CHAP. XII. Of Memorable Persons.
THe former Heads were like private Houses, in which persons accordingly Quali∣fied, have their several habitations. But this last Topick is like a publick Inn, admitting all Comers and Goers, having any extraordinary (not vitious) Remark upon them, and which are not clearly reducible to any of the former Titles. Such therefore, who are over, under, or beside the Standard of Common persons; for strength, stature, fruitfulnesse, Vivacity, or any other observeable emi∣nence, are lodged here under the Notion of Memorable Persons, presuming the pains will not be to Me so much in marking, as the pleasure to the Reader in knowing them.
Under this Title we also repose all such Mechanicks, who in any Manual Trade have reached a clear Note above others in their Vocation.
Objection. It is Deforme Spectaculum an uncouth Sight, to behold such handy-crafts∣men blended with Eminencies in ingenious professions; such a mottley colour is no good wearing. How would William Cecill, Lord Treasurer of England, and Baron of Burgh∣leigh be offended, to behold James York the Blacksmith, set with him at the same Table amongst the Natives of Lincolne-shire?
Answer. I am confident on the contrary, that he would be highly pleased, being so great a Statesman, that he would countenance and encourage his Industrious Country man, accounting nothing little, without the help whereof, greater matters can either Page 41 not be attained or not long subsist. Yea, we see what signal notice the Spirit of God takes of the *three Sons of Lamech, the first Founders of Tent-making, Organs, and Iron∣works; and it is observable, that whereas all their names are forgotten, which built the Tower of Babel (though done on design to get them a * name) these three Me∣chanicks, viz. Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal Cain, are nominatim recorded to all poste∣rity. Thus is it better to bottome the perpetuity of ones memory, on honest Industry and ingenuous diligence, then on Stately Structures and expensive magnificence.
I confesse it is easier to add to any art than first to invent it, yet because there is a perfection of degrees, as well as Kinds, Eminent Improvers of an art may be allowed for the Co-inventers thereof, being Founders of that accession, which they add there∣unto, for which they deserve to be both regarded and rewarded.
I could name a worshipful Family in the South of England, which for 16. several descents, and some hundreds of years, have continued in the same stay of Estate, not acquiring one foot of Land, either by match, purchase, gift, or otherwise, to their ancient Patrimony. The same may be said of some handycrafts, wherein men move in the same compasse, but make no further progresse to perfection, or any considerable improvement, and this I impute generally to their want of competent encouragement.
