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Transcribed from the 1893 Cassell & Company edition by David Price,
email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk
THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING
INTRODUCTION.
“The TVVOO Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the proficience and
aduancement of Learning, divine and humane. To the King.
At London. Printed for Henrie Tomes, and are to be sould at his
shop at Graies Inne Gate in Holborne. 1605.” That was the
original title-page of the book now in the reader’s hand - a living
book that led the way to a new world of thought. It was the book
in which Bacon, early in the reign of James the First, prepared the
way for a full setting forth of his New Organon, or instrument of knowledge.
The Organon of Aristotle was a set of treatises in which Aristotle had
written the doctrine of propositions. Study of these treatises
was a chief occupation of young men when they passed from school to
college, and proceeded from Grammar to Logic, the second of the Seven
Sciences. Francis Bacon as a youth of sixteen, at Trinity College,
Cambridge, felt the unfruitfulness of this method of search after truth.
He was the son of Sir Nicholas Bacon, Queen Elizabeth’s Lord Keeper,
and was born at York House, in the Strand, on the 22nd of January, 1561.
His mother was the Lord Keeper’s second wife, one of two sisters,
of whom the other married Sir William Cecil, afterwards Lord Burleigh.
Sir Nicholas Bacon had six children by his former marriage, and by his
second wife two sons, Antony and Francis, of whom Antony was about two
years the elder. The family home was at York Place, and at Gorhambury,
near St. Albans, from which town, in its ancient and its modern style,
Bacon afterwards took his titles of Verulam and St. Albans.
Antony and Francis Bacon went together to Trinity College, Cambridge,
when Antony was fourteen years old and Francis twelve. Francis
remained at Cambridge only until his sixteenth year; and Dr. Rawley,
his chaplain in after-years, reports of him that “whilst he was
commorant in the University, about sixteen years of age (as his lordship
hath been pleased to impart unto myself), he first fell into dislike
of the philosophy of Aristotle; not for the worthlessness of the author,
to whom he would ascribe all high attributes, but for the unfruitfulness
of the way, being a philosophy (as his lordship used to say) only strong
for disputatious and contentions, but barren of the production of works
for the benefit of the life of man; in which mind he continued to his
dying day.” Bacon was sent as a youth of sixteen to Paris
with the ambassador Sir Amyas Paulet, to begin his training for the
public service; but his father’s death, in February, 1579, before
he had completed the provision he was making for his youngest children,
obliged him to return to London, and, at the age of eighteen, to settle
down at Gray’s Inn to the study of law as a profession.
He was admitted to the outer bar in June, 1582, and about that time,
at the age of twenty-one, wrote a sketch of his conception of a New
Organon that should lead man to more fruitful knowledge, in a little
Latin tract, which he called “Temporis Partus Maximus” (“The
Greatest Birth of Time”).
In November, 1584, Bacon took his seat in the House of Commons as member
for Melcombe Regis, in Dorsetshire. In October, 1586, he sat for
Taunton. He was member afterwards for Liverpool; and he was one
of those who petitioned for the speedy execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
In October, 1589, he obtained the reversion of the office of Clerk of
the Council in the Star Chamber, which was worth £1,600 or £2,000
a year; but for the succession to this office he had to wait until 1608.
It had not yet fallen to him when he wrote his “Two Books of the
Advancement of Learning.” In the Parliament that met in
February, 1593, Bacon sat as member for Middlesex. He raised difficulties
of procedure in the way of the grant of a treble subsidy, by just objection
to the joining of the Lords with the Commons in a money grant, and a
desire to extend the time allowed for payment from three years to six;
it was, in fact, extended to four years. The Queen was offended.
Francis Bacon and his brother Antony had attached themselves to the
young Earl of Essex, who was their friend and patron. The office
of Attorney-General became vacant. Essex asked the Queen to appoint
Francis Bacon. The Queen gave the office to Sir Edward Coke, who
was already Solicitor-General, and by nine years Bacon’s senior.
The office of Solicitor-General thus became vacant, and that was sought
for Francis Bacon. The Queen, after delay and hesitation, gave
it, in November, 1595, to Serjeant Fleming. The Earl of Essex
consoled his friend by giving him “a piece of land” - Twickenham
Park - which Bacon afterwards sold for £1,800 - equal, say, to
£12,000 in present buying power. In 1597 Bacon was returned
to Parliament as member for Ipswich, and in that year he was hoping
to marry the rich widow of Sir William Hatton, Essex helping; but the
lady married, in the next year, Sir Edward Coke. It was in 1597
that Bacon published the First Edition of his Essays. That was
a little book containing only ten essays in English, with twelve “Meditationes
Sacræ,” which were essays in Latin on religious subjects.
From 1597 onward to the end of his life, Bacon’s Essays were subject
to continuous addition and revision. The author’s Second
Edition, in which the number of the Essays was increased from ten to
thirty-eight, did not appear until November or December, 1612, seven
years later than these two books on the “Advancement of Learning;”
and the final edition of the Essays, in which their number was increased
from thirty-eight to fifty-eight, appeared only in 1625; and Bacon died
on the 9th of April, 1626. The edition of the Essays published
in 1597, under Elizabeth, marked only the beginning of a course of thought
that afterwards flowed in one stream with his teachings in philosophy.
In February, 1601, there was the rebellion of Essex. Francis Bacon
had separated himself from his patron after giving him advice that was
disregarded. Bacon, now Queen’s Counsel, not only appeared
against his old friend, but with excess of zeal, by which, perhaps,
he hoped to win back the Queen’s favour, he twice obtruded violent
attacks upon Essex when he was not called upon to speak. On the
25th of February, 1601, Essex was beheaded. The genius of Bacon
was next employed to justify that act by “A Declaration of the
Practices and Treasons attempted and committed by Robert late Earle
of Essex and his Complices.” But James of Scotland, on whose
behalf Essex had intervened, came to the throne by the death of Elizabeth
on the 24th of March, 1603. Bacon was among the crowd of men who
were made knights by James I., and he had to justify himself under the
new order of things by writing “Sir Francis Bacon his Apologie
in certain Imputations concerning the late Earle of Essex.”
He was returned to the first Parliament of James I. by Ipswich and St.
Albans, and he was confirmed in his office of King’s Counsel in
August, 1604; but he was not appointed to the office of Solicitor-General
when it became vacant in that year.
That was the position of Francis Bacon in 1605, when he published this
work, where in his First Book he pointed out the discredits of learning
from human defects of the learned, and emptiness of many of the studies
chosen, or the way of dealing with them. This came, he said, especially
by the mistaking or misplacing of the last or furthest end of knowledge,
as if there were sought in it “a couch whereupon to rest a searching
and restless spirit; or a terrace for a wandering and variable mind
to walk up and down with a fair prospect; or a tower of state for a
proud mind to raise itself upon; or a fort or commanding ground for
strife and contention; or a shop for profit or sale; and not a rich
storehouse for the glory of the Creator and the relief of man’s
estate.” The rest of the First Book was given to an argument
upon the Dignity of Learning; and the Second Book, on the Advancement
of Learning, is, as Bacon himself described it, “a general and
faithful perambulation of learning, with an inquiry what parts thereof
lie fresh and waste, and not improved and converted by the industry
of man; to the end that such a plot made and recorded to memory may
both minister light to any public designation and also serve to excite
voluntary endeavours.” Bacon makes, by a sort of exhaustive
analysis, a ground-plan of all subjects of study, as an intellectual
map, helping the right inquirer in his search for the right path.
The right path is that by which he has the best chance of adding to
the stock of knowledge in the world something worth labouring for; and
the true worth is in labour for “the glory of the Creator and
the relief of man’s estate.”
H. M.
THE FIRST BOOK OF FRANCIS BACON; OF THE PROFICIENCE AND ADVANCEMENT
OF LEARNING, DIVINE AND HUMAN.
To the King.
There were under the law, excellent King, both daily sacrifices
and freewill offerings; the one proceeding upon ordinary observance,
the other upon a devout cheerfulness: in like manner there belongeth
to kings from their servants both tribute of duty and presents of affection.
In the former of these I hope I shall not live to be wanting, according
to my most humble duty and the good pleasure of your Majesty’s
employments: for the latter, I thought it more respective to make choice
of some oblation which might rather refer to the propriety and excellency
of your individual person, than to the business of your crown and state.
Wherefore, representing your Majesty many times unto my mind, and beholding
you not with the inquisitive eye of presumption, to discover that which
the Scripture telleth me is inscrutable, but with the observant eye
of duty and admiration, leaving aside the other parts of your virtue
and fortune, I have been touched - yea, and possessed - with an extreme
wonder at those your virtues and faculties, which the philosophers call
intellectual; the largeness of your capacity, the faithfulness of your
memory, the swiftness of your apprehension, the penetration of your
judgment, and the facility and order of your elocution: and I have often
thought that of all the persons living that I have known, your Majesty
were the best instance to make a man of Plato’s opinion, that
all knowledge is but remembrance, and that the mind of man by Nature
knoweth all things, and hath but her own native and original notions
(which by the strangeness and darkness of this tabernacle of the body
are sequestered) again revived and restored: such a light of Nature
I have observed in your Majesty, and such a readiness to take flame
and blaze from the least occasion presented, or the least spark of another’s
knowledge delivered. And as the Scripture saith of the wisest
king, “That his heart was as the sands of the sea;” which,
though it be one of the largest bodies, yet it consisteth of the smallest
and finest portions; so hath God given your Majesty a composition of
understanding admirable, being able to compass and comprehend the greatest
matters, and nevertheless to touch and apprehend the least; whereas
it should seem an impossibility in Nature for the same instrument to
make itself fit for great and small works. And for your gift of
speech, I call to mind what Cornelius Tacitus saith of Augustus Cæsar:
Augusto profluens, et quæ principem deceret,
eloquentia fuit. For if we note it well, speech that is uttered
with labour and difficulty, or speech that savoureth of the affectation
of art and precepts, or speech that is framed after the imitation of
some pattern of eloquence, though never so excellent; all this hath
somewhat servile, and holding of the subject. But your Majesty’s
manner of speech is, indeed, prince-like, flowing as from a fountain,
and yet streaming and branching itself into Nature’s order, full
of facility and felicity, imitating none, and inimitable by any.
And as in your civil estate there appeareth to be an emulation and contention
of your Majesty’s virtue with your fortune; a virtuous disposition
with a fortunate regiment; a virtuous expectation (when time was) of
your greater fortune, with a prosperous possession thereof in the due
time; a virtuous observation of the laws of marriage, with most blessed
and happy fruit of marriage; a virtuous and most Christian desire of
peace, with a fortunate inclination in your neighbour princes thereunto:
so likewise in these intellectual matters there seemeth to be no less
contention between the excellency of your Majesty’s gifts of Nature
and the universality and perfection of your learning. For I am
well assured that this which I shall say is no amplification at all,
but a positive and measured truth; which is, that there hath not been
since Christ’s time any king or temporal monarch which hath been
so learned in all literature and erudition, divine and human.
For let a man seriously and diligently revolve and peruse the succession
of the Emperors of Rome, of which Cæsar the Dictator (who lived
some years before Christ) and Marcus Antoninus were the best learned,
and so descend to the Emperors of Græcia, or of the West, and
then to the lines of France, Spain, England, Scotland, and the rest,
and he shall find this judgment is truly made. For it seemeth
much in a king if, by the compendious extractions of other men’s
wits and labours, he can take hold of any superficial ornaments and
shows of learning, or if he countenance and prefer learning and learned
men; but to drink, indeed, of the true fountains of learning - nay,
to have such a fountain of learning in himself, in a king, and in a
king born - is almost a miracle. And the more, because there is
met in your Majesty a rare conjunction, as well of divine and sacred
literature as of profane and human; so as your Majesty standeth invested
of that triplicity, which in great veneration was ascribed to the ancient
Hermes: the power and fortune of a king, the knowledge and illumination
of a priest, and the learning and universality of a philosopher.
This propriety inherent and individual attribute in your Majesty deserveth
to be expressed not only in the fame and admiration of the present time,
nor in the history or tradition of the ages succeeding, but also in
some solid work, fixed memorial, and immortal monument, bearing a character
or signature both of the power of a king and the difference and perfection
of such a king.
Therefore I did conclude with myself that I could not make unto your
Majesty a better oblation than of some treatise tending to that end,
whereof the sum will consist of these two parts: the former concerning
the excellency of learning and knowledge, and the excellency of the
merit and true glory in the augmentation and propagation thereof; the
latter, what the particular acts and works are which have been embraced
and undertaken for the advancement of learning; and again, what defects
and undervalues I find in such particular acts: to the end that though
I cannot positively or affirmatively advise your Majesty, or propound
unto you framed particulars, yet I may excite your princely cogitations
to visit the excellent treasure of your own mind, and thence to extract
particulars for this purpose agreeable to your magnanimity and wisdom.
I. (1) In the entrance to the former of these - to clear the way and,
as it were, to make silence, to have the true testimonies concerning
the dignity of learning to be better heard, without the interruption
of tacit objections - I think good to deliver it from the discredits
and disgraces which it hath received, all from ignorance, but ignorance
severally disguised; appearing sometimes in the zeal and jealousy of
divines, sometimes in the severity and arrogancy of politics, and sometimes
in the errors and imperfections of learned men themselves.
(2) I hear the former sort say that knowledge is of those things which
are to be accepted of with great limitation and caution; that the aspiring
to overmuch knowledge was the original temptation and sin whereupon
ensued the fall of man; that knowledge hath in it somewhat of the serpent,
and, therefore, where it entereth into a man it makes him swell; Scientia
inflat; that Solomon gives a censure, “That there is no end
of making books, and that much reading is weariness of the flesh;”
and again in another place, “That in spacious knowledge there
is much contristation, and that he that increaseth knowledge increaseth
anxiety;” that Saint Paul gives a caveat, “That we be not
spoiled through vain philosophy;” that experience demonstrates
how learned men have been arch-heretics, how learned times have been
inclined to atheism, and how the contemplation of second causes doth
derogate from our dependence upon God, who is the first cause.
(3) To discover, then, the ignorance and error of this opinion, and
the misunderstanding in the grounds thereof, it may well appear these
men do not observe or consider that it was not the pure knowledge of
Nature and universality, a knowledge by the light whereof man did give
names unto other creatures in Paradise as they were brought before him
according unto their proprieties, which gave the occasion to the fall;
but it was the proud knowledge of good and evil, with an intent in man
to give law unto himself, and to depend no more upon God’s commandments,
which was the form of the temptation. Neither is it any quantity
of knowledge, how great soever, that can make the mind of man to swell;
for nothing can fill, much less extend the soul of man, but God and
the contemplation of God; and, therefore, Solomon, speaking of the two
principal senses of inquisition, the eye and the ear, affirmeth that
the eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing; and
if there be no fulness, then is the continent greater than the content:
so of knowledge itself and the mind of man, whereto the senses are but
reporters, he defineth likewise in these words, placed after that calendar
or ephemerides which he maketh of the diversities of times and seasons
for all actions and purposes, and concludeth thus: “God hath made
all things beautiful, or decent, in the true return of their seasons.
Also He hath placed the world in man’s heart, yet cannot man find
out the work which God worketh from the beginning to the end”
- declaring not obscurely that God hath framed the mind of man as a
mirror or glass, capable of the image of the universal world, and joyful
to receive the impression thereof, as the eye joyeth to receive light;
and not only delighted in beholding the variety of things and vicissitude
of times, but raised also to find out and discern the ordinances and
decrees which throughout all those changes are infallibly observed.
And although he doth insinuate that the supreme or summary law of Nature
(which he calleth “the work which God worketh from the beginning
to the end”) is not possible to be found out by man, yet that
doth not derogate from the capacity of the mind; but may be referred
to the impediments, as of shortness of life, ill conjunction of labours,
ill tradition of knowledge over from hand to hand, and many other inconveniences,
whereunto the condition of man is subject. For that nothing parcel
of the world is denied to man’s inquiry and invention, he doth
in another place rule over, when he saith, “The spirit of man
is as the lamp of God, wherewith He searcheth the inwardness of all
secrets.” If, then, such be the capacity and receipt of
the mind of man, it is manifest that there is no danger at all in the
proportion or quantity of knowledge, how large soever, lest it should
make it swell or out-compass itself; no, but it is merely the quality
of knowledge, which, be it in quantity more or less, if it be taken
without the true corrective thereof, hath in it some nature of venom
or malignity, and some effects of that venom, which is ventosity or
swelling. This corrective spice, the mixture whereof maketh knowledge
so sovereign, is charity, which the Apostle immediately addeth to the
former clause; for so he saith, “Knowledge bloweth up, but charity
buildeth up;” not unlike unto that which he deilvereth in another
place: “If I spake,” saith he, “with the tongues of
men and angels, and had not charity, it were but as a tinkling cymbal.”
Not but that it is an excellent thing to speak with the tongues of men
and angels, but because, if it be severed from charity, and not referred
to the good of men and mankind, it hath rather a sounding and unworthy
glory than a meriting and substantial virtue. And as for that
censure of Solomon concerning the excess of writing and reading books,
and the anxiety of spirit which redoundeth from knowledge, and that
admonition of St. Paul, “That we be not seduced by vain philosophy,”
let those places be rightly understood; and they do, indeed, excellently
set forth the true bounds and limitations whereby human knowledge is
confined and circumscribed, and yet without any such contracting or
coarctation, but that it may comprehend all the universal nature of
things; for these limitations are three: the first, “That we do
not so place our felicity in knowledge, as we forget our mortality;”
the second, “That we make application of our knowledge, to give
ourselves repose and contentment, and not distaste or repining;”
the third, “That we do not presume by the contemplation of Nature
to attain to the mysteries of God.” For as touching the
first of these, Solomon doth excellently expound himself in another
place of the same book, where he saith: “I saw well that knowledge
recedeth as far from ignorance as light doth from darkness; and that
the wise man’s eyes keep watch in his head, whereas this fool
roundeth about in darkness: but withal I learned that the same mortality
involveth them both.” And for the second, certain it is
there is no vexation or anxiety of mind which resulteth from knowledge
otherwise than merely by accident; for all knowledge and wonder (which
is the seed of knowledge) is an impression of pleasure in itself; but
when men fall to framing conclusions out of their knowledge, applying
it to their particular, and ministering to themselves thereby weak fears
or vast desires, there groweth that carefulness and trouble of mind
which is spoken of; for then knowledge is no more Lumen siccum,
whereof Heraclitus the profound said, Lumen siccum optima anima;
but it becometh Lumen madidum, or maceratum, being steeped
and infused in the humours of the affections. And as for the third
point, it deserveth to be a little stood upon, and not to be lightly
passed over; for if any man shall think by view and inquiry into these
sensible and material things to attain that light, whereby he may reveal
unto himself the nature or will of God, then, indeed, is he spoiled
by vain philosophy; for the contemplation of God’s creatures and
works produceth (having regard to the works and creatures themselves)
knowledge, but having regard to God no perfect knowledge, but wonder,
which is broken knowledge. And, therefore, it was most aptly said
by one of Plato’s school, “That the sense of man carrieth
a resemblance with the sun, which (as we see) openeth and revealeth
all the terrestrial globe; but then, again, it obscureth and concealeth
the stars and celestial globe: so doth the sense discover natural things,
but it darkeneth and shutteth up divine.” And hence it is
true that it hath proceeded, that divers great learned men have been
heretical, whilst they have sought to fly up to the secrets of the Deity
by this waxen wings of the senses. And as for the conceit that
too much knowledge should incline a man to atheism, and that the ignorance
of second causes should make a more devout dependence upon God, which
is the first cause; first, it is good to ask the question which Job
asked of his friends: “Will you lie for God, as one man will lie
for another, to gratify him?” For certain it is that God
worketh nothing in Nature but by second causes; and if they would have
it otherwise believed, it is mere imposture, as it were in favour towards
God, and nothing else but to offer to the Author of truth the unclean
sacrifice of a lie. But further, it is an assured truth, and a
conclusion of experience, that a little or superficial knowledge of
philosophy may incline the mind of men to atheism, but a further proceeding
therein doth bring the mind back again to religion. For in the
entrance of philosophy, when the second causes, which are next unto
the senses, do offer themselves to the mind of man, if it dwell and
stay there it may induce some oblivion of the highest cause; but when
a man passeth on further and seeth the dependence of causes and the
works of Providence; then, according to the allegory of the poets, he
will easily believe that the highest link of Nature’s chain must
needs he tied to the foot of Jupiter’s chair. To conclude,
therefore, let no man upon a weak conceit of sobriety or an ill-applied
moderation think or maintain that a man can search too far, or be too
well studied in the book of God’s word, or in the book of God’s
works, divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavour an endless
progress or proficience in both; only let men beware that they apply
both to charity, and not to swelling; to use, and not to ostentation;
and again, that they do not unwisely mingle or confound these learnings
together.
II. (1) And as for the disgraces which learning receiveth from politics,
they be of this nature: that learning doth soften men’s minds,
and makes them more unapt for the honour and exercise of arms; that
it doth mar and pervert men’s dispositions for matter of government
and policy, in making them too curious and irresolute by variety of
reading, or too peremptory or positive by strictness of rules and axioms,
or too immoderate and overweening by reason of the greatness of examples,
or too incompatible and differing from the times by reason of the dissimilitude
of examples; or at least, that it doth divert men’s travails from
action and business, and bringeth them to a love of leisure and privateness;
and that it doth bring into states a relaxation of discipline, whilst
every man is more ready to argue than to obey and execute. Out
of this conceit Cato, surnamed the Censor, one of the wisest men indeed
that ever lived, when Carneades the philosopher came in embassage to
Rome, and that the young men of Rome began to flock about him, being
allured with the sweetness and majesty of his eloquence and learning,
gave counsel in open senate that they should give him his despatch with
all speed, lest he should infect and enchant the minds and affections
of the youth, and at unawares bring in an alteration of the manners
and customs of the state. Out of the same conceit or humour did
Virgil, turning his pen to the advantage of his country and the disadvantage
of his own profession, make a kind of separation between policy and
government, and between arts and sciences, in the verses so much renowned,
attributing and challenging the one to the Romans, and leaving and yielding
the other to the Grecians: Tu regere imperio popules, Romane,
memento, Hæ tibi erunt artes, &c. So likewise
we see that Anytus, the accuser of Socrates, laid it as an article of
charge and accusation against him, that he did, with the variety and
power of his discourses and disputatious, withdraw young men from due
reverence to the laws and customs of their country, and that he did
profess a dangerous and pernicious science, which was to make the worse
matter seem the better, and to suppress truth by force of eloquence
and speech.
(2) But these and the like imputations have rather a countenance of
gravity than any ground of justice: for experience doth warrant that,
both in persons and in times, there hath been a meeting and concurrence
in learning and arms, flourishing and excelling in the same men and
the same ages. For as ‘for men, there cannot be a better
nor the hike instance as of that pair, Alexander the Great and Julius
Cæsar, the Dictator; whereof the one was Aristotle’s scholar
in philosophy, and the other was Cicero’s rival in eloquence;
or if any man had rather call for scholars that were great generals,
than generals that were great scholars, let him take Epaminondas the
Theban, or Xenophon the Athenian; whereof the one was the first that
abated the power of Sparta, and the other was the first that made way
to the overthrow of the monarchy of Persia. And this concurrence
is yet more visible in times than in persons, by how much an age is
greater object than a man. For both in Egypt, Assyria, Persia,
Græcia, and Rome, the same times that are most renowned for arms
are, likewise, most admired for learning, so that the greatest authors
and philosophers, and the greatest captains and governors, have lived
in the same ages. Neither can it otherwise he: for as in man the
ripeness of strength of the body and mind cometh much about an age,
save that the strength of the body cometh somewhat the more early, so
in states, arms and learning, whereof the one correspondeth to the body,
the other to the soul of man, have a concurrence or near sequence in
times.
(3) And for matter of policy and government, that learning, should rather
hurt, than enable thereunto, is a thing very improbable; we see it is
accounted an error to commit a natural body to empiric physicians, which
commonly have a few pleasing receipts whereupon they are confident and
adventurous, but know neither the causes of diseases, nor the complexions
of patients, nor peril of accidents, nor the true method of cures; we
see it is a like error to rely upon advocates or lawyers which are only
men of practice, and not grounded in their books, who are many times
easily surprised when matter falleth out besides their experience, to
the prejudice of the causes they handle: so by like reason it cannot
be but a matter of doubtful consequence if states be managed by empiric
statesmen, not well mingled with men grounded in learning. But
contrariwise, it is almost without instance contradictory that ever
any government was disastrous that was in the hands of learned governors.
For howsoever it hath been ordinary with politic men to extenuate and
disable learned men by the names of pedantes; yet in the records
of time it appeareth in many particulars that the governments of princes
in minority (notwithstanding the infinite disadvantage of that kind
of state) - have nevertheless excelled the government of princes of
mature age, even for that reason which they seek to traduce, which is
that by that occasion the state hath been in the hands of pedantes:
for so was the state of Rome for the first five years, which are so
much magnified, during the minority of Nero, in the hands of Seneca,
a pedenti; so it was again, for ten years’ space or more,
during the minority of Gordianus the younger, with great applause and
contentation in the hands of Misitheus, a pedanti: so was it
before that, in the minority of Alexander Severus, in like happiness,
in hands not much unlike, by reason of the rule of the women, who were
aided by the teachers and preceptors. Nay, let a man look into
the government of the Bishops of Rome, as by name, into the government
of Pius Quintus and Sextus Quintus in our times, who were both at their
entrance esteemed but as pedantical friars, and he shall find that such
Popes do greater things, and proceed upon truer principles of state,
than those which have ascended to the papacy from an education and breeding
in affairs of state and courts of princes; for although men bred in
learning are perhaps to seek in points of convenience and accommodating
for the present, which the Italians call ragioni di stato, whereof
the same Pius Quintus could not hear spoken with patience, terming them
inventions against religion and the moral virtues; yet on the other
side, to recompense that, they are perfect in those same plain grounds
of religion, justice, honour, and moral virtue, which if they be well
and watchfully pursued, there will be seldom use of those other, no
more than of physic in a sound or well-dieted body. Neither can
the experience of one man’s life furnish examples and precedents
for the event of one man’s life. For as it happeneth sometimes
that the grandchild, or other descendant, resembleth the ancestor more
than the son; so many times occurrences of present times may sort better
with ancient examples than with those of the later or immediate times;
and lastly, the wit of one man can no more countervail learning than
one man’s means can hold way with a common purse.
(4) And as for those particular seducements or indispositions of the
mind for policy and government, which learning is pretended to insinuate;
if it be granted that any such thing be, it must be remembered withal
that learning ministereth in every of them greater strength of medicine
or remedy than it offereth cause of indisposition or infirmity.
For if by a secret operation it make men perplexed and irresolute, on
the other side by plain precept it teacheth them when and upon what
ground to resolve; yea, and how to carry things in suspense, without
prejudice, till they resolve. If it make men positive and regular,
it teacheth them what things are in their nature demonstrative, and
what are conjectural, and as well the use of distinctions and exceptions,
as the latitude of principles and rules. If it mislead by disproportion
or dissimilitude of examples, it teacheth men the force of circumstances,
the errors of comparisons, and all the cautions of application; so that
in all these it doth rectify more effectually than it can pervert.
And these medicines it conveyeth into men’s minds much more forcibly
by the quickness and penetration of examples. For let a man look
into the errors of Clement VII., so lively described by Guicciardini,
who served under him, or into the errors of Cicero, painted out by his
own pencil in his Epistles to Atticus, and he will fly apace from being
irresolute. Let him look into the errors of Phocion, and he will
beware how he be obstinate or inflexible. Let him but read the
fable of Ixion, and it will hold him from being vaporous or imaginative.
Let him look into the errors of Cato II., and he will never be one of
the Antipodes, to tread opposite to the present world.
(5) And for the conceit that learning should dispose men to leisure
and privateness, and make men slothful: it were a strange thing if that
which accustometh the mind to a perpetual motion and agitation should
induce slothfulness, whereas, contrariwise, it may be truly affirmed
that no kind of men love business for itself but those that are learned;
for other persons love it for profit, as a hireling that loves the work
for the wages; or for honour, as because it beareth them up in the eyes
of men, and refresheth their reputation, which otherwise would wear;
or because it putteth them in mind of their fortune, and giveth them
occasion to pleasure and displeasure; or because it exerciseth some
faculty wherein they take pride, and so entertaineth them in good-humour
and pleasing conceits towards themselves; or because it advanceth any
other their ends. So that as it is said of untrue valours, that
some men’s valours are in the eyes of them that look on, so such
men’s industries are in the eyes of others, or, at least, in regard
of their own designments; only learned men love business as an action
according to nature, as agreeable to health of mind as exercise is to
health of body, taking pleasure in the action itself, and not in the
purchase, so that of all men they are the most indefatigable, if it
be towards any business which can hold or detain their mind.
(6) And if any man be laborious in reading and study, and yet idle in
business and action, it groweth from some weakness of body or softness
of spirit, such as Seneca speaketh of: Quidam tam sunt umbratiles,
ut putent in turbido esse quicquid in luce est; and not of learning:
well may it be that such a point of a man’s nature may make him
give himself to learning, but it is not learning that breedeth any such
point in his nature.
(7) And that learning should take up too much time or leisure: I answer,
the most active or busy man that hath been or can be, hath (no question)
many vacant times of leisure while he expecteth the tides and returns
of business (except he be either tedious and of no despatch, or lightly
and unworthily ambitious to meddle in things that may be better done
by others), and then the question is but how those spaces and times
of leisure shall be filled and spent; whether in pleasure or in studies;
as was well answered by Demosthenes to his adversary Æschines,
that was a man given to pleasure, and told him “That his orations
did smell of the lamp.” “Indeed,” said Demosthenes,
“there is a great difference between the things that you and I
do by lamp-light.” So as no man need doubt that learning
will expel business, but rather it will keep and defend the possession
of the mind against idleness and pleasure, which otherwise at unawares
may enter to the prejudice of both.
(8) Again, for that other conceit that learning should undermine the
reverence of laws and government, it is assuredly a mere depravation
and calumny, without all shadow of truth. For to say that a blind
custom of obedience should be a surer obligation than duty taught and
understood, it is to affirm that a blind man may tread surer by a guide
than a seeing man can by a light. And it is without all controversy
that learning doth make the minds of men gentle, generous, manageable,
and pliant to government; whereas ignorance makes them churlish, thwart,
and mutinous: and the evidence of time doth clear this assertion, considering
that the most barbarous, rude, and unlearned times have been most subject
to tumults, seditious, and changes.
(9) And as to the judgment of Cato the Censor, he was well punished
for his blasphemy against learning, in the same kind wherein he offended;
for when he was past threescore years old, he was taken with an extreme
desire to go to school again, and to learn the Greek tongue, to the
end to peruse the Greek authors; which doth well demonstrate that his
former censure of the Grecian learning was rather an affected gravity,
than according to the inward sense of his own opinion. And as
for Virgil’s verses, though it pleased him to brave the world
in taking to the Romans the art of empire, and leaving to others the
arts of subjects, yet so much is manifest - that the Romans never ascended
to that height of empire till the time they had ascended to the height
of other arts. For in the time of the two first Cæsars,
which had the art of government in greatest perfection, there lived
the best poet, Virgilius Maro; the best historiographer, Titus Livius;
the best antiquary, Marcus Varro; and the best or second orator, Marcus
Cicero, that to the memory of man are known. As for the accusation
of Socrates, the time must be remembered when it was prosecuted; which
was under the Thirty Tyrants, the most base, bloody, and envious persons
that have governed; which revolution of state was no sooner over but
Socrates, whom they had made a person criminal, was made a person heroical,
and his memory accumulate with honours divine and human; and those discourses
of his which were then termed corrupting of manners, were after acknowledged
for sovereign medicines of the mind and manners, and so have been received
ever since till this day. Let this, therefore, serve for answer
to politiques, which in their humorous severity, or in their feigned
gravity, have presumed to throw imputations upon learning; which redargution
nevertheless (save that we know not whether our labours may extend to
other ages) were not needful for the present, in regard of the love
and reverence towards learning which the example and countenance of
two so learned princes, Queen Elizabeth and your Majesty, being as Castor
and Pollux, lucida sidera, stars of excellent light and most
benign influence, hath wrought in all men of place and authority in
our nation.
III. (1) Now therefore we come to that third sort of discredit or diminution
of credit that groweth unto learning from learned men themselves, which
commonly cleaveth fastest: it is either from their fortune, or from
their manners, or from the nature of their studies. For the first,
it is not in their power; and the second is accidental; the third only
is proper to be handled: but because we are not in hand with true measure,
but with popular estimation and conceit, it is not amiss to speak somewhat
of the two former. The derogations therefore which grow to learning
from the fortune or condition of learned men, are either in respect
of scarcity of means, or in respect of privateness of life and meanness
of employments.
(2) Concerning want, and that it is the case of learned men usually
to begin with little, and not to grow rich so fast as other men, by
reason they convert not their labours chiefly to lucre and increase,
it were good to leave the commonplace in commendation of povery to some
friar to handle, to whom much was attributed by Machiavel in this point
when he said, “That the kingdom of the clergy had been long before
at an end, if the reputation and reverence towards the poverty of friars
had not borne out the scandal of the superfluities and excesses of bishops
and prelates.” So a man might say that the felicity and
delicacy of princes and great persons had long since turned to rudeness
and barbarism, if the poverty of learning had not kept up civility and
honour of life; but without any such advantages, it is worthy the observation
what a reverent and honoured thing poverty of fortune was for some ages
in the Roman state, which nevertheless was a state without paradoxes.
For we see what Titus Livius saith in his introduction: Cæterum
aut me amor negotii suscepti fallit aut nulla unquam respublica nec
major, nec sanctior, nec bonis exemplis ditior fuit; nec
in quam tam sero avaritia luxuriaque immigraverint; nec ubi tantus ac
tam diu paupertati ac parsimoniæ honos fuerit. We see
likewise, after that the state of Rome was not itself, but did degenerate,
how that person that took upon him to be counsellor to Julius Cæsar
after his victory where to begin his restoration of the state, maketh
it of all points the most summary to take away the estimation of wealth:
Verum hæc et omnia mala pariter *** honore pecuniæ desinent;
si neque magistratus, neque alia vulgo cupienda, venalia
erunt. To conclude this point: as it was truly said that Paupertas
est virtutis fortuna, though sometimes it come from vice, so it
may be fitly said that, though some times it may proceed from misgovernment
and accident. Surely Solomon hath pronounced it both in censure,
Qui festinat ad divitias non erit insons; and in precept, “Buy
the truth, and sell it not; and so of wisdom and knowledge;” judging
that means were to be spent upon learning, and not learning to be applied
to means. And as for the privateness or obscureness (as it may
be in vulgar estimation accounted) of life of contemplative men, it
is a theme so common to extol a private life, not taxed with sensuality
and sloth, in comparison and to the disadvantage of a civil life, for
safety, liberty, pleasure, and dignity, or at least freedom from indignity,
as no man handleth it but handleth it well; such a consonancy it hath
to men’s conceits in the expressing, and to men’s consents
in the allowing. This only I will add, that learned men forgotten
in states and not living in the eyes of men, are like the images of
Cassius and Brutus in the funeral of Junia, of which, not being represented
as many others were, Tacitus saith, Eo ipso præfulgebant quod
non visebantur.
(3) And for meanness of employment, that which is most traduced to contempt
is that the government of youth is commonly allotted to them; which
age, because it is the age of least authority, it is transferred to
the disesteeming of those employments wherein youth is conversant, and
which are conversant about youth. But how unjust this traducement
is (if you will reduce things from popularity of opinion to measure
of reason) may appear in that we see men are more curious what they
put into a new vessel than into a vessel seasoned; and what mould they
lay about a young plant than about a plant corroborate; so as this weakest
terms and times of all things use to have the best applications and
helps. And will you hearken to the Hebrew rabbins? “Your
young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:”
say they, youth is the worthier age, for that visions are nearer apparitions
of God than dreams? And let it be noted that howsoever the condition
of life of pedantes hath been scorned upon theatres, as the ape
of tyranny; and that the modern looseness or negligence hath taken no
due regard to the choice of schoolmasters and tutors; yet the ancient
wisdom of the best times did always make a just complaint, that states
were too busy with their laws and too negligent in point of education:
which excellent part of ancient discipline hath been in some sort revived
of late times by the colleges of the Jesuits; of whom, although in regard
of their superstition I may say, Quo meliores, eo deteriores;
yet in regard of this, and some other points concerning human learning
and moral matters, I may say, as Agesilaus said to his enemy Pharnabazus,
Talis quum sis, utunam noster esses. And that much
touching the discredits drawn from the fortunes of learned men.
(4) As touching the manners of learned men, it is a thing personal and
individual: and no doubt there be amongst them, as in other professions,
of all temperatures: but yet so as it is not without truth which is
said, that Abeunt studua in mores, studies have an influence
and operation upon the manners of those that are conversant in them.
(5) But upon an attentive and indifferent review, I for my part cannot
find any disgrace to learning can proceed from the manners of learned
men; not inherent to them as they are learned; except it be a fault
(which was the supposed fault of Demosthenes, Cicero, Cato II., Seneca,
and many more) that because the times they read of are commonly better
than the times they live in, and the duties taught better than the duties
practised, they contend sometimes too far to bring things to perfection,
and to reduce the corruption of manners to honesty of precepts or examples
of too great height. And yet hereof they have caveats enough in
their own walks. For Solon, when he was asked whether he had given
his citizens the best laws, answered wisely, “Yea, of such as
they would receive:” and Plato, finding that his own heart could
not agree with the corrupt manners of his country, refused to bear place
or office, saying, “That a man’s country was to be used
as his parents were, that is, with humble persuasions, and not with
contestations.” And Cæsar’s counsellor put in
the same caveat, Non ad vetera instituta revocans quæ jampridem
corruptis moribus ludibrio sunt; and Cicero noteth this error directly
in Cato II. when he writes to his friend Atticus, Cato optime sentit,
sed nocet interdum reipublicæ; loquitur enim tanquam in republicâ
Platonis, non tanquam in fæce Romuli. And the
same Cicero doth excuse and expound the philosophers for going too far
and being too exact in their prescripts when he saith, Isti ipse
præceptores virtutis et magistri videntur fines officiorum paulo
longius quam natura vellet protulisse, ut *** ad ultimum animo
contendissemus, ibi tamen, ubi oportet, consisteremus:
and yet himself might have said, Monitis sum minor ipse meis;
for it was his own fault, though not in so extreme a degree.
(6) Another fault likewise much of this kind hath been incident to learned
men, which is, that they have esteemed the preservation, good, and honour
of their countries or masters before their own fortunes or safeties.
For so saith Demosthenes unto the Athenians: “If it please you
to note it, my counsels unto you are not such whereby I should grow
great amongst you, and you become little amongst the Grecians; but they
be of that nature as they are sometimes not good for me to give, but
are always good for you to follow.” And so Seneca, after
he had consecrated that Quinquennium Neronis to the eternal glory
of learned governors, held on his honest and loyal course of good and
free counsel after his master grew extremely corrupt in his government.
Neither can this point otherwise be, for learning endueth men’s
minds with a true sense of the frailty of their persons, the casualty
of their fortunes, and the dignity of their soul and vocation, so that
it is impossible for them to esteem that any greatness of their own
fortune can be a true or worthy end of their being and ordainment, and
therefore are desirous to give their account to God, and so likewise
to their masters under God (as kings and the states that they serve)
in those words, Ecce tibi lucrefeci, and not Ecce mihi lucrefeci;
whereas the corrupter sort of mere politiques, that have not their thoughts
established by learning in the love and apprehension of duty, nor never
look abroad into universality, do refer all things to themselves, and
thrust themselves into the centre of the world, as if all lines should
meet in them and their fortunes, never caring in all tempests what becomes
of the ship of state, so they may save themselves in the cockboat of
their own fortune; whereas men that feel the weight of duty and know
the limits of self-love use to make good their places and duties, though
with peril; and if they stand in seditious and violent alterations,
it is rather the reverence which many times both adverse parts do give
to honesty, than any versatile advantage of their own carriage.
But for this point of tender sense and fast obligation of duty which
learning doth endue the mind withal, howsoever fortune may tax it, and
many in the depth of their corrupt principles may despise it, yet it
will receive an open allowance, and therefore needs the less disproof
or excuse.
(7) Another fault incident commonly to learned men, which may be more
properly defended than truly denied, is that they fail sometimes in
applying themselves to particular persons, which want of exact application
ariseth from two causes - the one, because the largeness of their mind
can hardly confine itself to dwell in the exquisite observation or examination
of the nature and customs of one person, for it is a speech for a lover,
and not for a wise man, Satis magnum alter alteri theatrum sumus.
Nevertheless I shall yield that he that cannot contract the sight of
his mind as well as disperse and dilate it, wanteth a great faculty.
But there is a second cause, which is no inability, but a rejection
upon choice and judgment. For the honest and just bounds of observation
by one person upon another extend no further but to understand him sufficiently,
whereby not to give him offence, or whereby to be able to give him faithful
counsel, or whereby to stand upon reasonable guard and caution in respect
of a man’s self. But to be speculative into another man
to the end to know how to work him, or wind him, or govern him, proceedeth
from a heart that is double and cloven, and not entire and ingenuous;
which as in friendship it is want of integrity, so towards princes or
superiors is want of duty. For the custom of the Levant, which
is that subjects do forbear to gaze or fix their eyes upon princes,
is in the outward ceremony barbarous, but the moral is good; for men
ought not, by cunning and bent observations, to pierce and penetrate
into the hearts of kings, which the Scripture hath declared to be inscrutable.
(8) There is yet another fault (with which I will conclude this part)
which is often noted in learned men, that they do many times fail to
observe decency and discretion in their behaviour and carriage, and
commit errors in small and ordinary points of action, so as the vulgar
sort of capacities do make a judgment of them in greater matters by
that which they find wanting in them in smaller. But this consequence
doth oft deceive men, for which I do refer them over to that which was
said by Themistocles, arrogantly and uncivilly being applied to himself
out of his own mouth, but, being applied to the general state of this
question, pertinently and justly, when, being invited to touch a lute,
he said, “He could not fiddle, but he could make a small town
a great state.” So no doubt many may be well seen in the
passages of government and policy which are to seek in little and punctual
occasions. I refer them also to that which Plato said of his master
Socrates, whom he compared to the gallipots of apothecaries, which on
the outside had apes and owls and antiques, but contained within sovereign
and precious liquors and confections; acknowledging that, to an external
report, he was not without superficial levities and deformities, but
was inwardly replenished with excellent virtues and powers. And
so much touching the point of manners of learned men.
(9) But in the meantime I have no purpose to give allowance to some
conditions and courses base and unworthy, wherein divers professors
of learning have wronged themselves and gone too far; such as were those
trencher philosophers which in the later age of the Roman state were
usually in the houses of great persons, being little better than solemn
parasites, of which kind, Lucian maketh a merry description of the philosopher
that the great lady took to ride with her in her coach, and would needs
have him carry her little dog, which he doing officiously and yet uncomely,
the page scoffed and said, “That he doubted the philosopher of
a Stoic would turn to be a Cynic.” But, above all the rest,
this gross and palpable flattery whereunto many not unlearned have abased
and abused their wits and pens, turning (as Du Bartas saith) Hecuba
into Helena, and Faustina into Lucretia, hath most diminished the price
and estimation of learning. Neither is the modern dedication of
books and writings, as to patrons, to be commended, for that books (such
as are worthy the name of books) ought to have no patrons but truth
and reason. And the ancient custom was to dedicate them only to
private and equal friends, or to entitle the books with their names;
or if to kings and great persons, it was to some such as the argument
of the book was fit and proper for; but these and the like courses may
deserve rather reprehension than defence.
(10) Not that I can tax or condemn the morigeration or application of
learned men to men in fortune. For the answer was good that Diogenes
made to one that asked him in mockery, “How it came to pass that
philosophers were the followers of rich men, and not rich men of philosophers?”
He answered soberly, and yet sharply, “Because the one sort knew
what they had need of, and the other did not.” And of the
like nature was the answer which Aristippus made, when having a petition
to Dionysius, and no ear given to him, he fell down at his feet, whereupon
Dionysius stayed and gave him the hearing, and granted it; and afterwards
some person, tender on the behalf of philosophy, reproved Aristippus
that he would offer the profession of philosophy such an indignity as
for a private suit to fall at a tyrant’s feet; but he answered,
“It was not his fault, but it was the fault of Dionysius, that
had his ears in his feet.” Neither was it accounted weakness,
but discretion, in him that would not dispute his best with Adrianus
Cæsar, excusing himself, “That it was reason to yield to
him that commanded thirty legions.” These and the like,
applications, and stooping to points of necessity and convenience, cannot
be disallowed; for though they may have some outward baseness, yet in
a judgment truly made they are to be accounted submissions to the occasion
and not to the person.
IV. (1) Now I proceed to those errors and vanities which have intervened
amongst the studies themselves of the learned, which is that which is
principal and proper to the present argument; wherein my purpose is
not to make a justification of the errors, but by a censure and separation
of the errors to make a justification of that which is good and sound,
and to deliver that from the aspersion of the other. For we see
that it is the manner of men to scandalise and deprave that which retaineth
the state and virtue, by taking advantage upon that which is corrupt
and degenerate, as the heathens in the primitive Church used to blemish
and taint the Christians with the faults and corruptions of heretics.
But nevertheless I have no meaning at this time to make any exact animadversion
of the errors and impediments in matters of learning, which are more
secret and remote from vulgar opinion, but only to speak unto such as
do fall under or near unto a popular observation.
(2) There be therefore chiefly three vanities in studies, whereby learning
hath been most traduced. For those things we do esteem vain which
are either false or frivolous, those which either have no truth or no
use; and those persons we esteem vain which are either credulous or
curious; and curiosity is either in matter or words: so that in reason
as well as in experience there fall out to be these three distempers
(as I may term them) of learning - the first, fantastical learning;
the second, contentious learning; and the last, delicate learning; vain
imaginations, vain altercations, and vain affectations; and with the
last I will begin. Martin Luther, conducted, no doubt, by a higher
Providence, but in discourse of reason, finding what a province he had
undertaken against the Bishop of Rome and the degenerate traditions
of the Church, and finding his own solitude, being in nowise aided by
the opinions of his own time, was enforced to awake all antiquity, and
to call former times to his succours to make a party against the present
time. So that the ancient authors, both in divinity and in humanity,
which had long time slept in libraries, began generally to be read and
revolved. This, by consequence, did draw on a necessity of a more
exquisite travail in the languages original, wherein those authors did
write, for the better understanding of those authors, and the better
advantage of pressing and applying their words. And thereof grew,
again, a delight in their manner of style and phrase, and an admiration
of that kind of writing, which was much furthered and precipitated by
the enmity and opposition that the propounders of those primitive but
seeming new opinions had against the schoolmen, who were generally of
the contrary part, and whose writings were altogether in a differing
style and form; taking liberty to coin and frame new terms of art to
express their own sense, and to avoid circuit of speech, without regard
to the pureness, pleasantness, and (as I may call it) lawfulness of
the phrase or word. And again, because the great labour then was
with the people (of whom the Pharisees were wont to say, Execrabilis
ista turba, quæ non novit legem), for the winning and
persuading of them, there grew of necessity in chief price and request
eloquence and variety of discourse, as the fittest and forciblest access
into the capacity of the vulgar sort; so that these four causes concurring
- the admiration of ancient authors, the hate of the schoolmen, the
exact study of languages, and the efficacy of preaching - did bring
in an affectionate study of eloquence and copy of speech, which then
began to flourish. This grew speedily to an excess; for men began
to hunt more after words than matter - more after the choiceness of
the phrase, and the round and clean composition of the sentence, and
the sweet falling of the clauses, and the varying and illustration of
their works with tropes and figures, than after the weight of matter,
worth of subject, soundness of argument, life of invention, or depth
of judgment. Then grew the flowing and watery vein of Osorius,
the Portugal bishop, to be in price. Then did Sturmius spend such
infinite and curious pains upon Cicero the Orator and Hermogenes the
Rhetorician, besides his own books of Periods and Imitation, and the
like. Then did Car of Cambridge and Ascham with their lectures
and writings almost deify Cicero and Demosthenes, and allure all young
men that were studious unto that delicate and polished kind of learning.
Then did Erasmus take occasion to make the scoffing echo, Decem annos
consuumpsi in legendo Cicerone; and the echo answered in Greek,
One, Asine. Then grew the learning of the schoolmen
to be utterly despised as barbarous. In sum, the whole inclination
and bent of those times was rather towards copy than weight.
(3) Here therefore [is] the first distemper of learning, when men study
words and not matter; whereof, though I have represented an example
of late times, yet it hath been and will be secundum majus et minus
in all time. And how is it possible but this should have an operation
to discredit learning, even with vulgar capacities, when they see learned
men’s works like the first letter of a patent or limited book,
which though it hath large flourishes, yet it is but a letter?
It seems to me that Pygmalion’s frenzy is a good emblem or portraiture
of this vanity; for words are but the images of matter, and except they
have life of reason and invention, to fall in love with them is all
one as to fall in love with a picture.
(4) But yet notwithstanding it is a thing not hastily to be condemned,
to clothe and adorn the obscurity even of philosophy itself with sensible
and plausible elocution. For hereof we have great examples in
Xenophon, Cicero, Seneca, Plutarch, and of Plato also in some degree;
and hereof likewise there is great use, for surely, to the severe inquisition
of truth and the deep progress into philosophy, it is some hindrance
because it is too early satisfactory to the mind of man, and quencheth
the desire of further search before we come to a just period.
But then if a man be to have any use of such knowledge in civil occasions,
of conference, counsel, persuasion, discourse, or the like, then shall
he find it prepared to his hands in those authors which write in that
manner. But the excess of this is so justly contemptible, that
as Hercules, when he saw the image of Adonis, Venus’ minion, in
a temple, said in disdain, Nil sacri es; so there is none of
Hercules’ followers in learning - that is, the more severe and
laborious sort of inquirers into truth - but will despise those delicacies
and affectations, as indeed capable of no divineness. And thus
much of the first disease or distemper of learning.
(5) The second which followeth is in nature worse than the former: for
as substance of matter is better than beauty of words, so contrariwise
vain matter is worse than vain words: wherein it seemeth the reprehension
of St. Paul was not only proper for those times, but prophetical for
the times following; and not only respective to divinity, but extensive
to all knowledge: Devita profanas vocum novitates, et oppositiones
falsi nominis scientiæ. For he assigneth two marks and
badges of suspected and falsified science: the one, the novelty and
strangeness of terms; the other, the strictness of positions, which
of necessity doth induce oppositions, and so questions and altercations.
Surely, like as many substances in nature which are solid do putrefy
and corrupt into worms; - so it is the property of good and sound knowledge
to putrefy and dissolve into a number of subtle, idle, unwholesome,
and (as I may term them) vermiculate questions, which have indeed a
kind of quickness and life of spirit, but no soundness of matter or
goodness of quality. This kind of degenerate learning did chiefly
reign amongst the schoolmen, who having sharp and strong wits, and abundance
of leisure, and small variety of reading, but their wits being shut
up in the cells of a few authors (chiefly Aristotle their dictator)
as their persons were shut up in the cells of monasteries and colleges,
and knowing little history, either of nature or time, did out of no
great quantity of matter and infinite agitation of wit spin out unto
us those laborious webs of learning which are extant in their books.
For the wit and mind of man, if it work upon matter, which is the contemplation
of the creatures of God, worketh according to the stuff and is limited
thereby; but if it work upon itself, as the spider worketh his web,
then it is endless, and brings forth indeed cobwebs of learning, admirable
for the fineness of thread and work, but of no substance or profit.
(6) This same unprofitable subtility or curiosity is of two sorts: either
in the subject itself that they handle, when it is a fruitless speculation
or controversy (whereof there are no small number both in divinity and
philosophy), or in the manner or method of handling of a knowledge,
which amongst them was this - upon every particular position or assertion
to frame objections, and to those objections, solutions; which solutions
were for the most part not confutations, but distinctions: whereas indeed
the strength of all sciences is, as the strength of the old man’s
***, in the bond. For the harmony of a science, supporting
each part the other, is and ought to be the true and brief confutation
and suppression of all the smaller sort of objections. But, on
the other side, if you take out every axiom, as the sticks of the ***,
one by one, you may quarrel with them and bend them and break them at
your pleasure: so that, as was said of Seneca, Verborum minutiis
rerum frangit pondera, so a man may truly say of the schoolmen,
Quæstionum minutiis scientiarum frangunt soliditatem.
For were it not better for a man in fair room to set up one great light,
or branching candlestick of lights, than to go about with a small watch-candle
into every corner? And such is their method, that rests not so
much upon evidence of truth proved by arguments, authorities, similitudes,
examples, as upon particular confutations and solutions of every scruple,
cavillation, and objection; breeding for the most part one question
as fast as it solveth another; even as in the former resemblance, when
you carry the light into one corner, you darken the rest; so that the
fable and fiction of Scylla seemeth to be a lively image of this kind
of philosophy or knowledge; which was transformed into a comely ***
for the upper parts; but then Candida succinctam latrantibus inguina
monstris: so the generalities of the schoolmen are for a while good
and proportionable; but then when you descend into their distinctions
and decisions, instead of a fruitful womb for the use and benefit of
man’s life, they end in monstrous altercations and barking questions.
So as it is not possible but this quality of knowledge must fall under
popular contempt, the people being apt to contemn truths upon occasion
of controversies and altercations, and to think they are all out of
their way which never meet; and when they see such digladiation about
subtleties, and matters of no use or moment, they easily fall upon that
judgment of Dionysius of Syracusa, Verba ista sunt senum otiosorum.
(7) Notwithstanding, certain it is that if those schoolmen to their
great thirst of truth and unwearied travail of wit had joined variety
and universality of reading and contemplation, they had proved excellent
lights, to the great advancement of all learning and knowledge; but
as they are, they are great undertakers indeed, and fierce with dark
keeping. But as in the inquiry of the divine truth, their pride
inclined to leave the oracle of God’s word, and to vanish in the
mixture of their own inventions; so in the inquisition of nature, they
ever left the oracle of God’s works, and adored the deceiving
and deformed images which the unequal mirror of their own minds, or
a few received authors or principles, did represent unto them.
And thus much for the second disease of learning.
(8) For the third vice or disease of learning, which concerneth deceit
or untruth, it is of all the rest the foulest; as that which doth destroy
the essential form of knowledge, which is nothing but a representation
of truth: for the truth of being and the truth of knowing are one, differing
no more than the direct beam and the beam reflected. This vice
therefore brancheth itself into two sorts; delight in deceiving and
aptness to be deceived; imposture and credulity; which, although they
appear to be of a diverse nature, the one seeming to proceed of cunning
and the other of simplicity, yet certainly they do for the most part
concur: for, as the verse noteth -
“Percontatorem fugito, nam garrulus idem est,”
an inquisitive man is a prattler; so upon the like reason a credulous
man is a deceiver: as we see it in fame, that he that will easily believe
rumours will as easily augment rumours and add somewhat to them of his
own; which Tacitus wisely noteth, when he saith, Fingunt simul creduntque:
so great an affinity hath fiction and belief.
(9) This facility of credit and accepting or admitting things weakly
authorised or warranted is of two kinds according to the subject: for
it is either a belief of history, or, as the lawyers speak, matter of
fact; or else of matter of art and opinion. As to the former,
we see the experience and inconvenience of this error in ecclesiastical
history; which hath too easily received and registered reports and narrations
of miracles wrought by martyrs, hermits, or monks of the desert, and
other holy men, and their relics, shrines, chapels and images: which
though they had a passage for a time by the ignorance of the people,
the superstitious simplicity of some and the politic toleration of others
holding them but as divine poesies, yet after a period of time, when
the mist began to clear up, they grew to be esteemed but as old wives’
fables, impostures of the clergy, illusions of spirits, and badges of
Antichrist, to the great scandal and detriment of religion.
(10) So in natural history, we see there hath not been that choice and
judgment used as ought to have been; as may appear in the writings of
Plinius, Cardanus, Albertus, and divers of the Arabians, being fraught
with much fabulous matter, a great part not only untried, but notoriously
untrue, to the great derogation of the credit of natural philosophy
with the grave and sober kind of wits: wherein the wisdom and integrity
of Aristotle is worthy to be observed, that, having made so diligent
and exquisite a history of living creatures, hath mingled it sparingly
with any vain or feigned matter; and yet on the other side hath cast
all prodigious narrations, which he thought worthy the recording, into
one book, excellently discerning that matter of manifest truth, such
whereupon observation and rule was to be built, was not to be mingled
or weakened with matter of doubtful credit; and yet again, that rarities
and reports that seem uncredible are not to be suppressed or denied
to the memory of men.
(11) And as for the facility of credit which is yielded to arts and
opinions, it is likewise of two kinds; either when too much belief is
attributed to the arts themselves, or to certain authors in any art.
The sciences themselves, which have had better intelligence and confederacy
with the imagination of man than with his reason, are three in number:
astrology, natural magic, and alchemy; of which sciences, nevertheless,
the ends or pretences are noble. For astrology pretendeth to discover
that correspondence or concatenation which is between the superior globe
and the inferior; natural magic pretendeth to call and reduce natural
philosophy from variety of speculations to the magnitude of works; and
alchemy pretendeth to make separation of all the unlike parts of bodies
which in mixtures of natures are incorporate. But the derivations
and prosecutions to these ends, both in the theories and in the practices,
are full of error and vanity; which the great professors themselves
have sought to veil over and conceal by enigmatical writings, and referring
themselves to auricular traditions and such other devices, to save the
credit of impostures. And yet surely to alchemy this right is
due, that it may be compared to the husbandman whereof Æsop makes
the fable; that, when he died, told his sons that he had left unto them
gold buried underground in his vineyard; and they digged over all the
ground, and gold they found none; but by reason of their stirring and
digging the mould about the roots of their vines, they had a great vintage
the year following: so assuredly the search and stir to make gold hath
brought to light a great number of good and fruitful inventions and
experiments, as well for the disclosing of nature as for the use of
man’s life.
(12) And as for the overmuch credit that hath been given unto authors
in sciences, in making them dictators, that their words should stand,
and not consuls, to give advice; the damage is infinite that sciences
have received thereby, as the principal cause that hath kept them low
at a stay without growth or advancement. For hence it hath come,
that in arts mechanical the first deviser comes shortest, and time addeth
and perfecteth; but in sciences the first author goeth furthest, and
time leeseth and corrupteth. So we see artillery, sailing, printing,
and the like, were grossly managed at the first, and by time accommodated
and refined; but contrariwise, the philosophies and sciences of Aristotle,
Plato, Democritus, Hippocrates, Euclides, Archimedes, of most vigour
at the first, and by time degenerate and imbased: whereof the reason
is no other, but that in the former many wits and industries have contributed
in one; and in the latter many wits and industries have been spent about
the wit of some one, whom many times they have rather depraved than
illustrated; for, as water will not ascend higher than the level of
the first spring-head from whence it descendeth, so knowledge derived
from Aristotle, and exempted from liberty of examination, will not rise
again higher than the knowledge of Aristotle. And, therefore,
although the position be good, Oportet discentem credere, yet
it must be coupled with this, Oportet edoctum judicare; for disciples
do owe unto masters only a temporary belief and a suspension of their
own judgment till they be fully instructed, and not an absolute resignation
or perpetual captivity; and therefore, to conclude this point, I will
say no more, but so let great authors have their due, as time, which
is the author of authors, be not deprived of his due - which is, further
and further to discover truth. Thus have I gone over these three
diseases of learning; besides the which there are some other rather
peccant humours than formed diseases, which, nevertheless, are not so
secret and intrinsic, but that they fall under a popular observation
and traducement, and, therefore, are not to be passed over.
V. (1) The first of these is the extreme affecting of two extremities:
the one antiquity, the other novelty; wherein it seemeth the children
of time do take after the nature and malice of the father. For
as he devoureth his children, so one of them seeketh to devour and suppress
the other; while antiquity envieth there should be new additions, and
novelty cannot be content to add but it must deface; surely the advice
of the prophet is the true direction in this matter, State super
vias antiquas, et videte quænam sit via recta et bona et
ambulate in ea. Antiquity deserveth that reverence, that men
should make a stand thereupon and discover what is the best way; but
when the discovery is well taken, then to make progression. And
to speak truly, Antiquitas sæculi juventus mundi.
These times are the ancient times, when the world is ancient, and not
those which we account ancient ordine retrogrado, by a computation
backward from ourselves.
(2) Another error induced by the former is a distrust that anything
should be now to be found out, which the world should have missed and
passed over so long time: as if the same objection were to be made to
time that Lucian maketh to Jupiter and other the heathen gods; of which
he wondereth that they begot so many children in old time, and begot
none in his time; and asketh whether they were become septuagenary,
or whether the law Papia, made against old men’s
marriages, had restrained them. So it seemeth men doubt lest time
is become past children and generation; wherein contrariwise we see
commonly the levity and unconstancy of men’s judgments, which,
till a matter be done, wonder that it can be done; and as soon as it
is done, wonder again that it was no sooner done: as we see in the expedition
of Alexander into Asia, which at first was prejudged as a vast and impossible
enterprise; and yet afterwards it pleaseth Livy to make no more of it
than this, Nil aliud quàm bene ausus vana contemnere.
And the same happened to Columbus in the western navigation. But
in intellectual matters it is much more common, as may be seen in most
of the propositions of Euclid; which till they be demonstrate, they
seem strange to our assent; but being demonstrate, our mind accepteth
of them by a kind of relation (as the lawyers speak), as if we had known
them before.
(3) Another error, that hath also some affinity with the former, is
a conceit that of former opinions or sects after variety and examination
the best hath still prevailed and suppressed the rest; so as if a man
should begin the labour of a new search, he were but like to light upon
somewhat formerly rejected, and by rejection brought into oblivion;
as if the multitude, or the wisest for the multitude’s sake, were
not ready to give passage rather to that which is popular and superficial
than to that which is substantial and profound for the truth is, that
time seemeth to be of the nature of a river or stream, which carrieth
down to us that which is light and blown up, and sinketh and drowneth
that which is weighty and solid.
(4) Another error, of a diverse nature from all the former, is the over-early
and peremptory reduction of knowledge into arts and methods; from which
time commonly sciences receive small or no augmentation. But as
young men, when they knit and shape perfectly, do seldom grow to a further
stature, so knowledge, while it is in aphorisms and observations, it
is in growth; but when it once is comprehended in exact methods, it
may, perchance, be further polished, and illustrate and accommodated
for use and practice, but it increaseth no more in bulk and substance.
(5) Another error which doth succeed that which we last mentioned is,
that after the distribution of particular arts and sciences, men have
abandoned universality, or philosophia prima, which cannot but
cease and stop all progression. For no perfect discovery can be
made upon a flat or a level; neither is it possible to discover the
more remote and deeper parts of any science if you stand but upon the
level of the same science, and ascend not to a higher science.
(6) Another error hath proceeded from too great a reverence, and a kind
of adoration of the mind and understanding of man; by means whereof,
men have withdrawn themselves too much from the contemplation of nature,
and the observations of experience, and have tumbled up and down in
their own reason and conceits. Upon these intellectualists, which
are notwithstanding commonly taken for the most sublime and divine philosophers,
Heraclitus gave a just censure, saying: - “Men sought truth in
their own little worlds, and not in the great and common world;”
for they disdain to spell, and so by degrees to read in the volume of
God’s works; and contrariwise by continual meditation and agitation
of wit do urge and, as it were, invocate their own spirits to divine
and give oracles unto them, whereby they are deservedly deluded.
(7) Another error that hath some connection with this latter is, that
men have used to infect their meditations, opinions, and doctrines with
some conceits which they have most admired, or some sciences which they
have most applied, and given all things else a tincture according to
them, utterly untrue and improper. So hath Plato intermingled
his philosophy with theology, and Aristotle with logic; and the second
school of Plato, Proclus and the rest, with the mathematics; for these
were the arts which had a kind of primogeniture with them severally.
So have the alchemists made a philosophy out of a few experiments of
the furnace; and Gilbertus our countryman hath made a philosophy out
of the observations of a loadstone. So Cicero, when reciting the
several opinions of the nature of the soul, he found a musician that
held the soul was but a harmony, saith pleasantly, Hic ab arte sua
non recessit, &c. But of these conceits Aristotle
speaketh seriously and wisely when he saith, Qui respiciunt ad pauca
de facili pronunciant.
(8) Another error is an impatience of doubt, and haste to assertion
without due and mature suspension of judgment. For the two ways
of contemplation are not unlike the two ways of action commonly spoken
of by the ancients: the one plain and smooth in the beginning, and in
the end impassable; the other rough and troublesome in the entrance,
but after a while fair and even. So it is in contemplation: if
a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he
will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.
(9) Another error is in the manner of the tradition and delivery of
knowledge, which is for the most part magistral and peremptory, and
not ingenuous and faithful; in a sort as may be soonest believed, and
not easiest examined. It is true, that in compendious treatises
for practice that form is not to be disallowed; but in the true handling
of knowledge men ought not to fall either on the one side into the vein
of Velleius the Epicurean, Nil tam metuens quam ne dubitare aliqua
de revideretur: nor, on the other side, into Socrates, his ironical
doubting of all things; but to propound things sincerely with more or
less asseveration, as they stand in a man’s own judgment proved
more or less.
(10) Other errors there are in the scope that men propound to themselves,
whereunto they bend their endeavours; for, whereas the more constant
and devote kind of professors of any science ought to propound to themselves
to make some additions to their science, they convert their labours
to aspire to certain second prizes: as to be a profound interpreter
or commentor, to be a sharp champion or defender, to be a methodical
compounder or abridger, and so the patrimony of knowledge cometh to
be sometimes improved, but seldom augmented.
(11) But the greatest error of all the rest is the mistaking or misplacing
of the last or furthest end of knowledge. For men have entered
into a desire of learning and knowledge, sometimes upon a natural curiosity
and inquisitive appetite; sometimes to entertain their minds with variety
and delight; sometimes for ornament and reputation; and sometimes to
enable them to victory of wit and contradiction; and most times for
lucre and profession; and seldom sincerely to give a true account of
their gift of reason to the benefit and use of men: as if there were
sought in knowledge a couch whereupon to rest a searching and restless
spirit; or a terrace for a wandering and variable mind to walk up and
down with a fair prospect; or a tower of state, for a proud mind to
raise itself upon; or a fort or commanding ground, for strife and contention;
or a shop, for profit or sale; and not a rich storehouse for the glory
of the Creator and the relief of man’s estate. But this
is that which will indeed dignify and exalt knowledge, if contemplation
and action may be more nearly and straitly conjoined and united together
than they have been: a conjunction like unto that of the two highest
planets, Saturn, the planet of rest and contemplation; and Jupiter,
the planet of civil society and action, howbeit, I do not mean, when
I speak of use and action, that end before-mentioned of the applying
of knowledge to lucre and profession; for I am not ignorant how much
that diverteth and interrupteth the prosecution and advancement of knowledge,
like unto the golden ball thrown before Atalanta, which, while she goeth
aside and stoopeth to take up, the race is hindered,
“Declinat cursus, aurumque volubile tollit.”
Neither is my meaning, as was spoken of Socrates, to call philosophy
down from heaven to converse upon the earth - that is, to leave natural
philosophy aside, and to apply knowledge only to manners and policy.
But as both heaven and earth do conspire and contribute to the use and
benefit of man, so the end ought to be, from both philosophies to separate
and reject vain speculations, and whatsoever is empty and void, and
to preserve and augment whatsoever is solid and fruitful; that knowledge
may not be as a courtesan, for pleasure and vanity only, or as a bond-woman,
to acquire and gain to her master’s use; but as a spouse, for
generation, fruit, and comfort.
(12) Thus have I described and opened, as by a kind of dissection, those
peccant humours (the principal of them) which have not only given impediment
to the proficience of learning, but have given also occasion to the
traducement thereof: wherein, if I have been too plain, it must be remembered,
fidelia vulnera amantis, sed dolosa oscula malignantis.
This I think I have gained, that I ought to be the better believed in
that which I shall say pertaining to commendation; because I have proceeded
so freely in that which concerneth censure. And yet I have no
purpose to enter into a laudative of learning, or to make a hymn to
the Muses (though I am of opinion that it is long since their rites
were duly celebrated), but my intent is, without varnish or amplification
justly to weigh the dignity of knowledge in the balance with other things,
and to take the true value thereof by testimonies and arguments, divine
and human.
VI. (1) First, therefore, let us seek the dignity of knowledge in the
archetype or first platform, which is in the attributes and acts of
God, as far as they are revealed to man and may be observed with sobriety;
wherein we may not seek it by the name of learning, for all learning
is knowledge acquired, and all knowledge in God is original, and therefore
we must look for it by another name, that of wisdom or sapience, as
the Scriptures call it.
(2) It is so, then, that in the work of the creation we see a double
emanation of virtue from God; the one referring more properly to power,
the other to wisdom; the one expressed in making the subsistence of
the matter, and the other in disposing the beauty of the form.
This being supposed, it is to be observed that for anything which appeareth
in the history of the creation, the confused mass and matter of heaven
and earth was made in a moment, and the order and disposition of that
chaos or mass was the work of six days; such a note of difference it
pleased God to put upon the works of power, and the works of wisdom;
wherewith concurreth, that in the former it is not set down that God
said, “Let there be heaven and earth,” as it is set down
of the works following; but actually, that God made heaven and earth:
the one carrying the style of a manufacture, and the other of a law,
decree, or counsel.
(3) To proceed, to that which is next in order from God, to spirits:
we find, as far as credit is to be given to the celestial hierarchy
of that supposed Dionysius, the senator of Athens, the first place or
degree is given to the angels of love, which are termed seraphim; the
second to the angels of light, which are termed cherubim; and the third,
and so following places, to thrones, principalities, and the rest, which
are all angels of power and ministry; so as this angels of knowledge
and illumination are placed before the angels of office and domination.
(4) To descend from spirits and intellectual forms to sensible and material
forms, we read the first form that was created was light, which hath
a relation and correspondence in nature and corporal things to knowledge
in spirits and incorporal things.
(5) So in the distribution of days we see the day wherein God did rest
and contemplate His own works was blessed above all the days wherein
He did effect and accomplish them.
(6) After the creation was finished, it is set down unto us that man
was placed in the garden to work therein; which work, so appointed to
him, could be no other than work of contemplation; that is, when the
end of work is but for exercise and experiment, not for necessity; for
there being then no reluctation of the creature, nor sweat of the brow,
man’s employment must of consequence have been matter of delight
in the experiment, and not matter of labour for the use. Again,
the first acts which man performed in Paradise consisted of the two
summary parts of knowledge; the view of creatures, and the imposition
of names. As for the knowledge which induced the fall, it was,
as was touched before, not the natural knowledge of creatures, but the
moral knowledge of good and evil; wherein the supposition was, that
God’s commandments or prohibitions were not the originals of good
and evil, but that they had other beginnings, which man aspired to know,
to the end to make a total defection from God and to depend wholly upon
himself.
(7) To pass on: in the first event or occurrence after the fall of man,
we see (as the Scriptures have infinite mysteries, not violating at
all the truth of this story or letter) an image of the two estates,
the contemplative state and the active state, figured in the two persons
of Abel and Cain, and in the two simplest and most primitive trades
of life; that of the shepherd (who, by reason of his leisure, rest in
a place, and lying in view of heaven, is a lively image of a contemplative
life), and that of the husbandman, where we see again the favour and
election of God went to the shepherd, and not to the tiller of the ground.
(8) So in the age before the flood, the holy records within those few
memorials which are there entered and registered have vouchsafed to
mention and honour the name of the inventors and authors of music and
works in metal. In the age after the flood, the first great judgment
of God upon the ambition of man was the confusion of tongues; whereby
the open trade and intercourse of learning and knowledge was chiefly
imbarred.
(9) To descend to Moses the lawgiver, and God’s first pen: he
is adorned by the Scriptures with this addition and commendation, “That
he was seen in all the learning of the Egyptians,” which nation
we know was one of the most ancient schools of the world: for so Plato
brings in the Egyptian priest saying unto Solon, “You Grecians
are ever children; you have no knowledge of antiquity, nor antiquity
of knowledge.” Take a view of the ceremonial law of Moses;
you shall find, besides the prefiguration of Christ, the badge or difference
of the people of God, the exercise and impression of obedience, and
other divine uses and fruits thereof, that some of the most learned
Rabbins have travailed profitably and profoundly to observe, some of
them a natural, some of them a moral sense, or reduction of many of
the ceremonies and ordinances. As in the law of the leprosy, where
it is said, “If the whiteness have overspread the flesh, the patient
may pass abroad for clean; but if there be any whole flesh remaining,
he is to be shut up for unclean;” one of them noteth a principle
of nature, that putrefaction is more contagious before maturity than
after; and another noteth a position of moral philosophy, that men abandoned
to vice do not so much corrupt manners, as those that are half good
and half evil. So in this and very many other places in that law,
there is to be found, besides the theological sense, much aspersion
of philosophy.
(10) So likewise in that excellent hook of Job, if it be revolved
with diligence, it will be found pregnant and swelling with natural
philosophy; as for example, cosmography, and the roundness of the world,
Qui extendit aquilonem super vacuum, et appendit terram super
nihilum; wherein the pensileness of the earth, the pole of the north,
and the finiteness or convexity of heaven are manifestly touched.
So again, matter of astronomy: Spiritus ejus ornavit cælos,
et obstetricante manu ejus eductus est Coluber tortuoses.
And in another place, Nunquid conjungere valebis micantes stellas
Pleiadas, aut gyrum Arcturi poteris dissipare? Where
the fixing of the stars, ever standing at equal distance, is with great
elegancy noted. And in another place, Qui facit Arcturum,
et Oriona, et Hyadas, et interiora Austri; where again
he takes knowledge of the depression of the southern pole, calling it
the secrets of the south, because the southern stars were in that climate
unseen. Matter of generation: Annon sicut lac mulsisti me,
et sicut caseum coagulasti me? &c. Matter of minerals:
Habet argentum venarum suarum principia; et auro locus est in quo
conflatur, ferrum de terra tollitur, et lapis solutus
calore in æs vertitur; and so forwards in that chapter.
(11) So likewise in the person of Solomon the king, we see the gift
or endowment of wisdom and learning, both in Solomon’s petition
and in God’s assent thereunto, preferred before all other terrene
and temporal felicity. By virtue of which grant or donative of
God Solomon became enabled not only to write those excellent parables
or aphorisms concerning divine and moral philosophy, but also to compile
a natural history of all verdure, from the cedar upon the mountain to
the moss upon the wall (which is but a rudiment between putrefaction
and an herb), and also of all things that breathe or move. Nay,
the same Solomon the king, although he excelled in the glory of treasure
and magnificent buildings, of shipping and navigation, of service and
attendance, of fame and renown, and the like, yet he maketh no claim
to any of those glories, but only to the glory of inquisition of truth;
for so he saith expressly, “The glory of God is to conceal a thing,
but the glory of the king is to find it out;” as if, according
to the innocent play of children, the Divine Majesty took delight to
hide His works, to the end to have them found out; and as if kings could
not obtain a greater honour than to be God’s playfellows in that
game; considering the great commandment of wits and means, whereby nothing
needeth to be hidden from them.
(12) Neither did the dispensation of God vary in the times after our
Saviour came into the world; for our Saviour himself did first show
His power to subdue ignorance, by His conference with the priests and
doctors of the law, before He showed His power to subdue nature by His
miracles. And the coming of this Holy Spirit was chiefly figured
and expressed in the similitude and gift of tongues, which are but vehicula
scientiæ.
(13) So in the election of those instruments, which it pleased God to
use for the plantation of the faith, notwithstanding that at the first
He did employ persons altogether unlearned, otherwise than by inspiration,
more evidently to declare His immediate working, and to abase all human
wisdom or knowledge; yet nevertheless that counsel of His was no sooner
performed, but in the next vicissitude and succession He did send His
divine truth into the world, waited on with other learnings, as with
servants or handmaids: for so we see St. Paul, who was only learned
amongst the Apostles, had his pen most used in the Scriptures of the
New Testament.
(14) So again we find that many of the ancient bishops and fathers of
the Church were excellently read and studied in all the learning of
this heathen; insomuch that the edict of the Emperor Julianus (whereby
it was interdicted unto Christians to be admitted into schools, lectures,
or exercises of learning) was esteemed and accounted a more pernicious
engine and machination against the Christian Faith than were all the
sanguinary prosecutions of his predecessors; neither could the emulation
and jealousy of Gregory, the first of that name, Bishop of Rome, ever
obtain the opinion of piety or devotion; but contrariwise received the
censure of humour, malignity, and pusillanimity, even amongst holy men;
in that he designed to obliterate and extinguish the memory of heathen
antiquity and authors. But contrariwise it was the Christian Church,
which, amidst the inundations of the Scythians on the one side from
the north-west, and the Saracens from the east, did preserve in the
sacred lap and *** thereof the precious relics even of heathen learning,
which otherwise had been extinguished, as if no such thing had ever
been.
(15) And we see before our eyes, that in the age of ourselves and our
fathers, when it pleased God to call the Church of Rome to account for
their degenerate manners and ceremonies, and sundry doctrines obnoxious
and framed to uphold the same abuses; at one and the same time it was
ordained by the Divine Providence that there should attend withal a
renovation and new spring of all other knowledges. And on the
other side we see the Jesuits, who partly in themselves, and partly
by the emulation and provocation of their example, have much quickened
and strengthened the state of learning; we see (I say) what notable
service and reparation they have done to the Roman see.
(16) Wherefore, to conclude this part, let it be observed, that there
be two principal duties and services, besides ornament and illustration,
which philosophy and human learning do perform to faith and religion.
The one, because they are an effectual inducement to the exaltation
of the glory of God. For as the Psalms and other Scriptures do
often invite us to consider and magnify the great and wonderful works
of God, so if we should rest only in the contemplation of the exterior
of them as they first offer themselves to our senses, we should do a
like injury unto the majesty of God, as if we should judge or construe
of the store of some excellent jeweller by that only which is set out
toward the street in his shop. The other, because they minister
a singular help and preservative against unbelief and error. For
our Saviour saith, “You err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the
power of God;” laying before us two books or volumes to study,
if we will be secured from error: first the Scriptures, revealing the
will of God, and then the creatures expressing His power; whereof the
latter is a key unto the former: not only opening our understanding
to conceive the true sense of the Scriptures by the general notions
of reason and rules of speech, but chiefly opening our belief, in drawing
us into a due meditation of the omnipotency of God, which is chiefly
signed and engraven upon His works. Thus much therefore for divine
testimony and evidence concerning the true dignity and value of learning.
VII. (1) As for human proofs, it is so large a field, as in a discourse
of this nature and brevity it is fit rather to use choice of those things
which we shall produce, than to embrace the variety of them. First,
therefore, in the degrees of human honour amongst the heathen, it was
the highest to obtain to a veneration and adoration as a God.
This unto the Christians is as the forbidden fruit. But we speak
now separately of human testimony, according to which - that which the
Grecians call apotheosis, and the Latins relatio inter divos
- was the supreme honour which man could attribute unto man, specially
when it was given, not by a formal decree or act of state (as it was
used among the Roman Emperors), but by an inward assent and belief.
Which honour, being so high, had also a degree or middle term; for there
were reckoned above human honours, honours heroical and divine: in the
attribution and distribution of which honours we see antiquity made
this difference; that whereas founders and uniters of states and cities,
lawgivers, extirpers of tyrants, fathers of the people, and other eminent
persons in civil merit, were honoured but with the titles of worthies
or demigods, such as were Hercules, Theseus, Minus, Romulus, and the
like; on the other side, such as were inventors and authors of new arts,
endowments, and commodities towards man’s life, were ever consecrated
amongst the gods themselves, as was Ceres, Bacchus, Mercurius, Apollo,
and others. And justly; for the merit of the former is confined
within the circle of an age or a nation, and is like fruitful showers,
which though they be profitable and good, yet serve but for that season,
and for a latitude of ground where they fall; but the other is, indeed,
like the benefits of heaven, which are permanent and universal.
The former again is mixed with strife and perturbation, but the latter
hath the true character of Divine Presence, coming in aura leni,
without noise or agitation.
(2) Neither is certainly that other merit of learning, in repressing
the inconveniences which grow from man to man, much inferior to the
former, of relieving the necessities which arise from nature, which
merit was lively set forth by the ancients in that feigned relation
of Orpheus’ theatre, where all beasts and birds assembled, and,
forgetting their several appetites - some of prey, some of game, some
of quarrel - stood all sociably together listening unto the airs and
accords of the harp, the sound whereof no sooner ceased, or was drowned
by some louder noise, but every beast returned to his own nature; wherein
is aptly described the nature and condition of men, who are full of
savage and unreclaimed desires, of profit, of ***, of revenge; which
as long as they give ear to precepts, to laws, to religion, sweetly
touched with eloquence and persuasion of books, of sermons, of harangues,
so long is society and peace maintained; but if these instruments be
silent, or that sedition and tumult make them not audible, all things
dissolve into anarchy and confusion.
(3) But this appeareth more manifestly when kings themselves, or persons
of authority under them, or other governors in commonwealths and popular
estates, are endued with learning. For although he might be thought
partial to his own profession that said “Then should people and
estates be happy when either kings were philosophers, or philosophers
kings;” yet so much is verified by experience, that under learned
princes and governors there have been ever the best times: for howsoever
kings may have their imperfections in their passions and customs, yet,
if they be illuminate by learning, they have those notions of religion,
policy, and morality, which do preserve them and refrain them from all
ruinous and peremptory errors and excesses, whispering evermore in their
ears, when counsellors and servants stand mute and silent. And
senators or counsellors, likewise, which be learned, to proceed upon
more safe and substantial principles, than counsellors which are only
men of experience; the one sort keeping dangers afar off, whereas the
other discover them not till they come near hand, and then trust to
the agility of their wit to ward or avoid them.
(4) Which felicity of times under learned princes (to keep still
the law of brevity, by using the most eminent and selected examples)
doth best appear in the age which passed from the death of Domitianus
the emperor until the reign of Commodus; comprehending a succession
of six princes, all learned, or singular favourers and advancers of
learning, which age for temporal respects was the most happy and flourishing
that ever the Roman Empire (which then was a model of the world) enjoyed
- a matter revealed and prefigured unto Domitian in a dream the night
before he was slain: for he thought there was grown behind upon his
shoulders a neck and a head of gold, which came accordingly to pass
in those golden times which succeeded; of which princes we will make
some commemoration; wherein, although the matter will be vulgar, and
may be thought fitter for a declamation than agreeable to a treatise
infolded as this is, yet, because it is pertinent to the point in hand
- Neque semper arcum tendit Apollo - and to name them only were
too naked and cursory, I will not omit it altogether. The first
was Nerva, the excellent temper of whose government is by a glance in
Cornelius Tacitus touched to the life: Postquam divus Nerva res oluim
insociabiles miscuisset, imperium et libertatem. And
in token of his learning, the last act of his short reign left to memory
was a missive to his adopted son, Trajan, proceeding upon some inward
discontent at the ingratitude of the times, comprehended in a verse
of Homer’s -
“Telis, Phœbe, tuis, lacrymas ulciscere nostras.”
(5) Trajan, who succeeded, was for his person not learned; but if we
will hearken to the speech of our Saviour, that saith, “He that
receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall have a prophet’s
reward,” he deserveth to be placed amongst the most learned princes;
for there was not a greater admirer of learning or benefactor of learning,
a founder of famous libraries, a perpetual advancer of learned men to
office, and familiar converser with learned professors and preceptors
who were noted to have then most credit in court. On the other
side how much Trajan’s virtue and government was admired and renowned,
surely no testimony of grave and faithful history doth more lively set
forth than that legend tale of Gregorius Magnum, Bishop of Rome, who
was noted for the extreme envy he bare towards all heathen excellency;
and yet he is reported, out of the love and estimation of Trajan’s
moral virtues, to have made unto God passionate and fervent prayers
for the delivery of his soul out of hell, and to have obtained it, with
a caveat that he should make no more such petitions. In this prince’s
time also the persecutions against the Christians received intermission
upon the certificate of Plinius Secundus, a man of excellent learning
and by Trajan advanced.
(6) Adrian, his successor, was the most curious man that lived, and
the most universal inquirer: insomuch as it was noted for an error in
his mind that he desired to comprehend all things, and not to reserve
himself for the worthiest things, falling into the like humour that
was long before noted in Philip of Macedon, who, when he would needs
overrule and put down an excellent musician in an argument touching
music, was well answered by him again - “God forbid, sir,”
saith he, “that your fortune should be so bad as to know these
things better than I.” It pleased God likewise to use the
curiosity of this emperor as an inducement to the peace of His Church
in those days; for having Christ in veneration, not as a God or Saviour,
but as a wonder or novelty, and having his picture in his gallery matched
with Apollonius (with whom in his vain imagination he thought its had
some conformity), yet it served the turn to allay the bitter hatred
of those times against the Christian name, so as the Church had peace
during his time. And for his government civil, although he did
not attain to that of Trajan’s in glory of arms or perfection
of justice, yet in deserving of the weal of the subject he did exceed
him. For Trajan erected many famous monuments and buildings, insomuch
as Constantine the Great in emulation was wont to call him Parietaria,
“wall-flower,” because his name was upon so many walls;
but his buildings and works were more of glory and triumph than use
and necessity. But Adrian spent his whole reign, which was peaceable,
in a perambulation or survey of the Roman Empire, giving order and making
assignation where he went for re-edifying of cities, towns, and forts
decayed, and for cutting of rivers and streams, and for making bridges
and passages, and for policing of cities and commonalties with new ordinances
and constitutions, and granting new franchises and incorporations; so
that his whole time was a very restoration of all the lapses and decays
of former times.
(7) Antoninus Pius, who succeeded him, was a prince excellently learned,
and had the patient and subtle wit of a schoolman, insomuch as in common
speech (which leaves no virtue untaxed) he was called Cymini
Sector, a carver or a divider of *** seed, which is
one of the least seeds. Such a patience he had and settled spirit
to enter into the least and most exact differences of causes, a fruit
no doubt of the exceeding tranquillity and serenity of his mind, which
being no ways charged or encumbered, either with fears, remorses, or
scruples, but having been noted for a man of the purest goodness, without
all fiction or affectation, that hath reigned or lived, made his mind
continually present and entire. He likewise approached a degree
nearer unto Christianity, and became, as Agrippa said unto St. Paul,
“half a Christian,” holding their religion and law in good
opinion, and not only ceasing persecution, but giving way to the advancement
of Christians.
(5) There succeeded him the first Divi fratres, the two adoptive
brethren - Lucius Commodus Verus, son to Ælius Verus, who delighted
much in the softer kind of learning, and was wont to call the poet Martial
his Virgil; and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus: whereof the latter, who obscured
his colleague and survived him long, was named the “Philosopher,”
who, as he excelled all the rest in learning, so he excelled them likewise
in perfection of all royal virtues; insomuch as Julianus the emperor,
in his book entitled Cærsares, being as a pasquil or satire
to deride all his predecessors, feigned that they were all invited to
a banquet of the gods, and Silenus the jester sat at the nether end
of the table and bestowed a scoff on everyone as they came in; but when
Marcus Philosophus came in, Silenus was gravelled and out of countenance,
not knowing where to carp at him, save at the last he gave a glance
at his patience towards his wife. And the virtue of this prince,
continued with that of his predecessor, made the name of Antoninus so
sacred in the world, that though it were extremely dishonoured in Commodus,
Caracalla, and Heliogabalus, who all bare the name, yet, when Alexander
Severus refused the name because he was a stranger to the family, the
Senate with one acclamation said, Quomodo Augustus, sic et Antoninus.
In such renown and veneration was the name of these two princes in those
days, that they would have had it as a perpetual addition in all the
emperors’ style. In this emperor’s time also the Church
for the most part was in peace; so as in this sequence of six princes
we do see the blessed effects of learning in sovereignty, painted forth
in the greatest table of the world.
(9) But for a tablet or picture of smaller volume (not presuming to
speak of your Majesty that liveth), in my judgment the most excellent
is that of Queen Elizabeth, your immediate predecessor in this part
of Britain; a prince that, if Plutarch were now alive to write lives
by parallels, would trouble him, I think, to find for her a parallel
amongst women. This lady was endued with learning in her sex singular,
and rare even amongst masculine princes - whether we speak of learning,
of language, or of science, modern or ancient, divinity or humanity
- and unto the very last year of her life she accustomed to appoint
set hours for reading, scarcely any young student in a university more
daily or more duly. As for her government, I assure myself (I
shall not exceed if I do affirm) that this part of the island never
had forty-five years of better tines, and yet not through the calmness
of the season, but through the wisdom of her regiment. For if
there be considered, of the one side, the truth of religion established,
the constant peace and security, the good administration of justice,
the temperate use of the prerogative, not slackened, nor much strained;
the flourishing state of learning, sortable to so excellent a patroness;
the convenient estate of wealth and means, both of crown and subject;
the habit of obedience, and the moderation of discontents; and there
be considered, on the other side, the differences of religion, the troubles
of neighbour countries, the ambition of Spain, and opposition of Rome,
and then that she was solitary and of herself; these things, I say,
considered, as I could not have chosen an instance so recent and so
proper, so I suppose I could not have chosen one more remarkable or
eminent to the purpose now in hand, which is concerning the conjunction
of learning in the prince with felicity in the people.
(10) Neither hath learning an influence and operation only upon civil
merit and moral virtue, and the arts or temperature of peace and peaceable
government; but likewise it hath no less power and efficacy in enablement
towards martial and military virtue and prowess, as may be notably represented
in the examples of Alexander the Great and Cæsar the Dictator
(mentioned before, but now in fit place to be resumed), of whose virtues
and acts in war there needs no note or recital, having been the wonders
of time in that kind; but of their affections towards learning and perfections
in learning it is pertinent to say somewhat.
(11) Alexander was bred and taught under Aristotle, the great philosopher,
who dedicated divers of his books of philosophy unto him; he was attended
with Callisthenes and divers other learned persons, that followed him
in camp, throughout his journeys and conquests. What price and
estimation he had learning in doth notably appear in these three particulars:
first, in the envy he used to express that he bare towards Achilles,
in this, that he had so good a trumpet of his praises as Homer’s
verses; secondly, in the judgment or solution he gave touching that
precious cabinet of Darius, which was found among his jewels (whereof
question was made what thing was worthy to be put into it, and he gave
his opinion for Homer’s works); thirdly, in his letter to Aristotle,
after he had set forth his books of nature, wherein he expostulateth
with him for publishing the secrets or mysteries of philosophy; and
gave him to understand that himself esteemed it more to excel other
men in learning and knowledge than in power and empire. And what
use he had of learning doth appear, or rather shine, in all his speeches
and answers, being full of science and use of science, and that in all
variety.
(12) And herein again it may seem a thing scholastical, and somewhat
idle to recite things that every man knoweth; but yet, since the argument
I handle leadeth me thereunto, I am glad that men shall perceive I am
as willing to flatter (if they will so call it) an Alexander, or a Cæsar,
or an Antoninus, that are dead many hundred years since, as any that
now liveth; for it is the displaying of the glory of learning in sovereignty
that I propound to myself, and not a humour of declaiming in any man’s
praises. Observe, then, the speech he used of Diogenes, and see
if it tend not to the true state of one of the greatest questions of
moral philosophy: whether the enjoying of outward things, or the contemning
of them, be the greatest happiness; for when he saw Diogenes so perfectly
contented with so little, he said to those that mocked at his condition,
“were I not Alexander, I would wish to be Diogenes.”
But Seneca inverteth it, and saith, “Plus erat, quod hic nollet
accipere, quàm quod ille posset dare.” There
were more things which Diogenes would have refused than those were which
Alexander could have given or enjoyed.
(13) Observe, again, that speech which was usual with him, - “That
he felt his mortality chiefly in two things, sleep and ***;”
and see if it were not a speech extracted out of the depth of natural
philosophy, and liker to have come out of the mouth of Aristotle or
Democritus than from Alexander.
(14) See, again, that speech of humanity and poesy, when, upon the bleeding
of his wounds, he called unto him one of his flatterers, that was wont
to ascribe to him divine honour, and said, “Look, this is very
blood; this is not such a liquor as Homer speaketh of, which ran from
Venus’ hand when it was pierced by Diomedes.”
(15) See likewise his readiness in reprehension of logic in the speech
he used to Cassander, upon a complaint that was made against his father
Antipater; for when Alexander happened to say, “Do you think these
men would have come from so far to complain except they had just cause
of grief?” and Cassander answered, “Yea, that was the matter,
because they thought they should not be disproved;” said Alexander,
laughing, “See the subtleties of Aristotle, to take a matter both
ways, pro et contra, &c.”
(16) But note, again, how well he could use the same art which he reprehended
to serve his own humour: when bearing a secret grudge to Callisthenes,
because he was against the new ceremony of his adoration, feasting one
night where the same Callisthenes was at the table, it was moved by
some after supper, for entertainment sake, that Callisthenes, who was
an eloquent man, might speak of some theme or purpose at his own choice;
which Callisthenes did, choosing the praise of the Macedonian nation
for his discourse, and performing the same with so good manner as the
hearers were much ravished; whereupon Alexander, nothing pleased, said,
“It was easy to be eloquent upon so good a subject; but,”
saith he, “turn your style, and let us hear what you can say against
us;” which Callisthenes presently undertook, and did with that
sting and life that Alexander interrupted him, and said, “The
goodness of the cause made him eloquent before, and despite made him
eloquent then again.”
(17) Consider further, for tropes of rhetoric, that excellent use of
a metaphor or translation, wherewith he taxeth Antipater, who was an
imperious and tyrannous governor; for when one of Antipater’s
friends commended him to Alexander for his moderation, that he did not
degenerate as his other lieutenants did into the Persian pride, in uses
of purple, but kept the ancient habit of Macedon, of black. “True,”
saith Alexander; “but Antipater is all purple within.”
Or that other, when Parmenio came to him in the plain of Arbela and
showed him the innumerable multitude of his enemies, specially as they
appeared by the infinite number of lights as it had been a new firmament
of stars, and thereupon advised him to assail them by night; whereupon
he answered, “That he would not steal the victory.”
(18) For matter of policy, weigh that significant distinction, so much
in all ages embraced, that he made between his two friends Hephæstion
and Craterus, when he said, “That the one loved Alexander, and
the other loved the king:” describing the principal difference
of princes’ best servants, that some in affection love their person,
and other in duty love their crown.
(19) Weigh also that excellent taxation of an error, ordinary with counsellors
of princes, that they counsel their masters according to the model of
their own mind and fortune, and not of their masters. When upon
Darius’ great offers Parmenio had said, “Surely I would
accept these offers were I as Alexander;” saith Alexander, “So
would I were I as Parmenio.”
(20) Lastly, weigh that quick and acute reply which he made when he
gave so large gifts to his friends and servants, and was asked what
he did reserve for himself, and he answered, “Hope.”
Weigh, I say, whether he had not cast up his account aright, because
hope must be the portion of all that resolve upon great enterprises;
for this was Cæsar’s portion when he went first into Gaul,
his estate being then utterly overthrown with largesses. And this
was likewise the portion of that noble prince, howsoever transported
with ambition, Henry Duke of Guise, of whom it was usually said that
he was the greatest usurer in France, because he had turned all his
estate into obligations.
(21) To conclude, therefore, as certain critics are used to say hyperbolically,
“That if all sciences were lost they might be found in Virgil,”
so certainly this may be said truly, there are the prints and footsteps
of learning in those few speeches which are reported of this prince,
the admiration of whom, when I consider him not as Alexander the Great,
but as Aristotle’s scholar, hath carried me too far.
(22) As for Julius Cæsar, the excellency of his learning needeth
not to be argued from his education, or his company, or his speeches;
but in a further degree doth declare itself in his writings and works:
whereof some are extant and permanent, and some unfortunately perished.
For first, we see there is left unto us that excellent history of his
own wars, which he entitled only a Commentary, wherein all succeeding
times have admired the solid weight of matter, and the real passages
and lively images of actions and persons, expressed in the greatest
propriety of words and perspicuity of narration that ever was; which
that it was not the effect of a natural gift, but of learning and precept,
is well witnessed by that work of his entitled De Analogia, being
a grammatical philosophy, wherein he did labour to make this same Vox
ad placitum to become Vox ad licitum, and to reduce custom
of speech to congruity of speech; and took as it were the pictures of
words from the life of reason.
(23) So we receive from him, as a monument both of his power and learning,
the then reformed computation of the year; well expressing that he took
it to be as great a glory to himself to observe and know the law of
the heavens, as to give law to men upon the earth.
(24) So likewise in that book of his, Anti-Cato, it may
easily appear that he did aspire as well to victory of wit as victory
of war: undertaking therein a conflict against the greatest champion
with the pen that then lived, Cicero the orator.
(25) So, again, in his book of Apophthegms, which he collected, we see
that he esteemed it more honour to make himself but a pair of tables,
to take the wise and pithy words of others, than to have every word
of his own to be made an apophthegm or an oracle, as vain princes, by
custom of flattery, pretend to do. And yet if I should enumerate
divers of his speeches, as I did those of Alexander, they are truly
such as Solomon noteth, when he saith, Verba sapientum tanquam aculei,
et tanquam clavi in altum defixi: whereof I will only recite three,
not so delectable for elegancy, but admirable for vigour and efficacy.
(26) As first, it is reason he be thought a master of words, that could
with one word appease a mutiny in his army, which was thus: The Romans,
when their generals did speak to their army, did use the word Milites,
but when the magistrates spake to the people they did use the word
Quirites. The soldiers were in tumult, and seditiously
prayed to be cashiered; not that they so meant, but by expostulation
thereof to draw Cæsar to other conditions; wherein he being resolute
not to give way, after some silence, he began his speech, Ego Quirites,
which did admit them already cashiered - wherewith they were so
surprised, crossed, and confused, as they would not suffer him to go
on in his speech, but relinquished their demands, and made it their
suit to be again called by the name of Milites.
(27) The second speech was thus: Cæsar did extremely affect the
name of king; and some were set on as he passed by in popular acclamation
to salute him king. Whereupon, finding the cry weak and poor,
he put it off thus, in a kind of jest, as if they had mistaken his surname:
Non Rex sum, sed Cæsar; a speech that, if it be
searched, the life and fulness of it can scarce be expressed.
For, first, it was a refusal of the name, but yet not serious; again,
it did signify an infinite confidence and magnanimity, as if he presumed
Cæsar was the greater title, as by his worthiness it is come to
pass till this day. But chiefly it was a speech of great allurement
toward his own purpose, as if the state did strive with him but for
a name, whereof mean families were vested; for Rex was a surname
with the Romans, as well as King is with us.
(28) The last speech which I will mention was used to Metellus, when
Cæsar, after war declared, did possess himself of this city of
Rome; at which time, entering into the inner treasury to take the money
there accumulate, Metellus, being tribune, forbade him. Whereto
Cæsar said, “That if he did not desist, he would lay him
dead in the place.” And presently taking himself up, he
added, “Young man, it is harder for me to speak it than to do
it - Adolescens, durius est mihi hoc dicere quàm facere.”
A speech compounded of the greatest terror and greatest clemency that
could proceed out of the mouth of man.
(29) But to return and conclude with him, it is evident himself knew
well his own perfection in learning, and took it upon him, as appeared
when upon occasion that some spake what a strange resolution it was
in Lucius Sylla to resign his dictators, he, scoffing at him to his
own advantage, answered, “That Sylla could not skill of letters,
and therefore knew not how to dictate.”
(30) And here it were fit to leave this point, touching the concurrence
of military virtue and learning (for what example should come with any
grace after those two of Alexander and Cæsar?), were it not in
regard of the rareness of circumstance, that I find in one other particular,
as that which did so suddenly pass from extreme scorn to extreme wonder:
and it is of Xenophon the philosopher, who went from Socrates’
school into Asia in the expedition of Cyrus the younger against King
Artaxerxes. This Xenophon at that time was very young, and never
had seen the wars before, neither had any command in the army, but only
followed the war as a voluntary, for the love and conversation of Proxenus,
his friend. He was present when Falinus came in message from the
great king to the Grecians, after that Cyrus was slain in the field,
and they, a handful of men, left to themselves in the midst of the king’s
territories, cut off from their country by many navigable rivers and
many hundred miles. The message imported that they should deliver
up their arms and submit themselves to the king’s mercy.
To which message, before answer was made, divers of the army conferred
familiarly with Falinus; and amongst the rest Xenophon happened to say,
“Why, Falinus, we have now but these two things left, our arms
and our virtue; and if we yield up our arms, how shall we make use of
our virtue?” Whereto Falinus, smiling on him, said, “If
I be not deceived, young gentleman, you are an Athenian, and I believe
you study philosophy, and it is pretty that you say; but you are much
abused if you think your virtue can withstand the king’s power.”
Here was the scorn; the wonder followed: which was that this young scholar
or philosopher, after all the captains were murdered in parley by treason,
conducted those ten thousand foot, through the heart of all the king’s
high countries, from Babylon to Græcia in safety, in despite of
all the king’s forces, to the astonishment of the world, and the
encouragement of the Grecians in times succeeding to make invasion upon
the kings of Persia, as was after purposed by Jason the Thessalian,
attempted by Agesilaus the Spartan, and achieved by Alexander the Macedonian,
all upon the ground of the act of that young scholar.
VIII. (1) To proceed now from imperial and military virtue to moral
and private virtue; first, it is an assured truth, which is contained
in the verses:-
“Scilicet ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes
Emollit mores nec sinit esse feros.”
It taketh away the wildness and barbarism and fierceness of men’s
minds; but indeed the accent had need be upon fideliter; for
a little superficial learning doth rather work a contrary effect.
It taketh away all levity, temerity, and insolency, by copious suggestion
of all doubts and difficulties, and acquainting the mind to balance
reasons on both sides, and to turn back the first offers and conceits
of the mind, and to accept of nothing but examined and tried.
It taketh away vain admiration of anything, which is the root of all
weakness. For all things are admired, either because they are
new, or because they are great. For novelty, no man that wadeth
in learning or contemplation thoroughly but will find that printed in
his heart, Nil novi super terram. Neither can any man marvel
at the play of puppets, that goeth behind the curtain, and adviseth
well of the motion. And for magnitude, as Alexander the Great,
after that he was used to great armies, and the great conquests of the
spacious provinces in Asia, when he received letters out of Greece,
of some fights and services there, which were commonly for a passage
or a fort, or some walled town at the most, he said: - “It seemed
to him that he was advertised of the battles of the frogs and the mice,
that the old tales went of.” So certainly, if a man meditate
much upon the universal frame of nature, the earth with men upon it
(the divineness of souls except) will not seem much other than an ant-hill,
whereas some ants carry corn, and some carry their young, and some go
empty, and all to and fro a little heap of dust. It taketh away
or mitigateth fear of death or adverse fortune, which is one of the
greatest impediments of virtue and imperfections of manners. For
if a man’s mind be deeply seasoned with the consideration of the
mortality and corruptible nature of things, he will easily concur with
Epictetus, who went forth one day and saw a woman weeping for her pitcher
of earth that was broken, and went forth the next day and saw a woman
weeping for her son that was dead, and thereupon said, “Heri
vidi fragilem frangi, hodie vidi mortalem mori.” And,
therefore, Virgil did excellently and profoundly couple the knowledge
of causes and the conquest of all fears together, as concomitantia.
“Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas,
Quique metus omnes, et inexorabile fatum
Subjecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari.”
(2) It were too long to go over the particular remedies which learning
doth minister to all the diseases of the mind: sometimes purging the
ill humours, sometimes opening the obstructions, sometimes helping digestion,
sometimes increasing appetite, sometimes healing the wounds and exulcerations
thereof, and the like; and, therefore, I will conclude with that which
hath rationem totius - which is, that it disposeth the constitution
of the mind not to be fixed or settled in the defects thereof, but still
to be capable and susceptible of growth and reformation. For the
unlearned man knows not what it is to descend into himself, or to call
himself to account, nor the pleasure of that suavissima vita, indies
sentire se fieri meliorem. The good parts he hath he will
learn to show to the full, and use them dexterously, but not much to
increase them. The faults he hath he will learn how to hide and
colour them, but not much to amend them; like an ill mower, that mows
on still, and never whets his scythe. Whereas with the learned
man it fares otherwise, that he doth ever intermix the correction and
amendment of his mind with the use and employment thereof. Nay,
further, in general and in sum, certain it is that Veritas and
Bonitas differ but as the seal and the print; for truth prints
goodness, and they be the clouds of error which descend in the storms
of passions and perturbations.
(3) From moral virtue let us pass on to matter of power and commandment,
and consider whether in right reason there be any comparable with that
wherewith knowledge investeth and crowneth man’s nature.
We see the dignity of the commandment is according to the dignity of
the commanded; to have commandment over beasts as herdmen have, is a
thing contemptible; to have commandment over children as schoolmasters
have, is a matter of small honour; to have commandment over galley-slaves
is a disparagement rather than an honour. Neither is the commandment
of tyrants much better, over people which have put off the generosity
of their minds; and, therefore, it was ever holden that honours in free
monarchies and commonwealths had a sweetness more than in tyrannies,
because the commandment extendeth more over the wills of men, and not
only over their deeds and services. And therefore, when Virgil
putteth himself forth to attribute to Augustus Cæsar the best
of human honours, he doth it in these words:-
“Victorque volentes
Per populos dat jura, viamque affectat Olympo.”
But yet the commandment of knowledge is yet higher than the commandment
over the will; for it is a commandment over the reason, belief, and
understanding of man, which is the highest part of the mind, and giveth
law to the will itself. For there is no power on earth which setteth
up a throne or chair of estate in the spirits and souls of men, and
in their cogitations, imaginations, opinions, and beliefs, but knowledge
and learning. And therefore we see the detestable and extreme
pleasure that arch-heretics, and false prophets, and impostors are transported
with, when they once find in themselves that they have a superiority
in the faith and conscience of men; so great as if they have once tasted
of it, it is seldom seen that any torture or persecution can make them
relinquish or abandon it. But as this is that which the author
of the Revelation calleth the depth or profoundness of Satan, so by
argument of contraries, the just and lawful sovereignty over men’s
understanding, by force of truth rightly interpreted, is that which
approacheth nearest to the similitude of the divine rule.
(4) As for fortune and advancement, the beneficence of learning is not
so confined to give fortune only to states and commonwealths, as it
doth not likewise give fortune to particular persons. For it was
well noted long ago, that Homer hath given more men their livings, than
either Sylla, or Cæsar, or Augustus ever did, notwithstanding
their great largesses and donatives, and distributions of lands to so
many legions. And no doubt it is hard to say whether arms or learning
have advanced greater numbers. And in case of sovereignty we see,
that if arms or descent have carried away the kingdom, yet learning
hath carried the priesthood, which ever hath been in some competition
with empire.
(5) Again, for the pleasure and delight of knowledge and learning, it
far surpasseth all other in nature. For, shall the pleasures of
the affections so exceed the pleasure of the sense, as much as the obtaining
of desire or victory exceedeth a song or a dinner? and must not of consequence
the pleasures of the intellect or understanding exceed the pleasures
of the affections? We see in all other pleasures there is satiety,
and after they be used, their verdure departeth, which showeth well
they be but deceits of pleasure, and not pleasures; and that it was
the novelty which pleased, and not the quality. And, therefore,
we see that voluptuous men turn friars, and ambitions princes turn melancholy.
But of knowledge there is no satiety, but satisfaction and appetite
are perpetually interchangeable; and, therefore, appeareth to be good
in itself simply, without fallacy or accident. Neither is that
pleasure of small efficacy and contentment to the mind of man, which
the poet Lucretius describeth elegantly:-
“Suave mari magno, turbantibus æquora ventis, &c.”
“It is a view of delight,” saith he, “to stand or
walk upon the shore side, and to see a ship tossed with tempest upon
the sea; or to be in a fortified tower, and to see two battles join
upon a plain. But it is a pleasure incomparable, for the mind
of man to be settled, landed, and fortified in the certainty of truth;
and from thence to descry and behold the errors, perturbations, labours,
and wanderings up and down of other men.
(6) Lastly, leaving the vulgar arguments, that by learning man excelleth
man in that wherein man excelleth beasts; that by learning man ascendeth
to the heavens and their motions, where in body he cannot come; and
the like: let us conclude with the dignity and excellency of knowledge
and learning in that whereunto man’s nature doth most aspire,
which is immortality, or continuance; for to this tendeth generation,
and raising of houses and families; to this tend buildings, foundations,
and monuments; to this tendeth the desire of memory, fame, and celebration;
and in effect the strength of all other human desires. We see
then how far the monuments of wit and learning are more durable than
the monuments of power or of the hands. For have not the verses
of Homer continued twenty-five hundred years, or more, without the loss
of a syllable or letter; during which the infinite palaces, temples,
castles, cities, have been decayed and demolished? It is not possible
to have the true pictures or statues of Cyrus, Alexander, Cæsar,
no nor of the kings or great personages of much later years; for the
originals cannot last, and the copies cannot but leese of the life and
truth. But the images of men’s wits and knowledges remain
in books, exempted from the wrong of time and capable of perpetual renovation.
Neither are they fitly to be called images, because they generate still,
and cast their seeds in the minds of others, provoking and causing infinite
actions and opinions in succeeding ages. So that if the invention
of the ship was thought so noble, which carrieth riches and commodities
from place to place, and consociateth the most remote regions in participation
of their fruits, how much more are letters to be magnified, which as
ships pass through the vast seas of time, and make ages so distant to
participate of the wisdom, illuminations, and inventions, the one of
the other? Nay, further, we see some of the philosophers which
were least divine, and most immersed in the senses, and denied generally
the immortality of the soul, yet came to this point, that whatsoever
motions the spirit of man could act and perform without the organs of
the body, they thought might remain after death, which were only those
of the understanding and not of the affection; so immortal and incorruptible
a thing did knowledge seem unto them to be. But we, that know
by divine revelation that not only the understanding but the affections
purified, not only the spirit but the body changed, shall be advanced
to immortality, do disclaim in these rudiments of the senses.
But it must be remembered, both in this last point, and so it may likewise
be needful in other places, that in probation of the dignity of knowledge
or learning, I did in the beginning separate divine testimony from human,
which method I have pursued, and so handled them both apart.
(7) Nevertheless I do not pretend, and I know it will be impossible
for me, by any pleading of mine, to reverse the judgment, either of
Æsop’s ***, that preferred the barleycorn before the gem;
or of Midas, that being chosen judge between Apollo, president of the
Muses, and Pan, god of the flocks, judged for plenty; or of Paris, that
judged for beauty and love against wisdom and power; or of Agrippina,
occidat matrem, modo imperet, that preferred empire with any
condition never so detestable; or of Ulysses, qui vetulam prætulit
immortalitati, being a figure of those which prefer custom
and habit before all excellency, or of a number of the like popular
judgments. For these things must continue as they have been; but
so will that also continue whereupon learning hath ever relied, and
which faileth not: Justificata est sapientia a filiis suis.
THE SECOND BOOK.
To the King.
1. It might seem to have more convenience, though it come
often otherwise to pass (excellent King), that those which are fruitful
in their generations, and have in themselves the foresight of immortality
in their descendants, should likewise be more careful of the good estate
of future times, unto which they know they must transmit and commend
over their dearest pledges. Queen Elizabeth was a sojourner in
the world in respect of her unmarried life, and was a blessing to her
own times; and yet so as the impression of her good government, besides
her happy memory, is not without some effect which doth survive her.
But to your Majesty, whom God hath already blessed with so much royal
issue, worthy to continue and represent you for ever, and whose youthful
and fruitful bed doth yet promise many the like renovations, it is proper
and agreeable to be conversant not only in the transitory parts of good
government, but in those acts also which are in their nature permanent
and perpetual. Amongst the which (if affection do not transport
me) there is not any more worthy than the further endowment of the world
with sound and fruitful knowledge. For why should a few received
authors stand up like Hercules’ columns, beyond which there should
be no sailing or discovering, since we have so bright and benign a star
as your Majesty to conduct and prosper us? To return therefore
where we left, it remaineth to consider of what kind those acts are
which have been undertaken and performed by kings and others for the
increase and advancement of learning, wherein I purpose to speak actively,
without digressing or dilating.
2. Let this ground therefore be laid, that all works are over
common by amplitude of reward, by soundness of direction, and by the
conjunction of labours. The first multiplieth endeavour, the second
preventeth error, and the third supplieth the frailty of man.
But the principal of these is direction, for claudus in via antevertit
cursorem extra viam; and Solomon excellently setteth it down,
“If the iron be not sharp, it requireth more strength, but wisdom
is that which prevaileth,” signifying that the invention or election
of the mean is more effectual than any enforcement or accumulation of
endeavours. This I am induced to speak, for that (not derogating
from the noble intention of any that have been deservers towards the
state of learning), I do observe nevertheless that their works and acts
are rather matters of magnificence and memory than of progression and
proficience, and tend rather to augment the mass of learning in the
multitude of learned men than to rectify or raise the sciences themselves.
3. The works or acts of merit towards learning are conversant
about three objects - the places of learning, the books of learning,
and the persons of the learned. For as water, whether it be the
dew of heaven or the springs of the earth, doth scatter and leese itself
in the ground, except it be collected into some receptacle where it
may by union comfort and sustain itself; and for that cause the industry
of man hath made and framed springheads, conduits, cisterns, and pools,
which men have accustomed likewise to beautify and adorn with accomplishments
of magnificence and state, as well as of use and necessity; so this
excellent liquor of knowledge, whether it descend from divine inspiration,
or spring from human sense, would soon perish and vanish to oblivion,
if it were not preserved in books, traditions, conferences, and places
appointed, as universities, colleges, and schools, for the receipt and
comforting of the same.
4. The works which concern the seats and places of learning are
four - foundations and buildings, endowments with revenues, endowments
with franchises and privileges, institutions and ordinances for government
- all tending to quietness and privateness of life, and discharge of
cares and troubles; much like the stations which Virgil prescribeth
for the hiving of bees:
“Principio sedes apibus statioque petenda,
Quo neque sit ventis aditus, &c.”
5. The works touching books are two - first, libraries, which
are as the shrines where all the relics of the ancient saints, full
of true virtue, and that without delusion or imposture, are preserved
and reposed; secondly, new editions of authors, with more correct impressions,
more faithful translations, more profitable glosses, more diligent annotations,
and the like.
6. The works pertaining to the persons of learned men (besides
the advancement and countenancing of them in general) are two - the
reward and designation of readers in sciences already extant and invented;
and the reward and designation of writers and inquirers concerning any
parts of learning not sufficiently laboured and prosecuted.
7. These are summarily the works and acts wherein the merits of
many excellent princes and other worthy personages, have been conversant.
As for any particular commemorations, I call to mind what Cicero said
when he gave general thanks, Difficile non aliquem, ingratum quenquam
præterire. Let us rather, according to the Scriptures,
look unto that part of the race which is before us, than look back to
that which is already attained.
8. First, therefore, amongst so many great foundations of colleges
in Europe, I find strange that they are all dedicated to professions,
and none left free to arts and sciences at large. For if men judge
that learning should be referred to action, they judge well; but in
this they fall into the error described in the ancient fable, in which
the other parts of the body did suppose the stomach had been idle, because
it neither performed the office of motion, as the limbs do, nor of sense,
as the head doth; but yet notwithstanding it is the stomach that digesteth
and distributeth to all the rest. So if any man think philosophy
and universality to be idle studies, he doth not consider that all professions
are from thence served and supplied. And this I take to be a great
cause that hath hindered the progression of learning, because these
fundamental knowledges have been studied but in passage. For if
you will have a tree bear more fruit than it hath used to do, it is
not anything you can do to the boughs, but it is the stirring of the
earth and putting new mould about thee roots that must work it.
Neither is it to be forgotten, that this dedicating of foundations and
dotations to professory learning hath not only had a malign aspect and
influence upon the growth of sciences, but hath also been prejudicial
to states, and governments. For hence it proceedeth that princes
find a solitude in regard of able men to serve them in causes of estate,
because there is no education collegiate which is free, where such as
were so disposed might give themselves in histories, modern languages,
books of policy and civil discourse, and other the like enablements
unto service of estate.
9. And because founders of colleges do plant, and founders of
lectures do water, it followeth well in order to speak of the defect
which is in public lectures; namely, in the smallness, and meanness
of the salary or reward which in most places is assigned unto them,
whether they be lectures of arts, or of professions. For it is
necessary to the progression of sciences that readers be of the most
able and sufficient men; as those which are ordained for generating
and propagating of sciences, and not for transitory use. This
cannot be, except their condition and endowment be such as may content
the ablest man to appropriate his whole labour and continue his whole
age in that function and attendance; and therefore must have a proportion
answerable to that mediocrity or competency of advancement, which may
be expected from a profession or the practice of a profession.
So as, if you will have sciences flourish, you must observe David’s
military law, which was, “That those which stayed with the carriage
should have equal part with those which were in the action;” else
will the carriages be ill attended. So readers in sciences are
indeed the guardians of the stores and provisions of sciences, whence
men in active courses are furnished, and therefore ought to have equal
entertainment with them; otherwise if the fathers in sciences be of
the weakest sort or be ill maintained,
“Et patrum invalidi referent jejunia nati.”
10. Another defect I note, wherein I shall need some alchemist
to help me, who call upon men to sell their books, and to build furnaces;
quitting and forsaking Minerva and the Muses as barren virgins, and
relying upon Vulcan. But certain it is, that unto the deep, fruitful,
and operative study of many sciences, specialty natural philosophy and
physic, books be not only the instrumentals; wherein also the beneficence
of men hath not been altogether wanting. For we see spheres, globes,
astrolabes, maps, and the like, have been provided as appurtenances
to astronomy and cosmography, as well as books. We see likewise
that some places instituted for physic have annexed the commodity of
gardens for simples of all sorts, and do likewise command the use of
dead bodies for anatomies. But these do respect but a few things.
In general, there will hardly be any main proficience in the disclosing
of nature, except there be some allowance for expenses about experiments;
whether they be experiments appertaining to Vulcanus or Dædalus,
furnace or engine, or any other kind. And therefore as secretaries
and spials of princes and states bring in bills for intelligence, so
you must allow the spials and intelligencers of nature to bring in their
bills; or else you shall be ill advertised.
11. And if Alexander made such a liberal assignation to Aristotle
of treasure for the allowance of hunters, fowlers, fishers, and the
like, that he might compile a history of nature, much better do they
deserve it that travail in arts of nature.
12. Another defect which I note is an intermission or neglect
in those which are governors in universities, of consultation, and in
princes or superior persons, of visitation: to enter into account and
consideration, whether the readings, exercises, and other customs appertaining
unto learning, anciently begun and since continued, be well instituted
or no; and thereupon to ground an amendment or reformation in that which
shall be found inconvenient. For it is one of your Majesty’s
own most wise and princely maxims, “That in all usages and precedents,
the times be considered wherein they first began; which if they were
weak or ignorant, it derogateth from the authority of the usage, and
leaveth it for suspect.” And therefore inasmuch as most
of the usages and orders of the universities were derived from more
obscure times, it is the more requisite they be re-examined. In
this kind I will give an instance or two, for example sake, of things
that are the most obvious and familiar. The one is a matter, which
though it be ancient and general, yet I hold to be an error; which is,
that scholars in universities come too soon and too unripe to logic
and rhetoric, arts fitter for graduates than children and novices.
For these two, rightly taken, are the gravest of sciences, being the
arts of arts; the one for judgment, the other for ornament. And
they be the rules and directions how to set forth and dispose matter:
and therefore for minds empty and unfraught with matter, and which have
not gathered that which Cicero calleth sylva and supellex,
stuff and variety, to begin with those arts (as if one should learn
to weigh, or to measure, or to paint the wind) doth work but this effect,
that the wisdom of those arts, which is great and universal, is almost
made contemptible, and is degenerate into childish sophistry and ridiculous
affectation. And further, the untimely learning of them hath drawn
on by consequence the superficial and unprofitable teaching and writing
of them, as fitteth indeed to the capacity of children. Another
is a lack I find in the exercises used in the universities, which do
snake too great a divorce between invention and memory. For their
speeches are either premeditate, in verbis conceptis, where nothing
is left to invention, or merely extemporal, where little is left to
memory. Whereas in life and action there is least use of either
of these, but rather of intermixtures of premeditation and invention,
notes and memory. So as the exercise fitteth not the practice,
nor the image the life; and it is ever a true rule in exercises, that
they be framed as near as may be to the life of practice; for otherwise
they do pervert the motions and faculties of the mind, and not prepare
them. The truth whereof is not obscure, when scholars come to
the practices of professions, or other actions of civil life; which
when they set into, this want is soon found by themselves, and sooner
by others. But this part, touching the amendment of the institutions
and orders of universities, I will conclude with the clause of Cæsar’s
letter to Oppius and Balbes, Hoc quemadmodum fieri possit, nonnulla
mihi in mentem veniunt, et multa reperiri possunt: de iis rebus rgo
vos ut cogitationem suscipiatis.
13. Another defect which I note ascendeth a little higher than
the precedent. For as the proficience of learning consisteth much
in the orders and institutions of universities in the same states and
kingdoms, so it would be yet more advanced, if there were more intelligence
mutual between the universities of Europe than now there is. We
see there be many orders and foundations, which though they be divided
under several sovereignties and territories, yet they take themselves
to have a kind of contract, fraternity, and correspondence one with
the other, insomuch as they have provincials and generals. And
surely as nature createth brotherhood in families, and arts mechanical
contract brotherhoods in communalties, and the anointment of God superinduceth
a brotherhood in kings and bishops, so in like manner there cannot but
be a fraternity in learning and illumination, relating to that paternity
which is attributed to God, who is called the Father of illuminations
or lights.
14. The last defect which I will note is, that there hath not
been, or very rarely been, any public designation of writers or inquirers
concerning such parts of knowledge as may appear not to have been already
sufficiently laboured or undertaken; unto which point it is an inducement
to enter into a view and examination what parts of learning have been
prosecuted, and what omitted. For the opinion of plenty is amongst
the causes of want, and the great quantity of books maketh a show rather
of superfluity than lack; which surcharge nevertheless is not to be
remedied by making no more books, but by making more good books, which,
as the serpent of Moses, might devour the serpents of the enchanters.
15. The removing of all the defects formerly enumerate, except
the last, and of the active part also of the last (which is the designation
of writers), are opera basilica; towards which the endeavours
of a private man may be but as an image in a crossway, that may point
at the way, but cannot go it. But the inducing part of the latter
(which is the survey of learning) may be set forward by private travail.
Wherefore I will now attempt to make a general and faithful perambulation
of learning, with an inquiry what parts thereof lie fresh and waste,
and not improved and converted by the industry of man, to the end that
such a plot made and recorded to memory may both minister light to any
public designation, and, also serve to excite voluntary endeavours.
Wherein, nevertheless, my purpose is at this time to note only omissions
and deficiences, and not to make any redargution of errors or incomplete
prosecutions. For it is one thing to set forth what ground lieth
unmanured, and another thing to correct ill husbandry in that which
is manured.
In the handling and undertaking of which work I am not ignorant what
it is that I do now move and attempt, nor insensible of mine own weakness
to sustain my purpose. But my hope is, that if my extreme love
to learning carry me too far, I may obtain the excuse of affection;
for that “It is not granted to man to love and to be wise.”
But I know well I can use no other liberty of judgment than I must leave
to others; and I for my part shall be indifferently glad either to perform
myself, or accept from another, that duty of humanity - Nam qui erranti
comiter monstrat viam, &c. I do foresee likewise that
of those things which I shall enter and register as deficiences and
omissions, many will conceive and censure that some of them are already
done and extant; others to be but curiosities, and things of no great
use; and others to be of too great difficulty, and almost impossibility
to be compassed and effected. But for the two first, I refer myself
to the particulars. For the last, touching impossibility, I take
it those things are to be held possible which may be done by some person,
though not by every one; and which may be done by many, though not by
any one; and which may be done in the succession of ages, though not
within the hourglass of one man’s life; and which may be done
by public designation, though not by private endeavour. But, notwithstanding,
if any man will take to himself rather that of Solomon, “Dicit
piger, Leo est in via,” than that of Virgil, “Possunt
quia posse videntur,” I shall be content that my labours
be esteemed but as the better sort of wishes; for as it asketh some
knowledge to demand a question not impertinent, so it requireth some
sense to make a wish not absurd.
I. (1) The parts of human learning have reference to the three parts
of man’s understanding, which is the seat of learning: history
to his memory, poesy to his imagination, and philosophy to his reason.
Divine learning receiveth the same distribution; for, the spirit of
man is the same, though the revelation of oracle and sense be diverse.
So as theology consisteth also of history of the Church; of parables,
which is divine poesy; and of holy doctrine or precept. For as
for that part which seemeth supernumerary, which is prophecy, it is
but divine history, which hath that prerogative over human, as the narration
may be before the fact as well as after.
(2) History is natural, civil, ecclesiastical, and literary; whereof
the first three I allow as extant, the fourth I note as deficient.
For no man hath propounded to himself the general state of learning
to be described and represented from age to age, as many have done the
works of Nature, and the state, civil and ecclesiastical; without which
the history of the world seemeth to me to be as the statue of Polyphemus
with his eye out, that part being wanting which doth most show the spirit
and life of the person. And yet I am not ignorant that in divers
particular sciences, as of the jurisconsults, the mathematicians, the
rhetoricians, the philosophers, there are set down some small memorials
of the schools, authors, and books; and so likewise some barren relations
touching the invention of arts or usages. But a just story of
learning, containing the antiquities and originals of knowledges and
their sects, their inventions, their traditions, their diverse administrations
and managings, their flourishings, their oppositions, decays, depressions,
oblivions, removes, with the causes and occasions of them, and all other
events concerning learning, throughout the ages of the world, I may
truly affirm to be wanting; the use and end of which work I do not so
much design for curiosity or satisfaction of those that are the lovers
of learning, but chiefly for a more serious and grave purpose, which
is this in few words, that it will make learned men wise in the use
and administration of learning. For it is not Saint Augustine’s
nor Saint Ambrose’s works that will make so wise a divine as ecclesiastical
history thoroughly read and observed, and the same reason is of learning.
(3) History of Nature is of three sorts; of Nature in course, of Nature
erring or varying, and of Nature altered or wrought; that is, history
of creatures, history of marvels, and history of arts. The first
of these no doubt is extant, and that in good perfection; the two latter
are bandied so weakly and unprofitably as I am moved to note them as
deficient. For I find no sufficient or competent collection of
the works of Nature which have a digression and deflexion from the ordinary
course of generations, productions, and motions; whether they be singularities
of place and region, or the strange events of time and chance, or the
effects of yet unknown properties, or the instances of exception to
general kinds. It is true I find a number of books of fabulous
experiments and secrets, and frivolous impostures for pleasure and strangeness;
but a substantial and severe collection of the heteroclites or irregulars
of Nature, well examined and described, I find not, specially not with
due rejection of fables and popular errors. For as things now
are, if an untruth in Nature be once on foot, what by reason of the
neglect of examination, and countenance of antiquity, and what by reason
of the use of the opinion in similitudes and ornaments of speech, it
is never called down.
(4) The use of this work, honoured with a precedent in Aristotle, is
nothing less than to give contentment to the appetite of curious and
vain wits, as the manner of Mirabilaries is to do; but for two reasons,
both of great weight: the one to correct the partiality of axioms and
opinions, which are commonly framed only upon common and familiar examples;
the other because from the wonders of Nature is the nearest intelligence
and passage towards the wonders of art, for it is no more but by following
and, as it were, hounding Nature in her wanderings, to be able to lead
her afterwards to the same place again. Neither am I of opinion,
in this history of marvels, that superstitious narrations of sorceries,
witchcrafts, dreams, divinations, and the like, where there is an assurance
and clear evidence of the fact, be altogether excluded. For it
is not yet known in what cases and how far effects attributed to superstition
do participate of natural causes; and, therefore, howsoever the practice
of such things is to be condemned, yet from the speculation and consideration
of them light may be taken, not only for the discerning of the offences,
but for the further disclosing of Nature. Neither ought a man
to make scruple of entering into these things for inquisition of truth,
as your Majesty hath showed in your own example, who, with the two clear
eyes of religion and natural philosophy, have looked deeply and wisely
into these shadows, and yet proved yourself to be of the nature of the
sun, which passeth through pollutions and itself remains as pure as
before. But this I hold fit, that these narrations, which have
mixture with superstition, be sorted by themselves, and not to be mingled
with the narrations which are merely and sincerely natural. But
as for the narrations touching the prodigies and miracles of religions,
they are either not true or not natural; and, therefore, impertinent
for the story of Nature.
(5) For history of Nature, wrought or mechanical, I find some collections
made of agriculture, and likewise of manual arts; but commonly with
a rejection of experiments familiar and vulgar; for it is esteemed a
kind of dishonour unto learning to descend to inquiry or meditation
upon matters mechanical, except they be such as may be thought secrets,
rarities, and special subtleties; which humour of vain and supercilious
arrogancy is justly derided in Plato, where he brings in Hippias, a
vaunting sophist, disputing with Socrates, a true and unfeigned inquisitor
of truth; where, the subject being touching beauty, Socrates, after
his wandering manner of inductions, put first an example of a fair ***,
and then of a fair horse, and then of a fair pot well glazed, whereat
Hippias was offended, and said, “More than for courtesy’s
sake, he did think much to dispute with any that did allege such base
and sordid instances.” Whereunto Socrates answereth, “You
have reason, and it becomes you well, being a man so trim in your vestments,”
&c., and so goeth on in an irony. But the truth is, they be
not the highest instances that give the securest information, as may
be well expressed in the tale so common of the philosopher that, while
he gazed upwards to the stars, fell into the water; for if he had looked
down he might have seen the stars in the water, but looking aloft he
could not see the water in the stars. So it cometh often to pass
that mean and small things discover great, better than great can discover
the small; and therefore Aristotle noteth well, “That the nature
of everything is best seen in his smallest portions.” And
for that cause he inquireth the nature of a commonwealth, first in a
family, and the simple conjugations of man and wife, parent and child,
master and servant, which are in every cottage. Even so likewise
the nature of this great city of the world, and the policy thereof,
must be first sought in mean concordances and small portions.
So we see how that secret of Nature, of the turning of iron touched
with the loadstone towards the north, was found out in needles of iron,
not in bars of iron.
(6) But if my judgment be of any weight, the use of history mechanical
is of all others the most radical and fundamental towards natural philosophy;
such natural philosophy as shall not vanish in the fume of subtle, sublime,
or delectable speculation, but such as shall be operative to the endowment
and benefit of man’s life. For it will not only minister
and suggest for the present many ingenious practices in all trades,
by a connection and transferring of the observations of one art to the
use of another, when the experiences of several mysteries shall fall
under the consideration of one man’s mind; but further, it will
give a more true and real illumination concerning causes and axioms
than is hitherto attained. For like as a man’s disposition
is never well known till he be crossed, nor Proteus ever changed shapes
till he was straitened and held fast; so the passages and variations
of nature cannot appear so fully in the liberty of nature as in the
trials and vexations of art.
II. (1) For civil history, it is of three kinds; not unfitly to be compared
with the three kinds of pictures or images. For of pictures or
images we see some are unfinished, some are perfect, and some are defaced.
So of histories we may find three kinds: memorials, perfect histories,
and antiquities; for memorials are history unfinished, or the first
or rough drafts of history; and antiquities are history defaced, or
some remnants of history which have casually escaped the shipwreck of
time.
(2) Memorials, or preparatory history, are of two sorts; whereof the
one may be termed commentaries, and the other registers. Commentaries
are they which set down a continuance of the naked events and actions,
without the motives or designs, the counsels, the speeches, the pretexts,
the occasions, and other passages of action. For this is the true
nature of a commentary (though Cæsar, in modesty mixed with greatness,
did for his pleasure apply the name of a commentary to the best history
of the world). Registers are collections of public acts, as decrees
of council, judicial proceedings, declarations and letters of estate,
orations, and the like, without a perfect continuance or contexture
of the thread of the narration.
(3) Antiquities, or remnants of history, are, as was said, tanquam
tabula naufragii: when industrious persons, by an exact and scrupulous
diligence and observation, out of monuments, names, words, proverbs,
traditions, private records and evidences, fragments of stories, passages
of books that concern not story, and the like, do save and recover somewhat
from the deluge of time.
(4) In these kinds of unperfect histories I do assign no deficience,
for they are tanquam imperfecte mista; and therefore any deficience
in them is but their nature. As for the corruptions and moths
of history, which are epitomes, the use of them deserveth to be banished,
as all men of sound judgment have confessed, as those that have fretted
and corroded the sound bodies of many excellent histories, and wrought
them into base and unprofitable dregs.
(5) History, which may be called just and perfect history, is of three
kinds, according to the object which it propoundeth, or pretendeth to
represent: for it either representeth a time, or a person, or an action.
The first we call chronicles, the second lives, and the third narrations
or relations. Of these, although the first be the most complete
and absolute kind of history, and hath most estimation and glory, yet
the second excelleth it in profit and use, and the third in verity and
sincerity. For history of times representeth the magnitude of
actions, and the public faces and deportments of persons, and passeth
over in silence the smaller passages and motions of men and matters.
But such being the workmanship of God, as He doth hang the greatest
weight upon the smallest wires, maxima è minimis, suspendens,
it comes therefore to pass, that such histories do rather set forth
the pomp of business than the true and inward resorts thereof.
But lives, if they be well written, propounding to themselves a person
to represent, in whom actions, both greater and smaller, public and
private, have a commixture, must of necessity contain a more true, native,
and lively representation. So again narrations and relations of
actions, as the war of Peloponnesus, the expedition of Cyrus Minor,
the conspiracy of Catiline, cannot but be more purely and exactly true
than histories of times, because they may choose an argument comprehensible
within the notice and instructions of the writer: whereas he that undertaketh
the story of a time, specially of any length, cannot but meet with many
blanks and spaces, which he must be forced to fill up out of his own
wit and conjecture.
(6) For the history of times, I mean of civil history, the providence
of God hath made the distribution. For it hath pleased God to
ordain and illustrate two exemplar states of the world for arms, learning,
moral virtue, policy, and laws; the state of Græcia and the state
of Rome; the histories whereof occupying the middle part of time, have
more ancient to them histories which may by one common name be termed
the antiquities of the world; and after them, histories which may be
likewise called by the name of modern history.
(7) Now to speak of the deficiences. As to the heathen antiquities
of the world it is in vain to note them for deficient. Deficient
they are no doubt, consisting most of fables and fragments; but the
deficience cannot be holpen; for antiquity is like fame, caput inter
nubila condit, her head is muffled from our sight.
For the history of the exemplar states, it is extant in good perfection.
Not but I could wish there were a perfect course of history for Græcia,
from Theseus to Philopœmen (what time the affairs of Græcia
drowned and extinguished in the affairs of Rome), and for Rome from
Romulus to Justinianus, who may be truly said to be ultimus Romanorum.
In which sequences of story the text of Thucydides and Xenophon in the
one, and the texts of Livius, Polybius, Sallustius, Cæsar, Appianus,
Tacitus, Herodianus in the other, to be kept entire, without any diminution
at all, and only to be supplied and continued. But this is a matter
of magnificence, rather to be commended than required; and we speak
now of parts of learning supplemental, and not of supererogation.
(8) But for modern histories, whereof there are some few very worthy,
but the greater part beneath mediocrity, leaving the care of foreign
stories to foreign states, because I will not be curiosus in aliena
republica, I cannot fail to represent to your Majesty the
unworthiness of the history of England in the main continuance thereof,
and the partiality and obliquity of that of Scotland in the latest and
largest author that I have seen: supposing that it would be honour for
your Majesty, and a work very memorable, if this island of Great Britain,
as it is now joined in monarchy for the ages to come, so were joined
in one history for the times passed, after the manner of the sacred
history, which draweth down the story of the ten tribes and of the two
tribes as twins together. And if it shall seem that the greatness
of this work may make it less exactly performed, there is an excellent
period of a much smaller compass of time, as to the story of England;
that is to say, from the uniting of the Roses to the uniting of the
kingdoms; a portion of time wherein, to my understanding, there hath
been the rarest varieties that in like number of successions of any
hereditary monarchy hath been known. For it beginneth with the
mixed adoption of a crown by arms and title; an entry by battle, an
establishment by marriage; and therefore times answerable, like waters
after a tempest, full of working and swelling, though without extremity
of storm; but well passed through by the wisdom of the pilot, being
one of the most sufficient kings of all the number. Then followeth
the reign of a king, whose actions, howsoever conducted, had much intermixture
with the affairs of Europe, balancing and inclining them variably; in
whose time also began that great alteration in the state ecclesiastical,
an action which seldom cometh upon the stage. Then the reign of
a minor; then an offer of a usurpation (though it was but as febris
ephemera). Then the reign of a queen matched with a foreigner;
then of a queen that lived solitary and unmarried, and yet her government
so masculine, as it had greater impression and operation upon the states
abroad than it any ways received from thence. And now last, this
most happy and glorious event, that this island of Britain, divided
from all the world, should be united in itself, and that oracle of rest
given to ÆNeas, antiquam exquirite matrem, should
now be performed and fulfilled upon the nations of England and Scotland,
being now reunited in the ancient mother name of Britain, as a full
period of all instability and peregrinations. So that as it cometh
to pass in massive bodies, that they have certain trepidations and waverings
before they fix and settle, so it seemeth that by the providence of
God this monarchy, before it was to settle in your majesty and your
generations (in which I hope it is now established for ever), it had
these prelusive changes and varieties.
(9) For lives, I do find strange that these times have so little esteemed
the virtues of the times, as that the writings of lives should be no
more frequent. For although there be not many sovereign princes
or absolute commanders, and that states are most collected into monarchies,
yet are there many worthy personages that deserve better than dispersed
report or barren eulogies. For herein the invention of one of
the late poets is proper, and doth well enrich the ancient fiction.
For he feigneth that at the end of the thread or web of every man’s
life there was a little medal containing the person’s name, and
that Time waited upon the shears, and as soon as the thread was cut
caught the medals, and carried them to the river of Lathe; and about
the bank there were many birds flying up and down, that would get the
medals and carry them in their beak a little while, and then let them
fall into the river. Only there were a few swans, which if they
got a name would carry it to a temple where it was consecrate.
And although many men, more mortal in their affections than in their
bodies, do esteem desire of name and memory but as a vanity and ventosity,
“Animi nil magnæ laudis egentes;”
which opinion cometh from that root, Non prius laudes contempsimus,
quam laudanda facere desivimus: yet that will not alter Solomon’s
judgment, Memoria justi *** laudibus, at impiorum nomen putrescet:
the one flourisheth, the other either consumeth to present oblivion,
or turneth to an ill odour. And therefore in that style or addition,
which is and hath been long well received and brought in use, felicis
memoriæ, piæ memoriæ, bonæ memoriæ,
we do acknowledge that which Cicero saith, borrowing it from Demosthenes,
that bona fama propria possessio defunctorum; which possession
I cannot but note that in our times it lieth much waste, and that therein
there is a deficience.
(10) For narrations and relations of particular actions, there were
also to be wished a greater diligence therein; for there is no great
action but hath some good pen which attends it. And because it
is an ability not common to write a good history, as may well appear
by the small number of them; yet if particularity of actions memorable
were but tolerably reported as they pass, the compiling of a complete
history of times might be the better expected, when a writer should
arise that were fit for it: for the collection of such relations might
be as a nursery garden, whereby to plant a fair and stately garden when
time should serve.
(11) There is yet another partition of history which Cornelius Tacitus
maketh, which is not to be forgotten, specially with that application
which he accoupleth it withal, annals and journals: appropriating to
the former matters of estate, and to the latter acts and accidents of
a meaner nature. For giving but a touch of certain magnificent
buildings, he addeth, *** ex dignitate populi Romani repertum sit,
res illustres annalibus, talia diurnis urbis actis mandare.
So as there is a kind of contemplative heraldry, as well as civil.
And as nothing doth derogate from the dignity of a state more than confusion
of degrees, so it doth not a little imbase the authority of a history
to intermingle matters of triumph, or matters of ceremony, or matters
of novelty, with matters of state. But the use of a journal hath
not only been in the history of time, but likewise in the history of
persons, and chiefly of actions; for princes in ancient time had, upon
point of honour and policy both, journals kept, what passed day by day.
For we see the chronicle which was read before Ahasuerus, when he could
not take rest, contained matter of affairs, indeed, but such as had
passed in his own time and very lately before. But the journal
of Alexander’s house expressed every small particularity, even
concerning his person and court; and it is yet a use well received in
enterprises memorable, as expeditions of war, navigations, and the like,
to keep diaries of that which passeth continually.
(12) I cannot likewise be ignorant of a form of writing which some grave
and wise men have used, containing a scattered history of those actions
which they have thought worthy of memory, with politic discourse and
observation thereupon: not incorporate into the history, but separately,
and as the more principal in their intention; which kind of ruminated
history I think more fit to place amongst books of policy, whereof we
shall hereafter speak, than amongst books of history. For it is
the true office of history to represent the events themselves together
with the counsels, and to leave the observations and conclusions thereupon
to the liberty and faculty of every man’s judgment. But
mixtures are things irregular, whereof no man can define.
(13) So also is there another kind of history manifoldly mixed, and
that is history of cosmography: being compounded of natural history,
in respect of the regions themselves; of history civil, in respect of
the habitations, regiments, and manners of the people; and the mathematics,
in respect of the climates and configurations towards the heavens: which
part of learning of all others in this latter time hath obtained most
proficience. For it may be truly affirmed to the honour of these
times, and in a virtuous emulation with antiquity, that this great building
of the world had never through-lights made in it, till the age of us
and our fathers. For although they had knowledge of the antipodes,
“Nosque ubi primus equis Oriens afflavit anhelis,
Illic sera rubens accendit lumina Vesper,”
yet that might be by demonstration, and not in fact; and if by travel,
it requireth the voyage but of half the globe. But to circle the
earth, as the heavenly bodies do, was not done nor enterprised till
these later times: and therefore these times may justly bear in their
word, not only plus ultra, in precedence of the ancient non
ultra, and imitabile fulmen, in precedence
of the ancient non imitabile fulmen,
“Demens qui nimbos et non imitabile fulmen,” &c.
but likewise imitabile cælum; in respect of the many memorable
voyages after the manner of heaven about the globe of the earth.
(14) And this proficience in navigation and discoveries may plant also
an expectation of the further proficience and augmentation of all sciences;
because it may seem they are ordained by God to be coevals, that is,
to meet in one age. For so the prophet Daniel speaking of the
latter times foretelleth, Plurimi pertransibunt, et multiplex erit
scientia: as if the openness and through-passage of the world
and the increase of knowledge were appointed to be in the same ages;
as we see it is already performed in great part: the learning of these
later times not much giving place to the former two periods or returns
of learning, the one of the Grecians, the other of the Romans.
III. (1) History ecclesiastical receiveth the same divisions with history
civil: but further in the propriety thereof may be divided into the
history of the Church, by a general name; history of prophecy; and history
of providence. The first describeth the times of the militant
Church, whether it be fluctuant, as the ark of Noah, or movable, as
the ark in the wilderness, or at rest, as the ark in the Temple: that
is, the state of the Church in persecution, in remove, and in peace.
This part I ought in no sort to note as deficient; only I would that
the virtue and sincerity of it were according to the mass and quantity.
But I am not now in hand with censures, but with omissions.
(2) The second, which is history of prophecy, consisteth of two relatives
- the prophecy and the accomplishment; and, therefore, the nature of
such a work ought to be, that every prophecy of the Scripture be sorted
with the event fulfilling the same throughout the ages of the world,
both for the better confirmation of faith and for the better illumination
of the Church touching those parts of prophecies which are yet unfulfilled:
allowing, nevertheless, that latitude which is agreeable and familiar
unto divine prophecies, being of the nature of their Author, with whom
a thousand years are but as one day, and therefore are not fulfilled
punctually at once, but have springing and germinant accomplishment
throughout many ages, though the height or fulness of them may refer
to some one age. This is a work which I find deficient, but is
to be done with wisdom, sobriety, and reverence, or not at all.
(3) The third, which is history of Providence, containeth that excellent
correspondence which is between God’s revealed will and His secret
will; which though it be so obscure, as for the most part it is not
legible to the natural man - no, nor many times to those that behold
it from the tabernacle - yet, at some times it pleaseth God, for our
better establishment and the confuting of those which are as without
God in the world, to write it in such text and capital letters, that,
as the prophet saith, “He that runneth by may read it” -
that is, mere sensual persons, which hasten by God’s judgments,
and never bend or fix their cogitations upon them, are nevertheless
in their passage and race urged to discern it. Such are the notable
events and examples of God’s judgments, chastisements, deliverances,
and blessings; and this is a work which has passed through the labour
of many, and therefore I cannot present as omitted.
(4) There are also other parts of learning which are appendices to history.
For all the exterior proceedings of man consist of words and deeds,
whereof history doth properly receive and retain in memory the deeds;
and if words, yet but as inducements and passages to deeds; so are there
other books and writings which are appropriate to the custody and receipt
of words only, which likewise are of three sorts - orations, letters,
and brief speeches or sayings. Orations are pleadings, speeches
of counsel, laudatives, invectives, apologies, reprehensions, orations
of formality or ceremony, and the like. Letters are according
to all the variety of occasions, advertisements, advises, directions,
propositions, petitions, commendatory, expostulatory, satisfactory,
of compliment, of pleasure, of discourse, and all other passages of
action. And such as are written from wise men, are of all the
words of man, in my judgment, the best; for they are more natural than
orations and public speeches, and more advised than conferences or present
speeches. So again letters of affairs from such as manage them,
or are privy to them, are of all others the best instructions for history,
and to a diligent reader the best histories in themselves. For
apophthegms, it is a great loss of that book of Cæsar’s;
for as his history, and those few letters of his which we have, and
those apophthegms which were of his own, excel all men’s else,
so I suppose would his collection of apophthegms have done; for as for
those which are collected by others, either I have no taste in such
matters or else their choice hath not been happy. But upon these
three kinds of writings I do not insist, because I have no deficiences
to propound concerning them.
(5) Thus much therefore concerning history, which is that part of learning
which answereth to one of the cells, domiciles, or offices of the mind
of man, which is that of the memory.
IV. (1) Poesy is a part of learning in measure of words, for the most
part restrained, but in all other points extremely licensed, and doth
truly refer to the imagination; which, being not tied to the laws of
matter, may at pleasure join that which nature hath severed, and sever
that which nature hath joined, and so make unlawful matches and divorces
of things - Pictoribus atque poetis, &c. It is taken
in two senses in respect of words or matter. In the first sense,
it is but a character of style, and belongeth to arts of speech, and
is not pertinent for the present. In the latter, it is - as hath
been said - one of the principal portions of learning, and is nothing
else but feigned history, which may be styled as well in prose as in
verse.
(2) The use of this feigned history hath been to give some shadow of
satisfaction to the mind of man in those points wherein the nature of
things doth deny it, the world being in proportion inferior to the soul;
by reason whereof there is, agreeable to the spirit of man, a more ample
greatness, a more exact goodness, and a more absolute variety, than
can be found in the nature of things. Therefore, because the acts
or events of true history have not that magnitude which satisfieth the
mind of man, poesy feigneth acts and events greater and more heroical.
Because true history propoundeth the successes and issues of actions
not so agreeable to the merits of virtue and vice, therefore poesy feigns
them more just in retribution, and more according to revealed Providence.
Because true history representeth actions and events more ordinary and
less interchanged, therefore poesy endueth them with more rareness and
more unexpected and alternative variations. So as it appeareth
that poesy serveth and conferreth to magnanimity, morality and to delectation.
And therefore, it was ever thought to have some participation of divineness,
because it doth raise and erect the mind, by submitting the shows of
things to the desires of the mind; whereas reason doth buckle and bow
the mind unto the nature of things. And we see that by these insinuations
and congruities with man’s nature and pleasure, joined also with
the agreement and consort it hath with music, it hath had access and
estimation in rude times and barbarous regions, where other learning
stood excluded.
(3) The division of poesy which is aptest in the propriety thereof (besides
those divisions which are common unto it with history, as feigned chronicles,
feigned lives, and the appendices of history, as feigned epistles, feigned
orations, and the rest) is into poesy narrative, representative, and
allusive. The narrative is a mere imitation of history, with the
excesses before remembered, choosing for subjects commonly wars and
love, rarely state, and sometimes pleasure or mirth. Representative
is as a visible history, and is an image of actions as if they were
present, as history is of actions in nature as they are (that is) past.
Allusive, or parabolical, is a narration applied only to express some
special purpose or conceit; which latter kind of parabolical wisdom
was much more in use in the ancient times, as by the fables of Æsop,
and the brief sentences of the seven, and the use of hieroglyphics may
appear. And the cause was (for that it was then of necessity to
express any point of reason which was more sharp or subtle than the
vulgar in that manner) because men in those times wanted both variety
of examples and subtlety of conceit. And as hieroglyphics were
before letters, so parables were before arguments; and nevertheless
now and at all times they do retain much life and rigour, because reason
cannot be so sensible nor examples so fit.
(4) But there remaineth yet another use of poesy parabolical, opposite
to that which we last mentioned; for that tendeth to demonstrate and
illustrate that which is taught or delivered, and this other to retire
and obscure it - that is, when the secrets and mysteries of religion,
policy, or philosophy, are involved in fables or parables. Of
this in divine poesy we see the use is authorised. In heathen
poesy we see the exposition of fables doth fall out sometimes with great
felicity: as in the fable that the giants being overthrown in their
war against the gods, the earth their mother in revenge thereof brought
forth Fame:
“Illam terra parens, ira irritat Deorum,
Extremam, ut perhibent, Cœo Enceladoque soroem,
Progenuit.”
Expounded that when princes and monarchs have suppressed actual and
open rebels, then the malignity of people (which is the mother of rebellion)
doth bring forth libels and slanders, and taxations of the states, which
is of the same kind with rebellion but more feminine. So in the
fable that the rest of the gods having conspired to bind Jupiter, Pallas
called Briareus with his hundred hands to his aid: expounded that monarchies
need not fear any curbing of their absoluteness by mighty subjects,
as long as by wisdom they keep the hearts of the people, who will be
sure to come in on their side. So in the fable that Achilles was
brought up under Chiron, the centaur, who was part a man and part a
beast, expounded ingeniously but corruptly by Machiavel, that it belongeth
to the education and discipline of princes to know as well how to play
the part of a lion in violence, and the fox in guile, as of the man
in virtue and justice. Nevertheless, in many the like encounters,
I do rather think that the fable was first, and the exposition devised,
than that the moral was first, and thereupon the fable framed; for I
find it was an ancient vanity in Chrysippus, that troubled himself with
great contention to fasten the assertions of the Stoics upon the fictions
of the ancient poets; but yet that all the fables and fictions of the
poets were but pleasure and not figure, I interpose no opinion.
Surely of these poets which are now extant, even Homer himself (notwithstanding
he was made a kind of scripture by the later schools of the Grecians),
yet I should without any difficulty pronounce that his fables had no
such inwardness in his own meaning. But what they might have upon
a more original tradition is not easy to affirm, for he was not the
inventor of many of them.
(5) In this third part of learning, which is poesy, I can report no
deficience; for being as a plant that cometh of the *** of the earth,
without a formal seed, it hath sprung up and spread abroad more than
any other kind. But to ascribe unto it that which is due, for
the expressing of affections, passions, corruptions, and customs, we
are beholding to poets more than to the philosophers’ works; and
for wit and eloquence, not much less than to orators’ harangues.
But it is not good to stay too long in the theatre. Let us now
pass on to the judicial place or palace of the mind, which we are to
approach and view with more reverence and attention.
V. (1) The knowledge of man is as the waters, some descending from above,
and some springing from beneath: the one informed by the light of nature,
the other inspired by divine revelation. The light of nature consisteth
in the notions of the mind and the reports of the senses; for as for
knowledge which man receiveth by teaching, it is cumulative and not
original, as in a water that besides his own spring-head is fed with
other springs and streams. So then, according to these two differing
illuminations or originals, knowledge is first of all divided into divinity
and philosophy.
(2) In philosophy the contemplations of man do either penetrate unto
God, or are circumferred to nature, or are reflected or reverted upon
himself. Out of which several inquiries there do arise three knowledges
- divine philosophy, natural philosophy, and human philosophy or humanity.
For all things are marked and stamped with this triple character - the
power of God, the difference of nature and the use of man. But
because the distributions and partitions of knowledge are not like several
lines that meet in one angle, and so touch but in a point, but are like
branches of a tree that meet in a stem, which hath a dimension and quantity
of entireness and continuance before it come to discontinue and break
itself into arms and boughs; therefore it is good, before we enter into
the former distribution, to erect and constitute one universal science,
by the name of philosophia prima, primitive or summary
philosophy, as the main and common way, before we come where the ways
part and divide themselves; which science whether I should report as
deficient or no, I stand doubtful. For I find a certain rhapsody
of natural theology, and of divers parts of logic; and of that part
of natural philosophy which concerneth the principles, and of that other
part of natural philosophy which concerneth the soul or spirit - all
these strangely commixed and confused; but being examined, it seemeth
to me rather a depredation of other sciences, advanced and exalted unto
some height of terms, than anything solid or substantive of itself.
Nevertheless I cannot be ignorant of the distinction which is current,
that the same things are handled but in several respects. As for
example, that logic considereth of many things as they are in notion,
and this philosophy as they are in nature - the one in appearance, the
other in existence; but I find this difference better made than pursued.
For if they had considered quantity, similitude, diversity, and the
rest of those extern characters of things, as philosophers, and in nature,
their inquiries must of force have been of a far other kind than they
are. For doth any of them, in handling quantity, speak of the
force of union, how and how far it multiplieth virtue? Doth any
give the reason why some things in nature are so common, and in so great
mass, and others so rare, and in so small quantity? Doth any,
in handling similitude and diversity, assign the cause why iron should
not move to iron, which is more like, but move to the loadstone, which
is less like? Why in all diversities of things there should be
certain participles in nature which are almost ambiguous to which kind
they should be referred? But there is a mere and deep silence
touching the nature and operation of those common adjuncts of things,
as in nature; and only a resuming and repeating of the force and use
of them in speech or argument. Therefore, because in a writing
of this nature I avoid all subtlety, my meaning touching this original
or universal philosophy is thus, in a plain and gross description by
negative: “That it be a receptacle for all such profitable observations
and axioms as fall not within the compass of any of the special parts
of philosophy or sciences, but are more common and of a higher stage.”
(3) Now that there are many of that kind need not be doubted.
For example: Is not the rule, Si inœqualibus æqualia
addas, omnia erunt inæqualia, an axiom as well of justice
as of the mathematics? and is there not a true coincidence between commutative
and distributive justice, and arithmetical and geometrical proportion?
Is not that other rule, Quæ in eodem tertio conveniunt, et
inter se conveniunt, a rule taken from the mathematics, but so potent
in logic as all syllogisms are built upon it? Is not the observation,
Omnia mutantur, nil interit, a contemplation in philosophy thus,
that the quantum of nature is eternal? in natural theology thus,
that it requireth the same omnipotency to make somewhat nothing, which
at the first made nothing somewhat? according to the Scripture, Didici
quod omnia opera, quœ fecit Deus, perseverent in perpetuum; non
possumus eis quicquam addere nec auferre. Is not the ground,
which Machiavel wisely and largely discourseth concerning governments,
that the way to establish and preserve them is to reduce them ad
principia - a rule in religion and nature, as well as in civil administration?
Was not the Persian magic a reduction or correspondence of the principles
and architectures of nature to the rules and policy of governments?
Is not the precept of a musician, to fall from a discord or harsh accord
upon a concord or sweet accord, alike true in affection? Is not
the trope of music, to avoid or slide from the close or cadence, common
with the trope of rhetoric of deceiving expectation? Is not the
delight of the quavering upon a stop in music the same with the playing
of light upon the water?
“Splendet tremulo sub lumine pontus.”
Are not the organs of the senses of one kind with the organs of reflection,
the eye with a glass, the ear with a cave or strait, determined and
bounded? Neither are these only similitudes, as men of narrow
observation may conceive them to be, but the same footsteps of nature,
treading or printing upon several subjects or matters. This science
therefore (as I understand it) I may justly report as deficient; for
I see sometimes the profounder sort of wits, in handling some particular
argument, will now and then draw a bucket of water out of this well
for their present use; but the spring-head thereof seemeth to me not
to have been visited, being of so excellent use both for the disclosing
of nature and the abridgment of art.
VI. (1) This science being therefore first placed as a common parent
like unto Berecynthia, which had so much heavenly issue, omnes cœlicolas,
omnes supera alta tenetes; we may return to the former distribution
of the three philosophies - divine, natural, and human. And as
concerning divine philosophy or natural theology, it is that knowledge
or rudiment of knowledge concerning God which may be obtained by the
contemplation of His creatures; which knowledge may be truly termed
divine in respect of the object, and natural in respect of the light.
The bounds of this knowledge are, that it sufficeth to convince atheism,
but not to inform religion; and therefore there was never miracle wrought
by God to convert an atheist, because the light of nature might have
led him to confess a God; but miracles have been wrought to convert
idolaters and the superstitious, because no light of nature extendeth
to declare the will and true worship of God. For as all works
do show forth the power and skill of the workman, and not his image,
so it is of the works of God, which do show the omnipotency and wisdom
of the Maker, but not His image. And therefore therein the heathen
opinion differeth from the sacred truth: for they supposed the world
to be the image of God, and man to be an extract or compendious image
of the world; but the Scriptures never vouchsafe to attribute to the
world that honour, as to be the image of God, but only the work of
His hands; neither do they speak of any other image of God
but man. Wherefore by the contemplation of nature to induce and
enforce the acknowledgment of God, and to demonstrate His power, providence,
and goodness, is an excellent argument, and hath been excellently handled
by divers, but on the other side, out of the contemplation of nature,
or ground of human knowledges, to induce any verity or persuasion concerning
the points of faith, is in my judgment not safe; Da fidei quæ
fidei sunt. For the heathen themselves conclude as much in
that excellent and divine fable of the golden chain, “That men
and gods were not able to draw Jupiter down to the earth; but, contrariwise,
Jupiter was able to draw them up to heaven.” So as we ought
not to attempt to draw down or submit the mysteries of God to our reason,
but contrariwise to raise and advance our reason to the divine truth.
So as in this part of knowledge, touching divine philosophy, I am so
far from noting any deficience, as I rather note an excess; whereunto
I have digressed because of the extreme prejudice which both religion
and philosophy hath received and may receive by being commixed together;
as that which undoubtedly will make an heretical religion, and an imaginary
and fabulous philosophy.
(2) Otherwise it is of the nature of angels and spirits, which is an
appendix of theology, both divine and natural, and is neither inscrutable
nor interdicted. For although the Scripture saith, “Let
no man deceive you in sublime discourse touching the worship of angels,
pressing into that he knoweth not,” &c., yet notwithstanding
if you observe well that precept, it may appear thereby that there be
two things only forbidden - adoration of them, and opinion fantastical
of them, either to extol them further than appertaineth to the degree
of a creature, or to extol a man’s knowledge of them further than
he hath ground. But the sober and grounded inquiry, which may
arise out of the passages of Holy Scriptures, or out of the gradations
of nature, is not restrained. So of degenerate and revolted spirits,
the conversing with them or the employment of them is prohibited, much
more any veneration towards them; but the contemplation or science of
their nature, their power, their illusions, either by Scripture or reason,
is a part of spiritual wisdom. For so the apostle saith, “We
are not ignorant of his stratagems.” And it is no more unlawful
to inquire the nature of evil spirits, than to inquire the force of
poisons in nature, or the nature of sin and vice in morality.
But this part touching angels and spirits I cannot note as deficient,
for many have occupied themselves in it; I may rather challenge it,
in many of the writers thereof, as fabulous and fantastical.
VII. (1) Leaving therefore divine philosophy or natural theology (not
divinity or inspired theology, which we reserve for the last of all
as the haven and sabbath of all man’s contemplations) we will
now proceed to natural philosophy. If then it be true that Democritus
said, “That the truth of nature lieth hid in certain deep mines
and caves;” and if it be true likewise that the alchemists do
so much inculcate, that Vulcan is a second nature, and imitateth that
dexterously and compendiously, which nature worketh by ambages and length
of time, it were good to divide natural philosophy into the mine and
the furnace, and to make two professions or occupations of natural philosophers
- some to be pioneers and some smiths; some to dig, and some to refine
and hammer. And surely I do best allow of a division of that kind,
though in more familiar and scholastical terms: namely, that these be
the two parts of natural philosophy - the inquisition of causes, and
the production of effects; speculative and operative; natural science,
and natural prudence. For as in civil matters there is a wisdom
of discourse, and a wisdom of direction; so is it in natural.
And here I will make a request, that for the latter (or at least for
a part thereof) I may revive and reintegrate the misapplied and abused
name of natural magic, which in the true sense is but natural wisdom,
or natural prudence; taken according to the ancient acception, purged
from vanity and superstition. Now although it be true, and I know
it well, that there is an intercourse between causes and effects, so
as both these knowledges, speculative and operative, have a great connection
between themselves; yet because all true and fruitful natural philosophy
hath a double scale or ladder, ascendent and descendent, ascending from
experiments to the invention of causes, and descending from causes to
the invention of new experiments; therefore I judge it most requisite
that these two parts be severally considered and handled.
(2) Natural science or theory is divided into physic and metaphysic;
wherein I desire it may be conceived that I use the word metaphysic
in a differing sense from that that is received. And in like manner,
I doubt not but it will easily appear to men of judgment, that in this
and other particulars, wheresoever my conception and notion may differ
from the ancient, yet I am studious to keep the ancient terms.
For hoping well to deliver myself from mistaking, by the order and perspicuous
expressing of that I do propound, I am otherwise zealous and affectionate
to recede as little from antiquity, either in terms or opinions, as
may stand with truth and the proficience of knowledge. And herein
I cannot a little marvel at the philosopher Aristotle, that did proceed
in such a spirit of difference and contradiction towards all antiquity;
undertaking not only to frame new words of science at pleasure, but
to confound and extinguish all ancient wisdom; insomuch as he never
nameth or mentioneth an ancient author or opinion, but to confute and
reprove; wherein for glory, and drawing followers and disciples, he
took the right course. For certainly there cometh to pass, and
hath place in human truth, that which was noted and pronounced in the
highest truth:- Veni in nomine partis, nec recipits me; si quis venerit
in nomine suo eum recipietis. But in this divine aphorism
(considering to whom it was applied, namely, to antichrist, the highest
deceiver), we may discern well that the coming in a man’s own
name, without regard of antiquity or paternity, is no good sign of truth,
although it be joined with the fortune and success of an eum recipietis.
But for this excellent person Aristotle, I will think of him that he
learned that humour of his scholar, with whom it seemeth he did emulate;
the one to conquer all opinions, as the other to conquer all nations.
Wherein, nevertheless, it may be, he may at some men’s hands,
that are of a bitter disposition, get a like title as his scholar did:-
“Felix terrarum prædo, non utile mundo
Editus exemplum, &c.”
So,
“Felix doctrinæ prædo.”
But to me, on the other side, that do desire as much as lieth in my
pen to ground a sociable intercourse between antiquity and proficience,
it seemeth best to keep way with antiquity usque ad aras;
and, therefore, to retain the ancient terms, though I sometimes
alter the uses and definitions, according to the moderate proceeding
in civil government; where, although there be some alteration, yet that
holdeth which Tacitus wisely noteth, eadem magistratuum vocabula.
(3) To return, therefore, to the use and acception of the term metaphysic
as I do now understand the word; it appeareth, by that which hath been
already said, that I intend philosophia prima, summary philosophy
and metaphysic, which heretofore have been confounded as one, to be
two distinct things. For the one I have made as a parent or common
ancestor to all knowledge; and the other I have now brought in as a
branch or descendant of natural science. It appeareth likewise
that I have assigned to summary philosophy the common principles and
axioms which are promiscuous and indifferent to several sciences; I
have assigned unto it likewise the inquiry touching the operation or
the relative and adventive characters of essences, as quantity, similitude,
diversity, possibility, and the rest, with this distinction and provision;
that they be handled as they have efficacy in nature, and not logically.
It appeareth likewise that natural theology, which heretofore hath been
handled confusedly with metaphysic, I have enclosed and bounded by itself.
It is therefore now a question what is left remaining for metaphysic;
wherein I may without prejudice preserve thus much of the conceit of
antiquity, that physic should contemplate that which is inherent in
matter, and therefore transitory; and metaphysic that which is abstracted
and fixed. And again, that physic should handle that which supposeth
in nature only a being and moving; and metaphysic should handle that
which supposeth further in nature a reason, understanding, and platform.
But the difference, perspicuously expressed, is most familiar and sensible.
For as we divided natural philosophy in general into the inquiry of
causes and productions of effects, so that part which concerneth the
inquiry of causes we do subdivide according to the received and sound
division of causes. The one part, which is physic, inquireth and
handleth the material and efficient causes; and the other, which is
metaphysic, handleth the formal and final causes.
(4) Physic (taking it according to the derivation, and not according
to our idiom for medicine) is situate in a middle term or distance between
natural history and metaphysic. For natural history describeth
the variety of things; physic the causes, but variable or respective
causes; and metaphysic the fixed and constant causes.
“Limus ut hic durescit, et hæc ut cera liquescit,
Uno eodemque igni.”
Fire is the cause of induration, but respective to clay; fire is the
cause of colliquation, but respective to wax. But fire is no constant
cause either of induration or colliquation; so then the physical causes
are but the efficient and the matter. Physic hath three parts,
whereof two respect nature united or collected, the third contemplateth
nature diffused or distributed. Nature is collected either into
one entire total, or else into the same principles or seeds. So
as the first doctrine is touching the contexture or configuration of
things, as de mundo, de universitate rerum. The second
is the doctrine concerning the principles or originals of things.
The third is the doctrine concerning all variety and particularity of
things; whether it be of the differing substances, or their differing
qualities and natures; whereof there needeth no enumeration, this part
being but as a gloss or paraphrase that attendeth upon the text of natural
history. Of these three I cannot report any as deficient.
In what truth or perfection they are handled, I make not now any judgment;
but they are parts of knowledge not deserted by the labour of man.
(5) For metaphysic, we have assigned unto it the inquiry of formal and
final causes; which assignation, as to the former of them, may seem
to be nugatory and void, because of the received and inveterate opinion,
that the inquisition of man is not competent to find out essential forms
or true differences; of which opinion we will take this hold, that the
invention of forms is of all other parts of knowledge the worthiest
to be sought, if it be possible to be found. As for the possibility,
they are ill discoverers that think there is no land, when they can
see nothing but sea. But it is manifest that Plato, in his opinion
of ideas, as one that had a wit of elevation situate as upon a cliff,
did descry that forms were the true object of knowledge; but lost the
real fruit of his opinion, by considering of forms as absolutely abstracted
from matter, and not confined and determined by matter; and so turning
his opinion upon theology, wherewith all his natural philosophy is infected.
But if any man shall keep a continual watchful and severe eye upon action,
operation, and the use of knowledge, he may advise and take notice what
are the forms, the disclosures whereof are fruitful and important to
the state of man. For as to the forms of substances (man only
except, of whom it is said, Formavit hominem de limo terræ,
et spiravit in faciem ejus spiraculum vitæ, and not as of
all other creatures, Producant aquæ, producat terra), the
forms of substances I say (as they are now by compounding and transplanting
multiplied) are so perplexed, as they are not to be inquired; no more
than it were either possible or to purpose to seek in gross the forms
of those sounds which make words, which by composition and transposition
of letters are infinite. But, on the other side, to inquire the
form of those sounds or voices which make simple letters is easily comprehensible;
and being known induceth and manifesteth the forms of all words, which
consist and are compounded of them. In the same manner to inquire
the form of a lion, of an oak, of gold; nay, of water, of air, is a
vain pursuit; but to inquire the forms of sense, of voluntary motion,
of vegetation, of colours, of gravity and levity, of density, of tenuity,
of heat, of cold, and all other natures and qualities, which, like an
alphabet, are not many, and of which the essences (upheld by matter)
of all creatures do consist; to inquire, I say, the true forms of these,
is that part of metaphysic which we now define of. Not but that
physic doth make inquiry and take consideration of the same natures;
but how? Only as to the material and efficient causes of them,
and not as to the forms. For example, if the cause of whiteness
in snow or froth be inquired, and it be rendered thus, that the subtle
intermixture of air and water is the cause, it is well rendered; but,
nevertheless, is this the form of whiteness? No; but it is the
efficient, which is ever but vehiculum formæ. This
part of metaphysic I do not find laboured and performed; whereat I marvel
not; because I hold it not possible to be invented by that course of
invention which hath been used; in regard that men (which is the root
of all error) have made too untimely a departure, and too remote a recess
from particulars.
(6) But the use of this part of metaphysic, which I report as deficient,
is of the rest the most excellent in two respects: the one, because
it is the duty and virtue of all knowledge to abridge the infinity of
individual experience, as much as the conception of truth will permit,
and to remedy the complaint of vita brevis, ars longa; which
is performed by uniting the notions and conceptions of sciences.
For knowledges are as pyramids, whereof history is the basis.
So of natural philosophy, the basis is natural history; the stage next
the basis is physic; the stage next the vertical point is metaphysic.
As for the vertical point, opus quod operatur Deus à principio
usque ad finem, the summary law of nature, we know not whether man’s
inquiry can attain unto it. But these three be the true stages
of knowledge, and are to them that are depraved no better than the giants’
hills:-
“Ter sunt conati imponere Pelio Ossam,
Scilicet atque Ossæ frondsum involvere Olympum.”
But to those which refer all things to the glory of God, they are as
the three acclamations, Sante, sancte, sancte!
holy in the description or dilatation of His works; holy in the connection
or concatenation of them; and holy in the union of them in a perpetual
and uniform law. And, therefore, the speculation was excellent
in Parmenides and Plato, although but a speculation in them, that all
things by scale did ascend to unity. So then always that knowledge
is worthiest which is charged with least multiplicity, which appeareth
to be metaphysic; as that which considereth the simple forms or differences
of things, which are few in number, and the degrees and co-ordinations
whereof make all this variety. The second respect, which valueth
and commendeth this part of metaphysic, is that it doth enfranchise
the power of man unto the greatest liberty and possibility of works
and effects. For physic carrieth men in narrow and restrained
ways, subject to many accidents and impediments, imitating the ordinary
flexuous courses of nature. But latæ undique sunt sapientibus
viæ; to sapience (which was anciently defined to be rerum
divinarum et humanarum scientia) there is ever a choice of means.
For physical causes give light to new invention in simili materia.
But whosoever knoweth any form, knoweth the utmost possibility of superinducing
that nature upon any variety of matter; and so is less restrained in
operation, either to the basis of the matter, or the condition of the
efficient; which kind of knowledge Solomon likewise, though in a more
divine sense, elegantly describeth: non arctabuntur gressus tui,
et currens non habebis offendiculum. The ways of sapience
are not much liable either to particularity or chance.
(7) The second part of metaphysic is the inquiry of final causes, which
I am moved to report not as omitted, but as misplaced. And yet
if it were but a fault in order, I would not speak of it; for order
is matter of illustration, but pertaineth not to the substance of sciences.
But this misplacing hath caused a deficience, or at least a great improficience
in the sciences themselves. For the handling of final causes,
mixed with the rest in physical inquiries, hath intercepted the severe
and diligent inquiry of all real and physical causes, and given men
the occasion to stay upon these satisfactory and specious causes, to
the great arrest and prejudice of further discovery. For this
I find done not only by Plato, who ever anchoreth upon that shore, but
by Aristotle, Galen, and others which do usually likewise fall upon
these flats of discoursing causes. For to say that “the
hairs of the eyelids are for a quickset and fence about the sight;”
or that “the firmness of the skins and hides of living creatures
is to defend them from the extremities of heat or cold;” or that
“the bones are for the columns or beams, whereupon the frames
of the bodies of living creatures are built;” or that “the
leaves of trees are for protecting of the fruit;” or that “the
clouds are for watering of the earth;” or that “the solidness
of the earth is for the station and mansion of living creatures;”
and the like, is well inquired and collected in metaphysic, but in physic
they are impertinent. Nay, they are, indeed, but remoras
and hindrances to stay and slug the ship from further sailing; and have
brought this to pass, that the search of the physical causes hath been
neglected and passed in silence. And, therefore, the natural philosophy
of Democritus and some others, who did not suppose a mind or reason
in the frame of things, but attributed the form thereof able to maintain
itself to infinite essays or proofs of Nature, which they term fortune,
seemeth to me (as far as I can judge by the recital and fragments which
remain unto us) in particularities of physical causes more real and
better inquired than that of Aristotle and Plato; whereof both intermingled
final causes, the one as a part of theology, and the other as a part
of logic, which were the favourite studies respectively of both those
persons; not because those final causes are not true and worthy to be
inquired, being kept within their own province, but because their excursions
into the limits of physical causes hath bred a vastness and solitude
in that tract. For otherwise, keeping their precincts and borders,
men are extremely deceived if they think there is an enmity or repugnancy
at all between them. For the cause rendered, that “the hairs
about the eyelids are for the safeguard of the sight,” doth not
impugn the cause rendered, that “pilosity is incident to orifices
of moisture - muscosi fontes, &c.” Nor the cause
rendered, that “the firmness of hides is for the armour of the
body against extremities of heat or cold,” doth not impugn the
cause rendered, that “contraction of pores is incident to the
outwardest parts, in regard of their adjacence to foreign or unlike
bodies;” and so of the rest, both causes being true and compatible,
the one declaring an intention, the other a consequence only.
Neither doth this call in question or derogate from Divine Providence,
but highly confirm and exalt it. For as in civil actions he is
the greater and deeper politique that can make other men the instruments
of his will and ends, and yet never acquaint them with his purpose,
so as they shall do it and yet not know what they do, than he that imparteth
his meaning to those he employeth; so is the wisdom of God more admirable,
when Nature intendeth one thing and Providence draweth forth another,
than if He had communicated to particular creatures and motions the
characters and impressions of His Providence. And thus much for
metaphysic; the latter part whereof I allow as extant, but wish it confined
to his proper place.
VIII. (1) Nevertheless, there remaineth yet another part of natural
philosophy, which is commonly made a principal part, and holdeth rank
with physic special and metaphysic, which is mathematic; but I think
it more agreeable to the nature of things, and to the light of order,
to place it as a branch of metaphysic. For the subject of it being
quantity, not quantity indefinite, which is but a relative, and belongeth
to philosophia prima (as hath been said), but quantity determined
or proportionable, it appeareth to be one of the essential forms of
things, as that that is causative in Nature of a number of effects;
insomuch as we see in the schools both of Democritus and of Pythagoras
that the one did ascribe figure to the first seeds of things, and the
other did suppose numbers to be the principles and originals of things.
And it is true also that of all other forms (as we understand forms)
it is the most abstracted and separable from matter, and therefore most
proper to metaphysic; which hath likewise been the cause why it hath
been better laboured and inquired than any of the other forms, which
are more immersed in matter. For it being the nature of the mind
of man (to the extreme prejudice of knowledge) to delight in the spacious
liberty of generalities, as in a champaign region, and not in the inclosures
of particularity, the mathematics of all other knowledge were the goodliest
fields to satisfy that appetite. But for the placing of this science,
it is not much material: only we have endeavoured in these our partitions
to observe a kind of perspective, that one part may cast light upon
another.
(2) The mathematics are either pure or mixed. To the pure mathematics
are those sciences belonging which handle quantity determinate, merely
severed from any axioms of natural philosophy; and these are two, geometry
and arithmetic, the one handling quantity continued, and the other dissevered.
Mixed hath for subject some axioms or parts of natural philosophy, and
considereth quantity determined, as it is auxiliary and incident unto
them. For many parts of Nature can neither be invented with sufficient
subtlety, nor demonstrated with sufficient perspicuity, nor accommodated
unto use with sufficient dexterity, without the aid and intervening
of the mathematics, of which sort are perspective, music, astronomy,
cosmography, architecture, engineery, and divers others. In the
mathematics I can report no deficience, except it be that men do not
sufficiently understand this excellent use of the pure mathematics,
in that they do remedy and cure many defects in the wit and faculties
intellectual. For if the wit be too dull, they sharpen it; if
too wandering, they fix it; if too inherent in the sense, they abstract
it. So that as tennis is a game of no use in itself, but of great
use in respect it maketh a quick eye and a body ready to put itself
into all postures, so in the mathematics that use which is collateral
and intervenient is no less worthy than that which is principal and
intended. And as for the mixed mathematics, I may only make this
prediction, that there cannot fail to be more kinds of them as Nature
grows further disclosed. Thus much of natural science, or the
part of Nature speculative.
(3) For natural prudence, or the part operative of natural philosophy,
we will divide it into three parts - experimental, philosophical, and
magical; which three parts active have a correspondence and analogy
with the three parts speculative, natural history, physic, and metaphysic.
For many operations have been invented, sometimes by a casual incidence
and occurrence, sometimes by a purposed experiment; and of those which
have been found by an intentional experiment, some have been found out
by varying or extending the same experiment, some by transferring and
compounding divers experiments the one into the other, which kind of
invention an empiric may manage. Again, by the knowledge of physical
causes there cannot fail to follow many indications and designations
of new particulars, if men in their speculation will keep one eye upon
use and practice. But these are but coastings along the shore,
premendo littus iniquum; for it seemeth to me there can
hardly be discovered any radical or fundamental alterations and innovations
in Nature, either by the fortune and essays of experiments, or by the
light and direction of physical causes. If, therefore, we have
reported metaphysic deficient, it must follow that we do the like of
natural magic, which hath relation thereunto. For as for the natural
magic whereof now there is mention in books, containing certain credulous
and superstitious conceits and observations of sympathies and antipathies,
and hidden proprieties, and some frivolous experiments, strange rather
by disguisement than in themselves, it is as far differing in truth
of Nature from such a knowledge as we require as the story of King Arthur
of Britain, or Hugh of Bourdeaux, differs from Cæsar’s Commentaries
in truth of story; for it is manifest that Cæsar did greater things
de vero than those imaginary heroes were feigned to do.
But he did them not in that fabulous manner. Of this kind of learning
the fable of Ixion was a figure, who designed to enjoy Juno, the goddess
of power, and instead of her had copulation with a cloud, of which mixture
were begotten centaurs and chimeras. So whosoever shall entertain
high and vaporous imaginations, instead of a laborious and sober inquiry
of truth, shall beget hopes and beliefs of strange and impossible shapes.
And, therefore, we may note in these sciences which hold so much of
imagination and belief, as this degenerate natural magic, alchemy, astrology,
and the like, that in their propositions the description of the means
is ever more monstrous than the pretence or end. For it is a thing
more probable that he that knoweth well the natures of weight, of colour,
of pliant and fragile in respect of the hammer, of volatile and fixed
in respect of the fire, and the rest, may superinduce upon some metal
the nature and form of gold by such mechanic as longeth to the production
of the natures afore rehearsed, than that some grains of the medicine
projected should in a few moments of time turn a sea of quicksilver
or other material into gold. So it is more probable that he that
knoweth the nature of arefaction, the nature of assimilation of nourishment
to the thing nourished, the manner of increase and clearing of spirits,
the manner of the depredations which spirits make upon the humours and
solid parts, shall by ambages of diets, bathings, anointings, medicines,
motions, and the like, prolong life, or restore some degree of youth
or vivacity, than that it can be done with the use of a few drops or
scruples of a liquor or receipt. To conclude, therefore, the true
natural magic, which is that great liberty and latitude of operation
which dependeth upon the knowledge of forms, I may report deficient,
as the relative thereof is. To which part, if we be serious and
incline not to vanities and plausible discourse, besides the deriving
and deducing the operations themselves from metaphysic, there are pertinent
two points of much purpose, the one by way of preparation, the other
by way of caution. The first is, that there be made a calendar,
resembling an inventory of the estate of man, containing all the inventions
(being the works or fruits of Nature or art) which are now extant, and
whereof man is already possessed; out of which doth naturally result
a note what things are yet held impossible, or not invented, which calendar
will be the more artificial and serviceable if to every reputed impossibility
you add what thing is extant which cometh the nearest in degree to that
impossibility; to the end that by these optatives and potentials man’s
inquiry may be the more awake in deducing direction of works from the
speculation of causes. And secondly, that these experiments be
not only esteemed which have an immediate and present use, but those
principally which are of most universal consequence for invention of
other experiments, and those which give most light to the invention
of causes; for the invention of the mariner’s needle, which giveth
the direction, is of no less benefit for navigation than the invention
of the sails which give the motion.
(4) Thus have I passed through natural philosophy and the deficiences
thereof; wherein if I have differed from the ancient and received doctrines,
and thereby shall move contradiction, for my part, as I affect not to
dissent, so I purpose not to contend. If it be truth,
“Non canimus surdis, respondent omnia sylvæ,”
the voice of Nature will consent, whether the voice of man do or no.
And as Alexander Borgia was wont to say of the expedition of the French
for Naples, that they came with chalk in their hands to mark up their
lodgings, and not with weapons to fight; so I like better that entry
of truth which cometh peaceably with chalk to mark up those minds which
are capable to lodge and harbour it, than that which cometh with pugnacity
and contention.
(5) But there remaineth a division of natural philosophy according to
the report of the inquiry, and nothing concerning the matter or subject:
and that is positive and considerative, when the inquiry reporteth either
an assertion or a doubt. These doubts or non liquets are
of two sorts, particular and total. For the first, we see a good
example thereof in Aristotle’s Problems which deserved to have
had a better continuance; but so nevertheless as there is one point
whereof warning is to be given and taken. The registering of doubts
hath two excellent uses: the one, that it saveth philosophy from errors
and falsehoods; when that which is not fully appearing is not collected
into assertion, whereby error might draw error, but reserved in doubt;
the other, that the entry of doubts are as so many suckers or sponges
to draw use of knowledge; insomuch as that which if doubts had not preceded,
a man should never have advised, but passed it over without note, by
the suggestion and solicitation of doubts is made to be attended and
applied. But both these commodities do scarcely countervail and
inconvenience, which will intrude itself if it be not debarred; which
is, that when a doubt is once received, men labour rather how to keep
it a doubt still, than how to solve it, and accordingly bend their wits.
Of this we see the familiar example in lawyers and scholars, both which,
if they have once admitted a doubt, it goeth ever after authorised for
a doubt. But that use of wit and knowledge is to be allowed, which
laboureth to make doubtful things certain, and not those which labour
to make certain things doubtful. Therefore these calendars of
doubts I commend as excellent things; so that there he this caution
used, that when they be thoroughly sifted and brought to resolution,
they be from thenceforth omitted, discarded, and not continued to cherish
and encourage men in doubting. To which calendar of doubts or
problems I advise be annexed another calendar, as much or more material
which is a calendar of popular errors: I mean chiefly in natural history,
such as pass in speech and conceit, and are nevertheless apparently
detected and convicted of untruth, that man’s knowledge be not
weakened nor embased by such dross and vanity. As for the doubts
or non liquets general or in total, I understand those differences
of opinions touching the principles of nature, and the fundamental points
of the same, which have caused the diversity of sects, schools, and
philosophies, as that of Empedocles, Pythagoras, Democritus, Parmenides,
and the rest. For although Aristotle, as though he had been of
the race of the Ottomans, thought he could not reign except the first
thing he did he killed all his brethren; yet to those that seek truth
and not magistrality, it cannot but seem a matter of great profit, to
see before them the several opinions touching the foundations of nature.
Not for any exact truth that can be expected in those theories; for
as the same phenomena in astronomy are satisfied by this received astronomy
of the diurnal motion, and the proper motions of the planets, with their
eccentrics and epicycles, and likewise by the theory of Copernicus,
who supposed the earth to move, and the calculations are indifferently
agreeable to both, so the ordinary face and view of experience is many
times satisfied by several theories and philosophies; whereas to find
the real truth requireth another manner of severity and attention.
For as Aristotle saith, that children at the first will call every woman
mother, but afterward they come to distinguish according to truth, so
experience, if it be in childhood, will call every philosophy mother,
but when it cometh to ripeness it will discern the true mother.
So as in the meantime it is good to see the several glosses and opinions
upon Nature, whereof it may be everyone in some one point hath seen
clearer than his fellows, therefore I wish some collection to be made
painfully and understandingly de antiquis philosophiis, out
of all the possible light which remaineth to us of them: which kind
of work I find deficient. But here I must give warning, that it
be done distinctly and severedly; the philosophies of everyone throughout
by themselves, and not by titles packed and faggoted up together, as
hath been done by Plutarch. For it is the harmony of a philosophy
in itself, which giveth it light and credence; whereas if it be singled
and broken, it will seem more foreign and dissonant. For as when
I read in Tacitus the actions of Nero or Claudius, with circumstances
of times, inducements, and occasions, I find them not so strange; but
when I read them in Suetonius Tranquillus, gathered into titles and
bundles and not in order of time, they seem more monstrous and incredible:
so is it of any philosophy reported entire, and dismembered by articles.
Neither do I exclude opinions of latter times to be likewise represented
in this calendar of sects of philosophy, as that of Theophrastus Paracelsus,
eloquently reduced into an harmony by the pen of Severinus the Dane;
and that of Tilesius, and his scholar Donius, being as a pastoral philosophy,
full of sense, but of no great depth; and that of Fracastorius, who,
though he pretended not to make any new philosophy, yet did use the
absoluteness of his own sense upon the old; and that of Gilbertus our
countryman, who revived, with some alterations and demonstrations, the
opinions of Xenophanes; and any other worthy to be admitted.
(6) Thus have we now dealt with two of the three beams of man’s
knowledge; that is radius directus, which is referred to nature,
radius refractus, which is referred to God, and cannot
report truly because of the inequality of the medium. There resteth
radius reflexus, whereby man beholdeth and contemplateth
himself.
IX. (1) We come therefore now to that knowledge whereunto the ancient
oracle directeth us, which is the knowledge of ourselves; which deserveth
the more accurate handling, by how much it toucheth us more nearly.
This knowledge, as it is the end and term of natural philosophy in the
intention of man, so notwithstanding it is but a portion of natural
philosophy in the continent of Nature. And generally let this
be a rule, that all partitions of knowledges be accepted rather for
lines and veins than for sections and separations; and that the continuance
and entireness of knowledge be preserved. For the contrary hereof
hath made particular sciences to become barren, shallow, and erroneous,
while they have not been nourished and maintained from the common fountain.
So we see Cicero, the orator, complained of Socrates and his school,
that he was the first that separated philosophy and rhetoric; whereupon
rhetoric became an empty and verbal art. So we may see that the
opinion of Copernicus, touching the rotation of the earth, which astronomy
itself cannot correct, because it is not repugnant to any of the phenomena,
yet natural philosophy may correct. So we see also that the science
of medicine if it be destituted and forsaken by natural philosophy,
it is not much better than an empirical practice. With this reservation,
therefore, we proceed to human philosophy or humanity, which hath two
parts: the one considereth man segregate or distributively, the other
congregate or in society; so as human philosophy is either simple and
particular, or conjugate and civil. Humanity particular consisteth
of the same parts whereof man consisteth: that is, of knowledges which
respect the body, and of knowledges that respect the mind. But
before we distribute so far, it is good to constitute. For I do
take the consideration in general, and at large, of human nature to
be fit to be emancipate and made a knowledge by itself, not so much
in regard of those delightful and elegant discourses which have been
made of the dignity of man, of his miseries, of his state and life,
and the like adjuncts of his common and undivided nature; but chiefly
in regard of the knowledge concerning the sympathies and concordances
between the mind and body, which being mixed cannot be properly assigned
to the sciences of either.
(2) This knowledge hath two branches: for as all leagues and amities
consist of mutual intelligence and mutual offices, so this league of
mind and body hath these two parts: how the one discloseth the other,
and how the one worketh upon the other; discovery and impression.
The former of these hath begotten two arts, both of prediction or prenotion;
whereof the one is honoured with the inquiry of Aristotle, and the other
of Hippocrates. And although they have of later time been used
to be coupled with superstitions and fantastical arts, yet being purged
and restored to their true state, they have both of them a solid ground
in Nature, and a profitable use in life. The first is physiognomy,
which discovereth the disposition of the mind by the lineaments of the
body. The second is the exposition of natural dreams, which discovereth
the state of the body by the imaginations of the mind. In the
former of these I note a deficience. For Aristotle hath very ingeniously
and diligently handled the factures of the body, but not the gestures
of the body, which are no less comprehensible by art, and of greater
use and advantage. For the lineaments of the body do disclose
the disposition and inclination of the mind in general; but the motions
of the countenance and parts do not only so, but do further disclose
the present humour and state of the mind and will. For as your
majesty saith most aptly and elegantly, “As the tongue speaketh
to the ear so the gesture speaketh to the eye.” And, therefore,
a number of subtle persons, whose eyes do dwell upon the faces and fashions
of men, do well know the advantage of this observation, as being most
part of their ability; neither can it be denied, but that it is a great
discovery of dissimulations, and a great direction in business.
(3) The latter branch, touching impression, hath not been collected
into art, but hath been handled dispersedly; and it hath the same relation
or antistrophe that the former hath. For the consideration
is double - either how and how far the humours and affects of the body
do alter or work upon the mind, or, again, how and how far the passions
or apprehensions of the mind do alter or work upon the body. The
former of these hath been inquired and considered as a part and appendix
of medicine, but much more as a part of religion or superstition.
For the physician prescribeth cures of the mind in frenzies and melancholy
passions, and pretendeth also to exhibit medicines to exhilarate the
mind, to control the courage, to clarify the wits, to corroborate the
memory, and the like; but the scruples and superstitions of diet and
other regiment of the body in the sect of the Pythagoreans, in the heresy
of the Manichees, and in the law of Mahomet, do exceed. So likewise
the ordinances in the ceremonial law, interdicting the eating of the
blood and the fat, distinguishing between beasts clean and unclean for
meat, are many and strict; nay, the faith itself being clear and serene
from all clouds of ceremony, yet retaineth the use of fastlings, abstinences,
and other macerations and humiliations of the body, as things real,
and not figurative. The root and life of all which prescripts
is (besides the ceremony) the consideration of that dependency which
the affections of the mind are submitted unto upon the state and disposition
of the body. And if any man of weak judgment do conceive that
this suffering of the mind from the body doth either question the immortality,
or derogate from the sovereignty of the soul, he may be taught, in easy
instances, that the infant in the mother’s womb is compatible
with the mother, and yet separable; and the most absolute monarch is
sometimes led by his servants, and yet without subjection. As
for the reciprocal knowledge, which is the operation of the conceits
and passions of the mind upon the body, we see all wise physicians,
in the prescriptions of their regiments to their patients, do ever consider
accidentia animi, as of great force to further or hinder remedies
or recoveries: and more specially it is an inquiry of great depth and
worth concerning imagination, how and how far it altereth the body proper
of the imaginant; for although it hath a manifest power to hurt, it
followeth not it hath the same degree of power to help. No more
than a man can conclude, that because there be pestilent airs, able
suddenly to kill a man in health, therefore there should be sovereign
airs, able suddenly to cure a man in sickness. But the inquisition
of this part is of great use, though it needeth, as Socrates said, “a
Delian diver,” being difficult and profound. But unto all
this knowledge de communi vinculo, of the concordances between
the mind and the body, that part of inquiry is most necessary which
considereth of the seats and domiciles which the several faculties of
the mind do take and occupate in the organs of the body; which knowledge
hath been attempted, and is controverted, and deserveth to be much better
inquired. For the opinion of Plato, who placed the understanding
in the brain, animosity (which he did unfitly call anger, having a greater
mixture with pride) in the heart, and concupiscence or sensuality in
the liver, deserveth not to be despised, but much less to be allowed.
So, then, we have constituted (as in our own wish and advice) the inquiry
touching human nature entire, as a just portion of knowledge to be handled
apart.
X. (1) The knowledge that concerneth man’s body is divided as
the good of man’s body is divided, unto which it referreth.
The good of man’s body is of four kinds - health, beauty, strength,
and pleasure: so the knowledges are medicine, or art of cure; art of
decoration, which is called cosmetic; art of activity, which is called
athletic; and art voluptuary, which Tacitus truly calleth eruditus
luxus. This subject of man’s body is, of all other things
in nature, most susceptible of remedy; but then that remedy is most
susceptible of error; for the same subtlety of the subject doth cause
large possibility and easy failing, and therefore the inquiry ought
to be the more exact.
(2) To speak, therefore, of medicine, and to resume that we have said,
ascending a little higher: the ancient opinion that man was microcosmus
- an abstract or model of the world - hath been fantastically strained
by Paracelsus and the alchemists, as if there were to be found in man’s
body certain correspondences and parallels, which should have respect
to all varieties of things, as stars, planets, minerals, which are extant
in the great world. But thus much is evidently true, that of all
substances which nature hath produced, man’s body is the most
extremely compounded. For we see herbs and plants are nourished
by earth and water; beasts for the most part by herbs and fruits; man
by the flesh of beasts, birds, fishes, herbs, grains, fruits, water,
and the manifold alterations, dressings, and preparations of these several
bodies before they come to be his food and aliment. Add hereunto
that beasts have a more simple order of life, and less change of affections
to work upon their bodies, whereas man in his mansion, sleep, exercise,
passions, hath infinite variations: and it cannot be denied but that
the body of man of all other things is of the most compounded mass.
The soul, on the other side, is the simplest of substances, as is well
expressed:
“Purumque reliquit
Æthereum sensum atque auraï simplicis ignem.”
So that it is no marvel though the soul so placed enjoy no rest, if
that principle be true, that Motus rerum est rapidus extra locum,
placidus in loco. But to the purpose. This variable
composition of man’s body hath made it as an instrument easy to
distemper; and, therefore, the poets did well to conjoin music and medicine
in Apollo, because the office of medicine is but to tune this curious
harp of man’s body and to reduce it to harmony. So, then,
the subject being so variable hath made the art by consequent more conjectural;
and the art being conjectural hath made so much the more place to be
left for imposture. For almost all other arts and sciences are
judged by acts or masterpieces, as I may term them, and not by the successes
and events. The lawyer is judged by the virtue of his pleading,
and not by the issue of the cause; this master in this ship is judged
by the directing his course aright, and not by the fortune of the voyage;
but the physician, and perhaps this politique, hath no particular acts
demonstrative of his ability, but is judged most by the event, which
is ever but as it is taken: for who can tell, if a patient die or recover,
or if a state be preserved or ruined, whether it be art or accident?
And therefore many times the impostor is prized, and the man of virtue
taxed. Nay, we see [the] weakness and credulity of men is such,
as they will often refer a mountebank or witch before a learned physician.
And therefore the poets were clear-sighted in discerning this extreme
folly when they made Æsculapius and Circe, brother and sister,
both children of the sun, as in the verses -
“Ipse repertorem medicinæ talis et artis
Fulmine Phœbigenam Stygias detrusit ad undas.”
And again -
“Dives inaccessos ubi Solis filia lucos,” &c.
For in all times, in the opinion of the multitude, witches and old women
and impostors, have had a competition with physicians. And what
followeth? Even this, that physicians say to themselves, as Solomon
expresseth it upon a higher occasion, “If it befall to me as befalleth
to the fools, why should I labour to be more wise?” And
therefore I cannot much blame physicians that they use commonly to intend
some other art or practice, which they fancy more than their profession;
for you shall have of them antiquaries, poets, humanists, statesmen,
merchants, divines, and in every of these better seen than in their
profession; and no doubt upon this ground that they find that mediocrity
and excellency in their art maketh no difference in profit or reputation
towards their fortune: for the weakness of patients, and sweetness of
life, and nature of hope, maketh men depend upon physicians with all
their defects. But, nevertheless, these things which we have spoken
of are courses begotten between a little occasion and a great deal of
sloth and default; for if we will excite and awake our observation,
we shall see in familiar instances what a predominant faculty the subtlety
of spirit hath over the variety of matter or form. Nothing more
variable than faces and countenances, yet men can bear in memory the
infinite distinctions of them; nay, a painter, with a few shells of
colours, and the benefit of his eye, and habit of his imagination, can
imitate them all that ever have been, are, or may be, if they were brought
before him. Nothing more variable than voices, yet men can likewise
discern them personally: nay, you shall have a buffon or pantomimus
will express as many as he pleaseth. Nothing more variable than
the differing sounds of words; yet men have found the way to reduce
them to a few simple letters. So that it is not the insufficiency
or incapacity of man’s mind, but it is the remote standing or
placing thereof that breedeth these mazes and incomprehensions; for
as the sense afar off is full of mistaking, but is exact at hand, so
is it of the understanding, the remedy whereof is, not to quicken or
strengthen the organ, but to go nearer to the object; and therefore
there is no doubt but if the physicians will learn and use the true
approaches and avenues of nature, they may assume as much as the poet
saith:
“Et quoniam variant morbi, variabimus artes;
Mille mali species, mille salutis erunt.”
Which that they should do, the nobleness of their art doth deserve:
well shadowed by the poets, in that they made Æsculapius to be
the son of [the] sun, the one being the fountain of life, the other
as the second-stream; but infinitely more honoured by the example of
our Saviour, who made the body of man the object of His miracles, as
the soul was the object of His doctrine. For we read not that
ever He vouchsafed to do any miracle about honour or money (except that
one for giving tribute to Cæsar), but only about the preserving,
sustaining, and healing the body of man.
(3) Medicine is a science which hath been (as we have said) more professed
than laboured, and yet more laboured than advanced; the labour having
been, in my judgment, rather in circle than in progression. For
I find much iteration, but small addition. It considereth causes
of diseases, with the occasions or impulsions; the diseases themselves,
with the accidents; and the cures, with the preservations. The
deficiences which I think good to note, being a few of many, and those
such as are of a more open and manifest nature, I will enumerate and
not place.
(4) The first is the discontinuance of the ancient and serious diligence
of Hippocrates, which used to set down a narrative of the special cases
of his patients, and how they proceeded, and how they were judged by
recovery or death. Therefore having an example proper in the father
of the art, I shall not need to allege an example foreign, of the wisdom
of the lawyers, who are careful to report new cases and decisions, for
the direction of future judgments. This continuance of medicinal
history I find deficient; which I understand neither to be so infinite
as to extend to every common case, nor so reserved as to admit none
but wonders: for many things are new in this manner, which are not new
in the kind; and if men will intend to observe, they shall find much
worthy to observe.
(5) In the inquiry which is made by anatomy, I find much deficience:
for they inquire of the parts, and their substances, figures, and collocations;
but they inquire not of the diversities of the parts, the secrecies
of the passages, and the seats or nestling of the humours, nor much
of the footsteps and impressions of diseases. The reason of which
omission I suppose to be, because the first inquiry may be satisfied
in the view of one or a few anatomies; but the latter, being comparative
and casual, must arise from the view of many. And as to the diversity
of parts, there is no doubt but the facture or framing of the inward
parts is as full of difference as the outward, and in that is the cause
continent of many diseases; which not being observed, they quarrel many
times with the humours, which are not in fault; the fault being in the
very frame and mechanic of the part, which cannot be removed by medicine
alterative, but must be accommodated and palliated by diets and medicines
familiar. And for the passages and pores, it is true which was
anciently noted, that the more subtle of them appear not in anatomies,
because they are shut and latent in dead bodies, though they be open
and manifest in life: which being supposed, though the inhumanity of
anatomia vivorum was by Celsus justly reproved; yet in regard
of the great use of this observation, the inquiry needed not by him
so slightly to have been relinquished altogether, or referred to the
casual practices of surgery; but might have been well diverted upon
the dissection of beasts alive, which notwithstanding the dissimilitude
of their parts may sufficiently satisfy this inquiry. And for
the humours, they are commonly passed over in anatomies as purgaments;
whereas it is most necessary to observe, what cavities, nests, and receptacles
the humours do find in the parts, with the differing kind of the humour
so lodged and received. And as for the footsteps of diseases,
and their devastations of the inward parts, impostumations, exulcerations,
discontinuations, putrefactions, consumptions, contractions, extensions,
convulsions, dislocations, obstructions, repletions, together with all
preternatural substances, as stones, carnosities, excrescences, worms,
and the like; they ought to have been exactly observed by multitude
of anatomies, and the contribution of men’s several experiences,
and carefully set down both historically according to the appearances,
and artificially with a reference to the diseases and symptoms which
resulted from them, in case where the anatomy is of a defunct patient;
whereas now upon opening of bodies they are passed over slightly and
in silence.
(6) In the inquiry of diseases, they do abandon the cures of many, some
as in their nature incurable, and others as past the period of cure;
so that Sylla and the Triumvirs never proscribed so many men to die,
as they do by their ignorant edicts: whereof numbers do escape with
less difficulty than they did in the Roman prescriptions. Therefore
I will not doubt to note as a deficience, that they inquire not the
perfect cures of many diseases, or extremities of diseases; but pronouncing
them incurable do enact a law of neglect, and exempt ignorance from
discredit.
(7) Nay further, I esteem it the office of a physician not only to restore
health, but to mitigate pain and dolors; and not only when such mitigation
may conduce to recovery, but when it may serve to make a fair and easy
passage. For it is no small felicity which Augustus Cæsar
was wont to wish to himself, that same Euthanasia; and
which was specially noted in the death of Antoninus Pius, whose death
was after the fashion, and semblance of a kindly and pleasant sheep.
So it is written of Epicurus, that after his disease was judged desperate,
he drowned his stomach and senses with a large draught and ingurgitation
of wine; whereupon the epigram was made, Hinc Stygias ebrius hausit
aquas; he was not sober enough to taste any bitterness of
the Stygian water. But the physicians contrariwise do make a kind
of scruple and religion to stay with the patient after the disease is
deplored; whereas in my judgment they ought both to inquire the skill,
and to give the attendances, for the facilitating and assuaging of the
pains and agonies of death.
(5) In the consideration of the cures of diseases, I find a deficience
in the receipts of propriety, respecting the particular cures of diseases:
for the physicians have frustrated the fruit of tradition and experience
by their magistralities, in adding and taking out and changing quid
pro qua in their receipts, at their pleasures; commanding so over
the medicine, as the medicine cannot command over the disease.
For except it be treacle and mithridatum, and of late
diascordium, and a few more, they tie themselves to no
receipts severely and religiously. For as to the confections of
sale which are in the shops, they are for readiness and not for propriety.
For they are upon general intentions of purging, opening, comforting,
altering, and not much appropriate to particular diseases. And
this is the cause why empirics and old women are more happy many times
in their cures than learned physicians, because they are more religious
in holding their medicines. Therefore here is the deficience which
I find, that physicians have not, partly out of their own practice,
partly out of the constant probations reported in books, and partly
out of the traditions of empirics, set down and delivered over certain
experimental medicines for the cure of particular diseases, besides
their own conjectural and magistral descriptions. For as they
were the men of the best composition in the state of Rome, which either
being consuls inclined to the people, or being tribunes inclined to
the senate; so in the matter we now handle, they be the best physicians,
which being learned incline to the traditions of experience, or being
empirics incline to the methods of learning.
(9) In preparation of medicines I do find strange, specially considering
how mineral medicines have been extolled, and that they are safer for
the outward than inward parts, that no man hath sought to make an imitation
by art of natural baths and medicinable fountains: which nevertheless
are confessed to receive their virtues from minerals; and not so only,
but discerned and distinguished from what particular mineral they receive
tincture, as sulphur, vitriol, steel, or the like; which nature, if
it may be reduced to compositions of art, both the variety of them will
be increased, and the temper of them will be more commanded.
(10) But lest I grow to be more particular than is agreeable either
to my intention or to proportion, I will conclude this part with the
note of one deficience more, which seemeth to me of greatest consequence:
which is, that the prescripts in use are too compendious to attain their
end; for, to my understanding, it is a vain and flattering opinion to
think any medicine can be so sovereign or so happy, as that the receipt
or miss of it can work any great effect upon the body of man.
It were a strange speech which spoken, or spoken oft, should reclaim
a man from a vice to which he were by nature subject. It is order,
pursuit, sequence, and interchange of application, which is mighty in
nature; which although it require more exact knowledge in prescribing,
and more precise obedience in observing, yet is recompensed with the
magnitude of effects. And although a man would think, by the daily
visitations of the physicians, that there were a pursuance in the cure,
yet let a man look into their prescripts and ministrations, and he shall
find them but inconstancies and every day’s devices, without any
settled providence or project. Not that every scrupulous or superstitious
prescript is effectual, no more than every straight way is the way to
heaven; but the truth of the direction must precede severity of observance.
(11) For cosmetic, it hath parts civil, and parts effeminate: for cleanness
of body was ever esteemed to proceed from a due reverence to God, to
society, and to ourselves. As for artificial decoration, it is
well worthy of the deficiences which it hath; being neither fine enough
to deceive, nor handsome to use, nor wholesome to please.
(12) For athletic, I take the subject of it largely, that is to say,
for any point of ability whereunto the body of man may be brought, whether
it be of activity, or of patience; whereof activity hath two parts,
strength and swiftness; and patience likewise hath two parts, hardness
against wants and extremities, and endurance of pain or torment; whereof
we see the practices in tumblers, in savages, and in those that suffer
punishment. Nay, if there be any other faculty which falls not
within any of the former divisions, as in those that dive, that obtain
a strange power of containing respiration, and the like, I refer it
to this part. Of these things the practices are known, but the
philosophy that concerneth them is not much inquired; the rather, I
think, because they are supposed to be obtained, either by an aptness
of nature, which cannot be taught, or only by continual custom, which
is soon prescribed which though it be not true, yet I forbear to note
any deficiences; for the Olympian games are down long since, and the
mediocrity of these things is for use; as for the excellency of them
it serveth for the most part but for mercenary ostentation.
(13) For arts of pleasure sensual, the chief deficience in them is of
laws to repress them. For as it hath been well observed, that
the arts which flourish in times while virtue is in growth, are military;
and while virtue is in state, are liberal; and while virtue is in declination,
are voluptuary: so I doubt that this age of the world is somewhat upon
the descent of the wheel. With arts voluptuary I couple practices
joculary; for the deceiving of the senses is one of the pleasures of
the senses. As for games of recreation, I hold them to belong
to civil life and education. And thus much of that particular
human philosophy which concerns the body, which is but the tabernacle
of the mind.
XI. (1) For human knowledge which concerns the mind, it hath two parts;
the one that inquireth of the substance or nature of the soul or mind,
the other that inquireth of the faculties or functions thereof.Unto the first of these, the considerations of the original of the
soul, whether it be native or adventive, and how far it is exempted
from laws of matter, and of the immortality thereof, and many other
points, do appertain: which have been not more laboriously inquired
than variously reported; so as the travail therein taken seemeth to
have been rather in a maze than in a way. But although I am of
opinion that this knowledge may be more really and soundly inquired,
even in nature, than it hath been, yet I hold that in the end it must
be hounded by religion, or else it will be subject to deceit and delusion.
For as the substance of the soul in the creation was not extracted out
of the mass of heaven and earth by the benediction of a producat,
but was immediately inspired from God, so it is not possible that
it should be (otherwise than by accident) subject to the laws of heaven
and earth, which are the subject of philosophy; and therefore the true
knowledge of the nature and state of the soul must come by the same
inspiration that gave the substance. Unto this part of knowledge
touching the soul there be two appendices; which, as they have been
handled, have rather vapoured forth fables than kindled truth: divination
and fascination.
(2) Divination hath been anciently and fitly divided into artificial
and natural: whereof artificial is, when the mind maketh a prediction
by argument, concluding upon signs and tokens; natural is, when the
mind hath a presention by an internal power, without the inducement
of a sign. Artificial is of two sorts: either when the argument
is coupled with a derivation of causes, which is rational; or when it
is only grounded upon a coincidence of the effect, which is experimental:
whereof the latter for the most part is superstitious, such as were
the heathen observations upon the inspection of sacrifices, the flights
of birds, the swarming of bees; and such as was the Chaldean astrology,
and the like. For artificial divination, the several kinds thereof
are distributed amongst particular knowledges. The astronomer
hath his predictions, as of conjunctions, aspects, eclipses, and the
like. The physician hath his predictions, of death, of recovery,
of the accidents and issues of diseases. The politique hath his
predictions; O urbem venalem, et cito perituram, si emptorem invenerit!
which stayed not long to be performed, in Sylla first, and after in
Cæsar: so as these predictions are now impertinent, and to be
referred over. But the divination which springeth from the internal
nature of the soul is that which we now speak of; which hath been made
to be of two sorts, primitive and by influxion. Primitive is grounded
upon the supposition that the mind, when it is withdrawn and collected
into itself, and not diffused into the organs of the body, hath some
extent and latitude of prenotion; which therefore appeareth most in
sleep, in ecstasies, and near death, and more rarely in waking apprehensions;
and is induced and furthered by those abstinences and observances which
make the mind most to consist in itself. By influxion, is grounded
upon the conceit that the mind, as a mirror or glass, should take illumination
from the foreknowledge of God and spirits: unto which the same regiment
doth likewise conduce. For the retiring of the mind within itself
is the state which is most susceptible of divine influxions; save that
it is accompanied in this case with a fervency and elevation (which
the ancients noted by fury), and not with a repose and quiet, as it
is in the other.
(3) Fascination is the power and act of imagination intensive upon other
bodies than the body of the imaginant, for of that we spake in the proper
place. Wherein the school of Paracelsus, and the disciples of
pretended natural magic, have been so intemperate, as they have exalted
the power of the imagination to be much one with the power of miracle-working
faith. Others, that draw nearer to probability, calling to their
view the secret passages of things, and specially of the contagion that
passeth from body to body, do conceive it should likewise be agreeable
to nature that there should be some transmissions and operations from
spirit to spirit without the mediation of the senses; whence the conceits
have grown (now almost made civil) of the mastering spirit, and the
force of confidence, and the like. Incident unto this is the inquiry
how to raise and fortify the imagination; for if the imagination fortified
have power, then it is material to know how to fortify and exalt it.
And herein comes in crookedly and dangerously a palliation of a great
part of ceremonial magic. For it may be pretended that ceremonies,
characters, and charms do work, not by any tacit or sacramental contract
with evil spirits, but serve only to strengthen the imagination of him
that useth it; as images are said by the Roman Church to fix the cogitations
and raise the devotions of them that pray before them. But for
mine own judgment, if it be admitted that imagination hath power, and
that ceremonies fortify imagination, and that they be used sincerely
and intentionally for that purpose; yet I should hold them unlawful,
as opposing to that first edict which God gave unto man, In sudore
vultus comedes panem tuum. For they propound those noble effects,
which God hath set forth unto man to be bought at the price of labour,
to be attained by a few easy and slothful observances. Deficiences
in these knowledges I will report none, other than the general deficience,
that it is not known how much of them is verity, and how much vanity.
XII. (1) The knowledge which respecteth the faculties of the mind of
man is of two kinds - the one respecting his understanding and reason,
and the other his will, appetite, and affection; whereof the former
produceth position or decree, the latter action or execution.
It is true that the imagination is an agent or nuncius in both
provinces, both the judicial and the ministerial. For sense sendeth
over to imagination before reason have judged, and reason sendeth over
to imagination before the decree can be acted. For imagination
ever precedeth voluntary motion. Saving that this Janus of imagination
hath differing faces: for the face towards reason hath the print of
truth, but the face towards action hath the print of good; which nevertheless
are faces,
“Quales decet esse sororum.”
Neither is the imagination simply and only a messenger; but is invested
with, or at least wise usurpeth no small authority in itself, besides
the duty of the message. For it was well said by Aristotle, “That
the mind hath over the body that commandment, which the lord hath over
a bondman; but that reason hath over the imagination that commandment
which a magistrate hath over a free citizen,” who may come also
to rule in his turn. For we see that, in matters of faith and
religion, we raise our imagination above our reason, which is the cause
why religion sought ever access to the mind by similitudes, types, parables,
visions, dreams. And again, in all persuasions that are wrought
by eloquence, and other impressions of like nature, which do paint and
disguise the true appearance of things, the chief recommendation unto
reason is from the imagination. Nevertheless, because I find not
any science that doth properly or fitly pertain to the imagination,
I see no cause to alter the former division. For as for poesy,
it is rather a pleasure or play of imagination than a work or duty thereof.
And if it be a work, we speak not now of such parts of learning as the
imagination produceth, but of such sciences as handle and consider of
the imagination. No more than we shall speak now of such knowledges
as reason produceth (for that extendeth to all philosophy), but of such
knowledges as do handle and inquire of the faculty of reason: so as
poesy had his true place. As for the power of the imagination
in nature, and the manner of fortifying the same, we have mentioned
it in the doctrine De Anima, whereunto most fitly it belongeth.
And lastly, for imaginative or insinuative reason, which is the subject
of rhetoric, we think it best to refer it to the arts of reason.
So therefore we content ourselves with the former division, that human
philosophy, which respecteth the faculties of the mind of man, hath
two parts, rational and moral.
(2) The part of human philosophy which is rational is of all knowledges,
to the most wits, the least delightful, and seemeth but a net of subtlety
and spinosity. For as it was truly said, that knowledge is pabulum
animi; so in the nature of men’s appetite to this food most
men are of the taste and stomach of the Israelites in the desert, that
would fain have returned ad ollas carnium, and were weary
of manna; which, though it were celestial, yet seemed less nutritive
and comfortable. So generally men taste well knowledges that are
drenched in flesh and blood, civil history, morality, policy, about
the which men’s affections, praises, fortunes do turn and are
conversant. But this same lumen siccum doth parch and offend
most men’s watery and soft natures. But to speak truly of
things as they are in worth, rational knowledges are the keys of all
other arts, for as Aristotle saith aptly and elegantly, “That
the hand is the instrument of instruments, and the mind is the form
of forms;” so these be truly said to be the art of arts.
Neither do they only direct, but likewise confirm and strengthen; even
as the habit of shooting doth not only enable to shoot a nearer shoot,
but also to draw a stronger bow.
(3) The arts intellectual are four in number, divided according to the
ends whereunto they are referred - for man’s labour is to invent
that which is sought or propounded; or to judge that which is invented;
or to retain that which is judged; or to deliver over that which is
retained. So as the arts must be four - art of inquiry or invention;
art of examination or judgment; art of custody or memory; and art of
elocution or tradition.
XIII. (1) Invention is of two kinds much differing - the one of arts
and sciences, and the other of speech and arguments. The former
of these I do report deficient; which seemeth to me to be such a deficience
as if, in the making of an inventory touching the state of a defunct,
it should be set down that there is no ready money. For as money
will fetch all other commodities, so this knowledge is that which should
purchase all the rest. And like as the West Indies had never been
discovered if the use of the mariner’s needle had not been first
discovered, though the one be vast regions, and the other a small motion;
so it cannot be found strange if sciences be no further discovered,
if the art itself of invention and discovery hath been passed over.
(2) That this part of knowledge is wanting, to my judgment standeth
plainly confessed; for first, logic doth not pretend to invent sciences,
or the axioms of sciences, but passeth it over with a cuique in sua
arte credendum. And Celsus acknowledgeth it gravely, speaking
of the empirical and dogmatical sects of physicians, “That medicines
and cures were first found out, and then after the reasons and causes
were discoursed; and not the causes first found out, and by light from
them the medicines and cures discovered.” And Plato in his
“Theætetus” noteth well, “That particulars are
infinite, and the higher generalities give no sufficient direction;
and that the pith of all sciences, which maketh the artsman differ from
the inexpert, is in the middle propositions, which in every particular
knowledge are taken from tradition and experience.” And
therefore we see, that they which discourse of the inventions and originals
of things refer them rather to chance than to art, and rather to beasts,
birds, fishes, serpents, than to men.
“Dictamnum genetrix Cretæa carpit ab Ida,
Puberibus caulem foliis et flore camantem
Purpureo; non illa feris incognita capris
Gramina, *** tergo volucres hæsere sagittæ.”
So that it was no marvel (the manner of antiquity being to consecrate
inventors) that the Egyptians had so few human idols in their temples,
but almost all brute:
“Omnigenumque Deum monstra, et latrator Anubis,
Contra Neptunum, et Venerem, contraque Minervam, &c.”
And if you like better the tradition of the Grecians, and ascribe the
first inventions to men, yet you will rather believe that Prometheus
first stroke the flints, and marvelled at the spark, than that when
he first stroke the flints he expected the spark; and therefore we see
the West Indian Prometheus had no intelligence with the European, because
of the rareness with them of flint, that gave the first occasion.
So as it should seem, that hitherto men are rather beholden to a wild
goat for surgery, or to a nightingale for music, or to the ibis for
some part of physic, or to the pot-lid that flew open for artillery,
or generally to chance or anything else than to logic for the invention
of arts and sciences. Neither is the form of invention which Virgil
describeth much other:
“Ut varias usus meditande extunderet artes
Paulatim.”
For if you observe the words well, it is no other method than that which
brute beasts are capable of, and do put in ure; which is a perpetual
intending or practising some one thing, urged and imposed by an absolute
necessity of conservation of being. For so Cicero saith very truly,
Usus uni rei deditus et naturam et artem sæpe vincit.
And therefore if it be said of men,
“Labor omnia vincit
Improbus, et duris urgens in rebus egestas,”
it is likewise said of beasts, Quis psittaco docuit suum χαιρε?
Who taught the raven in a drought to throw pebbles into a hollow tree,
where she spied water, that the water might rise so as she might come
to it? Who taught the bee to sail through such a vast sea or air,
and to find the way from a field in a flower a great way off to her
hive? Who taught the ant to bite every grain of corn that she
burieth in her hill, lest it should take root and grow? Add then
the word extundere, which importeth the extreme difficulty,
and the word paulatim, which importeth the extreme slowness,
and we are where we were, even amongst the Egyptians’ gods; there
being little left to the faculty of reason, and nothing to the duty
or art, for matter of invention.
(3) Secondly, the induction which the logicians speak of, and which
seemeth familiar with Plato, whereby the principles of sciences may
be pretended to be invented, and so the middle propositions by derivation
from the principles; their form of induction, I say, is utterly vicious
and incompetent; wherein their error is the fouler, because it is the
duty of art to perfect and exalt nature; but they contrariwise have
wronged, abused, and traduced nature. For he that shall attentively
observe how the mind doth gather this excellent dew of knowledge, like
unto that which the poet speaketh of, Aërei mellis cælestia
dona, distilling and contriving it out of particulars natural and
artificial, as the flowers of the field and garden, shall find that
the mind of herself by nature doth manage and act an induction much
better than they describe it. For to conclude upon an enumeration
of particulars, without instance contradictory, is no conclusion, but
a conjecture; for who can assure (in many subjects) upon those particulars
which appear of a side, that there are not other on the contrary side
which appear not? As if Samuel should have rested upon those sons
of Jesse which were brought before him, and failed of David which was
in the field. And this form (to say truth), is so gross, as it
had not been possible for wits so subtle as have managed these things
to have offered it to the world, but that they hasted to their theories
and dogmaticals, and were imperious and scornful toward particulars;
which their manner was to use but as lictores and viatores,
for sergeants and whifflers, ad summovendam turbam, to
make way and make room for their opinions, rather than in their true
use and service. Certainly it is a thing may touch a man with
a religious wonder, to see how the footsteps of seducement are the very
same in divine and human truth; for, as in divine truth man cannot endure
to become as a child, so in human, they reputed the attending the inductions
(whereof we speak), as if it were a second infancy or childhood.
(4) Thirdly, allow some principles or axioms were rightly induced, yet,
nevertheless, certain it is that middle propositions cannot be deduced
from them in subject of nature by syllogism - that is, by touch and
reduction of them to principles in a middle term. It is true that
in sciences popular, as moralities, laws, and the like, yea, and divinity
(because it pleaseth God to apply Himself to the capacity of the simplest),
that form may have use; and in natural philosophy likewise, by way of
argument or satisfactory reason, Quæ assensum parit operis
effæta est; but the subtlety of nature and operations
will not be enchained in those bonds. For arguments consist of
propositions, and propositions of words, and words are but the current
tokens or marks of popular notions of things; which notions, if they
be grossly and variably collected out of particulars, it is not the
laborious examination either of consequences of arguments, or of the
truth of propositions, that can ever correct that error, being (as the
physicians speak) in the first digestion. And, therefore, it was
not without cause, that so many excellent philosophers became sceptics
and academics, and denied any certainty of knowledge or comprehension;
and held opinion that the knowledge of man extended only to appearances
and probabilities. It is true that in Socrates it was supposed
to be but a form of irony, Scientiam dissimulando simulavit;
for he used to disable his knowledge, to the end to enhance his
knowledge; like the humour of Tiberius in his beginnings, that would
reign, but would not acknowledge so much. And in the later academy,
which Cicero embraced, this opinion also of acatalepsia (I doubt)
was not held sincerely; for that all those which excelled in copy of
speech seem to have chosen that sect, as that which was fittest to give
glory to their eloquence and variable discourses; being rather like
progresses of pleasure than journeys to an end. But assuredly
many scattered in both academies did hold it in subtlety and integrity.
But here was their chief error: they charged the deceit upon the senses;
which in my judgment (notwithstanding all their cavillations) are very
sufficient to certify and report truth, though not always immediately,
yet by comparison, by help of instrument, and by producing and urging
such things as are too subtle for the sense to some effect comprehensible
by the sense, and other like assistance. But they ought to have
charged the deceit upon the weakness of the intellectual powers, and
upon the manner of collecting and concluding upon the reports of the
senses. This I speak, not to disable the mind of man, but to stir
it up to seek help; for no man, be he never so cunning or practised,
can make a straight line or perfect circle by steadiness of hand, which
may be easily done by help of a ruler or compass.
(5) This part of invention, concerning the invention of sciences, I
purpose (if God give me leave) hereafter to propound, having digested
it into two parts: whereof the one I term experientia literata,
and the other interpretatio naturæ; the former
being but a degree and rudiment of the latter. But I will not
dwell too long, nor speak too great upon a promise.
(6) The invention of speech or argument is not properly an invention;
for to invent is to discover that we know not, and not to recover or
resummon that which we already know; and the use of this invention is
no other but, out of the knowledge whereof our mind is already possessed
to draw forth or call before us that which may be pertinent to the purpose
which we take into our consideration. So as to speak truly, it
is no invention, but a remembrance or suggestion, with an application;
which is the cause why the schools do place it after judgment, as subsequent
and not precedent. Nevertheless, because we do account it a chase
as well of deer in an enclosed park as in a forest at large, and that
it hath already obtained the name, let it be called invention; so as
it be perceived and discerned, that the scope and end of this invention
is readiness and present use of our knowledge, and not addition or amplification
thereof.
(7) To procure this ready use of knowledge there are two courses, preparation
and suggestion. The former of these seemeth scarcely a part of
knowledge, consisting rather of diligence than of any artificial erudition.
And herein Aristotle wittily, but hurtfully, doth deride the sophists
near his time, saying, “They did as if one that professed the
art of shoemaking should not teach how to make up a shoe, but only exhibit
in a readiness a number of shoes of all fashions and sizes.”
But yet a man might reply, that if a shoemaker should have no shoes
in his shop, but only work as he is bespoken, he should be weakly customed.
But our Saviour, speaking of divine knowledge, saith, “That the
kingdom of heaven is like a good householder, that bringeth forth both
new and old store;” and we see the ancient writers of rhetoric
do give it in precept, that pleaders should have the places, whereof
they have most continual use, ready handled in all the variety that
may be; as that, to speak for the literal interpretation of the law
against equity, and contrary; and to speak for presumptions and inferences
against testimony, and contrary. And Cicero himself, being broken
unto it by great experience, delivereth it plainly, that whatsoever
a man shall have occasion to speak of (if he will take the pains), he
may have it in effect premeditate and handled in thesi.
So that when he cometh to a particular he shall have nothing to do,
but to put to names, and times, and places, and such other circumstances
of individuals. We see likewise the exact diligence of Demosthenes;
who, in regard of the great force that the entrance and access into
causes hath to make a good impression, had ready framed a number of
prefaces for orations and speeches. All which authorities and
precedents may overweigh Aristotle’s opinion, that would have
us change a rich wardrobe for a pair of shears.
(8) But the nature of the collection of this provision or preparatory
store, though it be common both to logic and rhetoric, yet having made
an entry of it here, where it came first to be spoken of, I think fit
to refer over the further handling of it to rhetoric.
(9) The other part of invention, which I term suggestion, doth assign
and direct us to certain marks, or places, which may excite our mind
to return and produce such knowledge as it hath formerly collected,
to the end we may make use thereof. Neither is this use (truly
taken) only to furnish argument to dispute, probably with others, but
likewise to minister unto our judgment to conclude aright within ourselves.
Neither may these places serve only to apprompt our invention, but also
to direct our inquiry. For a faculty of wise interrogating is
half a knowledge. For as Plato saith, “Whosoever seeketh,
knoweth that which he seeketh for in a general notion; else how shall
he know it when he hath found it?” And, therefore, the larger
your anticipation is, the more direct and compendious is your search.
But the same places which will help us what to produce of that which
we know already, will also help us, if a man of experience were before
us, what questions to ask; or, if we have books and authors to instruct
us, what points to search and revolve; so as I cannot report that this
part of invention, which is that which the schools call topics, is deficient.
(10) Nevertheless, topics are of two sorts, general and special.
The general we have spoken to; but the particular hath been touched
by some, but rejected generally as inartificial and variable.
But leaving the humour which hath reigned too much in the schools (which
is, to be vainly subtle in a few things which are within their command,
and to reject the rest), I do receive particular topics; that is, places
or directions of invention and inquiry in every particular knowledge,
as things of great use, being mixtures of logic with the matter of sciences.
For in these it holdeth ars inveniendi adolescit *** inventis;
for as in going of a way, we do not only gain that part of the way which
is passed, but we gain the better sight of that part of the way which
remaineth, so every degree of proceeding in a science giveth a light
to that which followeth; which light, if we strengthen by drawing it
forth into questions or places of inquiry, we do greatly advance our
pursuit.
XIV. (1) Now we pass unto the arts of judgment, which handle the natures
of proofs and demonstrations, which as to induction hath a coincidence
with invention; for all inductions, whether in good or vicious form,
the same action of the mind which inventeth, judgeth - all one as in
the sense. But otherwise it is in proof by syllogism, for the
proof being not immediate, but by mean, the invention of the mean is
one thing, and the judgment of the consequence is another; the one exciting
only, the other examining. Therefore, for the real and exact form
of judgment, we refer ourselves to that which we have spoken of interpretation
of Nature.
(2) For the other judgment by syllogism, as it is a thing most agreeable
to the mind of man, so it hath been vehemently end excellently laboured.
For the nature of man doth extremely covet to have somewhat in his understanding
fixed and unmovable, and as a rest and support of the mind. And,
therefore, as Aristotle endeavoureth to prove, that in all motion there
is some point quiescent; and as he elegantly expoundeth the ancient
fable of Atlas (that stood fixed, and bare up the heaven from falling)
to be meant of the poles or axle-tree of heaven, whereupon the conversion
is accomplished, so assuredly men have a desire to have an Atlas or
axle-tree within to keep them from fluctuation, which is like to a perpetual
peril of falling. Therefore men did hasten to set down some principles
about which the variety of their disputatious might turn.
(3) So, then, this art of judgment is but the reduction of propositions
to principles in a middle term. The principles to be agreed by
all and exempted from argument; the middle term to be elected at the
liberty of every man’s invention; the reduction to be of two kinds,
direct and inverted: the one when the proposition is reduced to the
principle, which they term a probation ostensive; the other, when the
contradictory of the proposition is reduced to the contradictory of
the principle, which is that which they call per incommodum,
or pressing an absurdity; the number of middle terms to be as the proposition
standeth degrees more or less removed from the principle.
(4) But this art hath two several methods of doctrine, the one by way
of direction, the other by way of caution: the former frameth and setteth
down a true form of consequence, by the variations and deflections from
which errors and inconsequences may be exactly judged. Toward
the composition and structure of which form it is incident to handle
the parts thereof, which are propositions, and the parts of propositions,
which are simple words. And this is that part of logic which is
comprehended in the Analytics.
(5) The second method of doctrine was introduced for expedite use and
assurance sake, discovering the more subtle forms of sophisms and illaqueations
with their redargutions, which is that which is termed elenches.
For although in the more gross sorts of fallacies it happeneth (as Seneca
maketh the comparison well) as in juggling feats, which, though we know
not how they are done, yet we know well it is not as it seemeth to be;
yet the more subtle sort of them doth not only put a man besides his
answer, but doth many times abuse his judgment.
(6) This part concerning elenches is excellently handled by Aristotle
in precept, but more excellently by Plato in example; not only in the
persons of the sophists, but even in Socrates himself, who, professing
to affirm nothing, but to infirm that which was affirmed by another,
hath exactly expressed all the forms of objection, fallace, and redargution.
And although we have said that the use of this doctrine is for redargution,
yet it is manifest the degenerate and corrupt use is for caption and
contradiction, which passeth for a great faculty, and no doubt is of
very great advantage, though the difference be good which was made between
orators and sophisters, that the one is as the greyhound, which hath
his advantage in the race, and the other as the hare, which hath her
advantage in the turn, so as it is the advantage of the weaker creature.
(7) But yet further, this doctrine of elenches hath a more ample latitude
and extent than is perceived; namely, unto divers parts of knowledge,
whereof some are laboured and other omitted. For first, I conceive
(though it may seem at first somewhat strange) that that part which
is variably referred, sometimes to logic, sometimes to metaphysic, touching
the common adjuncts of essences, is but an elenche; for the great
sophism of all sophisms being equivocation or ambiguity of words and
phrase, specially of such words as are most general and intervene in
every inquiry, it seemeth to me that the true and fruitful use (leaving
vain subtleties and speculations) of the inquiry of majority, minority,
priority, posteriority, identity, diversity, possibility, act, totality,
parts, existence, privation, and the like, are but wise cautions against
ambiguities of speech. So, again, the distribution of things into
certain tribes, which we call categories or predicaments, are but cautions
against the confusion of definitions and divisions.
(8) Secondly, there is a seducement that worketh by the strength of
the impression, and not by the subtlety of the illaqueation - not so
much perplexing the reason, as overruling it by power of the imagination.
But this part I think more proper to handle when I shall speak of rhetoric.
(9) But lastly, there is yet a much more important and profound kind
of fallacies in the mind of man, which I find not observed or inquired
at all, and think good to place here, as that which of all others appertaineth
most to rectify judgment, the force whereof is such as it doth not dazzle
or snare the understanding in some particulars, but doth more generally
and inwardly infect and corrupt the state thereof. For the mind
of man is far from the nature of a clear and equal glass, wherein the
beams of things should reflect according to their true incidence; nay,
it is rather like an enchanted glass, full of superstition and imposture,
if it be not delivered and reduced. For this purpose, let us consider
the false appearances that are imposed upon us by the general nature
of the mind, beholding them in an example or two; as first, in that
instance which is the root of all superstition, namely, that to the
nature of the mind of all men it is consonant for the affirmative or
active to affect more than the negative or privative. So that
a few times hitting or presence countervails ofttimes failing or absence,
as was well answered by Diagoras to him that showed him in Neptune’s
temple the great number of pictures of such as had escaped shipwreck,
and had paid their vows to Neptune, saying, “Advise now, you that
think it folly to invocate Neptune in tempest.” “Yea,
but,” saith Diagoras, “where are they painted that are drowned?”
Let us behold it in another instance, namely, that the spirit of man,
being of an equal and uniform substance, doth usually suppose and feign
in nature a greater equality and uniformity than is in truth.
Hence it cometh that the mathematicians cannot satisfy themselves except
they reduce the motions of the celestial bodies to perfect circles,
rejecting spiral lines, and labouring to be discharged of eccentrics.
Hence it cometh that whereas there are many things in Nature as it were
monodica, sui juris, yet the cogitations of man do feign
unto them relatives, parallels, and conjugates, whereas no such thing
is; as they have feigned an element of fire to keep square with earth,
water, and air, and the like. Nay, it is not credible, till it
be opened, what a number of fictions and fantasies the similitude of
human actions and arts, together with the making of man communis
mensura, have brought into natural philosophy; not much better than
the heresy of the Anthropomorphites, bred in the cells of gross and
solitary monks, and the opinion of Epicurus, answerable to the same
in heathenism, who supposed the gods to be of human shape. And,
therefore, Velleius the Epicurean needed not to have asked why God should
have adorned the heavens with stars, as if He had been an ædilis,
one that should have set forth some magnificent shows or plays.
For if that great Work-master had been of a human disposition, He would
have cast the stars into some pleasant and beautiful works and orders
like the frets in the roofs of houses; whereas one can scarce find a
posture in square, or triangle, or straight line, amongst such an infinite
number, so differing a harmony there is between the spirit of man and
the spirit of Nature.
(10) Let us consider again the false appearances imposed upon us by
every man’s own individual nature and custom in that feigned supposition
that Plato maketh of the cave; for certainly if a child were continued
in a grot or cave under the earth until maturity of age, and came suddenly
abroad, he would have strange and absurd imaginations. So, in
like manner, although our persons live in the view of heaven, yet our
spirits are included in the caves of our own complexions and customs,
which minister unto us infinite errors and vain opinions if they be
not recalled to examination. But hereof we have given many examples
in one of the errors, or peccant humours, which we ran briefly over
in our first book.
(11) And lastly, let us consider the false appearances that are imposed
upon us by words, which are framed and applied according to the conceit
and capacities of the vulgar sort; and although we think we govern our
words, and prescribe it well loquendum ut vulgus sentiendum ut sapientes,
yet certain it is that words, as a Tartar’s bow, do shoot back
upon the understanding of the wisest, and mightily entangle and pervert
the judgment. So as it is almost necessary in all controversies
and disputations to imitate the wisdom of the mathematicians, in setting
down in the very beginning the definitions of our words and terms, that
others may know how we accept and understand them, and whether they
concur with us or no. For it cometh to pass, for want of this,
that we are sure to end there where we ought to have begun, which is,
in questions and differences about words. To conclude, therefore,
it must be confessed that it is not possible to divorce ourselves from
these fallacies and false appearances because they are inseparable from
our nature and condition of life; so yet, nevertheless, the caution
of them (for all elenches, as was said, are but cautions) doth extremely
import the true conduct of human judgment. The particular elenches
or cautions against these three false appearances I find altogether
deficient.
(12) There remaineth one part of judgment of great excellency which
to mine understanding is so slightly touched, as I may report that also
deficient; which is the application of the differing kinds of proofs
to the differing kinds of subjects. For there being but four kinds
of demonstrations, that is, by the immediate consent of the mind or
sense, by induction, by syllogism, and by congruity, which is that which
Aristotle calleth demonstration in orb or circle, and not a notioribus,
every of these hath certain subjects in the matter of sciences, in which
respectively they have chiefest use; and certain others, from which
respectively they ought to be excluded; and the rigour and curiosity
in requiring the more severe proofs in some things, and chiefly the
facility in contenting ourselves with the more remiss proofs in others,
hath been amongst the greatest causes of detriment and hindrance to
knowledge. The distributions and assignations of demonstrations
according to the analogy of sciences I note as deficient.
XV. (1) The custody or retaining of knowledge is either in writing or
memory; whereof writing hath two parts, the nature of the character
and the order of the entry. For the art of characters, or other
visible notes of words or things, it hath nearest conjugation with grammar,
and, therefore, I refer it to the due place; for the disposition and
collocation of that knowledge which we preserve in writing, it consisteth
in a good digest of common-places, wherein I am not ignorant of the
prejudice imputed to the use of common-place books, as causing a retardation
of reading, and some sloth or relaxation of memory. But because
it is but a counterfeit thing in knowledges to be forward and pregnant,
except a man be deep and full, I hold the entry of common-places to
be a matter of great use and essence in studying, as that which assureth
copy of invention, and contracteth judgment to a strength. But
this is true, that of the methods of common-places that I have seen,
there is none of any sufficient worth, all of them carrying merely the
face of a school and not of a world; and referring to vulgar matters
and pedantical divisions, without all life or respect to action.
(2) For the other principal part of the custody of knowledge, which
is memory, I find that faculty in my judgment weakly inquired of.
An art there is extant of it; but it seemeth to me that there are better
precepts than that art, and better practices of that art than those
received. It is certain the art (as it is) may be raised to points
of ostentation prodigious; but in use (as is now managed) it is barren,
not burdensome, nor dangerous to natural memory, as is imagined, but
barren, that is, not dexterous to be applied to the serious use of business
and occasions. And, therefore, I make no more estimation of repeating
a great number of names or words upon once hearing, or the pouring forth
of a number of verses or rhymes extempore, or the making of a
satirical simile of everything, or the turning of everything to a jest,
or the falsifying or contradicting of everything by cavil, or the like
(whereof in the faculties of the mind there is great copy, and such
as by device and practice may be exalted to an extreme degree of wonder),
than I do of the tricks of tumblers, funambuloes, baladines; the one
being the same in the mind that the other is in the body, matters of
strangeness without worthiness.
(3) This art of memory is but built upon two intentions; the one prenotion,
the other emblem. Prenotion dischargeth the indefinite seeking
of that we would remember, and directeth us to seek in a narrow compass,
that is, somewhat that hath congruity with our place of memory.
Emblem reduceth conceits intellectual to images sensible, which strike
the memory more; out of which axioms may be drawn much better practice
than that in use; and besides which axioms, there are divers more touching
help of memory not inferior to them. But I did in the beginning
distinguish, not to report those things deficient, which are but only
ill managed.
XVI. (1) There remaineth the fourth kind of rational knowledge, which
is transitive, concerning the expressing or transferring our knowledge
to others, which I will term by the general name of tradition or delivery.
Tradition hath three parts: the first concerning the organ of tradition;
the second concerning the method of tradition; and the third concerning
the illustration of tradition.
(2) For the organ of tradition, it is either speech or writing; for
Aristotle saith well, “Words are the images of cogitations, and
letters are the images of words.” But yet it is not of necessity
that cogitations be expressed by the medium of words. For whatsoever
is capable of sufficient differences, and those perceptible by the sense,
is in nature competent to express cogitations. And, therefore,
we see in the commerce of barbarous people that understand not one another’s
language, and in the practice of divers that are dumb and deaf, that
men’s minds are expressed in gestures, though not exactly, yet
to serve the turn. And we understand further, that it is the use
of China and the kingdoms of the High Levant to write in characters
real, which express neither letters nor words in gross, but things or
notions; insomuch as countries and provinces which understand not one
another’s language can nevertheless read one another’s writings,
because the characters are accepted more generally than the languages
do extend; and, therefore, they have a vast multitude of characters,
as many, I suppose, as radical words.
(3) These notes of cogitations are of two sorts: the one when the note
hath some similitude or congruity with the notion; the other ad placitum,
having force only by contract or acceptation. Of the former sort
are hieroglyphics and gestures. For as to hieroglyphics (things
of ancient use and embraced chiefly by the Egyptians, one of the most
ancient nations), they are but as continued impresses and emblems.
And as for gestures, they are as transitory hieroglyphics, and are to
hieroglyphics as words spoken are to words written, in that they abide
not; but they have evermore, as well as the other, an affinity with
the things signified. As Periander, being consulted with how to
preserve a tyranny newly usurped, bid the messenger attend and report
what he saw him do; and went into his garden and topped all the highest
flowers, signifying that it consisted in the cutting off and keeping
low of the nobility and grandees. Ad placitum, are the
characters real before mentioned, and words: although some have been
willing by curious inquiry, or rather by apt feigning, to have derived
imposition of names from reason and intendment; a speculation elegant,
and, by reason it searcheth into antiquity, reverent, but sparingly
mixed with truth, and of small fruit. This portion of knowledge
touching the notes of things and cogitations in general, I find not
inquired, but deficient. And although it may seem of no great
use, considering that words and writings by letters do far excel all
the other ways; yet because this part concerneth, as it were, the mint
of knowledge (for words are the tokens current and accepted for conceits,
as moneys are for values, and that it is fit men be not ignorant that
moneys may be of another kind than gold and silver), I thought good
to propound it to better inquiry.
(4) Concerning speech and words, the consideration of them hath produced
the science of grammar. For man still striveth to reintegrate
himself in those benedictions, from which by his fault he hath been
deprived; and as he hath striven against the first general curse by
the invention of all other arts, so hath he sought to come forth of
the second general curse (which was the confusion of tongues) by the
art of grammar; whereof the use in a mother tongue is small, in a foreign
tongue more; but most in such foreign tongues as have ceased to be vulgar
tongues, and are turned only to learned tongues. The duty of it
is of two natures: the one popular, which is for the speedy and perfect
attaining languages, as well for intercourse of speech as for understanding
of authors; the other philosophical, examining the power and nature
of words, as they are the footsteps and prints of reason: which kind
of analogy between words and reason is handled sparsim, brokenly
though not entirely; and, therefore, I cannot report it deficient, though
I think it very worthy to be reduced into a science by itself.
(5) Unto grammar also belongeth, as an appendix, the consideration of
the accidents of words; which are measure, sound, and elevation or accent,
and the sweetness and harshness of them: whence hath issued some curious
observations in rhetoric, but chiefly poesy, as we consider it, in respect
of the verse and not of the argument. Wherein though men in learned
tongues do tie themselves to the ancient measures, yet in modern languages
it seemeth to me as free to make new measures of verses as of dances;
for a dance is a measured pace, as a verse is a measured speech.
In these things this sense is better judge than the art:
“Cœnæ fercula nostræ
Mallem convivis quam placuisse cocis.”
And of the servile expressing antiquity in an unlike and an unfit subject,
it is well said, “Quod tempore antiquum videtur, id incongruitate
est maxime novum.”
(6) For ciphers, they are commonly in letters or alphabets, but may
be in words. The kinds of ciphers (besides the simple ciphers,
with changes, and intermixtures of nulls and non-significants) are many,
according to the nature or rule of the infolding, wheel-ciphers, key-ciphers,
doubles, &c. But the virtues of them, whereby they are to
be preferred, are three; that they be not laborious to write and read;
that they be impossible to decipher; and, in some cases, that they be
without suspicion. The highest degree whereof is to write omnia
per omnia; which is undoubtedly possible, with a proportion quintuple
at most of the writing infolding to the writing infolded, and no other
restraint whatsoever. This art of ciphering hath for relative
an art of deciphering, by supposition unprofitable, but, as things are,
of great use. For suppose that ciphers were well managed, there
be multitudes of them which exclude the decipherer. But in regard
of the rawness and unskilfulness of the hands through which they pass,
the greatest matters are many times carried in the weakest ciphers.
(7) In the enumeration of these private and retired arts it may be thought
I seek to make a great muster-roll of sciences, naming them for show
and ostentation, and to little other purpose. But let those, which
are skilful in them, judge whether I bring them in only for appearance,
or whether in that which I speak of them (though in few words) there
be not some seed of proficience. And this must be remembered,
that as there be many of great account in their countries and provinces,
which, when they come up to the seat of the estate, are but of mean
rank and scarcely regarded; so these arts, being here placed with the
principal and supreme sciences, seem petty things: yet to such as have
chosen them to spend their labours and studies in them, they seem great
matters.
XVII. (1) For the method of tradition, I see it hath moved a controversy
in our time. But as in civil business, if there be a meeting,
and men fall at words, there is commonly an end of the matter for that
time, and no proceeding at all; so in learning, where there is much
controversy, there is many times little inquiry. For this part
of knowledge of method seemeth to me so weakly inquired as I shall report
it deficient.
(2) Method hath been placed, and that not amiss, in logic, as a part
of judgment. For as the doctrine of syllogisms comprehendeth the
rules of judgment upon that which is invented, so the doctrine of method
containeth the rules of judgment upon that which is to be delivered;
for judgment precedeth delivery, as it followeth invention. Neither
is the method or the nature of the tradition material only to the use
of knowledge, but likewise to the progression of knowledge: for since
the labour and life of one man cannot attain to perfection of knowledge,
the wisdom of the tradition is that which inspireth the felicity of
continuance and proceeding. And therefore the most real diversity
of method is of method referred to use, and method referred to progression:
whereof the one may be termed magistral, and the other of probation.
(3) The latter whereof seemeth to be via deserta et interclusa.
For as knowledges are now delivered, there is a kind of contract of
error between the deliverer and the receiver. For he that delivereth
knowledge desireth to deliver it in such form as may be best believed,
and not as may be best examined; and he that receiveth knowledge desireth
rather present satisfaction than expectant inquiry; and so rather not
to doubt, than not to err: glory making the author not to lay open his
weakness, and sloth making the disciple not to know his strength.
(4) But knowledge that is delivered as a thread to be spun on ought
to be delivered and intimated, if it were possible, in the same method
wherein it was invented: and so is it possible of knowledge induced.
But in this same anticipated and prevented knowledge, no man knoweth
how he came to the knowledge which he hath obtained. But yet,
nevertheless, secundum majus et minus, a man may revisit and
descend unto the foundations of his knowledge and consent; and so transplant
it into another, as it grew in his own mind. For it is in knowledges
as it is in plants: if you mean to use the plant, it is no matter for
the roots - but if you mean to remove it to grow, then it is more assured
to rest upon roots than slips: so the delivery of knowledges (as it
is now used) is as of fair bodies of trees without the roots; good for
the carpenter, but not for the planter. But if you will have sciences
grow, it is less matter for the shaft or body of the tree, so you look
well to the taking up of the roots. Of which kind of delivery
the method of the mathematics, in that subject, hath some shadow: but
generally I see it neither put in use nor put in inquisition, and therefore
note it for deficient.
(5) Another diversity of method there is, which hath some affinity with
the former, used in some cases by the discretion of the ancients, but
disgraced since by the impostures of many vain persons, who have made
it as a false light for their counterfeit merchandises; and that is
enigmatical and disclosed. The pretence whereof is, to remove
the vulgar capacities from being admitted to the secrets of knowledges,
and to reserve them to selected auditors, or wits of such sharpness
as can pierce the veil.
(6) Another diversity of method, whereof the consequence is great, is
the delivery of knowledge in aphorisms, or in methods; wherein we may
observe that it hath been too much taken into custom, out of a few axioms
or observations upon any subject, to make a solemn and formal art, filling
it with some discourses, and illustrating it with examples, and digesting
it into a sensible method. But the writing in aphorisms hath many
excellent virtues, whereto the writing in method doth not approach.
(7) For first, it trieth the writer, whether he be superficial or solid:
for aphorisms, except they should be ridiculous, cannot be made but
of the pith and heart of sciences; for discourse of illustration is
cut off; recitals of examples are cut off; discourse of connection and
order is cut off; descriptions of practice are cut off. So there
remaineth nothing to fill the aphorisms but some good quantity of observation;
and therefore no man can suffice, nor in reason will attempt, to write
aphorisms, but he that is sound and grounded. But in methods,
“Tantum series juncturaque pollet,
Tantum de medio sumptis accedit honoris,”
as a man shall make a great show of an art, which, if it were disjointed,
would come to little. Secondly, methods are more fit to win consent
or belief, but less fit to point to action; for they carry a kind of
demonstration in orb or circle, one part illuminating another, and therefore
satisfy. But particulars being dispersed do best agree with dispersed
directions. And lastly, aphorisms, representing a knowledge broken,
do invite men to inquire further; whereas methods, carrying the show
of a total, do secure men, as if they were at furthest.
(8) Another diversity of method, which is likewise of great weight,
is the handling of knowledge by assertions and their proofs, or by questions
and their determinations. The latter kind whereof, if it be immoderately
followed, is as prejudicial to the proceeding of learning as it is to
the proceeding of an army to go about to besiege every little fort or
hold. For if the field be kept, and the sum of the enterprise
pursued, those smaller things will come in of themselves: indeed a man
would not leave some important piece enemy at his back. In like
manner, the use of confutation in the delivery of sciences ought to
be very sparing; and to serve to remove strong preoccupations and prejudgments,
and not to minister and excite disputatious and doubts.
(9) Another diversity of method is, according to the subject or matter
which is handled. For there is a great difference in delivery
of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges, and
policy, which is the most immersed. And howsoever contention hath
been moved, touching a uniformity of method in multiformity of matter,
yet we see how that opinion, besides the weakness of it, hath been of
ill desert towards learning, as that which taketh the way to reduce
learning to certain empty and barren generalities; being but the very
husks and shells of sciences, all the kernel being forced out and expulsed
with the torture and press of the method. And, therefore, as I
did allow well of particular topics for invention, so I do allow likewise
of particular methods of tradition.
(10) Another diversity of judgment in the delivery and teaching of knowledge
is, according unto the light and presuppositions of that which is delivered.
For that knowledge which is new, and foreign from opinions received,
is to be delivered in another form than that that is agreeable and familiar;
and therefore Aristotle, when he thinks to tax Democritus, doth in truth
commend him, where he saith “If we shall indeed dispute, and not
follow after similitudes,” &c. For those whose conceits
are seated in popular opinions need only but to prove or dispute; but
those whose conceits are beyond popular opinions, have a double labour;
the one to make themselves conceived, and the other to prove and demonstrate.
So that it is of necessity with them to have recourse to similitudes
and translations to express themselves. And therefore in the infancy
of learning, and in rude times when those conceits which are now trivial
were then new, the world was full of parables and similitudes; for else
would men either have passed over without mark, or else rejected for
paradoxes that which was offered, before they had understood or judged.
So in divine learning, we see how frequent parables and tropes are,
for it is a rule, that whatsoever science is not consonant to presuppositions
must pray in aid of similitudes.
(11) There be also other diversities of methods vulgar and received:
as that of resolution or analysis, of constitution or systasis, of concealment
or cryptic, &c., which I do allow well of, though I have stood upon
those which are least handled and observed. All which I have remembered
to this purpose, because I would erect and constitute one general inquiry
(which seems to me deficient) touching the wisdom of tradition.
(12) But unto this part of knowledge, concerning method, doth further
belong not only the architecture of the whole frame of a work, but also
the several beams and columns thereof; not as to their stuff, but as
to their quantity and figure. And therefore method considereth
not only the disposition of the argument or subject, but likewise the
propositions: not as to their truth or matter, but as to their limitation
and manner. For herein Ramus merited better a great deal in reviving
the good rules of propositions - Καθολον
πρωτον, κυτα παντος
&c. - than he did in introducing the canker of epitomes; and yet
(as it is the condition of human things that, according to the ancient
fables, “the most precious things have the most pernicious keepers”)
it was so, that the attempt of the one made him fall upon the other.
For he had need be well conducted that should design to make axioms
convertible, if he make them not withal circular, and non-promovent,
or incurring into themselves; but yet the intention was excellent.
(13) The other considerations of method, concerning propositions, are
chiefly touching the utmost propositions, which limit the dimensions
of sciences: for every knowledge may be fitly said, besides the profundity
(which is the truth and substance of it, that makes it solid), to have
a longitude and a latitude; accounting the latitude towards other sciences,
and the longitude towards action; that is, from the greatest generality
to the most particular precept. The one giveth rule how far one
knowledge ought to intermeddle within the province of another, which
is the rule they call Καθαυτο;
the other giveth rule unto what degree of particularity a knowledge
should descend: which latter I find passed over in silence, being in
my judgment the more material. For certainty there must be somewhat
left to practice; but how much is worthy the inquiry? We see remote
and superficial generalities do but offer knowledge to scorn of practical
men; and are no more aiding to practice than an Ortelius’ universal
map is to direct the way between London and York. The better sort
of rules have been not unfitly compared to glasses of steel unpolished,
where you may see the images of things, but first they must be filed:
so the rules will help if they be laboured and polished by practice.
But how crystalline they may be made at the first, and how far forth
they may be polished aforehand, is the question, the inquiry whereof
seemeth to me deficient.
(14) There hath been also laboured and put in practice a method, which
is not a lawful method, but a method of imposture: which is, to deliver
knowledges in such manner as men may speedily come to make a show of
learning, who have it not. Such was the travail of Raymundus Lullius
in making that art which bears his name; not unlike to some books of
typocosmy, which have been made since; being nothing but a mass of words
of all arts, to give men countenance, that those which use the terms
might be thought to understand the art; which collections are much like
a fripper’s or broker’s shop, that hath ends of everything,
but nothing of worth.
XVIII. (1) Now we descend to that part which concerneth the illustration
of tradition, comprehended in that science which we call rhetoric, or
art of eloquence, a science excellent, and excellently well laboured.
For although in true value it is inferior to wisdom (as it is said by
God to Moses, when he disabled himself for want of this faculty, “Aaron
shall be thy speaker, and thou shalt be to him as God”), yet with
people it is the more mighty; for so Solomon saith, Sapiens corde
appellabitur prudens, sed dulcis eloquio majora reperiet, signifying
that profoundness of wisdom will help a man to a name or admiration,
but that it is eloquence that prevaileth in an active life. And
as to the labouring of it, the emulation of Aristotle with the rhetoricians
of his time, and the experience of Cicero, hath made them in their works
of rhetoric exceed themselves. Again, the excellency of examples
of eloquence in the orations of Demosthenes and Cicero, added to the
perfection of the precepts of eloquence, hath doubled the progression
in this art; and therefore the deficiences which I shall note will rather
be in some collections, which may as handmaids attend the art, than
in the rules or use of the art itself.
(2) Notwithstanding, to stir the earth a little about the roots
of this science, as we have done of the rest, the duty and office of
rhetoric is to apply reason to imagination for the better moving of
the will. For we see reason is disturbed in the administration
thereof by three means - by illaqueation or sophism, which pertains
to logic; by imagination or impression, which pertains to rhetoric;
and by passion or affection, which pertains to morality. And as
in negotiation with others, men are wrought by cunning, by importunity,
and by vehemency; so in this negotiation within ourselves, men are undermined
by inconsequences, solicited and importuned by impressions or observations,
and transported by passions. Neither is the nature of man so unfortunately
built, as that those powers and arts should have force to disturb reason,
and not to establish and advance it. For the end of logic is to
teach a form of argument to secure reason, and not to entrap it; the
end of morality is to procure the affections to obey reason, and not
to invade it; the end of rhetoric is to fill the imagination to second
reason, and not to oppress it; for these abuses of arts come in but
ex oblique, for caution.
(3) And therefore it was great injustice in Plato, though springing
out of a just hatred to the rhetoricians of his time, to esteem of rhetoric
but as a voluptuary art, resembling it to cookery, that did mar wholesome
meats, and help unwholesome by variety of sauces to the pleasure of
the taste. For we see that speech is much more conversant in adorning
that which is good than in colouring that which is evil; for there is
no man but speaketh more honestly than he can do or think; and it was
excellently noted by Thucydides, in Cleon, that because he used to hold
on the bad side in causes of estate, therefore he was ever inveighing
against eloquence and good speech, knowing that no man can speak fair
of courses sordid and base. And therefore, as Plato said elegantly,
“That virtue, if she could be seen, would move great love and
affection;” so seeing that she cannot be showed to the sense by
corporal shape, the next degree is to show her to the imagination in
lively representation; for to show her to reason only in subtlety of
argument was a thing ever derided in Chrysippus and many of the Stoics,
who thought to thrust virtue upon men by sharp disputations and conclusions,
which have no sympathy with the will of man.
(4) Again, if the affections in themselves were pliant and obedient
to reason, it were true there should be no great use of persuasions
and insinuations to the will, more than of naked proposition and proofs;
but in regard of the continual mutinies and seditious of the affections
-
“Video meliora, proboque,
Deteriora sequor,”
reason would become captive and servile, if eloquence of persuasions
did not practise and win the imagination from the affections’
part, and contract a confederacy between the reason and imagination
against the affections; for the affections themselves carry ever an
appetite to good, as reason doth. The difference is, that the
affection beholdeth merely the present; reason beholdeth the future
and sum of time. And, therefore, the present filling the imagination
more, reason is commonly vanquished; but after that force of eloquence
and persuasion hath made things future and remote appear as present,
then upon the revolt of the imagination reason prevaileth.
(5) We conclude, therefore, that rhetoric can be no more charged with
the colouring of the worst part, than logic with sophistry, or morality
with vice; for we know the doctrines of contraries are the same, though
the use be opposite. It appeareth also that logic differeth from
rhetoric, not only as the fist from the palm - the one close, the other
at large - but much more in this, that logic handleth reason exact and
in truth, and rhetoric handleth it as it is planted in popular opinions
and manners. And therefore Aristotle doth wisely place rhetoric
as between logic on the one side, and moral or civil knowledge on the
other, as participating of both; for the proofs and demonstrations of
logic are toward all men indifferent and the same, but the proofs and
persuasions of rhetoric ought to differ according to the auditors:
“Orpheus in sylvis, inter delphinas Arion.”
Which application in perfection of idea ought to extend so far that
if a man should speak of the same thing to several persons, he should
speak to them all respectively and several ways; though this politic
part of eloquence in private speech it is easy for the greatest orators
to want: whilst, by the observing their well-graced forms of speech,
they leese the volubility of application; and therefore it shall not
be amiss to recommend this to better inquiry, not being curious whether
we place it here or in that part which concerneth policy.
(6) Now therefore will I descend to the deficiences, which, as I said,
are but attendances; and first, I do not find the wisdom and diligence
of Aristotle well pursued, who began to make a collection of the popular
signs and colours of good and evil, both simple and comparative, which
are as the sophisms of rhetoric (as I touched before). For example
-
“Sophisma.
Quod laudatur, bonum: quod vituperatur, malum.
Redargutio.
Laudat venales qui vult extrudere merces.”
Malum est, malum est (inquit emptor): sed *** recesserit,
tum gloriabitur! The defects in the labour of Aristotle are
three - one, that there be but a few of many; another, that there elenches
are not annexed; and the third, that he conceived but a part of the
use of them: for their use is not only in probation, but much more in
impression. For many forms are equal in signification which are
differing in impression, as the difference is great in the piercing
of that which is sharp and that which is flat, though the strength of
the percussion be the same. For there is no man but will be a
little more raised by hearing it said, “Your enemies will be glad
of this” -
“Hoc Ithacus velit, et magno mercentur Atridæ.”
than by hearing it said only, “This is evil for you.”
(7) Secondly, I do resume also that which I mentioned before, touching
provision or preparatory store for the furniture of speech and readiness
of invention, which appeareth to be of two sorts: the one in resemblance
to a shop of pieces unmade up, the other to a shop of things ready made
up; both to be applied to that which is frequent and most in request.
The former of these I will call antitheta, and the latter formulæ.
(8) Antitheta are theses argued pro et contra, wherein
men may be more large and laborious; but (in such as are able to do
it) to avoid prolixity of entry, I wish the seeds of the several arguments
to be cast up into some brief and acute sentences, not to be cited,
but to be as skeins or bottoms of thread, to be unwinded at large when
they come to be used; supplying authorities and examples by reference.
“Pro verbis legis.
Non est interpretatio, sed divinatio, quæ recedit a litera:
*** receditur a litera, judex transit in legislatorem.
Pro sententia legis.
Ex omnibus verbis est eliciendus sensus qui interpretatur singula.”
(9) Formulæ are but decent and apt passages or conveyances
of speech, which may serve indifferently for differing subjects; as
of preface, conclusion, digression, transition, excusation, &c.
For as in buildings there is great pleasure and use in the well casting
of the staircases, entries, doors, windows, and the like; so in speech,
the conveyances and passages are of special ornament and effect.
“A conclusion in a deliberative.
So may we redeem the faults passed, and prevent the inconveniences
future.”
XIX. (1) There remain two appendices touching the tradition of knowledge,
the one critical, the other pedantical. For all knowledge is either
delivered by teachers, or attained by men’s proper endeavours:
and therefore as the principal part of tradition of knowledge concerneth
chiefly writing of books, so the relative part thereof concerneth reading
of books; whereunto appertain incidently these considerations.
The first is concerning the true correction and edition of authors;
wherein nevertheless rash diligence hath done great prejudice.
For these critics have often presumed that that which they understand
not is false set down: as the priest that, where he found it written
of St. Paul Demissus est per sportam, mended his book, and made
it Demissus est per portam; because sporta was a hard
word, and out of his reading: and surely their errors, though they be
not so palpable and ridiculous, yet are of the same kind. And
therefore, as it hath been wisely noted, the most corrected copies are
commonly the least correct.
The second is concerning the exposition and explication of authors,
which resteth in annotations and commentaries: wherein it is over usual
to blanch the obscure places and discourse upon the plain.
The third is concerning the times, which in many cases give great light
to true interpretations.
The fourth is concerning some brief censure and judgment of the authors;
that men thereby may make some election unto themselves what books to
read.
And the fifth is concerning the syntax and disposition of studies; that
men may know in what order or pursuit to read.
(2) For pedantical knowledge, it containeth that difference of tradition
which is proper for youth; whereunto appertain divers considerations
of great fruit.
As first, the timing and seasoning of knowledges; as with what to initiate
them, and from what for a time to refrain them.
Secondly, the consideration where to begin with the easiest, and so
proceed to the more difficult; and in what courses to press the more
difficult, and then to turn them to the more easy; for it is one method
to practise swimming with bladders, and another to practise dancing
with heavy shoes.
A third is the application of learning according unto the propriety
of the wits; for there is no defect in the faculties intellectual, but
seemeth to have a proper cure contained in some studies: as, for example,
if a child be bird-witted, that is, hath not the faculty of attention,
the mathematics giveth a remedy thereunto; for in them, if the wit be
caught away but a moment, one is new to begin. And as sciences
have a propriety towards faculties for cure and help, so faculties or
powers have a sympathy towards sciences for excellency or speedy profiting:
and therefore it is an inquiry of great wisdom, what kinds of wits and
natures are most apt and proper for what sciences.
Fourthly, the ordering of exercises is matter of great consequence to
hurt or help: for, as is well observed by Cicero, men in exercising
their faculties, if they be not well advised, do exercise their faults
and get ill habits as well as good; so as there is a great judgment
to be had in the continuance and intermission of exercises. It
were too long to particularise a number of other considerations of this
nature, things but of mean appearance, but of singular efficacy.
For as the wronging or cherishing of seeds or young plants is that that
is most important to their thriving, and as it was noted that the first
six kings being in truth as tutors of the state of Rome in the infancy
thereof was the principal cause of the immense greatness of that state
which followed, so the culture and manurance of minds in youth hath
such a forcible (though unseen) operation, as hardly any length of time
or contention of labour can countervail it afterwards. And it
is not amiss to observe also how small and mean faculties gotten by
education, yet when they fall into great men or great matters, do work
great and important effects: whereof we see a notable example in Tacitus
of two stage players, Percennius and Vibulenus, who by their faculty
of playing put the Pannonian armies into an extreme tumult and combustion.
For there arising a mutiny amongst them upon the death of Augustus Cæsar,
Blæsus the lieutenant had committed some of the mutineers, which
were suddenly rescued; whereupon Vibulenus got to be heard speak, which
he did in this manner:- “These poor innocent wretches appointed
to cruel death, you have restored to behold the light; but who shall
restore my brother to me, or life unto my brother, that was sent hither
in message from the legions of Germany, to treat of the common cause?
and he hath murdered him this last night by some of his fencers and
ruffians, that he hath about him for his executioners upon soldiers.
Answer, Blæsus, what is done with his body? The mortalest
enemies do not deny burial. When I have performed my last duties
to the corpse with kisses, with tears, command me to be slain besides
him; so that these my fellows, for our good meaning and our true hearts
to the legions, may have leave to bury us.” With which speech
he put the army into an infinite fury and uproar: whereas truth was
he had no brother, neither was there any such matter; but he played
it merely as if he had been upon the stage.
(3) But to return: we are now come to a period of rational knowledges;
wherein if I have made the divisions other than those that are received,
yet would I not be thought to disallow all those divisions which I do
not use. For there is a double necessity imposed upon me of altering
the divisions. The one, because it differeth in end and purpose,
to sort together those things which are next in nature, and those things
which are next in use. For if a secretary of estate should sort
his papers, it is like in his study or general cabinet he would sort
together things of a nature, as treaties, instructions, &c.
But in his boxes or particular cabinet he would sort together those
that he were like to use together, though of several natures.
So in this general cabinet of knowledge it was necessary for me to follow
the divisions of the nature of things; whereas if myself had been to
handle any particular knowledge, I would have respected the divisions
fittest for use. The other, because the bringing in of the deficiences
did by consequence alter the partitions of the rest. For let the
knowledge extant (for demonstration sake) be fifteen. Let the
knowledge with the deficiences be twenty; the parts of fifteen are not
the parts of twenty; for the parts of fifteen are three and five; the
parts of twenty are two, four, five, and ten. So as these things
are without contradiction, and could not otherwise be.
XX. (1) We proceed now to that knowledge which considereth of the appetite
and will of man: whereof Solomon saith, Ante omnia, fili, custodi
cor tuum: nam inde procedunt actiones vitæ. In the handling
of this science, those which have written seem to me to have done as
if a man, that professed to teach to write, did only exhibit fair copies
of alphabets and letters joined, without giving any precepts or directions
for the carriage of the hand and framing of the letters. So have
they made good and fair exemplars and copies, carrying the draughts
and portraitures of good, virtue, duty, felicity; propounding them well
described as the true objects and scopes of man’s will and desires.
But how to attain these excellent marks, and how to frame and subdue
the will of man to become true and conformable to these pursuits, they
pass it over altogether, or slightly and unprofitably. For it
is not the disputing that moral virtues are in the mind of man by habit
and not by nature, or the distinguishing that generous spirits are won
by doctrines and persuasions, and the vulgar sort by reward and punishment,
and the like scattered glances and touches, that can excuse the absence
of this part.
(2) The reason of this omission I suppose to be that hidden rock whereupon
both this and many other barks of knowledge have been cast away; which
is, that men have despised to be conversant in ordinary and common matters,
the judicious direction whereof nevertheless is the wisest doctrine
(for life consisteth not in novelties nor subtleties), but contrariwise
they have compounded sciences chiefly of a certain resplendent or lustrous
mass of matter, chosen to give glory either to the subtlety of disputatious,
or to the eloquence of discourses. But Seneca giveth an excellent
check to eloquence, Nocet illis eloquentia, quibus non rerum cupiditatem
facit, sed sui. Doctrine should be such as should make men
in love with the lesson, and not with the teacher; being directed to
the auditor’s benefit, and not to the author’s commendation.
And therefore those are of the right kind which may be concluded as
Demosthenes concludes his counsel, Quæ si feceritis, non oratorem
dumtaxat in præsentia laudabitis, sed vosmetipsos etiam non ita
multo post statu rerum vestraram meliore.
(3) Neither needed men of so excellent parts to have despaired of
a fortune, which the poet Virgil promised himself, and indeed obtained,
who got as much glory of eloquence, wit, and learning in the expressing
of the observations of husbandry, as of the heroical acts of Æneas:
“Nec sum animi dubius, verbis ea vincere magnum
Quam sit, et angustis his addere rebus honorem.”
And surely, if the purpose be in good earnest, not to write at leisure
that which men may read at leisure, but really to instruct and suborn
action and active life, these Georgics of the mind, concerning the husbandry
and tillage thereof, are no less worthy than the heroical descriptions
of virtue, duty, and felicity. Wherefore the main and primitive
division of moral knowledge seemeth to be into the exemplar or platform
of good, and the regiment or culture of the mind: the one describing
the nature of good, the other prescribing rules how to subdue, apply,
and accommodate the will of man thereunto.
(4) The doctrine touching the platform or nature of good considereth
it either simple or compared; either the kinds of good, or the degrees
of good; in the latter whereof those infinite disputatious which were
touching the supreme degree thereof, which they term felicity, beatitude,
or the highest good, the doctrines concerning which were as the heathen
divinity, are by the Christian faith discharged. And as Aristotle
saith, “That young men may be happy, but not otherwise but by
hope;” so we must all acknowledge our minority, and embrace the
felicity which is by hope of the future world.
(5) Freed therefore and delivered from this doctrine of the philosopher’s
heaven, whereby they feigned a higher elevation of man’s nature
than was (for we see in what height of style Seneca writeth, Vere
magnum, habere fragilitatem hominis, securitatem Dei),
we may with more sobriety and truth receive the rest of their inquiries
and labours. Wherein for the nature of good positive or simple,
they have set it down excellently in describing the forms of virtue
and duty, with their situations and postures; in distributing them into
their kinds, parts, provinces, actions, and administrations, and the
like: nay further, they have commended them to man’s nature and
spirit with great quickness of argument and beauty of persuasions; yea,
and fortified and entrenched them (as much as discourse can do) against
corrupt and popular opinions. Again, for the degrees and comparative
nature of good, they have also excellently handled it in their triplicity
of good, in the comparisons between a contemplative and an active life,
in the distinction between virtue with reluctation and virtue secured,
in their encounters between honesty and profit, in their balancing of
virtue with virtue, and the like; so as this part deserveth to be reported
for excellently laboured.
(6) Notwithstanding, if before they had come to the popular and received
notions of virtue and vice, pleasure and pain, and the rest, they had
stayed a little longer upon the inquiry concerning the roots of good
and evil, and the strings of those roots, they had given, in my opinion,
a great light to that which followed; and specially if they had consulted
with nature, they had made their doctrines less prolix and more profound:
which being by them in part omitted and in part handled with much confusion,
we will endeavour to resume and open in a more clear manner.
(7) There is formed in everything a double nature of good - the one,
as everything is a total or substantive in itself; the other, as it
is a part or member of a greater body; whereof the latter is in degree
the greater and the worthier, because it tendeth to the conservation
of a more general form. Therefore we see the iron in particular
sympathy moveth to the loadstone; but yet if it exceed a certain quantity,
it forsaketh the affection to the loadstone, and like a good patriot
moveth to the earth, which is the region and country of massy bodies;
so may we go forward, and see that water and massy bodies move to the
centre of the earth; but rather than to suffer a divulsion in the continuance
of nature, they will move upwards from the centre of the earth, forsaking
their duty to the earth in regard of their duty to the world.
This double nature of good, and the comparative thereof, is much more
engraven upon man, if he degenerate not, unto whom the conservation
of duty to the public ought to be much more precious than the conservation
of life and being; according to that memorable speech of Pompeius Magnus,
when being in commission of purveyance for a famine at Rome, and being
dissuaded with great vehemency and instance by his friends about him,
that he should not hazard himself to sea in an extremity of weather,
he said only to them, Necesse est ut eam, non ut vivam.
But it may be truly affirmed that there was never any philosophy, religion,
or other discipline, which did so plainly and highly exalt the good
which is communicative, and depress the good which is private and particular,
as the Holy Faith; well declaring that it was the same God that gave
the Christian law to men, who gave those laws of nature to inanimate
creatures that we spake of before; for we read that the elected saints
of God have wished themselves anathematised and razed out of the book
of life, in an ecstasy of charity and infinite feeling of communion.
(8) This being set down and strongly planted, doth judge and determine
most of the controversies wherein moral philosophy is conversant.
For first, it decideth the question touching the preferment of the contemplative
or active life, and decideth it against Aristotle. For all the
reasons which he bringeth for the contemplative are private, and respecting
the pleasure and dignity of a man’s self (in which respects no
question the contemplative life hath the pre-eminence), not much unlike
to that comparison which Pythagoras made for the gracing and magnifying
of philosophy and contemplation, who being asked what he was, answered,
“That if Hiero were ever at the Olympian games, he knew the manner,
that some came to try their fortune for the prizes, and some came as
merchants to utter their commodities, and some came to make good cheer
and meet their friends, and some came to look on; and that he was one
of them that came to look on.” But men must know, that in
this theatre of man’s life it is reserved only for God and angels
to be lookers on. Neither could the like question ever have been
received in the Church, notwithstanding their Pretiosa in oculis
Domini mors sanctorum ejus, by which place they would exalt their
civil death and regular professions, but upon this defence, that the
monastical life is not simple contemplative, but performeth the duty
either of incessant prayers and supplications, which hath been truly
esteemed as an office in the Church, or else of writing or taking instructions
for writing concerning the law of God, as Moses did when he abode so
long in the mount. And so we see Enoch, the seventh from Adam,
who was the first contemplative and walked with God, yet did also endow
the Church with prophecy, which Saint Jude citeth. But for contemplation
which should be finished in itself, without casting beams upon society,
assuredly divinity knoweth it not.
(9) It decideth also the controversies between Zeno and Socrates, and
their schools and successions, on the one side, who placed felicity
in virtue simply or attended, the actions and exercises whereof do chiefly
embrace and concern society; and on the other side, the Cyrenaics and
Epicureans, who placed it in pleasure, and made virtue (as it is used
in some comedies of errors, wherein the mistress and the maid change
habits) to be but as a servant, without which pleasure cannot be served
and attended; and the reformed school of the Epicureans, which placed
it in serenity of mind and freedom from perturbation; as if they would
have deposed Jupiter again, and restored Saturn and the first age, when
there was no summer nor winter, spring nor autumn, but all after one
air and season; and Herillus, which placed felicity in extinguishment
of the disputes of the mind, making no fixed nature of good and evil,
esteeming things according to the clearness of the desires, or the reluctation;
which opinion was revived in the heresy of the Anabaptists, measuring
things according to the motions of the spirit, and the constancy or
wavering of belief; all which are manifest to tend to private repose
and contentment, and not to point of society.
(10) It censureth also the philosophy of Epictetus, which presupposeth
that felicity must be placed in those things which are in our power,
lest we be liable to fortune and disturbance; as if it were not a thing
much more happy to fail in good and virtuous ends for the public, than
to obtain all that we can wish to ourselves in our proper fortune: as
Consalvo said to his soldiers, showing them Naples, and protesting he
had rather die one foot forwards, than to have his life secured for
long by one foot of retreat. Whereunto the wisdom of that heavenly
leader hath signed, who hath affirmed that “a good conscience
is a continual feast;” showing plainly that the conscience of
good intentions, howsoever succeeding, is a more continual joy to nature
than all the provision which can be made for security and repose.
(11) It censureth likewise that abuse of philosophy which grew general
about the time of Epictetus, in converting it into an occupation or
profession; as if the purpose had been, not to resist and extinguish
perturbations, but to fly and avoid the causes of them, and to shape
a particular kind and course of life to that end; introducing such a
health of mind, as was that health of body of which Aristotle speaketh
of Herodicus, who did nothing all his life long but intend his health;
whereas if men refer themselves to duties of society, as that health
of body is best which is ablest to endure all alterations and extremities,
so likewise that health of mind is most proper which can go through
the greatest temptations and perturbations. So as Diogenes’
opinion is to be accepted, who commended not them which abstained, but
them which sustained, and could refrain their mind in præcipitio,
and could give unto the mind (as is used in horsemanship) the shortest
stop or turn.
(12) Lastly, it censureth the tenderness and want of application in
some of the most ancient and reverend philosophers and philosophical
men, that did retire too easily from civil business, for avoiding of
indignities and perturbations; whereas the resolution of men truly moral
ought to be such as the same Consalvo said the honour of a soldier should
be, e telâ crassiore, and not so fine as that everything
should catch in it and endanger it.
XXI. (1) To resume private or particular good, it falleth into the division
of good active and passive; for this difference of good (not unlike
to that which amongst the Romans was expressed in the familiar or household
terms of promus and condus) is formed also in all things,
and is best disclosed in the two several appetites in creatures; the
one to preserve or continue themselves, and the other to dilate or multiply
themselves, whereof the latter seemeth to be the worthier; for in nature
the heavens, which are the more worthy, are the agent, and the earth,
which is the less worthy, is the patient. In the pleasures of
living creatures, that of generation is greater than that of food.
In divine doctrine, beatius est dare quam accipere. And
in life, there is no man’s spirit so soft, but esteemeth the effecting
of somewhat that he hath fixed in his desire, more than sensuality,
which priority of the active good is much upheld by the consideration
of our estate to be mortal and exposed to fortune. For if we might
have a perpetuity and certainty in our pleasures, the state of them
would advance their price. But when we see it is but magni
æstimamus mori tardius, and ne glorieris de crastino, nescis
partum diei, it maketh us to desire to have somewhat secured and
exempted from time, which are only our deeds and works; as it is said,
Opera eorum sequuntur eos. The pre-eminence likewise of
this active good is upheld by the affection which is natural in man
towards variety and proceeding, which in the pleasures of the sense,
which is the principal part of passive good, can have no great latitude.
Cogita quamdiu eadem feceris; cibus, somnus, ludus per hunc circulum
curritur; mori velle non tantum fortis, aut miser, aut prudens, sed
etiam fastidiosus potest. But in enterprises, pursuits, and
purposes of life, there is much variety; whereof men are sensible with
pleasure in their inceptions, progressions, recoils, reintegrations,
approaches and attainings to their ends. So as it was well said,
Vita sine proposito languida et vaga est. Neither hath
this active good an identity with the good of society, though in some
cases it hath an incidence into it. For although it do many times
bring forth acts of beneficence, yet it is with a respect private to
a man’s own power, glory, amplification, continuance; as appeareth
plainly, when it findeth a contrary subject. For that gigantine
state of mind which possesseth the troublers of the world, such as was
Lucius Sylla and infinite other in smaller model, who would have all
men happy or unhappy as they were their friends or enemies, and would
give form to the world, according to their own humours (which is the
true theomachy), pretendeth and aspireth to active good, though it recedeth
furthest from good of society, which we have determined to be the greater.
(2) To resume passive good, it receiveth a subdivision of conservative
and effective. For let us take a brief review of that which we
have said: we have spoken first of the good of society, the intention
whereof embraceth the form of human nature, whereof we are members and
portions, and not our own proper and individual form; we have spoken
of active good, and supposed it as a part of private and particular
good. And rightly, for there is impressed upon all things a triple
desire or appetite proceeding from love to themselves: one of preserving
and continuing their form; another of advancing and perfecting their
form; and a third of multiplying and extending their form upon other
things: whereof the multiplying, or signature of it upon other things,
is that which we handled by the name of active good. So as there
remaineth the conserving of it, and perfecting or raising of it, which
latter is the highest degree of passive good. For to preserve
in state is the less, to preserve with advancement is the greater.
So in man,
“Igneus est ollis vigor, et cælestis origo.”
His approach or assumption to divine or angelical nature is the perfection
of his form; the error or false imitation of which good is that which
is the tempest of human life; while man, upon the instinct of an advancement,
formal and essential, is carried to seek an advancement local.
For as those which are sick, and find no remedy, do tumble up and down
and change place, as if by a remove local they could obtain a remove
internal, so is it with men in ambition, when failing of the mean to
exalt their nature, they are in a perpetual estuation to exalt their
place. So then passive good is, as was said, either conservative
or perfective.
(3) To resume the good of conservation or comfort, which consisteth
in the fruition of that which is agreeable to our natures; it seemeth
to be most pure and natural of pleasures, but yet the softest and lowest.
And this also receiveth a difference, which hath neither been well judged
of, nor well inquired; for the good of fruition or contentment is placed
either in the sincereness of the fruition, or in the quickness and vigour
of it; the one superinduced by equality, the other by vicissitude; the
one having less mixture of evil, the other more impression of good.
Whether of these is the greater good is a question controverted; but
whether man’s nature may not be capable of both is a question
not inquired.
(4) The former question being debated between Socrates and a sophist,
Socrates placing felicity in an equal and constant peace of mind, and
the sophist in much desiring and much enjoying, they fell from argument
to ill words: the sophist saying that Socrates’ felicity was the
felicity of a block or stone; and Socrates saying that the sophist’s
felicity was the felicity of one that had the itch, who did nothing
but itch and scratch. And both these opinions do not want their
supports. For the opinion of Socrates is much upheld by the general
consent even of the epicures themselves, that virtue beareth a great
part in felicity; and if so, certain it is, that virtue hath more use
in clearing perturbations then in compassing desires. The sophist’s
opinion is much favoured by the assertion we last spake of, that good
of advancement is greater than good of simple preservation; because
every obtaining a desire hath a show of advancement, as motion though
in a circle hath a show of progression.
(5) But the second question, decided the true way, maketh the former
superfluous. For can it be doubted, but that there are some who
take more pleasure in enjoying pleasures than some other, and yet, nevertheless,
are less troubled with the loss or leaving of them? So as this
same, Non uti ut non appetas, non appetere ut non metuas, sunt animi
pusilli et diffidentis. And it seemeth to me that most of
the doctrines of the philosophers are more fearful and cautious than
the nature of things requireth. So have they increased the fear
of death in offering to cure it. For when they would have a man’s
whole life to be but a discipline or preparation to die, they must needs
make men think that it is a terrible enemy, against whom there is no
end of preparing. Better saith the poet:-
“Qui finem vitæ extremum inter munera ponat
Naturæ.”
So have they sought to make men’s minds too uniform and harmonical,
by not breaking them sufficiently to contrary motions; the reasons whereof
I suppose to be, because they themselves were men dedicated to a private,
free, and unapplied course of life. For as we see, upon the lute
or like instrument, a ground, though it be sweet and have show of many
changes, yet breaketh not the hand to such strange and hard stops and
passages, as a set song or voluntary; much after the same manner was
the diversity between a philosophical and civil life. And, therefore,
men are to imitate the wisdom of jewellers: who, if there be a grain,
or a cloud, or an ice which may be ground forth without taking too much
of the stone, they help it; but if it should lessen and abate the stone
too much, they will not meddle with it: so ought men so to procure serenity
as they destroy not magnanimity.
(6) Having therefore deduced the good of man which is private and particular,
as far as seemeth fit, we will now return to that good of man which
respecteth and beholdeth society, which we may term duty; because the
term of duty is more proper to a mind well framed and disposed towards
others, as the term of virtue is applied to a mind well formed and composed
in itself; though neither can a man understand virtue without some relation
to society, nor duty without an inward disposition. This part
may seem at first to pertain to science civil and politic; but not if
it be well observed. For it concerneth the regiment and government
of every man over himself, and not over others. And as in architecture
the direction of framing the posts, beams, and other parts of building,
is not the same with the manner of joining them and erecting the building;
and in mechanicals, the direction how to frame an instrument or engine
is not the same with the manner of setting it on work and employing
it; and yet, nevertheless, in expressing of the one you incidently express
the aptness towards the other; so the doctrine of conjugation of men
in society differeth from that of their conformity thereunto.
(7) This part of duty is subdivided into two parts: the common duty
of every man, as a man or member of a state; the other, the respective
or special duty of every man in his profession, vocation, and place.
The first of these is extant and well laboured, as hath been said.
The second likewise I may report rather dispersed than deficient; which
manner of dispersed writing in this kind of argument I acknowledge to
be best. For who can take upon him to write of the proper duty,
virtue, challenge, and right of every several vocation, profession,
and place? For although sometimes a looker on may see more than
a gamester, and there be a proverb more arrogant than sound, “That
the vale best discovereth the hill;” yet there is small doubt
but that men can write best and most really and materially in their
own professions; and that the writing of speculative men of active matter
for the most part doth seem to men of experience, as Phormio’s
argument of the wars seemed to Hannibal, to be but dreams and dotage.
Only there is one vice which accompanieth them that write in their own
professions, that they magnify them in excess. But generally it
were to be wished (as that which would make learning indeed solid and
fruitful) that active men would or could become writers.
(8) In which kind I cannot but mention, honoris causa, your Majesty’s
excellent book touching the duty of a king; a work richly compounded
of divinity, morality, and policy, with great aspersion of all other
arts; and being in some opinion one of the most sound and healthful
writings that I have read: not distempered in the heat of invention,
nor in the coldness of negligence; not sick of dizziness, as those are
who leese themselves in their order, nor of convulsions, as those which
cramp in matters impertinent; not savouring of perfumes and paintings,
as those do who seek to please the reader more than nature beareth;
and chiefly well disposed in the spirits thereof, being agreeable to
truth and apt for action; and far removed from that natural infirmity,
whereunto I noted those that write in their own professions to be subject
- which is, that they exalt it above measure. For your Majesty
hath truly described, not a king of Assyria or Persia in their extern
glory, but a Moses or a David, pastors of their people. Neither
can I ever leese out of my remembrance what I heard your Majesty in
the same sacred spirit of government deliver in a great cause of judicature,
which was, “That kings ruled by their laws, as God did by the
laws of nature; and ought as rarely to put in use their supreme prerogative
as God doth His power of working miracles.” And yet notwithstanding
in your book of a free monarchy, you do well give men to understand,
that you know the plenitude of the power and right of a king, as well
as the circle of his office and duty. Thus have I presumed to
allege this excellent writing of your Majesty, as a prime or eminent
example of tractates concerning special and respective duties; wherein
I should have said as much, if it had been written a thousand years
since. Neither am I moved with certain courtly decencies, which
esteem it flattery to praise in presence. No, it is flattery to
praise in absence - that is, when either the virtue is absent, or the
occasion is absent; and so the praise is not natural, but forced, either
in truth or in time. But let Cicero be read in his oration pro
Marcello, which is nothing but an excellent table of Cæsar’s
virtue, and made to his face; besides the example of many other excellent
persons, wiser a great deal than such observers; and we will never doubt,
upon a full occasion, to give just praises to present or absent.
(9) But to return; there belongeth further to the handling of this part,
touching the duties of professions and vocations, a relative or opposite,
touching the frauds, cautels, impostures, and vices of every profession,
which hath been likewise handled; but how? rather in a satire and cynically,
than seriously and wisely; for men have rather sought by wit to deride
and traduce much of that which is good in professions, than with judgment
to discover and sever that which is corrupt. For, as Solomon saith,
he that cometh to seek after knowledge with a mind to scorn and censure
shall be sure to find matter for his humour, but no matter for his instruction:
Quærenti derisori scientiam ipsa se abscondit; sed studioso
fit obviam. But the managing of this argument with integrity
and truth, which I note as deficient, seemeth to me to be one of the
best fortifications for honesty and virtue that can be planted.
For, as the fable goeth of the basilisk - that if he see you first,
you die for it; but if you see him first, he dieth - so is it with deceits
and evil arts, which, if they be first espied they leese their life;
but if they prevent, they endanger. So that we are much beholden
to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought
to do. For it is not possible to join serpentine wisdom with the
columbine innocency, except men know exactly all the conditions of the
serpent; his baseness and going upon his belly, his volubility and lubricity,
his envy and sting, and the rest - that is, all forms and natures of
evil. For without this, virtue lieth open and unfenced.
Nay, an honest man can do no good upon those that are wicked, to reclaim
them, without the help of the knowledge of evil. For men of corrupted
minds presuppose that honesty groweth out of simplicity of manners,
and believing of preachers, schoolmasters, and men’s exterior
language. So as, except you can make them perceive that you know
the utmost reaches of their own corrupt opinions, they despise all morality.
Non recipit stultus verba prudentiæ, nisi ea dixeris quæ,
versantur in corde ejus.
(10) Unto this part, touching respective duty, doth also appertain
the duties between husband and wife, parent and child, master and servant.
So likewise the laws of friendship and gratitude, the civil bond of
companies, colleges, and politic bodies, of neighbourhood, and all other
proportionate duties; not as they are parts of government and society,
but as to the framing of the mind of particular persons.
(11) The knowledge concerning good respecting society doth handle it
also, not simply alone, but comparatively; whereunto belongeth the weighing
of duties between person and person, case and case, particular and public.
As we see in the proceeding of Lucius Brutus against his own sons, which
was so much extolled, yet what was said?
“Infelix, utcunque ferent ea fata minores.”
So the case was doubtful, and had opinion on both sides. Again,
we see when M. Brutus and Cassius invited to a supper certain whose
opinions they meant to feel, whether they were fit to be made their
associates, and cast forth the question touching the killing of a tyrant
being a usurper, they were divided in opinion; some holding that servitude
was the extreme of evils, and others that tyranny was better than a
civil war: and a number of the like cases there are of comparative duty.
Amongst which that of all others is the most frequent, where the question
is of a great deal of good to ensue of a small injustice. Which
Jason of Thessalia determined against the truth: Aliqua sunt injuste
facienda, ut multa juste fieri possint. But the reply is good:
Auctorem præsentis justitiæ habes, sponsorem futuræ
non habes. Men must pursue things which are just in present,
and leave the future to the Divine Providence. So then we pass
on from this general part touching the exemplar and description of good.
XXII. (1) Now, therefore, that we have spoken of this fruit of life,
it remaineth to speak of the husbandry that belongeth thereunto, without
which part the former seemeth to be no better than a fair image or statue,
which is beautiful to contemplate, but is without life and motion; whereunto
Aristotle himself subscribeth in these words: Necesse est scilicet
de virtute dicere, et quid sit, et ex quibus gignatur. Inutile
enum fere fuerit virtutem quidem nosse, acquirendæ autem ejus
modos et vias ignorare. Non enum de virtute tantum, qua specie
sit, quærendum est, sed et quomodo sui copiam faciat: utrumque
enum volumeus, et rem ipsam nosse, et ejus compotes fieri: hoc autem
ex voto non succedet, nisi sciamus et ex quibus et quomodo.
In such full words and with such iteration doth he inculcate this part.
So saith Cicero in great commendation of Cato the second, that he had
applied himself to philosophy, Non ita disputandi causa, sed ita
vivendi. And although the neglect of our times, wherein few
men do hold any consultations touching the reformation of their life
(as Seneca excellently saith, De partibus vitæ quisque deliberat,
de summa nemo), may make this part seem superfluous; yet I must
conclude with that aphorism of Hippocrates, Qui gravi morbo correpti
dolores non sentiunt, iis mens ægrotat. They need medicine,
not only to assuage the disease, but to awake the sense. And if
it be said that the cure of men’s minds belongeth to sacred divinity,
it is most true; but yet moral philosophy may be preferred unto her
as a wise servant and humble handmaid. For as the Psalm saith,
“That the eyes of the handmaid look perpetually towards the mistress,”
and yet no doubt many things are left to the discretion of the handmaid
to discern of the mistress’ will; so ought moral philosophy to
give a constant attention to the doctrines of divinity, and yet so as
it may yield of herself (within due limits) many sound and profitable
directions.
(2) This part, therefore, because of the excellency thereof, I cannot
but find exceeding strange that it is not reduced to written inquiry;
the rather, because it consisteth of much matter, wherein both speech
and action is often conversant; and such wherein the common talk of
men (which is rare, but yet cometh sometimes to pass) is wiser than
their books. It is reasonable, therefore, that we propound it
in the more particularity, both for the worthiness, and because we may
acquit ourselves for reporting it deficient, which seemeth almost incredible,
and is otherwise conceived and presupposed by those themselves that
have written. We will, therefore, enumerate some heads or points
thereof, that it may appear the better what it is, and whether it be
extant.
(3) First, therefore, in this, as in all things which are practical
we ought to cast up our account, what is in our power, and what not;
for the one may be dealt with by way of alteration, but the other by
way of application only. The husbandman cannot command neither
the nature of the earth nor the seasons of the weather; no more can
the physician the constitution of the patient nor the variety of accidents.
So in the culture and cure of the mind of man, two things are without
our command: points of Nature, and points of fortune. For to the
basis of the one, and the conditions of the other, our work is limited
and tied. In these things, therefore, it is left unto us to proceed
by application
“Vincenda est omnis fertuna ferendo:”
and so likewise,
“Vincenda est omnis Natura ferendo.”
But when that we speak of suffering, we do not speak of a dull and neglected
suffering, but of a wise and industrious suffering, which draweth and
contriveth use and advantage out of that which seemeth adverse and contrary;
which is that properly which we call accommodating or applying.
Now the wisdom of application resteth principally in the exact and distinct
knowledge of the precedent state or disposition, unto which we do apply;
for we cannot fit a garment except we first take measure of the body.
(4) So, then, the first article of this knowledge is to set down sound
and true distributions and descriptions of the several characters and
tempers of men’s natures and dispositions, specially having regard
to those differences which are most radical in being the fountains and
causes of the rest, or most frequent in concurrence or commixture; wherein
it is not the handling of a few of them in passage, the better to describe
the mediocrities of virtues, that can satisfy this intention.
For if it deserve to be considered, that there are minds which are proportioned
to great matters, and others to small (which Aristotle handleth, or
ought to have bandied, by the name of magnanimity), doth it not deserve
as well to be considered that there are minds proportioned to intend
many matters, and others to few? So that some can divide themselves:
others can perchance do exactly well, but it must be but in few things
at once; and so there cometh to be a narrowness of mind, as well as
a pusillanimity. And again, that some minds are proportioned to
that which may be dispatched at once, or within a short return of time;
others to that which begins afar off, and is to be won with length of
pursuit:-
“Jam tum tenditqus fovetque.”
So that there may be fitly said to be a longanimity, which is commonly
also ascribed to God as a magnanimity. So further deserved it
to be considered by Aristotle, “That there is a disposition in
conversation (supposing it in things which do in no sort touch or concern
a man’s self) to soothe and please, and a disposition contrary
to contradict and cross;” and deserveth it not much better to
be considered. “That there is a disposition, not in conversation
or talk, but in matter of more serious nature (and supposing it still
in things merely indifferent), to take pleasure in the good of another;
and a disposition contrariwise, to take distaste at the good of another?”
which is that properly which we call good nature or ill nature, benignity
or malignity; and, therefore, I cannot sufficiently marvel that this
part of knowledge, touching the several characters of natures and dispositions,
should be omitted both in morality and policy, considering it is of
so great ministry and suppeditation to them both. A man shall
find in the traditions of astrology some pretty and apt divisions of
men’s natures, according to the predominances of the planets:
lovers of quiet, lovers of action, lovers of victory, lovers of honour,
lovers of pleasure, lovers of arts, lovers of change, and so forth.
A man shall find in the wisest sort of these relations which the Italians
make touching conclaves, the natures of the several cardinals handsomely
and lively painted forth. A man shall meet with in every day’s
conference the denominations of sensitive, dry, formal, real, humorous,
certain, huomo di prima impressione, huomo di ultima impressione,
and the like; and yet, nevertheless, this kind of observations wandereth
in words, but is not fixed in inquiry. For the distinctions are
found (many of them), but we conclude no precepts upon them: wherein
our fault is the greater, because both history, poesy, and daily experience
are as goodly fields where these observations grow; whereof we make
a few posies to hold in our hands, but no man bringeth them to the confectionary
that receipts might be made of them for use of life.
(5) Of much like kind are those impressions of Nature, which are imposed
upon the mind by the sex, by the age, by the region, by health and sickness,
by beauty and deformity, and the like, which are inherent and not extern;
and again, those which are caused by extern fortune, as sovereignty,
nobility, obscure birth, riches, want, magistracy, privateness, prosperity,
adversity, constant fortune, variable fortune, rising per saltum,
per gradus, and the like. And, therefore, we see that Plautus
maketh it a wonder to see an old man beneficent, benignitas hujis
ut adolescentuli est. Saint Paul concludeth that severity
of discipline was to be used to the Cretans, increpa eos dure,
upon the disposition of their country, Cretensus semper mendaces,
malæ bestiæ, ventres. Sallust noteth that it is
usual with kings to desire contradictories: Sed plerumque regiæ
voluntates, ut vehementes sunt, sic mobiles, sæpeque ipsæ
sibi advers. Tacitus observeth how rarely raising of the fortune
mendeth the disposition: solus Vespasianus mutatus in melius.
Pindarus maketh an observation, that great and sudden fortune for the
most part defeateth men qui magnam felicitatem concoquere non possunt.
So the Psalm showeth it is more easy to keep a measure in the enjoying
of fortune, than in the increase of fortune; Divitiæ si affluant,
nolite cor apponere. These observations and the like I deny
not but are touched a little by Aristotle as in passage in his Rhetorics,
and are handled in some scattered discourses; but they were never incorporate
into moral philosophy, to which they do essentially appertain; as the
knowledge of this diversity of grounds and moulds doth to agriculture,
and the knowledge of the diversity of complexions and constitutions
doth to the physician, except we mean to follow the indiscretion of
empirics, which minister the same medicines to all patients.
(6) Another article of this knowledge is the inquiry touching the affections;
for as in medicining of the body, it is in order first to know the divers
complexions and constitutions; secondly, the diseases; and lastly, the
cures: so in medicining of the mind, after knowledge of the divers characters
of men’s natures, it followeth in order to know the diseases and
infirmities of the mind, which are no other than the perturbations and
distempars of the affections. For as the ancient politiques in
popular estates were wont to compare the people to the sea, and the
orators to the winds; because as the sea would of itself be calm and
quiet, if the winds did not move and trouble it; so the people would
be peaceable and tractable if the seditious orators did not set them
in working and agitation: so it may be fitly said, that the mind in
the nature thereof would be temperate and stayed, if the affections,
as winds, did not put it into tumult and perturbation. And here
again I find strange, as before, that Aristotle should have written
divers volumes of Ethics, and never handled the affections which is
the principal subject thereof; and yet in his Rhetorics, where they
are considered but collaterally and in a second degree (as they may
be moved by speech), he findeth place for them, and handleth them well
for the quantity; but where their true place is he pretermitteth them.
For it is not his disputations about pleasure and pain that can satisfy
this inquiry, no more than he that should generally handle the nature
of light can be said to handle the nature of colours; for pleasure and
pain are to the particular affections as light is to particular colours.
Better travails, I suppose, had the Stoics taken in this argument, as
far as I can gather by that which we have at second hand. But
yet it is like it was after their manner, rather in subtlety of definitions
(which in a subject of this nature are but curiosities), than in active
and ample descriptions and observations. So likewise I find some
particular writings of an elegant nature, touching some of the affections:
as of anger, of comfort upon adverse accidents, of tenderness of countenance,
and other. But the poets and writers of histories are the best
doctors of this knowledge; where we may find painted forth, with great
life, how affections are kindled and incited; and how pacified and refrained;
and how again contained from act and further degree; how they disclose
themselves; how they work; how they vary; how they gather and fortify:
how they are enwrapped one within another; and how they do fight and
encounter one with another; and other the like particularities.
Amongst the which this last is of special use in moral and civil matters;
how, I say, to set affection against affection, and to master one by
another; even as we used to hunt beast with beast, and fly bird with
bird, which otherwise percase we could not so easily recover: upon which
foundation is erected that excellent use of præmium and
pæna, whereby civil states consist: employing the predominant
affections of fear and hope, for the suppressing and bridling the rest.
For as in the government of states it is sometimes necessary to bridle
one faction with another, so it is in the government within.
(7) Now come we to those points which are within our own command, and
have force and operation upon the mind, to affect the will and appetite,
and to alter manners: wherein they ought to have handled custom, exercise,
habit, education, example, imitation, emulation, company, friends, praise,
reproof, exhortation, fame, laws, books, studies: these as they have
determinate use in moralities, from these the mind suffereth, and of
these are such receipts and regiments compounded and described, as may
serve to recover or preserve the health and good estate of the mind,
as far as pertaineth to human medicine: of which number we will insist
upon some one or two, as an example of the rest, because it were too
long to prosecute all; and therefore we do resume custom and habit to
speak of.
(8) The opinion of Aristotle seemeth to me a negligent opinion, that
of those things which consist by Nature, nothing can be changed by custom;
using for example, that if a stone be thrown ten thousand times up it
will not learn to ascend; and that by often seeing or hearing we do
not learn to see or hear the better. For though this principle
be true in things wherein Nature is peremptory (the reason whereof we
cannot now stand to discuss), yet it is otherwise in things wherein
Nature admitteth a latitude. For he might see that a strait glove
will come more easily on with use; and that a wand will by use bend
otherwise than it grew; and that by use of the voice we speak louder
and stronger; and that by use of enduring heat or cold we endure it
the better, and the like: which latter sort have a nearer resemblance
unto that subject of manners he handleth, than those instances which
he allegeth. But allowing his conclusion, that virtues and vices
consist in habit, he ought so much the more to have taught the manner
of superinducing that habit: for there be many precepts of the wise
ordering the exercises of the mind, as there is of ordering the exercises
of the body, whereof we will recite a few.
(9) The first shall be, that we beware we take not at the first either
too high a strain or too weak: for if too high, in a diffident nature
you discourage, in a confident nature you breed an opinion of facility,
and so a sloth; and in all natures you breed a further expectation than
can hold out, and so an insatisfaction in the end: if too weak, of the
other side, you may not look to perform and overcome any great task.
(10) Another precept is to practise all things chiefly at two several
times, the one when the mind is best disposed, the other when it is
worst disposed; that by the one you may gain a great step, by the other
you may work out the knots and stonds of the mind, and make the middle
times the more easy and pleasant.
(11) Another precept is that which Aristotle mentioneth by the way,
which is to bear ever towards the contrary extreme of that whereunto
we are by nature inclined; like unto the rowing against the stream,
or making a wand straight by bending him contrary to his natural crookedness.
(12) Another precept is that the mind is brought to anything better,
and with more sweetness and happiness, if that whereunto you pretend
be not first in the intention, but tanquam aliud agendo, because
of the natural hatred of the mind against necessity and constraint.
Many other axioms there are touching the managing of exercise and custom,
which being so conducted doth prove indeed another nature; but, being
governed by chance, doth commonly prove but an ape of Nature, and bringeth
forth that which is lame and counterfeit.
(13) So if we should handle books and studies, and what influence and
operation they have upon manners, are there not divers precepts of great
caution and direction appertaining thereunto? Did not one of the
fathers in great indignation call poesy vinum dæmonum,
because it increaseth temptations, perturbations, and vain opinions?
Is not the opinion of Aristotle worthy to be regarded, wherein he saith,
“That young men are no fit auditors of moral philosophy, because
they are not settled from the boiling heat of their affections, nor
attempered with time and experience”? And doth it not hereof
come, that those excellent books and discourses of the ancient writers
(whereby they have persuaded unto virtue most effectually, by representing
her in state and majesty, and popular opinions against virtue in their
parasites’ coats fit to be scorned and derided), are of so little
effect towards honesty of life, because they are not read and revolved
by men in their mature and settled years, but confined almost to boys
and beginners? But is it not true also, that much less young men
are fit auditors of matters of policy, till they have been thoroughly
seasoned in religion and morality; lest their judgments be corrupted,
and made apt to think that there are no true differences of things,
but according to utility and fortune, as the verse describes it, Prosperum
et felix scelus virtus vocatur; and again, Ille crucem pretium
sceleris tulit, hic diadema: which the poets do speak satirically
and in indignation on virtue’s behalf; but books of policy do
speak it seriously and positively; for so it pleaseth Machiavel to say,
“That if Cæsar had been overthrown, he would have been more
odious than ever was Catiline;” as if there had been no difference,
but in fortune, between a very fury of *** and blood, and the most
excellent spirit (his ambition reserved) of the world? Again,
is there not a caution likewise to be given of the doctrines of moralities
themselves (some kinds of them), lest they make men too precise, arrogant,
incompatible; as Cicero saith of Cato, In Marco Catone hæc
bona quæ videmus divina et egregia, ipsius scitote esse propria;
quæ nonunquam requirimus ea sunt omnia non a natura, sed a magistro?
Many other axioms and advices there are touching those proprieties and
effects, which studies do infuse and instil into manners. And
so, likewise, is there touching the use of all those other points, of
company, fame, laws, and the rest, which we recited in the beginning
in the doctrine of morality.
(14) But there is a kind of culture of the mind that seemeth yet more
accurate and elaborate than the rest, and is built upon this ground;
that the minds of all men are at some times in a state more perfect,
and at other times in a state more depraved. The purpose, therefore,
of this practice is to fix and cherish the good hours of the mind, and
to obliterate and take forth the evil. The fixing of the good
hath been practised by two means, vows or constant resolutions, and
observances or exercises; which are not to be regarded so much in themselves,
as because they keep the mind in continual obedience. The obliteration
of the evil hath been practised by two means, some kind of redemption
or expiation of that which is past, and an inception or account de
novo for the time to come. But this part seemeth sacred and
religious, and justly; for all good moral philosophy (as was said) is
but a handmaid to religion.
(15) Wherefore we will conclude with that last point, which is of all
other means the most compendious and summary, and again, the most noble
and effectual to the reducing of the mind unto virtue and good estate;
which is, the electing and propounding unto a man’s self good
and virtuous ends of his life, such as may be in a reasonable sort within
his compass to attain. For if these two things be supposed, that
a man set before him honest and good ends, and again, that he be resolute,
constant, and true unto them; it will follow that he shall mould himself
into all virtue at once. And this indeed is like the work of nature;
whereas the other course is like the work of the hand. For as
when a carver makes an image, he shapes only that part whereupon he
worketh; as if he be upon the face, that part which shall be the body
is but a rude stone still, till such times as he comes to it.
But contrariwise when nature makes a flower or living creature, she
formeth rudiments of all the parts at one time. So in obtaining
virtue by habit, while a man practiseth temperance, he doth not profit
much to fortitude, nor the like but when he dedicateth and applieth
himself to good ends, look, what virtue soever the pursuit and passage
towards those ends doth commend unto him, he is invested of a precedent
disposition to conform himself thereunto. Which state of mind
Aristotle doth excellently express himself, that it ought not to be
called virtuous, but divine. His words are these: Immanitati
autem consentaneum est opponere eam, quæ supra humanitatem est,
heroicam sive divinam virtutem; and a little after, Nam ut feræ
neque vitium neque virtus est, swic neque Dei: sed hic quidem status
altius quiddam virtute est, ille aluid quiddam a vitio. And
therefore we may see what celsitude of honour Plinius Secundus attributeth
to Trajan in his funeral oration, where he said, “That men needed
to make no other prayers to the gods, but that they would continue as
good lords to them as Trajan had been;” as if he had not been
only an imitation of divine nature, but a pattern of it. But these
be heathen and profane passages, having but a shadow of that divine
state of mind, which religion and the holy faith doth conduct men unto,
by imprinting upon their souls charity, which is excellently called
the bond of perfection, because it comprehendeth and fasteneth all virtues
together. And as it is elegantly said by Menander of vain love,
which is but a false imitation of divine love, Amor melior Sophista
lœvo ad humanam vitam - that love teacheth a man to carry
himself better than the sophist or preceptor; which he calleth left-handed,
because, with all his rules and preceptions, he cannot form a man so
dexterously, nor with that facility to prize himself and govern himself,
as love can do: so certainly, if a man’s mind be truly inflamed
with charity, it doth work him suddenly into greater perfection than
all the doctrine of morality can do, which is but a sophist in comparison
of the other. Nay, further, as Xenophon observed truly, that all
other affections, though they raise the mind, yet they do it by distorting
and uncomeliness of ecstasies or excesses; but only love doth exalt
the mind, and nevertheless at the same instant doth settle and compose
it: so in all other excellences, though they advance nature, yet they
are subject to excess. Only charity admitteth no excess.
For so we see, aspiring to be like God in power, the angels transgressed
and fell; Ascendam, et ero similis altissimo: by aspiring to
be like God in knowledge, man transgressed and fell; Eritis sicut
Dii, scientes bonum et malum: but by aspiring to a similitude of
God in goodness or love, neither man nor angel ever transgressed, or
shall transgress. For unto that imitation we are called: Diligite
inimicos vestros, benefacite eis qui oderunt vos, et orate pro persequentibus
et calumniantibus vos, ut sitis filii Patris vestri qui in cœlis
est, qui solem suum oriri facit super bonos et malos, et pluit super
justos et injustos. So in the first platform of the divine
nature itself, the heathen religion speaketh thus, Optimus Maximus:
and the sacred Scriptures thus, Miscericordia ejus super omnia
opera ejus.
(16) Wherefore I do conclude this part of moral knowledge, concerning
the culture and regiment of the mind; wherein if any man, considering
the arts thereof which I have enumerated, do judge that my labour is
but to collect into an art or science that which hath been pretermitted
by others, as matter of common sense and experience, he judgeth well.
But as Philocrates sported with Demosthenes, “You may not marvel
(Athenians) that Demosthenes and I do differ; for he drinketh water,
and I drink wine;” and like as we read of an ancient parable of
the two gates of sleep -
“Sunt geminæ somni portæ: quarum altera fertur
Cornea, qua veris facilis datur exitus umbris:
Altera candenti perfecta nitens elephanto,
Sed falsa ad cœlum mittunt insomnia manes:”
so if we put on sobriety and attention, we shall find it a sure maxim
in knowledge, that the more pleasant liquor (“of wine”)
is the more vaporous, and the braver gate (“of ivory”) sendeth
forth the falser dreams.
(17) But we have now concluded that general part of human philosophy,
which contemplateth man segregate, and as he consisteth of body and
spirit. Wherein we may further note, that there seemeth to be
a relation or conformity between the good of the mind and the good of
the body. For as we divided the good of the body into health,
beauty, strength, and pleasure, so the good of the mind, inquired in
rational and moral knowledges, tendeth to this, to make the mind sound,
and without perturbation; beautiful, and graced with decency; and strong
and agile for all duties of life. These three, as in the body,
so in the mind, seldom meet, and commonly sever. For it is easy
to observe, that many have strength of wit and courage, but have neither
health from perturbations, nor any beauty or decency in their doings;
some again have an elegancy and fineness of carriage which have neither
soundness of honesty nor substance of sufficiency; and some again have
honest and reformed minds, that can neither become themselves nor manage
business; and sometimes two of them meet, and rarely all three.
As for pleasure, we have likewise determined that the mind ought not
to be reduced to stupid, but to retain pleasure; confined rather in
the subject of it, than in the strength and vigour of it.
XXIII. (1) Civil knowledge is conversant about a subject which of all
others is most immersed in matter, and hardliest reduced to axiom.
Nevertheless, as Cato the Censor said, “That the Romans were like
sheep, for that a man were better drive a flock of them, than one of
them; for in a flock, if you could get but some few go right, the rest
would follow:” so in that respect moral philosophy is more difficile
than policy. Again, moral philosophy propoundeth to itself the
framing of internal goodness; but civil knowledge requireth only an
external goodness; for that as to society sufficeth. And therefore
it cometh oft to pass that there be evil times in good governments:
for so we find in the Holy story, when the kings were good, yet it is
added, Sed adhuc poulus non direxerat cor suum ad Dominum Deum patrum
suorum. Again, states, as great engines, move slowly, and
are not so soon put out of frame: for as in Egypt the seven good years
sustained the seven bad, so governments for a time well grounded do
bear out errors following; but the resolution of particular persons
is more suddenly subverted. These respects do somewhat qualify
the extreme difficulty of civil knowledge.
(2) This knowledge hath three parts, according to the three summary
actions of society; which are conversation, negotiation, and government.
For man seeketh in society comfort, use, and protection; and they be
three wisdoms of divers natures which do often sever - wisdom of the
behaviour, wisdom of business, and wisdom of state.
(3) The wisdom of conversation ought not to be over much affected, but
much less despised; for it hath not only an honour in itself, but an
influence also into business and government. The poet saith, Nec
vultu destrue verba tuo: a man may destroy the force of his words
with his countenance; so may he of his deeds, saith Cicero, recommending
to his brother affability and easy access; Nil interest habere ostium
apertum, vultum clausum: it is nothing won to admit men with an
open door, and to receive them with a shut and reserved countenance.
So we see Atticus, before the first interview between Cæsar and
Cicero, the war depending, did seriously advise Cicero touching the
composing and ordering of his countenance and gesture. And if
the government of the countenance be of such effect, much more is that
of the speech, and other carriage appertaining to conversation; the
true model whereof seemeth to me well expressed by Livy, though not
meant for this purpose: Ne aut arrogans videar, aut obnoxius; quorum
alterum est àlienæ libertatis obliti, alterum suæ:
the sum of behaviour is to retain a man’s own dignity, without
intruding upon the liberty of others. On the other side, if behaviour
and outward carriage be intended too much, first it may pass into affectation,
and then Quid deformius quam scenam in vitam transferre - to
act a man’s life? But although it proceed not to that extreme,
yet it consumeth time, and employeth the mind too much. And therefore
as we use to advise young students from company keeping, by saying,
Amici fures temporis: so certainly the intending of the discretion
of behaviour is a great thief of meditation. Again, such as are
accomplished in that form of urbanity please themselves in it, and seldom
aspire to higher virtue; whereas those that have defect in it do seek
comeliness by reputation; for where reputation is, almost everything
becometh; but where that is not, it must be supplied by puntos and
compliments. Again, there is no greater impediment of action than
an over-curious observance of decency, and the guide of decency, which
is time and season. For as Solomon saith, Qui respicit ad ventos,
non seminat; et qui respicit ad nubes, non metet: a man must make
his opportunity, as oft as find it. To conclude, behaviour seemeth
to me as a garment of the mind, and to have the conditions of a garment.
For it ought to be made in fashion; it ought not to be too curious;
it ought to be shaped so as to set forth any good making of the mind
and hide any deformity; and above all, it ought not to be too strait
or restrained for exercise or motion. But this part of civil knowledge
hath been elegantly handled, and therefore I cannot report it for deficient.
(4) The wisdom touching negotiation or business hath not been hitherto
collected into writing, to the great derogation of learning and the
professors of learning. For from this root springeth chiefly that
note or opinion, which by us is expressed in adage to this effect, that
there is no great concurrence between learning and wisdom. For
of the three wisdoms which we have set down to pertain to civil life,
for wisdom of behaviour, it is by learned men for the most part despised,
as an inferior to virtue and an enemy to meditation; for wisdom of government,
they acquit themselves well when they are called to it, but that happeneth
to few; but for the wisdom of business, wherein man’s life is
most conversant, there be no books of it, except some few scattered
advertisements, that have no proportion to the magnitude of this subject.
For if books were written of this as the other, I doubt not but learned
men with mean experience would far excel men of long experience without
learning, and outshoot them in their own bow.
(5) Neither needeth it at all to be doubted, that this knowledge should
be so variable as it falleth not under precept; for it is much less
infinite than science of government, which we see is laboured and in
some part reduced. Of this wisdom it seemeth some of the ancient
Romans in the saddest and wisest times were professors; for Cicero reporteth,
that it was then in use for senators that had name and opinion for general
wise men, as Coruncanius, Curius, Lælius, and many others, to
walk at certain hours in the Place, and to give audience to those that
would use their advice; and that the particular citizens would resort
unto them, and consult with them of the marriage of a daughter, or of
the employing of a son, or of a purchase or bargain, or of an accusation,
and every other occasion incident to man’s life. So as there
is a wisdom of counsel and advice even in private causes, arising out
of a universal insight into the affairs of the world; which is used
indeed upon particular causes propounded, but is gathered by general
observation of causes of like nature. For so we see in the book
which Q. Cicero writeth to his brother, De petitione consulatus (being
the only book of business that I know written by the ancients), although
it concerned a particular action then on foot, yet the substance thereof
consisteth of many wise and politic axioms, which contain not a temporary,
but a perpetual direction in the case of popular elections. But
chiefly we may see in those aphorisms which have place amongst divine
writings, composed by Solomon the king, of whom the Scriptures testify
that his heart was as the sands of the sea, encompassing the world and
all worldly matters, we see, I say, not a few profound and excellent
cautions, precepts, positions, extending to much variety of occasions;
whereupon we will stay a while, offering to consideration some number
of examples.
(6) Sed et cunctis sermonibus qui dicuntur ne accommodes aurem tuam,
ne forte audias servum tuum maledicentem tibi. Here is commended
the provident stay of inquiry of that which we would be loth to find:
as it was judged great wisdom in Pompeius Magnus that he burned Sertorius’
papers unperused.
Vir sapiens, si *** stulto contenderit, sive irascatur, sive rideat,
non inveniet requiem. Here is described the great disadvantage
which a wise man hath in undertaking a lighter person than himself;
which is such an engagement as, whether a man turn the matter to jest,
or turn it to heat, or howsoever he change copy, he can no ways quit
himself well of it.
Qui delicate a pueritia nutrit servum suum, postea sentiet eum contumacem.
Here is signified, that if a man begin too high a pitch in his favours,
it doth commonly end in unkindness and unthankfulness.
Vidisti virum velocem in opere suo? coram regibus stabit, nec erit
inter ignobiles. Here is observed, that of all virtues for
rising to honour, quickness of despatch is the best; for superiors many
times love not to have those they employ too deep or too sufficient,
but ready and diligent.
Vidi cunctos viventes qui ambulant sub sole, *** adolescente secundo
qui consurgit pro eo. Here is expressed that which was noted
by Sylla first, and after him by Tiberius. Plures adorant solem
orientem quam occidentem vel meridianum.
Si spiritus potestatem habentis ascenderit super te, locum tuum ne demiseris;
quia curatio faciet cessare peccata maxima. Here caution is
given, that upon displeasure, retiring is of all courses the unfittest;
for a man leaveth things at worst, and depriveth himself of means to
make them better.
Erat civitas parva, et pauci in ea viri: venit contra eam rex magnus,
et vallavit eam, instruxitque munitones per gyrum, et perfecta est obsidio;
inventusque est in ea vir pauper et sapiens, et liberavit eam per sapientiam
suam; et nullus deinceps recordatus est huminis illius pauperis.
Here the corruption of states is set forth, that esteem not virtue
or merit longer than they have use of it.
Millis responsio frangit iram. Here is noted that silence
or rough answer exasperateth; but an answer present and temperate pacifieth.
Iter pigrorum quasi sepes spinarum. Here is lively represented
how laborious sloth proveth in the end; for when things are deferred
till the last instant, and nothing prepared beforehand, every step findeth
a briar or impediment, which catcheth or stoppeth.
Melior est finis orationis quam principium. Here is taxed
the vanity of formal speakers, that study more about prefaces and inducements,
than upon the conclusions and issues of speech.
Qui cognoscit in judicio faciem, non bene facit; iste et pro buccella
panis deseret veritatem. Here is noted, that a judge were
better be a briber than a respecter of persons; for a corrupt judge
offendeth not so lightly as a facile.
Vir pauper calumnians pauperes simils est imbri vehementi, in quo
paratur fames. Here is expressed the extremity of necessitous
extortions, figured in the ancient fable of the full and the hungry
horseleech.
Fons turbatus pede, et vena corrupta, est justus cadens coram impio.
Here is noted, that one judicial and exemplar iniquity in the face of
the world doth trouble the fountains of justice more than many particular
injuries passed over by connivance.
Qui subtrahit aliquid a patre et a matre, et dicit hoc non esse peccatum,
particeps est homicidii. Here is noted that, whereas men in
wronging their best friends use to extenuate their fault, as if they
might presume or be bold upon them, it doth contrariwise indeed aggravate
their fault, and turneth it from injury to impiety.
Noli esse amicus homini iracundo, nec ambulato *** homine furioso.
Here caution is given, that in the election of our friends we do principally
avoid those which are impatient, as those that will espouse us to many
factions and quarrels.
Qui conturbat domum suam, possidebit ventum. Here is noted,
that in domestical separations and breaches men do promise to themselves
quieting of their mind and contentment; but still they are deceived
of their expectation, and it turneth to wind.
Filius sapiens lætificat patrem: filius vero stultus mæstitia
est matri suæ. Here is distinguished, that fathers have
most comfort of the good proof of their sons; but mothers have most
discomfort of their ill proof, because women have little discerning
of virtue, but of fortune.
Qui celat delictum, quærit amicitiam; sed qui altero sermone
repetit, separat fæderatos. Here caution is given, that
reconcilement is better managed by an amnesty, and passing over that
which is past, than by apologies and excuses.
In omni opere bono erit abundantia; ubi autem verba sunt plurima,
ibi frequenter egestas. Here is noted, that words and discourse
aboundeth most where there is idleness and want.
Primus in sua causa justus: sed venit altera pars, et inquiret in
eum. Here is observed, that in all causes the first tale possesseth
much; in sort, that the prejudice thereby wrought will be hardly removed,
except some abuse or falsity in the information be detected.
Verba bilinguis quasi simplicia, et ipsa perveniunt ad interiora
ventris. Here is distinguished, that flattery and insinuation,
which seemeth set and artificial, sinketh not far; but that entereth
deep which hath show of nature, liberty, and simplicity.
Qui erudit derisorem, ipse sibi injuriam facit; et qui arguit impium,
sibi maculam generat. Here caution is given how we tender
reprehension to arrogant and scornful natures, whose manner is to esteem
it for contumely, and accordingly to return it.
Da sapienti occasionem, et addetur ei sapientia. Here is
distinguished the wisdom brought into habit, and that which is but verbal
and swimming only in conceit; for the one upon the occasion presented
is quickened and redoubled, the other is amazed and confused.
Quomodo in aquis resplendent vultus prospicientium, sic corda hominum
manifesta sunt prudentibus. Here the mind of a wise man is
compared to a glass, wherein the images of all diversity of natures
and customs are represented; from which representation proceedeth that
application,
“Qui sapit, innumeris moribus aptus erit.”
(7) Thus have I stayed somewhat longer upon these sentences politic
of Solomon than is agreeable to the proportion of an example; led with
a desire to give authority to this part of knowledge, which I noted
as deficient, by so excellent a precedent; and have also attended them
with brief observations, such as to my understanding offer no violence
to the sense, though I know they may be applied to a more divine use:
but it is allowed, even in divinity, that some interpretations, yea,
and some writings, have more of the eagle than others; but taking them
as instructions for life, they might have received large discourse,
if I would have broken them and illustrated them by deducements and
examples.
(8) Neither was this in use only with the Hebrews, but it is generally
to be found in the wisdom of the more ancient times; that as men found
out any observation that they thought was good for life, they would
gather it and express it in parable or aphorism or fable. But
for fables, they were vicegerents and supplies where examples failed:
now that the times abound with history, the aim is better when the mark
is alive. And therefore the form of writing which of all others
is fittest for this variable argument of negotiation and occasions is
that which Machiavel chose wisely and aptly for government; namely,
discourse upon histories or examples. For knowledge drawn freshly
and in our view out of particulars, knoweth the way best to particulars
again. And it hath much greater life for practice when the discourse
attendeth upon the example, than when the example attendeth upon the
discourse. For this is no point of order, as it seemeth at first,
but of substance. For when the example is the ground, being set
down in a history at large, it is set down with all circumstances, which
may sometimes control the discourse thereupon made, and sometimes supply
it, as a very pattern for action; whereas the examples alleged for the
discourse’s sake are cited succinctly, and without particularity,
and carry a servile aspect towards the discourse which they are brought
in to make good.
(9) But this difference is not amiss to be remembered, that as history
of times is the best ground for discourse of government, such as Machiavel
handleth, so histories of lives is the most popular for discourse of
business, because it is more conversant in private actions. Nay,
there is a ground of discourse for this purpose fitter than them both,
which is discourse upon letters, such as are wise and weighty, as many
are of Cicero ad Atticum, and others. For letters have
a great and more particular representation of business than either chronicles
or lives. Thus have we spoken both of the matter and form of this
part of civil knowledge, touching negotiation, which we note to be deficient.
(10) But yet there is another part of this part, which differeth as
much from that whereof we have spoken as sapere and sibi sapere,
the one moving as it were to the circumference, the other to the centre.
For there is a wisdom of counsel, and again there is a wisdom of pressing
a man’s own fortune; and they do sometimes meet, and often sever.
For many are wise in their own ways that are weak for government or
counsel; like ants, which is a wise creature for itself, but very hurtful
for the garden. This wisdom the Romans did take much knowledge
of: Nam pol sapiens (saith the comical poet) fingit fortunam
sibi; and it grew to an adage, Faber quisque fortunæ propriæ;
and Livy attributed it to Cato the first, In hoc viro tanta vis animi
et ingenii inerat, ut quocunque loco natus esset sibi ipse fortunam
facturus videretur.
(11) This conceit or position, if it be too much declared and professed,
hath been thought a thing impolitic and unlucky, as was observed in
Timotheus the Athenian, who, having done many great services to the
state in his government, and giving an account thereof to the people
as the manner was, did conclude every particular with this clause, “And
in this fortune had no part.” And it came so to pass, that
he never prospered in anything he took in hand afterwards. For
this is too high and too arrogant, savouring of that which Ezekiel saith
of Pharaoh, Dicis, Fluvius est neus et ego feci memet ipsum;
or of that which another prophet speaketh, that men offer sacrifices
to their nets and snares; and that which the poet expresseth,
“Dextra mihi Deus, et telum quod missile libro,
Nunc adsint!”
For these confidences were ever unhallowed, and unblessed; and, therefore,
those that were great politiques indeed ever ascribed their successes
to their felicity and not to their skill or virtue. For so Sylla
surnamed himself Felix, not Magnus. So Cæsar said to the
master of the ship, Cæsarem portas et fortunam ejus.
(12) But yet, nevertheless, these positions, Faber quisque fortunæ
suæ: Sapiens dominabitur astris: Invia virtuti null est via,
and the like, being taken and used as spurs to industry, and not as
stirrups to insolency, rather for resolution than for the presumption
or outward declaration, have been ever thought sound and good; and are
no question imprinted in the greatest minds, who are so sensible of
this opinion as they can scarce contain it within. As we see in
Augustus Cæsar (who was rather diverse from his uncle than inferior
in virtue), how when he died he desired his friends about him to give
him a plaudite, as if he were conscious to himself that he had
played his part well upon the stage. This part of knowledge we
do report also as deficient; not but that it is practised too much,
but it hath not been reduced to writing. And, therefore, lest
it should seem to any that it is not comprehensible by axiom, it is
requisite, as we did in the former, that we set down some heads or passages
of it.
(13) Wherein it may appear at the first a new and unwonted argument
to teach men how to raise and make their fortune; a doctrine wherein
every man perchance will be ready to yield himself a disciple, till
he see the difficulty: for fortune layeth as heavy impositions as virtue;
and it is as hard and severe a thing to be a true politique, as to be
truly moral. But the handling hereof concerneth learning greatly,
both in honour and in substance. In honour, because pragmatical
men may not go away with an opinion that learning is like a lark, that
can mount and sing, and please herself, and nothing else; but may know
that she holdeth as well of the hawk, that can soar aloft, and can also
descend and strike upon the prey. In substance, because it is
the perfect law of inquiry of truth, that nothing be in the globe of
matter, which should not be likewise in the globe of crystal or form;
that is, that there be not anything in being and action which should
not be drawn and collected into contemplation and doctrine. Neither
doth learning admire or esteem of this architecture of fortune otherwise
than as of an inferior work, for no man’s fortune can be an end
worthy of his being, and many times the worthiest men do abandon their
fortune willingly for better respects: but nevertheless fortune as an
organ of virtue and merit deserveth the consideration.
(14) First, therefore, the precept which I conceive to be most summary
towards the prevailing in fortune, is to obtain that window which Momus
did require; who seeing in the frame of man’s heart such angles
and recesses, found fault there was not a window to look into them;
that is, to procure good informations of particulars touching persons,
their natures, their desires and ends, their customs and fashions, their
helps and advantages, and whereby they chiefly stand, so again their
weaknesses and disadvantages, and where they lie most open and obnoxious,
their friends, factions, dependences; and again their opposites, enviers,
competitors, their moods and times, Sola viri molles aditus et tempora
noras; their principles, rules, and observations, and the like:
and this not only of persons but of actions; what are on foot from time
to time, and how they are conducted, favoured, opposed, and how they
import, and the like. For the knowledge of present actions is
not only material in itself, but without it also the knowledge of persons
is very erroneous: for men change with the actions; and whilst they
are in pursuit they are one, and when they return to their nature they
are another. These informations of particulars, touching persons
and actions, are as the minor propositions in every active syllogism;
for no excellency of observations (which are as the major propositions)
can suffice to ground a conclusion, if there be error and mistaking
in the minors.
(15) That this knowledge is possible, Solomon is our surety, who saith,
Consilium in corde viri tanquam aqua profunda; sed vir prudens exhauriet
illud. And although the knowledge itself falleth not under
precept because it is of individuals, yet the instructions for the obtaining
of it may.
(16) We will begin, therefore, with this precept, according to the ancient
opinion, that the sinews of wisdom are slowness of belief and distrust;
that more trust be given to countenances and deeds than to words; and
in words rather to sudden passages and surprised words than to set and
purposed words. Neither let that be feared which is said, Fronti
nulla fides, which is meant of a general outward behaviour, and
not of the private and subtle motions and labours of the countenance
and gesture; which, as Q. Cicero elegantly saith, is Animi janua,
“the gate of the mind.” None more close than Tiberius,
and yet Tacitus saith of Gallus, Etenim vultu offensionem conjectaverat.
So again, noting the differing character and manner of his commending
Germanicus and Drusus in the Senate, he saith, touching his fashion
wherein he carried his speech of Germanicus, thus: Magis in speciem
adornatis verbis, quam ut penitus sentire crederetur; but of Drusus
thus: Paucioribus sed intentior, et fida oratione; and
in another place, speaking of his character of speech when he did anything
that was gracious and popular, he saith, “That in other things
he was velut eluctantium verborum;” but then again, solutius
loquebatur quando subveniret. So that there is no such artificer
of dissimulation, nor no such commanded countenance (vultus jussus),
that can sever from a feigned tale some of these fashions, either a
more slight and careless fashion, or more set and formal, or more tedious
and wandering, or coming from a man more drily and hardly.
(17) Neither are deeds such assured pledges as that they may be trusted
without a judicious consideration of their magnitude and nature: Fraus
sibi in parvis fidem præstruit ut majore emolumento fallat;
and the Italian thinketh himself upon the point to be bought and sold,
when he is better used than he was wont to be without manifest cause.
For small favours, they do but lull men to sleep, both as to caution
and as to industry; and are, as Demosthenes calleth them, Alimenta
socordiæ. So again we see how false the nature of some
deeds are, in that particular which Mutianus practised upon Antonius
Primus, upon that hollow and unfaithful reconcilement which was made
between them; whereupon Mutianus advanced many of the friends of Antonius,
Simul amicis ejus præfecturas et tribunatus largitur: wherein,
under pretence to strengthen him, he did desolate him, and won from
him his dependents.
(18) As for words, though they be like waters to physicians, full of
flattery and uncertainty, yet they are not to be despised specially
with the advantage of passion and affection. For so we see Tiberius,
upon a stinging and incensing speech of Agrippina, came a step forth
of his dissimulation when he said, “You are hurt because you do
not reign;” of which Tacitus saith, Audita hæc raram
occulti pectoris vocem elicuere: correptamque Græco versu admonuit,
ideo lædi quia non regnaret. And, therefore, the poet
doth elegantly call passions tortures that urge men to confess their
secrets:-
“Vino torus et ira.”
And experience showeth there are few men so true to themselves and so
settled but that, sometimes upon heat, sometimes upon bravery, sometimes
upon kindness, sometimes upon trouble of mind and weakness, they open
themselves; specially if they be put to it with a counter-dissimulation,
according to the proverb of Spain, Di mentira, y sacar as verdad:
“Tell a lie and find a truth.”
(19) As for the knowing of men which is at second hand from reports:
men’s weaknesses and faults are best known from their enemies,
their virtues and abilities from their friends, their customs and times
from their servants, their conceits and opinions from their familiar
friends, with whom they discourse most. General fame is light,
and the opinions conceived by superiors or equals are deceitful; for
to such men are more masked: Verior fama e domesticis emanat.
(20) But the soundest disclosing and expounding of men is by their
natures and ends, wherein the weakest sort of men are best interpreted
by their natures, and the wisest by their ends. For it was both
pleasantly and wisely said (though I think very untruly) by a nuncio
of the Pope, returning from a certain nation where he served as lidger;
whose opinion being asked touching the appointment of one to go in his
place, he wished that in any case they did not send one that was too
wise; because no very wise man would ever imagine what they in that
country were like to do. And certainly it is an error frequent
for men to shoot over, and to suppose deeper ends and more compass reaches
than are: the Italian proverb being elegant, and for the most part true:-
“Di danari, di senno, e di fede,
C’è ne manco che non credi.”
“There is commonly less money, less wisdom, and less good faith
than men do account upon.”
(21) But princes, upon a far other reason, are best interpreted by their
natures, and private persons by their ends. For princes being
at the top of human desires, they have for the most part no particular
ends whereto they aspire, by distance from which a man might take measure
and scale of the rest of their actions and desires; which is one of
the causes that maketh their hearts more inscrutable. Neither
is it sufficient to inform ourselves in men’s ends and natures
of the variety of them only, but also of the predominancy, what humour
reigneth most, and what end is principally sought. For so we see,
when Tigellinus saw himself outstripped by Petronius Turpilianus in
Nero’s humours of pleasures, metus ejus rimatur, he wrought
upon Nero’s fears, whereby he broke the other’s neck.
(22) But to all this part of inquiry the most compendious way resteth
in three things; the first, to have general acquaintance and inwardness
with those which have general acquaintance and look most into the world;
and specially according to the diversity of business, and the diversity
of persons, to have privacy and conversation with some one friend at
least which is perfect and well-intelligenced in every several kind.
The second is to keep a good mediocrity in liberty of speech and secrecy;
in most things liberty; secrecy where it importeth; for liberty of speech
inviteth and provoketh liberty to be used again, and so bringeth much
to a man’s knowledge; and secrecy on the other side induceth trust
and inwardness. The last is the reducing of a man’s self
to this watchful and serene habit, as to make account and purpose, in
every conference and action, as well to observe as to act. For
as Epictetus would have a philosopher in every particular action to
say to himself, Et hoc volo, et etiam institutum servare; so
a politic man in everything should say to himself, Et hoc volo, ac
etiam aliquid addiscere. I have stayed the longer upon this
precept of obtaining good information because it is a main part by itself,
which answereth to all the rest. But, above all things, caution
must be taken that men have a good stay and hold of themselves, and
that this much knowing do not draw on much meddling; for nothing is
more unfortunate than light and rash intermeddling in many matters.
So that this variety of knowledge tendeth in conclusion but only to
this, to make a better and freer choice of those actions which may concern
us, and to conduct them with the less error and the more dexterity.
(23) The second precept concerning this knowledge is, for men to take
good information touching their own person, and well to understand themselves;
knowing that, as St. James saith, though men look oft in a glass, yet
they do suddenly forget themselves; wherein as the divine glass is the
Word of God, so the politic glass is the state of the world, or times
wherein we live, in the which we are to behold ourselves.
(24) For men ought to take an impartial view of their own abilities
and virtues; and again of their wants and impediments; accounting these
with the most, and those other with the least; and from this view and
examination to frame the considerations following.
(25) First, to consider how the constitution of their nature sorteth
with the general state of the times; which if they find agreeable and
fit, then in all things to give themselves more scope and liberty; but
if differing and dissonant, then in the whole course of their life to
be more close retired, and reserved; as we see in Tiberius, who was
never seen at a play, and came not into the senate in twelve of his
last years; whereas Augustus Cæsar lived ever in men’s eyes,
which Tacitus observeth, alia Tiberio morum via.
(26) Secondly, to consider how their nature sorteth with professions
and courses of life, and accordingly to make election, if they be free;
and, if engaged, to make the departure at the first opportunity; as
we see was done by Duke Valentine, that was designed by his father to
a sacerdotal profession, but quitted it soon after in regard of his
parts and inclination; being such, nevertheless, as a man cannot tell
well whether they were worse for a prince or for a priest.
(27) Thirdly, to consider how they sort with those whom they are like
to have competitors and concurrents; and to take that course wherein
there is most solitude, and themselves like to be most eminent; as Cæsar
Julius did, who at first was an orator or pleader; but when he saw the
excellency of Cicero, Hortensius, Catulus, and others for eloquence,
and saw there was no man of reputation for the wars but Pompeius, upon
whom the state was forced to rely, he forsook his course begun towards
a civil and popular greatness, and transferred his designs to a martial
greatness.
(28) Fourthly, in the choice of their friends and dependents, to proceed
according to the composition of their own nature; as we may see in Cæsar,
all whose friends and followers were men active and effectual, but not
solemn, or of reputation.
(29) Fifthly, to take special heed how they guide themselves by examples,
in thinking they can do as they see others do; whereas perhaps their
natures and carriages are far differing. In which error it seemeth
Pompey was, of whom Cicero saith that he was wont often to say, Sylla
potuit, ego non potero? Wherein he was much abused, the natures
and proceedings of himself and his example being the unlikest in the
world; the one being fierce, violent, and pressing the fact; the other
solemn, and full of majesty and circumstance, and therefore the less
effectual.
But this precept touching the politic knowledge of ourselves hath many
other branches, whereupon we cannot insist.
(30) Next to the well understanding and discerning of a man’s
self, there followeth the well opening and revealing a man’s self;
wherein we see nothing more usual than for the more able man to make
the less show. For there is a great advantage in the well setting
forth of a man’s virtues, fortunes, merits; and again, in the
artificial covering of a man’s weaknesses, defects, disgraces;
staying upon the one, sliding from the other; cherishing the one by
circumstances, gracing the other by exposition, and the like.
Wherein we see what Tacitus saith of Mutianus, who was the greatest
politique of his time, Omnium quæ dixerat feceratque arte quadam
ostentator, which requireth indeed some art, lest it turn tedious
and arrogant; but yet so, as ostentation (though it be to the first
degree of vanity) seemeth to me rather a vice in manners than in policy;
for as it is said, Audacter calumniare, semper aliquid hæret;
so, except it be in a ridiculous degree of deformity, Audacter te
vendita, semper aluquid hæret. For it will stick with
the more ignorant and inferior sort of men, though men of wisdom and
rank do smile at it and despise it; and yet the authority won with many
doth countervail the disdain of a few. But if it be carried with
decency and government, as with a natural, pleasant, and ingenious fashion;
or at times when it is mixed with some peril and unsafety (as in military
persons); or at times when others are most envied; or with easy and
careless passage to it and from it, without dwelling too long, or being
too serious; or with an equal freedom of taxing a man’s self,
as well as gracing himself; or by occasion of repelling or putting down
others’ injury or insolency; it doth greatly add to reputation:
and surely not a few solid natures, that want this ventosity and cannot
sail in the height of the winds, are not without some prejudice and
disadvantage by their moderation.
(31) But for these flourishes and enhancements of virtue, as they are
not perchance unnecessary, so it is at least necessary that virtue be
not disvalued and embased under the just price, which is done in three
manners - by offering and obtruding a man’s self, wherein men
think he is rewarded when he is accepted; by doing too much, which will
not give that which is well done leave to settle, and in the end induceth
satiety; and by finding too soon the fruit of a man’s virtue,
in commendation, applause, honour, favour; wherein if a man be pleased
with a little, let him hear what is truly said: Cave ne insuetus
rebus majoribus videaris, si hæc te res parva sicuti magna delectat.
(32) But the covering of defects is of no less importance than the valuing
of good parts; which may be done likewise in three manners - by caution,
by colour, and by confidence. Caution is when men do ingeniously
and discreetly avoid to be put into those things for which they are
not proper; whereas contrariwise bold and unquiet spirits will thrust
themselves into matters without difference, and so publish and proclaim
all their wants. Colour is when men make a way for themselves
to have a construction made of their faults or wants, as proceeding
from a better cause or intended for some other purpose. For of
the one it is well said,
“Sæpe latet vitium proximitate boni,”
and therefore whatsoever want a man hath, he must see that he pretend
the virtue that shadoweth it; as if he be dull, he must affect gravity;
if a coward, mildness; and so the rest. For the second, a man
must frame some probable cause why he should not do his best, and why
he should dissemble his abilities; and for that purpose must use to
dissemble those abilities which are notorious in him, to give colour
that his true wants are but industries and dissimulations. For
confidence, it is the last but the surest remedy - namely, to depress
and seem to despise whatsoever a man cannot attain; observing the good
principle of the merchants, who endeavour to raise the price of their
own commodities, and to beat down the price of others. But there
is a confidence that passeth this other, which is to face out a man’s
own defects, in seeming to conceive that he is best in those things
wherein he is failing; and, to help that again, to seem on the other
side that he hath least opinion of himself in those things wherein he
is best: like as we shall see it commonly in poets, that if they show
their verses, and you except to any, they will say, “That that
line cost them more labour than any of the rest;” and presently
will seem to disable and suspect rather some other line, which they
know well enough to be the best in the number. But above all,
in this righting and helping of a man’s self in his own carriage,
he must take heed he show not himself dismantled and exposed to scorn
and injury, by too much dulceness, goodness, and facility of nature;
but show some sparkles of liberty, spirit, and edge. Which kind
of fortified carriage, with a ready rescussing of a man’s self
from scorns, is sometimes of necessity imposed upon men by somewhat
in their person or fortune; but it ever succeedeth with good felicity.
(33) Another precept of this knowledge is by all possible endeavour
to frame the mind to be pliant and obedient to occasion; for nothing
hindereth men’s fortunes so much as this: Idem manebat, neque
idem decebat - men are where they were, when occasions turn: and
therefore to Cato, whom Livy maketh such an architect of fortune, he
addeth that he had versatile ingenium. And thereof it cometh
that these grave solemn wits, which must be like themselves and cannot
make departures, have more dignity than felicity. But in some
it is nature to be somewhat vicious and enwrapped, and not easy to turn.
In some it is a conceit that is almost a nature, which is, that men
can hardly make themselves believe that they ought to change their course,
when they have found good by it in former experience. For Machiavel
noted wisely how Fabius Maximus would have been temporising still, according
to his old bias, when the nature of the war was altered and required
hot pursuit. In some other it is want of point and penetration
in their judgment, that they do not discern when things have a period,
but come in too late after the occasion; as Demosthenes compareth the
people of Athens to country fellows, when they play in a fence school,
that if they have a blow, then they remove their weapon to that ward,
and not before. In some other it is a lothness to lose labours
passed, and a conceit that they can bring about occasions to their ply;
and yet in the end, when they see no other remedy, then they come to
it with disadvantage; as Tarquinius, that gave for the third part of
Sibylla’s books the treble price, when he might at first have
had all three for the simple. But from whatsoever root or cause
this restiveness of mind proceedeth, it is a thing most prejudicial;
and nothing is more politic than to make the wheels of our mind concentric
and voluble with the wheels of fortune.
(34) Another precept of this knowledge, which hath some affinity with
that we last spoke of, but with difference, is that which is well expressed,
Fatis accede deisque, that men do not only turn with the occasions,
but also run with the occasions, and not strain their credit or strength
to over-hard or extreme points; but choose in their actions that which
is most passable: for this will preserve men from foil, not occupy them
too much about one matter, win opinion of moderation, please the most,
and make a show of a perpetual felicity in all they undertake: which
cannot but mightily increase reputation.
(35) Another part of this knowledge seemeth to have some repugnancy
with the former two, but not as I understand it; and it is that which
Demosthenes uttereth in high terms: Et quemadmodum receptum est,
ut exercitum ducat imperator, sic et a cordatis viris res ipsæ
ducendæ; ut quæipsis videntur, ea gerantur, et non ipsi
eventus persequi cogantur. For if we observe we shall find
two differing kinds of sufficiency in managing of business: some can
make use of occasions aptly and dexterously, but plot little; some can
urge and pursue their own plots well, but cannot accommodate nor take
in; either of which is very imperfect without the other.
(36) Another part of this knowledge is the observing a good mediocrity
in the declaring or not declaring a man’s self: for although depth
of secrecy, and making way (qualis est via navis in mari, which
the French calleth sourdes menées, when men set things
in work without opening themselves at all), be sometimes both prosperous
and admirable; yet many times dissimulatio errores parit, qui dissimulatorem
ipsum illaqueant. And therefore we see the greatest politiques
have in a natural and free manner professed their desires, rather than
been reserved and disguised in them. For so we see that Lucius
Sylla made a kind of profession, “that he wished all men happy
or unhappy, as they stood his friends or enemies.” So Cæsar,
when he went first into Gaul, made no scruple to profess “that
he had rather be first in a village than second at Rome.”
So again, as soon as he had begun the war, we see what Cicero saith
of him, Alter (meaning of Cæsar) non recusat, sed quodammodo
postulat, ut (ut est) sic appelletur tyrannus. So we may see
in a letter of Cicero to Atticus, that Augustus Cæsar, in his
very entrance into affairs, when he was a darling of the senate, yet
in his harangues to the people would swear, Ita parentis honores
consequi liceat (which was no less than the tyranny), save that,
to help it, he would stretch forth his hand towards a statue of Cæsar’s
that was erected in the place: and men laughed and wondered, and said,
“Is it possible?” or, “Did you ever hear the like?”
and yet thought he meant no hurt; he did it so handsomely and ingenuously.
And all these were prosperous: whereas Pompey, who tended to the same
ends, but in a more dark and dissembling manner as Tacitus saith of
him, Occultior non melior, wherein Sallust concurreth, Ore
probo, animo inverecundo, made it his design, by infinite secret
engines, to cast the state into an absolute anarchy and confusion, that
the state might cast itself into his arms for necessity and protection,
and so the sovereign power be put upon him, and he never seen in it:
and when he had brought it (as he thought) to that point when he was
chosen consul alone, as never any was, yet he could make no great matter
of it, because men understood him not; but was fain in the end to go
the beaten track of getting arms into his hands, by colour of the doubt
of Cæsar’s designs: so tedious, casual, and unfortunate
are these deep dissimulations: whereof it seemeth Tacitus made this
judgment, that they were a cunning of an inferior form in regard of
true policy; attributing the one to Augustus, the other to Tiberius;
where, speaking of Livia, he saith, Et *** artibus mariti simulatione
filii bene compostia: for surely the continual habit of dissimulation
is but a weak and sluggish cunning, and not greatly politic.
(37) Another precept of this architecture of fortune is to accustom
our minds to judge of the proportion or value of things, as they conduce
and are material to our particular ends; and that to do substantially
and not superficially. For we shall find the logical part (as
I may term it) of some men’s minds good, but the mathematical
part erroneous; that is, they can well judge of consequences, but not
of proportions and comparison, preferring things of show and sense before
things of substance and effect. So some fall in love with access
to princes, others with popular fame and applause, supposing they are
things of great purchase, when in many cases they are but matters of
envy, peril, and impediment. So some measure things according
to the labour and difficulty or assiduity which are spent about them;
and think, if they be ever moving, that they must needs advance and
proceed; as Cæsar saith in a despising manner of Cato the second,
when he describeth how laborious and indefatigable he was to no great
purpose, Hæc omnia magno studio agebat. So in most
things men are ready to abuse themselves in thinking the greatest means
to be best, when it should be the fittest.
(38) As for the true marshalling of men’s pursuits towards their
fortune, as they are more or less material, I hold them to stand thus.
First the amendment of their own minds. For the removal of the
impediments of the mind will sooner clear the passages of fortune than
the obtaining fortune will remove the impediments of the mind.
In the second place I set down wealth and means; which I know most men
would have placed first, because of the general use which it beareth
towards all variety of occasions. But that opinion I may condemn
with like reason as Machiavel doth that other, that moneys were the
sinews of the wars; whereas (saith he) the true sinews of the wars are
the sinews of men’s arms, that is, a valiant, populous, and military
nation: and he voucheth aptly the authority of Solon, who, when Crœsus
showed him his treasury of gold, said to him, that if another came that
had better iron, he would be master of his gold. In like manner
it may be truly affirmed that it is not moneys that are the sinews of
fortune, but it is the sinews and steel of men’s minds, wit, courage,
audacity, resolution, temper, industry, and the like. In the third
place I set down reputation, because of the peremptory tides and currents
it hath; which, if they be not taken in their due time, are seldom recovered,
it being extreme hard to play an after-game of reputation. And
lastly I place honour, which is more easily won by any of the other
three, much more by all, than any of them can be purchased by honour.
To conclude this precept, as there is order and priority in matter,
so is there in time, the preposterous placing whereof is one of the
commonest errors: while men fly to their ends when they should intend
their beginnings, and do not take things in order of time as they come
on, but marshal them according to greatness and not according to instance;
not observing the good precept, Quod nunc instat agamus.
(39) Another precept of this knowledge is not to embrace any matters
which do occupy too great a quantity of time, but to have that sounding
in a man’s ears, Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus:
and that is the cause why those which take their course of rising by
professions of burden, as lawyers, orators, painful divines, and the
like, are not commonly so politic for their own fortune, otherwise than
in their ordinary way, because they want time to learn particulars,
to wait occasions, and to devise plots.
(40) Another precept of this knowledge is to imitate nature, which doth
nothing in vain; which surely a man may do if he do well interlace his
business, and bend not his mind too much upon that which he principally
intendeth. For a man ought in every particular action so to carry
the motions of his mind, and so to have one thing under another, as
if he cannot have that he seeketh in the best degree, yet to have it
in a second, or so in a third; and if he can have no part of that which
he purposed, yet to turn the use of it to somewhat else; and if he cannot
make anything of it for the present, yet to make it as a seed of somewhat
in time to come; and if he can contrive no effect or substance from
it, yet to win some good opinion by it, or the like. So that he
should exact an account of himself of every action, to reap somewhat,
and not to stand amazed and confused if he fail of that he chiefly meant:
for nothing is more impolitic than to mind actions wholly one by one.
For he that doth so loseth infinite occasions which intervene, and are
many times more proper and propitious for somewhat that he shall need
afterwards, than for that which he urgeth for the present; and therefore
men must be perfect in that rule, Hæc oportet facere, et illa
non imittere.
(41) Another precept of this knowledge is, not to engage a man’s
self peremptorily in anything, though it seem not liable to accident;
but ever to have a window to fly out at, or a way to retire: following
the wisdom in the ancient fable of the two frogs, which consulted when
their plash was dry whither they should go; and the one moved to go
down into a pit, because it was not likely the water would dry there;
but the other answered, “True, but if it do, how shall we get
out again?”
(42) Another precept of this knowledge is that ancient precept of Bias,
construed not to any point of perfidiousness, but to caution and moderation,
Et ama tanquam inimicus futurus et odi tanquam amaturus.
For it utterly betrayeth all utility for men to embark themselves too
far into unfortunate friendships, troublesome spleens, and childish
and humorous envies or emulations.
(43) But I continue this beyond the measure of an example; led, because
I would not have such knowledges, which I note as deficient, to be thought
things imaginative or in the air, or an observation or two much made
of, but things of bulk and mass, whereof an end is more hardly made
than a beginning. It must be likewise conceived, that in these
points which I mention and set down, they are far from complete tractates
of them, but only as small pieces for patterns. And lastly, no
man I suppose will think that I mean fortunes are not obtained without
all this ado; for I know they come tumbling into some men’s laps;
and a number obtain good fortunes by diligence in a plain way, little
intermeddling, and keeping themselves from gross errors.
(44) But as Cicero, when he setteth down an idea of a perfect orator,
doth not mean that every pleader should be such; and so likewise, when
a prince or a courtier hath been described by such as have handled those
subjects, the mould hath used to be made according to the perfection
of the art, and not according to common practice: so I understand it,
that it ought to be done in the description of a politic man, I mean
politic for his own fortune.
(45) But it must be remembered all this while, that the precepts which
we have set down are of that kind which may be counted and called Bonæ
Artes. As for evil arts, if a man would set down for himself
that principle of Machiavel, “That a man seek not to attain virtue
itself, but the appearance only thereof; because the credit of virtue
is a help, but the use of it is cumber:” or that other of his
principles, “That he presuppose that men are not fitly to be wrought
otherwise but by fear; and therefore that he seek to have every man
obnoxious, low, and in straits,” which the Italians call seminar
spine, to sow thorns: or that other principle, contained in the
verse which Cicero citeth, Cadant amici, dummodo inimici intercidant,
as the triumvirs, which sold every one to other the lives of their friends
for the deaths of their enemies: or that other protestation of L. Catilina,
to set on fire and trouble states, to the end to fish in droumy waters,
and to unwrap their fortunes, Ego si quid in fortunis meis excitatum
sit incendium, id non aqua sed ruina restinguam: or that other principle
of Lysander, “That children are to be deceived with comfits, and
men with oaths:” and the like evil and corrupt positions, whereof
(as in all things) there are more in number than of the good: certainly
with these dispensations from the laws of charity and integrity, the
pressing of a man’s fortune may be more hasty and compendious.
But it is in life as it is in ways, the shortest way is commonly the
foulest, and surely the fairer way is not much about.
(46) But men, if they be in their own power, and do bear and sustain
themselves, and be not carried away with a whirlwind or tempest of ambition,
ought in the pursuit of their own fortune to set before their eyes not
only that general map of the world, “That all things are vanity
and vexation of spirit,” but many other more particular cards
and directions: chiefly that, that being without well-being is a curse,
and the greater being the greater curse; and that all virtue is most
rewarded and all wickedness most punished in itself: according as the
poet saith excellently:
“Quæ vobis, quæ digna, viri pro laudibus istis
Præmia posse rear solvi? pulcherrima primum
Dii moresque dabunt vestri.”
And so of the contrary. And secondly they ought to look up to
the Eternal Providence and Divine Judgment, which often subverteth the
wisdom of evil plots and imaginations, according to that scripture,
“He hath conceived mischief, and shall bring forth a vain thing.”
And although men should refrain themselves from injury and evil arts,
yet this incessant and Sabbathless pursuit of a man’s fortune
leaveth not tribute which we owe to God of our time; who (we see) demandeth
a tenth of our substance, and a seventh, which is more strict, of our
time: and it is to small purpose to have an erected face towards heaven,
and a perpetual grovelling spirit upon earth, eating dust as doth the
serpent, Atque affigit humo divinæ particulam auræ.
And if any man flatter himself that he will employ his fortune well,
though he should obtain it ill, as was said concerning Augustus Cæsar,
and after of Septimius Severus, “That either they should never
have been born, or else they should never have died,” they did
so much mischief in the pursuit and ascent of their greatness, and so
much good when they were established; yet these compensations and satisfactions
are good to be used, but never good to be purposed. And lastly,
it is not amiss for men, in their race towards their fortune, to cool
themselves a little with that conceit which is elegantly expressed by
the Emperor Charles V., in his instructions to the king his son, “That
fortune hath somewhat of the nature of a woman, that if she he too much
wooed she is the farther off.” But this last is but a remedy
for those whose tastes are corrupted: let men rather build upon that
foundation which is as a corner-stone of divinity and philosophy, wherein
they join close, namely that same Primum quærite.
For divinity saith, Primum quærite regnum Dei, et ista omnia
adjicientur vobis: and philosophy saith, Primum quærite
bona animi; cætera aut aderunt, aut non oberunt. And
although the human foundation hath somewhat of the sands, as we see
in M. Brutus, when he broke forth into that speech,
“Te colui (Virtus) ut rem; ast tu nomen inane es;”
yet the divine foundation is upon the rock. But this may serve
for a taste of that knowledge which I noted as deficient.
(47) Concerning government, it is a part of knowledge secret and retired
in both these respects in which things are deemed secret; for some things
are secret because they are hard to know, and some because they are
not fit to utter. We see all governments are obscure and invisible:
“Totamque infusa per artus
Mens agitat molem, et magno se corpore miscet.”
Such is the description of governments. We see the government
of God over the world is hidden, insomuch as it seemeth to participate
of much irregularity and confusion. The government of the soul
in moving the body is inward and profound, and the passages thereof
hardly to be reduced to demonstration. Again, the wisdom of antiquity
(the shadows whereof are in the poets) in the description of torments
and pains, next unto the crime of rebellion, which was the giants’
offence, doth detest the offence of futility, as in Sisyphus and Tantalus.
But this was meant of particulars: nevertheless even unto the general
rules and discourses of policy and government there is due a reverent
and reserved handling.
(48) But contrariwise in the governors towards the governed, all things
ought as far as the frailty of man permitteth to be manifest and revealed.
For so it is expressed in the Scriptures touching the government of
God, that this globe, which seemeth to us a dark and shady body, is
in the view of God as crystal: Et in conspectu sedis tanquam mare
vitreum simile crystallo. So unto princes and states, and
specially towards wise senates and councils, the natures and dispositions
of the people, their conditions and necessities, their factions and
combinations, their animosities and discontents, ought to be, in regard
of the variety of their intelligences, the wisdom of their observations,
and the height of their station where they keep sentinel, in great part
clear and transparent. Wherefore, considering that I write to
a king that is a master of this science, and is so well assisted, I
think it decent to pass over this part in silence, as willing to obtain
the certificate which one of the ancient philosophers aspired unto;
who being silent, when others contended to make demonstration of their
abilities by speech, desired it might be certified for his part, “That
there was one that knew how to hold his peace.”
(49) Notwithstanding, for the more public part of government, which
is laws, I think good to note only one deficiency; which is, that all
those which have written of laws have written either as philosophers
or as lawyers, and none as statesmen. As for the philosophers,
they make imaginary laws for imaginary commonwealths, and their discourses
are as the stars, which give little light because they are so high.
For the lawyers, they write according to the states where they live
what is received law, and not what ought to be law; for the wisdom of
a law-maker is one, and of a lawyer is another. For there are
in nature certain fountains of justice whence all civil laws are derived
but as streams; and like as waters do take tinctures and tastes from
the soils through which they run, so do civil laws vary according to
the regions and governments where they are planted, though they proceed
from the same fountains. Again, the wisdom of a law-maker consisteth
not only in a platform of justice, but in the application thereof; taking
into consideration by what means laws may be made certain, and what
are the causes and remedies of the doubtfulness and uncertainty of law;
by what means laws may be made apt and easy to be executed, and what
are the impediments and remedies in the execution of laws; what influence
laws touching private right of meum and tuum have into
the public state, and how they may be made apt and agreeable; how laws
are to be penned and delivered, whether in texts or in Acts, brief or
large, with preambles or without; how they are to be pruned and reformed
from time to time, and what is the best means to keep them from being
too vast in volume, or too full of multiplicity and crossness; how they
are to be expounded, when upon causes emergent and judicially discussed,
and when upon responses and conferences touching general points or questions;
how they are to be pressed, rigorously or tenderly; how they are to
be mitigated by equity and good conscience, and whether discretion and
strict law are to be mingled in the same courts, or kept apart in several
courts; again, how the practice, profession, and erudition of law is
to be censured and governed; and many other points touching the administration
and (as I may term it) animation of laws. Upon which I insist
the less, because I purpose (if God give me leave), having begun a work
of this nature in aphorisms, to propound it hereafter, noting it in
the meantime for deficient.
(50) And for your Majesty’s laws of England, I could say much
of their dignity, and somewhat of their defect; but they cannot but
excel the civil laws in fitness for the government, for the civil law
was nonhos quæsitum munus in usus; it was not made for
the countries which it governeth. Hereof I cease to speak because
I will not intermingle matter of action with matter of general learning.
XXIV. Thus have I concluded this portion of learning touching
civil knowledge; and with civil knowledge have concluded human philosophy;
and with human philosophy, philosophy in general. And being now
at some pause, looking back into that I have passed through, this writing
seemeth to me (si nunquam fallit imago), as far as a man can
judge of his own work, not much better than that noise or sound which
musicians make while they are in tuning their instruments, which is
nothing pleasant to hear, but yet is a cause why the music is sweeter
afterwards. So have I been content to tune the instruments of
the Muses, that they may play that have better hands. And surely,
when I set before me the condition of these times, in which learning
hath made her third visitation or circuit in all the qualities thereof;
as the excellency and vivacity of the wits of this age; the noble helps
and lights which we have by the travails of ancient writers; the art
of printing, which communicateth books to men of all fortunes; the openness
of the world by navigation, which hath disclosed multitudes of experiments,
and a mass of natural history; the leisure wherewith these times abound,
not employing men so generally in civil business, as the states of Græcia
did, in respect of their popularity, and the state of Rome, in respect
of the greatness of their monarchy; the present disposition of these
times at this instant to peace; the consumption of all that ever can
be said in controversies of religion, which have so much diverted men
from other sciences; the perfection of your Majesty’s learning,
which as a phœnix may call whole volleys of wits to follow you;
and the inseparable propriety of time, which is ever more and more to
disclose truth; I cannot but be raised to this persuasion, that this
third period of time will far surpass that of the Grecian and Roman
learning; only if men will know their own strength and their own weakness
both; and take, one from the other, light of invention, and not fire
of contradiction; and esteem of the inquisition of truth as of an enterprise,
and not as of a quality or ornament; and employ wit and magnificence
to things of worth and excellency, and not to things vulgar and of popular
estimation. As for my labours, if any man shall please himself
or others in the reprehension of them, they shall make that ancient
and patient request, Verbera, sed audi: let men reprehend them,
so they observe and weigh them. For the appeal is lawful (though
it may be it shall not be needful) from the first cogitations of men
to their second, and from the nearer times to the times further off.
Now let us come to that learning, which both the former times were not
so blessed as to know, sacred and inspired divinity, the Sabbath and
port of all men’s labours and peregrinations.
XXV. (1) The prerogative of God extendeth as well to the reason as to
the will of man: so that as we are to obey His law, though we find a
reluctation in our will, so we are to believe His word, though we find
a reluctation in our reason. For if we believe only that which
is agreeable to our sense we give consent to the matter, and not to
the author; which is no more than we would do towards a suspected and
discredited witness; but that faith which was accounted to Abraham for
righteousness was of such a point as whereat Sarah laughed, who therein
was an image of natural reason.
(2) Howbeit (if we will truly consider of it) more worthy it is to believe
than to know as we now know. For in knowledge man’s mind
suffereth from sense: but in belief it suffereth from spirit, such one
as it holdeth for more authorised than itself and so suffereth from
the worthier agent. Otherwise it is of the state of man glorified;
for then faith shall cease, and we shall know as we are known.
(3) Wherefore we conclude that sacred theology (which in our idiom we
call divinity) is grounded only upon the word and oracle of God, and
not upon the light of nature: for it is written, Cæli enarrant
gloriam Dei; but it is not written, Cæli enarrant voluntatem
Dei: but of that it is said, Ad legem et testimonium: si non
fecerint secundum verbum istud, &c. This holdeth not only
in those points of faith which concern the great mysteries of the Deity,
of the creation, of the redemption, but likewise those which concern
the law moral, truly interpreted: “Love your enemies: do good
to them that hate you; be like to your heavenly Father, that suffereth
His rain to fall upon the just and unjust.” To this it ought
to be applauded, Nec vox hominem sonat: it is a voice beyond
the light of nature. So we see the heathen poets, when they fall
upon a libertine passion, do still expostulate with laws and moralities,
as if they were opposite and malignant to nature: Et quod natura
remittit, invida jura negant. So said Dendamis the Indian
unto Alexander’s messengers, that he had heard somewhat of Pythagoras,
and some other of the wise men of Græcia, and that he held them
for excellent men: but that they had a fault, which was that they had
in too great reverence and veneration a thing they called law and manners.
So it must be confessed that a great part of the law moral is of that
perfection whereunto the light of nature cannot aspire: how then is
it that man is said to have, by the light and law of nature, some notions
and conceits of virtue and vice, justice and wrong, good and evil?
Thus, because the light of nature is used in two several senses: the
one, that which springeth from reason, sense, induction, argument, according
to the laws of heaven and earth; the other, that which is imprinted
upon the spirit of man by an inward instinct, according to the law of
conscience, which is a sparkle of the purity of his first estate: in
which latter sense only he is participant of some light and discerning
touching the perfection of the moral law; but how? sufficient to check
the vice but not to inform the duty. So then the doctrine of religion,
as well moral as mystical, is not to be attained but by inspiration
and revelation from God.
(4) The use notwithstanding of reason in spiritual things, and the latitude
thereof, is very great and general: for it is not for nothing that the
apostle calleth religion “our reasonable service of God;”
insomuch as the very ceremonies and figures of the old law were full
of reason and signification, much more than the ceremonies of idolatry
and magic, that are full of non-significants and surd characters.
But most specially the Christian faith, as in all things so in this,
deserveth to be highly magnified; holding and preserving the golden
mediocrity in this point between the law of the heathen and the law
of Mahomet, which have embraced the two extremes. For the religion
of the heathen had no constant belief or confession, but left all to
the liberty of agent; and the religion of Mahomet on the other side
interdicteth argument altogether: the one having the very face of error,
and the other of imposture; whereas the Faith doth both admit and reject
disputation with difference.
(5) The use of human reason in religion is of two sorts: the former,
in the conception and apprehension of the mysteries of God to us revealed;
the other, in the inferring and deriving of doctrine and direction thereupon.
The former extendeth to the mysteries themselves; but how? by way of
illustration, and not by way of argument. The latter consisteth
indeed of probation and argument. In the former we see God vouchsafeth
to descend to our capacity, in the expressing of His mysteries in sort
as may be sensible unto us; and doth graft His revelations and holy
doctrine upon the notions of our reason, and applieth His inspirations
to open our understanding, as the form of the key to the ward of the
lock. For the latter there is allowed us a use of reason and argument,
secondary and respective, although not original and absolute.
For after the articles and principles of religion are placed and exempted
from examination of reason, it is then permitted unto us to make derivations
and inferences from and according to the analogy of them, for our better
direction. In nature this holdeth not; for both the principles
are examinable by induction, though not by a medium or syllogism; and
besides, those principles or first positions have no discordance with
that reason which draweth down and deduceth the inferior positions.
But yet it holdeth not in religion alone, but in many knowledges, both
of greater and smaller nature, namely, wherein there are not only posita
but placita; for in such there can be no use of absolute
reason. We see it familiarly in games of wit, as chess, or the
like. The draughts and first laws of the game are positive, but
how? merely ad placitum, and not examinable by reason; but then
how to direct our play thereupon with best advantage to win the game
is artificial and rational. So in human laws there be many grounds
and maxims which are placita juris, positive upon authority,
and not upon reason, and therefore not to be disputed: but what is most
just, not absolutely but relatively, and according to those maxims,
that affordeth a long field of disputation. Such therefore is
that secondary reason, which hath place in divinity, which is grounded
upon the placets of God.
(6) Here therefore I note this deficiency, that there hath not been,
to my understanding, sufficiently inquired and handled the true limits
and use of reason in spiritual things, as a kind of divine dialectic:
which for that it is not done, it seemeth to me a thing usual, by pretext
of true conceiving that which is revealed, to search and mine into that
which is not revealed; and by pretext of enucleating inferences and
contradictories, to examine that which is positive. The one sort
falling into the error of Nicodemus, demanding to have things made more
sensible than it pleaseth God to reveal them, Quomodo possit ***
nasci *** sit senex? The other sort into the error of the
disciples, which were scandalised at a show of contradiction, Quid
est hoc quod dicit nobis? Modicum et non videbitis me; et iterum,
modicum, et videbitis me, &c.
(7) Upon this I have insisted the more, in regard of the great and blessed
use thereof; for this point well laboured and defined of would in my
judgment be an *** to stay and bridle not only the vanity of curious
speculations, wherewith the schools labour, but the fury of controversies,
wherewith the Church laboureth. For it cannot but open men’s
eyes to see that many controversies do merely pertain to that which
is either not revealed or positive; and that many others do grow upon
weak and obscure inferences or derivations: which latter sort, if men
would revive the blessed style of that great doctor of the Gentiles,
would be carried thus, ego, non dominus; and again, secundum
consilium meum, in opinions and counsels, and not in positions and
oppositions. But men are now over-ready to usurp the style, non
ego, sed dominus; and not so only, but to bind it with the
thunder and denunciation of curses and anathemas, to the terror of those
which have not sufficiently learned out of Solomon that “The causeless
curse shall not come.”
(8) Divinity hath two principal parts: the matter informed or revealed,
and the nature of the information or revelation; and with the latter
we will begin, because it hath most coherence with that which we have
now last handled. The nature of the information consisteth of
three branches: the limits of the information, the sufficiency of the
information, and the acquiring or obtaining the information. Unto
the limits of the information belong these considerations: how far forth
particular persons continue to be inspired; how far forth the Church
is inspired; and how far forth reason may be used; the last point whereof
I have noted as deficient. Unto the sufficiency of the information
belong two considerations: what points of religion are fundamental,
and what perfective, being matter of further building and perfection
upon one and the same foundation; and again, how the gradations of light
according to the dispensation of times are material to the sufficiency
of belief.
(9) Here again I may rather give it in advice than note it as deficient,
that the points fundamental, and the points of further perfection only,
ought to be with piety and wisdom distinguished; a subject tending to
much like end as that I noted before; for as that other were likely
to abate the number of controversies, so this is likely to abate the
heat of many of them. We see Moses when he saw the Israelite and
the Egyptian fight, he did not say, “Why strive you?” but
drew his sword and slew the Egyptian; but when he saw the two Israelites
fight, he said, “You are brethren, why strive you?”
If the point of doctrine be an Egyptian, it must be slain by the sword
of the Spirit, and not reconciled; but if it be an Israelite, though
in the wrong, then, “Why strive you?” We see of the
fundamental points, our Saviour penneth the league thus, “He that
is not with us is against us;” but of points not fundamental,
thus, “He that is not against us is with us.” So we
see the coat of our Saviour was entire without seam, and so is the doctrine
of the Scriptures in itself; but the garment of the Church was of divers
colours and yet not divided. We see the chaff may and ought to
be severed from the corn in the ear, but the tares may not be pulled
up from the corn in the field. So as it is a thing of great use
well to define what, and of what latitude, those points are which do
make men mere aliens and disincorporate from the Church of God.
(10) For the obtaining of the information, it resteth upon the true
and sound interpretation of the Scriptures, which are the fountains
of the water of life. The interpretations of the Scriptures are
of two sorts: methodical, and solute or at large. For this divine
water, which excelleth so much that of Jacob’s well, is drawn
forth much in the same kind as natural water useth to be out of wells
and fountains; either it is first forced up into a cistern, and from
thence fetched and derived for use; or else it is drawn and received
in buckets and vessels immediately where it springeth. The former
sort whereof, though it seem to be the more ready, yet in my judgment
is more subject to corrupt. This is that method which hath exhibited
unto us the scholastical divinity; whereby divinity hath been reduced
into an art, as into a cistern, and the streams of doctrine or positions
fetched and derived from thence.
(11) In this men have sought three things, a summary brevity, a compacted
strength, and a complete perfection; whereof the two first they fail
to find, and the last they ought not to seek. For as to brevity,
we see in all summary methods, while men purpose to abridge, they give
cause to dilate. For the sum or abridgment by contraction becometh
obscure; the obscurity requireth exposition, and the exposition is deduced
into large commentaries, or into commonplaces and titles, which grow
to be more vast than the original writings, whence the sum was at first
extracted. So we see the volumes of the schoolmen are greater
much than the first writings of the fathers, whence the master of the
sentences made his sum or collection. So in like manner the volumes
of the modern doctors of the civil law exceed those of the ancient jurisconsults,
of which Tribonian compiled the digest. So as this course of sums
and commentaries is that which doth infallibly make the body of sciences
more immense in quantity, and more base in substance.
(12) And for strength, it is true that knowledges reduced into exact
methods have a show of strength, in that each part seemeth to support
and sustain the other; but this is more satisfactory than substantial,
like unto buildings which stand by architecture and compaction, which
are more subject to ruin than those that are built more strong in their
several parts, though less compacted. But it is plain that the
more you recede from your grounds, the weaker do you conclude; and as
in nature, the more you remove yourself from particulars, the greater
peril of error you do incur; so much more in divinity, the more you
recede from the Scriptures by inferences and consequences, the more
weak and dilute are your positions.
(13) And as for perfection or completeness in divinity, it is not to
be sought, which makes this course of artificial divinity the more suspect.
For he that will reduce a knowledge into an art will make it round and
uniform; but in divinity many things must be left abrupt, and concluded
with this: O altitudo sapientiæ et scientiæ Dei!
quam incomprehensibilia sunt juducua ejus, et non investigabiles
viæ ejus. So again the apostle saith, Ex parte scimus:
and to have the form of a total, where there is but matter for a part,
cannot be without supplies by supposition and presumption. And
therefore I conclude that the true use of these sums and methods hath
place in institutions or introductions preparatory unto knowledge; but
in them, or by deducement from them, to handle the main body and substance
of a knowledge is in all sciences prejudicial, and in divinity dangerous.
(14) As to the interpretation of the Scriptures solute and at large,
there have been divers kinds introduced and devised; some of them rather
curious and unsafe than sober and warranted. Notwithstanding,
thus much must be confessed, that the Scriptures, being given by inspiration
and not by human reason, do differ from all other books in the Author,
which by consequence doth draw on some difference to be used by the
expositor. For the Inditer of them did know four things which
no man attains to know; which are - the mysteries of the kingdom of
glory, the perfection of the laws of nature, the secrets of the heart
of man, and the future succession of all ages. For as to the first
it is said, “He that presseth into the light shall be oppressed
of the glory.” And again, “No man shall see My face
and live.” To the second, “When He prepared the heavens
I was present, when by law and compass He enclosed the deep.”
To the third, “Neither was it needful that any should bear witness
to Him of man, for He knew well what was in man.” And to
the last, “From the beginning are known to the Lord all His works.”
(15) From the former two of these have been drawn certain senses and
expositions of Scriptures, which had need be contained within the bounds
of sobriety - the one anagogical, and the other philosophical.
But as to the former, man is not to prevent his time: Videmus nunc
per speculum in ænigmate, tunc autem facie ad faciem; wherein
nevertheless there seemeth to be a liberty granted, as far forth as
the polishing of this glass, or some moderate explication of this enigma.
But to press too far into it cannot but cause a dissolution and overthrow
of the spirit of man. For in the body there are three degrees
of that we receive into it - aliment, medicine, and poison; whereof
aliment is that which the nature of man can perfectly alter and overcome;
medicine is that which is partly converted by nature, and partly converteth
nature; and poison is that which worketh wholly upon nature, without
that nature can in any part work upon it. So in the mind, whatsoever
knowledge reason cannot at all work upon and convert is a mere intoxication,
and endangereth a dissolution of the mind and understanding.
(16) But for the latter, it hath been extremely set on foot of late
time by the school of Paracelsus, and some others, that have pretended
to find the truth of all natural philosophy in the Scriptures; scandalising
and traducing all other philosophy as heathenish and profane.
But there is no such enmity between God’s Word and His works;
neither do they give honour to the Scriptures, as they suppose, but
much embase them. For to seek heaven and earth in the Word of
God, whereof it is said, “Heaven and earth shall pass, but My
word shall not pass,” is to seek temporary things amongst eternal:
and as to seek divinity in philosophy is to seek the living amongst
the dead, so to seek philosophy in divinity is to seek the dead amongst
the living: neither are the pots or lavers, whose place was in the outward
part of the temple, to be sought in the holiest place of all where the
ark of the testimony was seated. And again, the scope or purpose
of the Spirit of God is not to express matters of nature in the Scriptures,
otherwise than in passage, and for application to man’s capacity
and to matters moral or divine. And it is a true rule, Auctoris
aliud agentis parva auctoritas. For it were a strange conclusion,
if a man should use a similitude for ornament or illustration sake,
borrowed from nature or history according to vulgar conceit, as of a
basilisk, a unicorn, a centaur, a Briareus, a hydra, or the like, that
therefore he must needs be thought to affirm the matter thereof positively
to be true. To conclude therefore these two interpretations, the
one by reduction or enigmatical, the other philosophical or physical,
which have been received and pursued in imitation of the rabbins and
cabalists, are to be confined with a a noli akryn sapere, sed time.
(17) But the two latter points, known to God and unknown to man,
touching the secrets of the heart and the successions of time, doth
make a just and sound difference between the manner of the exposition
of the Scriptures and all other books. For it is an excellent
observation which hath been made upon the answers of our Saviour Christ
to many of the questions which were propounded to Him, how that they
are impertinent to the state of the question demanded: the reason whereof
is, because not being like man, which knows man’s thoughts by
his words, but knowing man’s thoughts immediately, He never answered
their words, but their thoughts. Much in the like manner it is
with the Scriptures, which being written to the thoughts of men, and
to the succession of all ages, with a foresight of all heresies, contradictions,
differing estates of the Church, yea, and particularly of the elect,
are not to be interpreted only according to the latitude of the proper
sense of the place, and respectively towards that present occasion whereupon
the words were uttered, or in precise congruity or contexture with the
words before or after, or in contemplation of the principal scope of
the place; but have in themselves, not only totally or collectively,
but distributively in clauses and words, infinite springs and streams
of doctrine to water the Church in every part. And therefore as
the literal sense is, as it were, the main stream or river, so the moral
sense chiefly, and sometimes the allegorical or typical, are they whereof
the Church hath most use; not that I wish men to be bold in allegories,
or indulgent or light in allusions: but that I do much condemn that
interpretation of the Scripture which is only after the manner as men
use to interpret a profane book.
(18) In this part touching the exposition of the Scriptures, I can report
no deficiency; but by way of remembrance this I will add. In perusing
books of divinity I find many books of controversies, and many of commonplaces
and treatises, a mass of positive divinity, as it is made an art: a
number of sermons and lectures, and many prolix commentaries upon the
Scriptures, with harmonies and concordances. But that form of
writing in divinity which in my judgment is of all others most rich
and precious is positive divinity, collected upon particular texts of
Scriptures in brief observations; not dilated into commonplaces, not
chasing after controversies, not reduced into method of art; a thing
abounding in sermons, which will vanish, but defective in books which
will remain, and a thing wherein this age excelleth. For I am
persuaded, and I may speak it with an absit invidia verbo, and
nowise in derogation of antiquity, but as in a good emulation between
the vine and the olive, that if the choice and best of those observations
upon texts of Scriptures which have been made dispersedly in sermons
within this your Majesty’s Island of Brittany by the space of
these forty years and more (leaving out the largeness of exhortations
and applications thereupon) had been set down in a continuance, it had
been the best work in divinity which had been written since the Apostles’
times.
(19) The matter informed by divinity is of two kinds: matter of belief
and truth of opinion, and matter of service and adoration; which is
also judged and directed by the former - the one being as the internal
soul of religion, and the other as the external body thereof.
And, therefore, the heathen religion was not only a worship of idols,
but the whole religion was an idol in itself; for it had no soul; that
is, no certainty of belief or confession: as a man may well think, considering
the chief doctors of their church were the poets; and the reason was
because the heathen gods were no jealous gods, but were glad to be admitted
into part, as they had reason. Neither did they respect the pureness
of heart, so they might have external honour and rites.
(20) But out of these two do result and issue four main branches of
divinity: faith, manners, liturgy, and government. Faith containeth
the doctrine of the nature of God, of the attributes of God, and of
the works of God. The nature of God consisteth of three persons
in unity of Godhead. The attributes of God are either common to
the Deity, or respective to the persons. The works of God summary
are two, that of the creation and that of the redemption; and both these
works, as in total they appertain to the unity of the Godhead, so in
their parts they refer to the three persons: that of the creation, in
the mass of the matter, to the Father; in the disposition of the form,
to the Son; and in the continuance and conservation of the being, to
the Holy Spirit. So that of the redemption, in the election and
counsel, to the Father; in the whole act and consummation, to the Son;
and in the application, to the Holy Spirit; for by the Holy Ghost was
Christ conceived in flesh, and by the Holy Ghost are the elect regenerate
in spirit. This work likewise we consider either effectually,
in the elect; or privately, in the reprobate; or according to appearance,
in the visible Church.
(21) For manners, the doctrine thereof is contained in the law, which
discloseth sin. The law itself is divided, according to the edition
thereof, into the law of nature, the law moral, and the law positive;
and according to the style, into negative and affirmative, prohibitions
and commandments. Sin, in the matter and subject thereof, is divided
according to the commandments; in the form thereof it referreth to the
three persons in Deity: sins of infirmity against the Father, whose
more special attribute is power; sins of ignorance against the Son,
whose attribute is wisdom; and sins of malice against the Holy Ghost,
whose attribute is grace or love. In the motions of it, it either
moveth to the right hand or to the left; either to blind devotion or
to profane and libertine transgression; either in imposing restraint
where God granteth liberty, or in taking liberty where God imposeth
restraint. In the degrees and progress of it, it divideth itself
into thought, word, or act. And in this part I commend much the
deducing of the law of God to cases of conscience; for that I take indeed
to be a breaking, and not exhibiting whole of the bread of life.
But that which quickeneth both these doctrines of faith and manners
is the elevation and consent of the heart; whereunto appertain books
of exhortation, holy meditation, Christian resolution, and the like.
(22) For the liturgy or service, it consisteth of the reciprocal acts
between God and man; which, on the part of God, are the preaching of
the word, and the sacraments, which are seals to the covenant, or as
the visible word; and on the part of man, invocation of the name of
God; and under the law, sacrifices; which were as visible prayers or
confessions: but now the adoration being in spiritu et veritate,
there remaineth only vituli labiorum; although the use of holy
vows of thankfulness and retribution may be accounted also as sealed
petitions.
(23) And for the government of the Church, it consisteth of the patrimony
of the Church, the franchises of the Church, and the offices and jurisdictions
of the Church, and the laws of the Church directing the whole; all which
have two considerations, the one in themselves, the other how they stand
compatible and agreeable to the civil estate.
(24) This matter of divinity is handled either in form of instruction
of truth, or in form of confutation of falsehood. The declinations
from religion, besides the privative, which is atheism and the branches
thereof, are three - heresies, idolatry, and witchcraft: heresies, when
we serve the true God with a false worship; idolatry, when we worship
false gods, supposing them to be true; and witchcraft, when we adore
false gods, knowing them to be wicked and false. For so your Majesty
doth excellently well observe, that witchcraft is the height of idolatry.
And yet we see though these be true degrees, Samuel teacheth us that
they are all of a nature, when there is once a receding from the Word
of God; for so he saith, Quasi peccatum ariolandi est repugnare,
et quasi scelus idololatriæ nolle acquiescere.
(25) These things I have passed over so briefly because I can report
no deficiency concerning them: for I can find no space or ground that
lieth vacant and unsown in the matter of divinity, so diligent have
men been either in sowing of good seed, or in sowing of tares.
Thus have I made as it were a small globe of the intellectual world,
as truly and faithfully as I could discover; with a note and description
of those parts which seem to me not constantly occupate, or not well
converted by the labour of man. In which, if I have in any point
receded from that which is commonly received, it hath been with a purpose
of proceeding in melius, and not in aliud; a mind of amendment
and proficiency, and not of change and difference. For I could
not be true and constant to the argument I handle if I were not willing
to go beyond others; but yet not more willing than to have others go
beyond me again: which may the better appear by this, that I have propounded
my opinions naked and unarmed, not seeking to preoccupate the liberty
of men’s judgments by confutations. For in anything which
is well set down, I am in good hope that if the first reading move an
objection, the second reading will make an answer. And in those
things wherein I have erred, I am sure I have not prejudiced the right
by litigious arguments; which certainly have this contrary effect and
operation, that they add authority to error, and destroy the authority
of that which is well invented. For question is an honour and
preferment to falsehood, as on the other side it is a repulse to truth.
But the errors I claim and challenge to myself as mine own. The
good, it any be, is due tanquam adeps sacrificii, to be incensed
to the honour, first of the Divine Majesty, and next of your Majesty,
to whom on earth I am most bounden.
Footnotes:
Stoops in
the rice and takes the speeding gold. Ovid. Metam, x. 667.
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING ***
