulnerable ; and with all your Powers you can never
Shake its Conſtancy. This, however, the Good Senator muſt be ve-
ry Cautious of, That he be not too Tenacious, or too Reſolute
and Perſevering, in what others take to be realiy Wrong and Un-
juſt
. Conſtancy ought to be the Inſeparable Companion of Ver-
A Pertinacious and Obſtinate Adherence to our own Judg-
ment and Opinion, in Oppoſition to the Eſtabliſhed Sentiments
of all Good and Wiſe Men, and a Reſolution to be Solicitous
for, and to perſiſt in the Defence and Support of a Bad Cauſe,
is by no Means a Proof and Argument of our Conſtancy; but
is rather
her the Effect and Produce of a Perverſe, Poſitive, and Ob-
ſtinate Temper ; and ſavours more of Folly and Raſhneſs, than
of Sound Judgment and Diſcretion. Even in the Choice of the
Frame and Model of our Lives and Conduct, a good deal of
Conſtancy is required; and in Adhering to, and Retaining what
we have once made Choice of. They who are Wavering and In-
ſtable on this Occaſion, can never be ſuſpected of overmuch Con-
ftancy in any Affair whatſoever. Conftancy is the Preſerver of all
Good Counſels and Actions : For in vain do we Form to our-
ſelves Good Projects and Deſigns, if the Wholſome Counſels we
Give or Take, Ebb and Flow like a River near the Sea, and
never run down in one Steady, Regular, and Conſtant Courſe.
Nn
The
tue.
)
274 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
nate.
The moſt Remarkable Inſtance and Trial of our Conſtancy
is, when we are able to keep and retain the Secrets of a Sé-
For in every Senate, there are ſome Debates and Pro-
ceedings, which, at leaſt for a Time, ought not to be Divulged
or made known to Strangers, nor even to our own Country-
Men and Fellow-Citizens. To betray any Secrets of this Sort,
or to tell what paſſes in the Senate-Houſe, is a Sure Proof of
Weakneſs and Inſtability. And therefore the Romans, whenever
they held a Conſultation upon any Matters of the Firſt Weight
and Conſequence, would not ſuffer any Pedarian Senators to be
preſent at theſe Conſultations, nor admit even the Seribes or Clerks,
whoſe Office was ſupplied by ſome of the Senators themſelves,
choſen for that Purpoſe. At one Time indeed, the Senate-Houſe
was always open to any of the Patrician Touth, or Noblemen's
Sons : But after the Famous and Memorable Exploit of Papirius,
this Privilege was Occaſionally taken from them; left by their
Levity and Inconſtancy, Faults too common and familiar to
Youth, they ſhould at any time betray the Secrets of the State,
the Knowledge of which might be Dangerous or Detrimental to
the Publick. The Caſe of Papirius was this: When there had
been one Day a very long Debate in the Senate, and upon his Re-
curn home, this Noble Youth was asked by his Mother, What
the Senate had been then Doing, and why they fate ſo Late? He with
a good deal of Art and Diſſimulation very readily anſwered her,
That the Queſtion that Day was, Whether it were moſt for the Pub-
lick Benefit, that a Man fhould have Two Wives, or a Woman Two
Husbands. Patience, or the Art of Enduring any Hardſhips or
Calamities, that may poſſibly befall us, is another Vertue always
Attendant upon, and Affiftant to Fortitude. Tully hath defined
Patience to be a Vertue of the Mind, By which we are Enabled,
for the Sake of Honeſty or Profit, Freely, Conftantly, and Contented-
ly, to bear whatever Load is laid upon us, either by Adverſe Fortune
wa Engagements in any Difficult or Arduous Undertaking. In
all
CHAP, VI. SENATOR.
275
any Diſtreſs.
For eve-
all the Progreſs and Events of War, Patience is of admirable Uſes
and the Military Man is obliged to expoſe his Life to many Dan-
gers, and to bear innumerable Toils and Fatigues, for the Sake
of his own Honour, and his country's Good. The Senator
ought alſo to have his Share and Proportion of this Vertue, when
the Weight of Publick Buſineſs lies heavy upon him, and his
Country is under any Difficulties, or in a
.
ry State is liable to many Troubles and Calamities; and a Due
Portion of theſe is what the Good Senator muſt expect to endure.
When Coriolanus loſt the Conſul bip, for which he was a Candidate,
had his Patience ſtood That Shock in a better Manner than he did,
and had he abated ſomething of That Pride and Inſolence, which
were but too plainly Viſible in his Character, he had prevented
all the Diſaſters and Calamities of the Latter Part of his Life. It
is commonly and very Truly ſaid, that Patience is a Remedy for
all Diſeafes. It is in vain to complain of what we cannot Help or
Alter; but it may be caly for us to Bear it
. When a Senator
hath made himſelf a perfect Maſter of this Art of Sufferance, he
will ſoon Contract ſuch a Wholſome Habit and Temper of Mind,
that all Pains and Calamities, whether of a Publick or Private
Nature, will, like a Bitter Potion, be ſwallowed and taken down,
and paſs through him as Eaſily, and with as little Regard, as if
they had never been. He who cannot bear Affliction, unmans
himſelf by Softneſs and Effeminacy : But he who Endures and
Perfeveres, till he has Conquered all Difficulties, is a truly Pa-
tient Man. This Caution, however, is by the way neceſſary to
be obſerved, That we never let the Multitude or Extremity of our
Sufferings provoke us to any Intemperate Outrages, or Exceſſes
of Fury: For Patience, throughly abuſed, will turn to Fury ;
unleſs we take Care to prevent it by Lenicy, and a Temper of
Mind not to be Ruffled or thrown into Convulſions. It is really
our Duty to bear all neceſſary and unavoidable Evils; and if we
bear
Nn 2
276 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
in
bear them as we ought to do, Patience will at length give us
the Victory.
Confidence is another Vertue of the Mind, which contributes
much to the Strengthening and Improving of our Fortitude, and
is a Well-aſſured Expectation and Preſage or Proſpect of Succeſs,
any of our Deſigns or Undertakings of Moment. This Ver-
tue is called Confidence, becauſe the Mind that is Poſſeſſed of it,
Confides entirely in itſelf, and depends wholly upon its own Live-
ly. Hopes, of reaping ſome Conſiderable Advantage, from what-
ever Projects or Schemes of Action we are at preſent Engaged in.
Prudence, Good Counſel, and Hope, give Riſe and Being to this
Vertue. For when we have a perfect Knowledge of what we
Undertake, and a good Opinion of the Iſſues of it; which Opi-
nion is founded in Reaſon, and not Raſhly taken up and Enter-
tained by us; we are then Confident of Succeeding in our Honeſt
Deſigns, and we go on with Courage in the Execution of them.
For the Truly Confident know not what it is to Fear. When
J. Cæfar met C. Craftinus, a Youth of very great Hopes, in the
Battle of Pharſalia, and asked him, What he thought of the Event
That Day? The young Hero, ſtretching out his Hand and
the Sword that was in it, gave him this Anſwer ; I know, Cæſar,
that the Day is yours ; but whether I live or die
, you ſhall be ſure to
Speak well of me. What he ſaid, came preſently to paſs : For he
died bravely in that very Field, and Cæfar graced his Funeral
with an Oration, or Panegyrick. Ariſtotle Lays, That Confidence
ariſes from a Habit and Cuſtom of Conquering, and a Courſe of Suc-
ceſs in whatever we Undertake. But we may, certainly Attribute
it to ſeveral other Cauſes beſides this. Plutarch ſpeaks of a cer-
tain Egyptian Philoſopher, with whoſe Company Anthony was very
much delighted, and who undertook to tell any Perſon's Temper,
Diſpoſition, Fate, and Fortune, only by his Face and Features.
This Sage would always ſpeak well of Anthony's Fortune, buc
would
of That
CHAP. VI. SENATO R.
277
would let Oktavius Auguftus's far above it, and intreat Anthony
not to contend any longer with ſo Formidable a Rival; becauſe
Ostavius had a Superior Genius always attending him, and for
Proof of what he ſaid, he gave this among many other Inſtan-
ces, That at all youthful Sports whatſoever, Dicing, Cocking, and
the like, Oétavius was always Lucky and Victorious. Great Men,
Kings and Princes, are indeed ſuppoſed, from the very Time of
their Birth, to have a Genius aſſigned them, as their Governor,
Tutor, and Guardian, and as their faithful Monitor upon all Oc-
caſions, and in all the Great Enterprizes and Exigences of Life.
What Homer and Plato call a Genius, other Ancients reckon in the
Number of their Lares, Lemures, or Dæmons; and we at this
Day call our Good Angel, an Inviſible Being, that Admoniſhes us
of all Dangers, and is always Preſent with, and Aſſiſtant to Mili-
tary Men, in the Day of Battle. Some are of Opinion, that
there are Two Angels aſſigned to every Man, one Good, and the
other Evil. And here now, let me particularly Addreſs myſelf to
his Preſent Majeſty of Poland, and put him in mind of what we
ſo often read of in Hiſtory, that when his Great Anceſtor Ulidiſlaus
was engaged in the Pruffian War againſt the Germans, he ſaw a
Genius in Armour ſtanding by him, whom he ever afterwards
mentioned with Reverence, and called him by the Name of Divus
STANISLAUS ; at whoſe Appearance he was Animated with ſuch
Confiderice, that he eaſily obtained a Complete and Signal Victory,
and delivered Pruſia from the Yoke that then hung over its
Neck. On the other hand, Plutarch ſpeaks of the Evil Genius of
Brutus, that as he fate in his Tent medicating upon the Projects
and Events of the War he was engaged in, appeared to him in a
Form of Uncommon Magnitude, and being asked, What he was ?.
ſaid, Thy Evil Genius, Brutus, .whom thou ſhalt again ſee at Phi-
lippi. Accordingly he there made him a Second Viſit
, and Fore-
told to him the Event of the Battle, and his own Deach. It was
indeed
-
278
The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
indeed Cuſtomary with the Romans, to Confide very much in their
Genii; and we often ſee of their Coins, bearing an Inſcription of
this Sort, To the Genius of Auguſtus ! To the Genius of the Senate;
or, of the People of Rome. Wherice Ovid ſays,
Our Watchful Genii always Guard the State.
But after all, the Beſt and Sureſt Foundation, upon which to
build a Juſt and Well-grounded Confidence, is to be had only from
Good Counſel and Prudence. With theſe Principles of an Honeſt
Aſſurance, let the Senator arm his Mind, and he will then be
able to Undertake the Greateſt Deſigns, and to Execute them with
Unqueſtionable Courage and Bravery. All ocher Foundations
and Supports of Confidence may poſſibly Fail, and miſerably De-
ceive us. It has been obſerved, and is certainly moſt True, that
nothing is Safe, which is not Honourable and Vertuous : For the
Sureſt Foundation of a Lively Hope, is always laid in Vertue.
But then we muſt be very Careful
, that our Confidence does not
betray us into Intemperate Boldneſs, Raſhneſs and Deſpair ; which
are Vices, that under a Falſe Shew and Appearance of Fortitude,
ſerve only to Swell and Blow up the Mind, and puſh us by our
Imprudence upon the moſt Deſperate Attempts, and the moſt
Unſurmountable Enterprizes.
Security is the End and Attainment both of Living well, and
of Behaving with Fortitude ; and conſiſts in a Reſt and Tranquil-
lity of the Mind, when Freed from all Care and Solicitude. They
who are perfectly Secure, are ( as Cicero ſpeaks) in the ſame Eaſy
and Unconcerned State, in which they were, before they were Born.
For Security is nothing elſe, but a Deliverance and Freedom from
all Trouble and Sorrow whatſoever ; in which Scate the Philofo-
phers were of Opinion, that all True Happineſs conſiſted. For
the Sake of this Happineſs, Democritus and Homer travelled as far as
Eg ypt,
i
CHAP. VI. SENATO R.
279
Egypt, Babylon, and Perſia, that from the Wiſdom of thoſe Na-
tions, they might collect together ſuch a Stock and Treaſure of
Knowledge, as might arm their Minds with Security, make them
Perfect in Happineſs, and conſequently Contented with their
pre-
ſent Condition. Security is of great Uſe and Benefit to the Pub-
lick : For when all Things are Quiet, and in a State of Peace
and Tranquillity; when no Fears or Dangers, Murmurs or Com-
plaints, Tumulcs or Diſorders, are ſo much as heard of in a Go-
vernment, the Publick Felicity is then at the Height, and incapa-
ble of any Increaſe or Improvement. But now we muſt be very
Cautious, that our Security be not built upon an Uncertain, Falle,
Light, and Sandy Foundation ; and that it be not owing only to
our Sloth, Negligence, and Idleneſs
. When Pompey had raiſed a
very Formidable Army againſt Cæfar, and was thereupon perfect-
ly Secure, telling thoſe about him, who had a Juſt Suſpicion of
Cefar's Diligence, and who adviſed him not to be too Careleſs and
Negligent, That they might go Home and Sleep foundly; this Security
was the undoubted Cauſe of his Overchrow : For he loſt the Day,
and was miſerably Defeated by Cæfar. It is ſometimes the Fate
of too many Commonwealths, that after a long and Eſtabliſhed
Peace, they are eaſily betrayed into too Profound a Security, which
ought more properly to be called Sloth and Languor, Eaſe and Idle-
neſs
. Becauſe in ſuch a State, we ſee all Things Neglected and run
to Decay, which ſhould be conſtantly kept up, for the more Pru-
dent and Wiſe Adminiftration of the Publick Affairs, for Guard-
ing the State againſt Approaches of Danger, and for Training the
People to all the Arts and Inſtitutions, neceſſary to Improve them
in the Practice of Juſtice and Fortitude. Rome had Raiſed, and ve-
ry much Enlarged, her Empire, by no other Vertue but Fortitude
only. She had carried her Laws, as well as her Arms, into ma-
ny Remote Parts and Provinces. And theſe Arms ſhe never laid
down, from the Time of Romulus, to the Reign of Auguſtus.
Buc
280 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
"
But the World being Subdued, and the Empire ſettled in Peace
and Tranquillity, Auguſtus was the Second after Numa, who (ac-
cording to the Cuſtom of declaring Peace) ſhut up the Temple
of Janus, and thereby gave the City Reſt from all the´Toils arid
Commotions of War, Rome was then in Perfect Security; and
we no where read of the Temple of Janus being Opened by any
Succeeding Emperor. The People, inſtead of their former Rough
and Military Life, now ran into all imaginary Eaſe and Luxury ;
till by Degrees the ſeveral Kingdoms, Cities, and Provinces,
which had ſubmitted to the Roman Yoke, withdrew their Necks
from under it, and Bravely regained their Former Liberties. By
little and little, Rome was Script of its Former Strength, left Na-
ked and Defenceleſs, and at laſt became a Prey to the Rough
and Barbarous Goth. There is therefore no other Security in a
State, which the Good Senator' may ſafely give into, but ſuch as is
Conſiſtent with a Wiſe Foreſight of Danger, and a Timely Cau-
tion and Proviſion againſt it. Happy is That Government,
which is always Intent upon, and Provided for a War, even in
the Times of a Profound Peace !
There are ſome other Principles proper to be taken Notice of,
as Contributing very much to the Vertue of Fortitude, and as
Spurs and Incitements to the Minds of Men, eſpecially of Thoſe,
who are Engaged in a Military Profeſſion. There is never wanting
in the World a Sett of Men, of ſuch Heroick Honeſty and Ver-
tue, that they will readily and freely Expoſe themſelves to all
manner of Hardſhips, Wounds, and Dangers, and for the Sake
of their Country, their King, or their Friends, will rather lay
down their Lives in Battle, than forfeit their Courage and Reſo-
lucion. It is the Juſt and Well-known Character and Glory of
our own Nation, that Honeſty and Vertue are their Chief and
Only Leaders in all the Wars, in which we have been hitherto
Engaged. In the Hiſtories of the Wars and Exploits of the Ro-
mans,
CHAP. VI. . SENATOR 281
mans, Macedonians, Perſians, Aſſyrians, Germans, and Gauls, we
find that their Generals and Commanders, when they led their
Men on to Battle, made uſe of Various Arguments to Inſtigate
and Encourage them. Sometimes they put them in mind of the
Strength and Number of their Forces, and ſometimes of the Bra-
very and Experience of their Officers : At other times they Re-
minded them of the Glory of their Anceſtors, and very often they
Animated them with the Hope and Near Proſpect of Plunder-
ing, and Glutting themſelves with the Spoils and Wealth of their
Enemies. But our Poliſh Commanders have ever had but one Way
of Encouraging their Men, which was, to put them in mind of
their own Native Honeſty and Vertue, and of the Reſolution al-
ways taken by their Countrymen, either to Conquer or to Die.
They then, who are thus affected, and governed by theſe Gene-
rous Principles of Honeſty and Vertue, will never Scart at Dan-
ger, or Decline engaging in any Honourable Enterprize ; will
make Bravery their Choice and Judgment, and thereby Deſerve
the Title and Character of True Fortitude. With theſe are to be
reckoned the Hero and Honourable Volunteer, who ſerve for the
Sake of Praiſe and Glory, the Two Noble Principles that inflame
and puſh them forward upon the moſt Arduous and Renowned
Adventures. The Actions and Exploits of ſuch Men, every Go-
vernment ought to take a Proper Notice of, and to ſee that they
are Gratefully and Honourably Rewarded. The Gentlemen of
the Sword are indeed chiefly taken up with the Arts of War, and
they are employed rather in Deſtroying their Enemies, than in
Governing their Fellow-Citizens. But where any of this Order
have diſtinguiſhed themſelves by their Wiſdom and Prudence, they
will deſerve to be. Advanced to the Senatorial Dignity." They
who have ſerved long and faithfully, and by many Toils and
Fatigues have ſuffered much in the Cauſe of their Country,
ſhould at laſt exchange the Sword for the Gown, and enjoy the
Oo
Fruits
i
282 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
Fruits of a Civil and Honourable Tranquillity. Among the Ro-
mans, they were always choſen into the Senate, who could produce
any Conſiderable Trophies, or Spoils taken from an Enemy, or
were entitled to the Civic Crown : And no one was capable of any
Office in the City-Magiſtracy, till he had ſerved Ten Tears in the
Army. When Regulus was at one time expelled the Senate, and
very much reſented the Indignity then offered him ; but was Un-
able to produce any juſt Pretenſions, or make good his Title to
that High Honour; at length Tearing his Robe aſunder, he laid
his Breaſt naked, and Pointing to the many Scars he had gotten
in Defence of his Country, and Enumerating the many Services
in which he had been wounded, was thereupon, by the other Se-
nators, reſtored to his place among them.
There are ſome Men, who have ſo little Regard for their own
Lives, and ſo great a Contempt of Death, that in a Falle Shew
and Imitation of True Fortitude, they rul deſperately into all
manner of Dangers, and whatever is the Event, have this Saying
of the Poet, for their Excuſe and Confolation :
The Vanquiſh'd find their Safety in Deſpair.
tum.
The Numantines, rather than be reduced to make Trial of the
Clemency of their Enemies, deſtroyed themſelves : And (as we
read in Lizy) the ſame was the Fate of the Citizens of Sagun-
But now we ought to be Cautious of Undertaking any
thing in a Deſperate Manner : For Deſpair is a Revolt and De-
parture from True Fortitude, and is commonly the Laft Refuge
and Reſort of Men, whoſe Spirits are Tired and Broken wich
Adverſity ; and in this Condition they fly, in a Cowardly Man-
ner, to Death for Eaſe, and for a Speedy and Effectual Delive-
rance out of all their Troubles and Afflictions.
The Truly
Brave and Valiant make it their Choice and Judgment to deſpiſe
Life,
J
--
CH ÁP. VI. SENATO R. 283
Life, and enter upon Danger, with a Rational Boldneſs, not as
Men without Hope, but becauſe they think it both Honeſt and
Neceſſary to Behave with Intrepidity, and chuſe rather to Die,
than to prolong their Lives by any Bafe or Diſhonourable Ac-
tion. For a Death with Honour, is better than a Life with In-
famy.
Anger is by the Peripateticks called the Provocative, or Whet-
Atone of Fortitude, whereby the Mind is made Keen and Acute,
and has a Freſh Edge ſet upon it; or from a Gentle Kindling and
Inflammation, is Raiſed and Inſtigated, till it Burſts and Shines out
in ſome Adventure of Difficulty and Renown. But then we
muſt be Careful not to let our Anger fly out into any Exceſſes
of Brutal Rage and Fury; left we be thought rather Mad and
Frantick, than Truly Brave and Courageous. The moſt proper
Reſtraint we can lay upon it, is to make Uſe of Anger, only
as a Follower or Companion, and not as a Leader and Fore-run-
ner of Fortitude. It is a Diſgrace for any Man, much more for
a Senator, to enter upon any Affair of Conſequence, in a Fit of
Anger. This is a Practice becoming Brutes, rather than Men,
when their Preſent Rage or Appetites prompt them to Revenge.
In all Actions and Enterprizes of Note, we muſt let Honeſty
and Reaſon have the Command and Preſidence, and make Ule
of Anger only for an Auxiliary. This Paſſion is by Plato cal-
led, The Nerves of the Mind, by which it is ſtretched and ſtrained
to Exceſs, or gently relaxed and abated. They who fight in a
Rage, or when the Excelles of Anger and Reſentment are upon
them, may indeed give Proofs of a Brutal Force and Rage, buc
have no Good Title to True Fortitude : Becauſe they are Prompt-
ed to Action, not by Honeſty and Reaſon, but by an Impulſe
and Agitation of the Mind, common to Savages. Epicurus very
well obſerves, That Immoderate Anger is the Parent of Frenzy;
002
which
i
284 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II.
which we muſt be Careful to avoid, for the Preſervation of our
Health and Intellects, as well as of our Temper.
There are many Men, who attribute ſo very much to For-
tune, in the Conducting of all Affairs whatſoever, that if they
have but Fortune on their Side, they are apt to Triumph, even
before they have gained the Victory ; and in the Strength
and Aſſurance of her Aid, can boldly venture upon any Under-
taking, though never ſo Difficult and Unpromiſing. This is a
very Prevailing, but a very Great Error. For though the Influ-
ence of Fortune is very Strong, eſpecially in the Events and If
lues of War, and extends chiefly to thoſe Things, with which
Reaſon has very little to do, yet we muſt be far from ſubmit-
ting to her in ſo Servile and Implicit a Manner, as to Reject the
Neceſſary Aids and Uſes of Wiſdom and Good Counſel. 'A Good
General (as a certain Author well obſerves) will not be under
the Leading of Fortune, when his own Mind and Reafon have the
Sole Command over him. When Hannibal applied to Scipio for
Peace, he is faid to have addreſſed him in this manner :
preſent ( ſays he) I am in Adverſity ; and but very lately I
was in Proſperity : From Both which States I learn, that Rea-
“ ſon, and not Fortune, ought to be the Proper Guide of all
« our Actions.' Fortune is very apt to deſert Thoſe, who, in
diſtruſt of Good Counſel and Wiſdom, throw themſelves entire-
ly upon Her. She is as Remarkable for her Weakneſs, as for
her Fickle and Inconſtant Humours; and is often obliged to
make Men as Blind as herſelf, in order to preſerve her own Power
and Dominion over them. Let the Senator therefore be the Maker
of his own Fortune. Let Reaſon and Counſel govern all his Ac-
tions, and Fortune will then Interpoſe, to Grace and Adorn them ;
and will follow him in all his Conduct, as a Shadow does the
Subſtance. 'Tis a remarkable Saying of Xenophon's, That Good
Fortune and Good Men, and Bad Fortune and Bad Men, are inſepa-
rable
" At
!
CHAP. VI. SENATO R. 285
rable Companions in War. The many Succeſsful Exploits of Alex-
ander, Scipio, and Hannibal, are not properly to be imputed to
their Fortune ; but to their Wiſdom, Prudence, and Vertue. Eve-
ry Man of this Character will make uſe of Fortune , when She
offers him her Service, and will direct all her Turns and Windings
to his own Advantage : But unskilful Men, when any thing
happens out luckily, and to their Mind, do well to aſcribe it to
Fortune. For Fortune is to Fools, what Chance is to the Brute Beaſts
beneath us; whilſt no Good or Wiſe Man will ever chuſe ſuch a
Blind Being, for the Guide and Conductor of all his Actions.
But it is Time we ſhould proceed to an Examination of the Laſt
Great Cardinal Vertue of Temperance.
1
}
::
/
CH A P.
286
Book II.
The Accompliſh'd
CH A P. VII.
The CO N T E N T S.
of the Fourth Cardinal Vertue, Temperance. Whence this Ver-
tue has its Riſe. Of the Two Sorts of Pleaſures. Wherein Tem-
perance confifts. How far Beneficial to a State. The Miſchiefs
of Avarice. Of Luxury and Sumptuary Laws.
Intempe-
rance the Cauſe and Fore-runner of Slavery. Private Intempe-
rance, as well as Publick, ought to be Reſtrained by Law. Of
the Vertues accompanying Temperance. Of Moderation, and
Temporizing. Of Modeſty, and the ſeveral Sorts of it. Of
Honeſty, Continency, and Abſtinence. The Great Excellency
of theſe Vertues.
. The Contrary Vices, how Foul and Odious.
The Miſchiefs of Luſt and Drunkenneſs. Inſtances of the Great
Temperance of the Ancients.
N tracing the ordinary and eſtabliſhed Courſe of Nature,
we may eaſily find, that there is a Perpetual War, and Con-
tention between the Mind and the Body; and that in this
Scruggle and Tumult raiſed within us, we are often Obſtructed and
Diverted from our Neceſſary Attendance upon the Proper Duties
of Life, and Offices of Vertue.
The Deſires and Appetites,
Temptations and Blandiſhments of the Body, are at a Continual
Enmity with the Mind, and ever labouring to get a Full and En-
tire Power and Dominion over it: Whilſt, on the other hand,
the Mind is, or ought always to be, upon its Guard ; and Endea-
vour, with all its Forces, to Support and Maintain its own Dig-
nity. This Vertue of the Soul, in the Strength of which, it
manfully Reſiſts and Repells the Rebellious Appetites, and keeps
them
I
.
CHAP. VII. SENATOR.
287
them under, and in due Subjection to its own Authority, is pro-
perly and ſtrictly called, Temperance : By which, at the Command,
and according to the Directions of our Reaſon, we are led into
all Good, and preſerved from Evil, and are inſtructed how to
Chuſe the One, and to Reject the other. This Vertue chiefly
fhews itſelf in an Averſion to, and Contempt of Pleaſures, eſpe-
cially of Thoſe, which properly belong to the Senſations of Tou-
ching and Taſting. It is by no means an Enemy to all Pleaſure
whatſoever, but to ſuch only, or to the Exceſſes of them, which
are Inconſiſtent with True Vertue. There are ſome Honeſt and
Lawful Pleaſures, and ſome char are not fo: In Both which, the
Mind, as well as the Body, has its due Share and Proportion.
The Proper Perception and Judgment of them, belongs to the
Senſes, which are as it were the Domeſtick Attendants
upon
all
our Pleaſures. The Perfection Mankind ought to aim at, extends
itſelf to the Mind, as well as the Body; and without Vertue we
can never Attain it. The Uſe and Exerciſe of Vertue, in the
Regulation and Good Government of our Bodies, is the Sum of
that Particular Accompliſhment, called, Temperance ; which keeps
our Body in Subjection to our Reaſon, and renders our Life agree-
able to the Dignity of our Nature. Our Pleaſures are Born and
Bred with us, and are Familiar to us from our very Cradles. So
that we cannot long or eaſily Abſtain from them, and eſpecially
from Thoſe, which are more Delectable to the Body, than the
Mind; though theſe are the Fouleft, the moſt Beaſtly and Dif-
honourable. We ought therefore to uſe our Beſt Endeavours, in
bringing our Bodies under, and in keeping them always Dependent
upon, and Subject to the Superior Juriſdiction of the Mind; that
they may never be ſeparated in their Inclinations and Enjoyments.
For in this Subjection and Dependence, conſiſts the Whole Digni-
ty and Perfection of our Nature. Nothing conduces more to
the Eaſe and Happineſs of Life, than Temperance; becauſe it keeps
ܪ
US
1
288 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
us within the Bounds of Juſtice and Honeſty, ſets us above all
Low and Vulgar Temptations; and by moderating our Appetices,
and preventing any Undue Digreſſions, makes us Firm and Steady,
both in Word and Deed, and Eſtabliſhes our Conſtancy and Reſo-
lution. All the Vercues, in their ſeveral Degrees, are ſo many
Bleſlings to a Scate, and are the Sure Means of making a Com-
monwealth Safe and Happy : But Temperance is the Keeper and
Preſerver of this Publick Happineſs ; and effectually Prevents
Luxury and Intemperance, the uſual Fore-runners and Faral Cauſes
of a Nation's Overthrow. For theſe Reaſons, every Wiſe Govern-
ment, that is Well-provided with Good and Wholſome Laws, and
with a Body of People well-informed in the Principles, and
inured to the Practice of their Dury, will take Care at the
fame Time, to Guard and Defend its Subjects from Luxury and
Profuſeneſs; which never fail to introduce Avarice, the Parent of
all Vice, and the Root of all Evil. Among the Romans, there
were many Sumptuary and Veſtuary Laws and Edicts, by which the
People were confined to a Plain, Honeſt, and Frugal Way of
Living. The Lacedemonians always dined in Publick, on pur-
poſe to let the World ſee, that they were not given to Gluttony
and Luxury. The Old Belgians would never ſuffer
any Delicacies
to be Imported into their Country; left the People ſhould be
thereby tainted with Softneſs and Effeminacy. And at this very
Day, a too Sumptuous and Extravagant Way of Living is, in
ſome Cities of Italy, publickly forbidden by the Laws. Intem-
perance is a Devouring and Inſatiable Vice; and unleſs it be Re-
ſtrained by Law, will never ceaſe, till it has Poiſoned the whole
Maſs of the People, and made a Government ripe for Deſtruction.
Of this we have a Notorious Inſtance, in that Infamous Gang
of Conſpirators, who were the Followers of Cataline. When
they had made a Sacrifice of their own Subſtance to their Luſts,
Luxury, and Intemperance, they were for reimburſing themſelves
out
Chap. VII. : SENATO R.
289
-
out of the Spoils and Ravage of their Native Country ; and
therefore began a Civil War, on purpoſe to Aling all Things into
Confuſion. Every Commonwealth, therefore, ſhould be Careful
of Training all its Subjects to Temperance, and of Preventing
their being Sunk and Loft in Eaſe and Luxury. Such a Timely
Care will preſerve the Publick Happineſs and Tranquillity, the
Health, Strength, and Fortunes of the People; whereby they
will be always Prepared and in-Readineſs to undergo any Diffi-
culties, Dangers, or Fatigues of War, for the Šake of their
Country; and on theſe Honourable Occaſions, will Submite to
any Wants, or Hardſhips, or Forego any Pleaſures ; the Dread of
Want, and the Love of Pleaſure, being the Two moſt Prevail-
ing Arguments, that uſually tempt Men to give up their Freedom,
and to become Voluntary Slaves. It is alſo for the Publick In-
tereſt, that all Intemperance ſhould be Prohibited, as well in Pri-
vate, as in Publick Life ; and that the Subject ſhould be Reſtrain .
ed from waſting his own Patrimony or Inheritance, by Luxury
and Debauchery. The Temperate and Sober Life of Private Sub-
jects, is a Part and a Shining Proof of the Publick Happineſs. All
Extravagances ought therefore to be laid under a Penalty, as be-
ing the Riſe and Occaſion of many Great and Dangerous Evils ;
and the Good Senator ought to be Watchful over the Lives of
Others, as well as his own. The Cenforian Severity, which kept
Temperance and Modeſty ſo long Reſident in Rome, may be of
like Uſe to ſome other States. It is certain, that no Care ought
to be omitted in Suppreſſing Intemperance, either by Private Ad-
monition, or Publick Chaſtiſement : And ſo Dangerous and Per-
nicious a Vice, very well deſerves a Strict and Rigorous Proſe-
cution.
Temperance is a very Eaſy and Natural Introduction to many
other Eminent and Uſeful Vertues, ſuch as Moderation, Modeſty,
Honeſty, and Continency : By which the Happineſs of our Lives
PP
is
299
The Accompliſh'd
BOOK 11.
?
is Increaſed, and Adorned at the ſame Time. Moderation is a
Vertue, as the Stoicks deſcribe it, that conſiſts in a Right Knowledge
and Choice of the Proper Times and Occaſions, on which to ſay or do
any thing, in ſuch a Manner, as that it may effe&tually Anſwer fome
Good End and Purpoſe. For in every thing we Say or Do, there
is a Mean or Medium, and a Meaſure of Decency to be obſerved ;
left by our Words or Actions we give an Unneceſſary Offence,
and thereby Defeat our own Preſent Proſpect and Deſigns. Not
to Overdo any Thing, is a Rule of Action, laid down by Solon,
of great Uſe and Benefit in Life. And on ſome Occaſions, it
may be our Duty to Temporize and comply with the Times, and
to adapt our Affairs to their Proper Seaſons. For by the Miſling
of an Occaſion, or by the Abuſe of an Opportunity, the Nobleſt
Projects may Miſcarry, and the Beſt Deſigns prove Abortive. The
Senator therefore, whenever he Speaks or Enters upon Action,
muſt obſerve an Exact Decorum, even in his Look and Counte-
nance, his Geſtures, Motions and Deportment, and temper
all his Outward Behaviour, with ſuch a Graceful Moderation, that
it may thereby adorn his Vertue and Honeſty, beípeak the Fa-
vour and Countenance of the World, and eſtabliſh a Clear, Du-
rable, and Shining Credit and Reputation among Men.
Modeſty is alſo a very Becoming Vertue, and the Great Defender
and Preſerver of an Honeſt Life ; by which our Actions are kept
clear of all Foul Stains and Marks of Infamy. As Juſtice obliges
us not to offer any Violence to others, ſo does Modeſty reſtrain us
from giving them any real Scandal or Cauſe of Offence. A
Good Man will look upon it not only as his Duty and Choice,
not to offend others; but as the Grace and Ornament of a Modeſt
and Inoffenſive Behaviour. He will be Alhamed, as well as Afraid,
of doing any the leaſt Act of Injuſtice. The Modeſty which
ought to appear in a Senator, is not of that Baſhful Sort, which
is often ſeen in Raw and Unexperienced Youth; nor that Conſci-
ouſneſs,
CHAP. VII. SENATO R.
291
1
ouſneſs, which ſometimes ſhews itſelf in Wicked Men; and is
really the Effect of their Guilt: All ſuch Commotions and Pains
of the Mind, are rather a Diſgrace, than an Ornament, to the
Good Character of a Truly Grave and Temperate Man. But Ge-
nuine Modeſty is an Exact Reſemblance and Imitation of Vertue,
and is an Habit of the Mind, confirming us in our Enmity and
Averſion to Vice. If through Ignorance we are betrayed into a
Crime, our Modeſty will be ſeen in our Shame; and to be thus
affected, is Decent and Laudable. When Cæfar fought with the
Junior Pompey at Corduba, and ſaw his Men betake themſelves to
Flight, he advanced boldly in the Front of the Battle, and for a
while ſtood the Shock of his Enemies, wich Incredible Intrepi-
dity : At which Sight che Fugitives could by no means contain
themſelves; but Rallied and Renewed the Fight, as well in regard
to their General's Example, as to their own Shame, and for the
Saving of their Modeſty.
There is in the Mind and Diſpoſition of every Man, a Secret
Impulſe and Inſtinct of Honeſty, by which he is led on to do
what is Juſt and Honourable, and to abſtain from what is Mean,
Baſe
, and Ignominious. In tracing all the Ways of Hønefty from
its Riſe and Firſt Setting out, Vertue is our Beſt and Sureſt Guide.
All the Splendor and Dignity of Honeſty ate wholly borrowed
from Vertue; and are often ſeen in the Glory and Luſtre of a
Good Name, and atteſted by a General Prevailing Opinion, and
the Evidence of Popular Fame and Applauſe. When by diligent
Search and Enquiry we are able fully to diſcern what Rule and
Meaſure of Behaviour we are to Conform ourſelves to, what
Courſe and Order we are to obſerve, and what Dignity in Life we
are capable of Attaining : And when in all our Words and Acti-
ons, we behave agreeably to the Beauty, Decency, and Order,
ſo ſet out and limited, as the End and Perfection of our Conduct :
Whilft, at the ſame time, we take Care to avoid all Effeminacy,
Pp 2
Luſt,
292
The Accompliſh'd
Воок ІІ. .
Luſt
, and Indecency; we ſhall by theſe means be fully and compleat-
ly furniſhed with the Amiable' Vertues of Modeſty and Honeſty.
And ſo great is the Force and Efficacy of Honeſty alone, that this
Vertue is of itſelf ſufficient and able to preſerve us from all Vice
and Infamy.
Continency and Abſtinence are the Laſt-mentioned, but nor the
Meaneſt Vertues, that contribute to the Accompliſhment of the
Senatorial Character, in what relates to Good Manners and Exter-
nal Behaviour. *By theſe we are inſtructed, how to guard againſt
all the Temptations of Pleaſure, and to reſtrain all our Inordinate
Appetites and Deſires, our Hands, our Eyes, our Mind, from
wandering after any Forbidden Objects and Gratifications. To
ſee a Man perfectly contented with what is his own, and an En-
tire Stranger to Inordinate Deſires, is one of the moſt amiable
Spectacles in Life. Remarkable is the Example of Paulus Æmilius, ,
who out of all the Spoils and Treaſure, which he brought home
from Spain and Macedonia, referved nothing for himſelf, but fung
it all into the Publick Treaſury; and choſe rather to be called an
Abſtemious Poor Man, than a Publick Plunderer. For when all
his Goods and Effects were upon his Death diſpoſed of at a Pub-
lick Sale, there was hardly enough left to give his Widow a Dow-
ry. Scipio is another admirable Inſtance of Continency: For at
the Demolition of New Carthage, when he was only Twenty
Years Old, and had among the Spoils of that City a very Beau-
tiful Virgin for his Captive; he not only offered no Violence to
her Chaſtity, but gave her in Marriage to the Perſon to whom
fhe was engaged ; and with her a Fortune, the whole Sum that her
Friends had offered him for her Redemption. I paſs by the Ex-
ample of Alexander the Great, and of many others, whoſe Re-
putation and Renown, gained by their Continency, was as Great
as was the Glory of their
Arms, or the Luſtre of their Triumphs.
Let the Good Senator therefore diſtinguiſh himſelf
, by a Strict Ob-
fervation
CHAP. VII. SENATOR
293
ſervation of this Vertue, and always remember that excellent Say-
ing of Pericles, who, when his Collegue Sophocles fate openly
with him in the Pretorian Office, and occaſionally commended the
Beauty of a Perſon then preſent before them; did not ſcruple to
charge him with Incontinency, and told him, That a Prætor
ought to keep his Eyes from Inordinate Wandering, as well as his Hands
from Inordinate Gain. The Wiſdom of Cato is very juſtly applaud-
ed, for expelling ( when he was Cenfor ) L. Quintius Flaminius
from the Senate, on Account of his Libidinous Character. For
during his Conful pip, and whilſt he was in Gaul, he was prevailed
upon, at a Publick Entertainment, by a Common Strumpet
, to
Behead a Criminal then in Priſon, and under Sentence of Death.
Even for ſo ſmall a Fault as kiſſing his Wife in the Preſence of
his Daughter, Manilius was removed from the Senate : And Saluft
was entirely deprived of all Senatorial Dignity, on Account of his
Many Debaucheries, and Notorious Adulteries. There is indeed
no Vice whatſoever, that Strikes ſo Foul, fo Deep, and ſo Laſting
a Stain and Blemiſh, upon the Honour and Dignity of a Senator,
as Luſt and Laſciviouſneſs. Theſe Vices are enough Scandalous
even in Private Life, but in a Publick Station and Character per-
fectly Intolerable. Sardanapalus, would often ſpend whole Days
in the Womens Apartments
, and omitted no Means or Oppor-
tunities of Indulging and Gratifying his Luſts. In his own Life-
time, he ordered his Sepulchral Monument to be Erected, and this
Epitaph to be Engraven on it.
}
Since Thou art Mortal, Eat, and Drink, and Play
For there's no Bliſs beyond the Preſent Day.
Enjoy what Nature gives, and Luft-can crave :
There's no Delight nor Pleaſure in the Grave.
I, who am now a Ghoſt, no Joy can find,
From all the Pomp and Wealth I left behind.
IV hat
294
The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
What I once had, is now my Only Bliſs :
Hear this, and from the Dead learn to be Wife.
Ariſtotle, happening to paſs by this Monument, ſtopped to read
the Inſcription, and when he had gone through the Firſt Part of
it, burſt into a Loud Laughter, and ſaid to himſelf; Would not
this Epitaph have fitted a Bull
, as well as a Monarch? But when
he had gone through the Whole, he added this Remarkable Ob-
ſervation ; I wonder ( ſays he ) that this dead Monarch ſhould ſay,
He has now any Enjoyment of what he once Poſſeſſed; ſince he
never Enjoyed what he did Poſſeſs ; unleſs Swallowing and Devouring
may be called Enjoyment.
All Pleaſures whatſoever, unleſs they are ſome way or other Ser-
viceable to the Ends and Purpoſes of Honeſty and Neceſſity, are
in themſelves Unlawful. And particularly the Two Sorts of Plea-
ſure belonging to the Senſations of Touching and Tafting, by which
we are generally betrayed into the Fouleſt and moſt Ignominious
Vices. Among the Pleaſures, belonging to the Senſation of
Touching, may be reckoned all Venereal and Libidinous Enormities,
the Laſcivious and Immoderate Uſes of Bathing, all Immodeſt and
Wanton Habits and Geſtures, and whatever contributes to the
Gratification of our Inordinate and Beaſtly Luſts : And
among
the Pleaſures belonging to the Senſation of Tafting, are to be rec-
koned, all Intemperancies of the Palate and Belly, which are real-
ly the Occaſion of almoſt all the Vices and Iniquities that bring
Infamy and Diſgrace upon Human Nature. The Good Senator
muſt uſe his beſt Endeavours, to reſcue his Fellow-Citizens from
theſe Foul and Odious Vices, and to preſerve the Vertues of Tem-
perance and Chaſtity in their Full Force and Vigour. · All Impure
and Diſhoneſt Pleaſures ought to be Reſtrained by Strict Laws
and Severe Penalties : And whatever gives Occaſion, or Admi-
niſters to a Looſe, Immodeft, Vicious, and Intemperate Way of
Living,
:
CHAP. VII. SENATOR
295
Living, ought to be Removed and Taken away. The Lacedemo-
nians, when any of their Servants were Drunk, would expoſe
them and their Ridiculous Behaviour to their Children, on pur-
poſe to Deterr them from any ſuch Vulgar, Filthy, and Brutiſh
Folly. It is much to be wiſhed, that we were as well prepared to
imitate the Examples of the Ancients, as to Commemorate and
Applaud them.
Our Forefathers were Sparing and Moderate in
their Diet, Frugal and Temperate in the Uſe of thoſe Good
Things, which are Neceſſary and Convenient for the Support of
Life. They did Eat to Live, and not Live to Eat. Whilſt in
theſe our Times, Intemperance hath ſo far Prevailed among us,
that more Men have been Loſt by Luſt and Luxury, than have
fallen by the Edge of the Sword; and ſome Whole Nations may
be eaſily found, who Live as if they were Perſuaded, that Man's
Life conſiſted of nothing elſe but Drinking. Surely the Tempe-
rance of M, Curius, a Roman Senator, is well worth our Beſt Com-
mendations ; whom the Samnian Ambaſſadors, in a Viſit they
made him, found Eating his Supper out of a Wooden Difh; and
heard him Bravely refuſe the Gold they then offered him, with this
Memorable Saying, That he had rather have Authority over Rich
Men, than be Rich himſelf. I paſs by the Fabricii
, the Tubero's, the
Fabii, the Cato's, and Scipio's, who have gained Immortal Reputa.
tion by Sobriety and a Temperate Life. Hortenſius underwent a
very Severe Cenſure, becauſe at an Angural Supper, he had among
other Diſhes entertained his Gueſts with a Boiled Peacock. Cosſius
was noted. for Intemperance, becauſe in a Publick Aſſembly, he
had called for Water to Drink, and had thereby convinced the
Spectators, how little able he was to endure Thirſt only for a
few Moments. And Duronius was deprived of his Seat in the
Senate-Houſe, becauſe when he was Tribune, he had Abrogated
the Law for reſtraining Expenſive and Coſtly Entertainments.
Happy was the Roman State in ſuch Senators ! And Happy the
Times,
296 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
Times, in which Senators not only made Good Laws, but ſet the
People a Good Example, of Manners and Vertue. How Great
the Temperance of the Roman People at that time was, we may learn
from this Single Inſtance: When Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, was
miſerably Broken, and at laſt totally Defeated in the War he had
for ſome time maintained with the Romans, and in order to make
his Peace, and beſpeak the Favour of the People of Rome, had ſent
an Immenſe Collection of many Rich and Valuable Preſents,
which were Publickly carried about the City, and offered to every
one who would accept of them ; not a Roman was found, who
would open his Hand to receive any Part thereof; whereby Pyr-
rhus might have learned, that the Romans were as much Superior to
him in Vertue, as they had been in War.
But when Luxury
from the Conquered Provinces of Aſia, made its way into Italy,
and the People began to Indulge themſelves in Peace and Plenty,
and were melted down and diſſolved in Eaſe and Wantonneſs;
the Diſcipline of Temperance, Parlimony, and Sobriety, was en-
tirely Forgotten, and Avarice prevailed, and Introduced a Train
of Impure and Filthy Vices, which (in the Judgment of Saluft)
were the Sole Cauſe of the Decay, and Final Overthrow of That
Empire. The Good Senator therefore Exerts himſelf, as much as
porùbly he can, to Prevent the Riſe and Growth of Luxury; a
Vice which never fails to interrupt the Publick Peace and Happi-
neſs, and to make a People Wanton, Delicate, and Effeminate ;
and in the End, Poor, and Miſerable. As Diogenes was one day
reading a Proſcription, or Advertiſement by which the Houſe of
a Certain Luxurious Perſon was expoſed to Sale, I knew ( ſays he )
that the Maſter of this Houſe, who had Stocked it with ſo many Rich
Wines, and other Delicacies, would one Day Swallow and Devour his
own Habitation. Overloading the Stomach, is a Practice parti-
cularly Fatal to Senators and Stateſmen ; becauſe it Clogs the
Realon, Damps the Mind, and renders it unfit for Counſel and
Advice;
CHAP. VII. SENATOR.
297
Advice; and at the ſame time Diſables the Body, by Diſeaſes and In-
firmities, and Diſqualifies the Whole Man for Action, or any Great
Enterprize. Solon made a Severe but very Remarkable Law, that
a Nobleman guilty of Notorious Drunkenneſs, ſhould be put to Death.
When Philip of Macedon, in one of his Drunken Fitts, had Con-
demned a Woman without hearing her Cauſe; the poor Criminal
offered an Appeal, and being asked, To whom the Appealed ? I Ap-
peal (ſays ſhe) from King Philip Overtaken with Wine, to King Phi-
lip when he is Sober. Exceſs of Wine always perverts the Judg.,
ment, makes a Slave of a King, a Child of an Old Man, a Mad-
man of one that is Sober, an Orator of an Infant, a Fool of a
Philoſopher, and turns Weakneſs into downright Scupidiiy. The
Senator therefore ſhould be very Temperate and Abſtemious in the
Uſe of Wine, and drink no more than will ſupply the Neceſſities
of Nature, without anſwering the Demands of Intemperance.
What Anacharſis obſerved, is well worth our Notice, That the Firſt
Meaſure of Wine was intended for Neceſſity, the Second for Drun-
kenneſs, and the Third for Madneſs. It is Scandalous for a Senator
to appear in Publick, with an Inflamed Countenance, Eyes Swoln
and Sparkling with Rage and Fury, and a Mouth full of Foul and
Arrogant Language ; and that theſe Stains and Blemiſhes, the
Uſual Marks and Symptoms of Drunkenneſs, ſhould be expoſed
to the General View and Obſervation. In the midſt of ſuch Foul
Exceſſes, when the Body is Overcharged, there is a Neceſſity of
taking a more than ordinary Meaſure of Sleep, in order to ſhake
off and get rid of the Load ; and even this Intemperance in Sleep-
ing, takes up too much of the Senator's Time, and is inconſiſtent
with that Care and Vigilance, which are at leaſt a Graceful and
Ornamental part of his Character.
How far Temperance, and Moderation in Eating and Drinking,
are of Uſe to us, even in Low and Ordinary Life, and how much
they contribute to the Preſervation of Health, and to the Fitting
aq
US
298
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
us for Action, and eſpecially for any Great and Noble Under-
taking, every one's Experience may cafily convince him. By
Temperance, all che Parts and Faculties
, both of the Body and of
the Mind, are kepe Clear and Sound, and in their Full Strength
and Vigour ; ſo that we can Exert and Employ them with ſo much
the more Readineſs and Facility, in the Affairs of Life, and for
the Uſes and Purpoſes, for which they were given us. A conti-
nual and exceſſive Repletion of the Belly, is in effect the making
a Grave of our Body, wherein to Bury our Mind. Patſimony
and Frugality are the Great and Shining Ornamenes, both of Pri-
vate and Publick Life. But then on the other hand, we muſt be-
ware of running into the Oppoſite Extreme. There is an Excefs
even in Parſimony, and we muſt have a 'Care of being Over-te-
nacious and Continent ; left we fall into the Abject and Sordid
Vices of Covetouſneſs and Miſery. We muſt Live up to our
Dignity and Station, and nor Leſſen our Honour, to Enlarge our
Fortunes. By avoiding Private Luxury, we may be the better
enabled to bear the Expences of Publick Magnificence. We may
abſtain from Profuſe Banquetings, and yet keep a Good Table,
and maintain the Character of Decency and Hoſpitality. Extra-
vagant and Sumptuous Expences will ſoon bring a Burden upon
us; but a Way of Life, that is Decent and Generous, will give
us a Luſtre and Reputation among Men. In adjuſting theſe Dif-
ferences, there is a Rational Eſtimate and Computation to be made,
and we muſt conſider Times and Places, Men and Things, as alſo
our own Station and Circumſtances ; before we can ſettle the Ac-
count between what is due to ourſelves in Private Life, and what
is required of us, in regard to our Publick Dignity and Station,
and to our Intereſt and Credit among Men. We muſt take our
Turns of Labour and Refreſhment, and muſt proportion our Dia
ligence and Attendance accordingly. %. Tubero, becauſe at an
Entertainment he made for his Friends, his Beds were covered.
with
1
"
-
GAAP. VII. SENATOR
299
with Kid-Skins, was openly Cenſured for his Folly, and for Breach
of the Laws of Decency and Frugality, and was thereupon de-
prived of the Prætorſhip. But let what we have hitherto ſaid,
laffice for the Explaining and Illuſtrating the Great Vertue of
Temperance. It is now Time we ſhould proceed to what, in the
Order of this Diſcourfe, we propoſed to ſpeak of; which was, to
Set out and Explain the ſeveral Good Things, Gifts, and Endow-
ments, belonging to the Body, which contribute to the Senator's
Happineſs, and Adorn his Character ; without which, it cannot
be made Perfect.
-
i
}
!
.-
:
Qq 2
CH A P.
300
Book II.
The Accompliſh'd
CHA P. VIII.
The C O N T E N T S.
Of Bodily Accompliſhments and Perfections. How far Uſeful
and Advantageous to Thoſe of the Mind. Of the Nurture and
Care of Youth. Of Regulating Marriage. Of Health, and
the Temperament of the Body. Of Beauty and Dreſs. Of Bo-
dily Strength. Of the Senator's Age. Of the Goods of For-
tune. Of the Senator's Wealth and Eſtate. Of Nobility, Ho-
nour, and Glory. Poſterity the Beſt Judge of Merit. Of
Reputation, and Renown. Of Clients, Friends, and Follow-
ers. Of iſſue or Children. Of Riches and Money. Of Huf-
bandry. Of the Privileges and Reſpect, due to the Accom-
plith'd Senator. Of his Laſt and Greateſt Reward.
INCE the Body is a Neceſſary Part of our Being, and
Serves as a Cafe and Tabernacle to the Mind; it is a Duty
incumbent upon us, by the Care we take of the One, as
well as of the Other, to render our Lives as Perfect as we can,
and complete the Fulneſs of our Nature. In a Weak and Infirm
Body, Vertue can never Exert all its Strength and Activity, or be
Exact in the Performance of all its Offices : Nor can the Body,
when joined to a Weak Mind, execute the Functions of all its
Parts and Members, with thar Perfection, of which Nature made
it capable. There is ſuch a Cloſe Union, Mixture, and Connec-
tion of the Soul and Body, put together, that as a Maſter cannot
Give his Commands, without a Servant to Obey them, ſo neither
can the Mind put its Deſigns in Execution, without the Concur-
rent Aid and Alliſtance of the Body. As there is a Natural, fo
there
S
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
301
--
there is alſo a Political Conjunction of theſe Two Parts : And
without the Proper Arts and Diſcipline belonging to Both, Man
can never come to be of Uſe and Benefit to Publick Society. The
Political Perfection of the Mind, is eſtabliſhed by Good Laws and
Civil Diſcipline, and is preſerved by Juſtice and Judgment : And
the Perfection of the Body, is owing to the Free Gifts and En-
dowments of Nature, is confirmed by Exerciſe, and preſerved by
Phyſick. Hence it is, that every Wiſe and Well-conſtituted Gó-
vernment, hath Regulated Matrimony by Particular Laws, and con-
fined it to a certain Age and Seaſon of Life, and hath Provided
for the Diſcipline and Education of Youth, that Nature and Art
might both Conſpire in Perfecting the Bodies, as well as the Minds
of its Subjects and Citizens. But ſince we have already ſpoken
of the Endowments and Perfections of the Mind, we ſhall now
ſpeak of thoſe Gifts and Perfections of the Body, which are Ne-
ceſſary for the Good Senator to be Poſſeſſed of, that he may be Per-
fect both in Body and Mind; a State, very well becoming his
High Dignity and Character.
It is a well-known Truth, and agreeable to the Sentiments of
the Academicks, that Human Happineſs cannot ſubſiſt altogether
upon the Accompliſhments and Acquiſitions of the Mind; but
requires the Additional Good Things and Endowments of the Body,
before it can be completed. For though theſe Bodily Perfections
add nothing to the Real Worth and Praiſe of a Man, yet ſince
Vertue is wholly Employed in the Right Uſe of them, they are
on this Account very Deſirable Things, and worth the Pains we
beſtow in Acquiring them. Now of the Perfections belonging
to the Body, ſome belong to it in the Whole, and others only in
Part:
Of the Former Sort are, Health, Beauty, Strength, and
the Integrity, or the Soundneſs, of all the Limbs put together :
And of the Latter Sort are, the Perfe£tions of the ſeveral Particu-
lar Members, that contribute to the Offices of Senſation, and of
fucla
302 The Accompliſd
Book II.
ſuch others, as are Remarkable for fome one Excellency more than
the reſt ; as the Hand for Strength, and the Foot for Swiftneſs.
There is a General Agreement and Intercourſe between the Soul
and the Body, which the Greeks call Sympathy ; and ſo is there a
Reciprocal Harmony between the Vertues and Perfections, belong-
ing to both. Health reſembles Juſtice, becauſe by an Equitable
Temperament of the Parts, it preſerves the Whole. Beauty reſem-
bles Temperance : For One is the Parent of the Other, and Both
in their Turns reciprocally ferve for their own Ornaments. For-
titude comes neareſt to Strength: For in all Dangers and Enter:
prizes, they are Mutual Supports to each other; and Prudence as
nearly reſembles the Soundneſs and Integrity of the Parts and Mem-
bers : For as all Judgments and Opinions concurr in the For-
ination of Prudence, lo do all the Parts and Members in the For-
mation of a Sound and Perfect Body.
Common Experience teaches us, how neceſſary Health is, to a
Comfortable and Happy Life.
A Good or Ill State of Health
will accordingly have its Influence upon all the Succeſſes, or Mil-
carriages of our Conduct. This Bleſſing well befits
lick Miniſter or Officer, but eſpecially the Senator ; whereby he
may
be enabled to labour and beſtir himſelf, in the Publick In-
tereſts and Affairs ; may execute his own Proper Function with
Diligence; and may make his own Life Eaſy and Happy, and free
from all Carc and Solicitude. Our Maker is the Firſt Cauſe and
Author of our Health, by giving to every one of us a Sound,
Perfect, and Wholſome Body; and the Secondary Cauſe of it, is
from ourſelves, by the due Uſe of Study and Exerciſe. Negli-
gence and Intemperance are the Decay and Ruin of it. Health (as
Cicero well adviſes ) is Preſerved by making an Intimate Acquain-
tance with our own Conſtitution ; by diſtinguiſhing between what
is Good and Whollome, and what is Pernicious and Hurtful for
us; by regulating our Diet, and all Proviſions neceſſary for the
Support
every Pub-
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
303
Support and Maintenance of the Body; and by refraining from
the Exceſſes of our Inordinate Luſts and Appetites. Whatever
elſe is neceſſary for us to know, relating to this Subject, we muſt
look for in Galen and Hippocrates : But by the way, Diogenes
would Laugh heartily at thoſe Men, who ſacrificed to the Gods,
and implored Health at their Hands, whilſt at the ſame time they
lived in all manner of Luxury and Debauchery. For he ſaid,
They were Fools to Trouble the Gods for the Sake of Obtaining That
Bleſſing, which it was in their own Power to beſtow upon themſelves,
if they would but live up to the Laws and Rules of Temperance.
A Good Temperament of Body, is alſo a Great Bleſſing to a
Senator : And if, as the Phyſicians ſpeak, he be of a Sanguine and
Cholerick Humour, his Diſpoſition to a Vertuous and an Active
Life, will be ſo much the Stronger
. For Men of this Temper
are, generally ſpeaking, Witry and Docible, and have a Good
Genius and Memory. Ariſtotle aſcribes Ingenuity to thoſe who
are of a Melancholy Diſpoſition, and imagines, that when they
are Rouzed to a Degree of Rage and Fury, they have ſomething
of a Divine Impulſe upon them, and a Sure Foreſight and Prol-
pect of Futurity. Such Men, however, are unfit for the Service
of the State and the Senate, and are slow in the Undertaking
and Performance of any Great Action. For the Black Choler
that reigns in their Conſtitutions, always gets the Better of their
Wiſdom and Prudence. And becaule the Dry and Cold Hu-
mours prevail in their Conſtitution, therefore all their Thoughts
are turned to Solicude, Envy, ill-will, Sorrow, and Sadneſs. As
Cicero was one Day peruſing Ariſtotle's Opinion, concerning Me-
lancholy, ( as I have already Quoted it) he is ſaid to have Smiled
to himſelf, and to have Thanked the Gods, That Himſelf was
made rather of a Dull and Heavy, than of a Melancholy Diſpoſition.
As a Fat merry Fellow was one Day cenſured in the Hearing of
C. Cæfar, for being too Free and Gay in his Converſation, the
Perſon
/
304
The Accompliſh'd Book II.
Perſon that Cenſured him, was Checked by the Emperor, who
laid, That Men of Mirth and Corpulency were far leſs Dangerous,
than Lean, Spare, and Meagre Perſons; and at the ſame time Point-
ed to Brutus and Caffius. Phlegm is alſo another Fault in the
Conſtitution of a Senator, and not to be borne with, even in
thoſc of the Pedarian Order. For this Diſtemper always makes
Men Slow and Heavy, both in Body and Mind.
There is a Beauty and Gracefulneſs in the Exterior Form, which
is in ſome meaſure an Indication of the Mind, and Strikes an
Additional Luſtre upon the Vercues that Adorn it. Whence the
Poet makes this Juſt Remark:
Vertue, to Beauty join'd, is doubly Graceful.
This agreeable Appearance of the Look and Shape, recom-
mends Perſons to the Publick View and Notice, but eſpecially fo
very Publick a Perſon as the Senator is ſuppoſed to be. When I
aſcribe Beaucy to him, I mean by it ſuch a Noble and Manly Form,
as is quite different from the Softer and more Delicate Allure-
ments of the Other Sex; and which ſhews itſelf in the Stature,
as well as in the Countenance. The Former ought to be neither
Dwarfiſh nor Gigantick, but Middle-ſized, and of a Juſt Propor-
tion. Becauſe Vertue conſiſts in a Medium, Ariſtotle thinks it Mil-
placed, or Ill. ſeated, in too Large or too Little a Body. The
Groſs and Corpulent are as Unfit for Action, as the Lean and Dry
are for Toil and Fatigue : And they who are Lame, or have any
Defect in their Limbs, or any Oblique Caſt and Diſtorſion in their
Eyes, or are of a Mean and Dwarfiſh Scature, are generally noted
for their Fallhood and Treachery, and are as Diſagreeable to us,
as any other Monſtrous and Uncouch Spectacles in Nature. Such
Unhappy Men, do by no Means become a Publick Station, unleſs
chey
CHAP. VIII. SENATO R.
305
)
they aré eminently Good, and by their Inward Vertues, take Care
to make Amends for their Outward Deformities.
A Good Countenance is alſo Recommended by its Colour and
Complexion, which ſerves as a Portal or Inlet to the Mind. For
the Natural Covering of the Body is very often an Indication of
the Soul. Philopemen, General of the Achaians, recired on Ac-
count of his Deformity, and employed himſelf in Hewing of
Wood: At this Work being one Day ſurprized by his Friends,
he told them by way of Excuſe, That he was making an Atonement
for his Deformity. A Grave and Serious Face, with a Mixture of
Pleaſantry, and a Look not Stern and Severe, but Compoſed and
full of Sedate and Awful Sweetneſs, ſerve to recommend a Publick
Officer, or Magiſtrate, to the Good Opinion and Eſteem of the
People. Not that the Outward Form is always to be depended
upon, as an Infallible Mark of the Inward Frame and Diſpoſition
of the Mind. There are many Men of an ill-made and Deform-
ed Body, bụt of a Mind perfectly Beautiful and Handſome, and
furniſhed with the Amiable Vertues of Juſtice, Prudence, and
Temperance. No Deformity of the Body can Stain and Blemiſh
the Mind, but the Beauty of the Mind always communicates its
Luſtre and Graces to the Bodý. Vertue is not neceſſarily confined
either to a Handſome or Deformed Perſonage: It depends upon
its own Internal Graces and Native Ornaments, and beſtows a
Share of them upon the Exterior Form. In our Judgment of
Mankind, we muſt not depend upon our Eyes, but our Reaſon;
and in Determining and Fixing the Senatorial Charakter, we muſt
take a Full Survey of the Mind, and not proceed altogether upon
the Evidence of the Shape and Features. For the Beauty of the
Soul is always Preferable to That of the Body. This Latter Sort
of Beauty is indeed enough Deſirable, but by no means abſolutely
Neceſſary to the Perfection of our Nature.
1
Rr
The
306 The Accompliſh'd
Book II.
The better to ſupport the Dignity and Advantages of the Exre-
rior Form, ſome Regard muft be alſo had to Dreſs and Habit,
which ſerve to recommend the United Beauties both of Body and
Mind, and to beſpeak the Regard and Notice of Mankind. "The
Senator ought to be Diſtinguiſhed from other Men, by a Particular
and Proper Habit. For ſuch has the Practice been in all Wiſe
and Well-conſtituted Commonwealths. The Romans had their
Robe or Gown, which was the Diſtinguiſhing Ornament of their
Senators, and they had alſo their Sandals cut and turned up in the
Shape of a Creſcent, which were a Part of the Habit peculiar to
Noblemen, and thoſe of the Firſt Rank. This particular Orna-
ment they borrowed from Foreigners, and in all Probability from
the Hebrew Nation. For Iſaiah, in his Prophecy, threatens the
Jewiſh Women, that God would take from them the Tinkling
Ornaments of their Feet, and their Round Tires like the Moon. By
the way, Plutarch gives us Four Reaſons, why this Sort of San-
dals was in Uſe among the Romans ; which, becaufe there is fome
little Pleaſantry in them, I ſhall therefore venture to mention.
The Firſt is, becauſe they were perſuaded, that their Heroes and
Great Men, upon their Departure oực of this Life, went immedi-
ately to Heaven, and had their Reſidence affigned them, near the
Sphere and Orbit of the Moon. The Second Reafon was, becauſe
the Moon had been a Sign of Great Antiquity, in much Repute
among the Arcadians, who under the Leading of Evander, came
and ſettled themſelves in Italy, and boaſted that they were a Na-
tion much older than the Moon. The Third Reafon was, that
conſidering the Uncertainty and Volubility of Human Affairs,
they ſhould never be too much Elated or Tranſported, by the
Succeſs and Proſperous Condition of their Affairs : For as the
Moon has Two Parts, one Bright and Shining, and the other Dark
and Obſcure, ſo has the Life of Man, which has no Splendor or
Dignity, but what is ſometimes Overcaſt and Eclipſed by Adver-
ſity,
ܪ
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
307
ſity. The Fourth and Laſt Reaſon was, becauſe the Moon gives
us a Signal of Modeſty and Obedience, as well as of Government
and Authority, which we are directed to ask for at the Hands of
our Maker, and from whom we borrow them, as the Moon does
her Luſtre and Glory from the Sun. Some Authors have been of
Opinion, that in Fact the Romans did not make Uſe of the Sign of
the Moon in their Sandals, but of the Letter C, out of Reſpect to
the Hundred Senators or Counſellors, who were Elected and Brought
together, by the immediate Direction and Order of Romulus. But
this, however, is certain, That in every Well-conſtituted Govern-
ment, the Order and Station of every Private Subject is as eaſily
known by his Habit, as by any Deſcription extant in the Laws of
his Country, and that this Diſtinction of Habits tends to the
Reſtraining and Confining of Men to their Proper Duty and
Station, which produces Eaſe and Contentment, the Natural Con-
ſequences of an Eſtabliſhed and Regular Way of Living. Hence
it was, that Purple
. came to be a Colour commonly uſed among
the Romans, by their Senators, Prieſts, Magiſtrates, and Sons of
Noblemen. I paſs by their Rings, Chains, and Bracelets, which
were Honorary Ornaments and Marks of Diſtinction, commonly
uſed among them. How theſe Enſigns of Honour are Con-
founded and Mingled together in theſe Modern Times, to which
we belong, common Experience may eaſily convince us; and we
plainly ſee a very great Difference and Alteration, not only in the
Things themſelves, but in the Manners. and Cuſtoms of the World.
There ſeems at preſent to be no Diſtinction of Soldiers, Magi-
ftrates, and Senators, from Merchants, Mechanicks, Servants,
Boors, and Ruſticks. No Man's Quality or Station is now Dil-
tinguiſhed by any Particular Enſigns or Ornaments ; nor are any
of thoſe Honours Aſcertained and Appropriated, which were once
looked upon as Incitements and Provocations to the Greateſt and
Nobleſt Enterprizes ; and as Preſervatiyes of the Honour and Re-
putation,
Rr 2
1
308
The Accompliſhid BOOK II.
putation, which Men of Merit are poſſeſſed of.
The Sceptre,
the Crown, the Bracelet, the Ring, the Gown, the Robe, the Chair,
and the Throne, had their Proper Uſe and Value among the Anci-
ents. They were by no means Real Dignities in themſelves, but
the Marks of Dignity in thoſe who wore them; whereby Others
were Allured and Invited to exert themſelves in the Execution of
their Proper Duty and Offices, in adorning their Pre-eminence
and Station among Men, and in making Additions to their own
Glory and Reputation. Livy tells us, that when Romulus had
drawn together a Body of Men, who for the generality were En-
tire Strangers to him ; the better to reconcile them to the Laws he
was then about to Preſcribe, and to his own Authority, which it
was then neceſſary ſhould be had in Reverence and Eſteem among
them, he appeared in a more Illuſtrious Habit than ordinary, and
had his Twelve Liktors always attending him. The Good Senator,
therefore, ought to Dreſs in ſuch a Manner, as that he may be
able to Attract the Reverence and Regard due to his Gravity, Dig-
nity, and Vertue ; and to be particularly Careful, not to betray
the Levity and Inconſtancy of his Mind, by the Variety and Fre-
quent Changes of his Habit. There is, on this Occaſion, a Pro-
per Decency to be obſerved; a Solid and Manly, and not a Deli-
cate and Effeminate Decency; an Elegant and Well-regulated De-
cency, without any Suſpicion of Roughneſs and Ruſticity. For
in every Motion and Geſture, in every
. Step, and Air of Deport-
ment, and in all the Poſtures of Sitting and Lying down, the
Senatorial Gravity ought always to be Preſerved, with the Utmoſt
Strictneſs and Severity.
It is alſo much for the Advantage of the Good Senator, that
he be provided with a ſufficient Share of Strength, with a Sett of
Clean and Able Nerves, and with all the Bodily Vigour and Acti-
vity, which are neceſſary to Qualify him for any Great and Lau-
dable Undertaking. Theſe Accompliſhments, as they are entirely
owing
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
309
1
owing to the Good-will and Bounty of Nature, we ought to be
more buſy in Cultivating and Improving, than Active and Dili-
gent in Acquiring and Obtaining them. All Strength whatſoever,
in a Firm, Sound, and Well-grown Body, is capable of Increaſe
or Decreaſe, according to the Different Periods and Stages of Life
.
Youth is Fiery and Vigorous, Manhood Strong and Robuſt, and
Old Age Weak and Infirm. We do not therefore
We do not therefore require ſo much
Vigour and Strength in a Senator, as may poſſibly be required
in a Wreſtler or Gladiator, but only ſo much as Nature requires
,
in diſcharge of the Common Duties and Offices of Life. When
Milo was grown Old, and (as it happened ) was one Day look-
ing upon the Sports and Exerciſes in which the Youth of his Age
were engaged, it is ſaid, that upon a Survey taken of his own
Nerves and Sinews, he declared them to be Dead and Defunct,
and thereupon Wept. Which Reſentment of his, we can (in my
Opinion ) impute to nothing elſe, but the Conſcious Guilt of
having Forfeited or Impaired, by ſome Vices or Ill-Habits, That
Noble Vigour, which is the Firſt of all Bodily Accompliſh-
ments.
What That Particular Age and Time of Life is, in which the
Faculties both of Body and Mind appear to the greateſt Advan-
tage, and in which, the Senatorial Dignity is diſplayed with the
Utmoſt Luſtre, we are now at Leiſure to Enquire. They who
treat of the Stages, Periods, and Duration of Human Life, have
differed in the Bounds or Limits, which they uſually ſet to it. So-
lon confines it to the Eightieth, and Plato to the Eighty Firſt Year ;
but the more General Computation is, That of Seventy Tears ;
which Number is Subdivided, according to the ſeveral Great Chan-
ges and Alterations, to which our Bodies are liable. The Firſt Seven
Years are the Time of our Infancy: The Second Seven of our
Touth; the Third of the Fulneſs of our Stature; the Fourth, of
our Corpulency ; the Fifth, of our Strength; the Sixth, of our Deo
fires;
r
310 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
fires; the Seventh, of our Wiſdom; the Eighth is the Completion of
our Maturity ; the Ninth puts an End to our Vigour, and the Tenth
to our Lives.
There are Other Authors, who limit every Great
Change in our Conſtitution to every Ninth Year of our Age:
And there are ſome, who limit ir to every Odd Tear, computing
till they come to One and Twenty. Pythagoras tells us, that our
Eightieth is the moſt Fatal Tear, and he divides the Time of our
Life into Four Twenties ; the Firſt, the Time of our Childhood;
the Second of our Touth, the Third of our Manhood, and the Fourth
of our Old Age. Theſe Four Periods, he compares to the Four
Seaſons of the Year; Childhood to the Spring, Touth to Summer,
Manhood to Amtumn, and Old Age to Winter. Varro ſets out Life
into Five Stages, and to every Stage alligns. Fifteen Tears: The
Firſt Fifteen are the Time of our Childhood: At Thirty Tears we
are Full-grown, and Perfect in our Bodily Parts and Stature : At
Forty Five Years, we are in Full Strength, and Well-qualified to
ſerve our Country, in any Civil or Military Employment; and
at Sixty Tears, we are in Full Maturity, and entring upon the De-
cline and Decays of Old Age. This Computation and Diviſion of
Life, we readily give into : For the Other Numerical Computations
fall more properly under the Cognizance of Phyſicians, and of
Thoſe who are Employed in the Care of our Bodies, and in the
Cure of ſuch Diſtempers, as are Incident to them. It is their
Buſineſs to obſerve Times and Days, eſpecially thoſe which are
called Critical by the Greeks, and Indiciary by the Latins. What
is moſt proper for us to obſerve upon this Occaſion, is, that the
Forty Fifth Tear of Life is that Particular Period, in which the Se-
nator may be ſuppoſed to be at the Height, and in the Utmoſt
Perfection of his Character, with regard to the Accompliſhments
both of Body and Mind. Beſides, it is the Half-Way Stage, and
Middle Period of Life, at which time it may be expected, that
our Strength and Reaſon are in their full Viggur and Maturity.
For
--
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
311
For at this Age, our Mind is ſuppoſed to have gotten the Better
of our Appetites and Deſires, and to have eſtabliſhed its Domi-
nion over the Lufts and Pallons : And it is taken for granted,
that we are entirely under the Direction of Good Counſel
, Wif-
dom, and Experience. Whilſt the Roman Commonwealth was
in its moſt Flouriſhing State, this Time and Period of Life was
looked upon as the Propereſt Age, at which to admitt Men into
the Senate-Houſe : Becauſe the Mind was then beſt Turned for
Counſel and Advice, and in its moſt Perfect State ; whilſt all the
Heats and Fire of Youth were cooled, allayed, and qualified:
For the Mind Decreaſes and Increaſes in Strength, juſt as the
Body does ; according to the Different Stages and Periods of Life.
It is indeed True, that ſome Men are Old in Wiſdom and Expe-
rience, even at the Age of Thirty; and becauſe they grow Old ſoon,
their Old Age is of ſo much the longer Continuance. The Ro-
mäns frequently choſe Men of this Age into their Senate. Houſe :
For it is not a Number of Years, but of Vertues, that makes a
Man truly Old : And hence it was, that the Ancients called their
Sages Wiſe or Good Men, and their Old Men by one and the
fame Name. This, however, all Good Governments and Com-
monwealths ought to be very Careful of, that the Adminiſtration
of their Affairs ſhould be always entruſted in the Hands of the
Aged and Experienced : And accordingly Plutarch declares That
Ståre to be Happy and Durable, in which the Elders are employ-
ed in the Giving of Advice, and the Juniors in the Diſcipline and
Exerciſe of the Spear : And Remarkable is the Saying of Euripe-
des, as we find it extant in Stobæus :
'Tis a well-known, and an Undoubted Truth;
Old Men for Counſel
, and for Action, Youth.
The
cine
!
312 The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
The Athenians admitted all Citizens whatſoever to their Publick
Conſulcations, after the Age of Fifty. And it was a Cuſtom
among the Romans, that every Citizen, of the Age of Sixty, had
a Right to come into the Senate-Houſe
, whenever he pleaſed,
though he had not been duly Elected into the Senatorial Office
.
After the Age of Sixty, all Senators were permitted to Retire, and
were upon their Petition diſcharged from the Toil and Trouble of
all Publick Employments whatſoever. The Particular Laws and
Cuſtoms of every Commonwealth are, on this Occaſion, chiefly
to be regarded, and always ſtrictly to be obſerved: And even
Thoſe of Neftor's Age ought not to be Excluded the Senate, ſo
long as they are capable of Serving their Country, and are, on
all Occaſions, and at all Times, ready to aſſiſt their Fellow-
Subjects, by their Counſel and Wiſdom.
Whilſt it is in our
Power, we muſt do Good to the Publick: And to Decline this
Service, is a Juſt Cauſe of Reproach, to any Private Citizen ; but
in a Senator, it is notoriouſly Wicked and Infamous. Though
we have (as Plato ſpeaks) One Foot in the Grave, yet with the
Other we ought to fit down in Counſel, ſo long as we are capable of
Serving our Country. When we arc too far Advanced in Years,
and are come to Dotage, and our Senſes and Intellects begin to
Decay, it is then High Time for us to Quit the Council-Board and
Senate-Houſe. For ſuch Superannuated Sages deal more in Sur-
miſe and Opinion, than in Solid Wiſdom and Counſel; and we
hear little elſe from them, but PERHAPS and It May Be, or
fome ſuch Conjectural and Indeterminate Expreſſions : And the
Load of Experience is ſo Heavy upon them, that they are always
afraid of every Danger and Evil, of which they have had the
Leaſt Feeling and Experience.
Since Human Felicity cannot be made Perfect, without the
Additional Enjoyment of the External Bleſſings and Good Things
of this Life, it is Neceſſary the Good Senator ſhould be Poſſeſſed
of
CHAP. VIII. SENATO R.
313
of theſe in a Competent Meaſure ; not only for the Maintenance
and Support of his Proper Dignity, but as the Means of Redu-
cing all his Vercues to Action and Exerciſe. Upon this Subject,
the Philoſophers are much divided in their Opinions. Some of
them affere the Perfection of Human Happineſs, without the Poſ-
ſeſſion of theſe External Good Things; and others maintain, that
without them, it is impoſlible for us to be truly Happy. Now
if we look to the Final Iſſues and End of Life, as well as to our
own Preſent Stacion and Circumſtances, both theſe diſagreeing Par-
ties are certainly ir t'e Right. They who confine all their Ver-
tues to Private Lift'my, wiili a vury Low and Mean Fortune,
make themtilves Perfectly H.ppy: Butriny, whoſe Verrues are
to Shine our in a Higher Sphere, who are Stationed 10 fume Pub-
lick Office or Employment, and placed in the Open V1:w of ..
their Fellow-Subjects, and have the Care of Governing and Pre-
ſiding over them, can never be able, without a Due Supply of
Fortune's Goods, to exert their Generoſity, Magnificence, or Li-
berality, or to Carry on and Finiſh any Grear or Glorious Under-
taking. A Competency of Wealth and Riches is neceſſary to the
Good Government of the Commonwealth, and to the Diſplay
and Exerciſe of our Vertues. Without theſe Advantages, we can
never effectually Interpoſe, to the Saving and Relieving our Fellow-
Subjects, or the Publick, when in any Calamity and Diſtreſs, or
under the Apprehenſion of any Great or Imminent Danger. With-
out a Sufficient Stock or Treaſure, a Commonwealth cannot long
Subſiſt, or make any Pretenſion to Proſperity and Happineſs :
And therefore the Contending Philoſophers would have found it
more for their Purpoſe, if inſtead of Diſputing about Riches them-
ſelves, they had Diſputed altogether about the Uſe and Applica-
tion of them. For Life itſelf, as well as the Happineſs of it, can-
not well be Supported, without the Afluence and Acceſſion of
theſe Goods of Fortune ; a Proportion of which is required for
Sr
the
314 The Accompliſh'd Book II.
the Maintenance of every Man's particular Station and Character,
in order to make Life Sweet and Comfortable. The Happineſs
of Diogenes was quite different from that of Alexander the Great :
One was Poor, and the Other Rich: Alexander's Ambition was
not ſatisfied with the Conqueſt of the Whole World: Whilſt Dio-
genes lived contentedly in a Cottage, reſembling a Tub. The
Lives of theſe Two Men were quite Different, and lo conſequent-
ly were their Notions of Happineſs. Both were Philoſophers, the
One Happy in Publick, and the Other in Private Life. The For-
mer had a Juſt Title to all imaginable Praiſe, and the Latter was
by no means Vile or Infamous. God, or Nature, or our own
Choice, has aſſigned to every one of us, our Particular Scudy and
Way of Life. To this we are confined, and this we are obliged
to Follow and Retain, and to Adorn it in ſuch a Manner, as God
and Nature, or our own Reaſon and Vertue, ſhall direct. Some
Men had rather Live in a Low and Mean, than in an Exalted State:
Others had rather be Learned than Rich, or Soldiers rather than
Prieſts; and a Third Sort preferr Privacy and Retirement to all
Publick Honours and Offices whatſoever. Let every one Chuſe the
Way of Life which is moſt agreeable to him, and afterwards take
care to Improve and Adorn it. But now, ſince the Life of the
Good Senator, and his Happineſs, are ſet in fo Full and Fair a
Light, and conſtantly expoſed to the Publick View and Inſpection;
the Uſe of theſe External Bleſſings and Goods of Fortune is abſo-
lutely Neceſſary to the Support and Maintenance of his Character.
Theſe are Birth and Pedigree, Reputation, Honour, and Renown,
a Number of Friends, the Good-Will of all about him, Chil-
dren, Lands, and Money. Let him be the Illue either of the
Nobility or Gentry, and deſcended of a Scock or Family, which
can carry up their Pedigree from Father and Grandfather, to a Sett
of Noble and Illuſtrious Anceſtors. For Nobility and Deſcent are
as Pledges depoſited with our Country, by our Forefathers, obli-
ging
1
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR.
315
!
ging us, in its Defence, to Sacrifice every Thing, even Life itſelf.
Hence it was, that the Romans had a Law among them, that no
Senator ſhould marry the Daughter of a Man, who was not Born,
but only made Free, or the Daughter of a Plebeian, or of one
who had followed any Ludicrous Art or Employment. I would
be far from Reflecting upon thoſe Men, who look only to them-
ſelves for the Proofs and Inſtances of their Nobility, and ground
all their Pretenſions to it, in their own Perſonal Vertues. The
ſame Vercues make Up/iarts and Hereditary Nobles, both alike ; and
whoever depends upon Vercue, as his Beſt Title to Honour, is never
Deceived or Diſappointed. Cato, upon ſome little Difference that
happened between him and Scipio Africanus, is ſaid to have Ex-
preſſed himſelf with a Sneer, in the following Manner ; That it
would be well for the Roman State, if the Nobility would engroſs
all the Vertues to themſelves, in ſuch a Manner, as that the Plebeians
ſhould have none left; or if the Plebeians (of which Number him-
ſelf was One) would fairly Contend with the Nobility, which Or-
der of the Two had moſt Vertues belonging to it. This, however,
in an Upſtart or New-raiſed Family, is always to be conſidered;
By what Steps and Pretenſions to Merit, or by what Particular
Vertues they acquired their Nobility. For a Perſon of Mean
Birth, when Advanced to Honour, is by no means Inferior to He-
reditary Noblemen, if the Vertues, to which he owes his Riſe, are
not either Fictitious and Imaginary, or of the Softer and Gentler
Sort, but the Rough, Manly, and Laborious Vertues, among
which are always to be reckoned the Military and Senatorial, as
ever Preferable, not only to the Qualifications of Wealth and
Fortune, but to all the Other Vertues whatſoever, which are only
Fitted to a Life of Privacy and Retirement.
Honour and Glory are the Rewards commonly beſtowed by a
Wiſe Government, upon Great and Deſerving Men; and theſe
Acquiſitions give them a Juſt Pretenſion to the Title of Fortunate.
SE2
Honour
316
BOOK II.
The Accompliſh'd
Honour conſiſts either in the Poſſeſſion of ſome High and Confi-
derable Poſts, or Offices in the State, or in the Favourable Opi-
nion, Applauſe, and Affection, beſtowed by Wiſe and Good
Men, upon thoſe of Superior Accompliſhments and Merit. True
Honour (as Tully well obſerves) is the Portion of Men of Worth
and Renown, aſſigned to them, in Return for their High Deſerts and
Good Services already performed; and not barely as an Incitement to
their Hopes, or to Encourage them in any Future Undertakings or Ex-
ploits. The truly Honourable will have very little Regard to Pic-
tures, Statues, and Images; but will depend altogether on thoſe
Verrues, to which ſo much Greater and more Durable Rewards
are deſervedly annexed. When Cato law ſuch an Abundance of
Publick Statues in Rome, he would not ſuffer his own to be put
up, but ſaid, He had rather Men ſhould gueſs at the Reaſon why it
was not Erected, than be at a Lofs to find one, why it was :. And
doubtleſs the Honours due to a Firſt-rate Vertue, are not made of
any Brittle or Periſhing Materials, but are Perpetual and Everlaſt-
ing. Of the Thirty Statues erected to Demetrius, nor one remain-
ed to try the Teeth of Time, or to wear the Marks of Antiquity ;
but they were all Demoliſhed, even in the Life-time of the Origi-
nal. Glory, or Renown, is the Deſirable Bleſſing, which the Sena-
tor is allowed to Aim at, and is indeed the Higheſt Reward of
Vercue. The Exceſſes of Glory ought always to be Proportion-
ed to thoſe of Vertue; and theſe Two ſhould be conſtant and In-
ſeparable Companions ; thus the Shadow is Proportioned to the
Subſtance; upon which it conſtantly attends. Theſeus had but
Three Things to ask of the Gods ; Good Fortune, and Succeſs ; a
Mind free from Care and Pain; and a Name adorned with True; Ge-
nuine, and Unſpotted Glory. They who make Glory the Great End
and Aim of all their Vercues and Conduct, will never bear with
any the Leaſt Baſeneſs or Ignominy, in their Own, or in the Cha-
racter of Others; and will always meaſure the share of Honour
and
1
1
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
317
--
3.
and Reputation, which they have in the World, by the Approba-
tion and Good Opinion of their Wiſe and Vertuous Fellow-Sub-
jects. A Man of a Generous Birth, and Liberal Education, has
no Greater Pleaſure in Life, than to hear his Friends and Fellow-
Citizens, and even Strangers and Foreigners ſpeak well of him,
and to be able to Tranſmitt the Glory, which the Preſent Age hath
unanimouſly Conferred on him, to his Lateſt Poſterity. The
Good Senator, therefore, ought, above all other Men, to be parti-
cularly Cautious of having the Leaſt Stain or Blemiſh affixed to his
Name or Character. For any Thing of this Sort is ſeldom or
ever worne out, or atoned for, either by our own After-Conduct,
or by the Vercues and Reputation of thoſe that come after us. The
Preſent Generation will ſometimes ſpeak out; but Poſterity is never
Silent and Reſerved, and will not forego its Liberty and Right of
Enquiring into, and Cenſuring the Behaviour and Actions of Ocher
Men. The Good and Vertuous do not only, in their own Per-
ſons, reap the Fruits and Benefits of an Honourable Reputation,
but Tranſmitt a Share of it to their Neighbours, Friends, and
Children, and to a Succeſſion of many Generations. For Poſte-
rity never fails to give Good Men their Juſt Due, to Admire their
Lives, and Extoll their Vertues, and to beſtow all imaginable .
Praiſes and Commendations upon the Times in which they Lived,
the Laws which were of their Making, and the State and Govern-
ment in which they Preſided. Whilſt we are upon Earth, we
ought to take Care, that the Bravery, Fidelity, Piery, and other
Vertues of our Anceſtors, the Reputation and Glory of which
they Bequeathed to us, and Entruſted in our Hands, may not be
Leſſened or Diminiſhed. We oughe to keep up to the Dign:ty of
their Character, the Obſervation of their Precepts and Inſtirutions,
and the Example of their Vertues ; and we ought to Tranſmitt all:
the Vertues, Diſcipline, Good Manners, Piety, and Fidelity, which
we Learned, and Received from them, to our Childrens Children.
Fame
318
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
Fame is the Sure Foundation of a Laſting and Perpetual Glory,
and this alone is ſufficient to reſtrain us from all Appearances of
Vice, leſt in the purſuit thereof, we leave our Character and Repu.
tation behind us ; the Loſs of which can never be Repaired, or
made Good to us. The Romans had a Law, that no Man ſhould
be choſen a Senator, who was Stained and Infamous in his Charac-
ter: And in this Number they always reckoned thoſe Men, who
were Noted Gameſters, or' bad given Falſe Evidence, or had been
Convifted of Theft, or had Betrayed their Truſt, or their Words,
Pupils, and Clients
, or had Proſtituted their Eloquence for a Bribe,
or had Changed their Religion, or were Disfranchiſed and Deprived of
the Freedom of their own City, or were publickly Noted and Stigma-
tized, for any Scandalous Crime or Enormity, that condemns a Man
to Infamy, and brings a Laſting and Indelible Spot and Blemith
upon his Good Name and Reputation. The Athenians erected a
Court, or Judicatory, called the Dokimacy, in which the Life, and
Character of every Man were enquired into, who was Propoſed
as a Candidate for the Senatorial Dignity: For Solon had, by one
of his Laws, prohibited the Introducing into the Senate-Houſe any
Perſon whatſoever, whoſe Name had been Stained with any Publick
Blemiſh, or Mark of Infamy. To this we agree; and would have
all ſuch Men excluded from the Senate. For they, who are un-
fit for Common Converſation, are by no means Qualified to be Mem-
bers of any ſuch Aſembly. Let, therefore, the Good Senator's Life
and Character beſearched and fifted to the Bottom, that it may
Stand the Teſt of Vertue and Honeſty. For upon this Founda-
tion, all the Glory, Fame, Reputation, Praiſe, Splendor, and
Dignity of Human Life, are to be Raiſed and Erected.
A Number and Multitude of Friends, Clients, and Followers,
and their Good Affections and Offers of Service, are a Conſide-
rable Addition to the Senator's Dignity, and contribute very much
to his Satisfaction and Happineſs in Life. There is a Pleaſure and
Eaſe
--
-
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR 319
Eaſe of the Mind, in communicating our Affairs and Intereſts
to our Friends, and in enjoying the Fruits of their Fidelity, Be-
nevolence, and Good-will towards us; and a good deal of Satif-
faction and Security, in Depending on their Aid and Aſſiſtance,
in any Juncture, or on any Emergent Occaſion, either of Publick
or Private Life. When Alexander the Great was asked, Where his
Treaſury was ? He readily anſwered, With his Friends : Thereby
intimating, that the Good Will and Alliſtance of our Friends of-
ten ſtand us in more Stead, than our own Wealth, or the Con-
tributions of Others.
Whoever regards the Good and Welfare of Poſterity, will
look upon a Number of Children, as a very Great Bleſſing, efpe-
cially if they are Well-diſpoſed, and Trained to Vertue. A Sena-
tor cannot well ask of Heaven any Greater Benefit, or which con-
tributes more effectually to his own Private Happineſs. For Pro-
geny is a Sort of Intereſt and Ufury added to the Sum Total of our
Years, in the Accounts of Life, and our Name and Family are
thereby made Laſting, and perhaps Perpetual. When Bercilidas,
the Spartan General, took his Seat in Publick, none of his Juniors
( as the Cuſtom was) would Riſe up to do him Honour, thereby
Upbraiding him with Want of Children, and becauſe he could
leave none behind him to pay the ſame Compliment to their
Seniors. Among the Romans, the Fathers of a Numerous Iſſue
were always Excuſed in the Cenſor's Books, and were afterwards
dignified with the Title of Proletarians.
I come now to ſpeak of Money and Riches, the Poſſeſſion of
which is abſolutely Neceſſary to the Support of the Senatorial
Chara&ter, and to the Carrying on of all Private and Publick Buſi-
without which, all Great Undertakings are at a Scand, and
all the Vertues dwindle co mere Speculations and Inactivity. Ma-
jeſty, without this Support, is never Safe ; and Prudence and Wif-
dom are often made Retainers and Slaves to Folly. The Firſt Share
and
..
neſs;
320
The Accompliſh'd BOOK II.
and Dividend of Wealth is, when a Man has really as much as he
Wants; and the Second is, when a Man poſſeſſes as much as ought
to Satisfy and Content him.
Plato would have the Keepers or
Governors of every City, ncither too Rich, nor too Poor : For
by too much Wealth, Men come to be Idle, Wanton, and Luxu-
rious; and by too much Poverty, to be Weak, Sordid, and
Contemptible. Whatever Wealth a Senator acquires, he ought to
acquire only by Honeſt Means, and not to make a Fortune at the
Expence of his Character.
There are ( according to Ariſtotle )
Two Ways of Acquiring Wealth, the One Honourable, and ac-
cording to Nature; and the Other Diſhonourable, and conſequent-
ly Unnatural. The Natural Way, is by Agriculture, Hunting,
Fiſhing, Fowling, or ſome other ſuch Method of Supplying our
Neceſſities, without Intereſt of Money, Uſury, or Exchange of
Commodities. There is no Trade or Profeſion, ( as Cicero very well
obſerves ) more Honourable and Profitable than Husbandry, or more
becoming a Liberal and Free-born Citizen. Cato being asked, By
what means a Man might come to be Rich? Anſwered," By Feeding :
And being again asked, How he muſt Feed, in order to grow Rich?
Anſwered, He muſt Feed Well; thereby hinting at the Care we
ought to take of our Cattle, and of the Grounds and Paſtures
to which they belong, as the Proper Means of Enlarging our For-
A Good Man, and a Good Husbandman, were Equivalent
Phraſes and Terms of Commendation among the Romans : And
their Great Men were frequently called from the Plough, to ſome
Publick Office or Employment. This, among many Others,
was the Caſe of L. Quintius Cicinna, when he was Advanced to
the Diktatorſhip : And by the way it is to be noted, that the
Ancients did not make Choice of this Rural Way of Life out of
Neceſſity, but merely for the Sake of Pleaſure, and to Eaſe and
Unbend their Minds, when Embarraſſed and Overloaded with Pub-
lick Buſineſs. There is ſomething Unnatural in Trade, Merchan-
dize,
tune.
CHAP. VIII. SE NATO R.
321
dize, and Uſury; becauſe it is ſo very Difficult to keep within the
Bounds of Honeſt Gain and Profit. Cato being asked, What he
thought of Uſury ? demanded of the Queriſt, What he thought of
Murder? All Unreaſonable and Diſhoneſt Gain, is what the Good
Senator ought to have a Juſt Contempt of. For a Vulgar and
Sordid Eagerneſs in acquiring Wealth, is a notorious Blemiſh to
the Honour and Dignity of his Character. Hence it was, that
among
the Romans, all Uſury or Unlawful Gain was ſtrictly
prohibited by the Fathers, among thoſe of their own Order ; and
no Senator could be Owner of a ship, above a certain Moderate
Burthen. It is hardly poſſible for a Man to be governed altoge-
ther by a Principle of Honour and Honeſty, in tranſacting the
Affairs of the Publick, who has no Regard to any thing ſo much,
as his own Profit, in his Private Employment and Commerce
with Mankind. For which Reaſon, all Followers of Uſury and
Unlawful Gain, were Excluded the Senate. . Money, Lands, ,
Farms, Villa's, Mannors, Houſhold Goods, Flocks, Herds, and
a Competent Number of Servants, were heretofore reckoned as
the Honeſt and Liberal Subſtance, of which a Subject might be
lawfully Pofleſſed, and well Employed in the Management of them.
Of theſe Poſſeſſions, certain Rates or Cenſe-Books were commonly
made in moſt Commonwealths, diſtinguiſhing the Names and De-
grees of the ſeveral Owners thereof; and accordingly as they were
Rated in theſe Books, Men were qualified for, and choſen into
the Senatorial Office. Solon divided his People into Four Claſſes ;
the Three Firft differed according to the Proportions that are between
Five, Three, and Two; and in the Fourth Claſs, were included Tra-
ders, Mechanicks, and all the Poorer Sort. They, who were in
the Second Claſs, were commonly thoſe of the Equeſtrian Order :
They in the Third, were generally ſuch as kept a Single Horſe ; and
They in the Firſt
, were the Nobles, Magiſtrates, and Senators.
Among the Lacedæmonians, no Man was admitted to any Office
Tt
in
--
322 The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II
-.
Such a
in the Magiſtracy, or Government of the Commonwealth, who
was not a Contributor to the Publick Feaſts, commonly called the
Phidicia : Which Entertainments were held once a Month, and
every Contributor brought a certain Quantity of Bread, Wine,
Cheeſe, Figs, and Money. Plato, in like manner, divided the
Subjects of his Commonwealth into Four Claſſes, under which
were ranged the ſeveral Orders of Citizens, according to what
they were Worth in Money. The Romans had alſo their Cenſe-
Books ; but they differed, according to the ſeveral Changes and
Alterations, which That Commonwealth underwent.
Practice is of great Uſe in all Governments whatſoever : For by
this means the ſeveral Orders of Subjects are kept up and diſtin-
guiſhed; the Publick Tributes, Tolls, and Duties, are ſecured and
aſcertained; the Precedency of Families ſettled and adjuſted; and
a Way is opened, for Reforming the Manners of a People
, for
Suppreſſing Luxury, and for Provoking even the Meaneſt Subjects:
to be Active and Diligent in their Care and Concern for the
Safety and Welfare of the Publick. The Roman Cenfors were
the Maſters and Overſeers of the Order, Good Diſcipline, and Be-
haviour of their Fellow-Subjects, and were inſtituced in Imica-
tion of the Grecian Nomophylaces. But after all, I venture to give
my humble Opinion, in an entire Deference to better Judg-
ments, that Wealth is by no means the Only Qualification, that
ought to recommend a Man to the Senatorial Dignity. The Reſign-
ing of a Government into the Hands of the Wealthy, is like com-
mitting the Care of a Veſſel, not to the moſt Skilful, but to the
Richeſt Perſon aboard; which can end in nothing elſe, but the
Danger or Loſs both of Ship and Cargo. When Pliny cenſured :
the Roman State, the Vices of their Magiſtrates, and the Corrup-
cions of their People ; he imputed all their Degeneracy to the Par-
tiality of their Cenſe-Books: For when. (ſays he) a Senator is choſen,
er a Magiſtrate, or Judge appointed, only for the Sake of his Wealth;
he
1
1
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR.
323
he will, in the Courſe of his Adminiſtration, and in all his Proceed-
ings, have no Regard to the Lives, but only to the Properties and For-
tunes of his Fellow-Subjects. Wealth, without Vertue, is of little
Uſe; but when Both are in conjunction, they complete the Hap-
pineſs of Human Life. And therefore in the Choice of Senators,
Vertue is always more to be regarded than Riches. Where a Per-
ſon is both Good and Wealthy too, and yet chuſes to decline the
Senatorial Office, he ought to be compelled to accept of it, by a
Cenforian Law. For a Man cannot well be Guilty of a more In-
famous Act of Ingratitude, than by refuſing to ſerve That Coun-
try and Nation, to which he owes his Birch and Life, and all the
Honours
, Benefics, and Advantages, which ſerve to make Life
Pleaſant, Comfortable, and Glorious. This Caution however is,
by the way, always to be obſerved, That Men, whoſe Folly is
equal to their Wealth, ought never to be Advanced to any Publick
Omice. For Honour turns Fools into Madmen. It is Reaſon-
able enough, that Rich Men ſhould be Preferred in a State, becauſe
they have more Abilities and Opportunities of doing Good than
other Men ; eſpecially if their Learning, Prudence, and Juſtice,
are Proportioned to their Wealth : But to Exalt Men only for their
Wealth's Sake, is perfectly Unjuſt: For Wealth, without Wif-
dom and Vertue, only enables Men to Oppreſs the Poor, and to
attempt Changes and Innovations in a Well-eſtabliſhed Govern-
.
I come now, in the Laſt place, to ſpeak of the Rewards juſtly
due to a Good Senator ; of the Fruits he ought to reap by his La-
bour and Diligence, and of the Debt of Honour and Profit,
which his Country really owes him. We are all Incited and Spur-
red on to Action, to the Service of our Country, and to the Per-
formance of Honeſt, Vertuous, Great, and Laudable Underta-
kings, by the Hopes and Proſpect of a Sure and Sufficient Re-
Whatever we Undertake, whether it be of Little or of
Tt 2
very
ment.
ward.
:
324
The Accompliſhd
BOOK II.
very Great Conſequence, we always look for ſome Advantage in
the Accompliſhment and Performance of it. Solon obſerved, That
Rewards and Puniſhments were the Preſervation of every Government ;
and unleſs theſe are Proportioned to every Man's Vertues and Vices,
a State muſt neceſſarily be Unhappy and Miſerable. Every Good
Senator is therefore juſtly Entitled to a Proper Support of his Dig-
nity, and to the Rewards due to his Vertues. All Publick Rewards
(in the Opinion of Cicero ). are beſtowed, either as Favours to diſtin-
guiſ
a Man, or as Additions to his Income and Fortune, or as a Main-
tenance for his Superior quality and Dignity. For ſome of theſe Re-
wards, we muſt apply to Heaven ; and for the reſt to our own
Country. But of all the Rewards, which a Grateful Common-
wealth can poflbly beſtow upon a Good Senator, there is none
more truly Valuable and Deſirable, than that of Glory and Renown;
which a Good and Vertuous Man will look upon as the Comple-
tion of his Hopes, and as the End and Crown of all his Labours.
All his Honeſt Endeavours are enough recompenced, by the Ap-
probation, Praiſes, and Encomiums of his Fellow-Subjects
. For,
as Xenophon ſpeaks, The Pleaſure Men take in Honour and Glory, is
the ſame that the Divine Being is moſt Delighted with. The Benefits
conferred upon us by the Deity, are ſo Many and fo Great, that
we can never, either by Word or Deed, be enough Grateful or
Thankful for them ; and yet all the Recompence and Compenſa-
tion which He expects from us, is only the Return of Praiſe and
Thankſgiving. Now though no Honour can be paid to the Divine
Being, ſo Great and Ample, as to anſwer the Obligations we have
to him ; yet ſince the Honour we do Pay him, is the Utmoſt we
are capable of Paying, and this he is pleaſed to accept ; the
Good Senator may make the Deity his Pattern in this, as in many
other Things, and may accept the Honour, Glory, and Renown,
which his Fellow-Subjects beſtow upon him, as the Beſt Return
his
I
CHAP. VIII. SENATO R.
325
-.
his Country can make him, and as a Sufficient Reward for all his
Vertues and Services.
Every Good Man looks up to Honour, as the Reward of his Ver-
tues; and both the Soldier and General have This always in View,
as the Recompence of their Good Behaviour, and their many Vic-
tories. All the Glory a Senator is capable of, can be acquired by
no other Means, than by Saving his Fellow-Citizens, by Defend-
ing his Country, and by Diſtinguiſhing himſelf in ſome Great and
Glorious Enterprize. But ſtill the Greateſt and Higheſt Reward
of Vertue, is the Attainment of the Senatorial Dignity; and as
Honour is really a Diſgrace, when it falls upon an Unworthy
Perſon, ſo is it truly Valuable, when it is the Reward of Real and
Undoubted Merit. For the Greatneſs of the Honour, is always
proportioned to the Greatneſs of the Man who poſſeſſes it. To be
Admired, Reſpected, and Eſteemed, by all our Fellow-Subjects ;
to be Obſerved, Reverenced, and Extolled, by all about us ; to
have a Name Clear, Bright, and Shining, and always mentioned
with the Additional Ornaments of Praiſe and Glory; to be called
the Parent, the Father, the Preſerver, or the Deliverer of one's
Country; Theſe are Great and Deſirable Bleſſings, that approach
very near to Divine Honours.
And theſe Enſigns of Fame are
not liable to Decay and Periſhing, but bid fair for Eternity, and
are always remaining upon the Tongues, and in the Ears of a
Whole Nation, and in the Minds and Memories of Late Poſterity.
Such Glory, and ſuch Honours, are of a Large and Wide Ex-
tent: For a Part of them is Communicated, or Defcends to our
Children, our Neighbours, our Friends, and to all who are any
way Related or Attached to us; and Poſterity, by our Example,
is provoked to Copy our Actions, to Follow our Vertues, and to
vye with us in Honour and Renown. By the Defire and Attain-
ment of Glory, the Good Senator propagates his own Character,
{preads his own Example through many Families, and lays the
Foundation
..
1
326
The Accompliſh'd
BOOK II.
Foundation of many Seminaries and Nurſeries of Vertue, whence
the Publick reaps a Plentiful Harveſt of many National Benefits
and Bleſſings.
Honour and Reverence are a Tribute and Return of Gratitude,
juſtly due from every Good Subječt, to every Good Senator; and
the Publick ought to take Care, that it may always be Fully and
Regularly paid. Were it only on Account of his Age, he has
a Natural Claim of Right to Reſpect and Veneration, but this
is Common to many Ochers of the ſame Age; and a Double
Portion of it belongs to him, when we conſider his Particular
Station, Dignity, and Character, and how Great his Prudence,
Fidelity, and Diligence have been, in the Care and Government
of the Commonwealth. All Inſults, Injuries, and Offences, by
which the Senatorial Honour is Leſſened or Impaired, ought to be
ſeverely Puniſhed by the Laws: And ſo very careful was the Roman
State, in protecting the Honour of their Magiſtrates, that to In-
jure or Offend any one of That Order, was made a Capital
Crime. They had one Law in particular, by which, if any Citi-
zen Aſſaulted or Mal-treated the Perſon of a Tribune, Ædile, Judge,
or any one of the Decemviri, his Life was Forfeited, and his Chil-
dren and Family expoſed to Sale, at the Temple of Ceres. Servi-
lius Ifauricus, of the Conſular Order, walking one Day in the
Streets, and meeting a Perſon on Horſeback in a very Narrow Paſs,
who did not alight, and pay him the Reſpect due to his Character,
but happened afterwards to appear in Judgment before him; up-
on a Relation made of the Fact, to the reſt of the Judges upon
the Bench, the Criminal was without Hearing immediately Con-
demned: For the Court was juſtly tranſported with Indignation,
and readily believed, that the Man who was capable of Affronting
a Superior of the Higheſt Quality, would not Scruple any other
Enormous Crime or Iniquity whatſoever.
The Law of Treaſon,
made by Honorius, takes in all thoſe, who offered any Injury to,
or
}
?
1
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR 327
or Conſpired againſt, the Life and Honour of a Prince or Senator :
Both which Characters and Dignity were put upon a Level, and
held in the ſame Eſteem and Reverence; and the Subject was ex-
preſly and ſeverely prohibited from Reviling their Names, or Leſ-
ſening their Credit, by any Verbal Reproaches, or Written Satyrs
and Libels. Cicero recounts the ſeveral Rewards and Ornaments
of the Senatorial Chara&ter, and mentions Place or Precedence,
Power and Authority, a Splendid Houſhold, Equipage, and At-
tendance, a Name and Reputation among Foreigners, the Gown or
Robe, the Currule Chair, Liętors, Faſces, and other Enſigns of Out-
ward Grandeur, Military Offices and Commands, and the Govern-
ment of Cities, Provinces, and Kingdoms. I paſs by the Statues,
Chariots, and other Honorary Marks of Diſtinction, too Nume-
rous to be eaſily Recounted : Of all which, there is a very Cu-
rious and Exact Detail, now extant in a Book, written by our
Countryman John Samoski, and by him Dedicated to Peter Miſo-
vius, Vice-Chancellor of Poland; a Work juſtly Valuable for a
great deal of Elegant and Uſeful Learning, and for giving us an
Uncommon Inſight into the Roman Antiquities.
Every Senator therefore is juſtly entitled to a Due Share and
Proportion of Honour, and either Sitting or Walking, ought to be
Diſtinguiſhed by his Proper Place and Precedence, and by other
Marks and Inſtances of Dignity and Renown. As often as Au-
guftus came into the Senate Houſe, he always Saluted every Parti-
cular Senator by Name; and at his Departure, took Leave in a
Handſome Formal Manner, whilſt the Senators kept their Places,
and continued the Seſſion in his Abſence. The Emperor Adrian,
obſerving one Day a Servant of his own, and his Particular Fa-
vourite, crouding into the Houſe, and taking his place among
the Senators, ſent another Servant to him, wich Orders to Smice
him on the Face, and to Admoniſh him of his Duty ; which was
co Serve and Obey the Senate, inſtead of preſuming to ſit down
in
328
BOOK II.
The Accompliſh'd
in ſo Illuſtrious an Aſſembly. When a Senator, by any of his
Publick Actions or Exploits, had deſerved well of the Athenian
State, with the Concurrence of a Full and General Aſſembly,
they commonly beſtowed on him a Crown, or Chaplet, as a
Märk of the Publick Gratitude, and at the ſame time preſented
him with a Purſe of Money: Though, in our Opinion, a State
ought to be very Cautious, how they part with their Money on
theſe Occaſions, unleſs to ſuch Good Men as really want it. The
Man of Real Merit will content himſelf with ſuch External Marks
of Approbation, Praiſe, Honour, and Renown, as his Country
ſhall in Gratitude think fit to beſtow upon him: Our Private and
Perſonal Profit is the laſt thing we ought to have an Eye to, in
the Courſe of Publick Services and Employments; and a truly
Juſt, Prudent, Magnanimous, and Noble Spirited Patriot, will -
deſpiſe it, in compariſon of true Honour and Glory. It can ne-
ver be well with a Government, when its Senators and Magiftrates
are invited into the Publick Service, upon no other Proſpect, but
their own Perſonal Intereſt, and the Advancement of their For-
tunes : Such a Practice moſt commonly obtains in Popular States ;
where the Poor, as well as the Rich, have the ſame Pretenſions to
Power and Authority, and muſt conſequently be Supported at the
Publick Expence, in the Execution of their Offices : And it can-
not well be otherwiſe in a Poor and Diſtreſſed Commonwealth,
where the Magiſtrate's Private Fortune is by no means ſufficient
to Support his Publick Character. But all ſuch Magiſtrates,
during the Courſe of their Adminiſtration, ought to be more
than commonly Careful of advancing the Publick, rather than
their own Private Intereft. And in general it is to be obſerved,
that there is hardly any one Government, in which the Senator
is not entitled to ſome Special Immunities, Prerogatives, and
Privileges. Every Commonwealth muſt adhere Strictly to the
Obſervation of its own Laws and Cuſtoms, and every Good Se-
nator
CHAP. VIII. SENATOR
329
nator muſt be more ready to expend his own Private Fortune in
the Publick Service, than to add to and improve it: For this is
moſt agreeable to the Generoſity, Juſtice, Magnanimity, and all
the other Vertues that eſtabliſh and adorn the Senatorial Cha-
racter and Dignity. Thoſe Men certainly deſerve the utmoſt
Praiſe and Honour belonging to Mankind, who ſpare no Pains or
Expences in a Publick Cauſe, who dedicate their Lives and For-
tunes to the Service of their Country; and who, in all their Con-
duct and Management, aim at nothing more than the making of
their own People Happy, Quiet, and Flouriſhing, at the Ha-
zard of their Lives, and the Expence of their Private Fortunes :
Freeing and Delivering them from the Malice and Animoſity of
Parties and Factions, and from all Tumultuous and Seditious Dif-
orders whatſoever. If the Gratitude of his Country, the Monu-
ments of Glory and Renown, and the Honour due to his Name
and Memory, ſhould fall ſhort of the Good Senator's Merit and
juſt Expectations, he has this Comfort and Conſolation left, that
the Greater-will his Reward and Happineſs be hereafter. What
his Maker has laid up for him, is far more Splendid, Ample, and
Glorious, far more Laſting and Durable, than what a Mortal and
Corruptible Body of Men can poſſibly beſtow upon him. Pof-
terity will be ſure to do him Juſtice, and his Fellow-Citizens will
remember his Name with Gratitude : Or if theſe ſhould fail him,
his God will give him a Place near Himſelf, in the Higheſt Hea-
vens;
will conferr upon him Everlaſting Honour and Happineſs
,
and a Crown Eternal and Incorruptible; than which nothing can
be Thought of or Deſired, more truly Glorious and Delectable.
A Senator, thus Advanced, and who has failed in his Expecta-
tions of every Earthly Reward, may then apply to himſelf, what
is ſaid by a certain African Poet ; and may ſay,
Heav'n ſometimes is by Tielding won :
And thus I make the Upper World my own.
All
ܪ
U u
330 The Accompliſk'd Senator. BOOK II.
All the Appetites and Deſires of our Souls, and all our En-
deavours to attain the Sum and Perfection of all Vercue what-
ſoever, ought to return back to the Fountain whence they iſſued,
and were at firſt derived. The Great End and Aim of our
Lives, and of all our Labours and Induſtry, is this ; That (if pof-
ſible) we may bring ourſelves to Reſemble our Maker in Vertue
and Goodneſs, and riſe by Degrees to an Imitation of the Di-
vine Excellencies and Perfections. For as in This Life and
State, they who Excell, in Vertue, and come neareſt to the
Divine Original
, are být entitled to the Praiſes and Applauſes
of Mankind , ſo in the Other Life and Future State, the more
Vertuous and Excellent a Man is, the Greater will the Re-
wards of his Vertue and Honeſty be. Whence we may con-
clude, that of all other Orders of Men, the Good Senator, as
the moſt Uſeful and Beneficial to the World, is entitled, both
in the Preſent and Future State, in This and the Next Life,
to all the Honours, Pleaſures, and Dignities, Perfect and Di-
vine, which it is poflible for us to Conceive or Imagine.
Theſe Rules, Precepts, and Inſtitutions, are ſuch, as I thought
proper to lay down and preſcribe for the Better Direction of the
Good Senator, in the Exerciſe of all the Vertues, in the Support
and Maintenance of his Honour and Dignity, and in the Exe-
cution of his Office. And here, in the Concluſion, I Exhort all
thoſe of the Senatorial Order, to make the Preſervation and Im-
provement of the Tranquillity and Happineſs of their Country,
the main Scope of all their Studies, and the chief End of all their
Labours. I have ſome Reaſon to flatter myſelf, that what I have
ſaid upon this Subject, may give the Reader a Juſt
, tho' not a Per-
fe&t Idea of a Good Magiſtrate and Governor of his People : And if
Men will ſeriouſly attend to what I have advanced, their own Ex-
perience will (I believe) ſoon convince them, that all I have ſaid is
Juſt and True, and Uſeful to the Publick, in making the Gover-
nors of a State Wiſe, and the Subjects Happy.
A TABLE
A
TABLE
OF THE
CONTENT S.
Β Ο Ο Κ Ι.
CH A P. I.
T
HE Excellency of Political Knowledge. The Dignity of the Senato-
rial Charakter. It differs according to the Differences in the ſeveral
Forms of Government. Which Form the moſt Perfečt. Man the Gover.
nor of this Lower World. How nearly related to his Maker. How de-
puted by Him in the Government of the Earth. God the Author of all
Political Wiſdom. How we muſt Apply to him for it. Our Reaſon a
Part of the Divine Image. When our Reaſon is in its beſt State. Phi-
loſophy the higheſt Improvement of Reaſon. The Praiſe and Excellency
of Philoſophy. Philoſophy a ſure Introdu&tion to the Art of Govern-
ment. Of the ſeveral Kinds of Government.
Pag. I
СНА Р. ІІ.
The Peripatetick Philoſophy recommended. Wherein Human Happineſs
confifts. Of communicating our Happineſs to others. Of Civil and
Philoſophical Life. A mix'd Life, moſt truly Divine. Plato's Account
of the Formation of Mankind. Of the Monarchical State. How
Kings may be ſaid to be Gods. Of the Ariſtocratical Form. How it
differs froin the Democratical, or Popular Forn. The Preference due to
U u 2
Monarchy
The CO N T E N T S.
Monarchy and Ariſtocracy. How theſe two Forms are to be Mixed or
United. "The Glory and Advantages of this Union. What we are to
underſtand by the Word People. Of the Good Things belonging to a
Natinn. The ſeveral Orders of Subjects. Of Counſellors and Soldiers.
'The Dignity of the Prieſthood.
P.22
C HA P. III. .
Inſtances of ſome particular forms of Government. The Old Athenian
State. Of the Lacedæmonian and Roman. Of the German, French,
Spaniſh, Poliſh, Engliſh, and Venetian Conſtitutions. What Things con-
tribute to the Publick Happineſs. Law is the Great and only Rule of Go-
vernment. The General Qualifications of all Candidates for any Pub-
lick Office. Of the Three Powers in every Monarchical State. The
Original and Neceſity of the Senatorial Order. Inſtances of its Rife
aining the Romans and Spartans. What a Senate is, and what is meant
by the Word Senator. More Proofs of the Dignity of this Character.
The General Qualifications for this Office. Every Senator ought to be a
Native of that Country in which he is choſen, or advanced to any Place
of Truſt.
P.47
i
CHA P. IV.
What a Citizen or Subject is. The ſeveral Ranks and Orders of Citi-
zens. How they ſtood among the Romans. The Differences between the
People and the populace, or Mob. Out of what Order of Citizens the
Senator Mould be Choſen. What True Nobility is, and whence de-
rived. The Qualifications for Nobility. Of Birth and Vertue. The
ſeveral Sorts and Degrees of Nobility. Of Military and Pacifick No-
bles. The Stateſman Superior to the Soldier. Of Private and Publick
Vertue. Of the Goods of the Body, Mind, and Fortune. Of the
Strength of a Nation, and its Standing Forces. How they are to be
Regulated. The Character of a Good Soldier.
CH A P. V.
Three Things required to make our Nature Perfect. The Origin of all
Human Imperfections. How They are to be Repaired. Of the Uſe and
Benefits of Philoſophy. Obječtions commonly made to Philoſophy.
Some Philoſophers unfit to be Stareſmen. Of Speculative and Recluſe
Philoſophers. Of the Middle Claſs or Order. 'What Sort of Philoſo-
phy moſt Proper for the Senator. His Genius and Natural Diſpoſition.
The Education of the Senator. Of Academical Diſcipline. The Ad-
vantages
P.65
The CO N T E N T S.
vantages and Defects of it. Of Claſſical Learning. Of Philoſophy in
all its Parts and Branches. Of Natural and Mathematical Knowledge.
Of Speculative and Practical Philoſophy. Of Hiſtory and Travel.
The Dignity and Uſefulneſs of Schoolmaſters and Tutors. Which Sect
of Philoſophers the moſt Excellent. The Benefits of Eloquence. The
Manner of Speaking in the Senate. Of the Study of the Law, and the
Abuſes of it.
P.80
C H A P. VI.
of Civil Wiſdom and Diſcipline. Of Bodily Improvements and Exerciſe.
What are the most Manly Exerciſes. Of Good Generals, and Good Se-
nators. The Romans remarkable for Theſe Two Characters. Of Good
Laws and Statutes. An Encomium on the Greek Commonwealths.
The Lengtb of Art, and Shortneſs of Life. The End and Aim of every
Man's Accompliſhments. The Grounds and Foundation of the Poliſh
Policy. The Perfection and Happineſs of the Golden Age. The Fall
of Man, and Riſe of Philoſophy. Which Sort of Philoſophy deſerves
the Preference.
P. 107
CH A P. VII.
Of the Manner of Electing the Senator. All Canvaſſing Unlawful. The
Ways of attaining to Honours and Offices. Avarice fatal to a State.
Honours ought not to be sold. All Elections ought to be under one
Eſtabliſhed Rule. Magiſtrates ſhould ſet the People a Good Example.
Mal-Adminiſtration the Ordinary Cauſe of all State-Revolutions. Out
of what Order of Subječts the Senator pould be Elected. The Manner
of Electing as different as the forms of Government. Of Elections by
Lot. How the Greeks Elečted their Senators. How Candidates ought
to be Qualified. Who ought to be the Electors. The Ill Practices of Am-
bitious Candidates. The Mob excluded from all Elections. Of the
Intereſt of the Crown in Elections. How the Romans Elected their
Senators
P. 122
BOOK
The CONTENT S.
BOOK II.
CH A P. I.
-
TH
HE Connection and Argument of the Second Book. The Senator
ought to be Well-acquainted with the Conſtitution and Laws of his
own Country. It is greater to Preſerve than to Found a Commonwealth.
Every Poliſh Senator is a Mediator between King and People. The
Senator how Poſted in a state. The Common Artifices of Tyrants. The
Office and Duty of a King. How He ought to Regard His Senate. The
Humours of the Mix'd Multitude, and Riſe of all Seditions. The Mix-
ture and Harmony of the Three Eſtates of a Kingdom. How Tunults
and Seditions may be appeaſed. Every Order or Eftate in a Government
ought to be Zealous in maintaining the Rights of the Other Two. Of
the Doctrine of Equality. The Righrs of the Subject. Of Demagogues.
Of Alterations in Religion. Of the Four Cardinal Vertues, the Great
and Neceſſary Qualifications for the Senatorial Office.
P. 145
tucs.
CH A P. II.
Of Prudence ; its Excellencies, and how far Preferable to the Other Vera
Prudence Defined and Deſcribed. The Difference between Specu-
lative Wiſdom and Prudence. Of Civil and Domeſtick Prudence:
This Vertue limited by Truth and Juſtice. Honeſty and Profit the Scope
of all Human Endeavours. The Two Great Errors of the Imprudent.
Of Laws, Good Examples, and Wholſome Exerciſes. A Caution to be
obſerved in inaking of Laws. Of the Vigilance and Extenſive Know-
ledge of the Senator. They who Love not their own Country, are worſe
than Brutes. Of the Leſſer Vertues, Attendant upon, and the Compa-
nions of Prudence. Of Ingenuity, Docibility, and a Good Memory.
Of Intelligence, Senſation, and Refle&ion. Of Circumſpection. Of
the Uſe of Scanding Forces. Of the Adminiſtration of Juſtice, of
Human Foreſight. Of Falſe Pretences to Foreſight. Whence the Sena
torial Foreſight is derived. Of the Good Genius. Of Example, Expe-
rience, and #iſtory. Of Caution. Some Rules to be Obſerved in Speak-
ing in the Senate. 'Of Sagacity. Of Cunning and Artifice.
P. 169
CH A P. III.
Of Conſultation and Deliberation. Of the Subject Matter of all Delibe-
rations. Of Raiſing Money by Taxation. Of Exports and Imports.
Of
The CON TEN T S.
P. 196
Of making War and Peace. Of the Defence and Safeguard of the
Realm. Of Trade and Commerce. Of the Making of Good and
Wholſome Laws. Good Counſel the Reſult of all Wiſe Deliberations.
Of Things Honeſt and Profitable, and the Differences between them.
Fortune ought never to be depended upon. Of Sübtle and Bold Under-
takings. Of Raſhneſs and Expedition. Of Preliminary Conſulta.
tions. Of Giving Sentence and Opinion. The Benefits of Experience.
Of True and Falle Oratory. Of the Manner of Voting and Giving
Opinions. Rules to be obſerved in Speaking and Debating. Of Per-
fonal Attendance in the Senate. The Perfection of the Senatorial Cha-
raster. Of Falſe Patriots.
CH A P. IV.
Of Natural Juſtice. Of Mutual Benevolence and Good-will. Of Piety.
Of Self-Preſervation, or the Juſtice due to ourſelves. Of Divine Juſtice,
or the Juſtice which is due to our Maker. Of Natural Religion. Of
Publick Worſhip. Of the Chriſtian Inſtitution and Prieſthood. The
Danger of attempting to Alter the Eſtabliſhed Religion. How ſuch In-
novations come to be Fatal to a State. Religion, how far advantageous
to a Government. Examples of the Ill Conſequences of Religious Inno-
vations. Of the Character of San&ity as annexed to the Senate. Of the
Method of Opening every Senatorial Affembly. Of Human or Civil
Juſtice. All Juſtice is founded in Fidelity. The Character of a Faithful
Man: Of Juſtice in the Diſtribution of Honours. Of the Ancient Me-
thod of Decreeing Honours. How Thoſe of a Publick Character are
Diſtinguiſhed by the Moderns. Of Numerical and Judicial Equality.
Duelling condemned. Of Executive Juſtice. Of Primitive Juſtice. The
End and Deſign of all Good Laws. Of Idleneſs and Luxury. In-
duſtry ought to be Encouraged. The Old Laws of a State ought rather
to be Amended than Repealed. Every Senator ought to be Punktual in
the Obſervation of the Laws. Of the Judge's Duty. Of Severity and
Moderation.
CHA P. V.
of the Vertues attending upon Juſtice. Of Piety. Of the Great Obſtruc-
tions to Piety, Hereſy and Superſtition. Of Goodneſs. _Of Innocence
and Integrity. Of Affability, and how it ought to be Tempered with
Gravity. Of Benignity and its Concomitant Vertues, Humanity, Con-
deſcenſion, Lenity, Clemency, and Moderation. Of Clemency, Mercy,
and Pity. The Doctrine of the Stoicks condemned. of Liberality, and
the Riſe of this Vertue. How it ought to be Regulated, and the Extent
of
r
P. 213.
The CO N T E N T S.
P. 243
P. 264
of it. Of Magnificence, and how it differs from Liberality. Luxury
ought to be Reſtrained by Legal Penalties. Of Friendſhip and Amity,
and how theſe Affections ought to be formed and Regulated. Of Hoſpi-
tality. Of Concord.
C H A P. VI. .
Of the Third Cardinal Vertue, Fortitude. Its Excellency and Uſefulneſs.
How far Superior to the other Vertues. Private and Publick Fortitude.
Of Military Fortitude. Of the Vertues accompanying Fortitude. Of
Magnanimity. Of Ambition, and the Acquiring of Honours. Of Con-
ſtancy, and ibe Love of Truth. How we ought to Behave towards
Superiors, Equals, Inferiors, and Enemies. Of Perſeverance. State-
Secrets ought to be kept. of Patience, Civil and Military. Of Con-
fidence, and of the Good and Evil Genius. Of Security. Its Faults
and Advantages. Of True Heroiſm. Military Men ought to be En.
couraged. Of Deſpair, Anger, and Fortune.
CH A P. VII.
Of the Fourth Cardinal Vertue, Temperance. Whence this Vertue has
its Riſe. Of the Two Sorts of Pleaſures. W herein Temperance con-
liſts. How far Beneficial to a State. The Miſchiefs of Avarice. Of
Luxury and Sumptuary Laws. Intemperance the Cauſe and Fore-
runner of Slavery. Private Intemperance, as well as Publick, ought to
be Reſtrained by Law. Of the Vertues accompanying Temperance. Of
Moderation, and Temporizing. Of Modeſty, and the ſeveral sorts of
it. Of Honeſty, Continency, and Abſtinence. The Great Excellency
of theſe Vertues. The Contrary Vices, bow Foul and Odious. The Mil-
chiefs of Luſt and Drunkenneſs. Inſtances of the Great Temperance
of the Ancients.
P.286
CH A P. VIII.
Of Bodily Accompliſhments and Perfections. How far Uſeful and Ad-
vantageous to Thoſe of the Mind. Of the Nurture and Care of Youth.
Of Regulating Marriage. Of Health, and the Temperament of the
Body. Of Beauty and Dreſs. Of Bodily Strength. Of the Senator's
Age. Of the Goods of Fortune. Of the Senators Wealth and Eſtate.
Of Nobility, Honour, and Glory. Pofterity the Beſt Fudge of Merit.
Of Reputation, and Renown. Of Clients, Friends, and Followers.
of Iſſue or Children. Of Riches and Money. Of Husbandry. Of
the Privileges and Reſpect, due to the Accompliſh'd Senator. Of bis
Laſt and Greateſt Reward.
300
FI NI S.
.
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