OF GREAT PLACE 25 



vantage and commanding ground. Merit and good works 

 is the end of man's motion ; and conscience of the same 

 is the accomplishment of man's rest. For if a man can be 

 partaker of God's theatre, he shall likewise be partaker of 

 God's rest. Ef conversus Deus, ut aspiceret opera quae 

 fecerunt manus suae, vidit quod omnia essent bona nimis ; and 

 then the sabbath. 



In the discharge of thy place set before thee the best 

 examples ; for imitation is a globe of precepts. And after 

 a time set before thee thine own example ; and examine 

 thyself strictly whether thou didst not best at first. 

 Neglect not also the examples of those that have carried 

 themselves ill in the same place ; not to set off thyself by 

 taxing their memory, but to direct thyself what to avoid. 

 Reform therefore, without bravery or scandal of former 

 times and persons ; but yet set it down to thyself as well 

 to create good precedents as to follow them. Reduce 

 things to the first institution, and observe wherein and 

 how they have degenerate ; but yet ask counsel of both 

 times ; of the ancient time, what is best ; and of the latter 

 time, what is fittest. Seek to make thy course regular, 

 that men may know beforehand what they may expect; 

 but be not too positive and peremptory ; and express 

 thyself well when thou digr esses t from thy rule. Preserve 

 the right of thy place ; but stir not questions of juris- 

 diction : and rather assume thy right in silence and de 

 facto, than voice it with claims and challenges. Preserve 

 likewise the rights of inferior places ; and think it more 

 honour to direct in chief than to be busy in all. Embrace 

 and invite helps and advices touching the execution of thy 

 place ; and do not drive away such as bring thee informa- 

 tion, as meddlers ; but accept of them in good part. 



The vices of authority are chiefly four ; delays, corrup- 

 tion, roughness, and facility. For delays ; give easy access 

 keep times appointed ; go through with that which is in 

 hand, and interlace not business but of necessity. For 

 corruption ; do not only bind thine own hands or thy 

 servants' hands from taking, but bind the hands of suitors 

 also from offering. For integrity used doth the one ; but 



