An exhortation to yonge men perswading them to walke in the pathe way that leadeth to honeste and goodnes: writen to a frend of his by Thomas Lupsete Londoner.

To my withipol .

IT happeneth atte this tyme ( my harty beloued Edmonde ) that I am in such place , wher I haue no maner of bokes with me , to passe the tyme after my maner and custome . And thoughe I had here with me plenty of bokes : yet the place suffrethe me not to spende in them any study . For you shal vnderstand , that I lye waytynge on my lorde Cardinal , whose houres I muste obserue , to be alwaye at hande , lest I be called , whan I am not bye : the whiche shuld be streight taken for a faute of gret negligence . Wherfore , nowe that I am well satiated with the beholdynge of these gaye hangynges , that garnissheth here euery wall : I wyll turne me and talke with you . For you muste knowe , that my mynde hath longe coueted , to shewe what affecte I beare to warde you : the which hytherto parauenture I neuer vttered vnto yon soo playnelye , that you might take therof any perfect knowlege . And that I so dyd kepe in , suche outwarde tokyns , wherof when you were with me , you shoulde haue perceyued my loue : the cause was none other , but that in dede , How masters hurt their scholars most . I loued you . For longe I haue ben taught , that the mayster neuer hurtethe his scholer more , than whan he vttereth & shewethe by cheryshyng and cokerynge the loue that he bearethe to his scholers . I thinke you lacked with me no cheryshinge , but of cokerynge you hadde very lyttel : bycause I was loth to hurt you : the whiche lothnesse cam I saye , of that I loued you . But nowe in as moche you be of age , and also by the common borde of houselynge admytted into the nombre of men , to be no more in the company of chyldren , and speciallye for as moche as my rule ouer you is cessed , I wyl not deferre any longer the expressynge of myne harte , that no lesse louethe and fauourethe you , than yf nature had made you , eyther my sonne or my brother . For this alway is my mynde , if I haue a frende , in whom I fynde suche feythe , & honestie , that I inwardly ioy in harte with hym : I reken streyght , that al his be myne with out any exception : Trewe frendshyp So that in very dede I take to my care , as myn owne , all thynges that be in my frendes care . This mynde had I to my frende Andrewe Smythe , whose son , Christofer your felow , I euer toke for my sonne , & nowe I thynke playnely , that he is so in very dede . This strengthe hathe true loue in frendshyp , the whiche hath likewyse ioyned your father in suche maner to my harte , that one thynke you shulde be no more his sonne then you be myne . And thoughe I can suffre your father to take the rule of you , more then I do : Yet I can not suffre , that he shulde care more for your profyte then I do . For as I desire & wishe , that you neuer haue nede of me : so surely if you euer shulde haue , it shulde well then appere , that as nature hath giuen you one father , so your fathers frendshyppe hathe prouided for you an other father . Wherfore good Edmonde , reken noo lesse affecte in me to doo you good than is in your owne father , whose only study and care is , to se you growe & prosper towarde the state of an honeste man : and I to further you to the same , am as desyrous as he is , and as moche as I can , I wyl helpe you both with my counsayle and power , suche as I haue .

¶ If you wyll call to your minde all the frayes , that haue benne betwene you and me , or betwene me and Smythe , you shall fynde , the causes euer depended of a care I had for your and his maniers .

When I sawe certayne phantasies in you or him , that iarred from true opinions , the which true opinions , True opinions . aboue al lernyng , I wolde haue masters euer tech theyr scholers . But nowe that you be of better habilite to take counseyll , I wyl begynne to shewe you my mynde , in stayinge you for the hole course of your lyfe , that you may in time lerne what is to be done , to be a good & an honest man . You be yet in the first entree of your lyfe , and nowe is the tyme to haue a guyde , that may faithfully conducte you in the ryght way : For there be so many by pathes , and for the most parte , all by pathes be more worne with the steppes of your fore goers than is the very true path of liuing : that if you go alone , you may paraduenture long wandre out of the streyghte way . Wherfore as nere as I can , I wylle in fewe wordes appoynte vnto you certayne markes , vppon the whiche if you dilygentlye loke , you canne not erre nor fayle of the waye , that leadeth to the rewarde of an honeste good man , whose vertue sauoureth plesantly to heuen , pleseth the world , and nourisheth hym selfe , with an incomperable delite and gladnes , that continually reygneth in his clene & pure conscience . With these markes & tokens , the which I wold you loked stil vpon , I wil assigne you certaine auctors , in whose workes I wold you shuld bestow your lesure , when you may haue time to rede , that by them you may at the full be instructed in al thinges apperteining to vertu : & in al your life I wold you medled not greatly with any other bokes , then with these , that I shal name vnto you : it is not the reding of many bokes , Reding of many bokes . that getteth increace of knowlege & iudgement : for the most parte of them , that redeth al indifferently , confound their wittes and memorie without any notable fruite of their redyng . It muste be a diligent reder , that shal take the profyte of his labour and diligence . No man ( specially of them that haue other occupations ) can vse redinge but in verye fewe workes , the whiche I wolde shuld be piked out of the best sorte : that the fruite of the reders diligence maye be the greatter . I se many lose theyr tyme , when they thinke to bestowe their time best , bicause they lacke iudgemente or knowelege , to pyke oute the bokes , the whiche be worthye to be studied . And in euerye thynge an order wel obserued , bringeth more profitte then any labour or peine besyde . Wherfore my good Withipolle , take hede to my lesson . I am in doubte , whether you haue anye other louer , that canne and wylle shewe you a lyke tale : but welle I am assured , that you haue none , that can thus teache you with a better will , to haue you take profite by him , then I do : & of me howe longe you shall haue this vse , it is in goddes wil to determyne : As moche as lyeth in me , I wyl nowe procure and prouide , that these letters shal kepe to your vse the summe of my councell , by the whiche if you order your will , I putte noo doubte , but fyrste the grace of god shal be rooted in you , and next you shal liue with a mery harte , and finally neuer to lacke the commodities requisite for the shorte tyme in this worlde , in the whiche case you shall opteyne the worshyp and dignitie of a good & an honest man , whose conditions I had rather se you haue with pouerte , than in greate abundance to be a man of smal honeste . You may be good , honest , and ryche , and so study to be , or els thynke neuer of ryches : for other wyse you shal deceyue your selfe , & do contrary to that way , that as wel worldly wisedom as the trouth of our faith sheweth you . But nowe here what I saye .

¶ Fyrst and last ( myn owne good Withipol ) remember ernestly to haue in your mind .iii. certeine thinges , the whiche be of suche valure , that he that forgetteth eyther their dignitie and nature , orles the degrees & order of them : he can not please nother god , nor hym selfe , nor the worlde . I saye , in all the course of your lyfe there be .iii. thinges to be loked so vpon , that the first of them must be firste of you regarded : the second enext after , and the third in his place after the .ii. Beware , as of dedly poison , that you ruffil not them without care , one before the other , as to take the .iii. in the place of the fyrste , or the second after the third , or both the second & the third before the first . In this conclusion you shal ( as I haue sayd ) both offend god , & displese your selfe , & also nothinge content the world . Like as the most part of men now a dayes trespas al for the rechfulnes & negligence in not keping these .iii. thinges , vnder the dignite & degre according as they ought to be obserued and kept . And what be we ( my good Edmond ) if we be out of goddis fauor ? odious to our selfe , and dispiteful to men . Therfore agayne I exhort you , to th entent you may eschewe this abhominable condycion , & growe to be admitted in the blessed nombre of them that rest in the grace of god , in the clennes of theyr conscience , and in the fauour of the world , to be iudged a good , a wyse , and an honeste man . For this finall ende myn exhortation is nowe , that you in al your actes in the hole course of your lyfe , remembre these three thinges , that I wil reherse vnto you . But I say to you , that you must not only remember these thre thinges , but also specially haue in minde the degres of them : so that euer the first of them be chiefly in your thoughte aboue al other : and then in his place put the second , and let not the third be regarded , but as his place requireth , that is , when you haue done with the fyrste , and also with the seconde . There lieth more weight & valure vpon the knowynge and kepynge of this tale , that I shall tell you : then if I coude shewe you the waye within fewe monethes , to be a man of greate power , both in excedynge abundance of riches , and also in passynge auctoritie of rule . Therfore as wel for the frute , that foloweth , if you do after myn exhortation , as for the infinite hurtes , that you canne not escape , if you shulde forgette that I say : I warne & warne you agayne , here this lesson with a glad eare , and print the same in your mind , to execute with lyuely diligence the effect of this counseyl , wherin is conteyned your life and deathe , your ioye and sorowe , as welle in this world , as in that shal be here after : These .iii. thinges , be the soule , the bodye , and the substaunce of this worlde . Soule . The fyrst place hath by good reason the soule , seynge hit is a thynge immortal , that is created and made after the fygure & shape of almyghtye god . Body . The nexte and seconde rome hath the bodye , as the caas and sepulture of the soule , and nereste seruaunt to the secretis of the spirite . The .iii. rome occupieth the riches & goodis of this world , Goodes of this worlde . as the necessarie instrumentes or toles for the bodye , the whiche can not want nor lacke suche thynges . Let then the eie of your inward minde fyrst & chiefely euer beholde the first thing in you that is your soule : Nexte therto haue a respecte to your bodye : and thirdely considre the worlde : Care for your soule , as for your chiefe iewell and only treasure .

Care for your body , for the soules sake . Care for the worlde for the bodis sake . Beware aboue al thinges , that you go not backewarde , as he doothe , that carethe fyrste to be a ryche man : nexte to be an helthye manne , and thyrdely to be a good manne : where he shoulde do clene contrary , first to study for goodnes , nexte for helth , and then for welthe . You se so greate blindnes amonge men , that some folke so careth for ryches , that very littel they loke for the helth of the bodye , & nothing at al they mind the state of the soule . I say to you , som folkes do thus : I wolde to god I myghte not truely report , that for the most parte al men in maner now a dayes do no nother wyse . Loke vpon eyther the spiritual sort or the temporal : and moch a do you shal hauein the great swarmyng multitude of this blynd sorte , to fynde oute theym , that fyrste aboue all thynges care for theyr soule , nexte for their body : and thirdly for goodes of this world . You shal se marchantes spare no trauayle nor ieopardie of the body , to get these goodes . They be ( to sey the trouth ) so occupied in the study of this third thynge , that scant they haue tyme to care for the seconde , and as for the fyrste , they passe nothynge ther vppon , it semeth a thynge leaste in theyr thoughte , where , of conueniencye the same care , studye , and thought , that they gyue to the opteynynge of these worldly goodes : they shulde spend it al in the mainteynaunce of the fyrste thynge , that is the soule : and the smalle lyttelle regarde , that they take for the fyrste , shoulde be bestowed for the thyrde : and more than they do , they shuld cherishe the seconde . The same confusion is with vs scholers : scholers . for our first study is to get promotion , to get these goodis , to liue welthily . In this care we busely be occupied continually . Somewhat more we cheryshe our bodies then doth the marchant : but our cherysshynge is for the longer vse of these goodes , not as it shuld be for the soules sake . And as for the soule we haue as lyttel regarde as other men haue , although we speke therof more then parauenture other men do . This ouerthwarte confusion of these thre thynges marreth all . And playnely I may say , that all mischief cometh onely of this misorder , that we put the chyefe care of our study to the thyrde thynge , and not to the fyrste , as of duitye , we oughte to do the contrarye .

If my purpose were to shewe you , what other men do , and not rather what I wolde haue you doo : I wolde farther procede to expresse vnto you , how farre out of square our lyfe is nowe a dayes : and how blessed a life we shuld haue in this traunsitorie worlde , if the care of our soule were fyrst and chiefely in mens myndes , lyke as the care of the worldly substance occupieth our hartis aboue all other thinges . If it were as it ought to be , that in our phantasie reigned the study for the soule , them shuld be here that celestial kyngedom , the whiche Christ techeth vs to pray for in oure pater noster , where we craue of god , that his rule and reygne maye come amonge vs . But as I despayre that commonly this study and care can not be changed from these worldly ryches to the soule : so I am ful of good hope , that you wyl take hede to your lyfe , to ordre therein your desyres , in this dewe maner , more regardynge what shulde be done , then what is done . When you se and knowe the ryght path , I trust you wil not walk in the croked hye way . The trouth shal more drawe you to loue and to folowe vertue , then the common ensample shalle entice you to folowe vyce , the whiche no man can loue , not the synner hym selfe .

But nowe myne owne good Edmonde , here of these three thynges somewhat more you muste prynte in your mynde , with a perfect perswasion , that your soule is the chief treasure , that you haue : wherevppon your continualle thoughte and care muste be , to kepe hit , to defende it , to norishe it , to comfort it by al waies and meanes possible for you . In this studie you muste spende all your wittes : night and day you must think on this thing , what so euer you do , you must direct your act to this thing . If you be occupied in the state of your body , eyther to dryue away syckenes , or to susteyne helth , let it be for the seruice your bodi oweth to the soule . If you trauayle for goodes of this worlde , to get your owne lyuyng , or to helpe your frende , orels to prouide for your chyldren , when god shal sende you them : let your trauayle be for the necessyties of the body , and so finally for the soule . Consydre what the goodes of the worlde be , howe they be but instrumentes for the body . Use then the worlde in his kynde . Loke agayne vpon your body , howe it is preciouser then the goodes : vse hym then in his worthynes , & hurte not your body for a thing of lesse valu . And as ye haue nothinge , nother your body nor your goodes , to be compared with the dignite of your soule : so my swete withipol , let nothinge be in your reputation aboue this chief & principal iewel , the whiche must only for him self be cared for , & al other thinges in this life , must be cherished for it . I sticke moche with you in repetinge one thynge , but maruayle nat , though I so do : For I se vs al in this world so blinded , partly by a vse & custome from the cradil , in the magnifienge of these goodis , partli by th ēsāple of them , with whom we be daily conuersant : that scant after longe crieng it can nowe be harde , that the soule must be cheifly cared for . And except grace worke with you , that you your self wyll consent to the trouth , it is not possible to perswade you , that the very trewe way of lyuyng is this , to care chiefly for the soule , and to care for all other thynges onelye for the soules sake . This sayenge thoughe it be trewe , yet I saye , hit can not be harde : in as moche the lyues of all them , with whome ye shal be continuallye conuersaunt , shall crye oute clene contrarye agaynste my sayeng . For on al sides you shall se menne sweatynge in a contynuall worke , bothe of bodye and of mynde , to get these worldly goodes , withoute any mention made of the soules state : the whiche the verye friers care lyttel for : as it openly appereth . But euer I say to you , loke what Christen men shuld do , and if you se men so do , be glad of that syght , & folowe the same : if you se the contrarie , fle from the ensample , and cleue euer fastly to the trouthe , with a sorowful harte for the losse of other men , that so blyndely rushe forthe in the trayne of a vicious lyuyng , where the soule is so lyttel cared fore .

¶ That this firste thynge may be the better in your study , I wil brefely touche som what of the thynges that appertein hereto : to haue you knowe what nourisheth and comforteth the soule , & what hurteth and noyeth the same . The soule can not but euer lyue , it hath noo ende of lyuynge , yet we may saye , that the soule liueth and dyeth : It liueth in the grace of god , and dieth in the malice of the diuel . The soules lyfe is the lyghte of vertue : his death is the derkenes of sinne . You haue a free wyll gyuen you , wherby you may either quicken or slaye at your owne pleasure , your soule in the bryght Paradise of life , and you may set your soule in the blacke dungeon of deathe . Let therefore this wyll of yours euer study to procure for the soules life , the whiche is your owne lyfe : and in the same study you shall delyuer the soule from his death , the whiche is the perpetualle payne ordeined for synne , that seperateth the image of god frome his patrone . I saye syn plucketh your soule from god , whose image your soule shuld beare . Therfore in all your actis so doo , that you wyllyngely displease not god : who canne not be pleased but with a pure and clene conscience , pure and cleane if you suffre noo synne to remaygne soo longe in your desyre and mynde , that hit cankerethe the thoughte . Your thoughte is cankered with the longe resydence of synne : when eyther you be weake in the studye of vertue , orelles make verye littelle of a faulte , or defende youre vyce , or nowselle youre selfe in a custome of an inordynate desyre . The fraylenes of our flesshe is so greatte , that it canne not be , but that syn shall come to our desyre : but it is our blame , if synne tarye and abyde within vs . God hath gyuen vs a myghtye power ouer our selfe : we maye when we wyll correcte our desires , and dryue out all synne . If you knowe not what is synne , nor what is vertue : by the feare and loue of god , you shal knowe boothe .

The feare of god wylle teache you to flee sinne and folowe vertu . Feare of god . Loue of god . The loue of god wylle teache you to folowe vertu and flee sinne : wherby your priuey and secrete conscience shall better and more clerely perceiue , what is to be done , and what is not , than any diffinition or descryption can appoynt oute to you . Therfore my dere Withipoll , enwarpe your selfe faste and sure in the fere and loue of god , from your firste rysynge to your reste , drawe forth the day in all your busynesse , as this louynge feare and feareful loue shal secretely admonishe and warne you : and dye rather than you wolde pursue any lust against your knowlege of goddes plesure .

¶ What marchandise so euer you occupie : remembre , it is the busynes of the thirde care , for the whiche you may not leaue any poynte of this fyrste care , that belongeth to the soule . Lyke wise if ye be occupied about the body : remembre , it is the warke of the seconde care , the which also must be ordered vnder the fyrste , the whiche fyrst must alwey sticke in your mynde , sturred vp and led in all desires & appetites by the sayde feare & loue of god . Do neuer that thynge , wherin you feare goddis displeasure .

¶ More partycularlye in wrytinges you shall lerne this lesson , Newe testamente . if you wold somtyme take in your handes the newe testamente , and rede it with a dewe reuerence . For I wold not haue you in that boke forgette , with whome you talke , hit is god that there speakethe , hit is you a poore creature of god that redeth . Consider the matche , and meke downe your wittes . Presume not in no case to thynke , that there you vnderstonde ought : leue deuisinge thervpon : submit your selfe to the expositions of holy doctours : and euer conforme your consent to agre with Christes church . This is the surest way that you can take , both before god & man . Your obedience to the vniuersal faith shal excuse you before god , although it might be in a false belefe : & the same obedience shal also kepe you out of trouble in this worlde , where you se , howe folishe medlars be daylie sore punyshed , both to theyr owne vndoing , & also to their gret sorow & lamenting of their louers & frendes . Surely the trouthe is as I haue sayd , that it is your parte to obey , and to folowe the church : so that both for your soules sake , and for your bodily quietnes , with the conforte of your frendes , I exhorte you to meddel in no point of your faith , other wise then the churche shal instruct & teache you . In the whiche obedience rede for your increase in vertue , the storie of oure mayster Christe , that liuely expressethe the hole course of a vertuous lyfe . Mat. 6. And there you shall here the holye gooste commande you , Luc. 12. to seeke fyrste afore all thynges , the kingedome of heuen , & than ( saith the spirite of god ) al other thinges apperteyninge to the bodye and worlde , shall by them selfe folowe withoute your care .

¶ In reding the gospels , Redynge the gospels Chrysost. Ierom I wold you had at hande Chrysostome & Ierom , by whom you might surely be brought to a perfecte vnderstanding of the text . And hereafter at leysure , I wolde you redde the Ethikes of Aristotell , Ethica . eyther vnder some expert philosopher , Arist. orels with comment of Futtiratius .

And lette Plato Plato be familiar with you , specially in the bokes that he wryteth De re publica . Also you shall fynde moch for your knowelege in the moral philosophie of Cic. Cicero . as in his bokes De officiis , de senectute , de fato , de finibus , de Achademicis questio . de Thust . Specially rede with diligence the workes of Seneca : Seneca . of whom ye shall lerne as moche of vertue as mans wit can teche you . These workes I thinke sufficient , to shew you what is vertue , and what is vice : and by redynge of these , you shall growe in to a highe corage to ryse in a iudgemente aboue the commen sorte , to esteme this world accordynge to his worthines , that is farre vnder the dignitie of the vertues , the whiche the mynde of men conceyueth and reioycethe in these bokes , shal lyft you vp from the claye of this erthe , and set you in a hill of highe contemplacion : from whence you shal loke downe and dispise the vanite , that folishe men take , in the deceyteful pompe of this shorte & wretched life . Mobokes , I wyll not aduyse you , for your soules study , to rede , thanne these : excepte hit be Enchiridion , that Erasmus wrytethe , a worke doubtles , that in fewe leaues conteynethe an infynite knowlege of goodnes . Thynke not my good Edmond , that I ouer charge you . For I knowe what pleasure you haue in redinge : & in better bokes you can not bestowe your plesure , than in these , the whiche be in nombre but fewe , and yet they shall do you more good than the reding here & there of many other . I wolde to Iesus I had in your age folowed lyke counseil in redinge onely these workes , the whiche nowe at laste by a great losse of tyme in redyng of other , I haue chosen out for my purpose , to refreshe with them the reste of my lyfe . And I councel you nowe to begynnne to doo the same , when tyme and conueniente leyser shall be giuen you to rede any boke .

¶ The second care is for the body , the which you must cherish as moche as may stande with the seruice of your former thought and study for your chief treasure . Haue a resspecte to kepe your bodye in good helth , Bodilye helth . the whiche resteth in the aier and in your diete . Abide not where ruption or infection is : Corrupte aier . Eate not , nor drink not out of time or mesure : nor yet of suche meates & drynkes , Diete . as be more delicate and pleasant , then holsome . Knowe the measure of your stomacke before you ouerlade your bealye . Choke not your appetite , but fede your honger .

Drowne not your lust , but quench your thirst , & euer for your soules sake , Faste . kepe you from glottony . Faste sometime boothe for deuotion and also for your helth : Slepe Slepe . rather to lyttell then to moche , as moche as you take from slepe , soo moche you adde to your lyfe . For slepe is deth for the tyme . Exercise Exercise . you continually : for in labor your bodye shall fynde strengthe : and lustynesse is gotten by the vse of your lymmes . Lette neuer the sonne ryse before you : you shall haue to all your affaires the lenger day : Ydlenes . And euer for your soules sake , flee from ydlenes , the whiche is not onely in hym that dothe nothynge , but also in hym that doth not well : and ydell you be , when you be not well occupied . Temperance . Be temperate in your lustes , touching the bodyly pleasure : the tyme shal not belonge tyll your frendes by goddis grace , wyll prouide you of an honeste mate . In the meane season let the feare & loue of god kepe you in chastitie , the whiche apperteyneth to your chiefe care : for nedes you must so do , seinge that other wise lecherie shal sore defoyle your soule , the which you must regard be fore the bodis appetite . For this part I wolde you redde , as your leiser shal be , Gale . De bona bale tud . tuen . a littel worke of Galen De bona valetudine tuenda . And in the workes afore named , you shal find many thynges , that shall instruct you well for this parte also , and lyke wise for the third , the whiche thyrd euer hath occupied mens stomackes more than eyther the first or the seconde . Wherfore as wel in holy scripture , as in the other philosophers , & specially in Seneca , Seneca . you shal finde many lessons , that apperteine to the thirde care . This third care is for the goodes in this world . In this part I can giue you smal aduyse of my selfe , bycause I haue had but smal experience here in : yet euer I se , that you may not in the study of gettyng these goodes , leue or slake the chief care , for the fyrste thynge , nor yet the secondarye care for the bodye . Labour you muste for your lyuynge in a dewe order , as in the thyrd degree of your thinges . If matens , masse , or a sermon be to be harde , set your marchandise aparte for the season , & prefer the mattens of your soule , that loketh to haue suche gostly fode . If the tyme require to haue you take a mele , eyther a diner or a supper for your refection , let not your marchandise defer the going therto in a dewe tyme . For remember , that busines is one degree aboue your marchandise . Almes dede . If you espie a pore man to be in nede of your helpe , hast to helpe him befor any eare of makinge a bargayne , for that worke of mercy perteyneth to your chiefe iewell : & therfore your soule shall growe in the grace of god . Breke not moch , to the hurt of your helth the conuenient time of going to bed for any occupations or rekeninges in your study for these goodes . For remember , that reste & slepe Slepe . perteine to the .ii. thyng , wher your conting bokes belonge to the thyrde . Bargyne . In making your bargaine kepe faith and promise : deceiue no man with any gyle or false color . For let it be euer in your phantasie , howe the gaines that you shuld get with suche vntrue dealyng , be conteined vnder your .iii. that is to sey vnder your lest care , wher the breking of faith & ꝓpmise , with false deceite & vntrue deling , sore hurteth your soule : in whom resteth your chief thought . And by falshed , you coulde not get so moch of riches , as by the same you shuld lose of honestie & goodnes . wherfore trauayle euer as the degres of these .iii. thinges shal require . If an infinite hepe of worldly goodes might be got with a smal hurte & damage of the soule , forsake rather that great heape , than you wolde suffre this small hurte . There can be no comparison betwene the soules helth and the riches : the leaste droppe that can be of your soules parte , must pondre and weye more in your thought , than al this world besyde can do .

¶ Let not any similitude Similitudes . deceyue your indgement . As if a man wolde reson , that the goodes of the soule be all golde , the goodes of the worlde be all leade : all thoughe that golde is euer better than lede , yet there may be a great quantite of leade , that shal be valured aboue the smalle portion of golde . So in your phantasy a great gaines & lucre of the worldly goodes may seme better than a smal point of our soules substaunce . Wherfore , he wyll conclude , that with a lyttel losse of honestie or goodnes , we maye venture to gette a greate aduauntage in this worlde : and some littel small portion we maye borowe of our soule , to wynne by that meanes a great summe of riches . Beware good withipoll , of suche reasonnyng , and to the deth , to gayne al the hole royalte of this hole worlde , neuer trespas against your soule in the smallest iote that can be imagined . As if ye might be made a lorde of greate myght & power with abundance of possessions and goodes , onelye for the speakynge in wyttenesse of one worde agaynste the trouthe , with grudge of your conscience : for sake you all that offer , rather then you wolde fele the priuey bytte of your offence . For if you loke well , you shal see , that there is a greatter valu of gaynes in the smallest iote of vertue , then is in the moste wer of riches : & that the losse of the smallest mote , perteining to your soules state , is more hurte & domage , than the refusing or forgoing of al that is vnder heuen . So that I say , it is not like betwene the soules goodis & the goodes of this world , as it is betwene golde and lead valured aboue a peny weight of gold : where there is no title so small of vertue , that is not to be valured without comparison aboue the hole power of the erth and sees , throughe out Asia , Affrica , and Europa . The profe of my saieng dependeth here vpon , that euery iote , euery title , euery mote of vertu , wherin is conteined the soules welthie state , hath appointed his propre state & place in the heuen & kingdom of god : & al the spiritual goodes , both small & great be vnder god , of whom vertue receiueth hir rewarde : Of the which reward he that leseth any maner portion , loseth more than the losse of the hole dominion & rule of this world , whose prince is the diuel , Diuel . that reineth ouer al them , as ouer his bonde seruantes , the which can finde in their hartes to forsake vertue to wynne these false and vaine goodes , that stande to vs in no erthily stede : but for the shorte tyme of a fewe yeres in this life , where the possessions of vertu be euerlasting . Thus I shewe you good Edmond , that your care to get these worldly goodes muste be subdued vnder due order , as in his thyrde place . But what be these goodes , & what wey you may laufully gette them , I doubte not , but your father wyll in tyme conuenint shewe you . He is of that sorte of men , the whiche hath by longe approued honestie purchased hym a good name , and is therby beloued and regarded of good men : whose steppes if you folowe , you shal by goddes grace come to lyke worshyppe , and be of lyke or more habilitie to leaue to your children sufficient to passe this lyfe with . Here remember , the more your father loueth you , the lesse is your thirde care : and the lesse that your thirde care is , the more leiser you haue to think vpon your chief iewell , the whiche god hath gyuen you to be ordered after your wyll , in the whiche iewel you shall after this lyfe well passed , haue the fruition of goddis presence , wherein resteth the ioye ineffable of the blessed lammes . The gotis , that is to say , the gredie soules of this third care , the which neuer mendeth , or very lyttel and weakely mendeth , the fyrste care , shal remayne for euer more , in the peineful darknes , where is nothynge but cryeng out and lamentynge with frettyng of stomakes , and snarrynge of teth , as the gospell shall teache you : In the whiche boke of god , you shall here what an harde thyng it is for a ryche man to entre in to heuen : bicause that most commonly riche men spend al theyr care & thought out of order , onely for this worlde , and seldome or neuer they thinke of theyr soule : and whenne they thynke thereof , they soo thynke , that they put that care far vnder the care of these worldely busines , doynge clene contrarye to this order . The whiche god wolde haue vs to kepe . The which order thouh you shal se very litel regarded of al sortes of men , yet good Edmonde regarde you it , & haue pite of them that regarde it not . Mat. 20. et . 22. It is the sonne of god , the which saith , many be called to heuen , but fewe be chosen . Enforce your selfe to be amonge the few , & forsake the multitude . Be not drawen to an yuel opinion , neither with the ensample of popis , cardinalles , and priestes , nor with the ensample of princes , lordes , knightes , gentilmen , and marchantes , nor yet with the ensāpe , of monkes , friers . You may by your self know , what is the right path , folowe you coragiously the same , & forsake the common hie way of sinners . Yet before I leue this .iii. care , I wyll shew you my mind , what is chiefly in this parte to be cared fore : as the best portion of worldely ryches . Surely I reken no possession of londes , nor yet no substance of marchandise , nor yet no abundance of money , to be comparable to a good frend . A good frende . Therfore aboue all things in this worlde , procure to haue plentie of frendes , & make of them your compte , as of your best & most precious goodes . Alweys your frende shall be more profitable to you , then any tresure or power beside can be . Nowe you shall know them that be worthy to be your frendis , & by what menes , & what wey frendes be both gotten & also kept , ye shall best lerne in Ciceros littell boke De amicitia . Cicero de amicitia . I can not say in this thing any point that is left of him . wherfore I remit you to that worke . An other point touching this care of worldly goodes is to vse accordingly your wife , when the time shall come , that you shall haue one . For to opteyne substance of goodes , it lieth as moche in the wife , to kepe that you bringe home , House wife . as in your trauayle to bryng home . And surely onelesse she be the keper and sparer , the husbande shal littel go forwarde in his labour of gettynge : And the very trouth is , that there is noo yuelle houswyfe , but for hir fautes the good man is to be blamed . For I am vtterly of this opinion , that the man may make , shape , and forme the woman , as he wil. I wolde go farther with you in this thing , & shew somwhat of the wey to order your householde , if I sawe not this matter so largelye intreatedde of dyuers phylosothers , of whome ye shall here as moche , as may be said in this thing . Specially I wolde you redde with most diligence , the propre boke , that Xenophon Xenoph. writeth herof , it is called oeconomia , oeconomi . that is to say , the craft to order and kepe an howse , where this auctour geueth suche counsell , for all the course of an honeste mans lyfe in this worlde to growe in ryches , vnder the meanes of discretion and wisedome , that noo man in my mynde can sey more therin , or better : the whiche iudgemente of myne I doubt not but you wyll approue , whenne you haue redde the sayde worke : it is translated out of greke in to latine by one Raphaelle , but in his translation the worke leseth a greatte parte of the grace , that hit hath in the greke tonge , and also his translation in many places is false : and it playnly appereth , that Raphaell vnderstode not wel , what Xenophon wrot in greke . I haue therfore , for dyuers of my frendes sake translated the same worke out of greke tonge in to englyshe , and you shall haue the same with my good wyl , when your pleasure is to rede it .

¶ I wolde also for some parte of this thirde care , haue you rede the vii . & the .viii. boke of Aristot. Aristot. politikes , Politic. for to here his counsel concernynge the bryngyng vp of children , and the vse of other certayne thinges .

¶ This is the effecte & some , myn owne good Edmond , of my councell , touching the .iii. said thinges : in the which I reken to rest the hole course of your lyfe , and if you obserue & kepe them in theyr degrees & order accordingly , you shall surely content god , nexte please your selfe , & thyrdly satisfie the worlde . On the contrary parte , misorder these caris , & you shal runne in to the vengeance of god , into the hate of your selfe , and in to the indignation of al men . Be holde I pray you these hungrie and gredy wretches , that make of the thyrde thynge theyr fyrste thought and care , what life lead they in the sclander of al their acqueintance ? what deth haue they in the sight of theyr priuy conscience , whan they remembre their false swearinges , their deceitful bargaines , their playne robberies , theyr pollinges , their cruelle exactions , their oppressinges of the poore men ? what hope haue they of goddes fauor , whan they remember al their care & thought hath been for the welth of this world ? the which when they leue & forsake , they despeire of al other welthines : in as moch their mindes neuer ernestly cared for that welth , the whiche euer endureth .

This remembraunce of theyr misorder , is an heuy burthen to their conscience . It can not be otherwise . Consyder nowe agayne , how clere and lyght his mynde is , that in all his lyfe hath euer chiefely studied for the soules welth , that remembreth euer howe his care hath ben for the rewarde of vertue ? Of this man howe well doth euery manne speake ? what ioy and comforte enbraceth the conscience of this man , when the hande of god calleth him frome his shorte lyfe , to that perpetualle lyfe , for the whiche he hath so moche labored . The tother be he neuer so rich , is called a false felowe a wretched knaue . This man be he neuer so pore , is called an honest person , a good man , for whome the heuen gatis standeth open , whilste the tother falleth to endles turmentes . This is th end of misorder , & this is th end of good order , in breaking and kepyng the degres of the forsaid thre thinges . Wherfore I can not warne you to often , to take hede of this councel : and you can not to often here the same . The ieoperdie is not small , if you shoulde forgette this tale , hit is no lesse perill then vtter shame in this worlde , with deathe euerlastyng . where so euer is sclander , there is shame : greater sclander there can be none , than foloweth on all sydes the vniuste riche man . And he euer , where some euer he be , gathereth uniustely ryches , that careth chiefely for these worldely promotions , the whiche man hath ( I saye ) bothe in his life extreme shame , & also after this life extreme punishement . You be not forboden to get riches , but the vnordinate desire of geting riches is abominable both in the sight of god & man : your desire is vnordinate , if it be not ordred vnder the degre of your chif care , as now often inough hath been repeted . I wolde now leue you & make an end of these .3 . cares & studies , apꝑteinīg to your soule , body , & goodes : sauinge that bicause I somwhat know your disposition , & wil particularly touch one thing or two that you muste most ernestly beware of : bicause you be moch naturallye inclyned otherwyse to falle in to certayne poyntes , that sore disquieteth the minde , hurteth the body , and hindreth the profites of this lyfe : so that frendly I wyll admonishe you of one or two thinges , that perteyne to all your three charges .

¶ Take hede my good Withipoll of your passion toward wrath , wrath , ire , & anger . ire , & anger : resist as moch as you can the prouocation of your stomake to this vehement pange . Be not light ered in hering a word of displesure : Consider the kinde of life that you take : you must be conuersante with many and diuers marchantis , amonge whom euery one thynketh him self both lorde & mayster . In suche company chanceth to be often dysdayneful lokes , proude countenances , scornes , mockes , scoffes , comparisons , bytyng tauntes , odyous checkes , spytefull reproches , with frettinge enuye , and with manye other corrupte affections , whereby ryseth moche debate , and some tyme there foloweth plaine furie , that maketh men more lyke wylde beastes , for the tyme of their madnes , than to reasonable creatures . It is a great grace in him that feleth his harte agreued , Furrie . & yet sheweth not outwardly his grefe . This prudent dissimulation more auengeth his quarel , than any rendring of any wordes coude do . Pacience . For it is a deedly stroke , that the pacient manne gyueth in this softe and mylde suffering the ragis of an angrie fole . Loke wel vpon them both , he that suffrethe and saythe naughte , is like a manne , the rayler or taunter is lyke a beaste or a foole . The sufferer alway both in his tyme of sufferynge and also afterward , when all fumes be cessed , hath a greate prayse of all that beholdeth hym : and euer he hath cause of reioising and gladnes , where the tother fretteth with hym selfe : and scant the nexte daye after he can shewe his face : behynde whose backe his company reporteth the folly of his hastynes , & sore they blame hym for his vncomly behauour . Let the quarel be what you lust , euer by your pacience & sufferance , you shal haue aduauntage of hym that prouoketh you , and finally , for your often forbearynge , a name of sobrenes , wisedome , & discretion : wherof shal folowe great credence , & a loue of al honest persons towarde you , where he that wil suffre naught , but wyll ease his stomacke , in gyuinge mocke for mocke , checke for checke , shal be taken for a wrangler , a brauler : and fewe or noone honeste men wyll gladlye meddyll with hym .

¶ To rule this passion of ire , you shal be moch more stronger than min exhortation can make you , if you wil ( as I haue councelled you before ) haue Plato Plato . your familiar . And Seneca Seneca . shal be a mere phisition for to helpe your mind ayenst these greuous panges . The best is not to be angrie , the nexte is not to shewe in wordes or countenance your angre , but remember , if it chance that you be angred , and that you haue in shewynge your angre moued & sturred some other to be displesed : beware that you nourisshe not this grefe , spit out of your stomake all peuishnes , & seke atonmēt as sone as it can be possible . If the ꝑty speke not to you , speke you to hym , it is no shame to be agreed , it is a foule shame to continue in anger : & in the mene season your prayer to god is voide . For out of charitie , & out of fauor & grace of god . It is the ground & only stay of our religion , to loue to gether like brotherne , al vnder one fader that loketh ouer vs in heuen , for whose sake , se that you neuer slepe with grudge ayenst any person : in so doinge you shal finally opteine , that no man wil bere you grudge , & for your loue you shal haue loue plentifully of god & of the world : Begin mine owne good withipoll to ouer throw this bestely passion of wroth , before your age make your stomak stubborne . Ouercome now in time sullines , before men haue regarde of your displesure : accustome your selfe with mildenes , softnes , pacience , sufferance , & specially with gentilnes , that can not abyde an harte mindefulle of any grefe . To your enferior be pitiful , buxome , & redy in offering your selfe , both to take and kepe frendeshyp with your felowe and companion . Striue not , compare not : but alwayes studye to encrease familiaritie by louinge maners , and easly forget iniuries . Let no displesure be taken of you , howe many someuer dyspleasures be gyuen you . To your better and superiour if you obey & giue place , it shall be reputed to your commendation and prayse . There is noo man so vile , but his loue may stand in stede to you , and of the pooreste mans hatred , you may haue some tyme hurte .

¶ Thus I say both for the worldly wisedome , and also for the bondes of your faythe , you muste take hede to this warnynge : & the more ye be enclyned not only to be quickely angrie , but also to nourysshe longe your angre : the more diligence you must bitimes take , to correcte and amende your nature , remembrynge alway your chief care , that perteyneth to the fyrste thyng , the whiche is with nothing more hurted and hyndered , in his waye to grace warde , then with the breaking of loue and charitie . And as often as you be angrie , soo often plucke you your soule from the presence of god , by the same passion . Also you disquiete your body , and often times folow diseses by the fiers pursuinge of a grefe , & sometime by rages chanceth plaine bataile , & therof your body standeth euer in ieoperdye . Also nothing more hyndreth the gaines of your .iii. care , them doth vnpacient chidynge with other . For it causeth manye to forbeare companye : and by that euer foloweth losse of occupienge . And sometyme a good worde behynde your back may auantage you more than a longe sayling in to Spaine , and an yuel worde lykewyse may do you more hurte than a losse of a shyppe : Let no man haue cause to be angrye with you , and euer you be sure to be wel reported by .

One other thynge or two I wolde warne you of , with as many wordes as I haue done of the said passion , if I thought not that by the reding of the said workes , you shal moche better than I can shewe you , not only fle from al misbehauors , & corrupt vses of yl fantasies , but also folowe the clene piked vertues , and by your own study grow to be a perfect man , in the fauor of god & al other . No man shal counsel you better , then you shall doo your owne selfe , if in reding you wil examin secretly your conscience , whether such ꝓpretis be in you as you rede , or no. If they be in you & be dispreised , determine with your selfe to amend them : if they be not in you , & be good , determyne with your selfe to get them . As in reding you shal here aboue all other fautes dispraised , an vntru tonge , Vntrewe tonge . which bringeth a man out of credence , a thing very hurtful for marchantes , whose craft you be like to exercise : & beside it sore offendeth the eares of god , to here his best beloued creature make that noise ayenst his knowlege & priuey conscience : where nothinge garnisheth mans voice better than trouth of his tale . This thing chiefly apꝑteineth to the care of the soule , that is your first charge . It maketh also for the .ii. and for the .iii. care . For surely when the minde is disquieted with the remembraunce of the offence in lyenge , the body hath his parte of yl reste : And by the same vntrue spekynge moche hurte and domage ensueth agaynste your credence , a thinge I say moste necessary to be kepte and maynteyned of al them , that seke by marchandise any lucre or gaynes . Therfore let your mynde my good Withipol neuer delite to vtter any lie . Eyther speke not , or speke truly . what faute so euer you may do , let it not be defended with a false tale : for that were to fle out of the smoke in to the fire , as to do a worse faute in choking an yll , and in the mene season your soule suffereth a sore stroke . This euer as you rede of this matter , haue minde of your selfe to take fruit of your redynge .

¶ In consideration also of al thre partes , that is to say , both for the defence of your soules state , & for the welth of your bodye , and also for the worldly goodes sake , vse in all your actes a certayne commendable wisedome , neuer to be none of these busy medlers : Leue other mens fautes , leue correcting , that you haue no power in , leaue teachinge of that you knowe not . Let the gospel be ordered by them , that be admitted for doctours therof .

Let the prestes be blamed of them that haue the rule of the order . Let common ceremonies and all olde customes alone . Put euer your trust in the power and wyl of god , and obey to he consent of the churche , without quarellynge or resystynge . Go you fourth your waye after the meke steppes of a trewe christen man . Let the worlde bluster and blowe as hit wyll , be you none of the blowers . Scurge who wyl , be you none of the scourgers . For beleue me , sooner shal the rod , than the chylde that is beaten , be cast in to the fier . In eschewinge all medlyng , you shal saue your goodes , you shal kepe your body from trauayle , and by the same meanes you shal best prouide a sure buckeler for your soule . Obedience . For vnder the clooke of obedience , chaunce what chance shal , your soule is euer sure for takynge any hurte : the iustice of god wyll kepe you harmelesse , howe some euer the tempeste of enormities ouerfloweth this world . If you shoulde be malaperte , malapert . and presume to be a doer : reporte me to you , what may in this world happen to your vndoing both in goodes & bodye , & by the same trouble you shal be caste from the succour of god , who abideth not any presūtion . You falle in to presumption , presumption . when you grudge agaynste your rulers , though they be worthy of all disprayses . You presume , when you meddel with them , that be not vnder you . You presume , whan you take in hande to amende this or that , where your parte is not to speake . And specially you be presumptuous , when you dare crake , that you knowe goddes wil. Leue therfore my good Edmond , al maner of medlynge , and praye to god to accepte your obedience . Praye also bitterly , that his wyll may be fulfilled in this worlde amonge vs , as the angels fulfille in heuen .

Thus pray , and meddille no farther . For I assure you , it is so to be done .

¶ Many my thynges myghte be sayd for these .iii. cares , but to you I recken it inough this moch that I haue here touched . yet one word or .ii. more shall not be superfluous . For I wolde not haue you deceyued by any word that I haue here vsed : As perauenture you might be , if I shuld thus leaue you . Seinge that I haue bed you fyrste to care for your soule , next to care for your body , and thyrdely to care for the goodes of this worlde . Moreouer I sayd , there be goodes of the soule , goodes of the body , goodes of this lyfe . But lette these wordes be to you as not spoken in their exacte and propre signification . For to speake truely , there is noo care but one , nor there be noo goodes but of one . We muste haue a certayne slyght regarde to our body , & a slighter regarde to the worlde : but care we may not for neither of these two . You knowe , that to care were to take an inwarde weyghty thought : the whiche muste not be taken , but for a thynge of greate worthynes , and also of more suretie , than is either our body , or the worlde . Only our soule is the thing to be cared fore : and these smal commodities , with certayn praty pleasures of the body , and the worlde , can not truelye be named goodes : for in very dede they be not good . For this worde good includethe a dignitie in hym that sauoureth of god and heuen : So that tho thinges be onely worthye to be called goodes , the which haue a ꝑpetuitie and stedfastnesse of godly substaunce : Other thinges variable , chaungable , flytterynge , suche as maye be taken from vs mawgree our heed , be not worthye of this hyghe name . Neyther the bodye nor yet fortune hath any goodes : our spirite & mynde only hath thinges , that truly be called goodes , the whiche be so constantly and surely ours , that euer they remayne with vs in spite of all chaunces , and all our aduersaries . Mercy , pitie , deuotion , mekenes , sobrenes , pacience , faythefulnes , charitie , and such other vertues be the very tru goodes , the which we may iustely reken ours , & for them we shulde continually labour . For these be the substaunce that our soule must haue , to be with them rychely decked and garnished , that we maye haue our holy day array , and our nuptial vesture according , to com to the great feast , that Christ saith we shall ones be called to .

All these false goodes of the bodyes lustynges , false goodes . beautie , fayrenes , strengthe , helthe : and also these triflynge goodes of Fortune , royall houses , large heritance , great rentes , implementis , costly apparayle , golde , syluer , honour , power , frendshyppe , nobilitie , and what you wyll els in this worlde : All these vayne thynges , bothe of bodye and fortune , can make but a raggyd garmente for our soule , the whiche shall be with extreme shame drawen frome the sayde feaste , if hit come in goddes presence with these beggerlye ragges . This sayenge good Wythipolle , I speake to ease and comforte your mynde : for by this tale that is trewe , you nowe lerne , that al though before I sayd you shuld haue thre cares in this lyfe , yet in dede you haue but one care , the whiche is to care for the true goodes , that be to be purchased for the soules welthy state . Wherfore of your three cares , stryke of two , if you wyll speake of ernest care . Yet I wyl sticke a lytle more with you in this poynte : for fayne I wolde you shulde se a true marke , wherby you may gouerne and rule all your phantasies and opinions . If your phantasie be well directed to the true marke , you can not misse of the ryght pathe to vertue , the whiche bryngeth man thither , where he shall receiue the inestimable rewarde for his trauayle . I say your soule onely must be cared for : and this onely care must be to get and kepe the true goodes , that be only the goodes of the mynde : Other goodes be not called proprely goodes . you se howe these praty commodities of the bodye , & also these small gyftes of fortune , mawgree our heed be taken from vs , as I can not escape alway sykenes , I can not escape misfortunes : I can not flee frome the cruel handes of tyrantes , I may be cast into tortures , I may rotte in fetters , I may lose al my substance , by water , by fyer , by theues , or by other violent robberye . Agaynst these chances no man can resist , no care nor thought preuayleth to assure vs , eyther of our bodyes or of suche goodes .

Wherfore lerne you , that I say before god , we haue no goodes , but onely the goodes of the spirite and mynde , the whiche goodes ( as I haue sayde ) be so sure ours , that they can not be taken from vs , but with our owne wyll consentynge to the losse of them . In this spirytualle possession , euery man is an inuincible emperour . We may dispise al violence of princis , al worldly chances touching the kepyng of vertu , maugre the holle power of the diuel , & all his retinue . Here of lerne and marke myn Edmonde , wherin you maye be hurted , that your care may the better be bestowed .

For to care wher you haue no hurt it is nedeles : or not to care , where you be hurted , is a blind ignorance .

¶ We be hurted whan we lose any parte of goddis fauour , we lose goddis fauour , when we lose any goodes of the mynde : we lose the goodes of the mind , when we either reioice of the hauing bodily & worldly goodes , or make sorowe of the lackynge the same . we be not hurted , whan god continueth his fauor , when we decay not in the strengthis of minde : we decay not in the strengthes of minde when we be not ouercome , neyther with the gladnes of the bodis and worldes prosperite , nor with bewaylynge of theyr aduersite . Thus you se , nother in the goodes of the body , nor in the goodes of the world , you can other take or escape hurte : it is only the vertu of your minde , wherin you muste serch , wheder you be safe or hurted .

¶ Now when you knowe the place of your hurte , knowe also what may do you hurte , that you maye be more charie of your hurter .

You se ones , the place wherin you maye be hurted , is your secrete mynde , a very sure place . For it is not fyre nor water : nor thefe that can come there : it is no princis sworde , that can perce into this place it is no misslucke of fortune that can lyght vpon your spirite : finally there is no diuel of hel , that can fasten a stroke vpon you , to do you in this place any hurte . This shulde be a greatter gladnes vnto you to considre , in howe stronge a tower you be from all hurte : but se thenne agayne , who hit is that maye hurte you . For surelye you can not be hurted but of one , in whom is power to do hurte : this is your owne free wyl . This wyl of yours & nothing els , hath power to hurt you . Se shortely in ensample , howe your landes be taken from you , you be spoyled of your goodes , fire burneth vp your house , you be haled to prison , you be beaten , you be torne with whips , you be drawen vpon the rackes , you lie in chaynes , you come forth to open shame , you suffre cold , you be gnawen with hunger and thyrste , finallye you be putte to death . what of al this ? yet I can not saye , that you be hurted : I se that with al this the fauor & grace of good may continue with you , as it did with the holy martyrs . And also before Christis passion holye Iob suffred al this , & was not hurted . This is a great confort for you , to se that nothing can hurt you but only your owne selfe . This is the hyghe grace of god , that so hathe made man to be ouer al a myghty conquerour , that can take no hurt but of hym selfe . Wherfore I trust you will lyue euer safe and sownd . For I wyll not thynke , that euer you wil be so mad , as to hurt your selfe . Than for these trifles of the body and worlde , take no care : it it is neyther the seconde thyng nor the thirde thynge , that canne be so vnto you , that in eyther of theym you can de hurted . Marie take hede , lest by the displeasures done in the second and in the thyrd , you of madnes take occasion to be hurted , and wyllyngelye hurte your selfe in the fyrste thinge , the which onely is the place , where you may be hurted . And none besyde your owne wyl hath power to hurt you there : as if in the tyme of the losse of worldly goodes , you wil fret in anger , you wil dispise god , you wil curse and ban , you wyl enforce to be auenged , you crye out in furie & madnes : now take you thought & care , for surely you be hurted , and your chief iewel hath a great losse . For god withdraweth from your soule a great part of his grace : so that this hurt you do to your own selfe by this frowardenes . Lykewyse whylste your body is turmented , eyther with sykenes or otherwise : if you therfor forsake pacience , and swelle in wrothe : you be than hurted in dede , but of noone other person besyde your selfe onely .

Thus you may take from the second and the thyrde , in the whiche two you can not be hurted , an occasion to hurte your selfe , & to haue therof a greatte cause of a sore and an erneste care , for the peril that your soule therby falleth in .

¶ To confirme you the faster in these ryghte opinions , I wolde you redde the lyttell boke of Epictetus , Epicteus . intitled his Enchiridion , well translated into latyne by Angelus Politiane : But to saye the trouth the worke is so briefely and darkely written , that without a coment or a good mayster , you shall not perceyue the fruite of the texte . I am in mynde , if I maye haue therto leysure , to translate the comment of Simplicius vppon the sayd worke : and then shal you finde suche swetenes in that boke , that I beleue hit will rauishe you in to an hygher contemplation , than a greatte sorte of our religious men come to . And one thinge beleue me , my good withipol , that in redynge of these olde substanciall workes , the whiche I haue named vnto you , shal besyde the perfection of knowlege , gender a certayne iudgement in you , that you shal neuer take delite nor pleasure in the trifles and vayne inuentions that men nowe daies write , to the inquietinge of all good order : by reason that the moste parte of men that rede these new flittering workes , lacke perfecte iudgement to dyscryue a weyghtye sentence fro me a lyghte clause , the whiche iudgemente can not be gotten , but by a longe exercysynge of our wittes with the best sorte of writers .

And to me it is a pitiful thynge , to beholde the folishe dremes of these yonge clerkes in mens handes : & to se these noble olde workes of the holy fathers and philosophers lye vntouched . Where if these newe wryters speke any thynge well , it is piked out of this aunciente bokes . But what so euer these petye clarkes pike out nowe a dayes , for the mooste parte it is defaced and broughte out of good fashion with theyr yuel handelynge .

¶ I wyl nowe make an ende , it is sufficient to a wyllynge mynde , suche as I truste is in you , to haue with a frendes fynger the way appoynted , where you must walke , if you wil procede in vertu : the whiche is onely the thynge , that maketh a man boothe happye in this worlde , and also blessed in the worlde to come . Beleue you my counsayle , and vse the same , orels hereafter you will paraduenture bewayle your negligence . Fare ye wel .

At More a place of my lorde cardinals , in the feaste of saynte Bartholomew . 1529.