Instructions to a Son, Illustration – Table of contents
Lo here, the Genius of the great Arguyle
Whose Politicks and Ethicks in one pyle
Like Anchor Buoys, appeare to teach thee Wit
To shun those rocks on which himselfe was split
Instructions to a Son. BY ARCHIBALD Late Marquiss of Argyle. WRITTEN In the time of his Confinement.
London, Printed for J. Latham at the Mitre in Saint Pauls Church-yard, 1661.
THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER.
THat the Author of this ensuing Treatise, was an able States-man, and of excellent natural endownments, a Master of reason, and the most accomplish'd Scholar of experience, will without scruple be allowed to his ashes: From them, this product of his notable spirit, these Posthuma (he having envyed the uncharitable world other remains of his choise literature and observation,) have taken wing into the world, and by your candid acceptance may surmount his Fate: He hath not at all herein consulted his reputation and esteem of learning or abilities, which were very eminent in him, but hath descended to the plainness which affections require, without any art or elegancy of Ornament, as more becoming the sincerity of his paternal love. This was judged fit to be premised, that the expecting Reader might not be stumbled at the easiness and common language, with which he hath cloathed his most difficult cares and thoughts for his Children; and withall to let you know that this copy was transmitted hither by a worthy hand, and saving the alteration of some Scoth words, which would puzzle the English Reader, is faithfully Printed; To them I commend it, and remain,
Your Friend.
The Contents.
THe Marquess of Argyls instructions to his Son. fol. 1
The Marquess of Argyls instructions to his Children. fol. 20
CHAP. I. Of Religion. fol. 29
CHAP. II. Of Marriage. fol. 39
CHAP. III. Of the Court. fol. 49
CHAP. IV. Of Friendship. fol. 59
CHAP. V. Of Travail. fol. 69
CHAP. VI. Of Hous keeping and Hospitality. fol. 79
CHAP. VII. Tenants and other concerns of Estate. fol. 89
CHAP. VIII. Of Study and Exercise. fol. 98
CHAP. IX. Of Pleasure, Idleness, &c fol. 107
CHAP. X. Considerations of life. fol. 116
Maxims of State. fol. 125
Miscellaneous Observations. fol. 169