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.

SECT. I. CHAP. VII.

Of Wits, Manners, and Disposi∣tions: of diuers Cities, Coun∣tries, and Nations, as well free as seruile.

1

It may bee demanded what kind of wits, may bee termed the best wits.

MAy such bee counted for the best, which are a 1.1 more stirring, sharpe, and acute, fiery and subtile, then ordi∣nary? But these noble and excellent wits (for the most part) do proue very crosse, and are oftentimes the cause of much disquietnesse, turmoile, and trou∣ble to him who is indued therewith. Or may those rather bee taken for the best, which though b 1.2 more blunt, yet are more certaine and lasting, and (for the most part) are more fortunate then the other.

2

It may further be demanded, why in one and the

selfe-same Citie, there may be found many distinct families, whose manners and conditions are parti∣cular to themselues; as wee read amongst the Ro∣manes, that the Manlij were euer sterne and se∣uere, the Publicolae courteous and gentle, the Ap∣pij proud and ambitious, &c.

COmmeth this to passe, by reason of the diuer∣sity of their temperatures? But that (as it may bee thought) might be changed and altred, by the variety of Marriages. Or may this rather be the cause, for that euery Family hath a peculiar man∣ner of bringing vp their children? for this com∣monly holdeth true, c 1.3 whatsoeuer manners and opinions, are instilled into the minds of youth in their infancy, they will hardly or neuer bee re∣moued, but continue with them euen to their old age.

3

It may bee further demanded, why d 1.4 diuers Nati∣ons, at the first assault, or onset giuen, seeme to bee magnanimious, and very fierce and forward to the battell, but within a while after doe grow very fearefull, and turne Cowards?

MAy the cause consist in any peculiar affect in their natures? But it is possible that e 1.5 nature from day to day, may bee cor∣rected and amended? Or might this rather bee the reason, that such Nations being f 1.6 without order or exercise of Military Discipline, are not ena∣bled

with such ordinary manhood, as may esta∣blish their hearts and mindes, making them to conceiue an assured hope of victory, and there∣fore if they be not vanquishers in the first assault, they straight waies quit the field? And this (vn∣der correction) I take to be the true reason of their fearefulnesse and running away.

4

It may further bee demanded, wherefore diuers men (euen lewd persons) hauing many times occa∣sions offered them, to commit some memorable and notable villany, notwithstanding (for the most part) they dare not attempt it, or put it in practise, and execution?

IS it for that they are afraid least they should g 1.7 in∣curre the note of infamy? But the greatnesse of the thing, might (happily) couer the badnesse of the fact, and likewise protect the party from dan∣ger. Or do they abstaine from perpetrating and committing such horrtble villany, by reason of their h 1.8 owne in-bred goodnesse, or nice touch of their conscience? But such godly and holy moti∣ons do neuer enter into the hearts of such lewd lossels. Or may this rather bee the reason, for that by nature, it is not affoorded to the most men, to be i 1.9 absolutely euill, or perfectly good?

5

It may further be demanded, why there should bee such, and so great difficulty, in chaunging or amen∣ding old customes, though most men (conuicted se∣cretly

in their consciences by euident truth) should confesse they were altogether vnprofitable, and dangerous to the Common-wealth to continue them?

MAy this bee the reason, for that although some good Citizens, or Patriots, foreseeing the danger, do perswade the change thereof, yet they should not be able fully to turne the peoples mindes, by reason of others oppositions? Or may this rather be the cause, for that most men stand so affected, and affectionated, to their auncient course of liuing, that they would not willingly depart there-from? Or may this bee the reason of the difficulty of amending euill customes, for that there is euer a want of proportionable meanes agreeable to the Lawes, to bring that businesse about, so that they must bee driuen to flie to new courses altogether, which seldome proue fortu∣nate? Or may this rather bee the reason, for that if some few, or any one man, should go about to change the forme of gouernement, it should bee necessary for him, first by force to inuade the State, and then to seize the liberties thereof into his hands, which might bee thought not to bee the part of a good man, and therefore hee will rather desist from his purpose, then do his Citti∣zens so much good? Or may this bee a further rea∣son, for that the most men are perswaded, that there can scarcely be that man found, who hauing once brought a State vnder subiection, by ill

meanes, would afterwards vse that power and au∣thority which hee had so ill gotten, to the benefite and good of the people?

Notes

• a 1.1

  Guicch.
• b 1.2

  Idem.
• c 1.3

  Mach. Disput. de Repub. lib. 3. cap. 46.
• d 1.4

  Liu. in his bookes affir∣meth this of the French∣men.
• e 1.5

  Mach. disput. Cap. 36.
• f 1.6

  Idem Ibidem.
• g 1.7

  Mach. disp. lib. ••. cap. 27.
• h 1.8

  Idem Ibidem.
• i 1.9

  Idem Ibidem.