232 LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 



cated part of it ; and as things go, I suppose they are more 

 likely to be more and more justified, and allowed. And 

 whereas you say, for some other part, that it moves and 

 opens a fair occasion and broad way into some field of 

 contradiction ; on the other side, it is written to me from 

 the Leiger at Paris, and some others also, that it carries 

 a manifest impression of truth with it, and it even con 

 vinces as it goes. These are their very words ; which I 

 write not for mine own glory, but to show what variety of 

 opinion rises from the disposition of several readers. And 

 I must confess my desire to be, that my writings should 

 not court the present time, or some few places in such sorts 

 as might make them either less general to persons, or less 

 permanent in future ages. As to the Instauration, your so 

 full approbation thereof, I read with much comfort, by how 

 much more my heart is upon it ; and by how much less I 

 expected consent and concurrence in matter so obscure. 

 Of this I can assure you, that though many things of great 

 hope decay with youth, (and multitude of civil businesses 

 is wont to diminish the price, though not the delight, of 

 contemplations) yet the proceeding in that work doth gain 

 with me upon my affection and desire, both by years and 

 businesses. And therefore, I hope, even by this, that it is 

 well pleasing to God, from whom and to whom all good 

 moves. To him I most heartily commend you. 



Sir To Sir Henry Saville. 



Coming back from your invitation at Eton, where I had 

 refreshed myself with company, which I loved ; I fell into 

 a consideration of that part of policy whereof philosophy 

 speaketh too much, and laws too little ; and that is, of 

 education of youth. Whereupon fixing my mind awhile, 

 I found straightway s, and noted, even in the discourses of 

 philosophers, which are so large in this argument, a strange 

 silence concerning one principal part of that subject. For 

 as touching the framing and seasoning of youth to moral 

 virtues, (as tolerance of labours, continency from plea 

 sures, obedience, honour, and the like), they handle it; 

 but touching the improvement and helping of the intel 

 lectual powers, as of conceit, memory, and judgment, 

 they say nothing ; whether it were, that they thought it to 

 be a matter wherein nature only prevailed, or that they 

 intended it, as referred, to the several and proper arts, 

 which teach the use of reason and speech. But for the 



