can be more unnatural, more odious, than a Woman-Tiger. I conclude all with the advice of Solomon, Prov. 17. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be medled with. When once a breach is made upon the fpirit by immoderate anger, all the confequent mischiefs will flow in, like a rapid ftream, when the banks are broken down; nor is there any way to prevent it, but by keeping the mounds entire, preferving that Tenderness and Compaffion, which God and Nature do equally enforce and recommend.

SECT.

SECT. IV.

Of Affability.

N the next place we may reckon Affability and Courtefy; which as it is amiable in all, fo it is fingularly fo in Women of Quality, and more univerfally neceffary in them than in the other Sex. For Men have often charges and employments which do juftify, nay perhaps, require fomewhat of fternnefs and aufterity; but Women ordinarily have few or no occafions of it, and those who have well digefted the former Lectures of Meekness and Compaffion, will not be apt to put it on unneceffarily. Now Affability may be confider'd, either as a mere human Accomplishment, or as a divine Vertue: in either notion 'tis commendable, but 'tis the latter that gives it the highest Excellence and Perfection.

2. To begin with the first notion of it, we may make an estimate of its worth, by its Caufe and by its Effects. For its Cause, it derives it felf, either from a native candour and generofity of Mind, or from a noble and ingenuous Education, or fometimes jointly from both; and these are as good Originals, as any thing mere ly moral can flow from. And that these are

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indeed its fources, common experience will atteft: thofe of the greatest Minds and beft Extractions, being ufually most condefcending and obliging; whereas thofe of most abject Spirits and Birth, are the most infulting and imperious. Alexander the Great, tho' terrible in the Field, yet was of a gentle, complaifant converfation, familiarly treating those about him: yet Crifpinus, Narciffus, Nymphidius, and other enfranchis'd bond-men, we find infolently trampling on the Roman Senatours and Confuls. Tis therefore a great errour for Perfons of Honour, to think they acquire a reverence, by putting on a fupercilious gravity, looking coily and difdainfully upon all about them; tis foo far from that, that it gives a fufpicion, that tis but a pageantry of greatness, fome mushroom newly fprung up, that ftands fo ftiff, and fwells fo much. But instead of teaching others to keep their diftance, this faftidious difdain invites them to a clofer infpection, that if there be any flaw either in their life or birth, 'twill be fure to be difcover'd, there being no fuch prying inquifitour, as curiofity, when 'tis egg'd on by a fense of contempt.

3. On the other fide, if we confider the effects of Courtefy, they are quite contrary; it endears to all, and often keeps up a Reputation in fpight of any blemishes: a kind look or word from a Superiour, is ftrangely charming, and insensibly steals away Mens hearts from

them.

them. This the wife Man refers to, Ecclus. 18. 18. when he prefers a word before a Gift. And 'tis Plutarch's obfervation of Cleomenes King of Sparta, that when the Grecians compar'd his Affability and eafinefs of Access, with the fullen state and pride of other Princes; they were fo enamour'd with it, that they judg'd him only worthy to be a King. And as there is no certainer, fo alfo no cheaper way of gaining love: a friendly falutation, is as eafy as a frown or reproach: and that kindness may be preferv'd by them, which, if once forfeited, will not at a far greater price be recover'd.

4. BESIDES, when human viciffitudes are confider'd, it may be a point of Prudence too; the greatest Persons may fometimes want affiftance from the meaneft; nay', fometimes the face of affairs is quite chang'd, and the wheel of Fortune turns them lowest that were uppermoft, and proportionably elevates the meaneft. Tis wifdom therefore fo to treat all, as to leave no impreffions of unkindness, fince none is fo defpicable, but may poffibly at one time or other have an opportunity to retaliate. 'Twas therefore a prudent, as well as an equitable refolution of that Emperour, who faid, he would fo entertain the addreffes of his Subject, as, if he were a Subject, he would wish the Prince fhould entertain him: a rule very worthy to fway all Perfons of Honour in their entercourfe with others. And fince even among Perfons

in command there are degrees, and fhe which is Superiour to one, is Inferiour to another; they have a ready way to compare the civility they pay, with what they expect. Let therefore one who meets with a cold, neglectful Treatment, from any above her, examine her own refentments, and then reflect; that if The give the like to thofe below her, they will doubtlefs have the fame fenfe; and therefore let her refolve never to offer, what fhe fo much dislikes to bear: and fhe that do's thus, that makes fuch inferences, will convert an injury into a benefit; civilize her felf by the rudeness of others, and make that ill nurture her own difcipline.

5. BUT hitherto we confider Affability only in its ethnick drefs, as it is a human ornament: 'twill appear yet more enamouring upon a fecond view, when we look on it as bearing the impress of the Sanctuary, as a divine Vertue. And that it is capable of being fo, we have the Authority of St. Paul, who inferts it in the number of those Chriftian Graces which he recommends to his Roman Profelytes; Condefcend to men of low eftate, Rom. 12. 16. And that we may the better discern its value, 'tis obfervable, that he links it with the moft eminent Vertue of Humility; for it immediatly follows his Precept of, mind not high things. Indeed, 'tis not only joyn'd with it as a Friend or Allie, but derived from it as its ftock and principle, and certainly