XXIV
OF INNOVATIONS[1]
As the Births[2] of Living Creatures, at first, are ill shapen, So are all Innovations[1], which are the Births of Time. Yet notwithstanding, as Those that first bring Honour into their Family are commonly more worthy then most that succeed, So the first Precedent (if it be good) is seldome attained[3] by Imitation. For Ill, to Man's Nature as it stands perverted, hath a Naturall Motion, strongest in Continuance; But Good, as a Forced Motion, strongest at first.[4] Surely every Medicine is an Innovation; And he that will not apply New Remedies, must expect New Evils: For Time is the greatest Innovatour: And if Time, of course,[5] alter Things to the worse, and Wisedome and Counsell shall not alter them to the better, what shall be the End? It is true that what is setled by Custome, though it be not good, yet at least it is fit.[6] And those Things, which have long gone together, are as it were confederate[7] within themselves; Whereas New Things peece not[8] so well; But though they helpe by their utility, yet they trouble by their Inconformity.[9] Besides, they are like Strangers, more Admired and lesse Favoured.[10] All this is true, if Time stood still; which contrariwise moveth so round,[11] that a Froward[12] Retention of Custome is as turbulent a Thing[13] as an Innovation; And they that Reverence too much Old Times are but a Scorne[14] to the New.[15] It were good, therefore, that Men in their Innovations would follow the Example of Time it selfe, which indeed
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Changes
- ↑ offspring
- ↑ equalled
- ↑ On man's corrupt nature, evil naturally exerts most influence as time goes on, whilst goodness operates as an influence from without and grows weaker
- ↑ by its natural course
- ↑ suited to the times
- ↑ i.e. work together well
- ↑ do not fit in with the old
- ↑ incongruity
- ↑ more wondered at and less liked
- ↑ so revolves
- ↑ obstinate
- ↑ causes as much confusion
- ↑ an object of scorn
- ↑ viz. to their own age
