hing operates so powerfully as the example of Princes; some
have been of later Years induc'd to hope for a revolution in our
Manners, no less advantageous than what has hitherto secur'd those
Civil and Religious Liberties, without which it is impossible for
Vertue to subsist among any People whatsoever. But Experience shows
that Humane Nature is much easier led into Evil, than reduc'd from it;
and that inveterate Maladies are difficultly cur'd.

When Men's Practices have infected their Principles and Opinions; and
these have had time again reciprocally to confirm them in their
Vicious Habits and Customs, the whole Constitution is corrupted; and
the Personal Vertue then of the Prince (however conspicuous) will not,
without a concurrence of other means, influence farther than to make
(it may be) some change in the Garb, or Fashion of Men's Vices.

A due and vigorous Execution of proper Laws against Immorality and
Prophaneness, is that alone which will effectually restrain them: And
a right care had of Education, is the only humane means of making
People truly Vertuous. Whenever our inferiour Magistrates shall be
such as will be _a terror to Evil doers, and encouragers of those who
do well_, and when Parents shall be perswaded that it is in their
power to procure to their Children more valuable Treasures than Riches
and Honours; the ancient Vertue of our Ancestors will then quickly be
equall'd, if not surpass'd, by that of their Posterity: But till then,
it is in vain to expect that any great Advances should be made towards
an Amendment, as necessary to our present and National, as to our
Personal and Future Happiness.

What the force of Education is upon our Minds, and how by a due regard
had to it, Common-wealths and Kingdoms have flourished, and become
famous; and how much this has been recommended by Wise Men in all
Ages, requires but a small consideration of Humane Nature, and
Acquaintance with History to inform us; nor is any thing more obvious
to observe than the power of Education. This matter yet has no where
been ordinarily look'd after, proportionably to the moment it is
visibly of: And even the most sollicitous about it, have usually
employ'd their care herein but by halves with respect to the Principal
Part in so great a concernment; for the information and improvement of
the Understanding by useful Knowledge, (a thing highly necessary to
the right regulation of the Manners) is commonly very little thought