1.

IN Meditation , those , which begin heauenly thoughts , & prosecute them not , are like those , which kindle a fire vnder greene wood , and leaue it , so soone as it but begins to flame : leesing the hope of a good beginning , for want of ●econding it with a sutable proceeding : when I set my self to meditate , I wil not giue ouer , till I come to an issue . It hath beene said by some , that the beginning is as much as the midst ; yea , more than all : but I say , the ending is more than the beginning .

2 There is nothing ( but Man ) that respecteth greatnes : Not God , not Nature , not Disease , not Death , not Iudgement : Not God , hee is no accepter of persons : Not nature , we see the sonnes of Princes borne as naked , as the poorest ; and the poore child as faire , wel-fauored strong , witty , as the heire of nobles : Not disease , death , iudgment , they sicken a-like , die a-like , fare a-like after death : There is nothing ( besides naturall men ) of whom goodnes is not respected : I will honour greatnes in others , but for my self , I wil esteem a dram of goodnes , worth a whol world of greatnes .

3 As there is a foolish wisedome : so there Pro. ●9● 22 1 , Cor. 120● is a wise ign●rance , in not prying into Gods Arke : not inquiring i●to thinges not reuealed . I would faine know all that I need , and all that I may : I leaue Gods secrets to himselfe . It is happy for me , that God makes me of his Court , though not of his Counsell .

4.

As there is no vacuity in nature , no more is there spiritually : Euery vessell is full , if not of liquor , yet of ayre ; so is the hart of man : though ( by nature ) it is empty of Math. 23. 28. grace , yet it is full of hypocrisie and iniquitie . Now , as it filleth with grace , so it is emptied of his euill qualities . As in a vessell , so much water as goes in , so much ayre goes out : but mans heart is a narrow-mouthed vessell , and receiues grace but by drops ; and therefore askes a long time to emptie and fill . Now , as there be differences in degrees , and one hart is neerer to fulnes then an other : so , the best vessell is not quite full , while it is in the bodie , because there are stil remainders of corruption : I wil neither be content with that measure of grace I haue , nor impatient of Gods delay : But euery day I wil endeuor to haue one drop added to the rest , so my last day shal fill vp my vessell to the brim .

5

Satan would seeme to be mannerly & reasonable , making , as i● he wold be content with one halfe of the hart , wheras God challengeth all or none : as ( indeed ) he hath most reason to claime all , that made all : But this is nothing , but a craftie fetch of Satan , for he knowes , that if he haue any part , God wil haue none ; so , the whole falleth to his share alone . My heart ( when it is both whole , & at the best ) is but a strait & vnwoorthy lodging for God ; if it were bigger & better● I would rescrue it all for him . Sathan may look in at my doores by a temptation , but he shal not haue so much as one chamber-room setapart , for him to soiourne in .

6

I see , that in naturall motions , the neerer anie thing comes to his end , the swifter it mooueth . I haue seene great riuers , which at their first rising out of some hills side , might be couered with a bushell , which , after many miles , fill a very broad channel ; & drawing neere to the Sea , doo euen make a little Sea in their owne bankes : So , the wind at the first rising , as a little vapour from the cranies of the earth , and passing forward about the earth , the further it goes , the more blustring and violent it waxeth ; a Christians motion ( after he is regenerate ) is made naturall to God-ward ; and therefore , the neerer he comes to Heauen , the more zealous hee is . A good man must be like the Sunne ; not like Ezechias Sunne , that went backward , nor like Iosuahs Sunne , that stood stil , but Dauids Sunne , that ( like a Bride-groome ) comes out of his chamber ; and as a Champion reioyceth to runn● his race : only , herein is the difference , that when he comes to his high noon , he declineth not . How euer therefore , the mind ( in her naturall faculties ) followes the temperature of the body , yet in these supernatural things shee quite crosses it , for with the coldest complexion of age , is ioyned in those that are truly religious , the feruentest zeale and affection to good thinges : which is therfore the more reuerenced , and better acknowledged , because it cannot be ascribed to the hot spirits of youth . The deuil himselfe deuised that olde slaunder of ●arly holines ; A young Saint , an olde Deuill : sometimes young Deuils haue prooued olde Saints ; neuer the contrary ; but true Saints in youth , doo alwayes prooue Angels in their age . I will striue to bee euer good , but if I should not finde my selfe best at last , I should feare I was neuer good at all .

7

Consent hartneth sin , which a little dislike would haue daunted at first ; As wee say , there would be no theeues , if no receiuers : so would there not be so many open mouthes to detract and slaunder , if there were not as many open eares to entertain them . If I cannot stoppe other mens mouthes from speaking ill● I wil either open my mouth to reproue it , or els I will stop mine eares from hearing it ; & let him see in my face , that hee hath no roome in my heart .

8

I haue oft wondred howe fishes can retaine their fresh taste , and yet liue in salt waters ; since I see that euery other thing participates of the nature of the place , wherein it abides : so , the waters passing through the channels of the earth , varie their sauour with the ve●nes of soyle , through which they slide : So , brute creatures transported from one Region to another , alter their former qualitie , & degenerate by little and little . The like daunger haue I seene in the manners of men , conuersing with euill companions , in corrupt places : For , besides that , it blemisheth our reputation , and makes vs thought ill , though wee be good ; it breedes in vs an insensible declination to ill ; and works in vs , if not an approbation , yet a lesse dislike of those sinnes , to which , our eares & eyes are so continually inured . I may haue a bad acquaintance , I will neuer haue a wicked companion .

9

Expectation in a weake minde , makes an euill , greater ; and a good , lesse : but in a resolued minde , it digests an euill , before it come , and makes a future good , long before , present . I will expect the woorst , because it may come the best , because I know it will come .

10

Some promise what they cannot doo , as Sathan to Christ ; some , what they could , but meane not to doo , as the Sonnes of Iacob to the Shechemites : some , what they meant for the time , and after retrayt , as Laban to Iacob ; some , what they doo also giue , but vnwillingly , as H●rod ; some , what they willingly giue , and after repent them , as Ioshu● to the Gibeonites . So great distrust is there in man , whether from his impotence or faithlesnes● as in other things , so in this , I see God is not like man : but what euer hee promises , hee approoues himselfe most faithfull , both in his abilitie and performances : I will therfore euer trust God on his bare word , euen with hope , besides hope , aboue hope , against hope : and onwards , I will rely on him for small matters of this life : for how shal I hope to trust him in impossibilities , if I may not in likelihoods ? how shall I depend on him , for raising my body from dust , and sauing my soule ; if I mistrust him for a crust of bread , towards my preseruation .

11

If the world would make me his Minion● he could giue me but what he hath : and what hath he to giue ? but a smoake of honour , a shadow of riches , a sound of pleasures , a blast of fame ; which , when I haue had in the best measure ; I may be worse ; I cannot be better : I can liue no whit longer , no whit merrier , no whit happier . If he professe to hate me , what can he doe but disgrace me in my name , impouerish mee in my state , afflict me in my body ? in al which , it is easie , not to be euer the more miserable : I haue beene too long beguiled with the vaine semblances of it : Now hence-forth accounting my selfe borne to a better world , I will in an holy loftines , beare my self as one too good to be enamoured of the best pleasures , to be daunted with the greatest miseries of this life .

12

I see there is no man so happy , as to haue all thinges , and no man so miserable , as not to haue some ; Why should I looke for a better condition , then all others ? If I haue some-what , and that of the best thinges , I will in thankfulnes enioy them , and want the rest with contentment .

13

Constraint makes an easie thing toilesom , wheras againe , loue makes the greatest toile , pleasant : How many miles do we ride & run , to see one silly beast follow another , with pleasure : which , if wee were commaunded to measure vppon the charge of a superiour , we should complaine of wearines . I see the folly of the most men , that make their liues miserable , and their actions tedious , for want of loue to that , they must doo : I will first labour to ●ettle in my heart a good affection to heauenvly things ; so , Lord , thy yoake shall be easie , and thy burden light .

14

I am a stranger euen at home , therefore if the doggs of the world bark at me , I neither care , no● wonder .

15

It is the greatest madnes in the world , to bee an hypocrite in religious profession : Men hate thee , because thou art a Christian , so much as in appearance : God hates thee double , because thou art but in appearace : so , while thou hast the hatred of both , thou hast no comfort in thy selfe : Yet if thou wilt not bee good , as thou seemest ; I hold it better to seeme ill as thou art : An open wicked man doth much hurt with notorioussinnes , but an hypocrite doth at last more shame goodnes , by seeming good ; I had rather be an open wicked man , then an hypocrite , but I had rather bee no man , then eyther of them .

16

When I cast downe mine eyes vppon my wants , vpon my sinnes , vpon my miseries ; mee thinkes no man should be woorse , no man so ill as I ; my meanes so many , so force-able , and almost violent ; my progresse so small , and insensible ; my corruptions so strong , my infirmities so frequent , and remedilesse ; my bodie so vnaunswerab●e to my minde . But when I looke vp to the blesinges that GOD hath enricht mee with all , mee thinkes I should soone be● induced to thinke none more happie then my selfe : God is my friend , and my Father : the world not my Master , but my slaue : I haue frends , not many , but so tryed , that I dare trust them . An estate not superfluous , not needy : yet neerer to defect , then abundance : A calling , if despised of men , yet honourable with God : A body not so strong , as to admit securitie , but often checking mee in occasion of pleasure : nor yet so weake , as to afflict me continually : A mind not so furnished with knowledge , that I may boast of it ; nor yet so naked , that I should despaire of obtayning it : My miseries afford me ioy , mine enemies aduantage ; my account is cast vp for another world : And if thou thinke , I haue said too much good of my selfe , either I am thus , or I would be .

17

The worldlings life is ( of all other ) most discomfortable , for that which is his God , doth not alway fauour him , that which should bee , neuer .

18

There are three messengers of death : Casualty , Sicknes , Age : The two first are doubtfull , since many haue recouered them both ; the last is certaine : The two first are suddaine , the last leasurely and deliberate : As for all men vpon so many summons , so , especially for an old man , it is a shame to bee vnprepared for death : For , where other see they may die , hee sees hee must die . I was long a-gone olde enough to dye , but if I liue till age , I will thinke my selfe too olde to liue longer .

19

I will not care what I haue , whether much or litt●e 〈◊〉 If little , my account shall bee the lesse ; If more , I shall doo the more good , and receiue the more glory .

20

I care not for anie companion , but such as may teach mee somewhat , or learne somewhat of me . Both these shall much pleasure me ; one as an agent , the other as an subiect to worke vpon , neither knowe I whether more ; for though it be an excellent thing to learne , yet I learne but to teach others .

21

If earth ( that is prouided for mortality , and is possessed by the Makers enemies ) haue so much pleasure in it ; that Worldlinges thinke it woorth the account of their heauen : such a Sun to enlighten it , such an heauen to wall it about , such sweet fruits and flowers to adorne it , such variety of creatures , for the commodious vse of it : What must heauen needes be , that is prouided for God himselfe , & his friends : How can it be lesse in woorth , then God is aboue his creatures , and Gods friends better , then his enemies . I will not onely be content , but desirous to bee disso●ued .

22

It is commonly s●ene , that boldnes puts men forth before their time , before their abilitie . Wherein , we haue seene many that ( like Lapwings , and Partridges ) haue runne away with some part of their shel on their heads : Whence it followes , that as they began boldly , so they proceede vnprofitably , and conclude not without shame : I would rather bee haled by force of others to great duties , them rush vpon them vnbidden : It were better a man shou●d want work , then that great worke● should want a manne aunswerable to theyr weight .

23

I will vse my friends , as Moses did his rodd ; While it was a rodd , he helde it familiarly in his hand ; when once a Serpent , hee ranne away from it .

24

I haue seldome seene much o●tentation ; and much learning met together : The Sunne rising and declining , makes long shadowes , at mid-day when hee is at highest , none at all : Besides , that skill when it is too much showne , looses the grace , as fresh-coloured wares , if they bee often opened , leese their brightnesse , and are soyled with much handling : I had rather , applaude my selfe for hauing much , that I showe not : then that others should app●a●d mee , for showing more , then I haue .

25

An ambitious man is the greatest enemie to himselfe , of any in the world besides . For hee still tormentes himselfe with hopes , and desires● and cares , which hee might auoid , if he would remit of the height of his thoughts ; and liue ●●ietly . My onely ambition shall bee to bee in Gods fauour on earth , & to be a Saint in heauen .

26

There was neuer good thing easily comne by : The heathen man could say , God sels knowledge for sweat , and so , he doth honour for ieopardie : Neuer anie man hath got either wealth , or learning with ease● Therfore , the greatest good must needs be most difficult . How shall I hope to get Christ , if I take no paines for him ; and if in all other thinges the difficultie of obtayning , whets the mind so much the more to seeke , why should it in this alone daunt mee , I will not care what I doo , what I suffer , s● I may winne Christ ; If men can endure such cutting , such lancing , searing of their bodies , to protract a miserable life , yet a while longer ; what pain shou●d I refuse for eternity ?

27

I● I die ; the world shal misse mee but a little , I shall misse it lesse ; Not it mee , because it hath such store of better men ; Not I it , because it hath so much ill , & I shal haue so much happines .

28

Two thinges make a man set by , Dignitie and Desert , amongst fooles the first without the second is sufficient : Amongst wise men , the second without the first ; Let mee deserue well , though I be not aduaunced . The Conscience of my woorth , shall cheere me more in others contempt , then the approbation of others can confort me● against the secret checke of my owne vnworthines .

29

The best qualities do so cleaue to their subiects , that they cannot be communicated to others : For , where patrimonie , & vulgar acc●unt of honour , follow the blood in many generations , vertue is not traduced in propagation , nor learning bequeathed by our will to our heires : least the giuers shou●d waxe proud , and the receiuers negligent : I wil account nothing my owne , but what I haue gotten ; nor that my owne , because it is more of gift then desert .

30

Then onely is the Church most happy , when Truth and Peace kisse each other ; and then miserable , when either of them balke the way , or when they meete and kisse not : For truth without peace is turbulent ; and peace without truth is secure iniustice ; thogh I loue peace well , yet I loue mayne truthes better ; and though I loue all truthes well , yet I had rather conceale a small truth , then disturbe a common Peace .

31

An in-discreete good action , is little better than a discreet mischiefe , for in this , the doer wrongs onely the patient : but in that other , the wrong is done to the good action ; for both it makes a good thing odious ( as many good tales are mar'd in telling ) & besides , it preiudice● a future oportunity : I wil rather let passe a good gale of wind ; and stay still on the shore , then launch forth , when I know the wind wil be contrary .

32

The world teaches me , that it is madnes to leaue behinde mee those goods , that I may carrie with mee : Christianitie teaches mee that , what I charitably giue aliue , I carrie with me dead ; and experience teaches me , that what I leaue behind I leese ; I will carie that treasure with mee by giuing it , which the worldling looseth by keeping it ; so , while his corps shal carie nothing but a winding-cloath to his graue , I shal be richer vnder the earth , than I was aboue it .

33

Euery worldling is an hypocrite , for while his face naturally lookes vpward to heauen , his hart grouels beneath on the earth ; yet if I would admit of any discord in the inward & outward parts ; I would haue an heart , Coloss● 3● 2● that should looke vp to heauen , in an holy contemp●ation of the things aboue , and a countenance cast downe to the earth in humiliation ; this only dissimilitude is pleasing to God .

34

The heart of man is a short word , a small substance , yet great in capacitie , yea , so infinite in desire , that the round Globe of the world cannot fill the three corners of it ; when it desires more , and cries , Giue , Giue . I will set it ouer to that infinite good ; where the more it hath , it may desire more , and see more to be desired ; when it desires but what it needeth , my hands shal soone satisfie it ; either of which , if it may containe it , when it is without the body , much more may both of them fill it , while it is within .

35

With men it is a good rule to try first , and then to trust , with God it is contrary : I will first trust him as most wise , omnipotent , mercifull , and trie him afterwards : I know it is as impossible for him to deceiue me● , as not to be .

36

As Christ was both a Lambe and a Lyon , so is euery Christian : A Lambe for patience in suffering , and innocence of life . A Lyon for boldnesse in his innocence : I would so order my courage and mildnesse , that I may bee neither Lyon-like in my conuersation , nor sleepish in the defence of a good cause .

37

The godly sowe in teares , reape in ioy : The seede●time is commonly waterish , and louring : I will bee content with a wet spring ; so I may bee sure of a cleare and ioyfull haruest .

38

Euerie man hath an Heauen and an Hell : Earth is the wicked mans Heauen , his Hell is to come ; On the contrarie , the godly haue their hell vpon earth , where they are vexed with tentations , and afflictions by Sathan and his complices ; their heauen is aboue in endlesse happines ; If it be ill with mee on earth , it is well my torment is so short , and so easie : I will not be so couetous , to hope for two heauens .

39

Man on his Death-bed hath a double prospect , which in his life-time the interposition of pleasure and miseries debard him from : The good man lookes vpward , and sees heauen open with Steuen , and the glorious Angels readie to carie vp his soule . The wicked manne lookes downe-ward , and sees three terrible spectacles , Death , Iudgement , Hell , one beyond another ; & all to be passed through by his soule : I maruell not , that the godly haue beene so cheerefull in Death , that those torments , whose very sight hath ouercomne the beholders , haue seemed easie to them● I maruell not that a wicked man is so loath to heare of death , so deiected , when hee feeles sicknes , and so desperate , when hee feeles the pangues of death ; nor that euerie Balaam would fain die the death of the righteous . Henceforth , I will enuie none , but a good man ; I will pitie nothing so much , as the prosperitie of the wicked .

40

Not to be afflicted , is a signe of weakenesse : For therefore God imposes no more on mee , because hee sees I can beare no more : God will not make choyce of a weake Champion● when I am stronger , I will looke for more ; And when I sustaine more , it shall more confort me , that God findes mee strong , then it shall grieue me , to be pressed with an heauy affliction .

41

That the wicked haue peace in themselues , is no wonder , they are as sure as Tentation can make them : No Prince makes Warre with his owne Subiects : The godly are still enemies : Therefore , they must look to be assaulted both by Stratagems and violence : Nothing shall more ioy mee , then my inward vnquietnes . A iust warre is a thousand times more happy then an ill-conditioned Peace .

42

Goodnes is so powerfull , that it can make thinges simply euill ( namely our sinns ) good to vs ; not good in nature , but good in the euent ; good , when they are done , not good to be done : Sinne is so powerfull , that it can turne the holiest Ordinances of God in it selfe : But heerein our sinnes goes be●ond our goodnes ; that sin defiles a man or action otherwise good ; but all the goodnes of the world cannot iustifie one sinne : As the holy ●le●h in the skirt makes not the bread holy that touches it ; but the vncleane touching an holy thing , defiles it . I will loath euery euill for it owne sake , I wil do good but not trust to it .

43

Fooles measure good actions by the euent after they are done : Wise men before-hand by iudgement , vppon the rules of reason and faith : Let mee doo well , let God take charge of the successe , if it bee we●l accepted , it is well . If not , my thanke is with God .

44

Hee was neuer good man , that amends not . For if hee were good , hee must needes desire to be better . Grace is so sweete , that who euer tastes of it , must needes long after more : and if hee desire it , hee will endeuour it , and if h●e doo but endeuour ; GOD will crowne it with successe . Gods familie admittes of no Dwarffes ; which are vnthriuing , and stand at a stay ; but men of meas●res . What euer become of my body , or my estate ; I will euer labour to finde somewhat added to the stature of my soule .

45

Pride is the most dangerous of all sinnes , for both it is most insinuatiue , hauing crept into HEAVEN , and Paradise ; and most dangerous where it is : For where all other Tentations are about euill , this alone is conuersant only about good things● and one dram of it poysons many measures of grace . I will not be more afraid of doing good things amisse , then of beeing proud , when I haue performed them .

46

Not onely Commission makes a sinne : A man is guilty of all those sins he hateth not . If I cannot auoyd all , yet I will hate all .

47

Preiudice is so great an enemie to truth , that it makes the minde vncapable of it . In matters of faith , I will first lay a sure ground , and then beleeue , though I cannot argue : holding the conclusion in spight of the premises : but in other lesse matters , I will not so fore-stall my mind with resolution , as that I will not be willing to be better informed . Neither wil I say in my selfe ● I will hold it , therefore it shall be truth ; but , This is truth , therefore I will hold it : I will not striue for victorie , but for truth .

48

Drunkennes and Couetousnes doo much resemble one another , for the more a man drinkes , the more hee thirsteth ; and the more hee hath , still the more hee coueteth : and for their effects , besides other , both of them haue the power of transforming a man into a beast , and of all other beasts , into a Swine . The former is euident to sense ; the other , though more obscure , is no more q̄uestionable : the couetous man in two thinges plainely resembleth a Swine : That he euer rootes in the earth , not so much as looking towards Heauen : That hee neuer doth good , till his death : In desiring , my rule shall bee necessitie of nature , or estate ; in hauing , I will account that my good , which doth me good .

49

I acknowledge no Maister of Requests in Heauen but one , Christ my Mediatour : I know I cannot bee so happie , as not to neede him , nor so miserable , that hee should contemne mee : I will alwayes aske ; and that of none , but where I am sure to speede , but where there is so much store , that when I haue had the most , I shall leaue no lesse behind ; Though numberlesse drops be in the Sea , yet if one be taken out of it , hath so much the lesse , though insensibly ; but God , because hee is infinite , can admit of no diminution : Therefore are men niggardly , because the more they giue , the lesse they haue : but thou , Lord , maist giue what thou wilt , without abatement of thy store : Good prayers neuer came weeping home ; I am sure I shall receiue either what I aske , or what I should aske .

50

I see that a fit Bootie many times makes a thiese , and many would be proud , if they had but the common causes of their neighbours : I account this none of the least fauours of GOD , That the world goes no better forward with me ; for I feare , if my estate were better to the world , it might bee woorse to God . As it is an happie necessitie that inforces to good , so is that next happy , that hinders from euill .

51

It is the basest loue of all others that is for a benefit ; for heerein wee loue not another , so much as our selues : Though there were no Heauen , O Lord , I would loue thee : Now there is one , I wi●l esteeme it , I will desire it , yet still will loue thee for thy goodnesse sake ; Thy selfe is reward enough , though thou broughtest no more .

52

I see men point the fielde , and desperatelie ieopard their lyues , as prodigall of their blood , in the reuenge of a disgracefu●l word against themselues , while they can be content to heare GOD pulled out of Heauen with blasphemie , and not feele so much as a rysing of theyr blood : Which argues our colde loue to God , and our ouer-seruent affection to our selues : In my owne wrongs , I will hold patience laudable , but in Gods iniuries , impious .

53

It is an hard thing to speake well , but it is harder to be well silent , so as it may bee free from suspition of affectation , or ●ullennes , or ignorance : Else loquasitie , and not silence , would be a note of wisedome . Heerein I will not care how little , but how well ; Hee said well for this . Not that which is much , is we●l , but that which is well , is much .

54

There is nothing more odious , then fruitlesse olde age . Now , for that no Tree beares fruite in Autumne , vnlesse it blossome in the spring ; to the end that my age may be profitable , and laden with ripe fruit I will endeuour , that my youth may be studious , & floured with the blossomes of learning and obseruation .

55

Reuenge commonly hurts both the offerer , and sufferer : as we see in the foolish Bee ( though in a ● other things commendable ) yet heerein the patterne of fonde spightfulnesse ; which in her anger inuenometh the flesh , and looseth hersting , and so liues a Drone euer after . I account it the onely valour to remit a wrong , and will applaude it to my selfe , as right noble and Christian , that I might hurt , and will not .

56

Hee that liues well , cannot choose but die well ; for if hee die suddainly , yet hee dies not vnpreparedly ; if by leasure , the conscience of his well-led life , makes his death more comfortable : But it is seldome seene , that hee which liues i● , dy●th well , for the conscience of his former euils , his present paine , and the expectation and feare of greater , so take vp his heart , that he cannot seek God ; and now it is iust with God , not to be sought , or not to bee found , because hee sought to him in his life time , and was repulsed : Whereas therfore , there are vsually two maine cares of good men , to liue well , & die well , I will haue but this one , To liue well .

57

With God there is no free-man , but his Seruant , though in the Gallies , no slaue , but the sinner , though in a Pallace , none noble , but the vertuous , if neuer so basely discended , none rich , but hee that possesseth God , euen in rags , none wise , but hee that is a foole to himselfe , and the world ; none happy , bu● him whom the world pities : Let mee bee free , noble , rich , wise , happy to God ; I passe not what I am to the world .

58

When the mouth praieth , man heareth ; when the heart , God heareth ; euerie good prayer knockes at Heauen for a blessing ; but an importunate prayer pierces it ( thogh as hard as brasse ) & makes way for it selfe , into the eares of the Almighty : and as it ascends lightly vp , caried with the winges of Faith , so it comes euer laden down againe vpon our heads : In my prayers , my thoughts shall not bee guided by my wordes ; but my wordes shall follow my thoughts .

59

If that seruaunt were condemned for euill , that gaue God no more then his owne , which he had receiued , what shall become of them that rob God of his owne ; If God gaine a little glory by mee , I shall gaine more by him : I will labour so to husband the stock that God hath left in my hands , that I may returne my soule better then I receiued it ; and that hee may make it better then I returne it .

60

Heauen is compared to an hill , and therefore is figured by Olympus among the Heathen , by mount Sion in GODS Booke : Hell contrariwise to a Pit● The ascent to the one is hard therefore , and the descent of the other easie and headlong : and so , as if wee once beginne to fall , the recouerie is most difficult : and not one of manie stayes , till hee comes to the bottome , I will be content , to pant , and blow , and sweat , in climbing vp to Heauen ; as contrarily , I will bee warie of setting the first step downward towards the Pit : For as there is a I●cobs Ladder into heauen , so there are blind stayres that goe winding down into death , wherof each makes way for other ; From the obiect , is raysed an ill suggestion , suggestion drawes on delight , delight consent , consent endeuour , endeuour practise , practise custome , custome excuse , excuse defence , defence obstinacie , obstinacie boasting of sinne , boasting a reprobate sence : I will watch ouer my wayes , and do thou , Lord , watch ouer mee , that I may auoyd the first degrees of sinne , and if those ouer-take my frailtie , yet keepe mee that presumptuous sinns preuaile not ouer mee . Beginnings are with more ease and safety declined , when wee are free ; then proceedings when wee haue begun .

61

It is fitter for youth to learne then teach , and for age to teach then learne ; and yet fitter for an olde man to learne then bee ignorant ; I know I shall neuer know so much , that I cannot learne more ; and I hope I shall neuer liue so long , as till I bee too olde to learne .

62

I neuer loued those Salamanders , that ar● neuer well , but when they are in the fire of contention ; I will rather suffer a thousand wrongs , then offer one ; I will suffer an hundreth , rather then returne one ; I will suffer many , ere I will complaine of one● and endeuour to right it by contending ; I haue euer found , that to striue with my superiour is furious , with ●y equall doubtfull , with my inferiour , sordid & base , with any , full of vnquietnes .

63

The praise of a good speech standeth in words & matter : Matter which is as a faire and well featur'd body ; Elegance of words , which is as a neat and well fashioned garment ; Good matter slubbred vp in rude & carelesse wordes , is made loathsome to the hearer , as a good body mishapen with vnhandsome clothes : Elegance without soundnes , is no better then a nice vanitie : Although therefore the most hearers are like Bees , that goe all to the flowers ; neuer regarding the good hearbes that are of as wholsome vse , as the other of faire shew ; yet let my speech striue to bee profitable ; plausible as it happens● Better the coate bee mishapen , then the body .

64

I see , that as black and white colours to the eyes , so is the Vice and Vertue of others to the iudgment of men : Vice gathers the beames of the sight in one , that the eye may see it , and be intent vpon it . Vertue scatters them abroad , and therefore hardly admits of a perfect apprehension : whence it comes to passe , that as iudgement is according to sence , we doo so soone espie , and so earnestly censure a man for one vice , letting passe many laudable qualities vndiscerned , or at least vnacknowledged ; yea , wheras euery man is once a foole , and dooth that perhaps in one fit of his folly , which hee shall at leasure repent of ; as Noah in one houres drunkennes , vncouered those secrets which were hid sixe hundred yeeres before ; The world , is herevpon readie to call in question all his former integritie , and to exclude him from the hope of any future amendment . Since God hath giuen me two eyes ; the one shall bee busied about the present fault that I see , with a detesting commiseration , the other about the commendable qualities of the offender , not without an vnpartiall approbation of them : So shall I doo GOD no wrong , in robbing him of the glorie of his gifts , mixed with infirmities , nor yet in the meane time encourage Vice , while I doo distinctly reserue for it a due portion of hatred .