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05-29-2010, 10:36 AM
Of CustomAND EDUCATIONMEN'S thoughts, are much according to theirinclination; their Animal oil painting (http://www.oilpaintingscn.com/animal-oil-painting-872.html)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 notrusting to the force of nature, nor to the braveryof words, except it be corroborate by custom. Hisinstance is, that for the achieving of a desperateconspiracy, 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 hishands formerly in blood. But Machiavel knew notof a Friar Clement, nor a Ravillac, nor a Jaureguy,nor a Baltazar Gerard; Floral oil painting (http://www.oilpaintingscn.com/floral-oil-painting-873.html)yet his rule holdeth still,that nature, nor the engagement of words, are notso forcible, as custom. Only superstition is now sowell advanced, that men of the first blood, are asfirm as butchers by occupation; and votary reso-lution, is made equipollent to custom, even in mat-ter of blood. In other things, the predominancy ofcustom is everywhere visible; insomuch as a manwould wonder, to hear men profess, protest, en-gage, give great words, and then do, just as theyhave done before; Landscape oil painting (http://www.oilpaintingscn.com/landscape-oil-painting-874.html)as if they were dead images,and engines moved only by the wheels of custom.We see also the reign or tyranny of custom, whatit is. The Indians (I mean the sect of their wise men)lay themselves quietly upon a stock of wood, andso sacrifice themselves by fire. Nay, the wivesstrive to be burned, with the corpses of their hus-bands. The lads of Sparta, of ancient time, werewont 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, anIrish rebel condemned, put up a petition to thedeputy, that he might be hanged in a withe, andnot in an halter; because it had been so used, withformer rebels. There be monks in Russia, for pen-ance, that will sit a Nude oil painting (http://www.oilpaintingscn.com/nude-oil-painting-875.html)whole night in a vessel of water,till they be engaged with hard ice. Many examplesmay be put of the force of custom, both upon mindand body. Therefore, since custom is the principalmagistrate of man's life, let men by all means en-deavor, to obtain good customs. Certainly customis most perfect, when it beginneth in young years:this we call education; which is, in effect, but anearly custom. So we see, in languages, the tongueis more pliant to all expressions and sounds, thejoints are more supple, to all feats of activity andmotions, in youth than afterwards. For it is true,that late learners cannot so well take the ply; ex-cept it be in some Seascape oil painting (http://www.oilpaintingscn.com/seascape-oil-painting-876.html)minds, that have not sufferedthemselves 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 ofcustom copulate and conjoined and collegiate, isfar greater. For there example teacheth, companycomforteth, emulation quickeneth, glory raiseth:so as in such places the force of custom is in hisexaltation. Certainly the great multiplication ofvirtues upon human nature, resteth upon socie-ties well ordained and disciplined. For common-wealths, and good governments, do nourish virtuegrown but do not much mend the deeds. But themisery is, that the most effectual means, are nowapplied to the ends, least to be desired.