indeed its fources, common experience will atteft: those of the greatest Minds and best Extractions, being usually moft condescending 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 conversation, 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 coyly and difdainfully upon all about them: 'tis fo 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 distance, this faftidious difdain invites them to a clofer inspection, that if there be any flaw either in their life or birth, 'twill be fure to be discover'd, there being no fuch prying inquifitour, as curiofity, when 'tis egg'd on by a sense of contempt.

3. On the other fide, if we confider the effects of Courtesy, 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 infenfibly steals away Mens hearts from

them.

them. This the wife Man refers to, Eccluf. 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 easiness of Access, with the fullen ftate 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 loweft 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 deplorable, 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 so 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 entercourse 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 resentments, and then reflect; that if The give the like to those below her, they will doubtless have the fame fenfe; and therefore let her refolve never to offer, what fhe fo much dislikes to bear: and the that do's thus, that makes such inferences, will convert an injury into a benefit; civilize her felf by the rudeness of others, and make that ill nurture her own discipline.

5. BUT hitherto we confider Affability only in its ethnick dress, as it is a human ornament: 'twill appear yet more enamouring upon a second view, when we look on it as bearing the imprefs 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 thofe Chriftian Graces which he recommends to his Roman Profelytes; Condefcend to men of low estate, Rom. 12. 16. And that we may the better difcern its value, 'tis obfervable, that he links it with the most 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 deriv'd from it as its ftock and principle; and certainly

certainly a more divine Extraction it cannot have, Humility being the Alpha and Omega of Vertues, that which lays the foundation, (without which the moft towring Structure will but crush it's felf with it's own weight) and that which perfects and confummates the building alfo, fecures and crowns all other Graces which when they are moft verdant and flourishing, are like Jona's gourd, that may afford fome fhadow and refreshment for a while, but are apt to breed that worm which will deftroy them. When once they are fmitten with Pride, they instantly fade and wither; fo neceffary is Humility both for the acquiring and conferving all that is good in us.

WE

6. We may therefore conclude, that Courtefy, and obligingnefs of behaviour, which proceeds thence, is in refpect of it's fpring and original, infinitely to be preferr'd before that, which defcends from no higher stock than natural and prudential motives. And fince 'tis natural for every production to have fome fimilitude to that which produces it, we shall find it no less excellent, in refpect of it's properties, than it's defcent. I fhall inftance only in two, Sincerity and Conftancy.

7. FOR the firft, as far as Affability partakes of Humility, it must of Sincerity alfo, that being a Vertue whose very elements are plainnefs and fimplicity; for as it has no defigns which want a cover, fo it needs none of thofe fubtleties K 2

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and fimulations, thofe pretences and artifices requifite to thofe that do. 'Tis the Precept of the Apostle, Phil. 2. 3. In lowliness of mind, let each efteem others better than himself: where we fee 'tis the nature of a lowly mind, to transfer that esteem to others, which it fubtracts from it self now where fuch an esteem is planted in the heart, it verifies all the expreffions and outward fignifications of respect, and renders the greatest condefcentions, (which to an infolent humour may feem extravagant and affected) real and unfeign'd.

8. On the contrary, that Courtefie which is deriv'd no higher than from mere human principles, is not much to be confided in. 'Tis the Pfalmift's Affirmation that all men are liars: and therefore there is more than a poffibility of deceit in their faireft fhews. Sometimes we know fmooth and plaufible addreffes have been defign'd as the tale to vile and treacherous practices. The extraordinary blandishments and endearing behaviour of Abfolom to the people, was only to fteal their hearts, and advance his intended rebellion, 2 Sam. 15. 6. and David tells us of fome, whofe words are fofter than butter, having war in their heart; whose words were Smoother than oyl, and yet were very fwords, Pfal. 55.21. And God knows this Age has not fo much improv'd in Sincerity, that we should think the fame Scenes are not daily acted over among us.