Institutions, Conclusion
The Concluſion.
TO conclude with a ſtory: Sempronius Gracchus, Father of Caius and Tiberius Gracchus, obſerving the turbulent diſpoſitions of his two Sons, perſuaded them to reſide in the Country at his Farm, there to negotiate in his affairs of husbandry: but his ſaid Sons, being of a more boyling and tumultuous humour (They afterward became incendiaries in the State of Rome) would not hearken to their Fathers commands, but reſolved to abide in the City, at that time the Theater of the World for high Atchievements and Actions. Their Father not prevailing with them, uſed and delivered unto them theſe words: My Sons, if you will not return into the Country, as I deſired, then take care, I pray you that you act nothing Indignum Nomine Sempronio.
You My dear Coſon, derive ſome honour from your late Father, much more ennobled by your worthy Mother. Act nothing, I beſeech you, that ſhall be unworthy of your Anceſtors, from whom you deſcend.
But I have a better confidence of you; and your Name hath been alſo very fortunate to our family: Bonum nomen, bonum Omen. I hope it will be verifyed of you, as it was of Jhon Baptist in the perſon of Elias: Joannes cum venerit reſtituet omnia.
And for Dixton, I hope it will be ſaid, the ſame which was ſaid of Rome under the Government of Auguſtus, L…teritiam invenit, reliquit marmoream.
And to that purpoſe I ſhall commend you to God in my prayers: God ſo bleſs and govern you, that you may be a contentment to your ſelf, a comfort to your worthy Mother, an Honour to our decayed Family (to me your well doing an unſpeakable Joy) and which is the ſumme of all, that you may be the faithfull Servant of Almighty God, to live in his fear, and dy in his Favour Amen.
DEO GLORIA.
End of the text · William Higford, Institutions (1658)