XXXIX. Of Custom and Education.

MENS Thoughts are much according to their In∣clination, their Discourse and Speeches according to their Learning and infused Opinions; but their Deeds are after as they have been accustomed: And therefore as Machiavel well noteth, (though in an ill-favoured In∣stance) there is no trusting to the force of Nature nor to the bravery of Words, except it be corroborate by Custom. His instance is, that for the atchieving of a desperate Conspiracy, a Man should not rest upon the fierceness of any Mans Nature, or his resolute underta∣kings; but take such an one as hath had his hands for∣merly in Blood. But Machiavoel knew not of a Frier Clement, not a Ravilliac, nor a Jauregy, nor a Baltazer Gerrard; yet this Rule holdeth still, that Nature, nor the Engagement of Words are not so forcible as Customs. Only Superstition is now so well advanced, that Men of the first blood are as firm as Butchers by Occupation, and Votary Resolution is made Equipollent to Custom, even in matter of blood. In other things the predomi∣nancy of Custom is every where visible, insomuch as a man would wonder to hear men Profess, Protest, En∣gage, give great Words, and then do just as they have done before, as if they were dead Images, and Engines moved only by the wheels of Custom. We see also the Reign or Tyranny of Custom, what it is. The Indians (I mean the Sect of their Wise Men) lay themselves quietly upon a stack of Wood, and so Sacrifice them∣selves Page  108 by fire. Nay, the Wives strive to be burned with the Corps of their Husbands. The Lads of Sparta of ancient time, were wont to be scourged upon the Altar of Diana without so much as Squeeking. I remember in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's time, of England, an Irish Rebel condemned, put up a Petition to the De∣puty, that he might be hanged in a Wyth, and not in an Halter, because it had been so used with former Rebels. There be Monks in Russia, for Pennance, that will sit a whole night in a Vessel of Water, till they be engaged with hard Ice. Many examples may be put down of the Force of Custom, both upon mind and bo∣dy. Therefore since Custom is the Principal Magistrate of Man's life, let Men by all means endeavour to ob∣tain good Customs. Certainly Custom is most perfect when it beginneth in young years: This we call Edu∣cation, which is in effect but an early Custom. So we see in Languages, the Tongue is more pliant to all Expres∣sions and Sounds, the Joynts are more supple to all Feats of Activity and motions in Youth than after∣wards. For it is true, the late Learners cannot so well take the ply, except it be in some minds that have not suffered themselves to fix, but have kept themselves open and prepared to receive continual amendment, which is exceeding rare. But if the Force of Custom, Simple and Separate, be great, the Force of Custom Copulate, and Conjoyned, and Collegiate, is far greater. For their Example teacheth, Company comforteth, Emu∣lation quickneth, Glory raiseth: So as in such Places the Force of Custom is in his Exaltation. Certainly the great multiplication of Virtues upon humane Nature, resteth upon Societies well ordained and disciplined: for Com∣mon-wealths and good Governments do nourish Virtue Grown, but do not much mend the Seeds. But the misery is, that the most effectual Means are now apply∣ed to the Ends least to be desired.