Organon reipublicæ, or The north starre of pollicie, by which the course of a common-wealth may be directed..

Concerning Study , and the way to frame ones Study . In framing ones study , two things are to be considered . 1. What study is to be chosen : But it is chosen either of Necessity of State , if one be poore . Nature , if the wit bee somewhat dull . Free will : when either A man is wealthy : By reason of these , some men set before themselues Commo●ities . Priuate , As ●hey which follow Diuinity , Ciuill , Law . Common , Phisicke . Schoole disputations , and the like studies . Publike , Delights of the minde , as they who giue themselues to Philosophy , by help wherof , they may 1. Iudge ●ightly of matters . And this is called 1. Rational , vz. Grammer , Rhetoricke , the Art to speake to plea●e well . to di●pute Logicke , 2. Morall . viz. Ethi●ke , Politick , And these are to be learned out of holy Scriptures , especially void of all error . Propha●e Authors , as Aristostle , Cicero , Seneca , Co 〈…〉〈◊〉〈…〉 g more or 〈◊〉 , this or that way . H●●●ori●● graphe●s , ●●ets , O●at●rs , & ●●●ers . Recommicke , 3. Naturall : here are to be considered , 1. Profit , for it is auaileable 1. To purge the minde of corruptions . 2. To contemne e●rthly things . 3. To sh●w the frail● estate of ●ll things . 4. To increase the care of the soule . 2. Obiects . viz. the Elements , Earth , S 〈…〉 , Mountai●●s , Riuers . Manners , boū●s , conditions of countries , & their gouernmets received . pronounced . Vertue of Stones , Trees , Hearbes , Liuing things & their story , generation & parts . 3. Arts of a like nature , viz. Phisicke husbandry , warfare , building , painting , engrauing ▪ &c. 2. Vtter their minde in fit●e termes . See after in A● . Hath store of wit giuen him . 2. How men ought to perseuer therein . See after at B. b. Aa 2. The care to expresse the minde in fit termes is two-fold , 1. That you may speake well , which is brought to passe , 1. In reading go●d and corrected Authors . 2. By translating their workes into the mother tongue , in significant words . 3. By rightly framing within our minde , whatsoever thing wee goe about to write in ou● Country language . 4. By expressing it in Latine words properly and purely , signifying the same thing . 5. By endeuouring that whatsoeuer you are about to write , that at the beginning you write it very purely , and in good Latine . 2. That you speake eloquently ; which will neuer be , vnlesse your speech be perfect and haue all the parts . Bb 2. Of the choice of study wee haue spoken . The way to perseuer in our study followeth : And this is effected in obseruing 3. things . 1. In rightly perceiuing what wee learne . This is a worke of diligent reading , which is conuersant in throughly vnderstanding the thing which is deliuered . clearely perceiuing the force propriety of words . construction garnishing considering the force of expressing things in words . and speaking perseuering , although we happen vpon a place obscure and darke , vntill time , man , place , or reading , make it manifest . 2. In faithfully keeping that which wee learne , This is a work of a trusty memory , which partly consisteth by Nature . is holpen by Art. vz. if when we must plead , we take heed that we want not order & proportion . an often vse be applied . negligence and carelesnesse be remoued . with most diligent care we comprehend what we reade . very often we require them of our minde . the minde be free and quiet from the multitude of other cares . 3. In bringing forth & framing some thing out of these , which is a worke of continuall exercise . This place comprehendeth two things , 1. The things which we learne to be had in a readinesse . 2. Things to bee inuented and made by our selues , out of those things which we haue learned . Heere three things are necessary . 1. That we haue certain heads , as are vertue , vice : life , death : learning , want of learning : good will , hate : and other of the same kinde . Whatsoeuer things we learn , may well be directed to those heads . But heere we must note , that oftentimes one example or sentence may bee brought to the same heads , according to the signification of the words . 2. That out of those things which wee learne , we carfully and diligently conferre the words together , and expresse them with a larger dilating . 3. That wee deduct these through all the places of Logicke , whence will spring great abundance , both for pleading and inventing .

Of Gouernments . Perfect gouernments are three , Basili● , that is to say , Monarchy , or princely gouernment ; as it is with vs at this time laudable and mo 〈…〉 blessed . Aristocratia , viz. The gouernment of the Nobility , as was the gouernment of the first and former R 〈…〉 mane Co●●ulls . Politia , viz. The ciuill Magistrate and politique iurisdiction ; such as free Cittizens , ruling by right , & 〈…〉 doe vse . Imperfect gouernments are three . Tyrannis , where the King abtruding his commandements for all reason , vndeseruedly afflicteth t 〈…〉 Common-wealth . Oligarchia , is the vsurping of a few , such as were some Senators , made by the common people at Rom 〈…〉 inclining vnto the wandring affections of the multitude , that they might merite the peoples fauour . Anarchia , is the iurisdiction of the multitude , and of the mischeeuous and rash common people . When as heeretofore in Persia ( King Cambyses being dead ) the Kings Counsellors and Peeres , viz. Darius , Megabiz 〈…〉 Otta●es , &c. had convented themselues in the Parliament house , to consult of the safety of the Kingdome ; as th●● were consulting , a controuersie befell touching three things especially , ( that is to say ) the foresaid three perfect gouernments . The three perfect , Monarchia was preferred by Darius , through strong and very good reasons , as comming very neere vn●● t●e d●●i●e and heauenly Kingdome . Ar●st●cr●tia , by most weighty arguments , and most pleasant sweetenesse of speech , was preferred by M 〈…〉 g●●iz●● , ( as very long flourishing ) Pol●●●● , ●●ked and best pleased Ottanes . Tyrannis , These are reiected as most horrible , violent , and hurtfull to humane societie ; whereof proceeded th● noble and excellent iudgement of Tully , concerning an ill gouerned Common-wealth . Oligarchia , An●r●hia . He saith ; that the tyranny of one , is dangerous ; more , is worse : the common people is the most horrible plague of a Common-wealth .

〈◊〉 antient gouernments and continuing many ages , alterations of times made manifest all the fore-said perfect and imperfect kindes of gouernments ; that is to say , at Rome .

〈◊〉 Rome , 1. Monarchia , that is to say , Kings , Romu●us , Num● Pompilius , Ancus Martius , &c. who raigned 243. yeares . 2. Tyrannis , that is to say , Tyrants ; Tarquinius , Sy●la , Caesar , &c. 1. Aristocratia , the gouernment of the Nobles , when the Peeres and first Consulls ruled , that is to say , ●●nius Brutus , Tarquinius , Collatinus , Seruius Sulpitius , Manlius , Tulliu● , who ruled 301. years . A●●●r them succeeded also Furius Camil●us , Paulus Aemilius , Fabij , Me●●l●● , Scipiones , Cato●●s , Cicero , &c. All mighty in warre and peace . 2. Oligarchi● , the vsurping of a few Senators ; the discommodities whereof Rome felt , in that dangerous office called Tri●mv●●atius ; that is to say , the office of three men in like authority , and appeared most perni●iously in that ambitious Protectorship , and Triumviracy of Caesar , Crassus , and Pompey . And last of all , in the triumviracy of Octauius , Antonius , and Lepidus . Whereupon Cicero saith : Let there be successiue Magistrates , that one doe not ●●●ome proud with continuall gouernment ; and hope of ad●●●cement , comfort very many . 1. The pollicy of the ciuill Magistrate : who expelled the Decem●●●● , because one of them , that is to say , Appius Claudius , rauished one Virginia , the daughter of a noble Citizen of Rome . 2. Anarchia , the authority of the raging and most audacious Commons , who , when Antoniu● was mooued and prouoked with anger , most wickedly and villan●●●●y murdered Cicero , and many states of Rome : because the Senate created Octauius Caesar Consull , and passing by , put backe Antonius ambitiously , desiring the gouernment .

This popul●● state is vnstaied , and very quickly goeth to ruine , and easily degenerateth into another tyranny . Whereupon commeth this saying : Tyranny is next to the victory of the Commons .

Not o●ely the Romans , but also the Thebanes , Spartanes , and Atheniens , &c. ( florishing with great soueraig●ties ) haue knowne all these kindes of gouernment .

It is to be noted , that a Common-wealth and the most perfect kindes of gouernments , are very seldome found abs●lutely simple , but fitly composed amongst themselues . For a certaine mixture is voluntarily admitted amongst them ; y 〈…〉 so mixt and tempred , that in a triple forme ( as in a meruailous and sweet harmoni● ) one counsell signifieth as it were o 〈…〉 minde . Yet the Common-wealth keepeth her name of the worthier part ruling the rest .

It is also to be noted , that a Common-wealth very seldome is long found firme and strong , if God protect it not . F 〈…〉 it is resembled to the fraile nature and vnconstant minde of men ( the foresaide politique body being compact of the 〈…〉 which are variably tossed hither and thither : one while they are aduanced from small to great : another while they a 〈…〉 throwen downe from their greatnesse into diuers perils of things . They are also endaungered , being tossed too and 〈◊〉 in very great and innumerable perills , one while of sicknesse , another while of health : euen vnto the last period of li 〈…〉 Whereupon commeth this saying . As a Ship is subiect to waues , so the minde is to perils : Now enioyning good , and then readie to perish through euils .

In this so wast a sea of perils , Gods helpe is to be craued .

Also an excellent sharpnesse of the wit , and an admirable quicknesse , and wisedome , are requisit in inuenting the b 〈…〉 pollicies . By too long delay , counsels waxe little worth .

There is no treasure more commodious to a Prince and Common-wealth , then Counsellours excelling in vertu 〈…〉 wisedome , fidelitie , and valour .

The graue counsell of Kings maketh euery thing know●n , which he would have searched out .

A Prince ought to haue many eares , and many eyes ▪

Theee sorts of men necessarie in a Common-wealth .

Magistrates , who may rule iustly : and these are by Plato called Golden men . Captaines and Souldiers : who may valiantly faithfully defend , and these are called Sil●er Artificers , who by discipli●es and profitable Arts may helpe , and these are called Brason

A well ordered Common-wealth , consisteth of Religion and pollitique Lawes .

A Common-wealth , a Citie , and a familie , will be alike eftsoones dissolued , vnlesse they be lincked together with the bands of Lawes .

The next tempest bringeth shipwracke to that Common-wealth , the establishment of whose lawes is vnconstant .

Therefore it is meete that we passe to the Lawes .

Touching Lawes .

〈…〉 cero de Lege , defineth a Lawe , to be a certaine rule proceeding from the will of God , perswading that which is iust and good , and prohibiting euill .

●eraclitus , telleth vs , that we ought to fight no lesse for our lawes then for our citie walles , because without walles our countrey may be safe , without lawes it cannot .

●s a body without a soule , so a citie without lawes cannot vse her parts and sinewes , blood and members .

It is expedie●● 〈…〉 blish 〈…〉 re what things are most con●enient for euery common-wealth , and doe bring forth commodity , or preseruation , losse , or destruction . whether they be profitable and prop 〈…〉 this Common-wealth , 〈◊〉 to a Common-wealt● of another kinde . Ouermuch liberty vtterly subuerteth and extinguisheth euery gouernment . Moderate liberty is profitable for euery one , and for the Common-wealth . what things in ●●mes past brought commodity , to our , or gouernment . to forraigne discommodity , To di●anull wholly , when they are repugnant to Religion , Let that bee the principall regard which maketh for Re●●gion . pollicy . in part , when some things are to bee changed If any thing must be changed , it must be changed by little and little , which b● little and little hath increased . Destruction is very neere to suddaine alteration . It is a point of wisedome , in difficult matters , freely to grant somewhat to th● disposition of the people . To interprete . That is to be referred to the Interpreters of the law . In expounding the laws , sanctity and equity are to be regarde● Lest they make white of blacke , and blacke of white . To obsrue lawes , the care wherof properly belongeth to Princesse , Counsellours , in whom are required vnderstanding , to know what is iust , and to be done : what is euill , and to be repressed : who are worthy reward , according to the quantitie of the fact . qualitie punishment ; Authoritie ; to punish the guilty and the wicked . defend the godly , and the good . make famous the worthy , by titles and due promotions . He receiueth a benefit , who giueth to him that deserued it . Let vertue be the chiefest merit for promotions . The Common-wealths safetie , is preserued by reward and punishment . There is nothing more Princely , than to giue due testimony to vertue . Let haynous offences be punished with cruell punishments . Iudges : Magistrates in euery countire and citie : of whom are required diligence , which ought to be fenced with Integrity against anger , we do not vse trobled water , vntill it stand still : much lesse must wee vse a troubled mind vntil it come to it selfe . Socrates : gifts , fauour , intercescessions Constancy and fortitude against feare of displeasure . danger . care ▪

There must heed be taken , lest the respest of priuate matters , doe hurt and harme publique affaires .

An vncorrupted Law is the keeper of equitie , and the mistresse of truth :

She hath no affections , but ruleth causes by right .

The Law , whereunto a penaltie is not ioyned , & penaltie , which hope of pardon ensueth , are altogether vnprofi●●●●●

Right often passeth to wrong , if the indifferent Magistrate doe not prohibite it .

Rulers and Magistrates offending , hurt more by their examples , then by their offences .

Where Iudges and Magistrates doe well and iustly execute their offices for their owne dignitie , and the estimation 〈◊〉 their charge , there it must needes be , that the same Common-wealth do florish , and flow with all good things ; the peop●● applauding and praysing the excellent beautie of vertue shining in their superiours , and set before their eyes to imitate 〈◊〉 Cicero .

The Law , equitie , execution of Lawes , the dexteritie of the Magistrate , are the patrimony of a Common-wealth .

Where the Common-wealth reuerenceth and adoreth the Law , there is all happinesse .

Where the Lawe is in subiection to the Common-wealth , there is all impietie . Where the Law is cast off by the Common-wealth , there is all confusion and mischiefe . Cicero .

It is very hurtfull vnto a Common-wealth , if holy and iust Lawes be not kept firme and mutable ; and if foolish Aud●tors doe applaude euery man ( through desire of noueltie , and ostentation of wit and eloquence ) ouerthrowing tho●● things which are profitable , necessary , and well ordained for the good of all men .

Let not perswasion beare downe that thing which action hath con●uted .

Let no Tobaccho-sellers be neere a Common-wealth .

Let not the more noble , but the better iudgement obtaine the victorie .

Many controuersies arise of a Law containing many words .

Architas Commaundeth , that in establishing lawes , those things be first confirmed which belong to God .

Next , those things which be honest and commendable .

After , things profitable . He saith also , that it is meete ( next after vertue ) that the Lawes be contained in mens minds , rather than in bookes .

Of the foure Cardinall vertues in generall , and after of Politique .

●y the Cardinall vertues the soule is rectified in her power .

Prudence . rectifieth the rationall power . Fortitude , the power of anger . Temperance , the power of concupiscence .

But Iustice rectifieth all the powers , and containeth in it self all the vertues , whereupon commeth the saying ;

Iustice in it selfe comprehendeth all vertues .

Iustice is is not onely a speciall vertue , but also a generall ; containing the direction of the whole minde towards God ●nd our neighbour : and is called the rectifier of the will .

By the Cardinall vertues a man is instructed in all good things , and is armed against vices : as Augustine saith .

Prudence teacheth to Choose . Prudence consisteth in preuenting deceits . Fortitude Endure . Fortitude enduring sorrowes . Temperance Vse . Temperance brideling wicked pleasures . Iustice Distribute . Iustice relieuing miseries .

It is the propertie of Prudence to knowe what may be . to be willing to doe most . not to presume of that which cannot be . to desire equitie in all things . Fortitude . Temperance Iustice

These foure Vertues are called Cardinall : because as the doore is turned vpon the hinge , so on these , mans life is tu●ned and ruled .

They are also sometimes called Politike ; because by these a ciuill life is ordered , and they pollish and adorne a ma● and rule the life as touching outward things , and as farre forth as they fight against vices .

They are also called Humane ; because they are gotten by mans study , except they be infused by God .

They are also called Consuetudinall ; because they are gotten not by one action , but by custome .

These Vertues haue their degrees of perfection , according to which they are in them which beginne one way , an● ther way in them which profite , and a third way in them which are perfect .

To conclude , euen as God is a diuine sampler of all things ; so these patternes of vertues abide in him , and flow vnto from the fountaine of his diuinitie , whereof they are called Exemplares .

Of Prudence .

Prudence , in as much as it is a politike vertue , is called the Rule of Reason , enlightning our mindes : which consid●reth what she doth : she determineth without error : she willeth or doth no vnseemely thing . Whence commeth the sayin●

Amend what is past , rule what is present , see what is to come : For a wise man is accustomed to obserue these things . Consider the things present , and fore see that which is to come .

Prudence as it is a vertue of a well instructed minde , is to know onely diuine things .

Prudence Exemplare , is the diuine vnderstanding , whereunto all things are vncouered and open .

The parts of Prudence are three Vnderstanding , Prouidence , Memory .

Vnderstanding , is that by which the minde perceiueth the things which be .

Prouidence , is a vertue ( as Cecero saith ) by which some future thing is seene before it be done .

Memory , is that by which any one remembreth the things which haue beene .

The office of Prudence , is to sustaine other vertues in their actions , according to all the parts of man .

Morall Philosophy ; which are Ethicke , Oeconomicke , 1. Ordereth the manners , as touchig man , 2. Setteth a family in order , 3. Ruleth Cities and Kingdomes . Politike . Prudence is triple .

1. The first of the heart : and this is in disposing things present , in remembring things past , & fore-seeing things to come .

Deut. 32. Would God men would be wise : that is to say , by things past : and would vnderstand , that is to say , things present : and would fore-see the last things : that is to say , things to come .

2. The second is of the mouth : and this is in gouernment of our speeches .

Prou. 10. He is most wi●e , who can rule his lips .

The third is of worke : and this consisteth in eschewing the euill , and choosing of good .

Psal. 33. Decline from euill , and doe good .

We must note , that ther is worldly , humane , & heauenly wisedome . 1. The first , is in getting temporall things . 2. The second , in commodity of the flesh . 3. The third , in diuine seruice .

The office of Prudence is , to direct the actions of other vertues , and to esteeme and ordaine euery thing according to vertue . Seneca .

To conclude , as an empty ship is to be fenced and furnished with conuenient tacklings : so a life , with the effect of Prudence . Socrates .

Of Fortitude .

Fortitude , in as much as it is a politike vertue , is to beare a valiant minde , to feare nothing , but dishonest things : manfully to endure aduersity , or prosperity .

Fortitude of a purged minde is , to be ignorant of passions , not to feare , that it knoweth not to be angry , and desireth no dishonest thing .

Exemplare fortitude is , to be vnchangeable ; because it is alwaies the same , and is not at any time changed .

The parts of fortitude are foure , Magnificence , Confidence , Patience , Perseuerance ,

Magnificence is the cogitation and exployting of great and high matters , with a certaine honorable purpose of mind Confidence is a vertue , whereby the minde it selfe in great and honest matters hath reposed much in it self , with a certain hope of trust .

Patience is a voluntary and continuall sufferance of hard and difficult things , for honestie and commodities sake .

Perseuerance is a vertue sure and permanent in a well aduised purpose .

There are many effects of Fortitude 1. it triumpheth ouer ones enemies , Mark 5. and he a most valiant man . 2. it keepeth a mans goods : Luke . 11. when a strong man armed , &c. 3. it enricheth , — Prou. 10 , the hand of the strong get●●th riches . 4. it adorneth , — Prou. 31. fortitude and comelinesse his garment . Fortitude consis●th in fiue things , In aduenturing vpon hard things : Many things help fortitude , 1. The exhortation of wise men . In despising earthly things : 2. The example of the strong . In suffering tribulation : 3. Excercise in fight . In resisting ●emptations : 4. Hope of reward . In fighting against vices . 5. The helpe of prayer .

As Harts haue great Hornes in vaine , seeing they want courage : so it is not sufficient to be strong and to be of power in other things , vnlesse Fortitude be adioyned . Plutarch .

Of Temperance .

Politicke Temperance ( according to Macrobius ) is , to desire nothing to be repented , in nothing to exceede the rule 〈◊〉 modestie , to tame desire vnder the yoake of reason . Whence commeth the saying : Wilt thou be crowned ? wilt thou be filled with delicates ? Haue this short saying alwayes before thee ; Be sober .

Temperance of a purged minde , is , not onely to represse , but quite to forget earthly desires .

Temperance as it is an Exemplar vertue , is , a certaine turning about towards it selfe with continuall diligence .

There are three parts of Temperance , Continence . Clemencie . Modestie .

Continence ( according to Tully ) is a vertue , by which the desire is ruled by the gouernment of counsell .

Clemencie is a vertue , whereby the motions of the mind , being stirred with rashnesse , to the hate of some one , are staied by gentlenesse and pleasantnes●e .

Modestie is a vertue , by which an honest shamefastnesse getteth an honourable and durable estimation .

There are againe three formes of Temperance , Sobrietie , Abstinence , Modestie .

The first consisteth in tast : which Sobrietie moderateth .

The second consisteth in touching , wherein Abstinence and Chastitie put a meane .

The third consisteth in words and deeds . But a deede , as it is heere taken , doth appertaine to three sences ▪ about their propper matters ,

Seeing , Hearing , Smelling ,

This deede pertaineth also to touching , not onely in things vsing the act of generation , but also pertaineth to others , whose instruments are hands to smite and take , and feete to walke .

In all these , Modestie setteth downe a meane .

The dignitie of Temperance is seene in these two things ;

1. First it preserueth Nature , because Nature is delighted in meane things , and through extreames is corrupted . Keepe a meane , if thou wilt not loose the end . Blessed men haue kept a meane , saith Bernard .

2. It adorneth the minde . For as in Natures the forme is more comely , than the matter : so also in manners , the manner , is more commended than the action it selfe . Whence commeth that olde common saying ; We merit not by Verbes , but by Aduerbes : that is to say , not in that we speake or doe any thing , but in that we speake well , or doe well .

It is manifest by an example in that Widow , who , offering two mites , is more commended by our Lord , then they who cast in great gifts into the Treasury .

Temprance is compared vnto the Sunne , which is the midst of the Planets , and most glorious amongst them all .

Socrates said , that a temperate habite of the minde , and contented with it owne , was like a short and pleasant life . Fo● hath much peace , and little labour .

Of Iustice .

Now time requireth that we enter into the holy closets of Polliticke Iustice : whose propertie is to keepe to euery 〈◊〉 his owne : where also a respect of a iust and honest fact is busied , with a religious obseruation : and nothing is termed p 〈…〉 fitable which may seeme dishonest .

Iustice of a pure mind is , so to be with that high mind , that it keepeth with it a perpetuall league by imitation .

It is a propertie of Exemplar Iustice , by an euer during Lawe , not to be turned from the perpetuall continuation of worke .

There are six parts of Iustice . 1. Religion , 2. Pietie , 3. Thankes : 4. Reuenge , 5. Obeysance 6. Truth . To these mercy seemeth to be fitly ioyned , being a vertue most accepta 〈…〉 to God ; which will not onely pittie , but also succour the aduersiti 〈…〉 another .

1. Religion is a vertue of a certaine superiour nature , which men call diuine , and bringeth with it care and ceremony .

2. Pietie is , when dutie and diligent reuerence is giuen to them who are linked to vs in blood and good will .

3. Thankes is that , wherein are contained the remembrance and desire of requiting the amitie and offices of another .

4. Reuenge is a vertue , whereby violence and iniurie and euery obscure thing , is repelled by defending and reuenging ▪

5. Obeysance is a vertue , whereby men excelling in some worthinesse , are vouchsafed with some reuerence and hono 〈…〉

6. Veritie is a vertue , whereby those things are said to be changed , which haue beene , are , or shall be hereafter .

Heere is to be noted , that Iustice is not so much a speciall vertue , as a generall , as is abouesaid in the Cardinall 〈…〉 tues .

But Iustice may be peruerted three wayes .

1. Through loue of the person , or of money . Isa. 5. Woe to you who iustifie the vngodly , for a reward .

2. Through feare , Mat. 10. Feare not them who kill the body , &c.

3. Through enuie . Marke . 15. Knowing that for enuy they had betrayed him .

Many things draw vs to Iustice : that is to say ;

The Scripture , Eccles. 4. Euen vnto death striue for Iustice .

Our naturall inclination . Augustine . Naturally Iustice is in the heart of man

Also brute beasts admonish vs to Iustice by their agreement and innocencie .

There are many effects and blessings of Iustice .

Mat. 5. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after Iustice .

●et . 3. Blessed are ye if you suffer any thing for Iustice .

●ccle . 4. Who worketh Iustice , shall be exalted , and is blessed .

●r●● . 10. Iustice deliuereth from eternall death .

It rewardeth . Psal. 17. My lord will reward me according to my Iustice .

It crowneth . Tim. 2. The crowne of Iustice is laide vp for me .

To conclude , Iustice is called the vpholder of the Common-wealth , the life and Queene of all vertues .

The Sunne is most pleasant to them who can behold it : so also is a Prince to them who loue Iustice .

Concerning Warre .

Of Warre . Warre is offensiue , or defensiue .

In Offensiue warre the consideration is either Generall : where we ought to respect the kind . For it is either Necessary , or not Necessary . the moment . For it is either daungerous , or not daungerous . Particular . See afterwards . Heere also the Places , are to be considered . Meanes and Times

The rules . To knowe the fittest time , and to take hold thereof , an vnknown commoditie , Strength without aduise , ouerthroweth it selfe with it owne waight . Strength is small worth abroad , vnlesse there be wisedome at home . Let no man through confidence of his owne wisedome or strength , vndertake daungerous and vnnecessary things . For God in a suddaine moment can ouerthrow the greatest glory of things . The story of Craesus amongst others , is famous , who through error of iudgement and confidence of his owne power , hee rashly stirring vnnecessary Warre against Cyrus , procured most greeuous calamities to himself and his whole kingdome . Whence commeth the verse . All worldly things hang at a slender threed . And they fall by sudden mischance , who haue beene mightie . And he is suddenly a beggar , who euen now was exceeding rich . Things present are to be retained ; and things certaine are not rashly , and for vncertaine and vnknowen things , to be hazarded . Do nothing but what is needfull to be done . And one rule which God hath giuen , is to be followed . A Prince must fight sometime , not because he will , but because his enemies constraineth . It is also well knowen by the Law of Nations , that Warre may bee repelled by Warre . Also delaying of future Warre , is for the most part a great losse and shame to a Prince . Liui●● . It is also the dutie of a wise man to try all things by aduice before he fight . And if warre cannot be auoided , because all are in daunger , he must wisely attempt it , and valiantly repell it ; and a diligent preparation is to be thought vpon , and vsed in time of peace . In a generall consideration it must be regarded What Captaines are to be made , remoued . what store of foode and victuals is necessary : whence they may be had certainly , verily , speedily . How great an armie our enemies or we in quantitie haue , are able to procure at home , abroad , to abstaine now at the present time , in time to come . in qualitie by Sea , that is to say , Souldiers on Sea . by land footemen , what sorts of both . horsemen ,

what furniture of warre is necessarie , that is to say , Armour , weapons , Armour , or complete Armour . Horses , Gunnes , Engines , Iron bullets , Cariots , wild fire pouder , Carriages , and other engines .

What places are fit to skirmish : There are three sinewes of Warre , Gold , the hand , yron . What times are fit and conuenient . Horsemen and footemen , armed men are called the hands and legs of the Captaine . Plutarch . But a Captaine wanting money , is said to haue no bellie . —

Souldiers are also to be kept in obedience , and they may the better be gouerned , their wages is to be payed them in due time . Particular consideration resteth in the Captaines wisdome & experience in Warre , who ought to marke & foresee Treasons , secret engines , priuie whisperings , treacherie , strangemes , &c. The way of the souldiers going forth to battaile , Places which are indifferent and fit to fight , to skirmish , The opportunitie of the place oft times more auayleth , than valour . Caesar . to winter in . Conuenient places to enter into sight , by night , or by day . forthwith , or at some other time . leaue off their fight , goe forward , retire , make a stand , spare their enemies being subdued , or to exercise crueltie against them . They who with very small intreatie do pardon them which are ouercome , do for this cause , allure more to try the fortune of Warre against them . But there appeared very manifestly in Pausanias , D●k● of the Spartanes , not onely warlike vertue and fortitude , but also modestie , and the honour of chast shamefastnesse , Who , after the victorie gotten at Platea , conquered himselfe with a most glorious victory , and abstayning from Coa , being taken Prisoner defended her . And with great prayse of moderation and humanitie , he raged not against the dead carkasses of his enemies being slaine , but said , it suffised him , if that doing and speaking iust things , he could please his Spartanes . On what side he is to giue the onset before , behind , on both the wings of the Armie , &c. How Warre is to be made , either by field battailes , in open field ; or subtilly , and by Ambushes . fences of Bulwarks ; or by suddaine issuing out of their Tents and Townes . whole Armie , or by light skirmishes and Fortresses . Spoyling the fields , and by besieging their cities . Making experiment with the whole Armie , in one set battle , or by many long battailes . How the whole hoast and armie is to be ordered and set in array , when a slaughtering and most cruell war is to be vndertaken and dispatched . What places are most meete for receiuing their Garrisons , and what places are inconuenient . What Captaines and particular Bands and captainships they shall haue . From whom we may get food and victuals . Who wanteth food and victuals , dieth through hunger , not by the swoord . How we ought to vse the victory being gotten . How our Souldiers subdued in Warre , are to be comforted and encouraged in mind . 〈◊〉 defen●●e war , It must be knowen , How our Country , Citie is fenced . by Nature , by land , by sea , with rocks , with mountaines , with woods , with marishes . By Art , with Hauens , Castles , Fortresses , Ditches . may be fenced with — new hauens , Castles , Munitions , Trenches and ditches . what things are necessary , and of what for the Garrisons of our owne Souldiers or of forreyners are , because if they want , it is requisite that they be augmented they are ouer-many , that they be ●bated . what places are fit for our enemies to assault vs , that we leaue strong places . Let that bee the chiefest part of a Citie , for whome it is most expedient that all things be quiet . that we fence daungerous places . vs , to defend our selues , It is more easie to keepe out the enemie , than to expell him being let in . It must be considered what warres many yeeres haue bene made in our countrey , or in other places , how they haue bene managed . Let not continuall warre be made , although with an 〈◊〉 experienced enemie . vpon what causes they arose . how they were ended . It is very easie to iudge the like of the like things . But hee who followeth auncient and excellent examples without particular obseruation , shall sometime greatly erre . We ought to see how manie what friends wee can call to ayde vs ; lest wee rashly prouoke them who are mo 〈…〉 mightie then wee . Wee must preuent the iniuries of them who are more mightie , not by rashly reuenging , but by taki 〈…〉 heede of worse turn 〈…〉 Improuident & blind hast , is vnfortunate : but delay stopping the wandring vehemecy of the minde , pro 〈…〉 teth much , which although they straightway appeare not , yet in due time any one may certainly find 〈◊〉 To conclude , weee must take heede least in ending warre , or succouring others , warre bee so extinguished abroade , tha● bee kindled at home .

Of Peace .

The most firme league , peace and amitie is , that , which is purchased through opinion of vertue , likenesse of manners , and consent of Religion .

The best league is , to do well , for with such men GOD himselfe is confederate , saith Isocrates .

Pe●ac is eyther to be made . Heere we ought to offer Conditions , wher care is to bee had of the Time . For sometime these conditions ( in conuenient time ) will be thankfully and willing accepted , which afterward may bee suspected and reiected . Reasons , wherby our aduersaries are perswaded to accept our conditions of peace , being offere● Persons treating of peace . For very often it happeneth , that the selfe same truces are confirm 〈…〉 or reiected , by reason of the inequalitie of the persons handling the matter . Conditions themselues , least they seeme Dangerous , Craftie and bold policies are at the first sight pleasant , hard to 〈◊〉 handled , and in the euent dolefull . The vnequall conditions and policies of Lycidas and Circilus a 〈…〉 to be shunned . Herod 〈…〉 Some cures are more greeuous then the disease it selfe , where it better die , then by them go about to recouer health . Difficult , Intollerable , Dishonest . Preserued . To accept conditions . Where it must be considered . Vpon what cause our aduersaries to make a league with vs , whether they are perswaded . voluntarily , or vpon necessitie . what ayde we or our enemies haue to make warre . How the Souldiers are affected . what kinds of conditions they be . For if they appeare to be iust & honest , we must beware lest in refusing them , we seeme Obstinate or stiffe necked , as the Iewes were in the siege of Hierusalem . Proud and hawtie , as Pompeius , &c. in contemning truce with Caesar , who when Cicero brought most indifferent conditions of peace , was willing to dismisse his armie ; but Pompey despised him , as his enemie , but afterward was slaine in vnfortunate warre , wherein also two hundred thousand men were slaine . Philo telleth vs , that it is better to haue peace , although not commodious and indifferent , than to vndertake warre with great mischiefes . Peace is a worke full of vertue , peace is the summe of labour . Peace is the reward of finished warre , & the reward of danger . A man vnhurt , will sleepe better , than he who is wounded . The beuers , in hunting , bite of their stones , when as they perceiue that for this cause they are pursued : so it is the part of a wise man , somtime to cast away that thing , for which he is endaungered . Plin. ●ith 〈…〉 rreine ●eople adioyning , who loue vs , who maligne vs , who carry themselues indifferently towards vs . Heere wee ought to see with whom we ought to make leagues . to preserue friendship , to shew loue & good , will , either by deed , or counter fait it onely by word . by whom how openly , how secretly , how long . By what offices we may pacifie the offended , confirme the doubtful , perswade the suspitious , dwelling farre of : Peace is preserued by auoyding offences & enmities with domesticall people : which may arise through negligence & defect of Instructions , which doe not respect the education of youth . For it is especially to be considered . what doctrine ought to be taught in a expelled from Common-wealth . what studies are conuenient for euerie age , to adorne the mind with Diuinitie . morall Phylosophie . Histories , &c. stirre vp strength Agilitie of the body . health How much time is to be spent in learning , &c. Good education is called the foundation of wisedome . Ordayning of Magistrates how many , what Magistrates the common-wealth wanteth . who are worthy & fit for euery place , t●● these may be called tobeare office , lest 〈◊〉 enuious doe speake in reproach of the 〈…〉 ther : according to that of the Poet. Two things especially doe rule all the counsels and actions of wise men in the common-wea 〈…〉 and priuate life , vz. Hearing , o● precepts , set down in the word of God , in Phylosophy , and honest lawes . Examples of counsels , euents and punishments : which are more notable , and more effectual 〈…〉 moue and pearse the minds of the ruder sort . An Historie wisely written ( as Cicero saith ) is the mistresse of life , and the witnesse of times , 〈◊〉 light of truth , the messenger of antiquitie , & Thucididies calleth it the picture & theater of 〈◊〉 life , agreeing to all times of this world : wherein as the nature of man continueth the same : their dispositions , manners , businesses , occasions , counsels , euents , misdoings , and also for t 〈…〉 most part , the same offences continue . Onely the persons and Actors of the Historie , do succeede new euery age ; and the names bei 〈…〉 changed , the stories are now told as it were of our selues . Oh shame ! men vnwise , and of a grosse braine , Despisers of learning ( who haue onely care of dycing , Or to feede dogges , horses and hawkes , And to leade a childish life in continuall sportes ) Do beare the Scepters , rule the people , and gouerne Cities . Hence come so many thousand scabbes of errors , so manie sinkes of follies , so manie thousands of mischieous deeds . Appointing of gifts and rewards , for euery one that well deserueth , whether they bee 1 Noble , or For it is not well if Ignoble , 2 Souldiers , Peacemakers , 3 Learned , Vnlearned , 4 Magistrates , Priuate men , 5 Cleargie men , Laye men .

Good men bee obscured , as it were with darkenes enuironing them , & be not regarded : be adorned with no praise of due honor , be difficultly , faintly & coldly , preferred . Where there bee fewe which desire offices , there the common wealth is in daunger . By rewards & honors , excellent wittes are stirred vp with a more earnest vehemency of minde , to the study of vertue . Let no estate of men bee depriued of hope to attaine anie preheminence , sauing what belongeth to the King . Let a more honorable office bee giuen to the more noble , a more gainefull office to the poorer sorte , other things being equall . Bad men be preferred as , Tale-bearers Hee who giueth more to him that ill deserueth it , and lesse to him who wel deserued , is iniurious & vniust . Good turnes ill bestowed , are esteemed ill deeds . Let wicked and mischieuous men be punished . Scoffers , False accusers Dishonest , Flatterers , &c. Remedies are to be inuented , and applied to the sicknesses and diseases of the common wealth . Ambition : which disease is spread farre and wide , and increaseth daily . Couetousnes and pride of Noblemen . It is vncertaine what the euening bringeth , therefore wee must not bee proud in aduersitie . Magistrates . Angrie men hate pride , wise men deride it . Prodigall spending of ones wealth , especially of them who are indebted vnto others . Want & need of others : for many kept vnder with want , haue desperatly robbed the common wealth . Impuritie of offenders , and iniurious men , make the Lawes to be contemned . Iniuries are offered to the inferiours by their superiours : that is to say , To the common sort by the Nobles : Thereby wee read in the Romane Empire , that the Kings were expelled , and that the state of the common-wealth was pluckt diuers wayes and altered . To priuate men by Magistrates : Thereby also in Heluetia , the Magistrates and Nobles were driuen away , and the policie of the people erected . To equalls by theyr equalls , that is to say ; To Magistrates by Magistrates . Hereby deadly warre haue oftentimes arose . Empires haue bene rent and torne asunder . The times of Sylla & Marius were most lamentable to the common wealth of Rome By one priuate man to another Through a rod kindled , or a candle left negligently in a house● the whole Cittie is oftentimes set on fire : so of priuate ha 〈…〉 and dissension , a publick dammage sometimes ariseth . Inward sedition is by so much more hurtfull than warre , ( whereas it is atchieued against forreyners with agreeing mindes ) by how much warre is worse then peace . Wee ought to contend at all times , not with priuie grudg●● and hatreds , but whether of all can best deserue of o 〈…〉 Prince and Countrey , and doe most good for it . Aristides . Themistocl . All things are to bee ordered and gouerned at home , with counsell and the arts of peace . The disagreement of degrees is the bane of the common-wealth . The ambition of superiours are to bee taken heede off . The enuie of equalles The suspition of inferiours

Withdraw the matter , and the fire will be quenched . Take away the occasion , and hatred or enuie will cease , Friendship ought to bee immortall , andenmities ought to bee mortall . ●ouching foode and victualls necessary for ●he sustenaunce of a common wealth . In preparation of foode and victualls necessary to sustaine the common-wealth . &c. wee ought To consider all things In their kindes , for either they are ministred to vs , by forraine Countreys : or are at home , & growing in our owne Countrie . in their quantity How much the commonwealth wil need in time of warre & peace . how much will be spare to transport to whom , when , how . how much is to be dist●ibuted to euerie one in warre , and peace , To take heede least by the malice and enuie of some our common wealth be destitute , & afflicted by vnlawfull transportations , or Monopolies at home . our friends , being in great want , bee not satisfied and refreshed , our ennemies do freely eni●y our benefites and commodities .

Heereof many men make greeuous complaint , and therefore g●●eat care is heere to bee vsed .

For it suffiseth not to haue lawes and proclamations touching loue and charity , and moderating our desires & superfluous exp●n●es , but ( couetousnes and blinde lusts being repressed , ) to deale more moderately and religiously towards our Countrie and neighbours . For not our wordes , but our deedes ought to agree to holie lawes .

The sight also , and almost the feeling of most wofull calamities , the long continuance and great burden of warres , famine , pestilences , seditions and great slaughters , which for very many yeares hath spoyled adioyning countries , ought to mooue vs through true penance , godlinesse and obedience of our whole life , to put away henceforth , the anger of God ▪ and perhaps the like punishments hanging ouer our heads .

It comforteth me to haue escaped so many Grecian cities , and to haue kept the middle way through my enemies . Virg.

We ought also to be mindfull that d●●th hangeth ouer euery mans head , and we must once tread the way of death . Therefore we must prouide such wealth , which ( the ship being broken ) may swim out together with their maister . There is nothing worse , nothing more hated , nothing more repugnant to Gods ordinances , than the crime of auarice , and cruell outragiousnesse .

Cursed is that couetous Steward whose maister is bountifull . Bernard .

As in quick-siluer all things swimme , except gold ; for this is one thing it draweth too it : so nothing sinketh into the mind of a couetous man , beside gayne . Charitie , pietie and honestie , swimme on the top : they descend not into the heart .

The fish Polypus , being otherwise a blockish creature , vseth incredible skill in catching the oyster : so some men are ver● wise onely in gayning ; in other things they are mere beasts .

Let him that is condemned of Auarice , enuie and impietie , be excluded from euery office of the Common-wealth .

Touching the principall and chiefest notes , wherein we must pursu● a matter in disputation . Perswadeth ●n a ques●ion Simple , wee must vrge that this is possible , easie , honest , religious , laudadle , honourable , profitable , necessary , safe , pleasant . Comparatiue : more possible , more easie , the ten wayes , as aboue . more honest , &c. Disswadeth in question . Simple , here we must vrge that this is Impossible , hard , vnhonest , Irreligious , discommendable , Ignoble , vnprofitable , vnnecessary , dangerous , vnpleasant . Comparatiue : more impossible , the ten wayes as aboue . more difficult , more irreligious , more dishonest , &c.

Touching the Methode which is to be obserued in perswading and disputing . Inuention of Arguments wherewith we may prooue things . refute amplifie

we may effect the Auditors . beningnely , pleasantly , vehemently with hope , with feare , Placing of Arguments , for arguments of greater efficacie and vertue are to be placed in the beginning . ending . of lesser moment are to be heaped together n the midst .

〈…〉 with what excellent sentences & el●quent 〈◊〉

Heere a●so is to be noted , that arguments are to be taken from places of Rhetoricians , which are called A●tributes of Persons where are comprehended the name of a man . the nature

are related the — Nation , countrey , kindred , flocke , sexe , age , commodities , discommodities , of body , of fortune . Herodotus admonisheth vs sometime to imitate the natures and manners of men , the natures of the countries and places wherein they are borne . Life : where are considered the fosteres , and helpers , Schoole-maisters & teachers , friends , seruants , profession , Sort , state . Habite of Bodie , minde . Studies and counsels . Accidents which haue happened to them . Conferences and often speeches . Actions . Things : whereof are numbred Time , place , fact , matter , cause , power , instruments , and the manner of doing . Logicians according to Ramus vz. by the Causes , Effects , Subiects , Adiuncts , Disagreeing things , Comp●red things , Name , Distribution , Definition , Testimonie .

But now Methode and order require that this my Epitome beganne with holy things , should be ended with holy and diuine things . Let it please you therefore , that fewe things bee in generall explicated touching the three Theologicall vertues .

It is necessary , that our soule , as touching the superiour part , wherein the image of God consisteth , be rectified by the three Theologicall vertues , Faith , Hope , Charitie .

Faith ( according to the Apostle ) is saide to be the substance or foundation of things to be hoped for through Grace , and an argument of things not seene , inclining the vnderstanding to beleeue those things which appeare not . This is a very excellent description of faith by the Effects , because it representeth things , as yet consisting in hope , and putteth inuisible things as it were before our eyes .

Hope is a certaine expectation of future blessednesse , proceeding from the onely grace of God .

Charitie ( according to the Apostle ) is said to be a diuine loue and right will , altogether turned away from all worldly and present things , vnseperably ioyned and vnited to God , kindled with a certaine fire of the holy Ghost ( from whence it is , and whereunto it is referred ) free from all pollution , not knowing to be corrupted , desirous of diuine contemplation , the life of vertues , and is accounted the end of all heauenly precepts .

Faith directeth in beleeuing the chiefest truth .

Hope in imitating and expecting the chiefest hard thing .

●ut ●●aritie in desiring and louing the chiefest good .

●●ese vertues h 〈…〉 their proper actions . Faith maketh vs assent to God . Hope maketh vs trust in God . Charitie maketh vs to loue God . They also worke diuers wayes by reason of the obiect Faith is conuersant about the truth , Hope a difficult thing , Charity good .

Lastly , they differ by reason of the effect . — Faith , followeth God , presently . Hope accompanieth to Heauen . Charitie euerlastingly embraceth Almighty God .

Hence it is manifest , that amongst these three Vertues , Faith is accompted the greatest , as which ( according to the Apostle ) is not abolished in the life to come , as the others ; but is perfected . Because whereas Faith and Hope is caried into promised and future things , when wee haue obtained them present , to what ende should wee have Faith and hope . But there both wee shall alwayes mutuallie loue God , and God will loue vs truely and perfectly . To conclude , euen as God hath placed in Heauen the Sun , who representeth him towardes all men , both in Theologicall , and also in Cardinall vertues , ( that is to say , Temperance , Iustice , and Liberalitie . )

FINIS .