THE SECOND BOOK 343 



But there is a kind of Culture of the Mind that seemeth 

 yet more accurate and elaborate than the rest, and is built 

 upon this ground ; that the minds of all men are at some 

 times in a state more perfect, and at other times in a state 

 more depraved. The purpose therefore of this practice is 

 to fix and cherish the good hours of the mind, and to 

 obliterate and take forth the evil. The fixing of the good 

 hath been practised by two means ; vows or constant 

 resolutions ; and observances or exercises ; which are not 

 to be regarded so much in themselves, as because they keep 

 the mind in continual obedience. The obliteration of the 

 evil hath been practised by two means ; some kind of 

 redemption or expiation of that which is past ; and an 

 inception or account de novo for the time to come. But 

 this part seemeth sacred and religious, and justly ; for all 

 good Moral Philosophy (as was said) is but an handmaid 

 to religion. 



Wherefore we will conclude with that last point which 

 is of all other means the most compendious and summary, 

 and again the most noble and effectual, to the reducing of , 

 the mind unto virtue and good estate ; which is the electing 

 and propounding unto a man's self good and virtuous 

 ends of his life, such as may be in a reasonable sort 

 within his compass to attain. For if these two things be 

 supposed, that a man set before him honest and good ends, 

 and again that he be resolute, constant, and true unto 

 them, it will follow that he shall mould himself into all 

 virtue at once. And this is indeed like the work of 

 nature ; whereas the other course is like the work of the 

 hand. For as when a carver makes an image, he shapes 

 only that part whereupon he worketh ; as if he be upon 

 the face, that part which shall be the body is but a rude 

 stone still, till such times as he comes to it ; but contrari- 

 wise when nature makes a flower or living creature, she 

 formeth rudiments of all the parts at one time; so in 

 obtaining virtue by habit, while a man practiseth tem- 

 perance, he doth not profit much to fortitude, nor the like; 

 but when he dedicateth and applieth himself to good ends, 

 look what virtue soever the pursuit and passage towards 



