12. Let the Prince preserve Peace among his Subjects; however, it would not be amiss to encourage an Emulation among his Counsellors, as it leads to the Discovery of Truth. A skilful Judge will often extract the Truth from the Passions of the Advocates. 13. He would act wisely, if in Affairs of the last Moment he heard the Sentiments of every Member of the Senate, and that, rather apart than when conven’d. For in a full Senate, where Opinions are openly given, it often falls out that the most fluent Speaker bears all before him with a Torrent of Eloquence, and so the Sovereign hears but one Opinion. 14. Punishments are not less necessary than Rewards: The first puts a Stop to Evil, as the latter encourages Good. Hence it may not be wrong even to reward a bad Subject for a good Action, if it were only, that others may thereby be whetted up and incited to do their Duty vigorously. 15. In Promotions to Honours and publick Posts, let Regard be had principally to the Person’s Dexterity and Adroitness for that particular Employment. Though Piety and Integrity are of themselves most commendable Virtues, yet ’tis possible we may be deceiv’d by their Appearance. Every one would affect a Sanctity of Behaviour, if he knew that this Shew of Virtue was the Road to Honours; and would in Words profess the utmost Probity and Uprightness, with the same View. Besides, it is no easy Matter to form a Judgment of a Person’s Virtues, till he is admitted to Employment, in which, as upon a Stage, he is to exhibit Specimens of his Virtues. But nothing is easier than to make Experiment of any one’s Aptness for Business before-hand. It is infinitely harder for the Stupid and the Ignorant to conceal their Stupidity and Ignorance, than for a Hypocrite to cover his Impiety, or a Knave his Roguery. Besides, great Abilities and much Virtue are not so very opposite but they may be often found united in the same Character. And if a Person of large Abilities be at the same Time honest and virtuous, nothing more can be wanting. An Ignorant is either good or bad; if bad, who knows what Monsters Ignorance and Wickedness in Conjunction produce? If good, his very Dulness must indubitably hinder the Exercise of his Virtues. And if he of himself neither can nor dare attempt the Commission of some atrocious Crime, yet the Servant, whose Assistance he must make use of, in all Likelihood may. A foolish Landlord has commonly a roguish Bailiff, and a dull Justice a knavish Clerk, who fearlesly commits Frauds and Errors under the Protection of his Master. In Promotions therefore, let Dexterity be the principal Thing regarded.