kie or covert, according to the season, as was the Roman wont; first on foot, then as their age permits, on horfe-back, to all the art of cavalry; that having in fport but with much exactness, and daily mufter, ferv'd out the rudiments of their foldierfhip in all the skill of embattelling, marching, encamping, fortifying, befieging and battering, with all the helps of ancient and modern ftratagems, Tacticks, and warlike maxims, they may as it were out of a long war come forth renown'd and perfect commanders in the service of their country. They would not then, if they were trufted with fair and hopeful armies, fuffer them for want of just and wise discipline to shed away from about them like fick feathers, tho' they be never fo oft fupply'd: they would not fuffer their empty and unrecruitable colonels of 20 men in a company, to quaff out, or convey into fecret hoards, the wages of a delusive lift, and a miserable remnant: yet in the mean while to be o ver master'd with a score or two of drunkards, the only foldiery left about them, or else to comply with all rapines and violences. No certainly, if they knew ought of that knowledge that belongs to good men or good governors, they

would not suffer these things. But to return to our own institute, besides these constant exerci- un fes at home, there is another opportunity of gain- ee ing experience to be won from pleasure itself a- o broad. In those vernal seasons of the year, when n the air is calm and pleasant, it were an injury ni and fullenness against nature not to go out, and 10 fee her riches, and partake in her rejoicing with e heaven and earth. I fhould not therefore be a a perfuader to them of studying much then, after two or three year that they have well laid their g grounds, but to ride out in companies with pru- th dent and staid guides, to all the quarters of the w land; learning and obferving all places of strength, all commodities of building and of foil, for towns and tillage, harbours and ports for trade: fome-t times taking fea as far as to our navy, to learn there also what they can in the practical knowledge of failing and of fea-fight. These ways would try all their peculiar gifts of nature; and if there were any fecret excellence among them, would fetch it out, and give it fair opportunities to advance itself by, which cou'd not but mightily redound to the good of this nation, and bring into fashion again thofe old admired virtues and

excellencies, with far more advantage now in this purity of Christian knowledge. Nor fhall we then need the Monfieurs of Paris to take our hopeful youth into their flight and prodigal cuftodies, and fend them over back again transform'd into mimicks, apes, and kickshaws. But if they defire to fee other countries at three or four and twenty - years of age, not to learn principles, but to enlarge experience and make wife obfervation, they will by that time be fuch as shall deserve the regard and honour of all men where they pass, and the fociety and friendship of those in all places who are best and most eminent: and perhaps then other nations will be glad to visit us for their breeding, or else to imitate us in their own coun

try.

Now laftly for their diet there cannot be much to fay, fave only that it would be best in the fame houfe; for much time elfe would be lost abroad, and many ill habits got; and that it should be plain, healthful, and moderate, I fuppofe is out of controversy. Thus, Mr. Hartlib, you have a general view in writing, as your defire was, of that which at feveral times I had discours'd with you concerning the best and noblest way of edu

cation; not beginning as fome have done from the cradle, which yet might be worth many confiderations, if brevity had not been my fcope: many other circumstances alfo I could have mention'd, but this, to fuch as have the worth in them to make trial, for light and direction may be enough. Only I believe, that this is not a bow for every man to shoot in that counts himself a teacher; but will require finews almost equal to thofe which Homer gave Ulyffes; yet I am withal perfuaded that it may prove much more easy in the effay, than it now feems at a distance, and much more illuftrious; howbeit not more diffi cult than I imagine, and that imagination presents me with nothing but very happy and very poffible according to best wishes; if God have fo decreed, and this age have spirit and capacity enough to apprehend.

FINI S.