Tully's three books of offices, in English with notes explaining the method and meaning of the author.

CHAP. XXXIII.

Few so happy, as to consider thro'ly what Way of Life they should choose. The principal thing to be regar∣ded in Choosing, is one's own Genius: Next to that one's Fortune in the World. After a Man has chose, he should stick to his Choice, without great Reasons to the contrary. How a Change should be made. Two Cautions to be observ'd about Imitating our Ancestors. Those Men whose Nature is not capable of some, should take the more care that they have o∣ther Virtues. The best Inheritance a Father can leave his Son, is the Fame of his Virtues. 'Tis a mighty Shame for a Son to be unworthy of the Fame of his Ancestors.

BUt those of all are the most difficult to be found, who having sufficient natural Parts, or suffici∣ent Improvements of Learning and Education, or both these together, have withal had due time to consider with themselves, what's the best Course of Life they can follow in the World. a 1.1 Now in this Deliberation, the principal thing which we ought to regard, is each Man's peculiar Nature and Genius. For since the Decorum of each particular Action, as before was observ'd, is taken from the Disposition of the Person that does it; sure that Disposition should be carefully consulted, before we determine upon our whole Way of Living; b 1.2 'tis otherwise im∣possible we should keep a due Tenour and Consisten∣cy in our Lives, and not sometimes faulter in the

Performance of our Duty. But tho' Nature in this case has much the greater sway, yet Fortune comes in for a share next after her: both of 'em there∣fore should be duly consulted in making choice of a Calling, but more especially Nature: For Fortune's unconstant and often changing, but Nature is firm, and will always abide by us; so that for the former to oppose this latter, is like a mortal Power's con∣tending with an immortal. c 1.3 That Man then, who has chose a Way of Living that's suitable to his d 1.4 Nature, (provided that Nature be no ways vitious) should make it his next care never to alter it; for nothing's less becoming than a Humour of Chang∣ing. But if upon tryal he should find that he was mi∣staken in the choice of his Method, (as 'tis possible such a thing sometime may happen) there's no way left but to unravel again what is already done. If the Times themselves favour the making such a Change, it may be the more easily and convenient∣ly done; but if not, it must be brought about gra∣dually and insensibly: according to that Rule which is given by Wise Men, When e'er you design to break off any Friendship or displeasing Acquain∣tance, you should loosen the Knot by little and little, and not try to cut it asunder all at once. And when by this means we have chang'd our course of Life, great care should be taken that we may seem to have done it upon very good Reasons. But having before recommended the Imitation of our Fathers and Ancestors, I must here interpose an Exception or two: In the first place then, we should take great care, not to follow 'em in any

thing that is vitious or blamable. Nor, secondly, should we attempt it, when we find our Constitution wont carry us thro' with it: Thus, for instance, the Son of the former Africanus, (who adopted this latter being Son to Paullus) by reason of the weak∣ness and indisposition of his Body, could not so well tread in the steps of his Father, as his Father had done in those of his e 1.5 Grandfather. But then if a Man be in such a condition, as that he's unable to plead at the Bar, to harangue the People, or con∣duct an Army; f 1.6 he should take the more care that he do those things, which are in his Power; such are the Duties of Justice and Fidelity, of Mo∣desty, Temperance and Liberality; the performance of which may serve to make amends for his want of the others. Now the noblest Inheritance that can be left by a Father to his Son, and far exceed∣ing that of Houses and Lands, is the Fame of his Virtues and glorious Actions: and for a Son to live fo as is unworthy of the Name and Reputation of his Ancestors, is the basest and most abominable thing in the World.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Two things which ought to be carefully consider'd by us in Choosing our Calling: First, Our natural Disposition and Capacity for it. Secondly, Our Fortune and outward Cir∣cumstances in the World.
• b 1.2

  See Note on ch. 31.
• c 1.3

  After the Rules about choosing a Calling, he proceeds to shew, what a Man should do after he has chosen: Should not be eager to change, &c.
• d 1.4

  His particular Nature or Genius.
• e 1.5

  P. Cornelius Scipio, a famous and valiant Roman, who, together with his Brother, bravely defended Spain, while Hannibal was in Italy, routing the Carthaginians in several Battles. At last they were both Slain, and young Scipio, who was afterward first sirnam'd Africanus, succeeded 'em.
• f 1.6

  Those who, for any of the fore-mentioned Reasons, re∣linquish the Publick, must not think 'emselves immediately excus'd from serving it in their proportion, and in the way they are able. The most solitary Life should do some Good, and Retirement should not minister to Luxury or Idleness, but to Virtue and Sobriety. Those that can't shew their Valour, Eloquence or Policy for the Publick, may however their Modesty, Liberality, Fidelity, &c. in Retirement.