Of Custom AND EDUCATION

MEN'S thoughts, are much according to their

inclination; their discourse and speeches,

according to their learning and infused opinions;

but their deeds, are after as they have been accus-

tomed.  And therefore, as Machiavel well noteth

(though in an evil-favored instance), there is no

trusting to the force of nature, nor to the bravery

of words, except it be corroborate by custom.  His

instance is, that for the achieving of a desperate

conspiracy, a man should not rest upon the fierce-

ness of any man's nature, or his resolute under-

takings; but take such an one, as hath had his

hands formerly in blood.  But Machiavel knew not

of a Friar Clement, nor a Ravillac, nor a Jaureguy,

nor a Baltazar Gerard; yet his rule holdeth still,

that nature, nor the engagement of words, are not

so forcible, as custom.  Only superstition is now so

well advanced, that men of the first blood, are as

firm as butchers by occupation; and votary reso-

lution, is made equipollent to custom, even in mat-

ter of blood.  In other things, the predominancy of

custom is everywhere visible; insomuch as a man

would wonder, to hear men profess, protest, en-

gage, give great words, and then do, just as they

have done before; as if they were dead images,

and engines moved only by the wheels of custom.

We see also the reign or tyranny of custom, what

it is.  The Indians (I mean the sect of their wise men)

lay themselves quietly upon a stock of wood, and

so sacrifice themselves by fire.  Nay, the wives

strive to be burned, with the corpses of their hus-

bands.  The lads of Sparta, of ancient time, were

wont to be scourged upon the altar of Diana, with-

out so much as queching.  I remember, in the be-

ginning of Queen Elizabeth's time of England, an

Irish rebel condemned, put up a petition to the

deputy, that he might be hanged in a withe, and

not in an halter; because it had been so used, with

former rebels.  There be monks in Russia, for pen-

ance, that will sit a whole night in a vessel of water,

till they be engaged with hard ice.  Many examples

may be put of the force of custom, both upon mind

and body.  Therefore, since custom is the principal

magistrate of man's life, let men by all means en-

deavor, to obtain good customs.  Certainly custom

is most perfect, when it beginneth in young years:

this we call education; which is, in effect, but an

early custom.  So we see, in languages, the tongue

is more pliant to all expressions and sounds, the

joints are more supple, to all feats of activity and

motions,  in youth than afterwards.  For it is true,

that late learners cannot so well take the ply; ex-

cept it be in some minds, that have not suffered

themselves to fix, but have kept themselves open,

and prepared to receive continual amendment,

which is exceeding rare.  But if the force of cus-

tom simple and separate, be great, the force of

custom copulate and conjoined and collegiate, is

far greater.  For there example teacheth, company

comforteth, emulation quickeneth, glory raiseth:

so as in such places the force of custom is in his

exaltation.  Certainly the great multiplication of

virtues upon human nature, resteth upon socie-

ties well ordained and disciplined.  For common-

wealths, and good governments, do nourish virtue

grown but do not much mend the deeds.  But the

misery is, that the most effectual means, are now

applied to the ends, least to be desired.