The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.

ARISTOTLES EPISTLES.* 1.1

To Philip 1

THey who undertake a Command for the good of their Subjects, not preferred there unto either by Fortune or Nature; trust not in their own power, which they know subject to chance, but grow great in Vertue, whereby they order the Commonwealth wisely. For there is nothing amongst men so firm, and solid, but the rapid motion of the Sun changeth it ere the Evening. Nature, if we enquire into the truth, varieth all lives, interweaving them like the Action of a Tragedy with mis∣fortunes. Men, like flowers, have a set time wherein they flou∣rish and excell others. Wherefore behave not your self towards Greece tyrannically or loosely, for one argues petulance, the other temerity. Wise Princes ought not to be admired for their Go∣vernment, but Governance; so that though Fortune change, they shall have the same praise. As for the rest, do all things well, pre∣ferring the health of your Soul, by Philosophy, that of your bo∣dy by exercise.

To Philip 2.

MOst Philosophers assert beneficence to be somthing equall to God. To speak the truth, the whole life of Mankind is comprised in conferring and returning Benefits, So as, some bestow, others receive, others return. Hence is it just to commise∣rate all that are in adversity, for pitty is the signe of a mild Soul▪ sternness of a rude, it being dishonest & impious to neglect vertue in misfortunes. For this I commend our disciple Theophrastus, who saith, we never repent of doing good, it brings forth good fruit the prayers and praises of the obliged. Wise men therefore must study to oblige many, thinking that, beside the praise, there may some advantage accrew from hence in the change of Affaires, and if not all, at least some one of those to whom he hath done good, may be in a capacity to requite him. For this reason, en∣deavour to be ready in doing good, but give not way to your passions, for that is kingly and civill, this barbarous and odious. As you see occasion, practise and neglect not this usefull advise.

To Philip. 3.

THE most excellent Princes, whose honour toucheth the Starrs, have conferred most benefits, and not accommoda∣ting their sway only to the present, but considering the instabili∣ty of Fortune, have treasured up good deeds as usefull in either condition. In prosperity it procures them Honour, for Honour is proper to Vertue, in advers••ty Relief, for friends, are much better try'd in bad fortune then in good. The sight of benevolent per∣sons is like to that of Land to men in a storme. All Fortune apt to desert us, is the true scope which they propose to themselves who war, on do unjustly, or comply dishonestly, only the clear∣nesse of Vertuous persons is not unacquainted with the instability of Fortune, but, by reason, sustaining all accidents, and being, as Plato saith, above them, they are never disordered. Take heed therefore of the rapid motion of things; look upon them as a Circle which reverts into it self; cast up the accounts of life, for chance imposeth many things upon life, and maketh our inclina∣tions follow it. Pardon those that offend ignorantly; be ready to acquite those that do good. This if you perform not once, but continually, your Court will be secure from all danger. This, con∣sidering the greatnesse of the things, I have said is but little, but, considering the person to whom I write, All.

To Alexander. 4.

I Am in doubt how to begin, for upon whatsoever I reflect, all seems great and wonderfull, nor fit to be forgotten, but pro∣per for remembrance, and exhortation, not to be defaced by Time. Good precepts and exhortations of Masters have Eternity for their Spectator. Endeavour to make use of your power, not to oppresse, but to oblige others, then which nothing can bee greater in Man's life. Mortall Nature, which often yieldeth and is overcome by Fate, obtaineth eternall memory by the greatnesse of such works. Consider this well; you are not unrea∣sonable as some are, who think good advice ridiculous. Your descent is honourable, your Kingdome hereditary, your Learn∣ing sound, your glory admirable; and as much as you exceed o∣thers in the Goods of Fortune, so ought you to be excellent a∣mongst the good in Vertue. In fine, do that which is profitable, and finish what you designe.

To Theophrastus 5.

A Sudden Injury is better then a slow benefit, for the remem∣brance and harme of that lasts but a little while, but this groweth old, as if it hated to build a work to perpetuity, and many times deferring what we intend to bestow upon another, he meets with a calm else-where which allaies the tempest of his mind. Wherefore I say, mutuall society ought not onely to do no wrong, but, if any be received, to be ready to forgive it; for perhaps to do no wrong is above the power of Man. As for him who hath erred, to make use of reproof, is the property of a good well-seated Judgement.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Epist Graecan▪