The guardian's instruction, or, The gentleman's romance. Written for the diversion and service of the gentry; particularly those educated in Cambridge and Oxford.

THE Guardian's Instruction.

A Letter from a severe Enemy of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Uni∣versity to his Guardian, a p•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 moderate, and Member of the Parliament at Oxford.

SIR,

WE have here the news of ano∣ther Parliament very speedily at Oxon, and, which is more surprising, the Report of your Resolution never to serve as Member more: the No∣bility & Gentry will expect some Account why a Person who hath served the Go∣vernment and Religion with that faithful∣ness & dexterity for above twenty years, should at last be wanting thereunto, when perhaps one brisk attempt more might be as much worth as Property and Religion. How you will escape the name of Tory I know not, and then it is an casie step to Papist. Pray, Sir, rectifie me if I am mis∣taken by thinking the K. necesstated to

call a Parliament, by some unexpected emergency either Forein or Domestick: for I do not think the Country Prepar'd yet: But if it must be summon'd, why at Oxford again? that Idle, Ignorant, Il∣bred, Debaucht, Popish University of Ox∣ford? If you do not stand, I am desited to appear, & beg the favour of your Di∣rection towards the management of the Canvas, and if I am chosen, towards the managment of my self in the House: I had waited upon you my self but that I am confin'd by a great uneasiness con∣tracted by a Cold, and if you fansie my style is grown somewhat more eager thereby, do not look upon me as a man uncapable of being better advised, but frankly use the Authority which a thou∣sand Circumstances give you over.

Honoured SIR,

Your most Obedient and Affectionate

The Answer

Dear SIR.

THE solitary Retirement whih I have lately undertaken being lik∣some at the first, you could not be more artificial in your Relief, than to engage me in the Answer of a Letter, the Sub∣stance of which requirers more than an ordinary Reflexion, and whereon the Discharge of my thoughts may be Instruc∣tive as well as Diverting: what Censure I shall undergo for Declining the Charac∣ter I have hitherto born, doth not now so much trouble me as it might have done heretofore at your Age, when full of Youth and Heate, coming newly to an Estate and Business, I thought it the spee∣diest Courie to be Considerable, to appear Haughty and Designing. But now I am grown so much more old than I was for∣ty years agon, that I perfectly contemn censure, which operates no farder than you make it, and which nothing but an unmasculine Timorousness or slavish Am∣bition of Popularity makes considerable∣If you measure your self from abroad, you must be the cheapest thing alive; I will teach you the true way to Popularity;

Let a sincere Design of Honour and Ju∣stice be at the Bottom of all your Actions: let an exemplary Piety and Devotion make the world gaze upon you: let no base Words, Actions or Acquaintance lessen the mention of you whereever you come then may you d••fie Censure: the Good will honor, & the Bad wil fear you, you will be applauded by the Wise, and then Fools need not be courted. Whereas on the other side, if you shall forbear an Action fit and reasonable merely upon the account of the Censure you are likely to un∣dergo (either from the vulgar or great Ones) you will often find it very hard to be Honest and Just.

There are many Hindrances of Justice and Honesty; Prejudice, Pride, Malice, Selfishness, Interest and Passions, but none so great as Cowardice and Fear.

This Humour makes Princes stattered, and Great Ones never hear their faults: makes Actions of Truth and Justice so ••amely preformed: and is in earnest the very bane of all Worth, Honour and Inte∣grity.

But yet I must be so civil to your Re∣auest as to say, that I am so far from any Contempt of that Honourable way of serving my King and Countrey in Parlia∣ment,

that I desire never to be valued more for any thing in this Life, then for having been in a good measure Instrumen∣tal towards the passing some special Bills since the King came in. But I never thought it unhappy and dangerous for a man to Dye full of noise and business. And men of Action cannot so soon prepare for another Life, as sedentary men of Thought and Study may. I have ever pitied those men whose necessitous Emploiment and Fortune hath put them under an Obliga∣tion of making even at one time the Ac∣counts of the World and the next. I there∣fore now fully resolve to narrow my thoughts and take the advantage which old Age and Experience gives of thinking strictly, and reviewing my Life; and be¦ing free'd from fancy (which often cheats the younger Judgments) to consider how far the Rules I have gon by, how specious soever to others, and pleasant to my self, may be consistent with a severe expecta∣tion of an A••count above, where Pleasure, Interest and Passion most disappear. I have procured me many Practical Books of Divinity to assist my untutoured Con∣ceptions, Books of men of all Perswasions: but all do not please me alike: some of them speak fine things, but their Medi∣tations

are Poetical, Verbose and Fanciful: others are Grave indeed, but they are Learned and Difficult when they would instruct: A third sort are Sober, Pious & Easie, but flat, void of all Metall & Spirit, all Cant and Formality: A fourth insinu∣ates an Opinion he is of.

But another sort of Writers there are with which this Age abounds, and which I mainly dwell upon: wherein with sim∣plicity of style and seriousness of thought. I find a sincere state of truth and just limits of duty, neither too loose and large, left a man should grow wanton, nor too strict and scrupulous, lest he should dispair. And all with a due movement of Passion; out of which I intend to shape a true Measure of my self; learn the Contempt of what hitherto I haue admired; humble my Soul for my many failings, and warm my Devotions by the expectation of a wiser and better state.

And forasmuch as an universal Charity and compassionate Beneficence to all mankind is an indispensible Condition of Divine Clemency and the most agreeable Companion of Mortification: it were barbarous for me (who Bred you) to let so good a Disposition goe unguarded, which by reason of Youth is as capable

of Direction as it is of Temptation by Prosperity. Therefore take my Experi∣ence along with you in the Practice of a few Rules, by which your great Condi∣tion in the World may become more

• ...Easie.
• ...Ʋsefull.

I. More Easie, Quiet, and less Dis∣turb'd.

1. Because true and real Happiness is within, endeavour for a solid Persuasion of God's Goodness and Willingness to pardon sin upon Faith and Repentance and the train of Duties they imply: for the fre∣quent recurring of Guilt and unavoidable Infirmities will beget great solicitousness of thought and dejection of spirit, and if the Devil should suggest hard and false notions of God, it may not only disturb your Happiness, but your Senses too: I would have it a solid Persuasion, not the fancifull Presumption of every hasty Belie∣ver; and upon Terms of the Gospel, to distinguish it from an holy Stupidity, which is as far from true Peace of Con∣science as a Sleep procured by Opiates is from the natural Refreshment of a sound Constitution.

2. Because Fear hath torment, and no torment greater than the Fear of Dsath: make the thoughts of mortality familiar, and habituate your self into a Capacity of Dying, this will prevent the great amaze∣ment a fit of Sickness many times begets.

3. A Resolution sometimes upon occa∣sion to deny your self some satisfactions which your Appetite pursues, though they seem very reasonable; then Disap∣pointments and cross Accidents will be easie.

4. Not too much to value the Censure of others in the performance of what you apprehend to be your own Duty; neither let Ceremony or Civility at any time hin∣der Business.

5. Not to be discouraged in your Du∣ty by the foresight or opinion of Ʋnsucces∣fulness.

6. If you are complying and of an easie Temper; not to be hasty and lavish of Promises, the Performance may be trou∣blesome.

7. If of a grateful Temper, not to ac∣cept of unnecessary Favours, the thoughts of Requital are afflicting.

8 If of a good natur'd pitying Dispo∣sition, not to be unwarily free to Strangers or Relations of mean fortune, lest they

erave too much, and think all you have there due.

9. If melancholy; to labour against it, as the Parent of Fears Scruples which are vexa∣tious and endless.

10 If proud; to consider, it will create Envy, Contempt and Design, and is real∣ly the greatest Folly, and yet we are all marvellously subject to it.

11. If passionate; to study the Prevention of the obvious Occasions, consider the Inde∣cency and the many Disturbances of it, to be always on your guard for fear.

12. If given to women, consider the Shame and Scandal, and slavish fear of Disco∣very.

13. If malitious; to consider the Enmi∣ty and Danger it begets, and that you must forgive, if you hope to be forgiven.

14. If disputations; to consider how dis∣obliging and uncivil it seems.

15. Not to be inquisitive into Secrets or meedling in other mens Affairs you are not concerned with. Not to be always asking Questions in Company, it is ill Bree∣ding.

16. Not to contend with great ones, but quickly yield, whatever be the Provoca∣tion: They will worst you at last.

17. Not to name or reflect on Persons in promiscuous Company: You know not their Relations, or whom you disoblige.

18. Not to believe every man you con∣verse with as honest as your self, upon a friendly and complaisant Address: The World is a great Cheat.

19 No to be ashamed to ask pardon of whom you have injured, and make what restitu••…••…n you are capable of.

20 Not to be too open and free of con∣versation (whatever by your Wit)and how pleasant soever you may seem to Company, they will contemn you, and may mischief you afterwards.

21. Not to be too weary and cautious in your Opinion of small things, amongst wise men: this looks like suspicion and is ridiculous to whisper Proclamations, and not tell a man what day of the month it is, without considering, this is formal and foppish.

22. Not hastily to think any man your Enemy, it may make one, a man may be angry with you, and not hate you.

23. Not to trust one whom you have disoblig'd, too soon.

24. To expect and resolve to bear with many Offences and Indignities, and con∣sider that no condition of Life can be free

from all disquiet, for ought I know, it would be dangerous.

25. Not easily to believe Reports con∣cerning your self or others.

26. Not quickly to espouse the Quar∣rels of our Relations or Friends.

27. Beware of being too much obliged by Great Men, they will be apt to impose Hardships upon you, it may prove a sla∣very to you, if they are proud.

28. Beware of setting up that stirdy Resolution which ••••me make, never to give 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what they have once begun, but at all adventures to go on; this may run you into vast inconveniencies.

29. Be cautious of undertaking greater Designs than what are just and sutable to your Condition; then if you miscarry, you will not be contemned.

30. Be carefull to treasure up the Re∣membrance of all God's mercies to you and yours; For Gratitude is a good Guard a∣gainst sin, Gen. 39 9.

31. In time of great Crosses and Afflic∣tion, be sure first to pray for Pardon of sin, and then you may with Earnestness and hopes beg Pity, Mat. 92, 5, 6. I••a. 59.1, 2.

32. When you pray for Pardon of sin, because we all forget many sins we would repent of, if we thought on them, be

carefull to mention secret and forgotten sins.

33. You must resolve to marry; for to leave the management of your great Fa∣mily to Servants onely, is neither for Cre∣dit or Profit, and to undertake all the little things of House-keeping your self, will be Gossiping: Beside the dull converse of Servants onely, will either give Scandal, or tempt you to ramble, and make you be thought looser than really you are.

34. If Circumstances will permit, put your self into the state of Life, which most agrees with your Temper.

35. Do not accustom your self (be your riches what they will) to be too nice, curious and fantastical in Diet, Habit, At∣tendance, that will prove very trouble∣some.

36. Be not extravagantly high in ex∣pression of your Commendations of men you like.

37. Study and pray for a perfect Resig∣nation of your will to God's will, and with all imaginable Application of mind say. Not my will, but thy Will be done; and then go, be as happy as you please.

II. Your Life is also to be Ʋseful to others as well as Easie to your self.

1. By the good Example of a yertuous and holy Life; incredible is the influence of a great Man on a Family, Parish and Neighbourhood: for the Vulgar have quite lost their Hea••ing; Preaching is but an honester sort of Diversson: they learn all by gaping and staring on a man in fine Clothes. And therefore since you can so easilie do God and Man so great service; pray look on your self obliged. Do not put God off with a little fashionable Civi∣lity to the national Religion. I am afraid the serious Reflecting and Meditating part is not frequent enough among the Gentry. Let not Pastime, Business or Company waste all the day: Retire a little and Enjoy your own Soul. This will not lessen the Pleasures of Life but sweeten and make them solid; and make them differ from the crackling of Thorns and the flame of Straw: I mean the thin, short liv'd delights of the boysterous part of the world.

2. Knowledge. Great are the Advanta∣ges which the Wealth of the Gentry af∣fords them for Knowledge; they are ca∣pable thereby of the choicest Education,

greatest variery of usefull Books and lear∣ned'st Companions is study. But one sort of knowledge above all the rest will ren∣der them exceeding serviceable in the places where they live. (a considerable knowledge in the Law) beside the plea∣sure that Study would afford, as copying out the Reasen and Wisedom of the Nation. This will make them more securely pos∣sess and prndentially manage their Estates for their Posterity. And what Service may they do others by untying knots and composing differences? By bindring men from suffering Oppression by Igno∣rance; by directing the management of Parochial and Country Business; which the general road men go in doth not safe∣ly shew.

3. Power. What should hinder the Master of a Family from keeping his Ser∣vants duly to Prayers at home, and in their turns to Sermons and Sacraments at Church? What an Empire hath a Justice of Peace in the Countrey! and how gallant∣ly is that Power bestowed when an extra∣vagant Ale-house is unlicensed, a common Swearer fined, an useless Vagabond forced to work, a quarrelsome Neighbour redu∣ced to manners, and a poor abused Mini∣ster is assisted? at what a mighty rate doth

the Judge sell every minute wherein righ∣teous Judgment is given; the Cause of the Widow patiently heard, and the fraud and wit of the Oppressour over-ruled? When the Bribery, Perjury and Malice of a Witness is condemn'd, and the greatest Man that offends afraid to come before him.

4. By Wealth. It is an ill-natur'd sort of Doctrine to preach, and will not hold at Westminster, that the Poor have a good Title to some of the rich man's Money: But it would be an unlucky Disappointment hereafter, if instead of asking how many Lordships you left your Heir, How ma∣ny Daughters you married to great For∣tunes, How many Livery-men you kept &c. God should demand, How many poor Widows have you sav••d from starving? How many Labourers you have set to work and paid h••nestly: how many d••eay'd Families you have reliev'd; what you did give to a Brief for a Fire, Church, or Hospital, &c. Read Barrow of Chari∣rity. The practice of these Rules will help qualifie a Life of Action such as yours must be, and mine hath been:

But now I bid adieu to all publick Af∣fairs: this Nation will never want a breed of men to manage its Concerns.

As for the next thing. The King's being under the necessity of a Parliament.

I know no necessity can be upon the King to call a Parliament but a Forein War and want of Money: As for a War, 'tis not likely (unless by the Moors upon Tangier) we have attempted to play the King at France, but they two will hardly meddle with one another; we have en∣deavoured to make Spain break with us, but they are poor, the Dutch are cunning, so that his Majesty is secure in that point, As for want of Money, it is said and be∣lieved that the King is now made a good Husband, and hath money in the Che∣quer: if so; it will bring down the price of Membership: We had been better to have given him a million of money than to have suffer'd him ever to come to Think and grow cunning; for, if I ken him aright he hath Parts enough to govern a bigger Nation than this, if he can once endure the penance of Business and leave off to be afraid of meeting us at Westminster. And it is probable he never will be so again, since the Success of that Venture of Con∣tempt upon us, in the amazing precipita∣ted dissolution at Oxford; from which

time I will be bold to date the sinking of Parliamentary Grandieut.

I guess who it was within one man or two who for interest & security thought it necessary that things should be put to some issue at Oxford, the City being em∣bittered by the removal of us, and things carried so high as to force the King ei∣ther to shew Fear and yield to terms; or Fury, and so act a severe part upon some Members, and by that give occasion to a Tumult in the City, which then cer∣tainly was design'd.

Whereas you question the King's Inte∣rest in the Countery, let me tell you, I per∣ceive the Countrey cools apace, and he who deals with the Vulgar must do his business quickly, for seven hours sleep will make a Clown forget his design. It hath been no small advantage to the King that his Adversaries still act with more noise and tumult than he: and though noise and tumult does wonders while it continues, yet when it once sinks and grows calm, it is far more difficult to be usefull again. I take the Vulgar to be like a Race horse, when he is upon speed it is a mighty pace, but if in the course he be checked and comes to trot, it is very hard to make him gallop again.

If a Parliament must be summond, yet why at Oxford? Idle, Ill bread, Ignorant, Debauch'd, Popish Oxford?

You will wonder how I should come to be an Advocate for Oxford, who have railed at it for above forty years together, and perhaps upon better grounds than most men do.

I was entred there when the first great difficulties arose betwixt the old King and Parliament, and as much care was ta∣ken as was usual in the choice of a Tu∣tour: But as I came to understand there was a certain Master of Arts who was to be the next Tutour of course, and so the next Gentleman who entred was to be recommended to him in his turn, it hap∣pened I was the man, who came with to∣lerable Parts and Learning at the rate of a Gentleman; I had a great reverence for the Person that was to be my Guide, and a strong opinion to be made very wise.

It happened that my Tutour was a great Philosopher, which made me proud to hear of, expecting in some short time to be so too: He began at first gloriously with me, to magnifie the advantages of a good Education: How the greatest Con∣ditions

of Honour and Trust were supplied from the University: What a disgrace it was to the Nation, and what an injury to Government of Church and State, that when other Gountries, France, Poland, Scotland, &c. are studious to discipline their Nobility and Gentry into good Man∣ners, Politicks and Religion, here eldest Sons are generally condemned to Hawks and Hounds, and Wisdom left the Patrimo∣ny of younger Brothers onely, and Poor mens Sons; That the mutual lustre of a Diamond beset with Gold was a mean Comparison to Wisedom in the breast of such a man as I. This ravished my rustick modesty, and made me proud with the thoughts of what I should hereafter be. I out-waked the Bell, and scorned to be called to my Duty. I attended every mo∣tion of his Eye for a Summons to Philo∣sophy, and thought every minute an hour till I was entred into that course of study, which was to make me and all my Rela∣tions happy. But alass! the same of his Parts and Learning had gained him Ac∣quaintance whose company was dearer than mine; so that a Lecture now and then was a great Condescention (and I most days in the week, when others were care∣fully looked after, left naked to infinite

temptations of doing nothing, or worse; but God's Grace, the good Example of my Parents and a natural Love of Vertue, se∣cured me so far as to leave Oxford (the troubles coming on) though not much more learned, yet not much worse than I came thither: I must in justice say in fa∣vour of the University in general, that the growing disturbances in Church and State, and some Disputes in the Univer∣sity, may well be supposed an unhappy occasion of slackening the Discipline there at that time.

But this infinite Disappointment did so afflict me, that when I came to have Children, I did almost swear them in their Childhood never to be friends with Ox∣ford. This peevishness of mine was much increased by a Chaplain of my Sister's, who was made a Fellow of a College in the late times, and turned out upon the Restauration of the King. He sought oc∣casions continually to rail at the Univer∣sity for Ignorance, Debauchery and Irre∣ligion, insomuch that I sent my eldest Son abroad, to try what improvement might be gained by travelling; at least to divert. I would willingly have sent him to the Inns of Court but that I had obser∣ved for these last twenty years how the

Gaiety and Frolick of the Court, and the great admiration of Wit, had softned the Souls of many excellent Persons into an aversion from Industry; who made themselves no otherwise considerable than for assisting at a Ball, and instead of ad∣ding Wealth and Honour to a Family by advancement through the Law, impaired both; and which is most deplorable of all, at length came off poisoned with such a licentiousness of Manners, shameless Atheism, and heathenish promiscuous use of Women, that either Gentlemen could not persuade their eldest Sons to (the Confinement of) Marriage; or scarce find Ladies of Fortune and Quality which da∣red to venture to have them for Hus∣hands.

Nothing but such Reasons as these can justifie my venturing my eldest Son so early into the wide world: And I must confess that when he returned from be∣yond Sea, I was pleased to see the ruff boyish humour filed a little, and shaped into much of a Man. I was infinitely delighted with the prospect of the Hap∣piness I promised my self in the Conver∣sation of an Heir who brought home the same Innocence of Inclinations he carried, and by staring about France and Italy, had

furnished himself with a Complaisance very acc••ptable where ever he came.

But you must pardon two qualities he had contracted. 1. An humour of mag∣nifying things abroad in comparison with his own Countrey. 2. A stateliness of behaviour, and contempt of mean Ac∣quaintance. The last of these I did not much discourage, finding him Just and Gharitable. For I have often seen young Gentlemen guarded from low and base Actions and Company by generosity of Spirit. And how many men do you and I know, loose enough (God help them) from the Bigotry of Conscience, and yet upon the bare Religion of Honour, rather than disgrace a worthy Family, misbecome a Character, or faile the opinion of the World, do as much scorn a base Action, will be as true to their Word, when they might gain by Lying; as far from chea∣ting a Widow, Minister, or Orphan, who cannot contend, or do any ungenteele thing, as that man who thinks the world to come worth twenty of these.

But (Nephew) you are Rich and Great, and therefore I must have a care you do not mistake me, when I say I would have my eldest Son a little Stately: I do not mean any degree of that gross imperious

Pride which God and Men bates: That first-born Monster of Selfishness, and ill∣natur'd Complexion of the Devil; Poi∣son'd and puff'd up with Envy of what Equals and Betters enjoy; which makes a man think all the World made for his single Lust and Preasure: Overlook Man∣kind, Rebell against Superiours, Mal••tious to Equals, Frants to inferiours Merciless to the Offencour, Cruel to the Needy and False to the Hireling: Kind only to Sy∣c••phants, and Friend to None; Walk, Spread and Swell like the mighity build∣er of Babylon when he was turning Brute.

And not only the Vileness of the Sin makes the Proud Man as sure to be hated in this World as he is to be Damn'd in the next; but the Proud Man is a greater Fool than I beleive he thinks himself: For he loseth what he mainly aims at, instead of being Honour'd and Esteem'd, he makes himself the most Contemptible thing alive. For he is discovered by all his Words, Actions and Designs, even when he countersits Humility end Obligingness: oh how 'tis overdone, strain'd and formal. It was always thought a great measure of Folly to be able to be Flattered, and of all men living if you meet with a Proud Man, you have him at your mercy; It is

but to magnifie his Ancient Family, tho∣perhaps his Great Grandfather could not Write and Read; The Splendour of his Living, when perhaps the hired Livery∣men dare not drink once in a month in his House: His Wit, when perhaps it is most shewn by holding his tongue, &c. do but all this and keep your Counte∣nance, ask what you will he never denies the man that understands Worth. And you must be sure also to sune your crin∣ging Muscles by a French Fiddle, Shrugg, and make your honour punctualy, you may lead the great Thing to and fro as if he had a Ring in his Nose.

But to come to my Son again. It quick∣ly appeared how sad is the condition of a Gentleman without Learning. For wan∣ting some ingenuous Diversion to fill the deal of void time young Gentlemen have in the Countrey, and being ashamed to be still obliged to Silence in all discourses of Learning and State, for want of more Knowledge; he fell into such an immode∣rate love of Sports that he was never well but when he was managing or talking of his Dogs: and in a little time became fit company for nothing else: Debauched, and wholly useless to King & Country, and his Family, and if I had not been alive to

to secure the Estate, he prov'd as likely to have made a Gentleman of his Stew∣ard as any Man in England.

I know I am blam'd (but my Wife must bear her share) for breeding him up at a mean School: For she pretending the danger in great Schools of growing a Man too soon, and learning ill Tricks (but in Truth, because this place was near, and she could see him, and hear from him often) would hear of no other Master.

And really the Countrey Gentlemen are somewhat hardly dealt withal in this point: For sometimes very mean Persons are licensed to ruine our Children, to the great Prejudice of Church and State; a School-master being the best or worst Sub∣ject in the Nation: not but that we have now as many worthy School-masters as ever; but one Ignorant one doth mischief enough.

The Parliament hath used all the Pru∣dent Caution imaginable, by referring that Affair to the Inspection of the Ordi∣nary: It cannot be objected, that we do not give encouragement enough to maintain fit Persons; for I am bold to say, no Gen∣tleman is so weak, as not Plentifully to gra∣tifie that Person, who is to contribute to the Prosperity of a whole Family, by spen∣ding

all his Thoughts, Pains, and Time in studying the various Tempers and Inclina∣tions of Youth as he must do, if he will be just to our Expectations.

But very Mean was that Person to whom I sent my Son, upon my Wife's Im∣portunity.

And perhaps, hereafter you may find it a very hard matter, not to be guided by a Wife in the breeding your Children. For that Fondness, which is a just debt from all to a Wife, and is in some by Nature ex∣cessive, if she be cunning enough to hu∣mor it well with a few Tears or a pre∣tended Fit, will melt your sweet Dispo∣sition. Mistake me not, I speak this on∣ly by way of Caution, that when you Mar∣ry and grow fond, you may manage your uxoriousness more warily than I have done, for your own Credit, and the good of your Children.

I do not speak this to discourage Marri∣age. For I will sincerely aver, that where the choice of Quality, Temper, and Fortune, is tolerably Prudent, there is a great deal more Happiness than in a discontented, loose, unsatisfied single Life, unless to those Persons whose Callings oblige them to a continual Thoughtfulness and moderation of Diet.

I cannot but speak upon this Subject with a great Concern; For, I believe, if I had Married my Son immediately after his return from Travel, while he was a stranger to bad Company, and the Vices in fashion, I might have prevented his Ex∣travagances, and fixed the Mercury. But afterwards, too late, when I had provided an agreeable Match, his Comrades had in∣stilled into him such an Aversion, and taught him to rail at Matrimony in the Language of the Stews, that the design of Happi∣ness to my Family, was utterly descated: And once, I remember, full of Grief, up∣on that Account, I was visited by a Friend, who condoled the mischief of such Evil Principles, and the sinful Consequences of them. And, the better to relieve the Bur∣then I was oppressed with, and prate some of my Thoughtfulness away; I ask'd him, what he conceived were the Occasions of the present great Contempt of Matrimony. He smiled, and told me, that he had no great skill in the business of Matrimony, but the Contempt of it, he thought, arose,

1. From the Influence the Devil hath upon the wild Libertinism of Nature, for want of the fear of God, Gen. 20.11. and our cross-grain'd Appetite, still to the For∣bidden Fruit.

2. The frequency of leud Examples, which have baffled the Courage of Eccle∣siastical Censure.

3. The popular notion of Matrimony being a slavish confinement: It is voluntary, and therefore the less to be complain'd of, and sometimes it proves better to have bu∣siness to do than to be Idle; An Hunts∣man, no doubt, if he should see a Shop-Keeper walking all the day long in a little Room, would think it a damnable Confine∣ment, and the other Man makes it his Hap∣piness.

4. The Women Govern: The Wiser they: But I fansie that the Women never govern where the Man hath Wit enough to do it himself; and I hope you would not have Government dye?

5. False notions of the Instances and Allowances in the Old Testament.

6. Some peevish Expressions against Marriage, in the good Old Primitive Fa∣thers, not to say any thing of Modern Wri∣ters.

7. The barbarous forcing Matches upon Children, without their own Consent; and sad consequences of that.

8. The everlasting Din of Mother-in-law.

9. The hard usage of the first Brood, if they Marry again.

10. The Railery of such who either voluntarily undertake Coelibacy, or whose Condition of Life obligeth them to it.

11. The easie Cure of the French Com∣plement; otherwise the sense of Honour, and care of Health would make many a Gentleman like his Own Lodging.

There are many other Reasons of the contempt of Matrimony, which you may find in the Lady's Calling, and in another Waggish Book, which I dare not name for fear of displeasing an excellent Mistress I have in the World, and because, I hope, he wrongs new Married Ladies. These, Nephew, we both agreed, were the com∣mon Occasions of that Contempt, under which Matrimony now labours, to the great inconvenience of the Nation by Im∣mortality, to Families for want of Heirs, and good young Ladies for want of Hus∣bands.

This I thought fit to Write to you; for whom we have provided an admirable March, a Lady of all the good Qualities I would desire, if I were of your Age. She is very Beautiful, and not Proud; She is Well. shap'd, and not Stiff; She is Witty, and not Impertinent; She is Fami∣liar, but not Fond; Good-natur'd but not Easic.; Rich, but not Imperious; Young,

but not Foolish; Religious, but not Fanta∣stical: She wants but one good Chara∣cter more, that is, being Your Wife. And, I hope, we shall not find you so difficult to the wishes of your best Friends, as my ungovernable Son, my incurable Son hath prov'd, utterly undone for want of Edu∣cation.

But (God be thanked) a better In∣struction fell to your share: And though I was against your going to Oxford, yet the little Time you spent there, was to so good purpose, that I am sorry for the Oc∣casion of your not continuing longer, (which, I perceive, you will never forgive the University.) But now it may be ho∣ped, that you are of Age to consider, that Conscience and Care could not but oblige the Head of your House and Tutor, to send home the first Alarm of Danger, when a Person of so great Hopes and For∣tune, out of Youth and Goodness of Dis∣position, was like to become a Prey. Sure I am, the sense of Vertue and Reli∣gion, and industrious Inclinations you brought thence, deserves Thanks, which my Son wanted Thanks to a foolish Father and Mother.

Well, whether I or my Wife were most Guilty, it is now only matter of Repen∣tance;

But our School-Master (as appeared) by reason of Ignorance, was never able to proceed to a Degree in the University, and set up his Staff for a Livelihood, which fell toward a Country-School. He riggs himself out with a new Suit, broad Hat, and Silver headed Staff, and being secure from all Censure in point of Learning, his business with us was on∣ly to counterfeit a wise and a good man, the first he gained the esteem of by an affect∣ed Gravity, and a wary Silence in Compa∣ny; the second he was secure of in our Country, by acting an extraordinary Preciseness and disgusting the imposed use of Ceremonies, confounding the Order of Bishop and Presbyter, magnifying the Advantages of a Common-wealth, rai∣ling at the Bishops Courts, and pitying the Hardships of taking Oaths, and being forced to Church. And having Wit e∣nough to cringe to every Person, and com∣ply with his Betters in all Discourse with∣out the least Contradiction, he gain'd the Character of an humble and meek Man. So that now Employment quickly came on, and happy was the Gentleman who could welcome this great Gamaliel with the first tender of his Respect, that is, the Sacrifice of an Eldest Son.

Being settled in his Dominion, lest the forementioned humility and want of Learning (which Children are apt to smell out) should end in Contempt. He puts on a great self-conceit, ruffles amongst the trembling Boys with a Fantastical Imperi∣ousness, and procures the name of a strict and careful Man by a partial Cruelty to poor Mens Children, for he knew Mothers had somewhat as soveraign as Crabs-Eyes to sweeten the Choler, lest the dear∣ly beloved Eldest Son should come to a mischance.

For a long time I stood by and look'd on, but my Wife did so hale and pu'l me to send my Child to so near a School, that I saw no hopes of Peace, till I com∣plied; I had the Flattery of several Years, of the Dutifulness and Proficiency of my Son, which my Wife never doubted of; seeing her Son kept sweet, neat in Cloaths, and Sheepish (which she called Good-Man∣ners.) This Sheepishness, or over Bashful∣ness of his, I was troubled at, and endea∣voured to mend, because of an Accident which I knew had befallen a young Gen∣tleman my Neighbour: He was a gen∣teel Youth, very fine in Parts and Dispo∣fition; his Mother was sensible of this, and fond enough; and so jealous of every

Action, imperious and rigid to an hair's breadth of Duty, loud and noisy at every small miscarriage, (and sometimes at none.) This made the near Youth dread the place where-ever his Mother was: ti∣morously perform every Duty for fear of being chidden, and at last so far dispiri∣ted, that when he grew up, and for Age and Knowledge was thought fit to be courted by the best sort of Acquaintance, he was quite over-grown with that Curb of just and publick Actions call'd Infirmi∣tas frontis; he would behave himself so diffidently, that sense and words would fail him; and if his Mother came into the Room he was presently struck dumb.

Another Youth (exactly such) I knew whose Schoolmaster was rough and hasty, so that whenever he came into the School the gentle Boy trembled, his heart con∣stantly aked for fear, and at last contrac∣ted such an incurable Hectick as destroy∣ed him.

These two Instances give me an una∣voidable occasion of recommending the Practice of the School-master I was bred up under: He was a plain man, skill'd in his Profession, industrious and unde∣signing H••s way was this; First to sift the Temper of every Youth; if he

found a Boy ruggish and untractable, quick∣ly to ease himself of the uncomfortable duty of Severity: But if they were tract∣able and easie, what ever were their Parts or Learning, to make the best of both, encourage the Children with Civility and Kindness: He knew there was a Generosity in Gentlemen, and that what Imperious∣ness could not do, Courtesie might, and out of Gratitude, and a sense of Love and Care, he found better success than if he had affrighted them into Duty.

Well, when my Boy grew toward a Man, I took him away, and upon Exa∣mination, I found that he had sent me home nothing but the very shell of a Gentleman, spruce indeed in Habit, hand∣some and well natur'd, but infinitely void of all Knowledge, either of Words or Things. It is true, I got him turn'd out; but in the mean time, my hopes were lost, so that it became no small Concern of mine to take better Care for the second Son, who had smarted for a better share of Learning somewhat than his Brother, at a greater School. Him therefore I was resolved not to condemn (as Gentlemen phrase it) but to prefer to a Profession. But what Course to take, I was at a loss. Cambridge was so far off, I could not

have an Eye upon him, Oxford I was an∣gry with.

There was in the Neighbour-hood an old grave Learned Divine (a rigid Church∣man) and therefore thought me not Zea∣lous enough: but yet the great Integrity and Simplicity of this Life, and the Inof∣fensiveness of a free converse in matters of Indifferency, was Reason enough to me of standing by his Judgment in this great Confusion of mine own Thoughts.

I desired his advice in the choice of a Profession, for I thought the Gentry and Nobility of this Nation, the most mista∣ken Men alive.

First, for breeding the Elder and Young∣er Sons at one common Idle rate, as if both were to Inherit equally, so that afterwards when they grow Men, and a Distinction must of necessity be made, it always breeds ill Blood, and sometimes proves dangerous.

Secondly, For thinking it somewhat beneath Persons of Quality to gain a Live∣lihood by the industry of a Profession, such as a Child's inclination points to.

Physick we both did own to be in the speculation very pleasant, and in the Pra∣ctice gainful; but forasmuch as Eminency in that Study requires a more than ordi∣nary

Knowledg in many sorts of Learning, and is so full of Care and Hardship, we left that to such who were furnished with more Learning, and invited by a strong natural Propensity thereunto.

Civil Law, was then proposed as a gen∣teel sort of Study, but when I conside∣red into how few hands the Gains of that Profession falls, and how few Offices of Preferment there are; I laid aside all thoughts of that Learning, though most Honourable of any next to Divinity.

My Neighbour spake well and largely of Divinity; and such was the honesty and clearness of his Humour, that he franckly told me, that,〈◊〉〈◊〉 not favouring Episcopacy much, would hardly encourage a Son to be a Divine: I was not angry with his un∣designing plainness, but grievously afflicted not to be more truly known to him; and with some kind of trouble in Spirit, I made him my Confessor. I told him,

That it did please God, out of a Sense of human Infirmity, I was naturally of a disposition prone to great Pity and Com∣passion to such as were Poor, most of all to such as I saw Honest in their Morals, and, as I thought, sincere in Religion. And that once (out of Curiosity) I went to a notorious Meeting, upon the fame of an

extraordinary gifted Preacher. I would, I confess, willingly, being a Member of that Parliament (which made the Act of Uniformity) have contracted my self, and not have been known to appear so much in opposition to it, but that could not be; and yet I was resolved to see what matter of moment there was, to encourage my fa∣vouring of Dissenters, being Born of Pa∣rents, who paid dear for their Loyalty in the late times.

When the Meeters had given me the invidious unacceptable deference of Place, up springs a Man with a briskness of Look, fit to have domineer'd in the best Audito∣ry in England. He throws his gaping Eyes about upon the numerous throng. He had no sooner named his Text, but about the Leaves and the blew Strings of the Dutch Bible flew, happy was the man whospit up∣on his Thumb, and first found the Chapter.

He began (I suppose upon a mistake of his Auditory) with Address, Language, Rhetorick, and thought as if he had been an Angel; and I never in all my Life time prepared my self so much for attention; no not in the House of Commons: But he Correcting himself, descended to such a lamentable meanness of Looks, W••••••••, and Thoughts, a plainly affected Wink,

Shrugg and Whine, that I was altogether as much Ashamed to be a Witness of what the Women sigh'd at and admir'd: And coming home to my Lodging, sent to speak one Word with the Preacher, who enquiring what I was; and understanding me a Member of Parliament, shifted his Lodgings.

This afterwards, I complained of in the House of Commons, freely confessing my Curiosity, and excusing the same by the Design I had in it. But I perceived that some of the most clamorous Members, a∣gainst Conventicles, laughed at the Story, and found out business of another kind to stop any reflection upon the Circumstan∣ces I related, from which time I began to be jealous of Conventicles, which before I pittied.

I went on, and told him farther, that I thought, if at the Restauration, some things had been left out of the Liturgy; and o∣thers added, it might perhaps have bated many exoeptions which are now made, but never in my Life thought an Alteration of it afterwards safe for the Kingdom.

That I go to Church with as much Af∣fection as any Man breathing, admire the simple, full, and significant style of the Li∣turgy, and the distinction of short Col∣lects

as an ease to tyred Devotion; Pic∣tures in Churches and frequent bowings I never was fond of, but as a Gentleman of breeding, where-ever I saw others bow, I did so too, thinking singularity stiff and ungenteel.

And as for change of the Monarchy into a Common-wealth, I scarce ever heard, I am sure never endured, any Discourse tending that way. Alas! I remember the Protectorship of a fortunate Officer, and the Tyranny of Major-Generals: and were not I fit to be begged for a Madman or a Fool, if I should encourage a Tumult wherein 'tis Cross and Pile but some Var∣let or other whom I have laid by the Heels for tearing Hedges, shall-swagger at the head of twenty men worse than he, rob my Study, fire my House, ravish my Children, and cut my Throat.

Let the faults of Governours (said I) and Government be what they will, it is much safer to bear these faults than to venture a Change: which I consess many an innocent undesigning man may contri∣bute to accidentally, but on purpose and studiously, none but such as either dis∣gorged King and Church Lands at the Restauration, or such as fail'd in expecta∣tion of great Places, or were dispossessed

from them, or such whose Vices have consumed a large Patrimony, and disgra∣ced an ancient Family, shall attempt a Reparation from King or Church: all which I and my Ancestours have ever abhorred; and now said I, Sir, with the great freedom you began, pray tell me what I am sick of, that the best Church∣men should bid such a man as I stand off, and cry unclean, unclean.

Upon this the honest man replied, that I was a better Church of England man that himself: And yet notwithstanding all this I was resolved against making my Son a Divine, though for reasons not to the discredit but to the honour of the Church.

I look on it (said I) as an incompa∣rable advantage of that Profession to have for its single especial Calling what is the concern of all mankind, namely, the study of the knowledge of our duty toward God and Man: from which all other Professions, some more, some less, afford great Avocations and incredible Hinde∣rances. Nay, if temporal advantages were a man's design, a Child could not be pla∣ced in more probable circumstances (ha∣ving Friends to lend a helping hand) of an early plentiful fortune than holy Or∣ders.

And having mentioned the Tem∣poral Advantages of the Clergy, I cannot forbear on this occasion giving you, Ne∣phew, my advice concerning the disposal of your great Living of C. which I am told is likely to be void by the death of the Doctor who is now past all hopes of Recovery. You must expect infinite so∣licitations when so great a preferment falls; and if you have any value for one who resolves to spend all his wisdome upon you, let me beg you to act like an En∣glish Gentleman: it is reported that Ma∣ster H. your Bailiff hath a Kinsman very fit to be recommended: Others say that your Mother's Nurse's Daughter knows a man very deserving; and some report that his Grace the D. of—intends to oblige you by giving you this fair occasi∣on of owning the favour of his Grace's condescension to be acquainted with you, by making his Friend Rectour of 500li. a year. Come, come, act like a man who understand and deserves the true name of Patron, that is wisely dispose the Living, and then Protect the Minister in his Rights and Privileges, neither wrong him your self, nor suffer other to doe it: Do not hamper him and call him un∣gratefull fellow if he refuse to compound

for twenty per Cent. Perhaps while you are warm with Pride and Prosperity, Re∣pentance may look Cowardly, and Resti∣tution Ungenteel. Acts of Injustice may go down easily, but they will rattle in your Throat when you come to Die. You are secure from my Begging, for my Son shall not be a Divine; For in Truth, the Know∣ledge real or Pretended of Scripture and Divinity which the Wise sort of all Pro∣fessions now pretend to, and the great Con∣troversies and variety of Opinions which of late have been set on foot; Make it absolutely necessary, for a Divine to be furnished with deeper Learning than or∣dinary, and the want of strictness in the Education of a Son of a great Family; will render the Confinement in that Severe Profession irksom to such a Youth as mine, and without which he can never adorn his Function.

At last, I plainly owned, that the Com∣mon Law was my design, having obser∣ved, that critical Learning was not requi∣red, and I desired my Neighbour's Opini∣on and Direction hereunto. He did Con∣fess,

That he thought it a Study so Laudable, that he would willingly have spent some time in it himself, but that the loss of so

much time must needs have intrench'd upon his proper Calling.

He look'd upon each great Lawyer ca∣pable of signal Service to the State, and in∣finite Acts of Charity to private Persons; and that it must be impossible twenty Years hence, for a good Lawyer to want Preferment. But he offered many things to be considered before the Law was to be attempted.

1. Whether my Son had Strength of Constitution, to undergo the Drudgery of six or seven Years close Study.

2. Whether living in an University as a Gentleman at large, without close confine∣ment, would not habituate him to Lazi∣ness, greater than that Study is consistent with.

3. Great care must be taken, to give him sound Notions of Justice and Cha∣rity. Because, though neither the Law nor any other Profession brings any neces∣sity on a Man, or irresistible Temptations to be injurious, yet in all Professions there are some, and in the Law, from the shew of Parts, being able to carry a doubtfull Cause: And I verily believe (said he) that many a good Man at the hour of Death, doth repent of having served the interest of an ill Suit, notwithstanding

the excuse of being obliged by the Calling to speak, having received his Fee. After all this, if I did stand it out in favour of the Law, then Logick, for a year or two in some University would be usefull, be∣cause frequent formal disputation makes a Youth more attentive to a Discourse, and more quickly apprehensive of a false or weak Reasoning.

And when I Objected my Prejudice against Oxford, from my own experience formerly, and from the Suggestions of my Sister's Chaplain, just before and after the King came in: the first, he could not an∣swer for, the latter, he confessed in part was true, at the time it points out.

For of all places, the University being fast to the Monarchy, suffering most, and being most weary of the Usurpation, when Oliver was Dead, and Richard Dis∣mounted, they saw through a maze of Changes, that in little time the Nation would be fond of that Government, which twenty years before they hated. The hopes of this made the Scholars talk aloud, drink Healths, and Curse Meroz in the very Streets: Insomuch that when the King came in, nay, when the King was but Voted in, they were not onely like them that Dream, but like them who

are out of their Wits, Mad, stark staring Mad; to Study was Fanaticism, to be Mo∣derate was down-right Rebellion, and thus it continued for a Twelve-Month, and thus it would have continued till this time, if it had not pleased God to raise up some Vice-Chancellors, who stemmed the Torrent which carried so much filth with it, and in defiance of the Loyal Zeal of the Learned, the Drunken Zeal of Dun∣ces, and the great Amazement of Young Gentlemen, who really knew not what they would have, but yet made the grea∣test noise, reduced the University to that temperament, that a Man might Study and not be thought a Du••ard; might be Sober, and yet a Conformist; a Scholar, and yet a Church of England Man; and from that time the University became Sober, Mo∣dest, and Studious, as perhaps any Uni∣versity in Europe.

And, if after all this, I thought well of an University, he advised me not to avoid this or that House, because a Vicious De∣bauch'd Person came thence, not to be fond of an House because I my self was of it, or because the Head thereof was a Fam'd Man: These, said he, many times prove very fallacious Measures: The on∣ly sure Method to proceed by was the

known Integrity and Prudence of a Tutor, who would improve him if he were regu∣lar, if not, would certainly tell me it. Such an one he told me he knew, and would write unto.

Now, full of Instruction, I was not long in getting on Horse-back, but an un∣happy accident at Oxford had almost spoil'd all: For at ten of the Clock, in the Inn, there was such a Roaring and Singing that my Hair stood an end, and my former Pre∣judices were so heightned, that I resolved to lose the Journey, and carry back my Son again, presuming, that no noise in Oxford could be made but Scholars must do it: But the Proctour coming thither, and sending two young pert Towns∣men to the Prison for the Riot, relieved my fears; and quickly came to my Cham∣ber, and perceiving my Boy designed for a Gown, told me that it was for the pre∣servation of such fine Youths as he, that the Proctours made so bold with Gentlemens Lodgings. He was a Man of Presence and suitable Address, and upon my request sat down; I told him I was glad to see Authority discountenance the publick Hou∣ses, because it is an incredible scandal the University labours under, from the ac∣count that Countrey Gentlemen (who

come and Lodge in Oxford) give of Rant∣ing in Inns and Taverns, as if there was no sleeping in that Town for Scholars: He civily reply'd, that things might be better, but he thanked God they were no worse; that Scholars did often bear the blame of Countrey Gentlemen and the Towns∣mens guilt, and that absolutely to keep Young Men from publick Houses was im∣possible, but by Parents injunction to their Children, by Tutors observing the Con∣versation of their Pupils, and every Head of an House commanding home in time all the Junior part at least of their Socie∣ties.

As for the Prejudices we suffer under in the Country, he said there were many reasons of that: The constant Declamati∣ons against us of those intruding Members, who were turned out again in 60, the Hatred all Enemies of King and Church shew against us for being presumed Par∣ties, and the Envy the Gentry bear us up∣on a false supposition of our Ease, Luxury, and Prosperity: To which, we our selves (said he) do foolishly contribute by trea∣ting Friends in our Chambers, as splendid∣ly as if we were worth thousands, when perhaps half a Fellowship would not pay for two such Dinners, as are made upon a

slight occasion. And of all Men Living, the Gentry ought not to be against us, or envy our moderate Fortunes, whose whole Employment is taking up in serving them, by Breeding their Sons here, and Serving their Cures hereafter. Perhaps it will be said the Sons of some of them Miscarry: It is great Pity any one should, but I am sure that Person ought to vindicate us, whose Son goes off Vertuously Bred: they do not know the Care is taken to secure their Children, and make them happy. I could willingly have heard him longer, but that he was to go his Rounds: It was pleasant to see how my Son trembled, to see the Proctour come in, without knocking at his Father's Chamber-door.

The next Morning, I carried my Neigh∣bour's Letter to the Tutor, who express'd a just deference to the Hand, but did not seem fond of the Employment. I thought to have found him mightily Pleased with the Opinion we had of his Conduct, and the Credit of having a Gentleman's Son under his Charge, and the Father with his Cap in Hand: Instead of all this, he Tal∣ked at a rate, as if the Gentry were Obli∣ged to Tutours, more than Tutours to them. And when I asked him whether he thought me a Man who did not know

how to be grateful? No, said he, (with somewhat of sharpness) I never met with a Gentleman backward in that in my life; and to tell you a great Truth, if I were of a craving Temper, I would not take half the care I do. For many Mothers (I would say Fathers too, were it not for shame) are so Wise as to think that Man much more accomplished for a Tutor, who can Cringe solemnly, Tattle in their way, lead them handsomely over a Gut∣ter, and kiss their Hands with a good grace, than a Man of less Fashion and Ceremony; who instead of flattering Parents, and hu∣mouring the Son, sets carefully to work, and lets the Youth know what he comes up for. Though, in the mean time, I do not think Clownishness a Vertue, but plain Dealing was always thought so: And some Parents have not Wit enough to di∣stinguish these Two, especially when they are a little Proudish: As for Ingratitude in Gentlemen, I never had any reason to complain; nay, I have often refused Pre∣sents, when I thought my Pains over-valu∣ed, though I believe (generally) an ho∣nest Tutor sells his Hours cheaper than the Fencer or Dancing-Master will. That which I value, is the great success and sa∣tisfaction I have had in the towardliness

and proficiency of a great many Young Gentlemen, who, at this day, do the Uni∣versity Credit, and the places where they live Good, by their excellent Example: But, to be in earnest, the Care is Infinite, and the Fear they should Miscarry is very Afflicting: And yet, after all this, if the Divine you came from, told you, That he thought I would undertake your Son for his sake, then I must do it; and your Son shall know, before your own Face, what he must trust to. I do not see any lines of Disobedience in his Countenance. But I must desire you to lay your Com∣mands upon him.

1. That he observe the Duties of the House, for Prayers, Exercise, &c. as if he were the Son of a Beggar: for when a young Boy is plumed up with a new Suit, he is apt to fansie himself a fine Thing: Because he hath a penny Commors more than the rest, therefore he ought to be abated a penny-worth of Duty, Learning, and Wisdom. Whereas the Gentlemen in the University ought to do more Ex∣ereise than others, for they stay but little Time there, and ought to be accomplish'd in haste, because their Quality, and the National Concern make them Men apace. And truly, if Men may be heard in their

own Cause, the Gentry are too severe in condemning the Universities for not sen∣ding home their Sons furnish'd with E∣thicks, Politicks, Rhetorick, History, the ne∣cessary Learning of a Gentleman, Logick and Philosophy, &c. and other useful Parts; when they send up their Sons for Two, perhaps Three Years only, and suffer them to trifle away half that time too: It is an ungrateful task to the Tutor always to be Chiding, the Father must command greater Strictness; otherwise, when the Young Man, who hath been long in Du∣rance, and here finds his Shackles knocked off, and the Gate wide open, he will Ramble everlastingly, and make it work more than enough for us to keep him Sober: whereas, if they will take care that he be furnish'd early at School with Latin, come up hither young and pliable, stay here and study hard for Five Years, then if he prove not able to do the King and his Country Service, I am content it should be our Fault.

2. That he writes no Letter to come home for the first whole Year. It is a com∣mon, and a very great inconvenience, that soon after a young Gentleman is settled, and but beginning to begin to Study; we have a tedious ill-spell'd Letter from a

dear Sister, who languishes and longs to see him as much, almost, as she doth for a Husband: and this, together with rising to Prayers at Six a Clock in the Morning, softens the lazy Youth into a fond desire of seeing them too: Then all on the sud∣den up Posts the Livery-Man, and the led Horse, enquires for the Colledge where the young Squire lives, finds my young Master with his Boots and Spurs on be∣fore-hand, quarrelling with the Man for not coming sooner. The next news of him is at home, within a day or two he is In∣vited to a Hunting Match, and the Sickly Youth, who was scarce able to rise to Prayers, can now rise at Four of the Clock to a Fox-chase, then must he be treated at an Ale-House, with a Rump of Beef, Se∣ven Miles from home, hear an Uncle, Cousin, or Neighbour Rant and Swear; and after such a sort of Education for six or eight Weeks, full of Tears and Melan∣choly, the sad Soul returns to Oxford: his Brains have been so shogged, he cannot think in a Fortnight: And after all this, if the young man prove Debauch'd, the U∣niversity must be blam'd. And, Sir, if you can bear a Truth, I hope you are not concerned in; the first Question the Tu∣tor should ask, is, in what kind of Family

and in what manner the Child hath been bred up before he comes to us. For, where Parents give good Examples them∣selves, and keep good Order in a Family, the Ʋniversity Business is half done to our hands: But if he shall come out of a Sty or a Den, see his own Father carried up three times a Week to Bed; hear nothing but Oaths and ill Language from Ser∣vants, &c. it must needs Vitiate the Vir∣gin Soul; he comes up Diseased, and it will require very skilful Application to correct an Error in that first Concoction.

3. That he frequent not Publick Places, such as are Bowling-Green, Racket-Court, &c. for, beside the danger of firing his Blood by a Fever, heightning Passion into Cursing and Swearing, he must unavoidably grow acquainted with Pro∣miscuous Company, whether they are, or are not Vertuous. Nay, were his new Ac∣quaintance all very good, and of the strict∣est House, the certainty of making him Idle, by receiving and paying Treats and Visits is dangerous. I have seen two sorts of Liquor, each of them cold when they were singly touched, but when they were put together, they flamed with such a de∣gree of Heat as melted the Glass they were in. Besides this, all young Gentle∣men

are not sent to the University with the same design with your Son; I know a very Honest, Lusty Countrey Gentleman of four or five Thousand a Year, who sent his Heir to the University, meerly for Cre∣dit's sake; and wisely bid him spend what he would (which the Youth dutifully Obeyed), required no more of his Tutor than to keep him from knocking his Head against a Sign-post, and dirting his silken Stockings at Nine of the Clock: do you think such a Man fit Company for your Son, whom you design to be Lord Kee∣per?

4. Be sure that he discharge all Dues Quarterly, and not learn to run into Debt, this will make him gain Credit and Buy Cheaper. Whatever he saves of your Al∣lowance, let it be his own gain, perhaps that may teach him Thrift, and if I were fit to be your Tutor, I would advise you to double it: for Prodigality is a little more catching than Niggardliness with Young Gentlemen. I know a Person in the World who lived with as much Credit in Oxford as any Man, always Genteel in Habit, and where Entertainments were, becom∣ing always Generous; and yet carried away with him a good Sum of Money, sa∣ved out of his Father's Allowance, and if

he would give me leave, I would propose him as an Example to the Gentry of the University.

5. What ever Letters of Complaints he writes home, I desire you to send me a Copy: for ill-natur'd untoward Boys, when they find Discipline sit hard upon them, they then will learn to Lye, Com∣plain and Rail against the University, the Colledge, and the Tutor, and with a whi∣ning Letter, make the Mother, make the Father believe all that he can invent, when all this while his main design is to leave the University, and go home again to spanning Farthings.

6. I understand, by one of your Daugh∣ters, that you have brought him up a fine Padd to keep here for his Health's sake, now I will tell you the use of an Horse in Oxford, and then do as you think fit. The Horse must be kept at an Ale-House or an Inn, and he must have leave to go once every day to see him eat Oats, because the Master's Eye makes him Fat: and it will not be Genteel to go often to an House and spend nothing; and then there may be some danger of the Horse grow∣ing resty, if he be not used often, so that you must give him leave to go to Abingdon once every Week to look out of the Ta∣vern

Window, and see the Maids sell Turnips: and in one Month or two come home with a surfeit of Poysoned Wine, and save any farther charges by dying: and then you will be troubled to send for your Horse again: This was the unhappi∣ness of a delicate Youth, whose great misfortune it was to be worth Two Thousand a Year before he was One and Twenty.

7. That he go constantly to the Ʋni∣versity Church on Sundays.

Before I came to be a Tutor, curiosi∣ty and a natural share of Thoughtfulness made me observe the Tempers of the Youth of the University, such as either Necessity or Accident had brought me ac∣quainted with: and I found one too com∣mon an humour, which from the begin∣ning, I did Lament, foreseeing, even then, a very unhappy consequence of it. You should see young Gentlemen mighty for∣ward to hasten to St. Mary's, and happy the Man who could get the foremost place in the Gallery: but if the Preacher, who came up, did not please, either with his Looks, his Voice, his Text, or any Whimsey else, immediately a great bustling to get out; Neighbours of each side disturbed to make the Gentleman room: (who some∣times

drags half a score along with him) especially if he had a pointed Band, and a silk Suit, and kept a Brace of Geldings; Well, when they had Fought their way out into the Streets, they were for ven∣turing their Fortunes at another Church; but there the Minister was practical, dull, and plain, and being uncertain what to doe, it being not yet Dinner time, they resolved to stumble in at one holy Thre∣shold more, and what with staring about on the Auditors, talking aloud of, and censuring the Preacher, they made a hard shift to hold out till the little greezy Bells began to Ring to Veal and Mutton, and then by the modest admonition of going our, put the Minister in mind of being Civil to the rest of the Hearers. Coming Home, they talk as big as Bull-Beef of each Man they Heard: Though if you ask the very Text, (Alas!) He Talked so low they could not remember that.

At last, I perceived that this Ambulatory Roving carelessness of Humour, begat an indifferency of going to any Church at all: And so prepared the young Gentry, when they should come to be let loose into the wide World, to be no great opposers of Atheism.

This was unhappily contributed to, by the Disputes concerning the Sabbath: Some contending for a very Jewish observation; Others, disproving it's Morality, both brought contempt upon that Day, and ac∣cidentally upon Religion it self: As did also the Levelling Churches with Stables, and making the Inward Worship of God, oppose the Outward

For whosoever knows the great Lazi∣ness and Supidity of the Vulgar, need not be told that Religion is kept up by the di∣stinction of the Lord's-day from other days; and if the Plough were stopp'd, a long Sermon Preach'd, and a Psalm or two Sung, Religion, Name, and thing, would quickly be destroyed, and the Country Peoples Hair and Nails would grow as long as Nebuchadnezzar's in the fourth of Daniel.

Therefore, I pray Sir, command your Son to be true and just to the Out-side of Christian Religion, and leave the rest to God's Grace upon the use of means. Let him not harken to the Whispers of such as would insinuate distastful Notions of Ceremonies of Church-Government; for if he once grows dissetled in his Mind from the Publick Worship, then he will pic∣keer out under every Hedge, for a new Re∣ligion, and finding himself disappointed,

'tis odds but in a twelve Months time he may magnifie the Leviathan, and when he comes to that, if he doth not cut your Throat (provided he can doe it safely) for fear you disinherit him, truly you are beholden to him.

8. Oblige him to frequency of Writing Home: For coming to the University is not like going beyond Sea, where some Persons learn to forget their Relations, and would absolutely Slight them, were it not for a Bill now and then. Letters to and fro are some kind of Guard upon a Youth: And it will not onely be an honest means of filling up some Idle time, but will make him better able to Write an handsom Letter which is no disparagment to a Gentleman, or to Write a good Hand, which few do. Beside all this, he who begins to contemn his Relations, to whom he owes all, will quickly reckon Tutoring a Relation not so considerable and regard∣able as at first he was told. And in a lit∣tle time Commands will look like Tyranny and Usurpation; and then Tutour, Fa∣ther, and Vice-Chancellour, will never be able to balance the World, the Flesh, and the Devil.

9. I would not have him grow in love with Cards and Dice. For though at first

nothing may seem more harmless than to cheat a tedious hour or two with the loss of a Trifle: Yet by degrees much Play will beget Skill, and Skill will beget Emu∣lation, this will heighten Wagers: Frequent losses will encrease Passion: Frequent con∣quests will make him think himself a greater Gamester than really he is: And whenever he goes so far that Passion blinds what Skill he hath, or Opinion makes him bold of what Skill he hath not, then it will be time to send him up to London, to help maintain the Wits of the Town.

Among'st whom, if he loseth, it's like∣ly he is Cheated; if he wins, then he must Fight the Man he hath Ʋndone: And so stake 2000. Pounds a Year against a Silver Sword: If you permit him to be fond of Gaming while he is young, and this doth not befall him, indeed it is none of his Fa∣ther's fault.

10. As for your Allowance and mode∣rate Pocket-Money, it must be at your Discretion: Onely I desire that it may go through my hands, at least the whole first year, till I can take some measures of his Discretion. I would not have him allowed too little, that he may live like a Gentle∣man; and I would not have him allowed too much, lest he should set up for nothing else.

11. That he grow intimate with none, but such as I shall recommend to his Ac∣quaintance: Necessity, Good Manners, and the customary Respect which is usual∣ly paid Strangers, will command a friend∣ly Correspondency with the Members of the same College. But it is of very ill Conse∣quence, for an unexperienc'd, easie-na∣tur'd Person of Quality, (the better natur'd, the sooner undone) to make himself fond of every Man, who shall court a constant Familiarity, with all the Civility of Ad∣dress and Friendship.

For, if he be a man of great Acquaintance, so must you. If he be Idle, then, by fre∣quent Avocations, he will by degrees les∣sen the Practice of your Duty, and jest you out of the Opinion of it. Then Prayers shall be call'd Loss of Time; Disputations, School-play; and Lectures, Pedantry: Then the Tutor's Presence will become frightful, Advice useless, and Commands provoking.

12. You must leave him wholly to me, for the Method of his Study, and the Books he must read; and expect an Account from me, of his Abilities and Inclinations, in order to a Course of Life hereafter.

13. And now, last of All, I must inge∣nuously tell you both, That if he observes

all these things, and doth it meerly out of a Fear of your Displeasure, and not out of a Sense of his Duty to God, as well as Man, (and secretly wish, that he had Li∣berty to be as wild as the worst;) it will be but a sort of Eye service, a forc'd Com∣plement of good Nature, and never come to much.

But, if he be a serious and thinking Youth, Vertuously and Religiously inclin'd; if a∣ble to consider the Performance of his Duty, as a share of that Service God re∣quires for the Talents He affords: Then he will study without bidding, and say his Prayers when no Man sees: And a Voice then from behind, shall bid him go on, and presper; and all the Care and Kindness in the World I will promise you, shall be thought too little.

It was very Comical, to hear the differing Apprehensions I and the rest of the Com∣pany had of this Discourse. For the Wo∣men long'd to go, and see the College, and the Tutor. And when he was gone out of the Room, I ask'd, how they lik'd the Person, and his Converse? My Boy clung about his Mother, and cry'd to go Home again; And she had no more Wit, than to be of the same Mind: She thought him too weakly, to undergo so much Hard∣ship,

as she fore-saw was to be expected. My Daughters, who (instead of Cate∣chism, and Lady's Calling) had been us'd to read nothing but Speeches in Roman∣ces, and hearing nothing of Love and Ho∣nour in all the Talk, fell into down-right scolding at him; call'd him the Meerest Scholar: and if this were your Oxford-Breeding, they had rather he should go to Constantinople to learn Manners. But I, who was older, and understood the Lan∣guage, call'd them all great Fools; and told them, That there was so much plain, practicable Truths in what he had said, that if every Gentleman would effectually take such a Course, it were impossible for one Child in Forty to miscarry.

But perceiving, by some Part of the Dis∣course, that our Children should be earlier furnished in the School with Learning, and so come sooner to the Ʋniversity than generally they do, before they are too much their own Men, and in sight of One and Twenty: In behalf of a Young Noble man of my near Acquaintance, whose Eldest Son was about four or five Years of Age, and who was very solicitous to manage his E∣ducation to all the best Advantages, I de∣sir'd him to furnish me with some In∣structions, serviceable to that Noble Fa∣mily,

in the Prevention of such Inconve∣niencies, as I my self had run into.

He told me, That he thought a Child might, by Twelve Years of Age, be furnish'd with good Skill in Latin, and some in Greek; and then, after Five Years stay in the Ʋniversity, be very well prepar'd for all the Uses of Travel, according to the Me∣thods and Directions in the Book of Edu∣cation, and Gentleman's-Calling; which can never be read over too often by the Gen∣try. The most easie and common Advice, which every Man's Experience shews to be most absolutely necessary, he bade me practise, as follows.

General Directions for the better Education of a CHILD of Great Quality.

1. CUre the Mother of the Disease cal∣led Fondness, if you can; other∣wise the Child will be bred so tenderly, as to be good for little. Every Door must be shut, and a Fire made in the midst of July, while my young Master's a dressing; so that most times he doth not prove Har∣dy enough to be Healthy or Wise. Take a curle headed Boy from the Side of a Beggar, (the Phlegmatick Off-spring of Butter-Milk, and sowre Cheese) who runs Bare-headed all Day, and snoars all Night upon a Bagg of Straw: Take and spirit this Rational Clod into Turky; and after a Course of Hardship, in Thirty Years time, You may meet him at the Head of an hun∣dred thousand men, matching Politicks with all the witty and civiliz'd World. Cer∣tainly Gentlemen are born with better Blood, Spirits, and Parts, than such a Fellow; but you see what Discipline may do with One; while, through too much Warmth, Laxity, and Softness of Skin, the very Soul of the Other transpires and wastes.

2. Though I would not have a Child dealt withal peevishly; yet it is of very ill Consequence, always to gratifie him in the unsatiable Wantonness of his little Wishes. This naturally tends to the making him hu∣morsome and self-will'd, and all that the Pa∣rents get by that Quality, when he grows towards One and Twenty, they may put in their Eyes, and see never the worse. Place a Child at the Table where there are Twen∣ty Dishes, He shall reach out his Finger, point and call for every one; and when he hath din'd, (too long by an Hour) ask him, If he will have this or that? he never fails to say, Yes: which is not worse for his Health, than in other Instances for Mo∣rals.

3. Good Care ought to be taken what Diet the Child eats: For, though I cannot mechanically shew, how heavy Pudding, and Salt, or (which is worse) Fresh Beef, gets in, and mixeth with the Soul of a Child; yet I dare say, The Learn'd in Phy∣sick are able to prove, That the more of such things you load a tender Stomach with, the longer you keep him from be∣ing a Poet, or a Privy-Counceller. I should go nigh to rail at Sweet-meats too; but that

we have a scurvy Proverb of being ill-na∣tur'd, if you love them not; whether Wine (which is now frequently given) be pro∣per for Children or no, you were best consult the Doctor. Light Meats, Chick∣en, Mutton, &c. once every Day, and Spoon-Meat are thought most agreeable.

4. The Exercise which a Child should use, is to be considered: I would not have his Motions violent, but I would have him much stir, and often fan his Blood with dry and fresh Air: I have heard of a certain Great Lady, Mother of many Chil∣dren, which deserved as much Fondness as any breathing; but instead of Riding in a Coach, and Glasses up, made them Walk out a Mile or two in a clear, sharp, frosty Morning, put their Noses and Lips into such a Red and Blue that would have made half the Mothers in England think their Children Dying; but after this, I never heard any Man complain, that it spoil'd either their Health, Beauty, or their Wit. Of all Hardships, use the Child to Rise early.

5. Care must be taken what Company the Child keeps.

I am not yet come to the inconvenient mixture of Persons of Quality in the same School with Tinkers and Coblers Children, which, perhaps, may teach them base, dir∣ty Qualities (they were never Born to) of Lying, Filching, Railing, Swearing, &c. because I have not yet resolved my self how it can be avoided: I am only now speaking of a Child very young, and bred at Home.

I have observed, that the Eldest Sons of Great Families, lose Three Years at least. For the common Cry is, that it is time enough to learn their Books when they come to be seven or eight years Old. This might in a degree be true enough, if in the mean time they did only converse with Wise and Serious Companions.

But when they are able to speak and prate, they begin to be exceedingly accepta∣ble, and the Dalliance of every Creature towards them is obliging; but all this while, this doth but invite the useless Tattle of a foolish Nurse, a Foot-Boy, or a Kitchin-wench: and, if his Mastership is to be pleased with seeing the Stable, and Sit∣ting on an Horse, then he is farti••e•• ac∣complish'd with the ill-bred Language and Actions of the out-lying Servants also. This I mention, because I know some

Familes, in which Children sometimes better Beloved then the rest, or else be∣cause there were no more, having had constant familiarity, and scarce any other converse with their Parents, and Those Per∣sons of Experience and Thought. The Children have grown apace into Sense and Reflection, and made wiser Persons asham'd of their own Age.

But for a Child to be most in the Com∣pany of Servants, and so many Livery-men always waiting and bare-headed, if it doth not make the Living-Creature Proud, Idle, and think himself fit to be a Lord, (before the King and Nation doth) truly he is less of kin to Adam than I am.

6. Since this Youth of Quality must be bred up at Home, my next Advice is, To get a grave, experienc'd, well-temper'd Person to manage him, by descending to all the little Observances his Age and your Ex∣pectation requires: But then I must have leave to tell you, that your Allowance must be very considerable, and his Estate will bear it: For no Wise Man will Play the Fool to no purpose: And if you or his Re∣lations shall fansie that common Maxime, The cheaper the better, you will meet with Men, who will Serve and Please you, and

the Child at present; who perhaps hereaf∣ter, will reckon himself no great Gainer, when he finds the want of that Accom∣plishment which his Quality and Parts de∣serve, and that his Brains were sold for twenty Pounds a Year.

It is not well enough considered, what it costs to be Dearned and Wise, both pains and money: And where as Scholars are look'd on as Poor and Mean, born to serve them who have the luck to be Rich; yet I do not find truly that great Ones part easily with what they come hard by.

I could tell you of a Person in the World, worth some Thousands Yearly, a Man very considerable for Management, Temper, Justice, and all the Qualities of a Gentleman, if he had not placed too much Wisedom in thrift. He had an Eldest Son incomparable for Parts and Good-Na∣ture, and more willing to be made a Wife Man than Boys generally are. But the good Father, to save the charges of a great School, and Boarding abroad any where, was resolv'd to diet him in Wisedom at his own Table, with the cheap assistance of a poor Chaplain, who was to bestow up∣on him all the week as much Wiseness as ten pounds a year, and a good stout Dinner is generally worth.

When the young Heir came towards Age, I happened to be acquainted with him, and in some degrees of Familiarity; and finding very fine Parts in the Rubbish of a great deal of Clownery, I once dealt with him very Frowardly, and ask'd him plainly, How it came to pass that he was not a Wifer Man? Ask my Father, said he. And when I replied, That his Father was reputed a Discreet Man; Yes, said the young Gentleman, and I thought him so, when I was a young Child: But now I am growu up, and the World expects some agreeable Conversation with my Age, Quality and Acquaintance, I appear so little in Company, and am sensible how little I appear, that I wish I had either only been Born with Wit enough not to be Begg'd, or that my Father had valued the Improvement of my Parts at a Thousand a Year of my Estate.

7. The Tutor, I propose, will do well by all the Artifice of Kindness, and easi∣ness to gain Affection from the Child. For otherwise by Force and bare Duty, he will Learn as little from that Tutor, as a Far∣mer doth from the Minister, by the Ser∣mon which is next Preach'd after he hath paid his Tithes.

8. Keep the Child, as much as possible, out of all Company, wherein there may be danger of seeing Actions of Rudeness, In∣decency, Debauchery, Infirmity, especially if they are committed by near Relations, Fa∣ther, Mother, Brother, &c. Incredible is the observation of Children: And, I dare say, they think long before we perceive it; and the Reverence and Regard they have for Relations, recommends all Actions to their Imitation, with a strong Prejudice.

9. By all Arts of Kindness, prevent Frowardness in him, which will turn to a very ill Quality, when he grows up.

10. When he is able to Speak plain, and capable to be Taught, let him learn Sense and Words together: I mean, Teach him such Words as signifie some material Sense, either of Breeding, Morality, or Religion; and not idle, useless Words, which signifie nothing but the Folly of such as Teach them.

11. When you begin with him, do not clog him with too much, to make him loath or dread it; but let him come to the Book as to his Recreation, or to gain Credit.

12. Accustom him to kind and friend∣ly words even towards Servants and Infe∣riours. This will not only be obliging but will habituate the Child to Respect and Decency to men of higher Degree, to Parents and Tutor himself; and be sure to instruct him of the regard to be had according to mens different Qualities.

13. The method how to teach him Latin with most advantage and expediti∣on I must wholly leave to the Tutor: For whether it be sooner learn'd by the Rules of Grammar as is done in Schools, or barely by Construing Authors and tal∣king Latin with the Child always, by which sometimes Gentlemen are taught, I am not able to answer mine own Ar∣guments for each: Use him much to Translation, which I think much better than Composition.

14. Be sure to keep him constant to Devotion, and let not his own private prayers be tedious and wearisome.

15. Make him able to reade Greek, and turn the Lexicon upon occasion, as far as the Greek Testament.

16. A short Series of the History and Chronology of the Old Testament, by Question and Answer, with a general Knowledge of the Globes, would be use∣full, and make him proud of Learning.

17. The excellent Qualities of Cyrus in Xenophon translated & commended would be an admirable Pattern for Emulation.

18. Of all the good Qualities, from the very beginning, accustome the Child to speak the truth, and when he is faulty, do not affright him into lying, and silly excuses (which Servants commonly teach them) but by mildness and security from childing, at the first beget in him the cou∣rage of confessing his faults: Great Acti∣ons of Honour and Justice depend upon Veracity.

19. Whatever the Child doth well, either voluntary or out of observance of former Commands, be sure let him have Commendation enough, this is a principal Reward and tickles the proud Flesh.

20. Let no Person chide the Child who is in a great fit of Anger, lest the

violence of it make him moped, or the in∣decency of it make him grow careless.

21. I would not have Parents or Tu∣tour be always childing for little things: those will better be mended by persuasi∣on; and to chide for every fault alike, will in time make the Youth think great faults no worse than little ones, and re∣proving a mere thing of course; 'tis the Common, but a very inartificial way.

22. Whenever you find the Child in an Extravagant fit of Froppishness and Anger (how little soever be the provoca∣tion) do not express anger to him at that time, but immediately sweeten him, take his part, and get him out of the fitas soon as you can, lest it grow violent and lasting, and at a cooler season argue the indecorum with him, when Reason will come in to his assistance.

23. Never disgrace the Child or up∣braid him with his Follies before Stran∣gers: this may cut him too much, and never be forgotten; and it will be very obliging when he is afterwards made un∣derstand how kind you were in modera∣ting your reproofs for his Honours sake.

24. Let not the Child be frighted with horrid stories of Bug-bears or idle tricks in the dark: the ill consequences may be very-great.

25. Never let him be accustom'd to laugh at mens natural Infirmities, but give him occasion from thence of thanking God who hath made the Difference.

26. Magnifie and help him to admire the glorious parts of the Creation and variety therein: this will beget early No∣tions of Reverence and Honour for the Maker.

27. Keep him from hearing any Para∣doxes disputed in the place where he is, either of Religion, Morality, Govern∣ment, &c. and when ever it happens, let him see his Parents and Tutor undertake always the better side.

28. A good short Collection of Proverbs out of Solomon, and the Proverbs of each single Nation (wherein their Wisedom consists) such as respect God, Religion, good Manners, civil Breeding and Duty in all Relations, well digested into a Me∣thod,

and under proper Heads, to be judi∣ciously explained to the Child at leisure times, would be of incomparable use: Because that short grave, sententious way of Instruction sticks better in the Memory and helps his Thinking.

29. Let him reade nothing by himself which is not very easie for him to com∣prehend, lest it discourage his reading: and let all your Discourses with him be very plain, and of such things as he is ca∣pable to be instructed in: this will help and draw out his Parts, whereas Difficul∣ties will baulk and stifle them.

30. If you find him begin to grow pert and forward, never check him, but you must be sure to modifie his Wit, you must set limits, and say hitherto and no far∣ther, bound it with Good-nature and De∣cency: For there is one Quality mightily taking, and especially if it discover it self early in a Child, which is to Jeer and Re∣flect upon Men and their Actions: Beside the Impudence, Ill-nature, and Abusive Language which this is generally atten∣ded with (and so is the most unbeco∣ming Breeding for a Gentleman) it many times proves very dangerous in promiscu∣ous

Company. It is not long since, for a Sentence no greater than the Wise mens of Greece (and not half so witty) a fine Gentleman had his Brains beaten out: Cicero was a great Jester, but the cry went on Antony's side for Wit, when he had got∣ten his Head off.

31. If you find him impetuously in love with any thing you do not like, you must not bluntly and suddenly check him, this may make him love it the more, and look on you as the Enemy of his Happi∣ness; but by degrees lessen the value of the Object, persuade him of its disagree∣ableness, and divert him with something more innocent, and of a differing nature,

Alterius vires subtrahit alter amor.

32. If you find him apt to take offence at any single man's Person, disgust and hate him; by all means strive to qualifie this, never rest till you have made him a Friend, let him know the Duty and have the Honour of Forgiving. This may be of use if he live to be a great Man.

33. If you find him inclining to Thoughtfulness, Sadness and Sighing, correct it with all imaginable pains by

pleasant Converse, light Diets, cheerfull Recreations, delightful Readings, lest he get an Habit, and at last grow Melanchely, that is, useless and unserviceable.

34. That all occasions in his Company to magnifie Vertue and debase Vice: Furnish him with Examples of both out of Scrip∣ture, of God's Judgments and Deliveran∣ces: but till he is ripe enough to be in∣structed, you may forbear letting him read those Chapters wherein the failings of good Men are recorded. The Plain∣ness and Spirit of Devotion contained in the Psalms, speak them fittest to be read by a Child.

These (said the Tutour to me) are the uppermost Rules that occur as absolutely necessary to be observed in the first bree∣ding of the Person of Quality you talk of: Though, if your Dinner did not wait you, perhaps I might think of more, but first try these effectually, and consult the Book of Education for other necessa∣ry Instructions.

I heartily thanked him, and finding it late, I invited him to Dinner with me at the Inn, but he refused, saying that such Houses were not built for Gown-men, and

made me leave my Son to dine with him, having (said he) observed the great Improvi∣dence of the Gentry who when they come to enter a Son, (which is commonly at the Act, that solemn season of Luxury) bring Wife and Daughters to shew them the University; there's mighty Feasting and drinking for a week, every Tavern examin'd, and all this with the company of a Child, forsooth, sent up hither for Sobriety and Industry.

After this he invited us the next day to a Commons, and according to his Hu∣mour before, I expected to have been starved in his Chamber, and the Girles drank Chocolette at no rate in the morn∣ing for fear of the worst.

It was very pleasant to see, when we came, the constrain'd Artifice of an unac∣customed Complement, Silver Tankards heaped one upon another, Napkins some twenty years younger than the rest, Glas∣ses fit for a Dutchman at an East-India Re∣turn.

And at last came an Entertainment big enough for ten Members of the House: I was asham'd, but would not disoblige him, considering with my self that I should put this man to such a charge of forty shillings at least, to entertain me,

when for all his honest care and pains he is to have but forty or fifty shillings a Quarter, so that for one whole Quarter he must do the drudgery to my Son for nothing.

After Dinner I went to the publick Bowling Green, it being the only Recrea∣tion I can affect. Coming in, I saw half a score of the finest Youths, the Sun, I think, ever shined upon: they walked to and fro, with their hands in their Pockets, to see a match played by some Scholars and some Gentlemen fam'd for their skill. I gaped also and stared as a man in his way would do: But a Country ruff Gentleman, being like to lose, did swear at such a rate that my heart did grieve that those fine young men should hear it, and know there was such a thing as swearing in the Kingdom. Coming to my Lodging, I charged my Son never to go to such publick places unless he resol∣ved to quarrel me.

Having settled my Son and lest my com∣mands with him, we all made haste home again, in earnest much better satisfied with the Government of the University than I was before: for all this while I had as critically observed all miscarriages as a prejudiced man may be imagined to do.

And (to say more) when we were summon'd thither a while before to sit in Parliament, I was resolved narrowly to scan the carriage of the University to∣wards the Members, to understand the temper and opinion, as far as the free converse in Coffee Houses (where every man's Religion and Politicks are quickly seen) could discover.

The plainness and freedom young Ma∣sters us'd was odd at the first, but after∣wards very pleasant, when it appeared to be a kind of Trade not Policy: For being used all the week long to dispute Para∣doxes, the Disputacity reached afterwards to matter of Religion and State. But in fine I perceived there was nothing of de∣sign or malice in all this, but a road of Converse, arising partly out of hatred to Fanaticks and want of experience and con∣versation in the world, which teaches men to be more cautious in promiscuous discourse.

As for their Civility to the Members we must own it, we had their Lodgings (as good as they were) for nothing, with civility and respect whereever they met us agreeable: when at the same time the Townsmen put Dutch rates upon their Houses, that under five or six pound a

week a Whig could not have room enough to speak Treason in. I could not per∣ceive but they both talked and preached against Popery as much as any men, though in the business of Succession they still favoured the Duke. I walk'd the Streets as late as most people, and never in ten days time ever saw any Scholar rude or disordered: so that as I grow old, and more engaged to speak the truth, I do repent of the ill opinion I have had of that place, and hope to be farther obliged by a very good account of my Son.

And upon the whole matter let me offer you one Caution, when you cry out Idle, Ignorant, Ill-bred, Dekauch'd, Popish University, I am sure you speak at a ven∣ture, and do but echo the ill-natured Fame of things: And ill Language doth not become the mouth of a Gentleman though the matter be true. But I am now convinced that we wrong them; As for their Idleness, the Graver sort kept close: 'tis true Curiosity brought out the young Gentlemen to see new Faces and shew their new Ribbons: for Ignorance we are not Judges, and the Nation generally frees them from that: for their Ill-bree∣ding, Simplicity and Plainness is their

Guise, and they look upon all things else as Art. Debauchery may happen among some of so many, but all my Acquain∣tance abominate it as much as you and I do. And as for Popery, the most serious men I knew there study to make them∣selves able to resist the Temptation: so that for us of the Gentry to rail at them for Popishly affected, and men forlorn as to Protestant Religion, is very Unjust and Uncharitable.

In the next place you beg my direction in the management of the Canvas: I confess I shall never be able to admire enough the most excellent Constitution of our Government by way of a Parliament, wherein the meanest Subject hath his just regard, and forty shillings a year makes a man wise enough to chuse his Representa∣tive: nay now of late very Cottagers and Quakers come in for a share in electing that Assembly, which for ought I know turns and winds the great Affairs of all Europe: Though I must confess I am sor∣ry, that in Elections so little regard is had to the Wisedom and Vertue of the Can∣didate, and that so much use is made of the Ignorance and Vices of the people.

It will not be safe to depend upon the vulgar of your own Party, because ma∣ny of them will appear to have no Votes either on Account of Swearing or Estates; and yet their Zeal for the Cause will hur∣ry them on to poll.

If you manage your self wisely, I know no man can make a better Figure in the Field than you, and thus, presu∣ming of you in the House, I will next give you my thoughts concerning your Beha∣viour there. For the least misbehaviour at first coming is not easily forgotten in that Place.

1. I will recommend and furnish you with Books and Copies which give an Account of the Original, Privileges and Proceedings in that House, which will make you capable to act very service∣ably, whether you prove a great Speaker or no.

2. It will be the best use you can make of the first three or four months (if you sit so long) to be particularly acquain∣ted with the Face, Parts and Designs of every Member, more particularly, I ad∣vise you,

1. Not to be a Speaker too soon, which is incident to Youth.

2. Whenever you speak, your native Modesty will be very becoming, and Bre∣vity withall; for we old Stagers did al∣ways look on it as our Privilege to be te∣dious.

3. Meddle with no man's Person, be∣cause you do not know how many you disoblige; do not begin early to reply to other mens Speeches, because such a man ought to be very considering and ready.

4. Never speech it when you are pro∣voked to be angry, because it will be hard then to act with decency, required in so great a Meeting.

5. Study not to be much concern'd when you are replied upon with Sharpness or Jeer.

6. Beware of discovering any Affecta∣tion of being Witty: for that shews you pleased with what you say, which is unac∣ceptable, and beneath the Opinion you

ought to have of an Assembly so august. Do not affect great Words, for a design to be thought Learned shews the want; and the more knowing any man is, the plainer he is able to express his mind. But on the other side, you must not descend to low and mean expressions, that will savour of an ungenteel Breeding. Be∣ware of all unusual motions and gestures of Head, Eyes, Hand, Body, or the like.

7. When any matter of great moment is debated, be not forward to speak, be∣cause at your Age it is impossible you should comprehend the matter, design and managery of the Case. But be sure at such a time to frequent the House, and be a diligent Auditour: for then you will hear the Reason, Law, Policy and Eloquence of our English Gentry: Masculine Elo∣quence which flows upon all Occasions, not constrain'd to the fulsome Anaphora's and Paranomasia's of the modern Rheto∣cians, those Whistles and Rattles of School∣boys: Not but those Figures when they were first, or now when they are wisely used, are good Ornaments: But it is a vast mistake to transplant those Flowers out of the fertile soil of Cicero and the An∣cients, and think they will thrive and

grow in every Clod-pate; to think that those Schemes in a small Epitome, robb'd of the Advantages to be understood, such as are the Occasion, Person, Time, Connexi∣en, &c. should by being barely learn'd by heart, make every Puny able to imitate the greatest Master of Speech in all man∣kind.

When you come once to be taken no∣tice of; then remember to fortifie your self against solicitations to serve a Party, and that from men who will think they doe you Honour to vouchsafe you a gra∣tious Nod: the Inconveniences will be many.

1. Under Pretence of preparing Bu∣ness you must be a Slave to Clubbs of twelve, one, two, three of the Clock, whereby the Health will be impaired and ill Habits gotten.

2. You must then resolve to captivate your Judgment to the Opinion of the Leading-men of your Party. And then your own Reason will be quite lost, you will never attempt to examine the true merit of the Cause, and so many times be betray'd to the eager persuit of what

you would abhor did you well consider what perhaps your mighty Leader pursues out of Passion, Interest or Human Inadver∣tency, when all the while you think he doth act with due Deliberation; Integrity of Intention, and merely on Publick good: such an Authoritative Leading-man is the Bane of any Society whatever.

3. You must expect to bear a share in Answering for all the Imprudences of your Party. No number was ever so happily combined, but that some Persons in it would be apt to act some extravagant Part, out of Zeal to serve a Cause, which will make a Thinking-man blush to fa∣vour.

4. You certainly create Enemies to your self, all of the opposite Persuasions, though you never had thoughts or design so to do. All Acts of unkindness recei∣ved, or Acts of Revenge threatned, shall respect you as one of the Party, who are purely simple and passive, as much as if you had been the first Mover or Executi∣oner of the whole; this makes Neighbours, Friends, Kindred, at Daggers drawing when e'er they meet: Believe it, the necessary Mixture and Complication of your Af∣fairs

in the World, and the various Relati∣ons you must bear, will afford you Con∣trasting more than enough. Create as few Troubles to your self as you can.