The first part of the disquisition of truth, concerning political affaires Handled in two seuerall sections. The first whereof (by way of certaine questions probleme-wise propounded and answered) consisteth of foureteene chapters. Written by Henry Wright.
About this Item
Title
The first part of the disquisition of truth, concerning political affaires Handled in two seuerall sections. The first whereof (by way of certaine questions probleme-wise propounded and answered) consisteth of foureteene chapters. Written by Henry Wright.
Author
Wright, Henry, fl. 1616.
Publication
London :: Printed by Nicholas Okes,
1616.
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Subject terms
Political science -- Early works to 1800.
Cite this Item
"The first part of the disquisition of truth, concerning political affaires Handled in two seuerall sections. The first whereof (by way of certaine questions probleme-wise propounded and answered) consisteth of foureteene chapters. Written by Henry Wright." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A15753.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 7, 2024.
Pages
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SECT. I. CHAP. VI.
Of Example, the vse and abuse thereof in a Common-wealth.
1
It may bee demanded, why subiects (for the most part) a frame & conforme themselues to the fashi∣on of their Princes?
IS it for that both the b eyes of the minde, and the body, (for the most part) looke vp∣wards, and stand (as it were) at gaze at greatnesse and e∣minencie, tending and ben∣ding the whole man to dance as they pipe? Or is it because c Examples vrge and enforce more then Lawes can do, seeing it is the nature of man, rather to be led of his owne accord; then to be cōpelled? Or is it rather for that d Example in Princes is a kind of secret law? For it fareth and falleth out thus (for the most part) with their acts, that what they doe, they euen seeme to command it.
••
Againe it may be demanded, why in reforming of a Common-wealth, the producing of examples of the
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most famous and illustrious men, for vertue in the same do very much auaile?
IS it because that such men being compelled by no Lawes, yet of their owne accord, and free∣will, acting, exercising, and exhibiting, singular and rare examples of vertue, do excite and stirre vp such as bee good, to follow them, and those which are bad, they doe either make them a sha∣med, or discourage them from going on in their lewdnesse? Or is it rather for this, that when by long processe of time, there hath bene no exam∣plary punishment inflicted vpon offenders, men grow regardlesse of Lawes, and the number of delinquents so increase, that the Magistrate is afraid to punish them? Then one Manlius Torqua∣tus to punish his owne sonne; or a Quintus Fabius to bee accused and condemned for ioyning bat∣tell with the enemy, without the Dictators leaue; and such examples, do much bridle and represse other mens insolencies.
3
It may further bee demanded, why hee that iudgeth by examples is commonly deceiued?
IS it for that c all the selfe-same reasons and cir∣cumstances in the like actions, do seldome, or neuer concurre, and meete againe? Or is it be∣cause the f like actions are not alwaies gouerned with the like wisedome and discretion? Or may this bee the reason rather, because g Fortune at all
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times, playeth not her part alike, but now and then faileth her fauorites?