CCLVII. Books are not things indifferent in the commerce of life; they make men what they are themselves, and insensibly form their manner of seeing, thinking, and acting. CCLVIII. We do not so much attempt things, because we find them difficult, as make them difficult, because we do not attempt them; the laying aside of them makes them more difficult, than a constant pursuit would find them. CCLIX. Nature says, love thyself alone; domestick education says, love your family; the national, love your country; but religion says, love all mankind without exception. COLX. It is not always the largest or most profound works which are the most useful, or the most agreeable.-D'Israeli. APPENDIX. FROM LORD BACON'S ESSAYS, NUP I. UPTIAL Love maketh mankind; friendly love perfecteth it; but wanton love corrupteth and embaseth it. II. If time, of course, alter things for the worse, and wisdom and counsel shall not alter them for the better, what shall be the end? III. It is a strange thing, that in sea-voyages, where there is nothing to be seen but sky and sea, men should make diaries; but in landtravel, wherein so much is to be observed, for the most part they omit it. As if chance were fitter to be registered than observation. IV. It is a miserable state of mind to have few things to desire, and many things to fear; and yet that commonly is the case with kings, who, being at the highest, want matter of desire, which makes their minds more languishing. V. A man's own observation on what he finds good of, and what he finds hurt of, is the best physic to preserve health. VI. Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal, is more than to speak in good words, or in good order. VII. It were better to have no opinion of GoD at all, than such an opinion as is unworthy of him; for the one is unbelief; the other is contumely; and certainly superstition is the reproach of the Deity. VIII. Riches are for spending, and spending for honour and good actions; therefore, extraordinary expence must be limited by the worth of the occasion-ordinary expence ought to be limited by a man's estate. IX. Men's thoughts are much according to their inclination; their discourse and speeches according to their learning and infused opinions. X. Costly followers are not to be liked, lest, while a man maketh his train longer, he makes his wings shorter. XI, The way of fortune is like the milky way in the sky, which is a meeting of a number of small stars, not seen asunder, but giving light together; so there are a number of little and scarce-discerned virtues, or rather faculties and customs, that make men fortunate. . |