My ladies looking glasse VVherein may be discerned a wise man from a foole, a good woman from a bad: and the true resemblance of vice, masked vnder the vizard of vertue. By Barnabe Rich Gentleman, seruant to the Kings most excellent Maiestie.

MY LADIES LOOKING GLASSE .

TO be often prying , and beholding our selues in a Glasse , it hath beene thought rather to fauour of vanity and pride than of godlynesse or piety : yet we haue beene taught by a learned Philosopher to looke in a Glasse , and that very often , but with resolution that if we do finde our selues to be fayre and well formed , wee should doe fayre and commendable actions : but if we do see our selues in any thing imperfect , we should correct those defects of nature with the beauty of good behauiours .

What one applies to vice , another may conuert to vertue . By this we may perceiue that a looking Glasse may be imployed to a godly purpose ; and what one doth imploy to the supporting of vice , another may conuert to the exercise of vertue .

Looking Glasses haue euermore beene reputed amongst those necessaries belonging to women ; I haue not heard of many men that haue made any great vse of them vnlesse in Barbers shops , or in Haberdashers shops ; and yet in those Glasses he that is too much prying and beholding of himselfe , shall oftner spye out the picture of a Foole than the person of a Wiseman .

Caligula vsed to looke in a glasse Caligula vsed many times to behold himselfe in a glasse , to see how sternely and how terribly he could frame and set his countenance .

The nicitie of yong men in this age . They are now as common and conuersant to men as they be to women : And our yong gentlemen in this age are as curious to behold themselues in a glasse , as Dame-Folly her selfe when she is newly trickt vp in the Attyre-makers Trim.

Looking glasses flattering . Amongst Looking glasses , there be some that be ouer much flattering , that will make the beholders to seeme more yong , more smoth , and better fauoured than they be ; and these sortes of glasses are best of all esteemed , but especially amongst women .

There is yet an other sort that doth make defects Some make defects where none are . where none are , that will shew the round and well formed visage to be long , leane , and wrinkled ; and these kinde of Glasses are little set by either of men or women .

The nature of this Glasse . I haue indeuoured the forming of this Glasse , that I hope shall giue a true representation , aswell of the perfections as of the defections either of men or women that shall behold themselues in it .

Yet this Glasse by me thus composed , it is not to view any exterior part of the body , but first to grope the conscience , and then by a diligent obseruation to suruey the interior part of the soule : And as I haue not fashioned any smooth resemblance wherby to flatter , so I haue not forged any deformities thereby to slander .

I haue pictured forth diuers representations , not ayming particularly at any mans priuate person that hath not a guilty conscience to accuse himselfe : yet I haue grasped at abuse , and haue stroken at those sinnes that are so supported and befriended , that I know , will rather become offensiue than pleasing to the world .

The loftinesse of sinnes . Iniquitie , is growne proude , and nestles herselfe amongst the Cedars , and towers aloft as high as the cloudes .

The sinnes of this age are become so nice and so queasie that they cannot digest any potion of reprofe : men Men are vnwilling to heare their faults . are more vnwilling to haue their sinnes ransackt , than to haue these inueterate and mortall wounds searched into .

And as the often taken potion neuer worketh , so the phisicke of Reproofe turnes rather to the hardening of their hearts , than to the amendment of their liues . Reprofes are but like Goades that do make beastes but to kicke when they be toucht with them .

The world is become olde , and now in this later age we haue so far ouergrowne the Rod , that we scorne any correction , or to be controuled either by the rule of Gods word , or by any other aduertisement , and therefore it is but to knocke at a deafe mans doore .

No speaking against sinnes They are the vicious only , that cannot endure to heare sinne reproued : and who are they but the impious that would barre the freedome of our tongues ? these gauld backt Iades , are those that are so afraid of rubbing : but what will becom of this world when we dare not speake against sinne for offending of those , that in truth are but the very Slaues of Sinne ?

Augustus thought it necessary for men to finde fault . That good Emperour Augustus was neuer angry with accusers , but thought it necessary , that where there were stoore of vices there should likewise be many to finde fault : And the Lacedemonians thought it a necessary point of policy that there should be such Reproouers , whereby to reproue enormity in those for feare of worldly shame , that otherwise neither remorse of conscience nor any feare of their Gods could haue reftrained or kept within compasse .

Pasquils piller why prohibibited . And Pasquils pillar was tollerated in Rome to reprehend all sorts of sinnes till they touched the Pope and his clergy : but they cannot indure now that their Sodomicall sinnes should be reputed for faults , but will rather reioyce in their abhominations , making vaunts of their Adulteries , of their Fornications , of their Blasphemies , and their Drunkenesse , taking as great pleasure in the boasting of them as they did in the acting .

He that doth auow Pryde , Drunkennesse , Adultery , Swearing , and Blasphemy to be damned sinnes , is sooner derided than beloued .

Sin growne malipert . The Iniquities of this age are not ashamed to shew their faces , they walke the streetes more peartly and bold , than either Honesty or Innocency .

Sinne was wont to walke in feare , but now men are so farre from being ashamed , that as they make no conscience to commit euill , so they boast of that euill they haue committed ; And will againe defend what they haue boasted .

But as they do glorie in their owne shame , so their end is eternall damnation .

Though our owne consciences will take no notice of our owne iniquities , yet our sinnes do crie out and complaine in the Audience Court of Heauen , where they prease into the presence Chamber of God : And to our confusions they cry out for Iustice . And he will not spare for euer , but as he is lust so he must strike .

Our consciences are so deafe and dull , in these daies of our lolitie , what with the loude noise of Musicke , sometimes of Gaming , sometimes of Carowzing , sometimes of Oathes , sometimes of Quarrelling , sometimes of Blaspheming , that we cannot heare the Preacher cry out , That all flesh is grasse .

The fearefull condition of the time . We see at this present houre , how Sinne is lifted vp : and what leagues and conspiracies there are against those that be honest , that hath the feare of God before their eies ; and doth reprehend the follies of the time . The Iewes , that had thought to haue nailed Christ to the Crosse , they proudly cried out , If he be the Sonne of God , let him saue himselfe . And how far hath this voice escaped vs now in these later times ? Are not those that doth liue in the feare of God , reputed to be but the shame of men and the reproch of the people ? haue they not said : Let them trust in the Euerlasting : and let him deliuer them , and take them out of our hands , if he would their good ? Is not God himselfe had in derision & made a by-word ? doe they not multiply their blasphemies against his holy name ? haue they not said , Let vs do it boldly , God doth not see it , the Almightie is asleepe , he cannot heare it ? at the least they do not let to thinke God doth not regard it , and some will not let to say , there is no God to regard it ; from whence else proceedeth this swearing , this pride , this blasphemy , this drunkennesse , this adultery , but that they thinke the seat of God is voide , or that he is become regardles ? But he that hath made the eare , shall he not heare ? he that hath framed the eye , shall he not see ? and he that iudgeth the nations , shall he not conuince ?

Let them know , that the Euerlasting neither sleepeth nor slumbereth , but they shall finde in the winding vp , that he will cause his Iudgements to returne in Iustice .

The Diuels do tremble to thinke of the day of Iudgement , these doe but deride it , when they be put in minde of it : the custome of sinne , hath so benummed our sences that we feele it not , but after the infection of sinne , followes the infliction of punishment . Securitie hath no resting place but Hell .

Angry fault sinders . It hath beene told me , that I haue already incurred the displeasure of a great number , for some lines by me formerly published , inueighing against pride , against drunkennesse , against adulterie , but especially for writing against popery .

But those that doth taxe and torture me with their tongues , they are not any persons of any great account , What they be that are angry , they are but drunkards , adulterers , and other vicious liuers : the most of them ( indeed ) poore ignorant papists , whom I do rather pittie than any waies despite : but as the Philosopher , that suspected the vprightnesse of his owne carriage , when he heard himselfe to be commended by a man that was noted to be of a loose and a lewd conuersation : so , vnderstanding what they be , that doth thus detect and depraue me , I doe hold my selfe to be better graced by their discommendations , than if they would set open their throates , to publish forth my praises . For amongst all the slaues of imperfections , the Lyar and the Slanderer , doth least of all offend me , because I know , that a thousand I mputations iniuriously published by a thousand detracting slanderers , are not halfe so grieuous to a man of wisedome and iudgement , as one matter of truth A dangerous time . avowed by him that is of honest life and reputation . But is not this a fearefull time , when iniquitie doth so reigne and rage , that the wretches of the world would still wallow in their wickednesse , without impeachment or contradiction , but especially the Papists , that are themselues so busie and so repugnant to the lawes , both of God and the ‛ Prince ? first the Pope with his Bulles , with his Indulgences , with his Pardons , with his Dispensations , with his Absolutions , The holy workes of Papists . with his Priests , with his Iesuites , with his Ministers , of all sorts and of all professions , that are still conspiring , that are still practising , with poisons , with pistoles , with stabbing knifes , with Gunpowder traines , that are still repugning , that are still peruerting , that are still seducing , and drawing the hearts of the people , from that dutie and obedience , they doe owe to their soueraignes ; nay , that doth draw so many poore soules to destruction : for although all sorts of sinnes did neuer so much abound , as they doe at this houre , yet of my conscience , The Diuell much bound to the Pope . the Pope himselfe doth send more Christian soules to the Diuell ; and Hell is more beholding to the Popes Holinesse alone , then to all the rest of those ougly Monsters , that are called by the name of the seauen deadly sinnes .

But what sinner so intemperate but will himselfe confesse in generall , that all sorts of sinnes were neuer more inordinate , and that wickednesse and abhomination were neuer more apparant , and I might say againe neuer les punished ? The Adulterer will cry phough at the lothsome Vice deriding vice . sinne of Drunkennesse , the Blasphemer will sweare the vsurer is a most damned creature , the Extortioner will laugh at pride , and make himselfe merry with the Folly of new fashions .

Thus euery vicious liuer can one deride an other , but they cannot indure to heare themselues detected ; and they will laugh at the very same imperfections in an other , that they cannot see in themselues , neither will they beleeue any other that should informe them of them .

But I tell thee thou man or woman , whatsoeuer thou be that disdainest to heare thy wickednesse reproued , thou art fallen into temptation , and thou art in danger of a iudgement : he that is fallen into that Lethargie of A dangerous sickenesse . sinne that he neither feeleth himselfe nor will indure to be told of it , is in a dangerous plight , he is past recouery .

There is no sickenesse so dangerous as that which is least felt : and as he that feeleth not his sicknesse , neuer seeketh the Phisitian , so he that feeleth not his sinne neuer careth for repentance ; and he that hath no remorse to repent can neuer be forgiuen : for how should Christ forgiue him his sinnes that will neuer acknowledge them ? but if the sins of this age doth not make worke for repentance , they will make a great deale of businesse for the Worke for the Diuell . Diuell .

Forbeare then thou captious Slaue of sinne , to complaine against those that doe complaine against thee : Pitifull spectacles . when we cannot turne our eyes on neither side but we shall see some rouing with boldnesse , some rauing with madnesse , some reeling with drunkennesse , some rioting in wantonnesse , some cursing with bitternes . They haue made a sacrifice of their soules to the Diuell , they neither feare nor reuerence God , but esteeme all godlinesse as a mockery ; they do but play with religion , and do but deride at Diuinity it selfe : all will censure , none will amend , yet many will cry out the daies are euill , when they themselues do helpe to make them worse and worse . If we haue a little verball deuotion , be sure it is mixt with actuall abhomination . But they will say , it only belongeth to the preacher to reprooue sinnes , but not fit for euery particular person to meddle with .

We cannot weare a garment in the new fashion , saies one , we cannot drinke a pot with a good fellow , saies another ; we cannot fortifie our words with the credit of an oath , saies a third : but euery Foole will be shooting of his bolt : euery Criticke companion will be girding at vs : busiyng himselfe with that which becomes him not to meddle with . It is truth , there are many will goe to Church , Religious in show . they will not misse a Sermon , they haue their Bookes carried after them , they are very attentiue , they turne ouer leaues , they consent to the preacher , they say his doctrine is good , they pretend great loue to the truth , they make many signes and showes of zeale : but being once returned to their owne homes : what reformation or amendment of life ? do they not liue still as if Heauen and Hell , were but the Fictions of Fooles , and that the threatnings denounced by the preacher against sin were but dreames and old wiues tales ?

The prophesies , pronouncing the punishment of sin , they are esteemed but as Cassandrias Ryddles , they are not regarded : And what is it but the vnbeleefe of that doctrine , that the Prophets , the Apostles , and that Christ himselfe haue deliuered , that thus armeth the wicked with boldnesse to sinne ?

Religion but made a staale . The word of God is not regarded , and if sometimes they doe take the Maske of religion , it is but when pietie becomes their aduantage : vertue may now and then be set forth to the show , but it is but as a Staale , to draw into the Net of villany .

The preachers of the word , which are the Fishers of Soules , they fish but now introubled waters , they may fish perhaps , and catch a Frog , or peraduenture light vpon a Cuttell , that will vent forth yncke ; but if their Nets doe sometimes inclose , yet they are seldome seene to hold a Fish that is great & mightie : he that seeth this & can not sigh , is not a witnesse but an agent : and he that can see this without compassion , is like a Nero , that can sit and sing , whilst he sees Rome a burning .

We must exhort one another . The Apostle willeth vs to exhort one an other , and not for once and so away , but daily . Heb. 3. And in the 19. of Leuit. it is expressely set downe : Thou shalt plainly rebuke thy Neighbour , and shalt not suffer him to sinne . And there is none but a Cain , that will deny to bee his brothers keeper .

But is not euery man tyed aswell by the rule of Gods word , as by the lawes of euery well gouerned common wealth , not onely to reprehend , but also to informe against any person , that either by word or deede shall seeke to eclipse the honour or dignitie of his Prince ? If we owe this duty to a King here vpon the earth , how much are wee further obliged to the King of Kings , to the King of Heauen ? shall we see his lawes despised , his name prophaned , his Maiestie blasphemed , and shall we be silent and hold our peace ? Qui tacet consentire videtur , to heare and see and say nothing , is to make our selues a partie .

But we dare not do our duties for displeasing of those that haue alreadie bequeathed themselues to the Diuell : for offending a Drunkard , for offending an Adulterer , for offending a Blasphemer : for offending a Papist . From hence it is that vice doth now sleepe in that The securitie of the time . security , that Philips Boy that euery day cloyed his master with the clamor of mortalitie , is not able to awaken it : but thou that art so a sleepe in sinne that nothing can awaken thee ; assure thy selfe thou shalt be so awakened that nothing shall bring the a sleepe .

I haue hitherto spoken of the custome of sinne , how it hath weakned our spirits and lulde vs a sleepe in the cradle of security : I do appeale from your drowsie lustes to your awakened consciences whether I haue spoken the truth or nay . If I should now speake of the antiquitie of sinne , and should therewithall take vpon me to deliuer the manifold afflictions that from time to time , and from age to age she hath drawne from the iudgment seate of God , to punish the enormity of wickednesse here vpon the earth , I might enter into such a labyrinth , as Theseus clew would hardly suffice to wind me out .

The effects of sinnes . It was sinne that first secluded the Angels from the ioyes of heauen : it was Sinne that draue Adam out of Paradise . It was sinne that caused the inundation of the whole world , It was sinne that drew on the tempest of Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrha , It was sinne that brought destruction on that holy city of Ierusalem , It is sinne that at all times and in all ages hath plaid the Strumpet through all the partes of the world , and hath filled the whole face of the earth with her brood of bastards . And as the Armies of the Low countries are compounded of English , of Scots , of French , of Spanish , The sinnes of all nations brought into England . of Italians , of Germans , and of all the nations of Christendome collected and gathered together : so the sinnes of all those countries and of all the world besides are euery day ingrossed and transported into England . We haue stolne away the pride and ambition of the Spaniard , the fraude and falshood of the French , the deceit and subtilty of the Italian , the drunkennesse and swearing of the German : we haue robbed the Iew of his vsury , the barbarous Sicilian of his rage and cruelty , the Turke and Infidel of his infidelity and vnbeliefe ; we haue spoyled the Venetian Curtizans of their alluring vanities , to decke our English women in the new fashion : and Rome that sometimes hath beene worthily renowned , but now reputed to be the very synke of sinne , we haue brought from them their idolatry , their superstition , their popery , their heresie ; and we haue robbed the Pope himselfe and all his colledge of Cardinals , both of their luxury , and their letchery ; and all his whole rablement of Monks , Fryers , and Massing Priests , of their beastly Bawdery . This propagation of sinne , that hath infected the whole world with their abhominations thus transported into England , are now there resident and all entertained , not like strangers , but as natiues that had beene both borne and bred in the countrey .

The wantonnesse of sinne in this age . And that old hagge Sinne herselfe , that a man would thinke should be so far spent in yeares and ouerworne with age that she should be past trimming , is more propagating at this present howre , then she was fiue thousand yeares agoe ; and is become more wanton , nice , and toyish then euer she was before .

Sinne a knowne Strumpet become a Lady . And notwithstanding though from the beginning she hath bin notoriously knowne to be a most infamous strumpet common to all , yet now within these very few yeares one of these poore thread ▪ bare knights Sir Nicholas New-fashions by name , that had so wasted and consumed himselfe in foolish pride and prodigality , that he was not worth the clothes that was belonging to his owne backe ; hoping by her means to support his vaine glorious pride , hath taken her to be his wife , and hath made her a Lady .

And although sinne of her owne nature and disposition be both proud and presumptuous more then ynough , yet now being dignified with a Ladiship and being inrould in the Heraulds booke to march in the Ladies rancke , she is become more bold and insolent then euer she was , and who now but my Lady New fashions that is had in esteeme ? she is almost euery day troling in her Coach about the streetes , insinuating herselfe into euery company ; there is no feasting , banquiting , reueling , nor any other merry meeting , but my Lady New fashions is a principall guest .

When she meeteth and conuerseth with Ladies and Gentlewomen , some shee teacheth to paint themselues , some to powder their periwigs , some she doth corrupt in manners , making them to be like her selfe , Bold , impudent , The Lady New-fashions a Strumpet , a Bawde , and a Witch immodest , some she induceth to play the Harlots .

For as she herselfe hath bin a common Strumpet from the beginning , so shee hath bin a notorious Bawde and a Witch , and those women , that shee cannot inchant with her Siren tongue , those shee infameth by lying and slandering .

And who is it but this old Beldame Sinne , now bearing Sinne setteth a worke all sorts of Tradesmen . the name of the Lady new fashions , that setteth a worke these new fangled Tailers , these Body-makers , these Perfumers , these Imbroderers , these Attire-makers , and all the rest of these inuenters of vanities , that are the instruments of sinne , that doth inforce their whole endeauours to fit her in her follies , and to decke and adorne her in her pride and wantonnesse ?

The number , is almost without number , that doth both serue her , and will likewise seeke to defend her , Artificers , Tradesmen , Shopkeepers , Men , women and children , are all depending vpon her : and as Demetrius , the siluer smith , in the 19. of the Actes , incenced the people against Paul , telling the Crafts-men , that he went about to diminish the dignitie and reputation of their great Goddesse Diana , which if he should bring to passe , their gaines would likewise quaill that got their liuings by those workes belonging to her selfe and to her great Temple in Ephesus : and as these perswasions stirred vp the multitude in those daies , so he that in this age doth but open his lippes to speake against sinne , shall want no accusers , not onely to reprooue him , but also to reproach him .

Sinne doth neither want Siluer-smithes nor Gold-smithes , to serue her with plate and garnish her with iewels , that will call him Foole that will but speake against her excesse .

Sinne hath her Silkemen and Mercers , that doth serue her of lace , silke , sattin , veluet , cloath of siluer , cloath of gold , that will say he is a Criticke that will inueigh against her pride .

Sinne hath her Merchants , that will transport the commodities behoouefull for the common wealth , into forraine countries , and will returne backe againe toies and trifles ; that will say he is but a satyrist , that will detect her vanitie .

Sinne hath her Lawyers , that will bring him into the Starre-Chamber for a Libeller , that will speake against her Bribery .

Sinne hath her Procters , that will cite him to the Commissaries Court , and make him doe open penance , that will speake against her whooredome .

I might yet speake of women , whereof a great number that are not to be detected with any bodily abuse , that would yet sharpen their tongues to chide at any man that would reprehend those enormities , that sinne by custome had ingrafted in them .

A godly admonition to Ladies and Gentlewomen . But I would I could now admonish Ladies and Gentlewomen , that amongst all the creatures of Gods handie worke , I doe acknowledge to bee most excellent , here vpon the earth : but as the finest cloath is most aptest to take a staine , so their milde dispositions inclined to all compassionate loue and curtesie , are soonest led astray , and most easiest to be seduced . And this olde Hagge of Hell , this loathsome Lady Sinne , with her glazed eyes , her painted cheekes , her new-formed fashions , and her inchanting tongue , doth so bewitch and blindfolde their vnderstandings , that when they thinke they conuerse with an Angell of Light , they giue entertainment to a Monster of Hell ; but when Sinne shall present her selfe to their new awakened soules , in her true forme and shape , and begins once to play the make-bate betweene God and them , and their owne consciences to testifie betweene them and themselues ; then they shall see to their owne sorrow , what Saint it is that they haue serued , they shall then perceiue to their great horror and grief , that this darling of theirs so dearly esteemed and beloued , will then be most busie to affright and afflict them .

I would , I could wish therefore , ( and with a reuerent regard I doe intreate them ) that they would bethinke themselues of their owne happinesse whilst they haue time , and not to doe as that foolish gentlewoman , that neuer remembred to say her prayers till she heard it thunder .

Women more excellent by nature then men . But some wil say , And why women , more then men ) because as women are more flexible , and therefore more apt to be seduced to ill , so they are more tractable againe , and therfore more easie to be induced to vertue .

Men are composed of an vneuen temperature of the elements , togither with the malitious influence of the planets , prefiguring them to be sturdie , stubborne , froward and ouerthwart ; but women are by nature of a more excellent metall , their hearts are more soft and yeelding , and themselues more pliable to all vertue and goodnesse .

There is more possibility to reclaime ten ill liuing women , to a conformitie of a better life , then to reforme one misliuing man .

Would they now bethinke themselues , when they looke in their Glasses , that there is no Forehead heeld so gracefull ( amongst many women ) as that which the Prophet Ieremie tearmeth to be gracelesse , the Forehead , that is past shame and cannot blush : let them therefore fall a chiding at their owne resemblances , beginning first with I speake this but to those women that be wise & doe feare God ▪ More then would serue ●o ▪ good women that feared God . the Forehead , and say , ô thou proud and shamelesse Forehead , the very Chaire and Seate of pride : where thou shouldest be deckt with a Crowne of Glory , thou art clouded and ouershadowed with a monstrous Mappe of Haire , no lesse offensiue to the Maiestie of God , then ougly and deformed in the sight of all good men ; be ashamed therefore of thy intollerable pride , and by thy humilitie , and submissiue lowlinesse , reconcile thy selfe againe to thy God , whom thou hast so highly offended .

Wandring Eyes . Descending then a little , say yet againe , ô you wandering and lasciuious Eyes , the attracters and drawers on of lust and sinfull thoughts ; you that were first created to be the Deemers of my Discretion , but now become the Dimners of the insight of my Soule : forbeare your wonted traines of light and wanton glances , seeke now with bitter teares , to bewaile your former follies , and lifting vp your selues to Heauen , aske grace and mercie .

I hope al this will offend no women that are good . Proceeding thus , you may yet reprooue the Tongue that is more apt to speake ill then good : the Eares againe that are euer more set wide open to vanitie , but still shut vp to good counsell or godly instruction : And so we may say of all the rest of our necessarie and naturall members , that are displaced of their ordinarie courses : for being first created as the Ministers of the Soule , are now become the Disturbers of our Innocency .

How women should vse their glasses . This externall beautie of the body , so much esteemed of amongst women , when they behold it in a Glasse , it should stirre them vp a farre off to display the maiestie of the Creator , and from thence should passe with the wings of their cogitations to the contemplation of the highest Faire , which is the inuisible beautie of the Almighty God , from whence as from a Fountaine , all smaller Riuers deriue their beauties .

It is said that Africa , bringeth forth euery yeare a new Monster , the reason is , that in the desarts of that countrey , the wilde and sauage beasts , that are both diuerse in nature , and contrarie in kinde , will yet ingender the one with the other : but England hatcheth vp euery moneth a new Monster , euery weeke a new Sinne , and euery day a Monstrous fashions euery day hatched vp . new Fashion : our Monsters are not bred in the Desarts , as those in Africa , but in euery Towne and Citty : where they are so chearely fostered , & so daintily cherished that they multiply on heapes , by hundreds and by thousands . It were not possible for me now to set down how this monstrous generation thus hatched vp by Sinne , hath beene from time to time procreated and brought into the world , one sinne still begetting an other .

The genealogy of sinne . Pride the eldest daughter of Sinne , was first Spaund in Heauen : shee was from thence expelled ; but shee drew after her a great dissolution of Angels . It was pride , that begat Contempt in Paradise , where there was no Apple in the Garden so well pleasing to Eue , as that which God had forbidden her .

It was Contempt that begot Malice , And Malice againe begat Murther , when Cain kild his brother Abell .

As the sonnes of men increased in the world , so Sinne began to multiply so fast , that God repented him that hee had made man .

To purge the world of her abhominations , the Deluge came , and all were drowned , except eight persons . After the Floud , amongst the sonnes of Noah the generation of the accursed Cham , became to be great and mightie vpon the earth ; at which time Sinne was growne againe to that strength , that shee began on the sudden to play the Rebell , and with a tumultuous assembly gathered together in the plaines of Shinar , shee began to fortifie her selfe against Heauen .

Amongst those Giants , then reigning ouer the face of the earth , that greedy Curre Couetousnesse , which the Apostle tearmeth to be the roote of all euils , was ( amongst a number of other monstrous sinnes ) fostered vp by Ambition .

Couetousnes the parent of many sinnes . Couetousnesse , was the first parent of Oppression , Extortion , Bribery , Vsury , Fraud , Deceit , Subtilty : and that common Strumpet Idolatry , was a bastard borne of this broode .

Idolatry had issue , the Lady Lecherie , who in processe of time , became so conuersant with the Pope and his Cardinals , that they procreated amongst them that loathsome sinne of Buggery .

The varieties of Iniquities . It would bee a matter of impossibilitie for me to set downe the varieties of those sinnes that are hatched vp in these daies , when so many new fashioned iniquities doth swarme , both in Cittie , Towne , and Country ; that were our bodies but halfe so diseased with sicknesses as our soules be with sins , it could not be auoided , but that some strange and vnheard-of mortality would ensue . The time hath beene , men would maske their vices with cloaked dissimulation from the eye of the world , but now iniquitie is set forth bare fast , without any maske of preteires to hide her ougly visage .

They sought to couer their sinnes from the open show , we haue so litle shame , that we neuer seek to shelter them : our Ancestors were but bunglers at vice , they had not the wit to grace a sinne , nor to set it forth to the show ; they could but call a Spade a spade , a Greene Goose a gosling , a professed Broker , a craftie knaue : we are become farre more exquisite , we can make an Owle a Hawke , a Iacke Naaps , a sheepe , an old Milne Horse , a palfry for a man of honour ; we can call Impudency , Audacitie , Rage , Courage , Wilinesse , wit , Obstinacy , Constancy ; and Lewde Lust , Pure Loue .

Our wittes are become more capering then they were in times past , our conceits more nimble , and ready to finde out new trickes , new toies , and new inuentions , as well of follies as of fashions .

Sinne thinkes scorne to be reprooued . But what remedie ? pride thinkes scorne to be reprooued or to be told of her faults , she is growne so stubborne and so stately .

Swearing swaggers out admonition , and will not be reprooued .

Whooredome and Drunkennesse , hath so hid themselues in the Maze of vanities , that repentance can no where fiinde them out .

Rage & Fury are produced as arguments of valour , where the Lie shall be giuen but vpon the speaking of a word , & the Stab againe returned , but for the giuing of the Lie : where not to pleadge a Health , is a ground good ynough for a Challenge , and the taking of wall , made a heinous matter , whereby many times murther doth insue .

Three shrewd witnesses . But sinners haue three shrewd witnesses to testifie against them , the Diuell , the Law , and their owne Consciences : but if here vpon the earth a mans owne conscience condemnes him for his sinne , how much greater shall be The glory pride . the iudgement of God ? The glory of pride as she passeth through the streetes in this age , doth so farre exceed , that the eye of heauen is ashamed to behold it . And those blessings which God hath giuen vs in great measure , we consume in pride , and wantonnesse , and like Swine we beslauer the precious pearles of Gods abundant plenty , conuerting them by our excessiue pride , into dearth and scarcity : and this wickednesse ariseth not from Turkes , Iesuits , Heretykes , and Papists , but from the professors of true Christianity , and euen now in the hottest Sunne-shine of the Gospell : we haue neglected Heauen , to dote vpon the vaine pleasures of the earth , and haue forsaken God , but to wrappe our selues in the excrement of wormes ; a little garded and garnished with the minerall of Gold and Siluer .

How many that are not able to pay honestly for home-spunne cloth , will yet weare silke , and will euery day glister in Gold and Siluer ? the soule goes euery day in her working day clothes , whilest the body keepes perpetuall holy-day , and iets vp and downe in her seuerall suites .

The effects of pride . How many againe are so eager of superfluities , that all their racked rents in the country are not able to discharge the Shop bookes in the City , when there be that will spend asmuch as some knights be worth , but in a payre of Garters , and a payre of Shooestrings ?

It is pride that hath banished Hospitality and good house keeping .

It is pride that raiseth the rents and rates of all things vniuersally .

It is pride that breadeth our dearth and scarcities :

It is pride that impouerisheth City , Towne and countrey .

It is pride that filles all the prisons in England , and brings a number to the Gallowes .

It is pride , ( if it be not preuented in time ) that will make a hangmans roome in reuersion , to be a good sute for a gentleman that hath honestly serued his Prince and Countrey : for howsoeuer hee may shift for meate and drinke , he shall be sure to want no cloathes .

A happie age . It was a happy age when a man might haue wooed his wench , with a paire of Kiddes lether Gloues , a Siluer Thimble , or with a Tawdry Lace ; but now a veluet gowne , a chaine of pearle , or a coach with foure horses , will scarcely serue the turne ; shee that her mother would haue beene glad of a good Ambling Maare , to haue rode to Market on , will not now steppe out of her owne doores , to crosse the other side of the streete , but shee must haue her coache .

It was a merry world , when seauen or eight yeards of veluet would haue made a gowne for a Lady of honour ; now eighteene will not suffice for her that is scarce worthy to be a good Ladies laundresse : we are growne from a peticoate of stamell to cloath of siluer , cloath of gold , silke stockings , and not so much as our shoes , but they must be imbrodered with siluer , with gold , yea and sometimes with pearles .

I haue spoken of pride indifferently , how it inforceth a like both men and women ▪ it is pride that draweth after it such a daily innouation of new fashions , that I thinke they haue found out whole Mines of new inuentions , or they haue gotten the Philosophers stone to multiply , there is such a daily multiplicity , both of follies and fashions .

Vitellius in his daies searched farre and neare for the varieties of Nature , but we haue harrowed Hell in these daies for the vanity of new fashions , and ( I thinke ) wee haue found them out ; for hee that had as many Eyes as Argus , were not able to looke into the one halfe , that are now followed and imbraced aswell by men as women . The Prophet Esay in his 3. Chapt. maketh mention of many strange engins belongeth to women : he speaketh there of oyntments for their lippes , of caules , and round attires for their heads , of sweete balles , bracelets , and bonnets : of tabiletes , earrings , muffelers , wimples , vailes , crisping pinnes , glasses , lawnes , and fine linnen .

These and many other vanities belonging to women are there numbred vp : but if the Prophet had now lately , but walked one turne through the Royal Exchange in London , he would haue beene put to his shiftes to haue Strange inuented vanities . made a true repetition of the new inuented vanities , that are there to be seene ; and this would more haue troubled him more then all the restt , hat when he had heard them cald by their proper names , he could neuer haue vnderstood whereunto they had belonged , without the helpe of a chamber maide .

The diuels Ingeny . Some will say that these new inuented vanities came first from hell , and I would be loath to excuse the diuell himselfe in the matter , that I know is very ingenious , and is euery day deuising of new ingines , and ( I thinke ) doth keepe an attire-makers shops , whereby to attempt and allure Credible and true though strange to be beleeued . both men and women , to sinne : but this I dare assure my self , that our Ladies and Gentlewomen in these daies are so exceeding in their attires , and so deformed in their fashions , that all the Ladies and Gentlewomen that be in hell ▪ did neuer weare nor see the like .

There be many both men and women , that to follow the new fashion , hath marde that fashion that God himselfe hath formed .

We marre that fashion that God hath made to follow our owne . I protest I haue many times beene hartily sorry , to see some women , whom God and Nature had adorned with beauty , with perfection , and with comelinesse of personage , that haue disguised themselues in that sort , with the deformities of fashions , that of amiable and louely creatures , they haue transformed themselues to be most deformed and loathsome monsters .

There is a decorum to be kept ( but especially amongst women ) in attiring of themselues ; for that attire that is comely for a round well-formed visage is as vnseemely againe in her that hath a little , a leane , or a long face : but as euery shooe is not fit for euery foote , nor euery medicine to be applyed to euery maladie , so euery fashion , doth not befit euery person , nor euery colour agree with euery complexion . The woman therefore that is wise , will fit her selfe with such a fashion , as may adde comelinesse to her owne proportion : but mine intent is not here to instruct women how to adorne themselues to the show of the world , when there is no ornament so pretious wherewithall to beautifie a woman , as is the beauty of a good and godly behauiour . This one instruction I wil yet leaue to those that are desirous to follow the fashion : their is not a greater enemy to all complexions , either in men or women , then is this found fantasie of yellow starched bands , and therefore A most ridiculous folly . as it is a certain argument of vanity , so there can not be a more ridiculous follie . The woman shall not weare that which apperteineth to the man , neither shall a man put on womans rayment : for all that doe so , are abomination to the Lord thy God .

A precept from God neglected . A precept left vnto vs by the Almightie , Deuteronom. 22. But the yong man in this age , that is not strumpet like attired , doth thinke himselfe quite out of fashion , and the yong woman againe , that as well in her behauiour , as in the manner of her apparrell is most ruffian like , is accounted the most gallant wench : and I know not what to say , or whether I should accuse men , for suting themselues The little difference that is vsed between men and women in their apparell . in womens apparrell , or whether I should accuse women for suting themselues in mens apparell ; but this is certaine , that their hattes , their feathers , their bands so bestitched , so beedged , so belaced , and in their ridiculous banbeles , sir named picadillies , yea and in their gownes to , they are so sutable and like in fashion , that there is no more difference to be seene , then is betweene a horse shooe , and a Maares shooe .

We are better knowne the one of vs to the other by our faces , then we are by our vertues , and yet we are better knowne by our follies , then we are by our faces : but if we did not looke asquint at the matter , we should finde , that as we haue prouoked the wrath of God by our strange and new fangled fashions , so he hath in a sort requited vs againe , with as many strange and vnknowne diseases , almost euery yeare with a new kinde of sicknesse , such as our phisitions are no lesse ignorant of the cure , then they be of the cause from whence proceeding . And what is it The new found out folly of taking tobacco . now , but the custome of new fashions , that hath foisted in that Indian plant Tobacco ? that till now of late was neuer knowne but amongst Indians , Barbarians , and such infidels as did euery day adore and worship the diuell , but it is now so entertained amongst vs both in England and Ireland , that all the nations in Christendome besides do laugh at our folly .

If it were but halfe so pretious as a number would perswade , I thinke the people of other parts of Christendome could looke into it aswell as wee , neither amongst our selues could it be so much desired in such generalitie , for the multitude was neuer inclined yet greatly to imbrace vertue , or to like of any thing that were good .

But some will say , I doe want matter to quarrell with that will be finding fault with the souereigntie of Tobacco , that is so much admired , and therewithall , so generally receiued .

I confesse it maketh drunken euerie day in the weeke , the whole rablement of panders , parasites , bawdes , Brokers , knights of the post , Hostlers , Tapsters , Tinkers , Tailers , Coblers , Costermongers , and the whole generation of Drunkards , cut and long taile , one and other : and I doe looke that all these will censure me from the Tribunall of their Alebench . Now for that olde prouerbe , sometimes avowed by them that will crie out The more the merrier , yet let them know that the multitude of such guests , shall adde to the horrour of miseries . But yet to blemish and to make dimme this my Looking Glasse , by belching out their stinking vapour , they will speake of Knights , Gentlemen , old men , yong men , wise men , learned men that doe all vse to take it , and will likewise defend it .

I know there be Knights and Gentlemen both , that doe vent more smooke out of their Nostrils , then they doe out of their kitchin chimnies ; and old men and yong men may bee led astray , the one through dotage , the other too much inclined to follow the fashion : but for those that are accounted to bee so wise and learned , that will stand so much in the defence of their Tobacco , Cardinall Bellarmin will doe as much in defence of the Pope , and in the approbation of his Idolatrous Masse .

Shall wee then denie the Phisitians testimony , will not his authoritie suffice in the matter ?

Giue me leaue to answer Master Doctor thus ; I will inforce against his Philosophy , that which can not erre , and that is the experience which many ages hath taught Experience much better then Master Doctors opinion . vs : that before Tobacco was euer knowne in England , wee liued more free from all manner of sicknesses , then we haue done sithens : and let them looke yet againe to the time now present , there be a number that neuer meddied with Tobacco , in their liues , doe they not liue in more perfect health then those that doe take it fastest ? if they doe not see this , they are but blind Doctors , & some will say that an ignorant Phisition is the worst of all diseases , and God blesse me and my friends from his physicke that wil prefer his owne skill before a known experience .

But they say Tobacco is physical : the greater their folly that will then take it too fast , when the best phisicke accouuted best indeede , is to take no phisicke at all vnlesse vpon vrgent occasion , but he that taketh phisicke euery day , can neuer haue a healthfull body .

Well , yet they say Tobacco is of an excellent operation for the drying vp of Rheumes , Dropsies , and of all other moist humors whatsoeuer : as good a medicine pickt out for those diseases as he that poured on oyle to quench the Tobacco vsed but to drawe dowue drinke . fire , when Tobacco is but made a shooing horne to drawe downe drinke , when euery pipe must haue his pot , and when both pipe and pot must still walke the round , and march togither arme in arme , as louingly as the Whore and the Bawde .

But here is now a vertue pickt out that cannot be denied , we see it with our eyes what water and Rheume it bringeth vp , and maketh vs to spit in that abundance , as must be very holesome to be so auoided ; but if the vertue of Tobacco be so precious becaus it wil make a man to spit & to spaule , learne this of me ; thou that so much desirest The loathsomnesse of Tobacco . to driuell & to slauer , take but one dragme of the abstract that is drawne out of a Close-stoole ; it shall goe further for that purpose then a whole ounce of the best Tobacco that euer came out of the West Indies , be it pudding or leafe .

Let me intreate the gentle reader a little to pardon me , though I somewhat stray from the bounds of modesty , it is but to expresse one loathsomnesse by another .

I cannot tell what reuerent tearmes I might vse to deliuer their rude inciuility , that whilest they are taking their Tobacco do so spit and spaule , driuell and slauer , in that loathsome and vnmannerly sort , as were ynough to make either man or woman to turne vp their stomacks , especially if they were such as had beene trained vp in ciuility , or had any regard of cleanlinesse . I know not therefore The Tobacconist and the Drunkard fit companions . whether of the twain I might condemne to be most loathsome and beastly , whether the common Drunkard , or the Smoake taking Tobacconest , the one vomits vp his draffe when he is drunke , the other slauers out his driuell when he is sober ; a sight as vnlouely to looke on the one Tobacco sophisticated . as the other : but if Gentlemen did know what sophisticated stuffe it were that they did buy at so deare a rate , I thinke some of them would be better aduised ; we might else conclude that draffe were good ynough for Swyne , and that a Barley corne were fitter for Esops Cocks then a precious stone .

The Tobacconist yet hath this speciall vertue , when he hath bestirred himselfe well to his Tobacco-pipe , he will be more thankfull for a penny pot of drinke then he will for a two-penny loafe of bread .

It is not without some speciall cause that I doe thus inueigh against Tobacco , when for myne owne part I am not so squemish but that I can aswell endure the loathsomnesse of the sight , as the filthinesse of the stinke : but if it were aduisedly looked into and well considered of , we should finde that the masse of treasure that is yearely blowne out of the Tobacco pipe , would suffice to giue royal pay to an army of forty thousand Souldiers , either for the A pitious expence . seruice of the King , or the defence of the country if neede should so require : or might rather be imployed to many other charitable vses , now in this miserable time , then to be so vainely consumed and spent as it is .

I referre it to the iudgment of any man that hath but the grace or feare of God before his eyes .

Now to set downe myne owne conceit what I do assuredly beleeue , from whence it should proceede that the English aboue all the nations in Christendome besides are so much inclined to doate on this stinking smoaky vapor : I thinke it to be an engine of the Diuels owne deuising , who by his ministers hath thus dispersed this misty hellish fogge to stirre vp sinne and wickednesse , and in that place aboue al the rest where true religion doth shine most bright , and the word of God hath freest passage .

The inormities that be drawne in by Tobacco . Let vs but now a litle looke into the enormity : it is Tobacco that consumeth that wealth that might be imploied to many godly vses .

It is Tobacco that in euery Tauern , Inne , and Alehouse , is now as common as any Curtizan .

It is Tobacco that Harlot like holdeth in society , the base and rascall sort of people , and containeth them as well in idlenesse , as in drunkennsse .

It is Tobacco that maketh the poore Artificer to spend that at night , that he hath laboured for all the whole day , whilest his wife and poore children do sit at home without bread .

It is Tobacco that maketh a rich man a poore man , a poore man a starke begger , a wise man a foole , an old man to dote , and a yong man to admire his owne ignorance .

It is Tobacco that draweth to drunkennesse , from drunkennesse to swearing , from swearing to quarrelling , from quarrelling to stabbing , killing , and murthering .

It is the excessiue taking of Tobacco , that hath hurt a great many , and of mine owne knowledge hath killed some outright .

For him that wil yet oppose me with his owne experience , and will tell me what himselfe hath felt of the vertue of Tobacco : I will intreat him to pardon me , though I giue no better credit to his words then I do to the Papist , that will protest in good earnest that he hath found himselfe to be better assisted by his prayers to our Lady , then he hath beene by the power of our Lord , and will not let to sweare that a Popes blessing is ynough to preserue him from all the Diuels in Hell , that will not so much as protect him from the poore Hangman .

The Diuell that hath so many superstitious conceits wherewith to blindfold the Papist , is not vnfurnished of vaine impressions wherewith to be sot the Tobacconist : to conclude , he that can take Tobacco , drinke Bottle-ale , play an after game at Tables , and weare a Picadilly , is a compleat man fit for the time , and pleasing to all companies .

I haue thus presented to your view , first the true picture of pride , together with the folly of New-fashions , amongst the which this inordinate taking of Tobacco , as it is the most vaine , so it is the most loathsome . I would now giue you a little glimce of that accursed curre Couetousnesse , and of some one or two of those whelpes , that are crept out of his owne kennell , namely Bribery and Vsurie ; for the rest that be of the same litter , as oppression , extortion , exaction , and a number such other like , I may let them yet sleepe till fitter opportunitie may serue to awaken them . They say it is not good to awake a barking dogge , but these bee all byting curres , that sheepe-biter like , doe euery day rauen and worrie the whole Common-wealth .

Of couetousnesse . Couetousnesse is the curre , that deuoureth his owne Actaeon ▪ it is the Charybdis , that greedie gulfe , that swalloweth vp all without respect either of friend or foe , either of vertuous or vitious : it is the Canker of the Common-wealth , that eateth vp the gettings of the poore .

It is the viper that poisoneth the eares of Princes , teaching them to set aside all iust and honourable dealing .

It is Couetousnesse , that thinketh nothing to be vnlawfull , where either gaine is to be begotten , or gold to be gathered .

It is Couetousnesse , that maketh no conscience in gathering of gold , nor spilling of blood , holding nothing to be vnlawfull that bringeth in gaine .

It is Couetousnesse , that eateth vp the meanes , that the poore haue to liue by , and that reaues the sweate from the Labourers browes .

The couetous wretch heapeth together abundance of wealth , with paine , with trauell , with periurie , with oppression , with vsurie , with extortion , with wronging their neighbours , with the curse of the poore : which they leaue againe to their vnthrifty heires , no lesse prodigall in spending , then their fathers were miserable in gathering .

Couetous persons ( amongst all other ) are most pernitious to be admitted to the administration of Iustice ; for by how much more they be aduanced to greatnesse , by so much the more they are accursed of the poore people , and daily vengeance denounced against them ▪ by as many as doe but heare them spoken of .

The couetous miser is then most ready to deuoure , when he makes semblance of greatest loue and amitie , and when he begins once to giue precepts of good counsell , his aduise is then most dangerous , for if it bring not poison in the mouth , be sure it brings a sting in the taile : o what paines the miser will take , but to coniure a little money into the narrow circle of a canuas bagge , he thinketh that the Angels of Heauen are not comparable to the Angels that be in his purse .

I thinke if Hell were a place of returne , and that either gold or gaine were there to be gotten , more triple headed dogges then one , were not able to defend the entry .

Mammon is a great God , and hee is honoured by no base persons ; he is serued by the rich and reuerenced by Bribery in great estimation . the mighty . Bribery is a bird of the same wing , though not so great a God as Mammon , yet mightily befriended , defended and supported .

But as a man that hath change of names , is seldome found to be honest , so a Bribe that is sometimes great by the name of a gift , sometimes of a present , sometimes of a Briberie disguised . gratification , sometimes of a Beneuolence , doth so slily passe from hand to hand vnder so many names and titles , that Bribery indeed , is hardly discerned .

Vnder these names and showes Bribery many times preiudiceth the seruice of the Prince , peruerteth good Lawes , and armeth all sorts of sinners with boldnesse to offend .

Many sinnes boulstered out by briberie . The lawes and ordinances that are sometimes decreed in Cities and Townes corporate , for the common good of the inhabitants , Briberie so dissolueth them , as if they had beene ordained to no other purpose but to bring in gifts and rewards : and God forgiue them their sinnes that will say , their be many institutions , ordained ( indeed ) amongst Lawes ordained but to bring in bribes . these inferiour sort of towne magistrates , rather to bring in bribes , then to punish abuse .

Bribery many times standeth in the doore of greatnesse , and sometimes helpes vp iniurie to the place of audience ; but he that hath but a bad matter to follow , briberie , is the man , that must first do his message : for he that hath art and skill , to know both how to giue and take a bribe , he hath the onely approoued medicine , to passe through any affaires that are possible to be effected .

There be many notes whereby thou maiest know a briber , for all his cunning counterfeiting , but take these few for the most speciall : he loueth still to be neere about a magistrate , or at the elbow of any other great person in place and authority , and if you marke him well , he is euer more incroaching , to creepe into an office , and if you misse him in any of these places , you shall lightly hit vpon him amongst some of the Clarkes , that are belonging to some of the foure Courts .

I would be glad now to present to your view , the true picture of vsury , but there hath beene question made of Vsury . vsury what it is ; some would haue it to consist onely in the letting of money : but if we could aswell vnderstand What vsurie is . the spirituall , as we do plod at the litterall , there was neuer more occasion to exclaime against vsury , then at this present .

But it is written , Thou shalt not giue thy money to vsurie : therefore to extort , to exact , to oppresse , to deceiue , by false waights , by false measures , by lying , by flattering , by periurie , or by any other manner of deceitful villanie : they thinke it honest trade and traffique .

Whether all these be vsurers or nay . The Land-lord , that racketh vp his rents , the Farmer , that hoiseth vp the market , the Merchant that robbeth the Realme , the Shop-keeper , that buyeth by one weight and selleth by another ; the Baker flatly cossineth the poore , in euery loafe of bread , that hee buieth to fill his belly ; the Bruer that is no lesse deceitful in the measure of his caske , then in the price of his beere ; the craftie Tradesman , the deceitfull Artificer : what are all these and many If no vsurers , then arrant theeues . A question demanded . other moe that might be here inserted , if they be not vsurers , what are they but arrant Theeues ?

And I would here craue the censure of Diuinity , whether hee that will not sell but for excessiue gaine , whether he that selleth vpon trust , and will therefore hoise vp his commoditie to the higher prizes ; whether he that will not lend vpon a pawne , vnlesse he may buy it out right to the great hinderance of the partie that selleth it ; whether he that takes aduantage of his neighbours necessitie either in buying or selling ; whether he that purchaseth his neighbours house or liuing out of his hands , whether he that buies an office thereby to poule and pill , whether he that doth take excessiue gaine , or excessiue fees , whether these or such other like are to be accounted vsurers , or nay , and whether all these things thus mentioned and spoken of are not as fit to be reformed , as the vsurie in lending of mony ?

I speake now of Dubline . There be some that haue done their indeauours for the reforming of vsurie : but now , as the Apostle saith , The law speaketh to them , that are vnder the law , Romanes 3. so I speake now of the place where my selfe was resident at the writing of these lines , namely , at the cittie of Dubline in Ireland , where mony being scant , and where there bee no lenders but vpon good securitie , and profit both togither ; yet in Dubline ( as in all other places ) men are driuen vpon necessarie occasions ( that haue not money of their owne ) to borrow of others that haue to lende , though they sometimes pay dearely for it ; whereupon some well disposed persons ( stirred vp by a godly zeale ) beganne to inueigh against vsurie , wherein without doubt , they honestly discharged their duties towards God , but the vsury that they so much reprehended , was onely the vse of lending of mony : when pretermitting now to speake of the excessiue gaine that is incroached by shopkeepers , and by all other sorts of Tradesmen that do liue by buying and selling : I dare boldely auouch thus much , that all the Vsury , and Extortion , The extortion of Bakers and Brewers , pitious to be suffered . or call it what you will , that is vsed by Bakers , and Brewers alone , is tenne times more grieuous and especially to the poorer sort of people , then all the interest that is taken for the letting out of mony .

But they onely denounced against the letting of mony , and they did it no doubt but according to the rule of Gods word , for the lending of mony to vse is directly forbidden by Gods owne mouth , and therefore sinne ; but the inconuenience that I do finde is this , Vsury is reprooued , Vsury reproued , but not truely defined but it is not defined but according to the letter , whereupon the great Vsurers indeed , that do thinke that in their trade of buying , and selling , the gaine of one hundred pounds for an other a great deale too little , and that howsoeuer they can defraud or exact by bargaining , they do thinke themselues to be very honest and true dealing men ; and that this prohibition : Thou shalt not put thy mony to vsury , doth nothing at all concerne them ; and as they suppose , it stretcheth no further then to the lending of mony , when many great Diuines haue giuen their opinions , that as in that petition giue vs this day our daily bread : all our other necessaries are there comprehended ; so in those wordes , Thou shalt not giue thy mony to vsurie : all other excessiue gaine , is likewise included .

To this agreeth the opinion of that ancient Father Saynt Hierome , who writing vpon the Prophet Ezekiel , Vsury defined deliuereth these wordes , Some think that there is no vsury but in mony . This did the holy Scriptures fore-see , and therefore taketh away all excessiue increase or gaine in any thing .

What should I need to bring any further testimony in this case , when there is no learned Diuine that did euer deny it ? I would not haue men therefore to flatter themselues too much , or to thinke themselues more honest then they be ; for he that taketh excessiue gaine in any thing , is as great a vsurer as he that lendeth out mony : but he that hath the most corrupted Lungs himselfe , will soonest complaine of the vnsauoury breath of others . And who will be more ready to exclaime against vsury then he that is himselfe the greatest vsurer ?

Vsury needs no more but the bare name to make it hatefull : the Ribauld , the Robber , the Theefe , the Murtherer , the Drunkard , the Whore-master , the Swearer , the Blasphemer , they all cry out against vsury ; they that are of noreligion will yet pleade religion , and bitterly raile at him , that lendeth mony to vse : he that hath no conscience at all , will yet pretend a conscience , and wil exclaime against the vsurer : when if he did but looke into his owne impiety , or if his owne faules were written in his forehead , he might pulle his cap ouer his browes as low as his neighbours : but whilest they would bereaue the vsurer of his interest , they themselues would robbe him of his principall .

I would not haue any man to thinke that what I haue formerly spoken is in the defence of vsury , that I know at all times , in all places and by all good men , hath euer bin condemned .

I am now come to figure forth a sinne that in a certain kinde hath some affinity with vsury , and that is that monstrous Of Murther . sinne of Murther : for as he that in bargianing , buying , & selling , can by any fraudulent or deceitful meanes , circumuent , or so ouer reach his neighbour to make him pay for a commodity three times more in value then it is worth , yet this he accounteth to be no vsury , nor any manner of cracke to his credit or reputation ; but doth thinke it to be Merchant-like , or Tradseman-like traffique , and will in no wise acknowledge himselfe to be an Vsurer : so the malicious wretch that by practise and by pollicy seeketh the vtter wracke and ruine of his neighbour whom he doth maligne , so long as he layeth no violent hands on him , he thinketh himself to be no Murtherer at all .

Of Murther as it is determined by Christ . When the High Priests by subtilty brought Christ to Pilate , and by false accusations procured his death , they thought themselues to be cleane and pure .

Pilate againe , when he had deliuered Christ to be crucified , washed his hands , and pronounced himselfe to be innocent : but our Sauiour Christ in the fift of Mathew , hath there determined the matter , both what Murther is ; & who is a Murtherer ; his words be these : Ye haue heard how that it was said , to them of old time , kill not , for whosoeuer killeth shall be in danger of iudgment . But I say vnto you , whosoeuer is angry with his brother shall be in danger of iudgment ; and whosoeuer saieth to his brother Racha , shall be in danger of councell , but whosoeuer saieth to his brother , thou Foole , shall be in danger of Hell fire .

The Pharisies that had corrupted the Scriptures with their false glosses , interpreted this place : he that slayeth shall be guilty or in danger of iudgment , that is to say , if a man commit a Murther , his act is ynough to testifye against him , there needs no more but to pronounce the sentence of death : this text did the Pharisies extend no further then to kill with the hand , or to murther by stroke or dent of weapon ; but our Sauiour Christ restoring againe the true sence , auowed flatly , that a man to be angry Who be murtherers by Gods Law with his brother , is to murther him , and deserueth death , for the Law is not so much respecting to the hand , as to the heart .

But this is a hard saying saith the malicious , but yet a true saying , as Saint Iohn in his first Epistle , & 3. Chap. plainly affirmeth , that he that hateth his brother is a Murtherer .

But now actuall Murther indeed findeth friends , and to kill a man ▪ though sometimes cowardly , it is rather reputed for Man-hood , then for Murther , or will be found but Man-slaughter or Chance-medly : and there be that Cowardly Murtherers . can tell how to murther a man with a Pinne , better then they know how to do with a Pyke , and dare aduenture to murther him with a word , that they neuer durst looke in the face with a sword ; but these sorts of Murtherers are not to be taxed , when murther in former ages hath beene knowne sometimes to sit roabed in Scarlet , and when Cruell Murtherers histories do make mention of some mercilesse Magistrats , that hath murthered more poore suiters with their Currish answers , then the Hangman of London did euer strangle with his Hempen halter .

To conclude , as amongst Vsurers , those that do offend by the letting out of mony , are the fewest in number , so amongst Murtherers , the number is farre more greater of those that doth both slay and slaughter by their merciles cruelty , then are the other that do most bloudily commit murther with their hands .

But see here a monster in nature , that preaseth now to show himselfe in my Glasse , a common Drunkard , the very dregges of double Beere , and strong Ale : amongst men a Beast , and amongst Beasts a very Swyne .

A Drunkard is called the King of good-fellowes , but it is but a drunken kind of good-fellowship , when amongst all sorts of friends , a drunken friend is most to be detested and abhorred .

A drunken friend is the worst friend that may be , for in his drunkennesse he discloseth all that he knoweth : the Drunkard dissolueth all his gettings into the pot , and drowneth all his vertues in the Ale-Fat : he is not fit to be imploied in any good or godly exercise .

There are three things that are not to be credited , a Woman when she weepes , a Merchant when he sweares , nor a Drunkard when he prayes .

But it is accounted now to proceed from a generous spirit , to be drunken once a day , and they haue gotten coniurations , and inchantments , whereby to draw on drunkennesse .

Charmes to draw on drunkennesse . A health to the King , a health to the Queene , a health to my Lord , a health to my Ladie : And who dares deny to pledge one of these healthes ? they will scarcely auow him to bee a good subiect , that will denie to pledge the Kings health : as though the king were honoured by a company of drunken sots , that will make themselues beasts , vnder the pretence to doe the king honour . It is like the honour the idolatrous papists doe giue to the virgin Marie , who in a superstitious zeale do attribute that to her for honour , that being well examined , is her greatest dishonour .

These Art-Magicke Charmes , that do draw on men to powre in more then they are able to beare , if it bee not vomited vp againe by the drunkard himself , it is yet spewed out of the soule of him that doth behold it with an honest conscience . The Prophet Esay in his third chap pronounceth an endlesse woe vnto them that are mighty to draw downe drinke , and as their end is damnation , so their damnation is without end .

But see , here comes in the adulterer , with his harlot in his hand ; but they must needs goe ( they say ) that the Diuell driues , and there is no hope to keepe out whoredome , where drunkennesse her gentleman vsher hath free and quiet passage to leade the way .

Whoredome hath many friends and fauourites . Whoredome hath many friends in these daies , a number of fauorites , that giueth her boldnesse whereby shee insinuates her selfe into the world .

Salomon tels vs , That the plague is in the house of the harlot , and that shee sits in the doores of her house on a seat in the high places of the cittie .

Whoredome scornes to be closed vp in any obscure place , no , shee hath friends to boulster her out , and to support her in the highest and most principall places of the city .

Harlots now adaies ; do not lurke in by corners as theeues are wonted , nor in secret chambers , as strumpets haue bin accustomed , nor in close clossets as conspiring Papists , when they be at their Masse ; but shee frequents the principall places of the cittie , where shee giues entertainment to those that comes vnto her , that are not of the basest sort , but many times of the best reputed : but they do not know , saith Salomon , that the dead are in her house , and that her guests are in the depth of hell . And wilt thou yet enter her house , that carries death and damnation about her ? beware A true description of a harlot . of her , thou that art wise ; shee first inticeth , and then shee killeth , she wooes thee with her eyes , for in these daies eyes can both speake and vnderstand , and the harlot baits her desires , with a number of prostituted countenances whereby to allure and intice .

Nothing more true . As the harlot destroieth his soule that doth frequent her , so she is a plague to the flesh , more infectious to the body then the common pestilence , and carries more diseases about her , then is in an hospitall .

And as the knowne whoremonger , is but of a rotten reputation , A reward fit for whoremongers . so he is most commonly as full of loathsome diseases ; or let it be that God sometimes doth suffer whoremongers to liue , till they may stroke there gray and hoarie haires , yet they neuer escape the filthy diseases of botches , byles , aches , inflâmation , & of that loathed disease of the french poxe , a litle gilded ouer by the name of the gowt , or sometimes of the sciatica : & besides a corporall stroke of heauens heauy hand in this life , the whoremonger shal feele the fearefull addition of an eternall woe in the fire of hell .

The harlot is like a new play , that being thrice presented on the stage , begins to grow staale . And the harlot that is These old antiquities are little set by . once past thirty fiue yeares , is fitter to furnish an Hospitall , then to garnish a bed chamber . The prouerbe is old , A Popes Bull , a dead mans skull , and an old trull , are not all worth a pound of wooll : marry there is some comfort yet left to a harlot , when shee comes to yeares , for an old whore will make a spicke and span new bawde .

The best commendations , I can giue to a harlot is this ; she brings a man to repentance in the end , though not for his sinnes , yet to curse the time that euer he knew her .

Harlots of two sorts , the first a staine to good women . Harlots be of two kinds , the one induced the rather vnto it , by the currish demeanure of an vnkinde husband : or sometimes inforced to play the strumpet to relecue her want , ô ( perhaps ) to vphold her pride : these kinde of harlots are very secret , in all their carriages , & wil make choice of such friends ( as neere as they can ) as shall conceale all their escapes , and maintaine their reputations in the eye of the world .

The second a limme of the diuell . A second sort there be that setting aside all feare of God , or shame of the world , doth surrender themselues to whoredome , through the vitious heate of there own intemperat desires : these be those that doth liue of the spoile of all comers : they consume them in goods , in body , and in soule that doth frequent them . And these are desirous to make themselues knowne strumpets to the world , thereby to get themselues to be hunted after and sought vnto : for these are ready for all that will come , and that they might be the rather noted in their vocation , they doe manifest themselues in there attire , in there demeanure , in there audacious boldnesse and immodest behauiour .

They will shew themselues what they be , at maskes , at meetings , at banquets , at feasts , which they will still frequent , but of purpose to seeke acquaintance , and to draw in customers .

The custome o● good women pitiously neglected . The time hath bin when a woman that had bin once infamed , should haue bin shunned , nay shee should haue bin scorned of euery good woman , and shee that had beene honest ( indeede ) would neuer haue endured her companie that had beene tainted in her credit : but now euery marked creature , that is notorious to the world , will insinuate her selfe into the most principall places , and into the companie of those women that are not onely regarded for their greatnesse , but in like manner esteemed for their goodnesse .

But I will not take vpon me to detect Ladies and Gentlewomen , what company they shall keepe , but the old prouerbe can no longer hold , That birds of a wing will flie together : but alas poore vertue , sul little doest thou know how much thou wrongest thy selfe , by thy associating thy The practise of harlots to slander good women . selfe thus with vice , when the practise of a harlot is , that where shee knoweth a woman to bee most worthily renowned , and most honourably esteemed for her vertue ; there shee will intrude and prease to get admittance , not so much to countenance her selfe , as to disgrace & discredit the other , bending all her endeauours to diminish the reputation of euery good woman , and to bring them into a suspitious coniecture , to be birds all of one feather .

How many women , both good and honest , ( and sometimes Many good women defamed by conuersing with harlots . honourable ) that by this practise of insinuating harlots , hath beene betraied and infamed ?

And as good women , by their ouer much kindnes and affability , haue sometimes thus diminished their own credits : so men that be of place and authoritie , had neede be very warie and circumspect , how they giue grace or entertainement to a woman that hath beene noted to be of lewde life : for besides , it breedeth suspition in as many as doth behold it ; so it is the rather confirmed , when euery harlot is desirous to slander her selfe with great personages , and the greater a man is either in office or dignitie , by so much the more shee is desirous to be slandered by him : for shee is not ignorant , but that to be accounted a paramour to him that is had in any regard at all , is auaileable for her aduantage : and shee makes vse of it for seuerall purposes : for first , shee prizes her selfe at the higher rate amongst her baser companions that doth frequent her , then otherwise she could do .

Againe it shelters her from being cald in question , for who dares detect her that they thinke shall be supported and borne out by so mightie friends ?

It yet againe so armeth her with that audacious boldnesse , that shee dares insinuate her selfe into any company , be they neuer so honest , that otherwise would spit at her .

Harlots better countenanced then those women that be good . But what woman would be honest now adaies , when the worse a woman liues , the better shee is thought on : if there be any that liues in want , it is poore chastitie , shee findes fewest friends , and least countenance .

He that hath a wife , if shee be a little wanton , shee is as good as Comminseede , to draw home customers , & there hath beene husbands , that hath had discreetion to make vse of it ; as Phanlius the Argian , who to raise his fortunes , A wittall the very shame of manhood . offered his wife to King Philip : and as Galba , who seeing Mecenas to cast some amarous glances on his wife , shrunk downe vpon his Cushion , as one oppressed with sleepe , thereby to giue him the better scoope , whereby he might persist .

He that can thus tollerate , may keepe his wife to ruffle it out amongst the best , without any charge to his owne purse , and shee will winne him many friends , that will bring him in Caates , to the kitchin , fish , foule , wine sugar , spice , The prouerbe is old , though to make vp a Rime , it be a little vnmannerly : i. Blessed be the Hoole , that brings in both The prouerb old , though something vnmannerly . wood and coole : that helpes to pay house-rent , and some mony to the good mans purse . Women are wise , and by their sleights they haue Emperours idle , as Amthoxy , strong men feeble as Sampson , valiant men effeminate as Hercules : wise men dissolute , as Salomon : and eloquent men lasciuious , as Aurelius .

But I hope all that I haue said , cannot offend those women that be good , whom I protest , I haue euer reuerenced , and doe still esteeme to be more pretious then silues or gold , and therefore to be honoured of all good men ; but as the Apostle writing to the Corinthians : There must be Good women more pretious then siluer or gold . Heresies , that those that are prooued may bee knowne : so say I , Amongst women , there must be some bad amongst the good ; that those that are good indeed may be the more With a reuerent regard I do thus aduise them . glorious ▪ but yet I would wish Ladies and Gentlewomen , that do tender their owne credits , to be well aduised how they conuerse or giue entertainment to those women that be bad ; because if the rules of Philosophy be true , there is not a better meane to discerne of men or women what they be , then to measure them by the company that they are accustomed to keepe .

But let vs enter a little into consideration , how we might distinguish betweene a good woman and a bad : we cannot do it by the outward show ; for if we should A hard matter to iudge of women by their outward show . ayme our iudgments but according to their lookes , we might sometimes thinke the old painted face of Proserpsna , to be the same that it was , when she first became to be Plutoes wife .

If we should iudge of them but by the show of their apparrell , we might many times presuppose the vertuous yong woman , to be a lasciuious Curtizan ; they are al alike attired in their coloured silkes , and they do so narrowly imitate the one the other , both in forme and fashion , as that they cannot be discerned but onely by behauiour .

Precious things ordained by God to be vsed to his glory . I am not ignorant , but that silke , siluer , yea and gold it selfe , were created by the almighty God : and not onely for his owne glory , but likewise for necessities sake , and may well be vsed by good and godly persons , such as are in degree , and of ability to pay for them . We haue some presidents out of the holy Scriptures : Isaac a godly man sent Bracelets , and other habiliments of gold to Rebecca , a good and a vertuous woman : and we reade of Hester , that sometimes clad her selfe in rich and sumptuous apparrell , protesting before God that she did it to no other end , then to feede the liking of that great King Assuerus , that had chosen her for his wife .

And Iudith praised in the Scriptures for a godly woman , though after the death of her husband , during the time of her widdow-hoode she suited herselfe in sackcloth , yet whilest her husband liued , she had beene both sumptuous in apparrell and rich in Iewels and other pretious ornaments , wherewith she afterwards decked herselfe , but of purpose to free the Citty of Bethulia from the power of Holofernus , that then had besiged the same .

A womans garment no argument of incontinency . It is not the Frocke that maketh the Fryer the more deuout , nor the garments of any woman , a true confirmation of incontinency of her body . This therefore may well be auowed by the rule of Christian sobriety : that a woman What is fit for good women to obserue . ( neither exceeding the decency of fashion , nor going beyond the limits of her owne estate , nor surpassing the bounds of her husbands calling ) but that such a woman may weare any thing .

Silke , siluer , and gold , are things iudifferent of themselues , the vse is all whereunto they are imployed : yet as there is a conueniency to be vsed in behauiours , so there is a decency to be followed in fashion ; neither do I think that all fashions that are now in vse , are fit for euery good woman to follow .

Gawdy attires by whom first deuised . I am perswaded , that a number of these new inuented Gaudes that be now in vse and custome , were first deuised to please the appetites of such women , as were either of loose life or of little wit , & afterwards becomming generall , Why taken vp by good women . were taken vp & reputed for the new fashion : and that many women againe , that are both good & gracious , are the more inclined to follow them the rather to auoid suspition , either that they are not able to support it as other women , be or otherwise to be accounted Hypocrites and contumelious despisers of that which is receiued by all .

There is not a woman so vaine or vngodly that can deuise a toy ( be it neuer so fond and foolish ) but it is taken vp for a fashion , and then it is as good a warrant as a Non omittas to an vnder sherife , for euery woman to follow . But where chastitie is ioyned with vanitie , what commendations it may merite , I will leaue to good women themselues to be censured .

This I would inferre , that the incontinent woman is no so easily coniectured by the outward show , as by the inward disposition .

Things tollerable . Do you see her that is sumptuous in apparrell , that doth shine in silke , in siluer , and in gold , that is deckt with Gems , and lewels , that be rich and precious ? looke into her ability , is she able to pay for them , doth she not exceed the limits of her degree and calling ? she vseth them then to the glory of God , that hath created them to that end and purpose , to decke and ornifie such worthy persons .

See yet another that is gaudy to the show , garish to looke vpon , and new fangled in all the manner of her attire : looke yet againe into her disposition , is she sober , is she silent , is she bashfull , is she modest ? let vs thinke reuerently of that woman , let vs not iudge of her by the outward show , she doth but follow the fashion .

Things not to be excused . I would I could now frame a cleanely excuse for those women that be Painted , that be Poudered , that be Periwigde ; that do bend their whole endeauours but to the adorning of their bodily beauties , as if they had beene created of God , but onely to make themselues to appeare to be gay and beautifull but I know not how to do it , for she that is not ashamed to falsify those exterior parts of the body , is much to be suspected that she will make little conscience to adulterate the inward beauty of the mind . But amongst these women that do so much affect this bodily beauty , tell one of them of some other woman that is reputed to be more wise , more modest , or more vertuous then herselfe , alas it is a matter of nothing , A matter of nothing . the newes doth little offend her ; but tell her of another that is reputed to be more beautifull , more faire , or better fauoured then herself , this is a heauy crosse indeed , A matter intolerable . ynough to make her sicke , and keepe her chamber , and there is nothing that doth more grieuously afflict her , then to see another womans gowne , more gawdy then her owne .

Marks whereby to know a good woman from a bad . But my promise was to giue rules how to distinguish betweene a good woman and a bad , and promise is debt , but I must be wel aduised how I take the matter in hand ; for we were better to charge a woman with a thousand defects in her soule , then with that one abuse of her body ; and we must haue two witnesses , besides our owne eyes , to testifie , or we shall not be beleeued : but I haue bethought my selfe of a couple that I hope will carrie credit .

The testimony of the Prophet Esay . The first is the Prophet Esay , that in his daies challenged the daughters of Sion for their stretched out neckes , their wandring eyes , at their mincing and wanton demeanure as they passed through the streetes : these signes and showes haue beene euer thought to be the especiall markes whereby to know a harlot . But Salomon in The testimony of Salomon . a more particular manner doth better furnish vs with more assured notes , and to the end that wee might the better distinguish the good woman from the bad , he deliuereth their seuerall qualities , and wherein they are opposite : and speaking of a good woman he saith , Shee seeketh out wooll and flaxe , and laboureth cheerefully with her The properties of a good woman . hands : shee ouerseeth the waies of her houshold , and eateth not the bread of idlenesse .

Salomon thinketh that a good woman should be a home housewife , he pointeth her out her houseworke . shee ouerseeth the waies of her houshold , shee must looke to her children , her seruants and family : but the pathes of a harlot ( he The properties of a harlot . saith ) are mooueabl , for now shee is in the house , now in the streetes , now shee lieth in waite in euery corner , shee is still gadding from place to place , from person to person , from companie to company : from custome to custome , shee is euer more wandring ; her feete are wandring , her eies are wandring , her wits are wandring , Her waies are like the waies of a serpent : hard to be found out .

A good woman ( againe ) openeth her mouth with wisedome , the Law of grace is in her tongue : but a harlot is full of words , shee is loude and babbling , saith Salomon .

Shee is bold , shee is impudent , shee is shamelesse , shee can not blush : and shee that hath lost all these vertues , hath lost her euidence of honesty : for the ornaments of a good woman is temperance in her minde , silence in her tongue , and bashfulnesse in her countenance .

It is not shee that can lift vp her heeles highest in the dancing of a galliard , that is lauish of her lips or loose of her tongue .

Now if Salomons testimonie be good , the woman that is impudent , immodest , shamelesle , insolent , audacious , a night-walker , a company-keeper , a gadder from place to place , a reueler , a ramper , a roister , a rioter : shee that hath these properties , hath the certaine signes , and markes of a harlot , as Salomon hath avowed . Now what credit his words will carrie in the Commissaries court , I leaue to those that be aduocates , and procters in womens causes .

I haue hitherto presented to your view the true resemblance of a harlot , aswell what shee is , as how shee might be discerned : I would now giue you the like notice of The whore of Babylon . that notable strumpet , the whore of Babylon , that hath made so many Kings and Emperours drunke with the cup of abhominations , by whom the nations of the earth haue so Of spirituall fornication . defiled themselues by their spirituall fornication , called in the scripture by the name of idolatrie , ( but now within these last 500. yeares , amongst Christians ) shadowed vnder the title of Poperie . This harlot hath heragents , Popes , Cardinals , Bishops , Abbots , Monkes , Friers , Iesuites , Priests , with a number of other like , and all of them Factors and her Bandes , the professed enemies of the Gospel of Iesus Christ , that doe supersticiously adore the Crucifixe , that are indeede enemies to the Crosse of Christ , and doe tread his holy bloud vnder their scornefull feete : that do build vp deuotion with ignorance , and doe ring out their The doctrine of the Pope . hot Alarums , in the eares of the vnlearned , teaching that the light can bee no light , that the Scriptures can bee no Scriptures , nor the truthcan be no truth , but by their allowance , and if they will say , that high noone is midnight , we must beleeue them , and make no more adoe , but get vs to bed .

These bee they that can make God the creator that made both heauen and earth , of a little peece of bread ; this The God of the Papists . doctrine they do teach , and this the poore ignorant Papists must beleeue , and zealously say Amen to : but alas , their pretended holinesse in zeale , is indeede but the hollownesse in zeale , and the fulnes of that zeale wherewith The blindnes of Papists . they be so blinded , ariseth through the emptinesse of that knowledge which they will not see .

If blindnesse be a misery , what is ignorance , or if the duskinesse of the night be vncomfortable , what is the darkenesse of superstitious Popery ?

A Papist and a Tayler are of like affinitie , they do both relie on their good workes : their faithes do hang on other A papist and a tailer of some affinity . mens beleefes , they doe exercise all their religion by an exorcising Masse , accounting the old & new testaments , to be but bookes of controuersies , holding it to be a peremptorie sacriledge for any lay-man to meddle with ; they thinke they may see more by a waxe candle when it is lighted , then they may doe by the light of Gods word : they say they be good subiects dutifull and loyall , and yet what a wrangling they do keepe with the Prince for his supremacy ?

Things vnpossible . The hound that followeth two hares at once can catch neither , and hee that serueth two masters of contrarie kinds , must bee a traitor to the one . As much possible to vnite two contrary religions in one conscience , as to reconcile fire and water , Christ and Beliall , God and the Diuell .

If the Pope court in the conscience , and sit in the Throne of the heart , the King can haue there but a cold entertainment . Hee was wise therefore that turned his A wise part . guest out of doores , that could warme his cold hands with the same breath , wherewith he cooled his hot pottage .

The double dealing of Papists . The Papists haue mouthes for their Masses , tongues for their Prince , and hearts for their Pope : but let them say what they list , and let them sometimes binde it with an oath , the Pope hath taught his vermine a new doctrine of equiuocation , and of mentall reseruation : and he hath dispensations in store , not onely for infringing an oath to a King , but also for the murthering of a King , if he be such a King as doth professe the Gospell .

The Popes power . If the Popes penance chamber were opened , we might finde a rate of pardons for all offences that might be committed either against God or man , those onely excepted , that may be any waies preiudiciall to him selfe ; nay , you shall finde indulgences for future offences , for sinnes that are not yet committed .

Christ forgiueth no sinne , but vpon hearty repentance : A happy thing for richmen the Pope forgiueth all sinnes onely for ready mony ; a happie thing for rich men that may buy heauen for mony : but the diuel in the meane time , is like to be basely attended on in hell , with a company of poore beggers , that are not able to buy pardons , nor to purchase dispensations .

The Pope shutteth vp all goodnesse into his owne The Popes charitie . waare-house , God receiueth vs now no more to mercie , but he receiueth vs to penance , to plunge vs in purgatory , where we shall lie scorched and broiled , till the Pope in his charitable disposition , will mercifully release vs : which he is euer readie to doe if we haue ready money to giue him .

Angry Saints . And for the Saints , they are become very tyrants , malicious and vengible , if their Eues be not fasted , their images worshipped , and their Shrines visited , with a Candell , or with some other offering ; they will else wreake themselues of vs without any compassion , & will both punish and grieuously afflict vs : so that there is no mercy remaining in God nor in his Saints , but all resteth in the Pope alone . Doe not the poore Papists runne mad in conceit , No mercy but in the Pope . to thinke that Indulgences for all sinnes , may be deriued from the Popes Exchequer ; that if a man wants not mony , The madde conceits of Papists . he needs not want heauen : that the meere signe of the crosse , can fray away the diuell ; that priests should be licensed their concubines , and inhibited there wiues : that one Benefice , and one honest wife , should be vnlawfull , but that two Benefices , and three whores should bee tollerable ?

The Popes votaries . But let vs a little consider of these holy votaries that haue vowed obedience , that haue vowed pouertie , that haue vowed chastitie : what is their vowed obedience , but an exemption of all obedience , either to God or man , to serue their Pope alone ? what is their vowed pouertie , but to inioy the wealth of the world , to liue in ease and idlenesse , and to feede themselues fat ? and now to speake truely , what is their vowed chastitie ; but vowed Bawderie ?

The grounds of Popery . The efficient cause of Poperie : it first springeth from a blinde zeale , it doth vaunt of true religion , and attributeth a certaine vertue vnto things without Gods ordinance .

The Pope himselfe steales his ceremonies , from Iewes , from Turkes , from Pagans , some from Idolatry , all from Heresie .

Poperie could neuer endure the preaching of the Gospel , and there is neither Turke , Iew , nor Pagan , whatsoeuer , The hatred of Papists , that the Papists doe so much hate , as they do these Heretickes that do seeke their saluation in the death & passion of Iesus Christ : we pitty them , they persecute vs , we pray for them , they persue vs , we loue them , they loath vs , we seeke to conuert them , they seeke to confound vs ; they pursue vs , not for that we are sinners , but because we are zealous of the glory of God , & of sincere & pure worship : they hate vs not because of our offences , but because of that will and desire it hath pleased God to giue vs , to serue him purely according to his word ; they seeke vs not out for our abhominations and Idolatries , but because we detest theirs .

Thus they hate vs , but it is with a contrary hatred ; for they hate vs because we do seeke the glory of God according to his word , of the which they would drepriue vs .

The true picture of a Papist . In a briefe manner now to shew you what a Papist is : he is blinde in knowledge , lame in iudgment , selfe conceited , apt to beleeue lyes , he is willfull , obstinate , he is wise and holy in his owne conceite , walking in the steps of other mens opinions ; he cannot beleeue that God vnderstandeth any praiers but those that are made in latine : he thinketh there is no other high way to heauen , but that which leadeth through purgatory . Amongst all the Beastes in the field he loues a Popes Bull , but amongst all the Hearbes in the garden he cannot endure that which the Apothecaries do call Gratia Dei : his eyes are dimmed , his eares are stopt , his heart is hardened , his sences are benummed , he is so afraid of rusting , that he doth vse to scoure himselfe with ashes and oyle : he is so zealously inclined to the deedes of loue and charity , that he had rather murther a Protestant on Sunday , then eate an egge on Friday .

If I should still prosecute as I haue begun , to present to your viewes the true representations of vice and vanitie , as they do offer themselues to open show , I might compose such a Looking-glasse as were fitter for a Barbers shop , then a Ladies chamber : I will therefore giue you but a little glimce of those deformities , that are yet to follow .

The Flatterer The Fatterer was neuer yet ashamed to shew his face , yet in former ages palpably to flatter , was accounted but the profession of a knaue : but now vaine glory doth so sway amongst vs , that he that wants a knaue to flatter him , can play the Foole and flatter himselfe .

A Parasite seeing Dionisius in priuate discourse with certaine Fauourites of his owne , burst out into a great laughter , but being demanded by Dionisius why he laughed so loude ? answered , At your Maiesties pleasant conference : why ( said the Emperour ) dost thou heare our communication ? no ( said the Parasite ) I do not heare your speeches , A notable Flattering Knaue . yet knowing your words to be alwayes full of wit , and all your discourses so pleasant and pithy , it produceth me to laughter , but to see that speech , though I heare not any thing what you say .

Flattery and Tobbaco two violent purgers . Flattery and Tobacco , are but two smoaky vapors , yet as the time serueth , the one purgeth wise men of their wit , and the other Fooles of their mony .

The Flatterer is nearely alyed to the Cannyball , they do both feede on men ; the difference is , the Cannyball feedeth on those that be dead , but the Flatterer deuoureth those that be aliue .

A dangerous Parasite . The Court Parasite doth more often subuert and ouerthrow the wealth of a Kingdome , then an open enemy .

Iestmonger But see here another bird of the same wing , a Iestmonger , a kind of creature that a man would thinke , Nature had hatched vp into the world , to be a scorne to all wisemen :

Vnciuil iestes His most pleasant mirth is vnciuill ieastes , and for want of better matter , he will sometimes helpe it out with a bawdy song .

Stolne iests . Some wanting conceits of their owne , are driuen to commit fellony , and to steale from other men , and putting them in execution , the effect may so well fall out , as it did with Esops Asse , who counterfeiting the little Dogge , would play with his master , till he was surely banged .

There be some of them that will steale sentences , and phrases out of bookes , which hauing once committed to memory , when they be amongst company , they will deliuer them as familiarly as if they were children of their owne begettting , both lawfull and legitimate .

Odible iestes . There be amongst them , that will breake iestes vpon Heauen & sometimes make themselues merry with God that created Heauen : another will sport as pleasantly with the word of God ▪ as he wil do with the fictons of the Poets one will auow a villany , a second will sweare it , a third will defend it , and all the rest will laugh at it .

No Iest without a Foole and a Flateter . It is not worthy to be called a lest , where there is not a lester , and a Parasite to cheere vp the Guests , the one to raile and slander , the other to smooth and flatter : for as the body must be ballanced with excesse , so the minde must be recreated with slauish delights .

The Temporiser . The next that now maketh his appearance , is the Temporizer ; a fellow that can carrowse with Alexander , abstain with Romulus , eate with the Epicure , fast with the Stoieke , sleepe with Endymion , watch with Crisippus , laugh with Democitus , weepe with Heraclitus .

He is like a Winde-mill , that will still grinde , let the wind blow where it will : he neuer troubles himselfe about matters of Fayth ; for looke how the Prince beleeues , so beleeues he .

He hath some prety sight in musick , and is very apt to play a base part , and although sometimes he may fayle in the Note , yet he will be sure to keepe the Time .

The Formalist . Here comes now the Formalist , a fellow that is full of complements ; one that doth vse to frequent other mens tables , and can make sauce to euery dish as it comes to the board , with other mens discredits : he neuer drinkes to any man , but with some quicke conceited sentence , and not a word but at your seruice sir , at your command , at your pleasure ; and in all his communication , so full of Fustian phrases , that do many times lay open their Masters ignorance .

This ouer much affectation is more ridiculous then meere and simple ignorance , the one is to be pitied , the other to be denyed : but the Formalist taketh great paines to make himselfe to be mocked at ▪ all that he endeuoureth , is to be reputed a floure of curtesie ▪ when by his demeanure he showes himselfe to bee a right spectacle of folly .

The Fantasticke . Here followes now an other , that one paire of couples might serue them both , it is the fantasticke , one that is so neere a kin to the foole , that they cannot marry without a licence from the Pope : he hath robd a Iacke Naapes of his gesture , marke but his countenance how hee mops , how he mowes , and how he streines his lookes : he hath the French Congé , the Spanish Baselos Maines , the Italian shrug , his countenance is the true description of the time .

The Ninihammer . Will you see now , one that is new come from the dancing schoole , a Ninihammer , that had rather tread you out a tricke of one and twentie follies , then to performe one action , tending either to vertue or wisedome .

His obseruation . He thinkes boldnesse to be a principall part of vertue , and that makes him to become impudent : his greatest obseruation is about the New fashion : his ambition is , to bee highly commended , but especially by fooles , fiddlers , and His Ambition . tapsters : his greatest dexteritie is in the managing his Tobacco pipes : His Dexteritie . and he hath the gulpe , the whiffe , and the snuffe very exactly and at his fingers ends .

His skill in Astronomy . He is very iudicious , in censuring of plaies and players , and is well seene in the high Art of Astronomy , and without the helpe of an Ephemerides , he is able to calculate the whole number of Bawdy houses , that be neere about his owne lodging , in what temperature they be seated , and whether they stand in a hot or a cold Climat .

Special notes whereby to know him . You shall know him partly by his feather , partly by his long locke , that hangs dangling by his eare , partly by his garters and his roses , but that which comes neerest the marke indeed , is his yellow starched band . Will you now make a little roome for a fellow that perhaps can tell you The Newes-monger . some Newes , and it is the Newesmonger himselfe , that can acquaint you with all the occurrence , from Italy , from France , from Spaine , from Germany , from the East , from the Good newes for Tyrones wel-willers in Ireland . West , from the North , from the South : he can tell you newes from the Pope , how he meanes to giue assistance to the Earle of Tyrone , of men , of mony , of munition , of shipping , and of all other r essaries , and to send him into Ireland , new sanctified a●●ngst his friends , that hath long lookt for him , and doe daily wish for him , and alas are like to doe so still , to their great griefe and sorrow .

These Newesmongers be those that from time to time do spread such reports , as doth sometimes arme the ill disposed , Papists are very credulous . with vaine and friuolous hopes , but especially the Papists ▪ that are so strong of faith , that they will beleeue any lie , be it neuer so vaine or foolish , if it doth any waies serue their purpose .

And as the Newesmonger is not without Art sometimes to spread a lie , that is of his owne coining , so by some prery skill that he hath in Arithmeticke , he can both multiply and deuide lies , that be of other mens making .

He vseth to frequent faires , markets , and other places of aslembly : sometimes hee will stumble into a Barbers shoppe : but about ten of the clocke in the fore-noone , you may hitte vpon him in the middle walke in Pauls : but from aleauen to twelue , hee will not misse the Exchange .

These be the places , from whence he makes his collections , and if there be any newes at all stirring , he pockets them vp for his owne prouision , and hee neuer vents them but for his owne aduantage , for he knoweth that men are so well inclined to haue nouelties , that they are as good paiment for a dinner , or a supper , as eighteene pence to goe to an ordinary .

Here comes yet another , a fit companion to march in one ranke with the newes monger , it is the state ape : a The state ape . man that will take vpon him to know more then he vnderstandeth : hee speakes of nothing but of matters of state and what lawes are fit to passe and repasse by act of Parlament ; and in the Parliament time , he makes himselfe as conuersant with all intents and plots , purposed for the Common-wealth , as if they had beene of his own begetting .

And what Embassadour can bee sent from any forraine Prince or Potentate , but before he hath deliuered his message , or before he hath put his foote in at the court A wonderfull prescience . gate , but he will tell you , both what his arrand is , and what shall be his answer , if a man will beleeue , what himselfe will make vaunt of ? there is not a Court counsell holden , The malecontent . but he will seeme to know whereof they haue consulted , and what they haue concluded .

I thinke I doe but pester your eye-sight with presenting to your viewes these vaine prospects ; but a man may the better learne to eschew vanitie , by learning first to know it : here is yet one other of the same straine , a malecontent , a right cornish Diamond , that although a counterfeit , would yet be set in gold .

He is singular in his owne conceit , and will sometimes withdraw himselfe into retired places , for bearing speech and conuersation , reproouing the vanities of the world but with a word , and the manners of the people with a shrug , or a countenance , giuing answers with signes and dumbe showes , pacing his steppes , with sad and sober aspects , as if he would haue it said , Loe , yonder goes the melancholy gentleman : see there vertue and wisedome both despised and neglected , this is the man that doth carrie a whole Common-wealth in his head , that can mannage the whole affaires of a state , and that is able to draw the world about by the nose in a string .

His verie gate , as he passeth along the streete , cries Looke vpon me : and although to some mens thinking hee is but a man , yet in his owne opinion , the wisest of men .

Swaggerers and quarrellers . I will not trouble you with these angrie fellowes , that will swagger , and be ready to giue the stabbe , sometimes for the pleasure of a harlot sometimes for the speaking of a word , sometimes for the taking of the wall : sometimes , for the not pledging of a health . And what a Precedence . sturre we keepe againe about precedence ? we striue with Zebed●us children , who shall sit on the right hand , who on the left , we dispute of dignities , who shal go before , & who shall come behind ; and as this infection is common amongst men , so it is become so violent amongst women , that they are ready to scratch for their places , many of them , taking their roomes perforce , and will render reasons whereby to maintaine their causes : one makes her plea , my husband is an Esquire , and I will giue place to none but to my Ladie ; an other will alleadge , my husband is a Doctor , and I will therefore march with the foremost : one stands vpon her pedigree , and deriues her selfe from some ancient family ; an other challengeth precedence by her husbands office , an other by her wealth , by her chaines , by her Iewels , by her silken gownes , by her garded peticoate ; and they are so eager , and so vehement in these incounters , that if their husbands should once fall a dealing in these quarrels , they could not bee determined , without bloodie noses .

But amongst all the spectacles of folly , that wee haue yet surueied , hee now presents himselfe that is best worthy to beare the Bable : looke vpon him , it The Amorist . is the amorist : see how gastfully hee lookes , his armes crossed , his eyes blubbered , his hatte puld ouer his browes , and all for loue sir reuerence . Alas poore gentleman , I doe pittie him , and I thinke Dame folly his mistris , would simper to see the foole her seruant , how he is besotted .

I can not beleeue that euer vertue was knowne to be a dotarde , in that we call loue .

I haue heard of some that haue beene mad for loue , yet I neuer heard of any that were wise in loue : I haue read of couragious men , that loue haue made effeminate , yet I neuer read of any whom loue hath made truly valiant ; I haue knowne where wise men hath beene besotted by fancie , but I neuer knew where fancie made a wise man .

In loue what seeth the eye , laciuiousnesse , what heareth the eare , laciuiousnesse : what vttereth the tongue , laciuiousnesse : what thinketh the heart , laciuiousnesse : what incurreth the bodie laciuiousnesse : and call you this loue , no , it is filthie lust , that marcheth vnder the banner of loue .

The folly of affection is wonderfull , but the indiscretion of an Amorist is more admirable , that will hang the whole estate of all his fortunes in a womans word , but in the yea or nay , of his light heeled mistris .

To conclude , I neuer heard of any of these louing wormes , that was euer besotted of any woman that was famed for her vertue , yet if the braines of my Amorist bee not barraine , they will sometimes hatch out Rimes , and learne to indite amorous verses in the praise of his mistris The folly of Amorists . ( that is many times scarce worth the speaking of ) and will borrow colours from lillies and red roses to beautifie her cheekes , her eyes shall be saphires , her lippes , corall , her teeth , pearle , her breath , balme , a Pallas for her wit , but he neuer streines so farre as to her honesty ; women haue euer beene witty , but now more wise then they haue beene in The wisedome of women in this age . former ages , they euer knew well ynough how to make vse of one of these amorous guls , that they saw did affect them ( indeede ) with an ardent desire : for they would make him to hold the Candle , whilst they had an other , that should offer to our Ladie .

A new way to wooe . But now adaies there is a newer way to wooe , then for a man to spend a whole moneth together in making of loue : he that will winne a wife now ( though he be but Sot , a Dolt , a Foole , an Asse , let him be neuer so silly , or neuer so simply , if he hath but so much wit , as to make a great and a large ioynter , he shall speed , and he The next way to winne . shall get a wife when a wise man shall faile .

I could here finde in my heart to blame some parents , that will bestow their well nurtured daughters on such persons , they do little consider of the fault they commit by bringing their children ( sometimes ) to a loathed bed .

But parents do seeme to be very carefull to prouide for their children , and very diligent they be to seeke a stay for them ; but they do not seeke it as they should do , in the hand of God , but in the wisedome of their owne foolish flesh .

She cannot want a husband that doth not want a portion . I thinke there is not a woman so vnlouely , nor so vnnurtured , but if she doth bring a large portion in her purse , she shall haue a husband ; neither is there so silly a Clowne , but if he be able to make a great ioynter , he may quickly get a wife : I thanke God I haue neuer a daughter to marry , but if I had , and that I were of ability to giue bountifully with her , I would sooner bestow my mony to buy her a husband that had a little wit , then to buy her a lumpe of flesh , that is but lapt together in a Fooles skin . Now for my selfe , if I were yong , & were againe to marry , I would blesse my selfe from her that hath beene brought vp in pleasure , in pride , in idlenesse , or in audacious boldnesse : from such a one as is called her fathers ioy , his iewell , his dearling : he that lights on such a wife , had need to light on a good portion with her , for if she doth not bring him a griefe to vexe his soule , I am sure she will bring him The vanity of many yong women . a charge to empty his purse , her vanity will farre exceed marriage good , and for euery hundred poundes in mony , she brings him a thousand vanities , a thousand fits , a thousand fansies , a thousand follies , and a thousand new fangles .

To day she keepes her chamber , sicke of a quotidian fitte of Folly : to morrow the Coach must be made ready , she must about the towne to inquire after new fashions , the next day she begins to breed child , and then for forty weekes after , what queasinesse , what squeamishnes , what curiosity , what nicity , what lustig after vanities ? she longs for plumbes before they be ripe , for chickins before they be hatched , for dainties that cannot be come by : she must haue the henne that sits next the cocke , the apple with the red side ▪ the calfe , vith the white face : shee longs for the fish , the foule , the fruit , that is but spoken of : we must take heede how wee speake of any thing in her hearing for setting her into a veine of longing ; shee must haue an eye to the temperature of the aire , the sunne must not shine too hot , nor the winde blow too cold on her .

To conclude , shee must be more nice , more curious , and more daintie , then euer was that blessed virgin that bare the Sauiour of the world .

I commend me yet to the women of Laconia , that to increase their strength and vigour ( where propagation The worthinesse of the women of Laconia . might become the more strong and sturdy ) they vsed to exercise themselues to running , to leaping to wrastling , to heauing and throwing of weights : these were excellent wenches to breede vpon , these were gallant girles to maintaine a race , of men , fit to make souldiers , fit to fight for their country ; for what doth it auaile to haue a cocke An excellent issue . of the game , vnlesse we haue againe a hen of the same ? the whole streine will be but of a crauen kinde , and the broode a great deale fitter for the dunghill , then the cocke pit .

I would not be thought yet to be so derogating to the reputation of good women , but that I do know there be a number amongst them , that during the time whilest they were breeding of child , they are not free from fittes and qualmes : and many of them subiect to paine , sicknes more This is allwaies to be respected . then ynough ▪ and therfore they are not onely to be comforted and cherished , but likewise to be pitied and commiserated : yet there be amongst them againe , that if they should not be more nice , then wise , they would thinke themselues to be quite out of fashion ; and the ofspring of these ( for the greatest number ) are fitter to follow a Taber and a Pipe , then to march after a Drum and a Fyfe , and do know better how to giue fire to a Tobacco pipe , then to buckle on an Armour of proofe .

A precious sight . O what a precious sight it were to see a woman that is but yong in yeres , to be sober & modest , as the time now serueth ; glory & admiration attends on her in al her actions ; and it is good likewise in those that be aged , because the contrary in an ancient woman were abhominable .

Good women plenfull to be found . And such there be , both old and yong , and well considering the condition of the time , in great plenty to be found , and the number of these would farre exceed , and be yet more abundant then they be , were they not not alienated from their owne proper natures by the seducements of men .

Women made worse by the ill example of men Do you see a woman that is garish to looke vpon , that is new fangled , and gawdy to the shew ? looke amongst men , and you shall find tenne men for one woman , that are more vaine , more nice , and more foolish then any woman you can seeke out , or that is most noted for her vanity : and Wise women and foolish men an vnfit match . would you haue so many women Saints , and men Diuels ? nay there must be vaine women , if it be but to satisfie the humours of foolish men : where men haue giuen themselues ouer to follow sensuality , they must haue women that be of their owne element to incounter them , otherwise they would neuer sympathize , for vertue and vice could neuer agree .

A woman that should binde herself apprentice to modesty , sobriety , and bashfulnesse , might sit long ynough without a husband in these daies , when a thousand crownes are more preciously esteemed amongst our Hermophrodites , then two thousand good conditions : for so they may imbrace the quantity , they neuer looke after the qualitie ; vertue , wit , wisedome , nor honesty it selfe , is not regarded : good women may say with Fryer Bacons A pitifull saying . Brazen head , Time is past .

Is it any maruell though women do become both vain and dissolute ? it is but to feed the humor of those men that are both lasciuious and sensuall .

It is the base disposition of men , that maketh so many Harlots as there be at this present , when there is not so common a Curtizan , but she shall be supported by vicious men : and how many Prodigals are there that will spend their stocke , their store , their lands , their liuings , and all to It is men only that seeketh the defamation of women . maintaine Harlots , and such other women as be loose and lewde of life ? now shew me but the man , that will extend his bounty , his liberality , or almost his good word , to her that is honest .

If women were not stayed , and mightily propped vp by their owne vertues , they could not conuerse with men , but to their great perrill and danger ; for if they meet with one man that doth present to their modest eyes , the example of wisedome , they shall meet with ten for that one Dangerous for women to conuerse with vitious men . that doth still carry about them , the badge of Folly ; if they meet with one man that will soberly aduise them for their honest reputation , they shall meet with ten for that one that will seeke their defamation .

They are men therefore , yea most wicked and vngodly men that haue thus sought to ouerthrow ( and do yet seeke to diminish ) the honour of women , the which I know they are not able to doe , for although they may wrest some few vicious minded like themselues to their lewd allurements , yet as good women haue euermore defended their honours , so their vertues will still shine in that wonted oriental brightnesse , as the malice of wicked men shal neuer be able to extinguish nor ecclipse .

I will speake no more of women , but will you now see the honesty of this age ? it is put in print , and there are none dishonest now , but those that are poore .

A foule fault to be poore and honest . Pouerty in this age is the greatest dishonesty that a man can fall into , neither can there be a greater blemish to any manscredit , then to be reputed poore and honest .

Rich men be all honest , and their honesties are accounted so much the more , or so much the lesse , as they be rated in the Subsidy booke .

The honesty of richmen . A rich mans wealth , is his wisedome , his vertue and his honesty : and he that is better able to giue you white mony for your gold , then to giue you a wise answer to your honest demand , may yet speake his opinion in dispite of wisedome , and his words must carry credit and authoritie , when truth it selfe shall not be beleeued , if it proceede from the Honesty is d●●d many yeares since . mouth of pouertie . Plaine dealing : honesty is dead , many yeares since , hee died of a consumption , but this is the mischiefe , he died without issue .

Knaucry in neuer better health then at this present . Knaucry hath taken phisicke , and is growne so strong and lustie , that he walkes the streetes at pleasure , but yet disguised , sometimes like a promoter , sometimes like a broker , sometimes like a scriuener , and many times like an vnder sheriffe .

In the Tearme time he will be sure to looke into Westminster hall , sometimes amongst the catchpoules , and otherwhile like a poore client , with a paper in his hand , and will looke so ruthfully that a man would sooner pittie him , then be able truly to discouer him .

Vertue growne poore . Vertue is growne poore , and hath few or none to attend her , but that is no great wonder , for who would follow a begger ?

A cold recompence . Her best deserts are recompenced , perhaps by a ballet-maker , or if they be sometimes canonized on a stage amongst players , she is highly fauoured : alas poore vertue , that hast no better recompence then what thou thy selfe canst draw from vice ; yet there are many that will speake of vertue , and tell of her excellency , but they are few that will translate her truly out of words into deedes .

Conscience exilde . Conscience is exilde , and banished quite out of Citty , Towne and Country .

My selse hauing some occasions , making inquirie where I might finde him , I was told he vsed sometimes to frequent faires and markets , wherupon I went to Bartholmew-Fayre , and missing him there , I went to Sturbridge-Fayre , and likewise lost my labour ; whereupon I came to Romford market , where I could no newes at al of him : then comming backe to London I made inquirie amongst shop-keepers , tradesmen and Merchants : they told me they knew him not , but wisht me to inquire amongst the stationers , and those that sold bookes : to Pauls Church-yard I went , and they shewed me a booke , that made mention of one that was sometimes called by the name of Robin Conscience , but what was become of him they could not tell , but willed me to aske amongst the Lawyers ; but comming to them , they began to laugh at me , and thought me to be out of my wits , that would aske for Conscience amongst them : I was then in despaire for euer to finde him , thinking to giue ouer my guest , till a friend softly whispering in mine eare , willed me to seeke amongst the Papists that will make vaunts , that they haue gotten Conscience tied vp in a string , and that Conscience and they were as familiar the one with the other , as the Begger and the Lowse ; but when I came amongst them , he that they stood so much vpon , whom they called by the name of Conscience , was a meere counterfeit hypocrite , no more like Conscience then a traytor is like a true man : it was ( indeed ) wilfull opinion , froward , blind and obstinate , whom they imposed to carry the name of Conscience : & leauing them where I found him , being out of hope for euer to finde out Conscience , it was my fortune yet in miraculous manner to hit vpon him , but if I should tell you where , and in what country , you would think it strange : but to tell you Conscience found onely amongst Souldiers . the truth , I found him in Ireland , and would you know amongst whom , it was amongst a company of poore and needy souldiers : when I had a while wondered at the matter , I asked him what he meant to abandon better company , to associate himselfe with these thread beare fellowes , the very Abiects of this age , that amongst all other professions were of the basest account & least esteemed : his answer was , their fellowship was fittest for him , that now at this day , tooke but eight pence a day pay , no more then they tooke many hundred yeares agoe , when they might buy more for their eight pence , then they can doe now for their eighteene , and therefore he knew not any profession more fitting for him to associate himselfe of , then amongst Souldiers .

Hauing thus heard his reason and his resolution I dispatched my busines , and there I left him ; but I see conscience will not stay amongst them , that a man would thinke , were best able to support him , I meane amongst rich men . But some will say , riches that are not honestly come by , will not long stay , but as they are quickely gotten , so they are suddenly gone , but they are much deceiued , Ill gotten goods very kinde to their master . that are of that beleefe : for riches are as kinde and louing to their master , as the Body lowse , that will neuer leaue his master , though he be going to the gallowes , but wil there hang with him for company ; and riches that are vnlawfully gathered togither , will neuer leaue their master till they haue brought him to hell , and there they will bee a corrosiue to his Conscience still world without end .

Riches but a tickle commoditie . But this worldly wealth I see is but a tickle commoditie , for he that hath most , he hath notynough , neither to keepe his head from aking , nor his conscience from despairing .

Who is to be accounted rich . He is onely to be accounted rich , that possesseth , what he hath gotten iustly , and vseth what he possesseth honestly ▪ but for the vngodly , they may well be reputed wealthy , but neuer rich .

An excellent Touch-stone . There cannot bee a more excellent Touch-stone , whereby to discouer the dispositions of men , then is the superfluitie of wealth , and the extreamitie of want , the spring tide of prosperitie , and the low ebbe of aduersitie ; for although the mattess of themselues are indifferent , yet the mannaging of them is it that giueth light .

Prosperitie . Prosperitie , pampereth vs vp in pleasure , it maketh vs to forget God , and to repose our greatest confidence in the vanities of the world .

Aduersitie . Aduersitie , maketh vs contemptible in the Eye of the world , it is the meanes whereby we are taught to know our selues , and to draw vs to God .

Prosperitie , so swelleth vs in pride , that wee forgette our selues , it so blindeth our vnderstanding , that wee are not able to discerne a friend from a flatterer , nor to iudge whether those that doe fawne vpon vs , bee more in loue with our selues or with our fortunes .

Aduersitie , maketh vs humble , it cleereth the vnderstanding , and giueth vs Eyes to discerne betweene Friendship and Flatterie , and to make assured triall betweene a Friend and a Foe . Aduersitie may bee both Iudge and Iurie .

What haue I said , may Aduersitie iudge betweene a friend and a foe ? I neuer heard that pouerty was cloied with many friende , and aduersitie , if he once begins to want , shall neuer want a foe : they will say a friend is tried Of friends and friendship . in time of need ▪ but I say , that neede is it that makes a friend a foe , he is a foole that wanteth friends , and if hee wants not wealth .

But he that hath pouertie to cast vp his accounts , and is become Needes Embassador , to beg or to borrow , if he finde a friend to supply his wants , I say such a friend is Strange to be found . more precious , & more rare to be found , then Platos Common ▪ wealth , Moores Eutopia , Ciceroes orator , or Baldesers Courtier : he that is a friend to all can be friend to none , but it is nothing so smarting to be called a Niggard or to be reputed for a Miser , as to haue it said , He is euery mans A foolish commendation . friend but his owne .

It were too great a presumption in me now to meddle with Diuinitie , the dignitie of the subiect may suffice , for where the obiect is God , the ground worke is infallible , there needs no further demonstration .

Of Diuinitie . Diuinitie is a heauenly Law , sealed by God the lawgiuer , written and set downe by the finger of God , and deliuered by those that were inspired by his holy spirit .

It hath likewise pleased God from the beginning , to raise vp Patriarkes and Prophets , to teach and gouerne his people and after in the kingdome of our Sauiour , he ordained the ministery of the Gospell , appointing it perpetuall to the end of the world , and hath further taught vs to pray , that Labourers might be thrust into the Haruest .

The worthinesse of the Diuine . Shall I then speake of the Diuine , that is the Steward of God , appointed to dispose his misteries , that is , the Embassadors of glad and joyfull tidings , that doth bring vnto vs the word of our saluation , that is the light to shine before vs in all godly example , of Loue , of Charity , of Humility , of Temperance , of Chastity , of Sobriety , of integrity of life , of honest conuersation , and therefore worthy of double honour ?

Our English Clergy what they are . I thinke , of my conscience , our English Clergy at this present houre , are as compleat in learning in liuing , in doctrine , in wisedome , and in all manner of godly knowledg , as although in some other parts in Christendom ( perhaps ) there may be some found to second them , yet none to disproue , or exceed them .

But as amongst the twelue Disciples , there was a ludas , so amongst this honourable function , there creepes in now and then a false Disciple , that knowes how to bait his A false Apostle . booke with grauity , till he hath caught a Benefyce , & then the Surples must serue to couer a most vngodly carcase : & he that should set vp a light for other men to follow , his Lampe doth burne so dimme , that he that were not well sighted of himselfe , might sooner stumble , then hit the right tract .

Parson please time . Another intruder there is , Parson please-time by name , that being vnbeneficed , will therefore become a Chaplaine , to some man of worth , and worthines : he will sometimes step vp into the Pulpit , and he will preach against sin , but it shall be done with halfe a lip , he dares not presse it till it smarts ; he knowes it is no time of yeare , to be too vehement against all sorts of sinnes , for offending those that he would more willingly please .

An other Nathan hard to be found . Where shall we finde another Nathan , that dares tell his master to his face , Thou art the man ? 2. Sam. 12. Thou art the man that hast sinned in Pride , thou art the man that hast sinned in Drunkennesse , in Adultery , in Blasphemy ; thou art the man that hast racked vp thy rents that hast oppressed thy tenants , that hast wronged thy poore neighbours : no , Parson please-time knoweth well ynough , this is not the ready way to get a fat Benefice .

To speake now in generall , and to speake according to a truth , the Pulpits in England , and in Ireland both , were neuer better supplied , with a more reuerent , and a more learned Ministry then at this present , for their sakes therfore that be good , I will speake no more of those few that be ill .

Of Philosophy . I shall not neede to speake of Philosophy ; the study of wisedome is now out of season , and the natural part of Philosophy , but sheweth vs what we haue , and the morall , how to vse rightly what is our own , a burthen too heauy for euery mans head to carry : I will leaue it , and speake a little of Souldiours , Of counterfelt Souldiors or at the least of such as in these daies , would faine be taken for souldiers , and do march some of them vnder the title of Captaines , that neuer spread Ensigne of their owne before an enemy , nor neuer saw enemy march in the field : yet he will relate of warres , of skirmishes and incounters , as brefly , as if Their brauadoes . he had bin an eye-witnes , when he hath but pilferd them from report , or ( perhaps ) stolnethem from some new printed ballade : and he that hath but seene the siege of Troy , pictured forth in a painted cloath , will speake of sallies , of assaults , of incounters , of retraites , of palizados , of rauelins , of parapites , all his speeches shall be nothing else but powder and shot .

He will spend a whole after noone , in relating his own valours , and this he doth to preuent quarrels , because he loues not euery day to fight ; he beares downe strangers with the story of his own actions , & wil attribute the honour of a victory to his own valour : now he that is but weake of faith , & wil not beleue these wonders , must be terrified with the stab .

The title of a Captaine . A good priuiledge for a Drunkard . It is as good a warrant for him that would swagger , sweare , and be euery day drunke , to be called a Captaine , as for him that would become a Rebell both to God and his Prince , to be called a Catholique .

Honour was wont to be the Adamant to draw the souldiers sword , but now the instigation of a Harlot , or a pot of strong Ale .

A Souldiers vertue . His vertue is this , if it be but for a matter of a thousand pounds , a Souldiers word is as good as his band .

Of Knights . I might now speake of Knights , that in former ages were had in honourable reputation , and the order so remaineth honourable still , where the dignitie is bestowed vpon worthy persons ; but as amongst Captaines and Souldiers , there be a number that doth march vnder those titles , that are but counterfeits , so amongst Knights , what a number are crept into the order , that doth but be-durty the dignity , and are become a scandall to that honourable order ?

The one a carpet Knight the other King Arthurs foole . Knight-hood was wont to be the reward of vertue , but now a common prey to the betraiers of vertue , & we shall sooner meet Sir Dinadine , or Sir Dagonet , at another mans table , than with Sir Tristrum de Lionis , or Sir Lancelot de lake in the field .

Knights in former ages haue beene assistant vnto Princes , and were the staies of the Common-wealth ; but now , they liue by begging from the Prince , and are a burthen to the common-wealth .

Of a Courtier . May we yet speake a little of the Courtier , I will speake but softly ; the first principles of a Courtier ( I speake but of the meaner sort ) he must learne to creepe to crouch , to flatter , and to climbe vp to immerited praise , by the steps of others disgrace : and the ambitious sort , must not be without base mindes to attend them that will stoope to any villany for preferment .

A right Courtier , is high in his owne imagination , and his best complements , are Pride , and Ignorance ; he is more curious in his wordes , then constant in his promises : the matter that he most admireth , is the beauty of his Mistris , his greatest circumspection is about his apparrel , how he may pinke it , how he cut it , stitch it , and lace it : he is still inquisitiue after newes , and in all his discourses , he dares speake more then himselfe vnderstands .

He spends his greatest time , in the contemplation of suits , and he will not open his lips to salute any man , that is not clad in silke , and his apparrell made in the new fashion .

Of Lawyers . Now I cannot tell what I should call the study of Law , whether I should tearm it to be a profession , a science , or an art : a trade I cannot call it , yet there be some that do thinke it to be a craft , because a Gentleman demanding of a Lawyers seruant , what crafts-man his maister was ? answered , Syr , my master is a crafty Lawyer .

But I thinke it may rather be called an occupation , for they haue those amongst them , that they do call apprentises at Law , who by that time they haue serued out their yeres , and that they are become iourney men , they do trouble Iourney men Lawyers . the whole common-wealth , with their practise , as they make it an vngracious practise that doth breed such disturbance .

There be three sorts of men , that they say may tell a lye by authority , and those are , an olde man , a Trauailer , and a Poet ; but a Lawyer hath both authority and law to tell any lye , that his Clyent will informe .

The effect of the Law . The office of the Law is to command things that be honest and vertuous , & againe , to countermand what is dishonest and vicious , and next after the Gospell the Law is the greatest comfort that God hath giuen to the sonnes of men ; it remedieth iniuries , and giueth to euery man what is his : but by the corruption of some Lawyers the Lawes are made traps , and traines , whereby both rich and poore are caught and spoyled ; for they haue such a number of subtill The subtillty of Lawyers . subtillties , that they do yet make more subtill by their subtill handling , that they be able to set the Lawes themselues togither by the eares , and vtterly to ouerthrow one Law with another .

The Lawyer is more hated for his inconstancy , then loued for his learning , when he will take mony to defend a matter , that in his owne conscience he knowes to be vniust .

Their tongues were wont to be tied to tenne shillings , but they haue raised their market , and they thinke foure for The charitable disposition of Lawyers . one , now to be too litle ; yet they do shew themselues to be of a charitable disposition , they do loue their enemies ; they do loue , and with an entire affection , they do heartily imbrace the Angels , that with faire showes sometimes shining and glistering in their faces , do send a number of them to the Deuill .

Now to wind vp all , and for a last farewell , I could find in my heart , to praise Poetry , and to commend a great number of writers , which I do better know by the excellency of their lines , then by their persons ; but their own works are a better commendation , then I am able to apply : but there are Bastard Poets a number in these daies , that make semblance , to be retaining to the Muses , that do pester the Stationers stalles , with such vnprofitable stuffe , that learning might seeme to be the mistres of vngodlinesse , when our especiall endeuours consisteth but in the abuse of knowledge : and Poetry that hath beene accustomed ( vnder feined fictions ) to discouer Vice , is now become the Art of Flattery .

Be there not printed lines , or to speake more truly , may be called printed lyes ; for take away but so much of the matter as they haue inforced but to Lying and to Flattering , and there would nothing be left remaining that were worth the Flattering and lying . reading . How many Writers be there , that do labour with the Mountaines , to bring forth Myce , that do seeke to draw the Lyons skin vpon Aesops Asse , and Hercules Shoe vpon a childes foote ?

Some againe conuerts all their Reason into Rime ; and some will write a whole Volume , neither in Rime nor Reason : & let their lines be neuer so vaine and friuolous , yet they must be fronted with the name of Excellent .

But they doe well to sute the World with Bookes according to the time ; for rude limping lines , are best befitting a lame halting age . Writers are not so vaine , but Readers ( for the most part ) are three times more foolish , and a vaine glorious tytle , doth better fit their appetites then a good booke : the Stationer dares hardly aduenture to print a good booke , if it tend to the reprehending of vice or vanitie . Idle toyes tending to sensualitie , or other like lycencious follie , are set foorth vpon their Stalles , in bright and glistering couers , when those Bookes that are eyther drawing to vertue or godlinesse , are throwne into dustie corners .

Socrates admonisheth , that if any man be carefull of his honor , let him foresee that he hath not a poet to his enemy , because they haue not so great a grace in pray sing , as in ill speaking : but yet to blaze the praises of my friend , I would wish a learned Poets pen , that with a drop of Inke can exalt him whom they loue , and leaue him famed to posterity .

The trauell of wit , but slightly regarded . But this trauell of wit , is the most thriftlesse and vnprofitable exercise that any man can indeuour : for where doth it finde recompence , or who is he that doth reward it ? The Swaine that followeth his handy worke , is paid at night for his handy labour : the Cobler that sits and cloutes a Shoe , receiues his peny for his patch : but he that digs the Myne of wit , and giues the world new eyes to see into conceits beyond the common sence , what gaineth he , or what is his reward ? perhaps good words . A poore satisfaction : yet he that gets good words from all , must haue a strange Subiect and a pleasing pen . But stay my braynesick thoughts , whither The conclusion . will you gallop , you haue ridden a large circuit , and I feare me quite out of the way , or at the least to little purpose . You haue inueighed against sin , and that is all one to rolle Sisiphus Stone , or to fill Daneas Tubs . We must not taxe the times abuses ; we may make a show to expell vice , and to shut it out at the brode gate , but we may priuily take it in againe at the wicket : wee may desire to come to Christ , but it must bee with Nicodemus ; it must bee in the night when no bodie may see vs . We may dance with Christ in the one hand , and the world in an other ; and so wee inroule our selues in his Muster booke , we may march in Sathans campe , and fight vnder the Diuels banner .

It is ynough to cry Lord , Lord , but not to doe any thing that is commanded by the Lord : if we thinke of God , wee thinke him to be a good man easie to be pleased , and we know how to put him off with faire words , and dumbe showes , till our prime of pleasure be past : it is time ynough to repent vs of our sins when we be wel spent in yeres ready for the graue : but if we will haue our wils in sinne , God will haue his will in punishment , and our short pleasures being ended , euen then begins our euerlasting paines : the pleasures and delights of the world , as they are soone loued , so they are as quickly ended , but they are long , yea very long lamented . My conclusion is , it is lesse misery when we die to giue vp the ghost , then whilst we liue , to giue vp the holie Ghost .

I leaue what I haue written , to thy conscience , and leauing againe thy conscience to God , I rest .

FINIS .