ALthough little considered of some , ( yet are they not ignorant of this ) that we shuld liue according to Gods will reuealed in his word , & be carefull to win each other ; dooing our industry to shew the things he hath commaunded , detesting and reproouing that hee hath forbidden . And amitie doth animate vs to illustrate Gods glorie in all our actions , ( which is the finall cause of mans Creation ) therefore mentioned in this praeludium . Such follow not their phantasies , as our aduersaries of the truth doe : Psalm. 97.7 . for ietting Iesuits and bloody Papists call stocks and stones Laye-mens bookes , yet God Omniscient doth convince it . Confounded be all they that serue grauen Images , that boast themselues of Idolles . Esay , 42.8 . I am the Lord , that is my Name , and my glorie will I not giue to any other , neither my praise to grauen Images . Saint Dauid teacheth vs the true way that directed him right , Ps. 119.105 Thy Word is a lampe vnto my feete , and a light vnto my path . In which as in a myrrour if wée search with true prayer , we shall sée light more fulgent then the bright Sun beames , to shewe vs the way to walke to Gods glorie . From which Canonicall rule Sathan makes an aberacion : Therefore in hate to him , and loue to man , here is reprooued , Not vsing the Victuling-house for necessitie , but the common and accustomed sinne of Drunkennesse , that daily increaseth : From which except with spéede wée refraine , wée procure Gods high displeasure to be powred euer vpon vs .

The Apost. S. Paul , indued with a heauenly spirit , foreknowing future things , with praemunition , giueth a caueat ; 2. Timoth: 3. This know also that in the last dayes , perillous times will come ; for men shall be louers of theyr owne selues , which is to be vnderstood of the inordinate loue of theyr bodies , for while we liue so , wée are enemyes to our soules , which are our selues . Corpora nostra non sunt nos . Our bodyes are not vs , Rom: 8.12 . To the which wée are debters , but not to liue after the flesh . Yet till wée the bellie , and fainte the soule : delighting so in liquor that thereto we lust . Belly-gods abuse theyr bellyes , they can carouse at all times , thyrstie or not , asmuch in one day as might serue some men ten : So impudent and shamelesse , that they rather boast thereof then bée ashamed . Bibax addicted to Bibaculus , in Cliant to Bacchus , frequenting Bachanal till he be Bacchatus . The deceyuer inticeth to excesse to torment vs . Some seldome cease , but are exorbitant from goodnes , flexible to follie , pliant to impietie , with delectation in such dooings . Theyr odious actions shewes affections are not fixed on God to loue him , and with feare to offend him , except a seruile feare , as Sathan hath , it is to be feared , some want it . For though some doo boast they are saued by Christ , they denie him in theyr déedes . The fruits bewrayes the heart to be false . Psalm: : 14. The foole hath said in his heart , there is no God : their déedes say , so doo they . The sucking sinne is as common as the Cartway , which is to be deplored , and daylie reprooued . Much festinacion not to be fasting , to fatting , turning pot after potfull into wide weasands , and bias bellies making them gutters of gulpers , and swiltubs for swyne . Vnsatiable in receiuing , and ready in expelling , néere the Dore so perspicuous , as theyr priuities may be perceiued . Then againe , into the Den with an Anthem , fill & fetch , haue for halfe , not hauing ariditie , yet a pint at a draught drawing destruction . Cauponula catcheth them , the Tap-tarrier inticeth them , to powre in pots plentifully , trip and turne a Dye daintily , sweare and stare , iet and iest , cogge and lye leaudly , in the blind Ale-house not licenced , where the Host sits halfe rotten , voyd of fealtie , full of fallacie , like the Image in time of blindnesse , which shaked the head meriliest to them that gaue most : So excesse makes men beasts and worse ; Modum adhibent apperitui , They measure their appetites by the rule of necessitie : but men with reason , become vnreasonable , of whom it is written , Esay 22.23 . Let vs eate and drinke , for to morrow we shall dye . Ede , bibe , lude , is the Epicures felicitie . Christ saith , Ioh. 6.12 . Let nothing be lost ; but they spill and spoyle . Combibo carous till Colon cracke , Bibbers are bountifull to abuses , not to good vses . hee blowes and boasts he must not be miserable , not remembring the misery of thousands ready to miscary for want of that hee wastes . Math. 5. Blessed are the mercifull ; but excessiue Suckpots shew themselues miscreants without comiseration , sympathy , or fellow-feeling of famished folks and children . They pittie not their owne spirituall misery how Satan deludes them of the Benisson ; but are foggie , full of fastiuitie , loth to linquish , like to languish , and illiterated , not knowing a letter , he fils the Chimney end with Praebibo tibi ; and Lice often fitter for that place then Latine . Lazie Lads likes it , and calles for liquor liuely . Meretrix is an inticer to the slaughter . The lewde are delighted ; for they reproue not impietie , but get impiously , and spend prodigally , till that got with a reach , is lost by a stretch . True dealers are spighted , which mislikes their misdoings , and spends as riches extends . There be Victualers farre off and neere me , that honour God by their victualing : they reprooue their guests for great drinking , rude talke , and swearing , not hauing their houses dennes for Diuels . Some others , like Proteus ( which would change himselfe to al likenes ) frame themselues as euery man is affectioned , flattering those that plye the pot fastest ; no assiduitie delayed . So youth prooue poore , and without a penny , departs in anxietie . Luke 15.13 . The prodigall sonne wasted his substance with riotous liuing , so long as lasted his portion he was in estimation ; but when all was gone hee would haue filled his belly with the husks that the Swine did eate , and no man gaue vnto him . Euen so , when men are poore and purse empty , their absence is liked more then their company . Yet people , whose delight is to péepe into a pot , will not be warned ; but may be compared to Philoxius , Arist. Eth. 3.10 . which wished his necke longer then a Cranes , to féele the more pleasure in the long running downe : which minde is farre from the faithfull , whose affection is in heauen . Therefore , yée Corpulents , all for the corps , that frequent quaffing and ryot , like vntamed Tigers , and bruites vnbridled , if you would vse militarie resistance against Mille-artifex , which conquers you like Cowards , yée would tame your bodies , and nourish your soules : but not féeling his circumuents , yée liue to your lusts , yée drinke and eate at ease , not hauing the combat Gods children haue . O , let vs repent , lest wee haue our portion in this life . Psa. 17.14 . Lament. 3. It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed . To him be all honour for euer , Amen .

Sit laus Sanctae Trinitati .

Effects of drowsie Drunkennesse .

THe receipt of mens money superfluously spent is odious to a good conscience . Their wiues and children want sustenance , shee knowes not at what Alehouse to finde him : and séeing her goods consuming , and children crying , she tels him his fault , and intreats him to be frugall . The Béere piercing his braine , hee counts her counsell hostilitie : he stamps & staggers , stares , sweares , & blasphemes the Almightie , which hideous othes , wherby Gods wrath is kindled . He giues her blowes , no béefe , whereby loue decreaseth , hatred increaseth . When they should pray , they prate , and depart , or liue peruersely . The patrimony might haue maintained family hospitalitie , and béene left to the posteritie : but two yeeres drinking caused the dissipation . The sequell is euill ; great disturbance to good people , whome they cousen , théeue , and purloine from , procuring the Prison : there they haue hunger , thirst , cold , lamenesse , lice , loathsome , noysome : a Dogges death is procured , which was by meanes of wasting . At the Gallowes they cry out of Alehouses , euill inticers , licentious liuing , drunkennesse , whoredome , theft , and chambering , which earst would not bee told of ; neither will many that now are dissolute : but powre into the paunch , till ( alasse ) had-land is lowsie .

Good Hoasts fore-sée this , and giue good counsell : but an ( Antithesis ) euill Hoast doeth not ; they and their colleague companions are flexible , but to vertue aduerse . Hee that idely spends his patrimony , deserues this Epithete ; ( Spend-thrift , ) but such as consume it in Drunkennesse , are execrable creatures .

O yee consumers , yee are theeues to your families , enemies to God and to your owne soules and bodies , and robbers of all the needy . Woe bee to such as cause the poore to cry , and procure GOD to withdrawe his blessing from Lande and Sea . Yet Colon increaseth Cholera , procuring profusion , the full gorge foames froth . Present pleasure seemes sweete , not regarding that bitter gnashing followes quaffing : for it doth contaminate the soule . Excesse of colde Frumenty fills men full of infirmitie . Gen. 19. Lot thereby committed lust and incest . It causeth Lethargie and sleeping , and quailes good qualities . Ierom. Venter mero aestuans spumat in libidinem : The belly inflamed with Wine , bursteth foorth to lust . Beere-belly is inflamed , but not ashamed ; yet the woe of woes is pronounced . Oh , Esay 5.11 . yee that can drinke at all times , and thinke it mellifluous to be immoderate , as instigators intice others , wound not your soules with woes .

Refraine from quaffing , it is a Hecticke , inflaming the soundest parts of the body . It makes a good sanguine complection puft ; if not pocky : but dead drunke , pale . Quaffing makes men vnquiet , vntemperate , incontinent , enuious , fierce , wrathfull to fight , curse and brawle . It hurts the braines , head , eyes , and hearing , it causeth plurisie , dropsie , to scorne , iest , and talke of bauldry : as a quotidian Feuer , it inféebleth the whole man , bréeding diseases . It infecteth soule and body , and procures plagues from the Almighty : it destroyeth his benefits , and brings plenty to scarcitie , and causeth the poore , the aged , and infants to cry for foode . It offendeth the Omnipotent God , and is an offence to all Gods children . All kinde of sinnes waite on excesse . It makes men prompt to euill , peruerse to pietie : it gaines the Gallowes , and hell without repentance . Yet Milleartifex , with excuse , saith it makes him acute : but how ? to serue Asmodeus and Asotus : and therefore to be reiected as Aspis , very venemous . It makes none ingenious to goodnesse , the euill effects are monstrous . It dulles and takes away the sences , sets the eyes in the head anstere and strange to behold . It makes a man a monster , metamorphosed from the Image of God , to the image of the Diuell : their actions are irksome to good people , though the rude reioyce to see it . Quaffing is the occasion , if not the cause of felonious theeues , and flattering theeues ( alias couseners : ) the first are dangerous ; the last liker hypocrites , to insinuate and say they loue you , but it is the adiunct of your purse , promising , but neuer paying . I restraine to particularize any by-qualitie or name , yet many deteine that is not their owne , but prosper not . The effect of drunkennesse and gluttony is pouerty : Pro. 23. Woe , sorrow , contentions , babling , woundes without cause : rednesse of eyes , are adioynts to them that tarry long at the wine . At the last it byteth like a Serpent , and stingeth like an Adder . Thine eyes shall beholde strange Women , and thine heart shall vtter peruerse thinges . Wine and Women leade wise men out of the way . The best wine and worst women are prouokers . Much eating and drinking makes Idiocie and dotage , whereby men are allured to the vndiscreet , as Herode , to graunt the head of blessed Iohn Baptist , to a deceytfull Dauncer . Hosea 4. Whoredome , Wine , and new wine , infatuates the heart . Excesse makes men estranged from themselues , excluding all honesty & humanity . Some cannot liue on their lands , nor others by good Occupations , Psalm: : 107. and therefore spoyled in prisons . A fruitfull Land is turned into barrennesse , for wickednes . Drunkennesse destroieth Gods benefits and doth auert his blessings . Yee Common-wealth consumers , deuote not your selues to the Diuell . Your sursetting excesse , so raiseth the price , that the poore cannot maintaine theyr Families , but are distressed , some distracted . Yée are the death and vndooing of thousands . How can you answere for those yée cause to starue ; and for the death of your selues , by your excesse ? All the world haue the lesse and worse successe for you . Millions of men haue beene vndone , by haunting such Houses , Be counselled where they lost their liuing , and learned leaudnesse . Young men thinke on this ( for your sakes I write this ) before your Land be gone , before yée be in thraldome , and dis-franchised of your liberties .

Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth , Eccles: 12. before thine eyes be dimme , and thou tremble . Doe not procrastinate ; It is apparent , that superfluous powring in of drinke , hath prouoked God to powre downe extraordinary Flouds : and for your foaming out , to make the Sea breake out , whereby People haue perished , Cattell drowned , Goods and Bridges borne into the Ocean . The Skye cries against vs , Thunders are fearfull , Diuels irefull , Trées rent , Houses brent , People killed , many things destroyed , God is displeased , winde and weather auerre it ; oft , Ships are sunke : Oh we are obdurate , we pull downe greater vengeance , and amend not . Manie vse Dolus , to pamper theyr paunches with Diues , till with that Epulo , they taste dolorificus .

Oh soule , thinke how the diuell doth pollute thée , make not so much of thy bodie . Excesse brings not salubritie , nor sanctitie , wholsomnesse nor holinesse , but contrarie . Prouerb . 20. Wine is a mocker , strong drinke is raging , and whosoeuer is deceiued thereby is not wise . Such are deceyued and vnwise as quaffe Quartes in a day , but one were better , and hée fitter to any good action . Yet protract they the time at Ale-houses , and make their bodies vnprofitable receptacles . Prouokers fat themselues & others for the day of slaughter , hindring manie , but profite not any .

Oh a dearth is to be dread . Bée not a sucking Sodomite , the mouth shal be full of earth . Quaffing leades to the lake of quaking . Pray and repent .

Our prosperitie , tranquillitie , and truth many yeares taught , will be witnes to reprooue vs , for want of loue to God , and for our selfe-love to impiety .

Consider this yée that forget GOD . Be not brutish ; they are worse then Brutes , that are bond-slaues to euill Affections . Therefore hate that which God abhorreth : to him be all honour for euer . Amen .

DEO omnis Potestas & Gloria .

¶ Drunkennesse , and Excesse of drinking reprooued .

COmbibo perswades his complices that they committe no Drunkennesse so long as they can talke and walk , although theyr Bellyes be bladder-blowne . But remember oh Swyne , and manners worse , what the Prophet saith ; Woe be vnto them them that are mightie to drink wine , Esay . 5.22 . and men of strength to mingle strong drinke .

Now knowe that God hateth the inordinate Drinker , although hée doe not stagger .

Some are gyddie by Age , Sicknes , or Imbecillity , yet little drinkers : the Drones are the Drunkards ; Woe , and the woe of woes are denounced to them . Esay . 5.11 . Woe vnto them that rise vp early in the Morning , that they may follow strong drinke .

They haue woe and sorrowe , Prou. 23. that tarrie long at the Wine . Yet Bibulus whose best behauiour is barbarous , vseth the Ale-house , and abuses it as an euill-house ; woes will not warne him , hée neglecteth his Vocation , to the detriment of his Wife and Children .

But if any prouide not for his owne , and especially , for those of his owne House , hee hath denyed the Faith , 1. Tim: 5.8 . and is worse then an Infidell .

Many prouide for the wormes , that shall wring their corpulent Carcases . Christ giueth a Caueat , Luke , 21.34 . Take heed to your selues , least at any time your harts be ouercharged with surfetting and drunkennesse . Let menacing or Admonition amend vs . Ephesians , 5.18 . And be not drunke with wine , wherein is excesse , but be filled with the Spirit .

Alas , the Carcas is filled , and the spirite of God excluded . Heluo hasteth to hell , and gormondise his guts , till hee euacuates as hée receyued .

A Swyne is a swallower , immoderate to moysture , Matth. 8. The Gergesenes lost many into whom the Diuels entred , droue them into the Sea , & drowned them in that moysture ; and the Diuels driue Swinish mindes , to drowne them with drinke . 1. Cor. 10. Our eating and drinking must be to Gods glorie , to eate and drink to liue , and not liue to eate and drink . Drunkennes & reuellings are fruits of the flesh , Gal: 5. they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdome of God . A fearfull Enthymeme , to them not mortified . Imbrace the saying of S. Paule , not the pot . Let vs walke honestly as in the day , not in ryotting & drunkennes , not in chambering & wantonnesse , nor in strife & enuying , but put yee on the Lord Iesus Christ , Rom. 13.13 and make not prouision for the flesh , to fulfill the lusts therof .

Except wée abandon the déedes of darknes , we put not on the Lord Iesus , but the diuell . To sée him makes such to quake : but they entertain him , serue him , and feare not . The Lord saith by the prophet Ioel , 1.5 . Awake ye drunkards , weepe and howle ye drinkers of wine : Hee menaceth and admonisheth them to preuent the Anger to come . Ierem : 35.6 . The Rechabites abstained from drinking of wine , at the commandement of Ionadab ; Much more ought we to refraine from drunkennesse at Gods commaund . The Lord reprooueth the Adultrers , that louest agons of wine . The prophet complaineth , Esay . 56.12 . Come yee ( say they ) I will fetch wine , Osea . 3. and wee will fill our selues with strong drinke . That Come , driues to detriment , and we goe willingly . Math: 11.28 Christ. saith Come , for our comfort , but we will not : It 's the fashion to call and prouoke each other to excesse of drinking . It was not so , at that royall Feast , Hester 1.8 . And the drinking was according to the lawes , none did compell . The great God , little regarded , denounceth woe to inticers .

Woe vnto him that giueth his neighbour drinke , that puttest thy bottle to him , Abac. 2.15 . and makest him drunken also , that thou mayest looke on his nakednes . Solomon would drawe vs from the meanes that moueth delight to drinking , least we be drunken . Prou: 23. Looke not vpon the wine when it is red . Oh that Parents would not be sanage , but sage as Salomon , to counsell . It is odious and absurd for youth to drinke much . Except in labor , a modicum suffiseth nature . To giue wine to a young man , is to adde oyle to fire : Wine and strong drinke are fitte for the weake and sicke . Prou: 31. Giue strong drinke to him that is ready to perish , & wine vnto those that are of heauie hearts . Alas , such lacks , when lazie liuers gulps gallons , and iudge that those which ioyne not with them , doo thinke themselues righteous ; but they that féele theyr sinnes most , vse meanes to tame their flesh : So did prudent Paule , 1. Cor: 92.7 . I keepe vnder my bodie , and bring it into subiection . It appeares that pamperers are Iustitiaries and féele not theyr sinnes , which defileth their soules . Did they , they would striue and resist it , and not so nourish it . Immoderate nutriment procures imminent punishment .

Saint Dauid being thirstie , desired water , and it was brought him . Neuerthelesse hée would not drinke . 2. Sam: verse 17. And he saide , Be it farre from mee ô Lorde , that I should doe this ; Is not this the bloud of the Men that went in ieopardy of theyr liues ? Therefore hee would not drinke it .

A carnall minde would thinke wine had bene fitter to strengthen him against his visible enimies : but being then not fit , Excesse with vs is much more vnfit , and to be refrained , that wée may ouercome our inuisible enimies the diuels . He refused that he had néede of : much more ought we to refuse néedlesse excesse : such effusion causeth confusion , in the lake of lamentation . Daniel : 5. Balthazar being drinking of his cups , heard and had a cooling . God graunt vs grace to be prepared , and in well dooing at Christs comming . Lamentat : 3. It is of the Lordes mercies , that we are not consumed : to him he all honour for euer . Amen .

Laus Deo .

¶ A perfect proofe that Gods children must not be associated with Drunkardes , nor with other impious .

SAlomon saith , Be not amongst wine bibbers . Prou: 24. Be thou not enuious against euill men , neyther desire to be with them . Prou: 28. He that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father . The Psalmographe saith , Pro: 23.20 . Psal. 26. I haue not sate with vaine persons , neither will I goe in with dissemblers . But Drunkards count such no companions . They lose a lofty title that shake not hands with the diuell . The foremost in leaud life is the bad . But it 's better to be hated and goe to Heauen , then of them to beloued and goe to Hell . Vertue shall ascend , when Vice shall descend , Iames 4. their amitie is enmitie . Whosoeuer therfore wil be a friend of the world , is the enemy of God . Therfore good men dare not flatter them in follie . Ps. 139.21 . Dauid hated them that hated God . He shewes where the true harted shall dwell . Ps. 15.4 . He shal abide in Gods tabernacle , in whose eyes a vile person is contemned , but honoreth them that feare the Lord . 2. Tim: 3. But this world will grow to an Antipathie .

Euill people shall be esteemed , and good people contemned . Yet if thou hast ignominie refraine theyr company : for though thou be expert with a good Booke in thy bosome they will frame thée to theyr fashion , and so to confusion . If they cannot winne thee , they will wrong thée . They that are dissolute of theyr duties to God , are carelesse of theyr soules , and of thy safetie . It is a probabilitie , that their euocation and prouoking , is manie mens vndooing .

Say then with the princely Prophet , Psal: 119.115 . Depart from mee yee euill doers , I will keepe the commaundements of my God . Ver: 63. I am a companion of all them that feare the Lorde . Bée thou so , and not a Chamelion for all companies .

Cato counsells thée to walke with good men . Shall an Ethnick excell vs in good conuersation , that neuer had our meanes of conuersion ? Hée doth admonish vs , and Christ doth menace vs , Math: 24. Hee that eateth and drinketh with the drunken , shall be appointed his portion with Hypocrites : there shal be weeping & gnashing of Teeth .

S. Paule reproouing the impietie of people , shewing the wrath of God for the same , saith : Be not therefore partakers with them . Ephes. 5.7 . They that let Drunkardes haue drinke may prosper a time , but such gaine is like to prooue paine . Hée or shee that giue weapons to those that wound themselues , A Caueat to fillers to Drunkards . are culpable . Thou art forbidden their companie and societie . It is odious to attend them .

Consider this , yée that haue houses for such . Reprooue and remooue such slowbellies , you had better doe any slauerie then be accessary to theyr actions . Math: 16.26 . For what is a man profited if he shall gaine the whole world , and lose his owne soule ?

Abhorre their behauiour though they hate thée , Ephe: 5.11 . And haue no fellowship with the vnfruitfull works of darknes , but rather reproue them . If they will not heare they are barbarous . Prou: 12. Hee that hateth reproofe is brutish . Win them with lenitie , else refraine their society , 2. Cor: 6.14 . What communion hath light with darknes ? Gen: 25.22 . Esau and Iacob strugled in the wombe : So doe Gods seruants and sathans adherents ; and so did Christ and his Apostles with the wicked world . Let vs not serue sin , but our good God , to whom be all honor for euer . Amen .

Laudate IAH .

¶ Drunkards hatred to those that abhorre their behauiour .

THe primarie prophet , Ps. 119.139 a Paragon of ardent amitie to God , saith : My zeale hath consumed mee , because mine enemies haue forgotten thy worde . A man to mourne for his owne sinnes in sinceritie , is not common : to mourn for sins of others is not much in custome . He was a mourner for his owne sins , & for the sins of his enemies , which thing so admirable , fewe doo imitate . Yet when hée wept , it was to his reproch . He was a Prouerb , & song of the drunkards ; Psal. 69. Gods spirite excited him to reprooue such as impeached Gods glory . But malefactors could not , neither can they abide such mislikers . Ps. 35. The abiects did teare him , & with hypocriticall mockers in feasts , they gnashed vpon him with their teeth . He saith , False witnes did rise vp : they laid to my charge things I knew not , they rewarded me euil for good , to the spoyling of my soule . Yet in their sicknes he mourned , in his aduersity they reioyced . It was , and will be false filbellies , hate their vnlike with crueltie . The sighing singer of Israel had many enemies : Patheticall affections are with afflictions vnmercifulnes are adioynts to miscreants , like tyrants in time of blindnes against the modest martyrs being patients , when fierce agents threw fagots on their faces : Effecting their craft without mercy , that the martyrs might not professe their maister . Yet did they , eleuating harts & hands in fire & flames , sing psalmes to God , to whom be all honor for euer . Amen .

Whether Papists or Atheists , some Alemates obserue this Adage , Non amo te , nec possum dicere quare : I like thée not , nor can I tell thee why : theyr Eglogue comes of enuie . But sance for the false tongue , Byrche for black tongues are Psal: 120. Sharpe arrowes of the mightie , with coles of Iuniper . Yea , Psal. 101.5 . Such shall be cut off . Yet armed with Ale , they euaporate that such and such are miserable , because they are frugall , and to better vses liberall ( not haunting nor delighting with Drunkards . ) Younglings hearing this , spend till their purses be pennilesse : For a false tale with Ale , is in stéede of a toast . They harken to the fiction : of such is made mention , wherin they thinke it strange , that you run not with them to the same excesse of ryot , 1. Peter . 4.4 . speaking euil of you . So such kissers of Culigna frequent excesse & riot , and contemne those that wil not . Quaffing mockers confabulate with petulancie against painfull Preachers , which renounce pomps & vanities , & are industrious to draw vs to goodnes , by their good conuersation , & profitable preaching : which doe pray , watch , and studie , to deliuer Doctrine in the best manner , to send soules to saluation : but intemperancie vse continually , & will not behold the liues of good liuers Asmodeus do spight and not delight them . If any did prooue a ply pot , ready to riot , they would count him quiet , though a pleasurable plague .

If Drunkards could draw any to bée as Simon magus awong the Disciples , and as vnsatiable Iudas among the Apostles . Or to refraine from the counsell of Saint Peter . 1. Epist: 5. and from the life of Timoth: 2. epist: 3.10 . and from the charge giuen him , 2. Tim. 4 ; Sathan had his seeking . Or to forget the great menacing : Ezechiel , 3.18 . and Chapter . 33.6 . that bloud might goe with bloud , and destruction for want of instructing . Or to be like the trée Caprisicus , that God might reiect them . Or aduerse , to ayme at the vertuous , and quench god beginnes , the Pope , were eased , and the Diuell pleased . Good men are prudent and innocent , and haue Gods blessing , by preuenting euill occasions : for Inticers flatter them in the face ; but prate in priuate . The Scorpion hath a fayre face , and a foule tayle : so some haue sugred words , but bite the backe . They cannot abide reproouers of impiety ; but are like the rude rout which said of Paul : Act. 22.22 . Away with such a fellow from the earth ; for it is not fit that hee should liue . Many quaffers haue such Iewish qualities . There can bée no true concord betwéene men moderate , and Monsters inordinate : good and euill agrée not . Gen. 3.15 . Enmitie is betwéene the Serpents séede and the Womans . 2 Pet. 2.7 . Iust Lot was vexed with the filthy conuersation of the wicked : but they were destroyed , and he was deliuered . The Bée hath honey on her legges , but a sting in her tayle : so , though sinne seemeth swéete , when God doth strike the stroke , the sting shall strike the soule . If such were said to ; Leaue hibbing , your houses and a burning , they would not grudge to haste home : much lesse must such bee angry , but faster runne , being warned from excesse , that their soules be not burned . Alas , men runne to ruine . It is of the Lords mercies that wee are not consumed . To him be all honour for euer , Amen .

Laudate Deum .

A profitable Preparatiue for the Excessiue .

I Beséech all such as would haue happinesse , to leaue excesse , and seeke for safetie , that they may arriue at the Hauen of Heauen : to that purpose I expresse a Preparatiue as a meanes to bring the body in subiection to the spirit . It is a Fasting ioyned with true Prayer , not thinking thereby to merite , as fond Papists affirme , Luke 17.10 . When yee shall haue done all those things which are commanded you , say , We are vnprofitable seruants . Of Fasting , we read , Leuit. 23.14.27.29 . Iudges 20.26 . Daniel 9.3 . Ioel 2. Ionas 3. Moses and Elias fasted . Ezra did appoint it , 8.21 . Dauid saith , Psa. 35.13 . I humbled my selfe with fasting . As it is commanded , so it is commended , and of Christ and his true seruants hath been vsed , Lu. 4. Acts 9. Acts 10. Acts 13. 1. Cor. 7. 2. Cor. 11. Omnis Christi actio nostra est instructio : Euery action of Christ is our instruction . When hee had cast a Diuell out of a childe , he sayd , Mathew 17 ; Howbeit , this kinde goeth not out but by Prayer and Fasting . This might excite vs to Fast and Pray , it is requisite and required . Luke 2. Anna , a Widdow , departed not from the Temple , but serued God with fastings and prayers . The excessiue serue Sathan in feasting and playing , and gormondize their guts in gluttony . Bee prepared for thy profite , accomodate thy selfe fit for fruits of faith ; for fasting is a meanes to helpe forward the vertues and graces of the minde . Enter thy chamber , remember what thou art ; a blast of breath : how short thy time is ; not sure of an houre : and when thou dyest , thou goest to him thou seruest . Hilarion giues vs a lesson , as Hierom relateth ; Ego ( Asine ) faciam , te vt non calcitres : O thou Asse ( said Hilarion to his body ) I will make thee that thou kicke not : meaning , to tame it . Saint Paul was minded so to subdue it , 1. Cor. 9.27 . Fasting is a meanes to humble men , and to brydle their affections . 2. Cor. 5.17 . If any man be in Christ hee is a new creature : the minde is changed , actions altered , euill company auoyded . Not to drinke betweene meales is profitable and peaceable for people that labour little . If worke requires it , drinke not so strong as shall make thee stagger ; rather vse small Ale , and better Meate .

Loyterers neede not drinke as Labourers . If wantons would be warned , they might finde it a meanes to temperance , sobrietie , lenytie , chastitie , health , wit , and wealth : then would they consider that abstinence is needfull , and excesse needlesse .

Some will not fast truely , because Papists fast falsely ; and refuse many good meanes , which others vse to no good end . Wee ought to fast , Gods word requires it : our gratious King commands it : our bodies shall be the more obedient to the spirit , and more spared for the poore : which not to regard , is a defect of charitie , no effect of faith , but of infidelitie .

The sinne of Sodome was , Pride , fulnesse of bread , Eze. 16. abundance of idlenesse , neglect of the needy ; which sinnes abounde . Christ saith , Luke 6.25 . Woe vnto you that are full ; for yee shall hunger . Woe vnto you that laugh now ; for yee shall mourne and weepe . One saith ; Foelicitas & moderatio diuiduum contubernium habent : Prosperitie and moderation dwell in two houses . It is dainty to finde them dwelling together . Saint Iames 5. threatneth the wicked rich men ; Goe to now , ye rich men , weepe and howle for your miseries that shall come vpon you . vers. 5. Yee haue liued in pleasure on the earth , and beene wanton : yee haue nourished your hearts , as in a day of slaughter .

If such could consider of this , and that thousands mourne for meate and drinke , which they haue too much of : their pleasure , would bee pitty : their wantonnesse , weeping : their feasting , fasting : which surfeting preuents : for it is rare for such as pamper their paunches , to ouercome euill affections . Therefore I pray you vse this preparatiue . And the peace of God be with vs , Amen .

Halelu-iah .

¶ A Letter to the Licentious .

GRace and peace be with vs . I pray you consider why impietie is reprooued . The finall cause is , that God may bee glorified : for the sonne that loues his father , grieues to see him dishonoured . The materiall cause is the commaundement from God : the efficient in this manner formall : Leuiticus 19.17 . Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart : thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour , and not suffer sinne vpon him , Heb. 3.13 . Exhort one another dayly , 1. Pet. 4. As euery man hath receiued the gift , euen so minister the same one to another . A good conscience procures it , and amitie bindes it . Iam. 5.20 . Let him know , that he which conuerteth the sinner from the error of his way , shall saue a soule from death , and shall hide a multitude of sinnes . Wee ought to succour each other . Commiseration is a pulsiue cause , which mooueth Gods children : They grieue to sée a Beare teare a childe ; much more to sée Sathan deuoure soules . If we sée a house ready to fall on a man , and not aduertise him , we are guilty of his death : so , if we sée one séeke the detriment of his soule , and not admonish him , we are culpable .

Thinke on this , Masters of families , Victualers , Keepers of Tauerns , and all others ; godly zeale exciteth vs , Mat. 7.12 . and God commandeth vs to doe as we would be done vnto . And good people doe desire to bee taught : the bad , like the Diuell , drawes others to euill ; and boast , they shall to heauen ; but will not tread the strict path . Oh , it is vnpleasant : but being profitable , let vs with lenitie admonish each other , and desire to be admonished . A blessing is promised , They that turne many to righteousnes shall shine as the starres for euer and euer . Dan. 12.3 . He meaneth faithfull Ministers , and others of the faithfull : the which hope of felicitie doe quicken to vinification . They indeauour to doe good , and are grieued that the greedy Diuell gets many into his net . It is furnished with leawd delights , alluring baytes , and sugred sinnes . If a Calumnor take his part to confront my labour , I wish him , first to consider ; Satan doth cousen him , to hale him to hell ; I doe counsell him , and haste him to heauen .