§. 1.

THERE is an opinion com­monly receiv'd, that the Scholars of England are over­proportion'd to the prefer­ments for letter'd Persons. Hereupon the Constitution of Free-Schools cometh to be question'd, as diverting those, whom Nature or Fortune had determin'd to the Plough, the Oar, or other Handicrafts, from their proper design, to the study of Liberal Arts, and even Divinity it self. But the multiply­ing these Foundations is yet higher represent­ed as dangerous to the Government. These jealousies have gain'd upon the Prudent, the Powerful, and, not the least, upon the Scho­lar: as indeed allegations of such consequence deserve not to be slighted; when proceeding from ^a men of Authority, and publish'd in [Page 2] Books by ^a repeated Impressions they have pass'd into a constant Fame. Schools, a name against which many have an Antipathy carri­eth in it, at the best, an unpleasing notion of restraint. Free-Schools sound mean, and illiberal: yet had bin fafe in their contemt. This charge admitted, if they escape present Suppression, or Diminution, they must ne­vertheless ly under the perpetual displeasure of the Magistrat, more grievous then Disso­lution it self. Besides, an Imputation laid on the judgment of former Founders leaves small encouragement to the Devout Rich to dis­pose their charity upon a subject avow'd un­necessary, or suspected by the state. Now because the public Peace, and increase of Commerce are desirable to any Nation; and Parents, in particular, make it a principal con­cern, that their children be brought up to sound principles, and employment, which may be hopeful of an honest livelyhood, it may be convenient to call under examination whether the Free Grammar Schools of En­gland be so notoriously multiply'd beyond their occasion, as is demanded we should be­lieve; if first their usefulness can be evinced to reasonable satisfaction.

§. 2.

It is agreed on all parts, that Edu­cation is absolutely due to man, either as in his imperfect or corrupt estate. Did not our early follies require di [...]cipline and restraints, yet knowledg is Gradual, and Habits of good, not at once contracted. Add hereto snares and discouragement from abroad; the necessity of nurture and manud [...]ction in a [...]ight and steady course, especially for those of un­ripe judgments, and in the slippery paths of youth is yet more evident. Good in [...]itution prevents or reforms vice; nor doth it improve particulars only, but seasons Families, and communities: whereby it mightily promotes the common Peace and Pro [...]perity both of Church and State.

§. 3.

Now this wholesome Breeding allow'd n [...]cessary for all, so far as it respects those that are born in a lower condition, some would have understood only what may train them up to work; for as to what is com­monly call'd Learning, and which would en­gross the name of Education, the same effects either on Policy or Religion are not so univer­sally accorded, to belong to the general pro­pagation of it. There are places and have bin times (these observe) abounding with a people very devout, and tractable to all commands of superiors, that [...]ever s [...]te years at School, have heard few sermons, nor were ever trusted with [Page 4] reading the Bible. ^a Light is indeed pleasant, but in its full luster scarce suited to our weaker sight; discovers blemishes in others, even the most beau­tiful objects, disturbs rest in all, & in what re­gions it makes the longest stay, is there accompa­nied with least heat: the Scythians ignorance being found more innocent then the Athenians knowledg. Discourse and Reading entertain, but working supports life. Arts and labour are the poor mans Indies: the surest fond of a Na­tion: the inexhaustible Mine of Princes. Trade is that stock from whence not only private necessi­ties are plentifully supplied, but also the public charge defray'd, and a portion by the thankful se­parated for uses truly charitable, in a just and pious offering. ^b Letters indeed may without much difficulty be admitted as to the faculty of reading, and writing, for thus far they minister to com­merce to which all Arts and Labor in their issue re­fer. But to make a Profession of teaching obso­lete Languages, Poetical Fancies, or, what hath more appearance of gravity, the Art of Suiting co­lourable [Page 5] Arguments, whereby to hold any question in matters sacred or civill eitherwaies indifferently: to set up Schools throughout a Land to this purpose, and by rewards take off the Youth from following Labor to sedentary studies, ^a while the fields (say they) want hands to till them: is this a benefit to the publick, or grievance? to be encourag'd or re­drest? For if the providence of the state hath thought fit at times, and places by sumptuary Laws to limit the Rich in spending their own; with much more reason doth the Government take cognisance, whether such as have no visible estate for their sup­port, take to some calling.

§. 4.

Here it may be seasonable to inter­pose, whether there be not a General as well as Particular calling. All ages, sexes, ranks, relations in every condition, all capacities, ly under some Duty towards God and Man. Now that any Persons can be too early in­structed in this Duty or too often admonish'd of it, that any Nation can be too universally learn'd in the laws of well-living, would be positions hard to be conceiv'd, were they not the Dictates of safe Guides, men reputed wise and honest. Particular callings may through different Providences, at least in the timely [Page 6] retreats of old Age from business, be decently laid down; but the General runs parallel with life. This regulates the better part of man, and looks forward to eternity.

Now could it be made out that this duty requir'd of us were a common notion, spon­taneous in our N [...]ture and sufficiently clear in all its parts to the light of our reason, in its present condition, there were less need of teaching. Then might the scriptures without much danger remain unsearch'd: the Preacher betake himself to some calling necessary, and beneficial to the Community: and Schools for Catechizi [...]g to better account, be converted into Work-Houses. Indeed morality, the Law written in our hearts needed not to have bin learn'd out of Books: it was to man in his first institution Catholic Religion; and how­ever those Characters be defac'd, remains in­separable from the rational Nature.

But the Doctrine of Faith being an in­grafted word, not from nature, but by cul­ture, needed to be reveled; to be couch'd in Holy W [...]itt; exhibited under Sacraments; and entrusted to Dispencers not only faithful, but able also. Fo [...] reason irrad [...]ated with the Light of supernatural Truth ceaseth not to be rational.

Again of those that admit Revelation, some argue that whatsoever is Prophecy cannot be acquired: thereupon disclaim Reading, Me­ditation, [Page 7] and whatsoever other Methods pre­paratory for the Ministery, were recom­mended to the Apostolical men. Others, of opposite judgment, contend that whatsoever is acquir'd cannot be Prophecy. These are scan­daliz'd that the Minister should demand audi­ence of the people in the name of God; or pre­tend to speak with demonstration of the spirit. Neither of them, I think, duely distinguishing between extraordinary Gifts and a standing Office: both furnish'd by the same spirit sui­tably to the different exigences of the Church: for the Bread of Canaan was no less the Gift of God, then the Manna in the wil­derness.

Further of those that could allow Schools of the Prophets, all have not equally favor'd popular enquiries into the rule of Faith and Manners. Some Persons who have taken up for a Principle that Ignorance is the Mother of Devotion, and Obedience, are wont to mag­nify the peace and prosperity of those days, wherein knowledge was not yet vulgar and cheap: while the Priest and the Oracle were insepara­ble; nor examin'd, but obey'd: since, as admira­tion, so no less hath Reverence of the Clergy de­creas'd: in the mean time dissembling that those parties which at present divide Christen­dome, truly date their original not from the breaking out of any clearer light, but from the blindness of former Ages: whil'st what [Page 8] opinions & practises were then insensibly ad­mitted, must now be studiously maintain'd.

It may indeed so fall out, that people may owe a temporary quiet to the not searching in to their state, through an entire acquiescence in long obtaining customs. A Judgment re­sign'd supersedes the trouble of examination, silences all disputes: is very zealous too, but at the instinct of other mens passion: and needs must it be a frail, and ignoble obedience, which acts not according to knowledg. Scriptures translated, there may be who per­vert to unsound opinions; there were who wrested them at their first Revelation in the Vulgar Tongue: at their own peril, tho not without others danger. Both of them men ^a unlearn'd, and thereupon unstable. All that learn, are not presently learn'd. Some may be proud upon their little taste of knowledg: become intractable to superiors, prepar'd to embrace New Doctrins. Be there stif necks that struggle with the Yoke of Discipline? this cometh not from having bin kept in aw, subject to statutes, and orders. Be there un­stable minds, not yielding themselvs up to be grounded upon firm principles: They learn'd not that in their Catechism. They who have a more favourable opinion of their [Page 9] own proficiency, may do well to suffer a strict Judgment to pass upon their notions least they be found to know nothing as they ought. For indeed it is not the being end [...]w­ed with more or less knowledg, (if per [...]aps, lit­tle knowledg be an endowment) but the Grace of Charity with either, that accord­ingly makes men sober and useful: without which they become conceited and factious, whil'st ^a Ignorance is of it self the certain Mother of Error. To decry the publishing of truth, upon pretence of securing peace, argueth a consciousness of some opinions, which must be indulg'd because useful, would be conceal'd because unwarrantable. A dark shop giveth suspicion of corrupted wares, that would escape the Magistrat and impose upon the buyer. Again, admit the most know­ing Teacher, yet subject to human frailties, if his hearers come unprovided of a Judgment of discretion, they cannot have assurance in practice, whether they be the Discipl [...]s of Divine verities, or servants of human passi­ons. And the more laborious the one is in Teaching, the more diligent and affectionate the other in hearing: nay, in repeating what they have heard, they will run the greater risque. So that to take away the rule of dis­cerning Doctrins from the People, and con­fine [Page 10] them to the sense of particular Pastors, hath as small probability of advancing Ca­tholic Religion, as it hath appearance of pro­moting commutative Justice to call in stan­dards, and warrant every sellers Weights and Measures, upon his private seal.

In short, that the Canon of Faith be commu­nicated to all Believers is honest to the People. ^a The Law of Moses was the inheritance of the Circumcis'd: the whole Bible is the Birth­right of all the Baptiz'd. Now, because some unhappy instances may have bin found of par­ticulars, who have embezill'd their patrimony to their own damage, and the injury of o­thers, with what colour of Justice can it be urg'd that the community of their country be disinherited?

It is also honorable to their faithful Pastors. Would not a good Musician desire his whole Auditory well instructed in the Art of Mu­sick, that they may the better judg of his Ayres? And an accurate Limner be pleas'd if all spectators of his Pieces were compe­tently skill'd in proportions, colours, shadows, and what else is requisite that they might rightly discerne the Beauties of his Pictures, and set a due price on them?

Lastly it is safe to the Magistrat. A peo­ple deliver'd up to implicite faith in their [Page 11] leaders is in the next disposition to be se­duced, they are only by accident Loyal: and their Virtue owing to Fortune, because at a­nother mans choice. Right and well ground­ed submission to Civil and Ecclesiastical Go­vernment is the Genuine issue of knowledg to so­briety. For the manifold benefits of order, and in conscience of the divine institution and command, Obedience is not to be with­drawn from morose and hard Masters; but therefore to advise to keep a people low in understanding, and Fortunes are the misad­venturous Politiques of such as serve them­selves of Governors, and set up a private a­gainst the public interest: whereas, when truth and civil beatitude are intended, the more any Nation encreases in wisdom, the more intrinsecal inforcements of Loyalty will they derive from the eternal Reasons of that Law which injoins their obedience; and the Bands of such Government become indisso­luble.

§. 5.

There is therefore a learning which cannot be too universally dilated: a fast friend both to Policy and Religion: nor is it an enemy to trade, but by strict injuncti­ons ^a commands Labour. Mechanical and manual Operations are several times stil'd [Page 12] ^a good Works. Handy-crafts exercis'd by the Ancient Rabbins, did not upon their conver­sion unqualify for the ^b Apostolical dignity. Nay the Author of our Profession, and com­mon Master of all did not disown a Paren­tage conversant about an honest Art. Nor do Kings his Followers account it any diminuti­on of their Majesty to be enroll'd in Compa­ny with Artisans. Again, as the right bred Scholar sees reason not to magnify himself against the industry of other honest laborers and Artists, since God hath charg'd his sup­port in good measure on part of their labors; so we find the more ingenuous both of City and Country to bear a true respect to Learn­ing. This they have testified among other proofs by many monuments of their piety in all parts of the Land erected to the breeding up Youth in good manners and Literature. These worthy Persons had bin so far profici­ents under the ordinary means of instruction in the Church, as to acknowledg the good suc­cess of their labors to have bin from the gift and blessing of God: had tasted the fruits of Wisdom, and highly priz'd it. Whereupon in humble retribution to the divine goodness, [Page 13] and out of compassion to the plaee of their Nativity or Preferment, founded there some Free-School, especially for the poor, that they might also be provided with means of know­ledg. Others have added exhibitions that if Children at the School should give hopes of profiting they might receive farther encou­ragement to proceed till they arriv'd at fitness for emploiment suitable to their Education. A zeal unanimously allow'd to have proceed­ed from a pious intention: only for the mat­ter, by some disputed. These favor Learn­ing yet are not reconcil'd to Free-Schools. Nay, great contention hath bin needful to convince Towns, after many years, to admit such foundations, tho fairly endow'd, as any wayes beneficial to the Neighborhood; with so much the more reason may the Gentry re­quire that such as would have the liberal Arts and Sciences should pay for them: without cen­sure keep their blood unmixt with mean conver­sation, by immuring them at home, or se­questring them into some convenient recess, to be train'd up in society with their equals, remote from Markets and Towns, nor counte­nance such places with the Education of their Children. Upon these allegations duely con­sider'd it may not be improper to examine what is the import of free-Schools to a state, es­pecially Christian; since upon the issue of this Question, not only the discretion of Foun­ders [Page 14] cometh to be decided, but the hope of obtaining future Benefactors doth in great measure depend.

§. 6.

To the acquiring this Learn­ing above argu'd universally nec [...]ssary, Do­mestical Institution cannot be universally suf­ficient. The Rich are not always at leisure to attend private occasions. Court and Camp avocations from House and Nursery: Voi­ages and Journies, in this ambulatory condi­tion of life often unsettle them; at last, Bands of Families come to be dissolv'd. The poor, they can less teach their Children what them­selvs are too commonly, ignorant off, Now the want of good principles, at first lay'd, proves an impeachment to profiting under the public Instruction of the Ministry, that is, to growth in all Christian vertue. Besides, if particulars, however able (for the charge must be great) might entertain Tutors, who did not employ Chaplains, this would render the Scholar numerous and unprovided for. Schools therefore and Masters are nec [...]ssary. These would be in ev'ry Parish, nay Town­ship: for petty Scholars. Further it cometh to be enquired whether others for Grammar are not requisite to be had at distances not grie­vous. There is occasion for some that are learned in all places. Where there are no [Page 15] men of Language and reading, particular Governments can scarcely be well admini­stred: nor many offices executed. The pro­fessions of them, as their entertainments, some higher, others of inferior rank. Again the temper and inclination of Children whe­ther of rich or poor in their first rudiments will discover themselvs who give hopes of be­ing to good use advanc'd to further studies. Seeds of modesty and diligence, from a preg­nant wit would by no means be supprest in what ever condition they were found. Yet through their own unfavorable circumstances, as soon as they have exerted their vigor, must languish unless they find some other expedi­ent. Their only relief therefore remains in the favor of Princes and Patriots, this is, pub­lic endowments. These whether advisable, and how far, is the adequate matter of this present disquisition. That there should be Champi­ons of Justice and Truth with great diligence train'd up may seem a public concern, since the enemies of Church and State are not sel­dome polite in language, subtle in distincti­ons, and pugnacious in dispute: nor to be otherwise repell'd then by sound arguments, clear judgment, and copious utterance. A prize hardly attainable without legitimate stu­dy, in places regulated by establish'd orders for Direction; and no less, for restraint. That Philosophy be free, but not licentious: bounds [Page 16] set to speculation: and the wantonness of calling in question, then exposing, principles of Religion & Government, (which hinders action, disaffects society, and embroiles the world) by Authority curb'd.

§. 7.

But why doe I dwell any lon­ger on private reasonings? In controversies of this moment, it is safer to consult the ap­prov'd practice of Ages & Nations. Mo­narchs as well as Free-States have of old a­greed in this, ^a at the public charge to reclaim their subjects from natural wildness. Hence to wave times and places commonly call'd Barba­rous, ^b the Greek and ^c Latine Empire (succes­sively the Pale of the Civil World) did in Ci­ties and Towns of most note hire at honorable salaries, Professors of Philosophy and Rhetorick. These, mainly to direct in pleading; that the Civil Law might run. A learning of great importance to the security of Empire, because not only Doctrinal, but Coercive. Philoso­phers to inform the mind in things human and divine. These not only stak'd out the bounds [Page 17] of honesty, but left marks to discern truth of conclusion from appearance: and withal by dextrous application of number and proporti­on, made the way of commutative Justice plain. These produc'd the Kalendar, the Globe, the Mariners Chart and Compasse, by their Labours now render'd easy. In a word, much of that, which now is polite in Arts, or facilitates Labour, is owing to the methodical invention of the Contemplative; be it spoken without derogation from the honour due to the casual Experiments of the Practick.

As to Grammar, neither hath that been un­provided for, or ungrateful to the Publick. For to omit the elder Grammarians, who after speech resolv'd into its distinct parts, proceed­ed to expound the Poets; when Empire had once embrac'd Nations of diverse Languages, it became necessary to the preservation of Peace to plant a right, which must, at least, be a common understanding between them. The structure of words, composition of sen­tences, with all the reason of interpretation, was now form'd into an Art: and render'd the comprehension of divers Tongues not diffi­cult. Onely turn the key (Grammar was the P [...]sse per-tout) the gate of several Idioms was unlock'd: and learners from the narrowness of their home-bred simplicity, at once lett in­to all the benefits of Rhetorick and Philosophy above-mention'd, with whatever other ad­vantage [Page 18] the Learned Languages can communi­cate. Which good to promote, schools were erected in the Imperial City, and about the Provinces. Masters invited at liberal Pensions issuing out of the Exchequer, or from the stocks of Corporations: nor were endowments of Country Schooles then unknown. And Aca­dem [...]es had their Revenues. That which was first call'd ^a Academy was a school-house with­in a grove in the suburbs of Athens: by an He­roe of that name dedicated to the propagation of wisdome. ^b Plato living there had onely a garden valuable at some three pound of year­ly rent: a small pittance in comparison of what his ^c successours enjoi'd. For at last the reve­nue came to be a thousand pound a yeare or up­wards. This augmentation arose from de­vout men and well dispos'd to Learning, as, at times, such dying in their wills left several donations to those that would espouse a con­templative life, that so they might with more freedome attend the rules and study of Philo­sophy.

As for Country Schools, take one instance. ^d Pliny the yonger, upon occasion, finding that his Townsmen of New Como sent their sons to Milan to school for want of Masters there, advis'd the Burgers how much it was their in­terest, [Page 19] who were Fathers, to have Teaching upon the place. For where can children with more delight reside then in their Country? be more watchfully guarded then under parents sight? or cheaper kept then at home? that it would be no such great expence to contribute towards the en­tertainment of School-masters: considering what is now expended upon boord, upon journeys, upon purchase of all necessaries abroad at the dearest hand, would pass upon account in a Masters sala­ry: bids them agree what to subscribe: he that had no child yet, for his Countrys sake, would bear a third of it. The whole he would have under­taken had he not fear'd least in process of time his cheap beneficence might be, through sinister ends, misapply'd, as he observ'd to have faln out in many places where the community were Patron. Bids them confer together, conclude upon a bold sum; he should be the better pleas'd the higher his pro­portion were rais'd. They could do no act more to the credit of their children, or their Countrys profit: that those be bred there, who were born there: that from their infancy they contract an habitual love to their native soyl, and be there much resident. In fine, he wish'd they could in­vite such eminent Masters as the neighbouring Towns might be content to study with them: and as now other places drew their children to them­selves, so by that faire reprisal they might win o­ver others children thither. ^a He furnish'd his [Page 20] Towns-men a Library: ^b setled a stock for the breeding up the children of honest decay'd and over-burthen'd House-keepers: not to men­tion ^c the portion given to the daughter of Quintilian his old ^d Rhetorick master, or o­ther benefactions of that good natur'd Mora­list. ^e In the Palace of Augustus was a Col­lege where the young Caesars, in the head of the most promising flower of the Nobility with silence attended the dictates of their Tu­tour. In other places should I enumerate the Illustrious Grammarians among the ancients Greek and Latine, their successions with the noted Towns where there Chair stood, it would require a just Volume: suffice it to our purpose, that we shall not find any free-Citi­zens, what ever their rank were, desirous to profit in Learning, debar'd ftom their Le­ctures: such care to provide means for training up the youth of all sorts in liberal Arts and Scien­ces had those Empires while Heathen.

§. 8.

Christianity, sure, having greater inducements to the attaining of Wisdom, af­fords men of every condition not less encou­ragements to follow the study of true Know­ledge. In the Church is a standing occasion for Teachers, to whom Learning is necessary: [Page 21] other advantages of Fortune may at sometimes be greatly serviceable, but were never indis­pensably required. The first effusion of gifts fell upon the willing and faithful, at least in di­sposition, however in opinion erroneous: nor did lowness of estate put a bar. Upon this, the ^a Apostles train'd up such novices as mini­ster'd to them while they were call'd from place to place and refer'd their Viaticum to be taken at the Churches through which they past; which those Churches esteem'd themselves un­der an obligation to confer upon them; such was the fervour of primitive Charity. Nor is it a wonder if the Apostolical conversation were a constant exercise to all Christian know­ledge and vertues ^b when the verge of the Ro­man Court carrieth about with it, whither­soever it removeth, the priviledges of an Uni­versity. We may not here presently expect publick and endow'd schools; since neither do we now know what Churches were yet e­rected, or what setled maintenance was for the Ministery. Some adult proficients in the Jewish and Heathen Schools were by the power of Truth brought over to be instructed and then Teachers in the Christian Church. Indeed a Catechistical school was kept at Alexandri [...] [Page 22] about the latter end of the second Century successively by ^a Pantaenus, Clemens, Origen, Heraclâs, Dionysius, and Athenodorus. Here it were worth the considering, whether under the modest name of Catechistical and School, were not couch'd over and above the deliver­ing a compleat Circle of Arts and Sciences, whatsoever is with us preparatory to the highest degrees in Divinity.

^b Gregory sur-nam'd Thaumaturgus, that is Worker of Wonders, upon departure from his Catechist to be Bishop of Neocaesarea in Pontus, made a valedictory oration; which he recited before Origen in the presence of many Auditors: in this panegyrick of thanks, having premis'd by what maze of Providence he had been led to Caesarea in Palestine, whither that excellent Pro­fessour was then also remov'd; he recounts with much affection the several Arts and Fa­culties in which he had been instructed for five years by that eminent Person: whereas he had before onely laid the foundation of Rhetorick in order to the study of the Law. First he won him over to Philosophy: prest him with gentle [Page 23] compulsions; How disingenuous, how short of religious must that man needs be, nay scarce wor­thy the name of man who neglects Philosophy, that is, the study of Wisdom, the priviledge peculiar to his nature above all others in the world by the di­vine favour indulg'd? here he instill'd into him the principles of Christian Doctrine. And, because we are apt to give an over-hasty assent to what-ever is confidently asserted; and again without sufficient reason contradict what is de­cry'd by the multitude; he would direct his scho­lar in general to suspend his sentence, till he should rightly inform his judgement: and withal trac'd him out the methods, whereby to demon­strate Truth and discover Fallacies. A skill most necessary for men in all conditions of life, if it be their interest not to be impos'd upon in any of their communication with others. Farther, whereas our spirits left to themselves are ordi­narily low, scatter'd, or narrow, he would erect, dispose and enlarge his hearers thought by display­ing at other times before him the mighty and wonderful and various and all-wise work of the Creation: the beautiful order of nature: abstract­ing the mass of first matter collected from the con­tinual motion of particular sublunary Bodies, of different properties, compounded of Elements, di­versified by forms, resolvible into atoms alike fine and imperceptible by our grosser capacities in their source, course and resort: all which attest provi­dence and a first cause; although his worke cannot [Page 24] by us be perfectly comprehended. Then would he let his pupil into the knowledge of the Mathe­maticks, made him ascend that ladder whose ba­sis are the unshaken maximes of Geometry; whose steps, conclusions rightly deduc'd; whose top, Astronomical speculations. But, what is of most intimate and cheife importance to the comfort of human life, he labour'd in delivering sound and divine morals about Passions, Vertues and Vices: what was inordinate, rectifi'd: what immoderate, retrench'd. By seasonable dis­course; To mind the concerns of our soul, he would give out for the true Justice. A man to know himself, and see God with a pure spirit: for the onely prudence. To guard from incursions of pleasure & passion the evenness of our temper, right temperance. To persevere in holy purposes against all discouragements, the highest fortitude: these precepts he render'd visible by a lively practice. His attentive and well-dispos'd scho­lar although he assum'd not to himself the pre­sent possession or near approch to this divine treasure or even human perfections, through the dulness of his own apprehension, or dead­ness of his mind, yet withal did avow a love to vertue, a pursuit after it, and affiance to ob­tain it through the divine benediction. This rare proficient magnifieth above the rest his Masters sacred Metaphysicks: and Lectures in Divinity. His talent was singular in expound­ing difficult Texts, and the mystery of Religion: [Page 25] to speak the things of God as from God: to the in­struction of men, man as he was: till both speaker and hearer were rapt up into the same transports of devotion. He would allow his scholars to range through the Philosophers and Poets, not to espouse any sect, but hear all and excerpe out of their works what might conduce to good manners, or give testimony to the Deity. One­ly caution'd against the Atheist and voluptuary, who deny God or Providence: counting him beneath the reasonable nature, who disown'd the cause of all Being. When Gregory had ta­ken solemn leave with this publick acknow­ledgement, and many other pathetical expres­sions, he was dismiss'd by Origen with a prayer suitable to the occasion: and prov'd an instru­ment in the Church to such admiration, that having found at his return in the City where was the See of his residence but 17 Christians, at his decease he blest God that he left not more Pagans in the City and Country of his Diocese. This instance of Catechistical Education in a place yet almost warm with the foot-steps of the Apostles and Apostolical men hath been the more particularly specified to leave some inti­mations that the primitive discipline was not laxe: onely consisting in an affected simplicity: that Academical studies have been of old ap­ply'd to the better enabling for the work of the Ministry: and principally that the Assistances of Divine Grace are not contra-distinguish'd to hu­man [Page 26] preparations, which, as time and opportuni­ties are offer'd, it rather prerequireth. In the same City and Century Pamphilus set up a like School and Library: wherein he was succeeded by Eusebius: such care of breeding up youth in Religion and Learning was there amidst the hottest persecutions.

§. 9.

A second age of the Church fol­loweth from Constantine the Great. In general, letter'd persons of whatever profession, re­ceiv'd then from the state great immunities and ^a Priviledges. At Rome, and to be sure at Constantinople, was a kind of University call'd ^b the Auditory of the Capitol: here under Theo­dosius the great were entertain'd three Latine Oratours, ten Grammarians, five Sophisters, one Philosopher, two Lawyers. But this se­minary seems to have been principally for se­cular occasions.

The Empire now become Christian, Churches and Monasteries were erected in all Provinces. large endowments and priviledges conferr'd on the Clergy in particular. What time, be­sides the teaching in Monasteries, there were in Mother-Cities especially, in the Western Church a Close and House for the Bishop. At the first entrance of whose Court was an Ap­partiment [Page 27] where the yong students who were train'd up for the ministery had their common Dormitory and Hall with other convenient Roomes: under the charge of some grave Guardian: having a Master to instruct them in Arts, and another to oversee their manners: all under the inspection of the Bishop: whom they did assist in the publick divine service, ac­cording to their degree: maintain'd at a por­tion from the Canonical dividend of Diocesan Tithes and Offerings: with a prospect of being placed in the Churches of the same Diocess as they became vacant, nor to remove elsewhere without leave of their Ordinary. These Dea­cons, ^a Levites, Canons, Clerks, or Nurslings were the Probationers for the Priesthood and the Congregation of Canons is ^b judg'd to have lay'd the platform of Cathedral and Collegiate Schools and the modern Seminaries. ^c Hither S. Austin when Bishop of Hippo did not refuse sometimes to come and dine in the common Re­fectory among the Presbyters and Clerks, to coun­tenance and oversee the students sequestred to the service of God, and entitled to the nurture [Page 28] of the Church in those days by a voluntary, and often by a necessary poverty: yet if any did embrace a married life and which conse­quently admitted possessions (such as were call'd secular) he admonishes them to be cir­cumspect, yet would by no means deny them ordination (though they quitted their title to the community.) After all this care Heresies broke out, and contentions between the East­ern and Western Empire, follow'd with an in­road of Barbarous Nations, whereby Religion was much eclips'd and Learning almost whol­ly exterminated.

§. 10.

Come we therefore to a third period of Christianity from the times of Charles the Great. Italy was now become Gothish; Spain, Moorish; and France spoke generally Dutch. Germany it self but newly converted to the Faith. The Offices of the Church were then in Latine; a Language not well under­stood by many that did officiate; and by very few that assisted at them. In these circum­stances the necessity of School-masters greatly increas'd. Since the good Grammarian is now become previous, and in some measure condi­tional to the good Christian: at this time the Emperor apply'd his latter years to the Lear­ning of Arts and Sciences: call'd in from for­raign parts Learned men in great numbers and among them that eminent Britan Albinus, [Page 29] Alcuinus or Gwyn (his Grammar is yet extant with us) at whose perswasion he erected the famous University of Paris. His son ^a Lodo­wick the Pious (in the non-age of that Univer­sity) laid his command upon Rectours in their respective Churches to train up stout souldiers of Christ by whom God might be appeas'd. Hereupon, that order being slackly obey'd, Provincial Councels finding ^b a general decay of Piety through ignorance of the Holy Scrip­tures required that the several Rectors should exhibite their young Scholars at those Assem­blies. Articles were drawn up upon which Arch-Deacons should enquire in their yearly visitation: by ^c Herard Arch-Bishop of Tours; by ^d Theodulph Bishop of Orleans; ^e Walter Bishop of the same; by ^f Hincmar Arch-Bi­shop of Rheims. Whether their ^g Priest had a Clerke; and whether he kept School in the [Page 30] Church. ^a These Schools were free and seem at first to have been chiefly to teach the ^b Lords Prayer & Creed, or perhaps the Psalter, at least some select Psalms; and what may a­mount to our Primer, only in Latine; though the meaner sort were permitted to say the Lords Prayer and Creed in their vulgar Tongue. Schools of Christianity which carried on others of a higher form to ^c prick-song, and the use of the pye with Grammar. The care of farther propagating divine and human lear­ning was a common Head in the Councils of those Ages: still recommended to the Bishops, ^d acknowledged the principal means whereby the commandements of God are declar'd and made manifest to the people. Hence that Act of the third Lateran ( ^e inserted into the body of the Canon Law and mention'd in our Chronicle ⁴⁵ [Page 31] of Gervase in the reign of Henry the second.) ‘Whereas the Church of God as a tender mo­ther is bound to find such as stand in need, both in what belongs to their bodily suste­nance and in what may conduce to the im­provement of their soules, least convenience of reading and advancement in learning should be withheld from the poor who can­not be assisted in it by means from their Pa­rents, be there a competent maintenance in every Cathedral Church allow'd a Master to teach freely the Clerks of the same Church and the poor Scholars: that so the Teach­ers wants may be relieved and a door set o­pen for the studious to attain Learning.’ This sort of Schools might be better borne with because Colleges have often some provi­sions for the Collegers and means of prefer­ment. But the complaint is, that ‘besides these, there are of late Grammar Schools founded and endow'd in almost every Market Town of England where the Children of the Town are onely to be taughr gratis without any o­ther allowance.’ Consider we therefore though these Erections have been of late whe­ther the practice be so modern. In the yeare 1215 it is expressly further enacted in the fourth Lateran ^a ‘that not onely in every Cathe­dral but also in other Churches whose means [Page 32] be not able to beare a Divinity Lecture, there be at least appointed an able Master to be cho­sen by the Prelate with the Chapters consent to teach the Clerks of those Churches freely Grammar, and others according to his abi­lity: and that a Prebends place be assign'd every Master by the Chapter.’ This was or­dain'd in the times of King John, in whose Reign Newbury Schoole is said to have been founded and endow'd with many other in se­quel which were supprest or continued by King Henry the Eighth, or King Edward the Sixth.

§. 11.

Thus are we arriv'd at the fourth and present Age of the Church, being that of the Reformation, and about the times of the Councel of Trent. This Councel wanted not some men of Politiques profound enough. These awaken'd with the revolution of National Churches; well advis'd that conduct of Con­science, that is (if I may so speak) of the Rea­sonable subject, is most safely committed to such as can render a reason; and that to the gaining Consequences it is ordinate to deliver Principles; made eminent provision for Semi­naries ^a whereinto poor mens sons especially should be elected, not excluding the richer. This order was accordingly put into execution in the Pro­vincial [Page 33] Councels of divers Countries: most effectually in that of Milan: where all their Offices with their particular charges are amply deliver'd by that eminent of Cardinals, the since canoniz'd Borromaeo. Others in Flanders at the sollicitation of Cardinal Allen: nor hath this constitution devis'd for the maintaining that power, then shaken, been wholly unanswerable in the success to its first intention.

§. 12.

About what time upon the se­veral dissolutions of Religious Houses in Eng­land, some Schools were reserv'd, some ere­cted: with general licence for well-dispos'd Persons to found others and endow them with­in a Mortmain by the State determin'd. Ac­cording to which gracious liberty such as have contributed to so pious a work seem to have deserv'd well of their Town, For however we may be prone to judge of the forward accommo­dations of life, all is not in present food and raiment. There is improvement of mind, the fruits of discipline, not to be despis'd. A lear­ned slave would sell for more. A youth brought up at school will be taken Apprentice with less mony then one illiterate. The bro­ken Colt, tam'd Heifer, polish'd Diamond; known instances: nay, ground reclaim'd by culture will set at the higher rent. Grammar-learning is requisite to very many honest cal­lings: [Page 34] and with industry, faith, and other vertues qualifying for trust, hath open'd a way for high preferment: nor is it a priviledg to be meanly priz'd by any people, to have such e­ducation provided, that out of their children, in due season, may be chosen such as may beare the Office of the Ministry.

Hence too accrues advantage to the state. That instruments be fitted for emploiment imports; but more, that Officers of trust be prevented with sound principles. Miserable is the face of any Nation where neither Schools nor U­niversities be frequented: no Law, no safe com­merce: a general ignorance, and neglect of duty both to God and man. Now that Uni­versities flourish, and Schooles are in many populous Towns erected, from those places of public education especially, persons are sent into all parts of the Land, ingag'd in the strict­est bonds of Allegiance.

§ 13.

Lastly, as to the Church, these Foundations have to that a more immediate respect. The statutes of these Houses generally injoyne a diligent and decent attendance on the publick worship. Nay, learning well the first rudi­ments of Religion, and bearing a yoke of Go­vernment, prepares a people to be more docile un­der their proper Ministers, stay'd in judgment, and compliant with the Discipline, as well as [Page 35] Doctrine, of their Spiritual Pastors. Further, what is a manifest advantage, the salaries to Masters and exhibitions to Scholars provide in great mesure that the Church be not burthen'd: since, upon supposition of their being with­held, Ecclesiastical Benefices are taxable to the breeding up of students, as, in fact, at the ^a beginning of Queen Elizabeths reign they were tax'd a thirtieth part. ^b When the Fa­thers at the Councel of Trent assembled, had propounded a fair Model of Seminaries know­ing the advantages that arise to Religion from Learning, and the necessity of endowments to the attaining those advantages, till such en­dowments could be had, for the immediate bringing that designe to effect they levied a Tax on all the rents assign'd for the Bishops, and the Chapters Table, on the profits of all Dignities, Personages, Offices, Prebends, Portions, Abbies, Priories, Benefices as well of Regulars, as Pecu­liars, on the Fabrick of Churches, and other Re­ligious Houses; on Colledges, Corporations, Guilds and Fraternities, Monasteries, and Exhibitions. Of such importance was this work by them then esteem'd: as indeed it hath since prov'd a great accession to the relatives of that exempt [Page 36] and peculiar jurisdiction; and firmest support of the Papal throne.

§. 14.

Now the better to form in us a right sense of what regards we ought to beare to these worthy Patriots, whom God rais'd up to be Founders and Benefactors, it may be not improper to examine in what posture the state Scholastick was found at the entrance of King Edw. 6, upon the Government. It is well known that a great part of the former Teach­ing was in Monasteries. ^a Now there were in England 118 Monasteries of Royal Founda­tion whereof 27 mitred Abbots: and 2 Priors held their Estates in Barons Fee, and gave vote in Parliament. All these were dissolv'd with the others which were many more during the Reign of K. Hen. 8. First ^b 40 of the les­ser by Cardinal Woolsey: with the leave of Cle­ment 7. ^c then such as were under two hun­dred pound per annum to the number of 376: ^d afterwards the greater: ^e the year follow­ing, the great Priory of S. Johns of Jerusalem. ^f At last, all Hospitals, Chantries, Schools, Colleges were without any condition given in­to the Kings hands: to be dispos'd of accor­ding to his better intentions. Then was the [Page 37] survey of Eaton and Winchester Colleges re­turn'd up: but the death of the King that year interpos'd between the Act and its utmost Execution. ^a Henry the fifth when he supprest the Priors Aliens, had thoughts of going farther, but was diverted upon a French War by the prudent address of that most vigilant and Reverend Prelate Chichly. Strange may it be thought here why the Lords Spiritual and Temporal should agree with the Commons to put up these Bills to King Henr. 8. in so unli­mited a manner: ^b unless it did argue, as to the incumbents of those Monasteries and Chantries, a publick dissatisfaction about their having answer'd the pious intention of their Founders: and as to the King, an affiance in his Royal purpose to settle those means in a more decent and convenient order for the ser­vice of God, and safety of the Realm. And in­deed having dispossessed the Monks that had intruded he reestablish'd ^c Canterbury, Win­chester, Ely, Norwich, Worcester, Rochester, Duresme, Carlisle upon Dean and Prebendaries: erected upon a new Foundation Westminster, ^d ( Osney first, then) Oxford, Glocester, Chester, [Page 38] Peterborough, Bristol, into Bishopricks, ^a and had before him the project of other Col­legiate Churches to be erected in the place of eminent Monasteries, upon a fair pro­portion for maintenance of Divine service, Ho­spitality, Learning, Alms and other necessary ex­pences. Much of this drawn up, first in an am­ple scheam, then contracted, at last, his death intervening, was lay'd aside. Thus stood the affaire: Monasteries dissolv'd: Appropriations, that is, once Church-Revenue sold. Indeed the erecting of Free-Schools recommended to Pur­chasers; which shew'd the good inclinations of the King to the work, however not fully ac­complish'd in his life time.

§. 15.

After his decease, the Parliament ^b pass'd an Act for taking away the remnant of those Houses not yet actually dissolv'd; but with a distinction between Religious and Super­stitious uses, and with reservation of some places by name. (Whether experience had rectified their former opinions, or that they did repose less confidence in Governors during the minority, then in their natural King.) Schools were among other pious uses reserv'd in that remnant, ^c Hereupon Commissions [Page 39] are issued out by a set day returnable. The Surveyors of each County, after Examination upon the place, return Certificats sign'd: a­mong the rest, ‘where a Grammar-School had been continually kept, with the Reve­nue of what Chantry, who the Incumbent, what stipend, and whether fit to be continu'd.’ Then were Warrants made from the two Commissioners to that purpose authoriz'd, and sent to the Auditour and Receiver of his Ma­jesties Revenue in the respective Counties, to continue the School, and pay the Master out of the Crown-Revenue, till farther order. The salaries were but small, as in a dry rent charg'd on old Tenures: and those Priests were other­wise assistant at the divine Service. A Table extracted from several Warrants all dated July 20. 1548. and in Parchment engross'd, might be here inserted for 25 Counties: but the pro­vision of it self amounted to some stay, yet no great relief. One or two instances may be not ungrateful whether to the curious, or judicious Reader; shewing the County, the Town, the former Title, the Incumbent, and Revenue continu'd.

• [Page 40] Hereford­shire,
  • Ledbury, Trinity service, Richard Wheeler. 3 l. 11 s. 3 d.
  • Bosbury, Parish Reven. Tho. Key­ling. 2.9.9. ob.
  • Richards Castle, Serv. of our Lady, and St. John Baptist. Jo. Par­kyns. 4.16.7.
  • Pembredge, Serv. of our Lady. Jo. Roode. 3.13.0.
  • K [...]ngisland. two stipendaries at the Alter of our Lady. Jo. Hart­ley. 8.4.3.
  • Delwyn. Chant. of S. Nicolas. Tho. Nicolls. 3.11.6. ob. q.
  • K [...]nnersly, Lands finding a Priest. Will Pyke. 6.2.0.
  • Bromyard, Lands to find a Priest. Jo. Battenall. 3.9.11.
  • Yardsley, Lands and Tenements to find a Priest. Will Stone. 4.13.10.
  • Bucknell, Lands and Tenements to find a Priest. Laur. John­son. 5.6.8.
• Oxfordshire. Cheping Norton. Trinity Guyld. Hamlet Malban. 6.0.0.
• Herefordshire. Ayshewell. the Guyld. Thomas Daye. 6.13.4.

Besides these and divers others throughout the Land, continued, as may seem, for the laying [Page 41] the first grounds of Religion and Orthogra­phy, the same most Religious Prince, in lieu of many Country-Schools formerly supprest, erected a new several others in many Towns; in Sherbourne principally Dorsetshire, and af­ter that form Macclesfield, Cheshire. Chelms­ford, Essex. Leominster, Herefordshire. Gran­tham, Louth, Lincolnshire. Morpeth, Nor­thumberland. Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Bath, Bruton, Somersetshire. Stafford, Stafford­shire. S. Edmondsbury, Suffolk. Brymycham, Nun-Eaton, Warwickshire. Marlborough, Wilt­shire. Stourbridge, Worcestershire. Sedburgh, Yorkshire. All of them upon considerable Revenue establish'd: however partial any mo­dern Historian hath appeard to the fame of that most worthily renown'd Prince.

Under the Government of Queen Mary some Foundations were yet added: she was a Lady not less accuratly bred then highly born. The unhappiness of her Reign consisted in troubles from ill subjects; and, more in giving way to privat resentments, heighten'd by the Artifice of those men, who knew no way so effectual to ingratiate themselves with a pow­er they had abjur'd, as to be officious in im­peaching their Brethren more innocent then themselves: wherein she hearken'd to her own Princely motion, gave tokens of innate Cle­mency: zeal for the Religion she profest, and a propension to favour whatever belong'd [Page 42] to learning. Banbury, Oxfordshire. Boston, Lincolnshire, may testify that: nor would it be past over in silence, that the salaries of the Beadles in the Universities are ftom her Royal donation.

§. 16.

But a far greater accession came during the long and flourishing Reign of Queen Elizabeth. This gracious Princess receiv'd the Crown from her Sister much in debt, was embroyld in divers and chargeable Wars; yet found such Blessing upon her Councels and conduct, bore such piety and love to learning, that she did in great measure effect what her Father had design'd, and her Brother so hap­pily advanc'd. Her first liberality was, ^a to discharge Hospitals and Schools of first fruits and Tenths: after that, the ^b Statute of provision, by which all Colleges at this day subsist. Last­ly, the ^c Act ordaining the Commission for Cha­ritable Ʋses. A Seal of publick Trust added to all Charities: not long before her death. A law by which the Throne is for ever warran­ted against Sacrilege, having appointed or­dinary means to redress abuses, the pious in­tention still preserv'd. But in particular her own Royal Foundation the most famous School of Westminster: supplying a noble part of each University beareth witness to her zeal comprehensive of both: after which muni­ficence, [Page 43] I need not instance in lesser donations. This inclination of her Majesty once known, excited like affection in her subjects of all ranks and estates upon the first fervors of the Refor­mation: nor did Bishops onely, and men of dignity and place in the Church, but the secu­lar Nobility also and Gentry, the Judges, Mayors, and Aldermen, with the more weal­thy Citizens, with much devotion raise up monuments of their love to the places of their birth or settlement, in making provision for their Instruction. And this Virgin Queen may be observ'd in her Charters to such Corpora­tions, to have taken a particular delight in a­dopting those Foundations into her own Name, ^a being not asham'd, like a tender Mother, to take into her especial care the breeding up the Children of her Country. Should I here recount by name the several Schools by her endowed, augmented, or at least erected, I should anti­cipate the greatest part of what History could follow. In a word, the Tax, which at the beginning of her Reign had been laid upon Ec­clesiastical benefices for the maintenance of Stu­dents at the University, was no longer continu'd: so far had the Church repair'd her almost fatal Dissolution

§. 17.

Not long after the Queens decease, some men of no mean reputation for Wisdom and place, upon whatever occasion or ground of conjecture, represented these foundations as too numerous. The great Ad­vancer of learning, pursuant to that presump­tion, labors with King James to disannul Sut­tons Will, as to that point of the intended Teaching of Children. Upon such like sug­gestions was the accomplish'd Sir Robert Dal­lington (as is said) really diverted from set­ling twenty pound per annum on his fair School-house at Geddington in Northampton­shire, where he was born. Now if such opi­nion took place so long time since, which notwithstanding, Schools not a few have been erected in the Reigns of King James, King Charles the first of blessed memory, and are daily under our present Soveraign: with much more force ought it now to prevail. There are yet living, who (as I am credibly inform'd) would have bestow'd Fellowships in the Ʋniversities, were they not dissuaded from that sort of Cha­rity by men on whose parts and integrity they repose intire confidence, as having in other causes had experience of them. Divers per­sons of Catholick principles, who pay Reve­rence to Antiquity, submission to Councels and Canons, who no less approve the Prudence then the zeal of Founders, as seeing great use and necessity of Free-Schools, yet believe in [Page 45] process of time they may grow too many; and from some occurring appearances, perhaps, they have been apt to conclude that they are so: the resort of the whole Question is there­fore, whether the English Free Grammar-Schools be overproportion'd to the occasions of the Church and State of England. The cause imports, espe­cially the esteem of later Founders, and di­rection of present Charity: but withall, it is exceeding perplex'd to state what professions have need of learning: and define within what proportions of men any profession should be stinted. Then for Schools, to compute their Number; distinguish of their nature, discover their true Revenue, carrieth with it no small difficultie; yet more then all this must go to the right determining the case pro­pos'd.

§. 18.

The first necessity of raising Learned men, is for the Church. About 10000 Parishes in England and Wales duely to be sup­ply'd with Pastours. Add hereto Dignities, Curacies, and whatsoever else may give Title to H. Orders; not omitting the Plantations: the residue of Ecclesiasticks hath been judg'd some 5000 more. A great Harvest requireth many Laborers. Those therefore that attend on the preparatory part, Incumbents on Schools and Colleges in the Universities would be not a few.

[Page 46]But might not the Collegiate and Cathedral Schools furnish sufficient to this exigence? Those who understand what of these are re­maining in England, whereof some are little more then Choral, and what proportion of Scholars are maintain'd in each of them, with the fall of places yearly, are convinced how vastly short of the necessity that single supply must needs be: since in Collegiate Schools, and their correlative Colleges, not the standing Bodies come here to be consider'd, but the succession. Besides these therefore, in succor to a Church left almost destitute at that junct­ure, several Country Schools have been erect­ed, not onely in some Market Towns, but else­where: with freedom to the poor Inhabit­ants, and convenience to those who need not make use of that priviledge. These provisions, as Rivulets scatter'd through the Vallies, have render'd the breadth of the whole Land fruit­ful: which benefit could not have been so con­veniently deriv'd from the greater collection of seminaries; not upon Church Exhibitions, be­cause an exhausted Church, in many places scarce able well to sustain its Pastours, could ill defray the training up such Students as should be for supply necessary: nor upon Pensions from home, for, where Cures are great, and maintenance hardly competent, if the Parent must purchase all at the full rate, the consequent Benefice would rarely refund the charge of [Page 47] Boording abroad, and Schooling; both which circumstances upon Free-schools inconside­rately diminish'd, have in themselves a mani­fest tendency to render the Ministry of the Church of England impracticable.

§. 19.

Nor would less dis-service redound to the state Civil then Ecclesiastick from such diminution. Counsellers at Law, whether civil or common, in a Nation ample and mercantile, and in a Church aptly organiz'd and order'd, cannot be a few: and that Courts of judicature administer right judgment, would be, not in the Law onely, but in Arts of rea­soning and utterance, not unlearned. The Militia of the Bar is a standing Army by Par­liament allow'd: the surest Life-guard of King and People, since other force ordinarily in a well settled Government is onely to pro­tect the Ministers of Justice, and execute their Decrees. As to ^a multiplying Law-suits and immoderate charges, orders for the Regula­tion of those Courts have in no small measure provided against them: though, I know not, whither with some advantage, as to those points, in the Civil Law; where a suspicious allegation is presently stifled by the Oath of Calumny, and the Bills of Expence tax'd by the Judge. But the decision of this I submit to the impartial and more experienc'd: this [Page 48] insertion might have seem'd forreign to my Argument, had not the clamor against the Relatives and Retainers upon this noble Fa­culty been so managed to the Odium of Schools, that it could not be wholly omitted.

§. 20.

There is another occasion for Learned men, which nearly concerns the welfare of our State. In 25 populous Cities, and 52 Counties, Practitioners of Phisick may be some hundreds (there being Hospitals not fewer) whereof many have in their life given proof of excellent learning, and at their death left estates not inconsiderable.

These superiour Faculties, as they consist of men to whom learning and Industry, is of absolute necessity, rais'd Fortuns not always requisite; so cannot they be well exercis'd without the ministery of subordinate Professi­ons. Attorneys, Sollicitors, Scrivenors, have their honest use. ^a The Justice of contracts is best preserv'd by those that are least distra­cted from attendance on their privat occasions: and must Lawyers and Justices of Peace have no Clerks, (to omit the Clerks of several offices in Courts of Judicature) or must means of their Education be with-held? nay, the Nobility and Gentry require servants of different abilities; and education. The Doctors credit, and [Page 49] what of more momenr depends upon it, the life of the Patient may miscarry through the ignorance of an Apothecary: and the Chirurgion by forreign discourses be more accomplish'd. Booksellers, Printers, have been for learning very famous and Instrumental to it: briefly, knowledge of Grammar is of use in Navigation and in Travel, and in most of the politer Handi­crafts, in its degree; for (as the ^a Roman Surveyor saith) an Architect neither is nor should be as good a Grammarian as Aristarchus, yet not illiterate: nor as good a Musician as Ari­stoxenus, yet not unmusical: nor as good a Lim­ner as Apelles, yet not unskilful at designing: nor as good a Founder as Myron or Polycletus, yet not ignorant of the way of moulding: nor again, as good a Physician as Hippocrates, yet not un­acquainted with the Grounds of Physick: nor in the other Faculties singularly eminent, but not ignorant of them: even in hedging and ditching men of improv'd sense and forecast, that com­prehend Lines and Numbers, and Seasons, will be Master Work-men among the other Labo­rers: nor is it for the particular or publick more advantageous, that any who may ho­nestly hope to arrive at the Grand Jury-man, or to assist in the Government of his Corpora­tion, be a meer Plough-man or Grazier.

§. 21.

What hath been on this occa­sion [Page 50] by some alleadg'd, that a surcharge of poor Scholars draws inconveniencys with it to the publick must reasonably be allow'd. The con­sequences are doubtless bad enough. All is summ'd up in this. Too many Ecclesiasticks must either amortise an over-proportion of the Land, which creates envy, or live indigent, which ex­poseth to contempt. But here it is worthy to be consider'd, whether the case may not so fall out, that necessary emploiment may be wider then competent maintenance. ^a Coun­sells do provide, that in Monasteries and re­ligious Houses greater numbers be not main­tain'd then the means of the place will support: nor Clerks multiply'd beyond the occasion of their Churches. But here the same Cure of souls remains, as when the Church-Revenue was greater. This condition deserves pity, not scorn; rather that the poor Vicarages be augment­ed, then the Vicars diminish'd. In this low estate that many Congregations are not left desti­tute of the means of publick worship, and all the benefits that accompany it, is, in great measure, owing to the opportunities of learn­ing, so largely provided by charitable bene­factions: so that they who would depopulate the Clerks, are fellow-laborers with such as would ex­terminate the Priests and Bishop. In Israel a [Page 51] twelfth part serv'd at the Altar, and was insta­ted in a tenth part of the increase of the Land. An unlimited proportion of attendants on the work of the Temple might divert from the function of the Magistracy, the exercise of Arts and Labor, and the guard of the Country.

§. 22.

But that England should be overstock'd with Scholars for the occasions of the Land, is not sufficiently concluded from the late civil Commotions: if we will be still looking abroad for the causes of divine displeasure, it is precarious to fix it upon this Education. Grand Authors of the Troubles were Politi­cians of a higher form; and noted Officers that executed their designs were many men illiterate, pure Instruments, beneath such in­genuous breeding. Besides, if some bred up under this discipline have fail'd of their duty, through a deceiv'd or deprav'd judgment, not­withstanding all engagements to the publick and long habit of privat obedience; must the Master be censur'd? as though the Minister or Magistrate reclaim'd all,

Nor yet can this assertion be certainly col­lected from our present Divisions, the equally pernicious effects of those dismal Distractions: for as through the divine goodness in these benefactions no remarkable failleur appears among us in the carrying on his publick service, so need not any certainly that are in holy Or­ders [Page 52] be unemploy'd, if in the common Faith there were Unity of Affection.

§. 23.

Neither can this excess of learn­ed men be necessarily inferr'd from the discon­tents of others. Much heed should not be giv'n to casual complaints of such who are always apt to conceive their proceeding short of their merit. For whither should we turn over these supernumerary Scholars? To the more profit­able Plough? Alas! Corn is a Drug. Farm­ers through up their Leases, they are so un­don with Plenty. To grazing? Wool bears no price in the Market. But yet to other more beneficial Manufactures, the Tailer, the Hatter, the Weaver, others; these abound with men, want work. All Trades think themselves overstock'd: some have fancied the World to be so, that if men did not in Wars kill one another, they must eat one ano­ther. This supposition may yet be perhaps ill-grounded. All men are not thriving in any profession. Some in all would live alone upon the Earth. Magistrates here moderate and by the Prudence of their Orders remove obstruct­ions to Trade, that Work be not wanting to the Industrious; as also provide encouragements for Industry, that Laborers be not wanting to the Work.

§. 24.

Neither yet can this abundance of Scholars be enough evidenc'd from the mul­titude of Country Free-Grammar-Schools: for, if the matter be nearly regarded, many of these Foundations by their constitution or narrow Revenue are onely Nurseries of Piety and Letters, as preparatory to Trade. This discri­mination in every County duely made, would depress the swellings of minds possest with pre­judice arising from the growing numbers of these Houses of all sorts, yet suppos'd to pre­pare men for an unactive Life onely. A wise Commissary will soon discern what passeth barely for muster, from what is firm and effect­ive. Some Counties, both in England and Wales, slenderly provided of the conveniences of this Education. In Wales, where some Counties have good establishments, others not any, yet that defect is in no small measure repair'd by the Marches, well fortified with these Foundations in more then ordinary number, through Herefordshire, Shropshire and the rest: elsewhere in England a Free-School, sometimes not erected, or without Scholar, or without School-house, or unendow'd, or with incompetent endowment, or arbitrary for a Towns convenience, and revocable at the Patrons pleasure: some wholly, very many in part, having stocks to bind out for Hus­bandry or Trade. At best, the maintenance but of very few in a County, such as may [Page 54] vindicate Masters from being necessitous and contemptible; of the rest scarce what may invite the able, and give them freedom to be diligent. This preparation is not like to give terror to the State, though the provision may minister some relief to the Church.

§. 25.

Whether it were Hen. 8. by dissolving Monasteries, and alienating their possessions: or his Norman and Saxon Prede­cessours that erected them, and by the Indul­gence of Popes annex'd Benefices to them, made their Lands Tith-free, or occasion'd the Tith of them to be redeem'd at a mean com­position; whether of these parties it was that impoverish'd the Church, is controverted. Farther how far what is devoted to God upon false suggestions is confiscable to the King. Again legal settlements upon the faith of Kings and Popes how advisable it was to move, I suppose the privy Counsel then concluded for Church-revenues granted to Votaries tith-free, were in effect so to their Tenants, who also upon the attainder of their Land-Lords had the opportunity of praeemption. But to pass over these nice points. The Free-Schools have bred up such Pastours as have much dispell'd the ignorance that had over-spread the whole Church: and with the better men cut of that entail of contempt under which the Parochial Curat so long lay.

[Page 55]And indeed had Free-Schools furnish'd meaner Vicarages onely, they might then have been born with silence: but from these Nur­series have been sometimes taken such who passing through subordinate steps of prefer­ment have been at length seated in the highest pitch of Ecclesiastical Dignity; the Seat of Princes. Arch-Bishops have founded Free-Schools; and if Piety, Prudence and Learn­ing by their King approv'd have advanc'd any to that Seat which at times hath becn with like Vertues adorn'd by Persons of Noble and Royal extraction, what room is left for envy? By such steps have others ascended in the State to great Trust. Why then should it seem cause of offence to any that in a matter of high­est moment to be manag'd with Prudence and Courage the scrutiny should not alwaies run upon favour or wealth? Princes would not be confin'd to employ men of title or mony, but in some Affairs of State require abilities well purchas'd at the expence of both the other. Should then the Lord of all have less choice in his Ministers? Indeed if the certain labors and danger of the Sacred Function be put in the Ballance with the possible honour and profits, there is no place for just resentment that either Nobles or the sons of the Menu (as one stileth those that are born of the Commonalty) should partake of both indifferently.

[Page 56]This place seems proper to rectify an opini­on about the multitude of poor conceiv'd to be bred up to Learning. That I may keep close to our age and Nation, the Gentry, the Plebei­ans, and the poor consider'd, of those that come to the University, the poor Servitour in all Colledges is for number inconsiderable. The Plebeian, that is, son of the Yeoman or Trades-man, not many, and for subsistence oftentimes not worst provided for. May not then this ungentle Reflexion, however let fly, light upon the yonger Sons of the Gentry. There are Privileges in the way of an ingenu­ous Education allow'd the poor, and since upon the issue of an unnatural War, or other­wise; many Families of Gentlemen may have render'd their Children honestly poor, nothing but an aversness to learning can dispauper them. But suppose we otherwise. Obscurity of birth is no Canonical obstruction. The poor receiv'd the Gospel: and sure they that receive it, may deliver it. There is an honest ambition in many of mean Fortune: Generous seeds which would be cherish'd. The Jewish Doct­ors enjoin Children be taught a Trade: but above all Trades the Law. The better gifts all should follow: though all cannot in the same degree obtain.

§. 26.

The temper of the world in variety of dispositions as in diversity of Sexes is or­der'd [Page 57] by a Providence more then human. But, besides our own inclinations, the will of Pa­rents, our fortunes narrow or over-large alike avert from attendance on studies, and deter­mine our counsels so, that we are dispos'd by a choice mix'd, with necessity. But work to be sure directs as to the number of Laborers, though ordinarily reward excite industry. He that saith England is over-stock'd with Scholars for the proportion of its preferments, and for its employment for Lettred Persons, would do well seriously to consider who may with any right be term'd a Scholar: what is to a modest mind preferment: and how large the employment for Lettred Persons is in so great a Church and State. Suppose we therefore first adult pro­ficients, such as are fit to be employ'd and may need as well as deserve, to be prefer'd to a sub­sistence: what, I mean, may not discredit their profession, and may comfort them in their labors. Then, not insisting, at present, upon other of the superiour Faculties, regard we nearly the occasions of Divinity. This Emploiment is large; as conversant about di­vers Millions of Persons in England and Wales. It is of necessity; as wherein the care of Souls is concern'd. It must be perform'd with dili­gence; fidelity and prudence, as being the Lords work. Compute we therefore the yearly number of Inceptours in Arts in the Universities: in both perhaps about three [Page 58] hundred by which number 15000 Incumben­cies or Titles being divided, will produce a Quotient of more years then Masters, after their commencing do usually attain unto: in which the Succession of Ministers circulates. But must the collation of H. Orders, or bene­fices be restrain'd to degrees? What the Canons of the Church and Statutes of the Realm, have not positively injoin'd neither doth this dis­quisition suggest: but because some know­ledge in Languages and Arts with skill in the H. Scriptures hath been ever accounted pre­paratory to the Ministry; because proficiency cannot amongst us be otherwise more publick­ly known, and because dignities have been usually confer'd upon those, who by this means have been found eminent, I know no Argument in this case more decretory. This also, with other proofs, Bishops doe respect as a good testimonial: and Arch-Bishop Chich­ley did in his time order that Livings of the greater value should be confer'd on Persons that had taken the higher degrees.

Before this account pass for evidence it may reasonably be demanded whether many are not us'd in the Church before any of the compleat degrees taken. To which this reply will be offerd, that if many leave the University be­fore the taking of such Degree, and enter upon emploiment, a great part of them after­wards return to take it: the rest were they not [Page 59] streightned in maintenance or perhaps incum­ber'd with domestical cares would proceed; and therefore, further, towards satisfying the demand, if we resume the former calculation, not one in five will be found to arrive at 50 years Master: so large is the period of successi­on assign'd. Indeed the matter in question is in its own nature incapable of full demonstration because the term of Life is uncertain. Such estimate however as may nearest approach truth is needful to direct practise. And, unless a Para­logism can be discover'd in the present ac­count, it will remain highly probable that there are not too many Scholars in England for the necessary emploiment for lettred Persons, whatever the provision for them be.

§. 27.

Neither want there grounds of conjecture that the number of Free-Gram­mar-Schools is not excessive, else what means it that so many privat ones are every where judg'd allowable? that divers Parishes find themselves necessitated to entertain Masters upon a voluntary contribution? no specious rea­soning can conclude against experience. With far greater reason do the Canons of our Church give liberty to all Vicars and Curats to take out a licence to teach Grammar. And the Canon-Law forbids under severe penalties the not granting freely, that is without purchase, such [Page 60] licence to any ^a person duely qualified desiring it. Much better Catholicks are they therefore that have promoted the good institution of many by providing maintenance for Teachers, then those who being otherwise dispos [...]d pro­pagate evil surmises to the disparagement of these Charities, and avert the purposes of such who had intended further incouragement to Learning.

§. 28.

Free-Schools not too many! (will they say) the case is plain, for where are there any such in England? Hereupon with heat e­nough urge the intention of Donors every where abus'd: salaries paid, yet tutorage, for all that, no where remitted: not without some imputa­tion upon Masters, as from the Canon-Law of a certain species of simony: but, as to this, more cannot in equity be desir'd then that the number of Free Scholars be proportion'd to the Revenue: ^b if the maintenance be not competent, Masters may require moderat consideration for their Labor: what is offer'd, they may receive; however sufficient their allowance be. Onely provided that they re­gard the poor with equal diligence, and [Page 61] affection as any others what ever they pay: Charity would not that the painful Teacher be over-burthen'd to ease the ^a Rich Scholar: nor that the means intended for his relief be made a pretence to oppress him: but rather that a ^b Honorary be set him out according to his dignity and knowledge. The Prudence as well as Piety of some Bishops hath appear'd in deciding this controversie, where the sti­pend hath been narrow, and the freedom ex­press'd in terms not particular; they have li­mited the number of such as should enjoy it to a just proportion. Arts, and Sciences, and Fa­culties, have Analogy with gifts Spiritual, and therefore the Law which enjoins to impart our Temporals to such as have communicated their Spirituals to us holds in the Catechist as well as in the Priest: indeed the same Peter is Pastor of the Lambs as of the Sheep. And after a sort one lot is common to the School-master and the Minister; the flock, the warfare, the la­bor, the hope not unlike: but to dwell upon [Page 62] this subject might incur a sinister interpreta­tion. The more ingenuous of this Land, such as have regard to Learning, are not wont to undervalue the right manners of their Child­ren nor the Tutors pains. The rest nothing can reconcile to put their Sons to that way of breeding, but a visible assurance that it shall in the issue turn to more advantage then it is ordinarily seen to doe.

§. 29.

The connexion between Church and State hath rightly been observ'd to be in­timate: their interest, inseparable: their growth, state and declination uniform: and the crisis of both in the neglect or favor extended to Schools. Learning, the Nurse of Civility and Religion, is ordinarily found in flouri­shing Empire: whether as cause or effect, or rather as being mutually productive each of the other; whereas in extreme degeneracy of manners a contempt of Teachers of its own nature and merit tends to farther calamity. ^a Augustus founder of the Roman Empire pro­tected Professours. ^b Domitian the later Ne­ro and last Emperour of the Flavian Family banish'd Philosophers the Town. Trajan, Hadrian, Antonine the Philosopher, and A­lexander Severus all of them men of refind parts, and eminent for encouraging Lettr'd Persons; [Page 63] were also not unsuccessful in their Govern­ment. ^a Licinius insense against Letters (which not for want of ignorance he would call the very bane and plague of the State) especially the pleading in Courts of Judicature, and withal the Christian faith, through his boist­erous and brutish valour, being of rude and rustical extraction embroyled his Country in Civil Wars, and with the blood of many thousand Citizens, and his own, quench'd those fiery Persecutions which had for several Ages try'd the Church as in a furnace. ^b Con­stantine the founder of New Rome, and who render'd the Empire Christian favour'd Learn­ing. A Decree of his is extant whereby having granted ‘Physicians, and especially Doctors that waited in Ordinary on the Emperor, or that had waited in Ordinary on the late Emperors, Grammarians and other Pro­fessours of Learning with Doctors of Law to be free from all publick charges with their Wives, Children and all they possess, not to be burthen'd with free-quarter in the Pro­vinces, nor to bear office, nor to be arrested, nor impanel'd, nor bound to any Personal appearance, nor molested (otherwise the Delinquent to be punish'd at the Judges dis­cretion) he further adds his command, that [Page 64] their wages and salaries be effectually paid that so they may with more liberty attend the breeding up many in liberal Sciences and the Arts above mention'd.’ ^a Julian the Apostate, by an ungratious edict, worthy to be wrapt up in eternal silence, shut up Schools against the Christians, and prohibited all Ma­sters of Rhetorick and Grammar to teach any of that Profession those Arts and Faculties which he fondly termed peculiar to the Greek, as he would have meant, Heathen, but his fall in Persia prov'd infamous to the Roman name. On the other side ^b Theodosius the Great set­tled large immunities on Students. After­wards upon the incursion of the Northern na­tions, while Schools were either wholly neg­lected, or not competently encourag'd (for both failings in their degree redound upon the pub­lick) into what barbarity of Learning, man­ners and Religion did Europe soon revolt? and was not the study of the Holy Scriptures, the integrity and Truth of divine service at once with good Arts and Disciplines restor'd? A passage which shall be subjoin'd take onely as an Argument of that light esteem of this call­ing which is easy to be impress'd upon the Vul­gar by men true to their own interests at the [Page 65] hazard of others reputation. The ingenious Boccace in his Decameron; the first days dis­course ^a Novel 4. had told a Tale of a Monk that having fall'n into a sin deserving the most grievous punishment yet with credit saved him­self from suffering any at all, by recriminating upon his Abbot, the very same fault. This foul charge the Inquisitors appointed by Pius V. thought no ways expedient to remain u­pon the file to the scandal of the Brotherhood as taxing the Luxury of Friers in an Author so much in the hands of all Italy, and the most neighboring Countries, and therefore having eras'd Monk and Abbot they dextrously sub­stituted Scholar and Master: as though that Re­lation were less sacred. Not to aggravate this disreputation beyond the jest, impos'd more to the convenience of the relators then the merit of the Subject defam'd; they who should goe about to perswade a suppression or diminution of Country Grammar Schools in England be­sides that they seem not duly to have examin'd the occasions of this Church: so neither under­stand they the temper of our Kings and People; donations however small have been in good measure rescu'd from the dissolutions of Re­ligious Houses and preserv'd amidst the Sales of Fee-farm Rents: nay, even in the late In­vasion of Church and Crown-Lands. Kings of Spain know best what matters are inconvenient [Page 66] and prejudicial to their Kingdome. Perhaps their Schools might be too many. The same degree of Light is not convenient to all eyes. Perhaps else their state hath not thriv'd the bet­ter since the diminution of them. Kings of England have graffed upon these Policies, this conscience; that their Subjects pay them a ratio­nal obedience: that they ground their Faith upon principles of sound knowledge: and where men have fail'd of duty, their cause hath been plead­ed by a superior power: so that in the issue, those principles and that reason of their sub­jects however a while clouded through prejudi­ces, or through wrong insinuations seduc'd, hath return'd upon them more powerful, then standing Armies: hath strook the Top-gallant of their ill-Victorious Fleets to waft home their natural Soveraign and the Royal Fami­ly: nor can there any surer pledge be given for a durable Loyalty to be transmitted to posterity then a Conscience rightly inform'd by good education.

§. 30.

Since then the Crown of Eng­land hath been so munificent in erecting, so chast in preserving the Schools of this Land with their Revenues: since the Lords both Spiritual and Temporal with the people of di­vers ranks, have with no small success carried on the work: this work so necessary to the Church and beneficial to the State, let not our [Page 67] ingratitude retard or frustrate. There are cor­ners of the Land yet but thinly furnish'd with these helps. There arise also not seldom per­sons touch'd with strong inclinations of dispo­sing some portion of what means God hath bless'd them with, to such use as may best serve their Country. Amongst other charities, some are apt to conceive what is extended to children, to be to the publick, not the least fruit­ful, and to them most helpful, especially wherein it improves them in knowledge, and good manners: and thereupon would determine upon that ob­ject, if the occasion were evident. Now if convenient place offer, as such foundations have been argu'd, to bring a local and pub­lick benefit, so that they do not necessarily o­verstock the Land with Scholars, but rather improve such as shall design that way, this in­stance may render somewhat probable: that from those Counties where are hardly any Free-Schools, there come not the fewest Scholars to the Ʋniversity, though not allways so well grounded as where better means of Learning is publickly afforded.

§. 31.

Now as prime Founders are worthy to be had in perpetual and blest me­mory; so following Benefactors, which have left any Augmentation of Revenue, deserve no less to be celebrated for their like pious affection. Were the particular salaries of [Page 68] Masters throughout the Land, as in a Table set forth, it is not to be fear'd least their am­ple patrimony should excite the Covetousness or Envy of the Reader: nothing rather might seem a more effectual motive to the well dis­pos'd to enlarge their beneficence, then the weighing the assiduous labors of Teachers a­gainst their incompetent maintenance. Be it the condition ordinarily do's not require those large expences which higher Stations exact: yet to be abbridg [...]d in necessaries, must needs dis­courage labor: and the mind under daily distra­ctions can less intend its more desirable charge. Add hereto ‘the manifold indecencies of in­digence in the exercise of the meanest autho­rity, accompanied with many temptations:’ nothing is of its own nature more expensive then want: whether it seek out diversion from the importunities of care, or call in forreign aids to repress the insults of danger. The di­vine providence is not to be limited, nor yet tempt­ed. He that can work above or without means, yet requires of us all possible endeavor after honest means. Should I perchance here inti­mate that the streightned Laborer is some object of pity, especially in Towns populous well traded and replenish'd with youth, where the number of Scholars cannot be well taught without an Assistant; when the stipend already appointed is but tolerable living for one man; [Page 69] the train of this Discourse, would by no means be interpreted to reflect on the muni­ficence of first Donors. It is well known what was really plentiful in our fore-fathers days, is now become really less then sufficient, nor would it be understood to move a promiscuous and unseasonable compassion. The Nobility and Gentry of this Land, would be found upon the review; to have been greatly favorable to Scho­lars; but since the furies of these Civil-Wars, Domestical wounds bleed inwardly. The rude have run down the ingenuous. Onely the Prince and an industrious Age can cure these breaches. Other Laborers there are, who may come in for share of relief. The sum of this discourse is, that, whosoever are so dispos'd, and with whose particular affairs it may comport, be assur'd, that among their other Charities, whatsoever they bestow in Augmentation of poor School-Masters living, is not unaccept­able to him who hath ordain'd that ‘whoso­ever labors, should upon his labors compe­tently subsist.’

§. 32.

Then, because want of sufficient maintenance, and consequently of like Re­sidence at the University renders men less firm­ly grounded in Arts and Divinity; and there­by less capable of serving Church and State to that degree which otherwise they might: not one­ly those Kings, Prelates, and other Nobles, [Page 70] who have largely endow'd ample Colleges, deserve honorable commemoration with po­sterity; but such other Patriots, who of less abundance have yet conferr'd to the mainte­nance of one or more Students at the Universi­ty. Upon which this twofold question may arise, whether such Exhibitions as are appro­priated to a School, County, or certain Coun­ties; or such other as are indefinitly giv'n with­out limitation of place, be more conducible to the publick. Again, whether such as are for a cer­tain term of years, or those as to time undeter­min'd. The question is not, but that the will of Donors be kept inviolable. Local Bene­factions were given out of peculiar respect to the inhabitants of such place to which the Be­nefactor was some way related: but over and above these, some men of enlarg'd fortunes and spirits, have out of regard to their whole Country left full choice of their Exhibitioners to the free discretion of their Feoffees. Again, Temporary provisions at a certain period ex­piring, engage the Pensioner to seek out early emploiment, and returning upon others, com­municate the beneficence to a greater breadth: though the longer the term is, they more assist to maturity and constancy of judgment, so that Exhibitions of shortest date may be said most to mul [...]iply Scholars, while the perpetual may more advance Learning. And were there more of these Exhibitions, whether to Schools or [Page 71] Counties, or otherwise unlimited then as to the character of the receiver for a competent time, or till preferment to sufficient mainte­nance in the judgment of the Trustees, per­haps, we should not have more Scholars, but more Graduates: fewer virulent invectives and unlearn'd disputations about nice questions, to distract and grieve the consciences of those whom they should rather support and direct: which may probably have contributed to that opinion, as if there were already too many Scholars.

As to the greater Schools whereon any Ex­hibitions are settled, the very expectation of the reward draws resort thither, and excites an emulation in Learning and good deportment. This extends a benefit farther then what the actual Exhibitioners receive, and is a Lottery in truth without hazard. As the use of Prize-Plates in a County is not terminated in the pleasure or profit of Victory, but propagates a love and care of that generous exercise of Horse-man-ship throughout the whole Land against necessary occasions, and upon any sud­dain emergency: nor do these provisions, nor would they, were they more numerous then they yet are (respect being still had to the Country wherein we live) burthen the Land with multitude of unnecessary Scholars, but furnish the functions both of Church and State after their several capacities with apt Instru­ments [Page 72] without impeachment to the Rich and Noble, who stand alwaies recommended by their more benign Stars whensoever they please to offer themselv's to undergo the fa­tigues of preparation and business.

§. 33.

And could indeed the Education in Free-Schools approve its qualification so that the Gentry who now frequently judge them­selves under a necessity of entertaining a Tu­tor at great charge in their own houses, or of boarding their Sons abroad at rates answerable to their quality, might be induc'd to trust their Children in their Town-School whereof they likely are Governor, ‘then would they aug­ment the stipend of the Master with the di­minishing of their own expences.’ A Gen­tle-mans Son in a Free-School, if of his Town, converses with Neighbours, or perhaps Te­nants Children; receives respect, returns courtesy: political vertues less capable of being exercis'd in a Parity, growes into an ha­bitual esteem among his People, and is so much the greater as he is known to be such by those, who are conscious of their own meanness and distance. Having escap'd from the indulgence of Parents, and flattery of servants, he is not translated into a select Society, being unac­quainted with emulations and formalities, un­wary of friendships, onely durable till by re­spective interests divided; but betimes enga­ges [Page 73] in a mixt conversation, the true image of life: here strips himself, I mean, to severe labor: with his form as in a ring, takes the place due to his Industry, not his Birth, and begins to see somewhat in persons of lower fortunes worthy to be honour'd. Moves strongly after wisdome, whether born on by the press, or himself, leading a troop of Fellow-students: profits by the praises, reproofs, admonitions made to others; nay, ‘the very dross of vul­gar rudeness and misdemeanor, the onely momentous dissuasive from a promiscuous breeding,’ even that will make his domesti­cal vertuous education shine the brighter, and by the punishment of others, he will stand corrected or confirm'd in good habits, and stick the closer to them as to his chief security when afterwards he comes into the World. Judicious Persons, such as these Parents gene­rally are, cannot affect to purchase this sepe­rate way of Breeding, because privat Masters are in less subjection, or dwell better. The room for study is but a sojourning, not an ha­bitation, its meanness the more endears the Parents house. Other arguments, I think, weigh to the advantage of the publick, if the Master be allow'd of parts and discretion: now Country Foundations are not seldom provid­ed with Teachers, that have been bred up themselves in the greater and Collegiat Schools, or otherwise very sufficient.

§. 34.

One word, though possibly not required, may yet not unseasonably be here interpos'd. These measures of reasoning would not be too boldly extended to the Nobility. They are design'd for highest Operations in the State: born Peers of the Realm: the most antient and presiding part of the great Coun­cel of the Kingdom. Their Honor and Inte­rest in the Country safe and planted, so that what is prudent in the best of the Commonalty may not be ordinate to their Affairs. A pale not of caution onely, but of Veneration is to be set about them: and therefore they may challenge a Priviledge of peculiar education. Domestical, if they judge it expedient: though were the Annals of Eaton, Westminster, and Win­ch [...]ster extant, not excluding some other Schools of note, many very excellent person­ages of the Nobility, would stand recorded in those places where with Arts and Languages they received those deferences which their Ho­norable Birth might justly require, and were instructed what offices of duty or civility, from them especially, would be expected: there have they understood in the prime Master of Latine comedy improv'd, poor old Hegio be­speaking the great and wealthy Demea

There have they drawn from the fountain Sarpedons speech to Glaucus (it is render'd out of Greek from the Prince of Poets in an English Paraphrase by the late most ingenious Sir John Denham.)

§. 35.

But, to digress no longer from the streight course of this Inquisition; resume we what even just before came cross into ob­servation that the fruit of Country Schools in good measure depends upon an opinion of the [Page 76] Master, to the Electors of whom more then truth and honesty is requir'd: therefore pru­dent Founders have been circumspect as to that point; and where certain Towns-men upon the place have been allow'd most proper Gover­nors as to the management of the Revenue, and Execution of the Statutes, yet Colleges in one of the Universities have been judg'd sometimes more competent Patrons, and rather with the Dio­cesan, consulted in the compiling those Ordinances of Government: for instance in ^a one College.

That eminent School of Shrewsbury when it was first founded by King Edw. 6. by procure­ment of Mr. Edwards (ancestor to Sir Francis now living in the College) had an upper and under Master onely, nominable by the Bayliffs and Burgesses of the Town of Salop, who had also power of making ordinances for Government of the School and salaries of the Masters, yet with advise of the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. But when afterwards Q. Elizabeth visited the place upon occasion, a fairer establishment was made for 4 Masters and a Catechist. In drawing up the orders the Head Master us'd (who had been instru­mental in procuring the new settlement) with the advice also and authority of the then Bi­shop of Coventry and Lichfield: this was done upon better stipends for all the Masters; and [Page 77] uses appointed for the stock remanent or sur­plusage. But what directly concerns the pur­pose of this allegation in this following Ar­ticle; that, when any of the 3 first School-Masters places shall be void, the Bayliffs (now Mayor) of the Town shall within 20 days af­ter notice to them (or him) given, make ad­vertisement thereof to the Master and Fellows of Saint Johns College in Cambridge, with request to them to elect and send to the said Bayliffs (now Mayor) one able, meet, and apt Person for that purpose. The Composition runs thus. 1 One born in the Town of Salop, the Legiti­mate Son of a Burgess there and having been a Scholar in the Free-Schoole; in defect where­of. 2 One born within the Franchises of the said Town Legitimate Son of a Burgess, and that hath been a Scholar also in the same School. 3 One born in the County of Salop (the preference given to Cherbury and brought up in the same School. 4 One born in any o­ther County the preference alwaies had to such as have been of the School. The School-Ma­ster so nominated by the Master and Fellows of Saint Johns College Cambridge shall be allow'd and sworn by the Bishop of Coventry and Lich­field, and afterwards by the Bayliffs (now May­or) of the Town, who if they have reasonable cause to mislike him, shall certify such cause of their mislike, to the said Master and Fellows who are then to proceed to a new election in form abovesaid.

[Page 78]In Sedburgh Yorkshire founded by Roger Lup­ton Doctor of the Canon-Law and Provost of Eat­on, the Master and Fellows of Saint Johns Col­lege in Cambridge are always to nominate and elect a Master within a Month after every va­cancy certified; upon default the Governors with the consent of the Diocesan for that turn elect.

In Pocklington, the same County of York­shire, the Free-School founded by John Dow­man (or Dolman) Doctor of Laws, and Arch-Deacon of Suffolk at first intrusted to the Ma­ster, Wardens and Brethren of the Guild there: upon that Dissolution was by Act of Parlia­ment. 5 Edw. 6 so far transferr'd to the Master and Fellows of Saint Johns College in Cambridge that the Nomination of School-Master with­in two Months after vacancy belongs to them which otherwise for the turn lapses to the Lord Arch Bishop of York.

In Rivington Lancashire, founded by James Pilkington Bishop of Durham the Governors within 6 weeks after the vacancy of a Master recommend to the Master and Fellows of the same Saint Johns 2 persons who have been Stu­dents in either of the Universities for 4, or 3 years at the least, of the Age of 24 years; one of which the said Master and Fellows are to elect.

In Stamford Lincolnshire, founded by Master William Radcliffe of that Town, the Mayor [Page 79] with the advice and consent of the Master of Saint Johns in Cambridge appoint the School-Master there.

In Spalding in the same County founded by Mr. John Gamlin and Mr. John Banks if the 4 Governors or major part of them fail to elect a School-Master within 40 days after vacancy, the Master and Senior Fellows of the same St. Johns shall nominate and appoint a fit man School-Master there.

Lastly, in Aldenham Hertfordshire, founded by Richard Plat Citizen and Brewer London. The Master was appointed at first to be chosen by the Masters, Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Brewers London, the Governors of the School at a Court wherein 12 or more shall be assembled, by an Instrument dated June 1. 41 Eliz. but, upon later thoughts, by a new Instrument dated Nov. 28. 43 Eliz. the aforesaid Governors are bound within 14 days after notice of the Avoydance, or sooner, to direct their Letters under their common Seal to the Master and Fellows of St. Johns Camb. to desire them to commend to their Election and nominate within one month after, 3 Ma­sters of Arts, one of which is to be chosen by them. After this why should I mention Syd­ney Sussex College for Houghton Conquest? why Emanuel fot Godmanchester? why Trinity Coll. for Stevenage Hartfordshire, for Ʋtoxeter, Staf­fordshire? or what need I dilate in Oxford upon [Page 80] New College for Adderberry or for the nomina­tion of two for Thame wherof the Lord Norris elects one? upon Corpus Christi for Chelt'nham? upon Queens College for Childrey Barkshire, Nor­leech Gloucestershire, Appleby Westmoreland? u­pon Brazen-nose for Charleberry, Steeple-Ashton Oxfordsh. Middleton Lancashire? The sum of this large enumeration would amount to this inference; that the annexing the Patronages of Country Free-Schools to several Houses in one or the other University hath been expe­rienc'd mutually beneficial: and may be pract­is'd under such articles of composition, as that the Towns may reserve what real priviledge of presentation they can value, and, what is of greatest import, secure an able Master, while at the same time they communicate to such Hall or College the collation of their School, the resort of their Exhibitioners: and as they may pleasure them with the supplying of Pensioners, so may no doubt at times be pleasur'd in the having their hopeful poor Scholars receiv'd. The connexion between Collegiat Schools and their correlative Colle­ges conduces to their common good, and e­vinces that there are cases, wherein restraint may be to advantage: though neither would that be so rigid as that the pension presently desert him, who upon some farther step of ad­vancement removes from that Roof. Since the attacking small Exhibitions to inconve­nient [Page 81] Houses, is, by an incompetent provisi­on to avert the Receiver from the pursuit of a reasonable subsistence; but this cause having different merits nor to be determin'd by any general rule of practise would be reserv'd en­tire to the discretion of the Trustees. What hath been thus freely discours'd would be un­derstood strictly of Country Schools, since all Corporations stand not in the same terms for skill, or choice of candidates as do Collegiat Churches and Ecclesiastical Patrons or Noble­men, or the greater Companies of London.

§. 36.

But let, whatsoever circum­spection may, be granted in the choosing, this good opinion can be no otherwise durable then in the right comportment of Town and Master, each with the other. In all conditions of life regarding settlement and society this observation or experiment universally recurs that a fair esteem may be acquir'd from abroad, must be maintain'd at home. Now that a Ma­ster be able, of sound principles, and good ex­ample is suppos'd: that he be diligent in lay­ing the Foundations of Religion, and of Arts and Sciences is requir'd: (a task which Con­science and Affection to the work can onely make easy.) And which will not want its re­ward: that he be dextrous in Teaching and Sagacious in discerning the temper of his Scho­lars are felicities of nature, yet improveable [Page 82] by experience. Now the former of these being secur'd, as to the two latter there is a latitude may be safely allow'd. A growing Teacher, is not to be despis'd. And perhaps such difference is not with reason insisted upon by all. True, Alexander the Great would not sit to any but Apelles, nor be cast in Brass by any other, but Lysippus: and though every ones darling, be his little Alexander, yet every Age and Place cannot furnish him an Aristotle for his Tutor. It is not necessary that all Towns at all times be supply'd with the best. He that professeth the Art of Dancing should be well behav'd, of a modest garb and meen, nor unready at usual Dances, the receiv'd Laws and performances of his profession; and then persons of very good quality may without danger either enter upon learning, or practice with him, what they have elsewhere learn'd: although he be less airy, nor so absolute a Master of the Foot as some others may pretend to be. Towns­men do not all understand Greek and Latine yet they can read deportment and industry either directly in the School-Master; or in the more obvious reflexions at home upon their Child­ren committed to his charge. Onely they would be desir'd not to suspect what they less com­prehend. Those who profess the study of wis­dome they see to be men: have like passions with themselves: short of perfection. But they should nevertheless perswade themselves that [Page 83] learning is the nurse of diligence, bridle of the appetite, exercise of unfeign'd humility, and in every condition the surest antidote a­gainst discontent and faction; and therefore they would be desir'd to think their faithful School-Master what in a sort he is, a fellow-Laborer with their Minister: one who hath put on all the affections of the Father, except fond­ness: that so by forming a right esteem of his work, they may set a true value upon his Per­son.

§. 37.

Now because the Patrimony of School-Masters, for the generality, whether small or somewhat greater, being wholly com­mitted to the custody of Feoffees, must needs in the dispensing be streightned or enlarg'd u­pon motives to the Teacher unavoidable; the matter of enfeoffement in this consideration would not be altogether neglected. The an­cient way therefore of enfeoffing most Paro­chial Donations since the Conquest was to in­vest the trust in the two Church-Wardens and the Parson: where the stipendiary Priest was re­moveable at the will and pleasure of men not alwaies of the greatest judgement: the latter practice since Henry the Eighth hath repos'd these trusts in Corporations themselves who have often aim'd at as large power of suspend­ing the continuance of the School-Master, not on his behavior, but their privat discretion; [Page 84] whereas, by the way, the Patents last age run, juxta eorum sanam discretionem: now a legal will in a Corporation is different from their will and pleasure: a style incommunicable to any Subject; for though Soveraigns need not al­waies declare and remonstrate, but rest often sa­tisfied with a conscience of the justice of their proceedings, yet is it an essential property of sub­ordinate authority to render an account. This absolute dependance cannot but retard the en­deavors, and may endanger to shake the sted­fastness of the best resolv'd Teacher. Some Founders have nominated the chief of their Neighbors to the Government of their Foun­dations. These were intent on their ability to protect them: on their plenty, judg'd not to stand in need of retribution; and therefore call'd in worshipful and honorable assistance without other regard had to them then the counting them worthy to undertake the over­seeing their Charity. But practice rectifies that opinion. And persons of high place and em­ploiment not obtaining leisure from their own, or the publick important occasions to attend the rule of a petty School, have often wav'd the trust. For what honor is there in an accession of trouble without profit? or where the re­ward of Business is not specified, would the re­ward there (may some think) be meant unli­mited? Though Charity may more particu­larly require this liberal inspection of some great [Page 85] ones upon whom the title of their Family-bene­ficence descends. Local Governors are certain­ly most proper, and the highest would be ra­ther not past by, then affected. One instance of enfeoffement may be here worthy the re­mark. Upon the latter erection of that great School of Shrewsbury above-mention'd which was in the thirteenth of the Queen, the Statutes upon mature deliberation revis'd, and a new settlement made, it was ordain'd; the Mayor of the Town and Head-School-Master joyn in let­ting out the School-lands. An honest constitu­tion since by that means neither will the Towns­men lie under a temptation to misconvert the pious use, nor shall the Master be able to im­pair the School-Revenue. Besides it may be accounted not very reasonable, that a Master of Arts formerly at the University thought fit to be intrusted with the disposal of his Pupils al­lowance, should now be again reduc'd into Pupil­lage: the onely man in the Parish judg'd pro­per from whom the value of his estate be con­ceal'd. Be the tenure in almain it is not with­out president, that even in Hospitals some chosen Almesmen have enjoy'd the like power and priviledge. Every body consists upon its own Laws: but that constitution is less liable to corruption from at home or abroad, where not onely Conscience but Fame is secur'd.

Indeed where the wages for Teaching issu'd out of the publick stock of Corporations, the [Page 86] Masters were to be allow'd antiently among the Romans by 7 of the ^a Decuriones or Alder­men, and receiv'd a licence for Teaching from the Bench, or Town-Hall of that Borough, whereby they were entitl'd to several profits and immunities. These were limited to a cer­tain number, which number was in the same order of election supply'd upon the vacancy of any place upon the ^b death of the former Incumbent or his ^c removal. For Gordian the Emperor declares it as a rul'd case that if upon tryal the Master were found unuseful he was removeable by the same authority whereby he had been approv'd. Thus to survey differing Feoff­ments, although it draw with it no necessary consequence of innovating unduely what is already establish'd, yet where the matter is under consultation, and in settlements not yet made, variety of Paterns compar'd may be ser­viceable towards determining the choice with more success.

§. 38.

The divers orders and customes of Schools upon such occasion too consider'd might have their use. Let none expect here a Body of Scholastical Policy: Herein the Sta­tutes of many eminent Foundations prescribe [Page 87] with great Authority, nevertheless it may be needful in this place to mention, that publick Schools are ordinarily regulated by some Sta­tute of superannuation: if Children give slen­der hopes of proving Scholars after 7 years tryal in learning of the Grammar, they are to be remov'd out of the number: now those years are usually the more unfit for labor, and most capable of good impressions, during which time the more averse they were to their Book, yet having been inur'd to watchfulness and diligence, to subjection and hardship, they prove often from that very frustration the more resolv'd and active in such other emploi­ment to which they freely betake themselves. Idle Drones and hurtful Wasps no where less safe, more readily discover'd and sooner ex­pell'd then from these Hives.

Again, methods of teaching sound and suf­ficient here strictly enjoin'd, and legitimately carried on have past into a regular course of studies. Consistent with these publick in­junctions is a liberty still allow'd improving Stu­d [...]nts of retrenching some superfluous rule, add­ing an exception, altering a particular Hypothe­sis; Grammar maxims and the system establish'd by Act of Parliament, always sav'd. But to de­molish foundations out of privat opinion daily changeable is a presumption of ill consequence to the publick. Our modern Januists of the Latine and Greek tongue seem in great measure [Page 88] to leave Grammar and build upon Dictionary; as do others who practise without Rule, or by a Rule not Catholick. Due length of time and depth of culture withheld rather palliate igno­rance then produce Scholarship; and Errors in the ground-work first lay'd are rarely correct­ed by the Scholars after-diligence. Dire­ctions for delivering Languages and Arts, this enquiry dares not attempt: it is the work of Master builders: and some judicious Treatises are extant upon the same subject: to pass over forraign Didacticks, at home Ascham, Hoole, and the latest Mr. William Walker yet surviving hath after his wonted manner solidly discour­sed it. I shall onely take leave at this present to consider one opinion which hath of late ob­tain'd among persons of very good quality; they have design'd a son for the profession of the Law of the Land: thereupon would bar the Master from teaching him Poëtry and Greek as no ways ordinate to their Childs pretence. This declared pleasure of Parents will find no difficult admission with Masters, whatever their judgement be, and is readily embrac'd by the Scholar, because it saveth both of them much labor, whereof no man, at his own choice, is prodigal. Upon this occasion I shall not digress into a just defence of Poëtry, nor enlarge upon the excellencies of the Greek tongue: but to speak to both connexly and with submission; what of this reason falls un­der [Page 89] my comprehension onely amounts to a caution against dwelling among Gentile super­stitions, turning after the levity of some pieces, the Chimaeras of others, being lost in empty ra­vishments, in a word, against making an em­ploiment of this however pleasing diversion to the prejudice of his further design: for when it shall again be consider'd, that the seasonable and moderate reading of Poëts, whether Greek or Latine, elevates the thought; furnishes u­pon all occasions succinct, pertinent, well-humor'd discourse; impresses the passion re­quisite; nor contented with terms barely pro­per sets on strength of Argument with face­tiousness of sense, and gayetie of phrase; these vertues consider'd, it may appear more advise­able to restrain this candidate of the Laws with due cautions that he may rather bind him­self, then stop his Ears with Wax, while he passeth by these Sirens: besides, that, mis­pronouncing Latine in prose, incident to those that are unacquainted with Verse, blemishes the best Orator. His judgement rightly in­form'd, this hopeful Student may profit him­self, at these ingenuous recreations, and at spare-hours to no small advantage converse with the Poëts of our own Language especially. Whether polite literature accomplish a com­mon-Lawyer, for more reasons then one is not for me positively to determine: some shining instances in our own Age favor those [Page 90] that shall affirm it. There is a Reason and E­quity common to all Laws: the Roman youth soon as design'd Lawyers were deliver'd to some Master of Poëtry and Greek. ^a Tully saith of Aulus Licinius Archias, That from the utmost of his child-hood as ever he could remem­ber, that Poët and Grecian had been his dire­ctor both to undertake and carry on his course of stu­dies. Now because the Greek Poët was then questionable whether subservient to the Ro­man Orator he subjoins by way of prevention that he never was resign'd up to be a meer Lawyer: and that all the liberal Arts and Sciences have a mutual affinity and connexion. Orderly dispo­sition of matter of fact, apposite application of Law, with graceful utterance in opening a case may do a cause right. Poëts ‘furnish whereby the thought exhausted with plead­ing may be recruited, and the Ears wearied with the din of the Bar find repose: for hav­ing been strain'd at waging hard controver­sies, men are best relax'd and unbended by the more soft yet moral divertisements:’ soon after he adds, that ‘the studies of other Faculties are comprehended in teaching, in Rules and Art; a Poët hath his excellency in his very nature, and is elevated on the wing of Fancy and as it were inspir'd with certain divine Raptures. Wherefore old Ennius doth by a just Prerogative call Poëts [Page 91] sacred: because they seem to stand recom­mended to us by some especial Grace and Favor of Heaven. Be therefore sacred with men of so great Humanity this name of Poët, which no Barbarity ever violated. Rocks and deserts echo sounds: and savage Mon­sters oft are charm'd and stop at Musick. Should not we that have had ingenuous breed­ing be affected with the voyce of Poëts?’ Thus the Prince of Advocates with much more in his Masters behalf: somewhat might be far­ther added on the subject, but what hath been loosely noted here may render men less for­ward upon privat notions though taken up with some color of probability to recede from the approv'd ordinances of publick Schools with­out like Authority.

§. 39.

But that which is of far greater importance to Parents is best secur'd in publick Schools, that their Children be train'd up in the principles of Christian Religion, entire and uncor­rupt: that they be built up in the fundamental points: by Catechism and other seasonable address.

As for Catechism; the Church hath provided all her Children means of Instruction, charg­eth Parents with their spiritual nurture, en­joyneth Masters to promote this especially: and exacteth of the Children when grown, to ac­count for the summary of Christian Doctrine [Page 92] receiv'd. A form is given to convey the sub­stance: and therefore the Church hath not prohibited explaining that, or joyning others with it. Nowells Catechism is enjoyn'd to be taught in the School of S ^t. Pauls by their lo­cal statutes. Ʋrsine translated into Greek by Hen. Stephens, with the Praxis of Berchet hath been elsewhere with good success learn't: nei­ther of them, I think, to exclude the Church Catechism; nor ought any other; for is it rea­sonable the Examinand should prescribe his Examinor what he should ask him? the Child his Pastor, his Bishop? or would a Child de­spise the Indulgence of his Poser, who should prompt him before hand, to every question the answer wherewith he would rest satisfied. There are many Catechisms, but one faith. There are many Grammars to one Language; yet that is the best to the Learner, that is taught in his Form: though perhaps a Scholar brought up in another method to some per­fection in the Tongue the Master would not put back to be initiated in the same Elements. The Mother, the Nurse may teach a Child the Church Catechism, the Master must hear him repeat it: and may be thought most pro­per to carry him on to farther perfection. It is requir'd of every one that is matriculated a Member in either University to subscribe the Articles of Faith and Religion which supposes him to have been inform'd in them: either by his Minister, or School-Master.

[Page 93]Neither would discourse, more particularly at certain seasons, be without a prudent dire­ction to serious and useful points of Doctrine. In the Greek ^a Asceticks we may see a Novice put­ting Questions to an old Father upon Heads of Practical Divinity. ^b The Jews record me­morable sayings of the Rabbins and bring in their Disciples asking the solution of what was allegorically deliver'd: prescribe Rules to the Scholar of a modest liberty in propounding ^c his doubts apposite to the present lesson and subject in discourse: as also to the Master of a gentle condescension in resolving those doubts: that he think it not grievous to repeat, to inculcate his instructions with regard to the difficulty of the matter in debate or slowness of the Learn­ers comprehension. Thus have many Teach­ers been improv'd by forming an apt answer to pregnant questions propos'd by their Auditors. And for our Instruction doubtless was ^d the child Jesus found in the Temple sitting in the midst of the Doctors both hearing them and asking them questions. This work hath been carried on by exercise, or Books.

[Page 94]As for Sundaies and Festivals, Verses upon the proper Gospel, or Psalms: reading sacred Poëms, Dialogues, Epistles, Meditations, Con­fessions, and such like pieces which have been set forth in a small form fitted for the use of young Learners. In divers Places the Sta­tutes require over and above decent atten­dance on the publick worship, that the Scho­lars be call'd to render an account of what they were taught. When S ^t. Chrysostome upon occa­sion had prest his Auditors to the repeating at home what they had at Church heard: that ‘every House-keeper being return'd would spread a double Table the one of bodily food, the other of the word of God and the Hus­band to recount what had been there spoken, the Wife to learn, the Children also to hear, nay the very servants not to be debarr'd from that repetition.’ ^a Make thy House (saith he) ‘a Church as being accountable for the Souls of thy Family as the Minister stands charg'd with those of the whole Congrega­tion:’ the people of Antioch hereupon broke out into loud ^b Acclamations, which that Fa­ther accepted, not as an empty Applause, but as the pledge of their obedience. As to the reli­gious conduct of youth, I shall onely add upon [Page 95] this Head that there is extant a Treatise of the same Fathers, anciently styled the ^a Golden Book of Education, brought to light by the learn­ed Combefis and render'd into English by M ^r. John Evelyn: a person whose fruitful industry hath oblig'd his Country, nor ever to be men­tion'd by me without much honor.

§. 40.

Further, as care is taken that the Masters Salary be duely paid, so because the Tenure is not Frank-almain as was that of Abbies, and may that of Hospitals be call'd, but what implys a duty to be perform'd which gives Title to the Reward, in many places be­sides the Governors, special Visitors are ap­pointed; whether some Gentry by the desig­nation of the Founder thought fit and willing to oversee the discharge of the trust, or some three or four Neighbor Ministers, who annually at certain prefix'd time or times preside over the sollemn exercise of the Scholars, and from their proficience estimate the abilities and di­ligence of the Master.

After all which the Bishop as general Visitor both superintends the Master, and is Head of the Commission for charitable Uses. Indeed subordination and Dependency is the form of Bodies collective, without which nothing is strong: nothing is beautiful. The more im­mediat [Page 96] concern of the Church Organical succes­sive is commended to the Bishop not onely by the ^a Holy Scripture but by the ancient ^b Ca­nons, by ^c Canon-Law and by the ^d Statutes of this Realm, and practise of all Ages and places Christian: the Ordinary gives licence to the School-Master and exacts his duty, but with­all the same with other Commissioners by him engag'd vindicates School-Revenues detain'd by Executors, or interverted by Trustees. As much fond as any are of Liberty, no man sure­ly envys the greatness of that power which he apprehends for his own Interest. ^e And Inte­rest in the highest Prelate may the poorest School-Master assure by assiduity and vigilance over himself & his small flock. I shall onely add upon this Head, that such seeming not to have consider'd enough their own weakness, draw upon them [...]es the low rate and esteem set u­pon this Profession, and gratify that whether overt hatred or inconsiderate policy of others in impeaching the growth and flourishing of [Page 97] the state Scholastick, whosoever do not with humble gratitude embrace that superabundant strength which God hath vouchsaf'd them from the Kings Majesty the common Nursing Father of publick Schools, in his gracious Letters Pa­tents: from the High and Honorable Court of Parliament, in Laws made for their Immuni­ty and Vindication: from worthy Neighbors or worshipful Companies of the great City, their vigilant and faithful Governors: from many of the Nobility, Gentry, or Neighboring Mini­sters, often their special Visitors: lastly, from the Right Reverend their Diocesan, and Spiri­tual Father, always their general Visitor.

§. 41.

There remains another ad­vantage of publick Schools: the greatest bene­fit to Learners after the Master, is a good Libra­ry. Before the Art of Printing was discover'd, when Books all written by hand were rare, and however less correct and compleat to be pur­chas'd at excessive rates, those that set up Schools in the Provinces of the Empire Greek and Latine Heathen or Christian, provided themselves ordinarily with some store of Co­pies to promote the common studies of their Scholars with themselves. And even in that affluence of Books, which this present Age daily furnishes, although a Parent can afford to provide his Son of such as are cheap and port­able for his present use as he proceeds in Learn­ing, yet there are voluminous Authors, Pillars [Page 98] of a Library, which would highly advance Study, yet are not the purchase of every one that is most studious: and therefore best able to use them. In which regard a Library would even at the present be reputed a necessary Mem­ber of a School-House.

This would not consist of promiscuous Books. English Histories, Treatises in Faculties, of Law, Physick and Divinity, unseasonably read intervert the time due for other studies preparatory to the Scholars daily exercise: and therefore Universities lay a prudent re­straint on Artists, according to their several progress in the Facultie, to keep some years in Seats at the entrance of the publick Library under Books of those Arts about which they are for that time conversant. Some having been question'd how it came to pass that for­mer Ages who fram'd the very Theoremes of those Sciences, in compiling and transforming the Systemes whereof we so much glory, could advance so far, have been ready to attribute it to the fewness of their Books upon this very account; not without some appearance of reason, though how truly, I list not here farther to enquire.

Be therefore onely proper and organical Books hither admitted and few of that sort would be excluded. He is a good Workman, that can use every Tool. Even those writings that are earnestly censurd as hindrances to Scholarship; allow'd with careful directions in their time [Page 99] and place, prove helps to proficiency. Better were it for the peace and comfort of Life if it fell out in matters of higher consequence that we were never prone to condemn and inveigh, where we should rather limit and caution. This Book is to be read over, that consulted onely. This to furnish matter, that disposition, a third ornament. Words and Phrases are not suffi­cient to form a discourse; nor a Concordance, to make a Sermon: they do not therefore ob­struct, they may conduce to the Work. A systematical Artist, is not the worst Artist. They that always despise helps to perfection may as much prejudice their own profiting, as those that continually rest in them.

Best Editions, as latest are ordinarily, may be desirable, yet former are not to be reject­ed. So much judgement in dealing with the Bookseller as not to buy corrupt Copies at the rate of the best, but at a price vile as they are, is frugality in a Scholar: when to be skil'd in the choice of Editions and withal so ice as to nauseat what is not most elegant in Print and Binding is not discretion in a poor Student, but Luxury.

Few Books, well chosen, may be of much use, and the benefaction considerable: but because Scholars grow, these also range themselves in­to suitable Classes, and because Schools grow, they may spread. Were I able to pursue this Argument particularly and at large it might be perhaps with some Readers of use but would [Page 100] arise to a just Volume both beyond the bounds and besides the Nature of this short Essay. Some Heads of matter it may be nevertheless not a­miss to draw over. Therefore consider we learning in its Birth, Growth, and Ripeness; and distribute we our Scholar into the Gramma­rian, the Linguist and Critick; both in Greek and Latine.

In the first Class Grammar and Dictionary: each small, middling, or large. The large Dictionary would be Ety mological, as a Latine Scapula: Which method seems most natural to words and best complys with the memory of Children. Now whilst Sentences, Fables, Dialogues, Epistles are carrying on, the pra­ctise of Translation, for instance of English-Latine, Latine-English mutuasly best advance here with truth of interpretation. Noun and Verb join'd, as congruously, so proper each to other: Particles rightly us'd fall in, and from these result a phrase lively, and in some sort e­legant. Distinct helps to these are rather to be sought then refus'd, as Phrasiologies, Ele­gancies, Idioms, directions for the use of Par­ticles, and the like Guides of Imitation. Of which form are Rolls of Names, Glosses enter­lin'd, or side by side, literal Translations, in a word; Locks and Keys and Doors of Language not successless as may be attested by many Late-Learners especially to furnish fluent dis­course upon all Subjects: the Greek yet wider in its Dialects and curious in its Tone.

[Page 101]For a second Class, when style cometh to be form'd, and the Scholar proceeding to the Classical Authors, is enter'd upon Theam and Verse, aids are here most needful. Select Orators, Poëts, Historians fair and true printed at least, with the Life and Testimonies concerning the Author, with Arguments; and some with plain and useful comments: apart or in Bodies as the Greek and Latine Poëts and Authors of the Imperial History. Abridgements too not to be disparag'd. Match me L. Florus and Justine: these conduce not to the memory onely but to the understanding also, while they bring actions disjoin'd in time and place under one view: accommodated to the nar­row capacity of unripe judgements: especially when illustrated by Tables Genealogical, Chrono­logical, Geographical; and what, perhaps, are beyond comments to studious Children profitable, would be had the approved Translations of Hi­storians, Orators, and Poëts into our own tongue: since by them a Child cometh at once to understand writers how-ever abstruse equal­ly with the man that had particularly at lei­sure inform'd himself in that Author.

But for assistance in Theam. Invention is a hard Tax to be layd on the barren and un­furnish'd minds of Children. Therefore, let these busy Bees fall upon those flowry meads that have been fenc'd in by the industry of o­thers; let the young merchants trade in Witts Common-Wealth for an Apophthegm, an Example, [Page 102] a Similitude till they can set up a Staple at home: the wisdom of Proverbs is not to be neglected; and therefore Adagies at large, or in their ab­stract would be procur'd. Symbols and Em­blems are embellishments rather pleasing, when offer'd, then requir'd. When ripe for Institutions of Oratory, there would be pre­par'd a small, middling, and large Rhetorick: such are extant old and latter, ^a Greek and La­tine, till they arrive at Declamation and Pa­negyrick. As to Poëtry; steps not unlike do well. A Poëtick Institution small, middling and large. Then authority for quantities in making a Copy of Verses. Their matter will be scant: enlarge it with Poëtical Fables and Fancys: these too moraliz'd by ^b Mythologi­cal applications of such as have unlock'd the mysterie of Poësy. Their Language mean: Open to them the Store-house of Poëtical phrase. Flowers of speech: proper Epithets: fashionable terms: and choice of Expression: all which are yet further'd by select Sentences, Epigrams, Epistles, Orations and pieces of History: thus the very Fragments of Sallust and Cornelius Nepos and Polybius may compare with the most compleat Volumes of divers other Writers.

A third Class of School-Books, to finish [Page 103] this Library, would be further serviceable, when the style being well form'd, and the judgement grown to some maturity, the Scho­lar sticks no longer in the bare forms of speak­ing or composition of Sentences, but can so read whole Books as to compare one Book with another, and some parts with other parts of the same Book: (and yet be glad at times to have recourse to an Index or Synopsis) can raise higher observations from them for com­mon Life, for Morals, for Policy. Here would he be help'd in Antiquities, in Presi­dents of solemn Acts, in several Pieces of par­ticular Eruditions as of Measures, Weights, Coins, Habits, and the Histories of other like Species; now begins he to discern Readings true from false: authorities genuin from sup­posititious: a skill that hath done the Church service in allegations of greater concern. Therefore would relish variant Lections com­par'd diligently. He begins now to control time and place: Therefore would he be enter'd into rationaries of time, and Geographical Institutions the greater by the less: not unac­quainted with Maps, and Globes, Wit can­not be taught: but may be provok'd; and e­mulation ariseth betwixt persons chiefly where no great inequality is apprehended. There­fore modern Poëts, Orators, Historians or o­ther late Writers in Greek and Latine that have well imitated the Ancients would have their due place and respect; since it may deserved­ly [Page 104] move disdain in an ingenuous spirit, if that should be feasible to others of the Age wherein he lives, unto which he might not aspire.

This Collection cannot every-where be made in one day. If Gentlemen could once judge these publick Schools worthy to be trust­ed with the Education of their Children (as in almost all Counties some are undoubtedly most fit) they would without difficulty be in­duc'd at the entring of their Son to bestow some useful Book, such as the Master should propose: this in process of time would furnish such places, at least with the more necessary helps; and leave a standing Treasure to the House; not to be despised by the Town. In divers late Foundations a room for Books hath been annex'd to that of the School: elsewhere desks or Presses; for indeed without a certain Reposi­tory provided all utensils are expos'd either to be lost or injur'd: nor are there Presidents want­ing of this sort of gratification, if it might be conducing to provoke beneficence in this na­ture I would not pass over what hath fall'n un­der my notice, more particularly, upon oc­casion. The Right Honorable my L. Crew was content to sever two Books from his own Li­brary (they were Hen. Stephense's Thesaurus of the Greek Tongue in 4 Volumes, and Athenaeus his Dipnosophists with the Notes of Isaac Casaubone in 2 Volumes) and give them to the use of North­ampton School and Master, at a sole request made by the means of that ^a School Master.

[Page 105]One of the present Honorable Secretaries of State conferr'd a set of excellent School-Books such as the ^a Master signifie to have been there wanting; a decent respect to that Bo­rough which had elected him their Burgess of Parliament.

The Worshipful company of the Merchant Tailors of London at the motion of their worthy ^b School-Master erected a fair Library, and re­plenish'd it with store of choice Books: some contributing 50 pounds others too very con­siderable sums towards it. These Books were through the great industry of the Master pre­serv'd as to the main in the fatal Conflagration of that City: and remain a monument of the Donors munificence, still growing to the ad­vantage of the Foundation. Other examples of Bounty in the same kind, not wholly un­known to me, though in themselves worthy of honor, I yet forbear here to specifie, since multitude of instances rather overwhelm then excite the Reader: in a word, these gifts are a multiply'd benefit to the Giver: when con­tributed by divers among many, they yet all remain entire to each particular.

After due endeavors to provide, the next care is to preserve such Library. The Library-Keeper to be charg'd with a threefold Book the Register of Benefactors: the Catalogue of ^c Books: and a Note of what of them are [Page 106] lent out and on what day; the same to enter into these respective records what shall be needful: nor would he be requir'd to open and shut the door at its hour daily without some sa­lary: to engage his watchfulness and constan­cy. A piece or 2 yearly chargeable upon the community (for this occasion is incident one­ly to Schools of some note) will betimes ac­quaint him with the just and advantageous connexion of Work and Wages. He would be taken out of the uppermost form: the more studious, faithful and discreet that will under­take such trouble: studious, that he be ac­quainted with the use of what he hath in charge: faithful, for it is a trust: and dis­creet, because on him chiefly would rest the execution of those Orders which should con­cern the Students or Books in the Library. Those Laws would not be so rigid as to debar all lending forth of any Book as if it disap­pointed others: since in the place but one can read the same Author at once, nor yet so laxe as without occasion, without memorial, to part with them: and for time unlimited. Again they would not be so loose as to receive the wounds, or flourishes of every malicious or want­on pen: nor yet so strict as to prohibit the Ma­sters occasional Animadversion: the very trace of whose hand is suppos'd to leave some useful direction.

§. 42.

Before the conclusion of this Discourse, it may perhaps fall under some ob­servation, [Page 107] that in this loose range of enqui­rys, a most material point hath been omitted. Writing an universal advantage, ought certain­ly to have place in publick and Free Schools. For though, perhaps, it be not the principal bene­fit of that Education, yet to write is in com­mon life necessary, and to write well commenda­ble. The truth is in petty Schools (and such are the most in every County) no small re­gard is to be had to it: that the Master bring his Scholar to a fair engrossing Secretary, or the neat Italian cursive: and if he be design'd for the Law to acquaint him with the large ex­emplifying Court hand: and the lesser wherein old Rolls are written with their Abbridgements would be of singular use to him. I do not say that in the greater Grammar-Schools Masters can much attend to that business: yet there al­so is exacted that the Child bring his exercise written fairly, as he can, without blots, and without dashes, the marks of precipitate neg­ligence. That censure heretofore ordinary as if a bad hand were the property of a good Scho­lar may seem to have receiv'd its original from such like occasion. ^a In former times, when [Page 108] Books were rare, Scholars took in notes their Masters Dictates: which that they might more readily dispatch they practis'd Abbridgements, and fell into deficient Characters. This habit improv'd the learning, but withal impair'd the writing of those Ages. A legible hand endea­vor'd seems to carry with it some respect to the Reader: and easy flourishes, in their place add grace and distinction, sometimes dignity: but though it be useful for all to write, it is not therefore necessary for all to embellish: yet in Schools destin'd to farther Operations, the place for writing though it be not a distinct room, would be furnish'd with proper Instru­ments and so more solemn; and also for the ge­neral Works of Numeration. Whatever of this be needful as to the question in debate, none, I think, in these days are of opinion that the skill and practise of this Art can be too universally propagated: some may with reason fear it is by many perverted from its no­blest end, when emploid to the discouragement of other more excellent Arts and Sciences, or restrain'd in a manner wholly to the service of secular advantage.

§. 43.

Rather, to sum up what hath been alledg'd on the present occasion, what­soever opinion any may have entertain'd con­cerning the multitude of Schools, the multitude of Scholars in England; before they pass any peremptory sentence to withhold their own [Page 109] Charity, or to discourage the benevolence of others upon this Subject, they would be de­sir'd withal seriously to consider several Milli­ons of inhabitants in this Land, in the Plan­tations, in Factories abroad, the Subject of Pastoral cure: then to set before their eyes with such compassion, as the matter requires, the provision remaining for many Vicarages: afterwards to descend in their inquisition into the manifold Exigencies of the State, in offices, and Professions requiring men not illiterate. Whether they retain upon the Ministery of Justice in either Law: or upon the Profession of Physick, or other polite Arts. The Nation would be reputed, as it is, ample: the traffick copious: the course of Justice regular: the Cities, and Country populous. Now when youth is multiplied, should we diminish means of Instruction? when necessities enlarg'd, streigh­ten supplies? Again on the other side they would be desir'd to measure the fluid Body of the U­niversities, by Degrees, as it is let out; and due­ly inform themselves whether the number of yearly proceeders upon an indifferent estimate may not rather seem underproportion'd to the publick occasions. At the best, I fear, they will find many raw Students for want of suffi­cient maintenance at the University thrust forth upon emploiment before any just proof of their proficiency given, who needs must bring weak Shoulders to the weightiest work: whereas Counties and Companies of the City [Page 110] before late calamities and various Troubles of the Age, have exhibited liberally to the sup­port of divers at their Studies, what time the Nation enjoid a long peace, as Charities of this nature, if rightly consider'd, will be found to return upon any Church in fruits of sound doctrine, and an establish'd judgement.

But we have too many Ecclesiasticks already: there are among us who say so. And indeed do they who have suffer'd themselves to receive such perswasion know how many they are in Spain? how many they were in England in the reign of K. Hen. 8? do they reckon thus, that however revenue may vary, the same work a­bides?

But have we not Free-Schools in almost eve­ry Market-Town? Did we depretiat benefact­ions receiv'd: we should be unthankful to God and unjust to the memory of many worthy Patriots, ornaments of their Profession, who have so far extended these provisions towards the preparing youth for business religious and secular: of which benefit, others more directly, but the whole Country in some measure par­takes. Lastly we should ill deserve of that Faith, whose Charity we dishonor'd. Yet may it be not unneedful to consider whether there be not still parts of the Land capable of new Foundations to good advantage. Let not any be offended at the seeming multitude of present Schools. Certainly we all bear no less affection to the common Christianity, then [Page 111] the Jews express to the Law of Moses, who have ordain'd ^a that School-Masters be appointed in all Cities, and the inhabitants of that City where­in are no Scholars be excommunicated till they pro­vide themselves of School-Masters. Farther, if upon this they take no care to get them any; then, that City to be executed; subjoining this reason that the world would not subsist if it were not for the babling of litle Schoolboys: as who should say, the world would fall from the Law and worship of God, and would fall into all disso­luteness of manners, were it not for that con­temptible emploiment of preventing Children before they can well speak plain, with an ear­ly instruction in the principles of religion. To the erecting such new Foundations whereso­ever they shall be found wanting, whosoever shall at any time consult upon the matter will be the rather induc'd, because many Free-Schools at proper distances dispos'd, not one­ly minister help to the poor, but with all op­portunity to the Rich of their Childrens insti­tution at less charges then abroad. One word onely concerning the old Foundations submit we to further regard: the Masters stipend is u­sually below envy: but what was well sufficient in the time of Donors though faithfully di­spenc'd by Feoffees, in fact is now become incompetent of it self for his reasonable main­tenance; it were for the honor and no less for [Page 112] the advantage of Towns, that he be so far en­courag'd, at least, as to be enabl'd to attend his Calling without distraction, especially if he carry on many to the University, such as perhaps in all Counties of England some Ma­sters are found to be; so will this Church and Nation be blest with apt Instruments for ser­vice and the Age to come season'd with a sense of their duty in all capacities.

Upon these considerations referr'd alwaies to better judgements, the memory of worthy persons the former Donors of these Charities hath been with us hitherto concluded pretious: their honor stands inviolable: nor, till other circumstances appear, ought we to have a less grateful esteem for present Founders, Bene­factors and Exhibitors to Students: but ac­knowledge it owing to their pious munificence that many are encourag'd, who may promote the Peace of the Catholick Church: and be exam­ples of constant loyaltie to their Soveraign, and the Royal Family: in the prosperity of both which, the welfare of these Nations is contain'd.