benefits have made able and faithful?

Cognit. univers.--In being able to counsel others, a man must be
furnished with a universal store in himself, to the knowledge of all
nature--that is, the matter and seed-plot: there are the seats of
all argument and invention. But especially you must be cunning in
the nature of man: there is the variety of things which are as the
elements and letters, which his art and wisdom must rank and order
to the present occasion. For we see not all letters in single
words, nor all places in particular discourses. That cause seldom
happens wherein a man will use all arguments.

Consiliarii adjunct. Probitas, Sapientia.--The two chief things
that give a man reputation in counsel are the opinion of his honesty
and the opinion of his wisdom: the authority of those two will
persuade when the same counsels uttered by other persons less
qualified are of no efficacy or working.

Vita recta.--Wisdom without honesty is mere craft and cozenage. And
therefore the reputation of honesty must first be gotten, which
cannot be but by living well. A good life is a main argument.

Obsequentia.--Humanitas.--Solicitudo.--Next a good life, to beget
love in the persons we counsel, by dissembling our knowledge of
ability in ourselves, and avoiding all suspicion of arrogance,
ascribing all to their instruction, as an ambassador to his master,
or a subject to his sovereign; seasoning all with humanity and
sweetness, only expressing care and solicitude. And not to counsel
rashly, or on the sudden, but with advice and meditation. (Dat nox
consilium. {17a}) For many foolish things fall from wise men, if