An hundred heauenly thoughts And resolutions, tending to draw the minde from euill to good. Written by W. S. preacher of Gods worde in S. Iohns of Mathermarket in Norwich.

AN HVNDRED Heauenly Thoughts , and Resolutions , tending to drawe the mind from Euill to Good .

A WORTHY thing it is to haue a worthy name , for it is the principall ornament wee haue , and the fairest flower in our Garden : I had rather haue a face disfigured , a house ruinous , a garment tattered , and to be in any base condition then to loose my reputation . Me thinkes it is like a well arayed ground or a pleasant place more then in any other delighted in . Therefore I vow , I will so rule my liberties , and so temper my vaine affection , as rude simplicity shall haue no place to disgrace me . Let Crowes then keepe their blacknesse and bee contented , to feede on Carrion . I will Swan-like keepe my whitenes , and delight my selfe in the guilded streames of goodnesse . It is true , my weakenes is not fit for any great worthines , yet such as I resolue to vphold my selfe from wickednesse , a small fire is easily maintained , but once extinct , is not easily kindled .

IF I see a man of a comly carriage , and noble and wise behauiour , manifesting a most vertuous mind in all his actions , I will long and holily obserue him , as desirous to get some tast-pleasing fruite of so fayre a tree . But if on the contrary , I see him of an ill fauoured disposition , I will either round him in the eare with a wholsome admonition : or else my countenance shall deliuer to him in some proportion , that I mislike his wretched conuersation .

IT is a peuish imperfection , ouer bitterly to glaunce at others reputation , and with prologues or without prologues , to let fly at them such words as may cast a great mist ouer their glory : And yet this I haue often marked , that some liberall tongues there be , can as easily trauill ouer Mountaines as Mole-hills , and exercise the freedome of their Language , as well in a Lordly as a lowly subiect . Hence many worthy guests bidden to mens banquets , are ouer-pressed with these ouer-flowing stories , and to them cheerefulnes becomes tediousnes , and good entertaynment is tourned to discourtesie . But alasse , this either argues pride , thinking to build vp their owne worthines by others worthlessenes : or else barrennes of Braine that can stumble on no better subiect , or else store of passion with which they are violently transported . O Lord teach me to gather fruits of Wisedome out of these occasions , and when I heare others to speake bitter , I may exercise my selfe to speake better , that who so markes my words proceeding from me , may know my tongue a quicke messenger of grace , and perceiue that store of Heauenly Thoughts haue Lordship in me .

IT is an ordinary thinge among the Vulger to nourish vp themselues with ouer-much hope , & though they be conquered with pestilent passions , so that they be full of rash enmitie , plentifull in impatient sorrowes , aboundant in idle workes , swelling in haughtines of heart , and deepely bemired in the base trade of ordinary worldlinges . Yet they thinke that of God they may be greatly fauoured : But as a child , whose wit farre ouergoes his age , is quickly interrupted by death . So these ouer-streching hopes quickely meete with an vnhappy repulse . The Spider buildes and is safe vntill the trimmers beesome come , then sodenly she is displaced , dishoused , dispatcht : Lo such is the vncertaine hope of the popular sort who neuer suspect themselues til they be past themselues . But I will build my hopes on better staies and will not be so base as to make vncertainty the base or piller of my safety .

VErtues skin is so full of braue beauty , that it scornes to lodge with foule impiety : it yeelds no acquaintance to sin , but vnfriendly : no entertainment but vnkindly ; but vices like thornes can hugge togither , and loue so deerely , that if you handle them to make a separation , they wil scarce spare your blood . Would a man thinke that fast & loose could loue , lie , and lincke togither , they be so contrary , and yet behold , this is to be found , some fast for outward thinges , loose for inward , worldlings , and yet wyldings : some noted and stedfast misers , yet loose and vnstedfast mistresses . But as for mee , I will so bee fast as the poore shall vntie mee : And I will not bee so loose , as the world shall shame me .

SOme vessells may last long , but yet at length will leake . And we know vessells of glasse , though wel tempered , yet cannot long indure . Lo thus I haue deemed of wordly friends : If somwhat firme , yet not euer , for being but brittle glasse , they quickly breake . Then this shall be my renewed skill to wrap vp my matters in secrecie , since to hould out , or rather to hould in , man is of so small ability .

I see that many golden houres are spent in wasting games , and manie dainty dayes in greedy getting gaines , but though it happen that some games be gainesome , and gaines to others gamesome . Yet will I not encounter with such strange aduentures : But mine eyes , mine eares , my tongue my head shall serue for a better inquiry . For I haue alwaies deemed it miserable to bee a man of mirth , or a man of ritches , and not to be ( which passeth both these ) , a man of goodnesse .

THe aged , thinking themselues of some worthines , for their long and learned experience , haue learne to dispise the yong . Young folke ( say they ) thinke old folkes fooles , but old folkes know that young folkes be fooles . Contrariwise , young men thinking such weaknesse not fit for worthinesse , say , Old folkes are froward , but young folkes are toward . As for mee , I am neither young nor old , yet age I will reuerence , without contempt of youth : youth I wil loue without disgraceing age . Age is heauy & weighes down the fraile and fleshlie ballance , but liftes vp the noble and spiritual part . And youth is quick and liuely , and though oft foyld with vaine and foule fancies , yet oft replenished with vertuous delights . Giue mee then an old man spirituall , and a young man vertuous , and both shall goe for currant .

We vse to say that flesh is weake : and so it is , how then preuailes it so much with men ? surely because men are not men , for if we be men the reasonable part of our soule is to haue souereigne and absolute command , against which if any sensuall motions arise , we are to yeeld al our sound forces to the ouerthrowing of so vnnaturall a rebellion : I will therefore take courage a fresh , and since I am to deale against so weake an Aduersary that in it selfe is nothing but weakenesse , I will resolue to resist it , and what right reason doth direct , by Gods helpe I le perfect .

I Haue lyued this thirty yeares , and euery yeare hath 365. dayes & euery day 24. houres so that one yeare hath 8760. houres , but 30. yeares , the age to which I haue attained , hath 262800. houres , now in these many hours , good Lord how oft haue I thought amisse , and if the houres amount to so big a summe , who can count my thoughts . And if to my thoughts I could adde my vnsauery and idle words , and then to these my omitting duties and committing iniquities , might I not be ashamed , O Lord forgiue thy poore Seruant his innumerable sinnes , and teach me so to number my dayes , as I may apply my heart to wisedome .

IT is both Godly and necessary , betimes to fit for death : Godly , because God hath charged , that the ignorance of our dissolution should moue vs to preparation , and besides , sends to vs diuers messengers to giue vs warning , for dulled sences , weakned ioynts , griping griefes , and aged wrinckles , what are they but messengers of God to prepare vs for death . Againe , necessary , for there be two errors which cannot after commission receiue correction : the one about marriage , the other about death : Hee then that will dye well , must prepare well . Oh then I will account those blessed soules that thinke of these things , and those foolish and vnhappy which cannot abide to heare of death . And who so by mirth or promotion would stop me from this preparation , I account him as an Host staying his drunken guest till night come , who riding then in darke , stumbles and breakes his necke .

TO purchase houses , men imploy their deepest wits , omitting nothing that cunning can inuent or power minister : for a credit they say it is to be an owner . But by Gods grace I will die in the streetes , before I will bee purchaser or owner of some houses . The Pallace of Pride , the slaughter-house of cruelty , the filthy stewes of vncleannes , the building of oppression : I will euer loath , neuer loue , nor euer by them liue . And yet in the moyst & fickle impression of my eye-sight , behold many persons to be Lords of such , and so loue their houses , as they carry them about in their hearts .

I Haue seene many , whom , no outward cherishing could salue the sores of their mind ; their reason darkened with sorrow , their hearts greatly groning , teares haue run down their eyes & their tongues haue vttred many doleful notes , their countenances troubled , sometime so ouerpressed , that they haue beene dangerously sicke , a spectacle of misery . But why was this ? surely God had ecclipsed his fauour and loue for shining on them . O Lord I will desire aboue all things to haue thy loue , and feare nothing but to misse the same .

PEace is worth seeking at all times , but especially when the enemy is valourous , and men bee not of number to keepe the field against his forces , yea it is then worth hauing though it were with losse : much more to bee desired when it may be had with reasonable and honorable conditions . O my Soule ! God is Almighty in power , and thou art weake : wilt thou be proud and stubbornly stout against him ? canst thou match his might ? Oh no. I will then value his valour , and get with losse his fauour , yet I shall not loose since the forgiuer is as quicke as the demander : the forgoing of my holds in lusts may annome , but not so much as his deare loue will ioy me .

I Haue had friends that I haue thought of value but they haue shaken me off either through their their vnperfectnes , or my vnworthines : I wil therefore loue the Lord aboue , with all the powers of my mind , whose perfect friendship no vnworthines in me nor vnperfectnes in him can once dissolue , for whom that he loues once he loues euer .

A Man in ill company is like a pretiou● pearle fallen into the mirie grownd , the which the longer it lies the deeper still it sinkes into it . I haue pittied the case of some , that ( hauing beene of honest disposion ) haue fallen into such muddy mire , and so haue lost their louely qualities . But I wil rather retire into some dwelling solitary , then infect my soule with such foule company . A chast Dame if once you enter into termes of affection with her shee is gone , and from you flyes , as the hasty Hare from the swift greedy Grayhound : So will I flye from i●l society , and greatly disdaine to endanger my pretious graces , amongst their dirty Impieties .

I Haue often thought in the mid'st of Agonies , I should haue bin thurst out of my earthly habitation , and that the weake house of my body would haue suffered an vtter ouerthrow : And heerein surely I haue beene like to a Horse , desirous to run and miserably spur'd , but so short rayn'd by his Maister , as hee cannot stir forward : But I know before long the Raynes will be loosed and I shall bee so galled as I must runne . I will not bee so Horshish , as to galloppe I know not whither ; But sithence my house is like to come to ruin , I will make preparation for a more firme dwelling , least suddenly beeing cast out of house and harbour , I bee compelled to take vp a wofull Lodging .

THe Lord imploying vs in dangerous enterprises , the more our vertue is tryed , yea the more pure wee grow . I will learne therefore to like and not mislike , to loue and not to loath his sharpest dealings ; For while many things might seeme to ouer-throw vs , they set vs vp vppon the height of honour .

IF any take a spightfull griefe at me , and would force me with ouer-vehement iniuries to breake peace , and to vtter forth the violent passion of reuenge . I will shew forth no other but the fruits of a gentle nature , and I will be so farre from bringing forth that which desperate reuenge can imagine , that their mallice shall sooner cease then my vnchanged patience .

IT is no vulgar thing among the vulgar people to shoote their prayses and commendations at randome , sometimes they will sweetly speake and plentifully prayse men of great worthinesse : Anon they will not sticke to giue excessiue commendations to the vilest varlets . I will not care therefore what such wether-cockes tell of me : For I count it a great happinesse onely to be praysed of them that are most prayse-worthy -

MAny thinke to receaue the guifts of Heauen , and yet shall receaue at Gods hands a resolute refusall , which will bee more wofull and vnwelcome to them then a bitter deniall to an expected suiter : And no maruaile , for it is rather credit then grace that leads most men to matter of Heauen . And when the spur of honour ceases , they willingly rest in their carnall delights , and follow the gentle currant of them : But now the most holy God hath such vile men in eternall hatefulnesse , and for such carriage , there shall bee neither grace nor fauourablenesse . So then I will labour that in me euery thing may bee Godly and full of syncerity , and seriously I vow , that neither credit nor fauour , shall make mee to slubber ouer duty .

NO close Arbour the Branches of which are so louingly enterlaced one within the other can resist the strong violence of Gods eye-sight , nor closest roomes which vnchast Dames count Chambers of delight , are destitute of Gods honorable presence . Why then braue Knights and faire Ladies , and all my louely brethren & Sisters , let vs rather dye then spot our selues with secret filthines . Let vs mark a diligent and nimble dogge can finde a scent , which we thinke impossible , and when God can make such a Creature to finde out such a thing , shall not hee bee able to finde out our wickednes , though wee bee in our Dennes ? Hence then I wil account it extreame folly any longer to imprison iniquity .

AN ambitious man striues to bring others vertuous patience vnder him , and thinkes his maister-hood nothing without doing iniury to men : But I dare not bee a man of such excellency , least God should aduance me to Hamans dignity .

I Haue thought it to bee no great matter to draw many euill men to many inconueniences ; especially if a man would follow them with a watch full seruice : for euery present occasion will catch their senses , and their senses are maisters of their silly minds , so that onely reuerence them : and delight them : and with that bridle and saddle you shal well ride them . But as for me I am determined neuer to bee carried with such an eager & impatient delight of any thing , as the nimble wits of the world shall with their lewd inticements draw me to sin .

IT is no vnusuall thing to make hard-wrested constructions of words oft proceeding from the kindest natures , which apprehended as true , estranges loue and eclipses affection from shining any longer . But I haue often thought and will doe still , that the construction of mens speeches might bee best made by the Grammer-rules of affection .

I Find that to a heart fully resolute to preach the trueth , hatefull persons and ignorant asses , to whom Counsell is tedious and reprehension loathsome ( both in word and deede worke much annoyance , an euident token of an ignorant and shallow mind . Shallow Brookes murmur , most deepe silent slide away : and I haue heard Pies chattering , when better Birds haue held their peace . Mine eare then shall such vp kind Counsells and wholsome reprehensions , which true louing teachers scatter before me . And I will bee so far from reproching them , that my kindest courtesie shall be imployed for them .

MAny men thinke on nothing but their sports , seeke nothing but their sports . To their delights their attendance is directed , and to their pleasures the best fruits they can gather are brought . And surely once I thought these men in the highest blisse-fulnesse . But experience grounded on feeling hath taught me a better lesson , and hath learned mee that the wickeds singings must be closed vp with hearty gronings . I will blesse the Lord that hath vouchsafed to mee a better happines , and that hath loued me so , as to bring me among the sweet company of his beloued Saints : I say sweet indeed , which I will not forsake for the worlds faire delights : for God is their saying , and God is their singing , and God is the Load-starre of their life , the blessing of their eyes , the sweetnesse of their heart . Lord let mee liue and dye in this sweet and heauenly society .

SOme I haue beheld very famous and notable for goodnesse , but since finding godlines very tedious , & being deadly tired with the length of the vncomfortable labour of it , they haue discarded it , giuing themselues to outragious licentiousnes in which they so flesh themselues , as I thinke they meane not to stop their race till they come to a head-long ouerthrow . Thus like some Mornings , they haue made guilden shewes of good meanings ; but after clouds haue risen powring out water and blacking ouer all the face of Heauen . But I am resolued to put forth my hand to euery most painefull Office , rather then to bee disseuered from the practisse of godlinesse .

MEn may maruaile , why so fraile and weake a creature as man , should yet so harden and stiffen himselfe in sinne against God , as he will not bee reclaymed : But is it not because his power is forgotten ? his Soueraigne Lordship ouer al the creatures not carefully considered ? For if these were currantly conceiued , the valiantest of men would finde inward dismayednesse , and bee deepely cast downe for feare of hellish darkenesse . The Marriners see when the Heauens fauour ; the Sea fauours also , and they may be safe then and lye calmely : but if the Heauen frowne , and the windes begin to speake loud , and as in a tumultuous Kingdome to think themselues fittest instruments of commandment , then the sea will storme also : and the stoutest of them all waxe agast and astonished . I will there fore keepe in a cleere Hauen and seeke the fauour of the highest : and then no inferiour Creature will shew it selfe way-ward to mee .

WEe count it a miserable condition to bee at Sea , in such a boystrous storme as the shippe wherein wee are hath neither power to staye , nor way to escape : but being carried with the Tirrany of the winde , and the treason of the sea , with vnresistable violence fals to destruction . But O how miserable is it then to bee tossed and tottered with the outragious furie of sinne and Sathan , when men shall haue nothing in them but despaire of safety , and an expectation of a loathsome end ? This is a misery that goes beyond the degrees of comfort . I will therefore flye vppon my sinnes , whiles I haue time to maister them , and I will leaue none of them aliue least they should thus annoy me .

AS it is in a storme at the sea , that in it wee may see the diuers manners of minds in distresse , some sitting weeping and wailing , till the sea swallow them , some one more able to abide death then the feare of death , cuts his owne throat to preuent drowning , some praye , some curse , as if the Heauens could not be more angry then they were : so in the storme of reproofe , some weepe , some pray , some fret , and some one or other cuts his owne throat , and workes vnexpected mischiefe . O the forcible power of the word that hath such strange effects : I wil euermore admire thee , and in admiring thee loue thee .

I Haue thought often , O that I could serue God as I wish . But since I cannot doe as I would , I wil still goe on and content my selfe with that measure of grace my fa●her hath bestowed vppon me .

GOod men and such as be of a most sweet carriage and faire demeanour , are often vniustly subiected to out-ragious wrongs , ill speeches , rude welcomes , hard farewels be their kindest comforts from ill disposed persons , when as to the wicked like themselues their hearts can tumble with ouermuch kindnesse : O wretched man thus to lay the fairest complexion on the filthiest fauour , and to set forth both in self-sluttishnesse : Me thinkes a certaine sparke of holy indignation arises in me while I thinke of it . No excellent spirits will doe themselues such wrong : But since it hath pleased the highest power to throw good men to such estate : I will giue passage to my thoughts and rest content , knowing that though I bee a combersome Guest among men , yet of God I shall haue sweet refreshing .

MAn is so fond as hee desires thinges both vnlawfull and vnpossible ▪ but alas , poore wretch in so desiring hee desires punishing , for vnlawfull desires are surely punished after the effect of inioying , and impossible desires are punished in the desire it selfe . I will not then desire any thinge , but I will waigh by Wisdome and Vertue whether it be lawful and possible .

DIuers young men of the brauest minde , ledde with the blindnes of lust and rage , neuer linne till they haue performed some notable mischiefe , thinking themselues the onely men of most approued goodnesse , but when they haue hurt guiltlesse persons , and feele the smart of punishment . O the cowardise of a guilty conscience ! angry threatnings and light hurts to these strong hearts are grieuous wounds , and so strange as they faint and know not how to beare them . So then , a good Conscience shall bee to mee a Castle , out of which I will not step so much as a haires bredth .

MAny are maisters of lands that are not maisters of themselues , who though great shewes are made to blinde the world , yet haue no other thoughts then come of vnquiet senses . Heere poysonous heats of affections torments them , there strange guests inuade their soules , fond and foule desires haue strength to conquer them . A wofull thing to inioy other things , but not to inioy a mans selfe . But I will endeauour that no spotted thoughts shall conquer mee my life to staine , least I fall to outragious follies .

WHen I consider mans meanenes , I wonder God did not disdaine to lay any treasure with him , where they are stayned with so many imperfections . But this is the will of our excellent Creator , who ( whatsoeuer wee deeme ) will hide rare guifts vnder such earthen vessells . Oh therefore I will giue thankes to God that settes a Crowne on my base estate , and vouchsafes to descend to my poore matters , meaning by his diuine hand to imbrace me , and from my basenes to turne me vnto high preferment .

SOme haue intangled themselues so in folly , that they be tyed fast with the bonds of necessity : but hee that suffers himselfe to bee surprized by necessity , doth no more any thing freely his councels is and actions sauour of a troubled iudgement . I vow then to keepe my selfe from folly , that I may thinke and doe at liberty .

TO doe well among men of honour is easie and ordinary , but not to suffer himselfe to bee transported with the corruptions of the time , nor to followe the violent passions of a multitude , but to desire the good , to dare vndertake it , and to effect it in a bad season , in the which vice is honoured with the recompence of vertue , it is an infallible argument of a spirit wonderfully disposed by nature to all good & commendable things . I purpose therefore by Gods grace in the midst of corruption to haue vertue for my portion .

OF great friends are made greatest enemies hatred so followes and accompanies friendship , Plutarch . Chilon tolde him that vaunted hee had no enemies that hee should also haue no friendes . I will then so vse my friends , as I looke they should bee mine enemies , and onely my God shall bee my strongest hold who in the day of trouble knowes them that trust in him .

IT is hard to repaire and recompence the iniuries done to faith and reputation . Famae et fidei damna maiorae sunt , quam quae aestimari queant . The losses of our fame and faith be greater then can be deemed . I will be wary then how I runne on such rockes as giues mee such knockes .

CHristianity I haue oft resembled to a schoole in which are golden bookes , and seuere , yet fruitfull teachers . But as inother schooles it frequently falls out , so in this : For as I haue seene trimme bookes dight in veluet , and decked with golden leaues , much please the vnacquainted sight of silly boyes , vntill the Rod began to play his part , then they would faine be gon : so whilst many fooles haue apprehended pleasing obiects in Christs schoole , Christianity should bee as deare to them as their embosomed guest , but when the maister hath giuen some noysome blowes , as ill appointed Knights they flye the field , and sucke from thence a mortal mislike of such a life : But with good grace I speak it , in this schoole all things are beautifull : And with a feeling declaration my tongue shall vtter , that my teachers blowes bee sweetest blowes of loue .

I Haue thought of those that doe abuse the Ministers , that they doe corrupt the watch-men Oh then ! when the great Captaine shall come the corrupter and the corrupted shall smart for it .

I See many noble wits bende themselues to mean subiects when they might bend their minds to higher thoughts : they furnish themselues with very faire apparrell , fine deckings they think much beautifie them : they erect stately buildings , dainty deuices much delight them ; huntings , hawkings , gamings , dicings and dauncing bee onely ioyes : They giue noble entertainment to strangers : shew frankenesse of minde to friends , and set out euery thing in most gorgeous manner to the dignifying of their honour . But where bee the men whose excellency of minde hath taken vp a well chosen course in vertue ? where be the men that haue well trained and long exercised their minds in more excellent and heauenly contemplations , that haue apparelled & deckt their mind with grace : A man might shew thousands to these things smaly enclyned whiles they omitte no toyle nor seruice in the other . Vnhappy men so to diuert their thoughts from the wayes of goodnes , and to loose , nay to abuse their time , I beare great honour to the names of these : But Lord let me be bedded in my graue , rather then wedded to such iniquity as should cause my affections to bee estranged from thee .

RIch men are counted the richest Iuels , although they bee neither well formed by nature , nor framed by education to the true exercise of vertue : These haue the largest prayses , the most earme intreaties , the highest Titles , the most humble seruice , and the lowest reuerence : These be reckned the onely blessed , the high Cedars , the rich Rubies the only shining suns . But if God haue any skill in painting out mens conditions mens markes bee taken amisse : for hee will tel vs ritches without vertue is nothing gratefull , and some that haue been acquainted with ritch mens priuate sorrowes , will constantly affirme that their muddy abundance is full of carking agonies . Kings Crownes cannot help them from the cruell head-ach , nor shooes of gold preserue from the painfull gout . I wil neuer therfore plunge my thoughts into ritches bondage , but looke after and long for my heauenly inheritage .

I Maruaile much why men should bee trans - with such ouer-vehement affection , to tast so greedily of the worlds vanities , and so much to let loose the raines of their desires to such fickle moueables . What conceit is it they build vppon ? do they thinke such onely fauored and aduanced of God ? No , the eternall spring of vertue testifies he hath such men in eternall hatefulnes : doe they thinke to be honoured of men ? Oh yes , with Churle and Carle and Cormorant , and such deformed titles . So then , I will seeke no better wealth then a quiet Conscience , nor greater pleasures then heauens excellencies . Stand far then filthy Couetousnes from me : I le be no Carle no Kite , no Cormorant , but a liberall Christian , a liberal Christian is my name , and a liberall Christian is my title , & Christianity which loues liberallity shall be the onely hope of my aduancement : For my names sake I cannot loue thee , and for my makers sake I must and wil detest thee .

I Haue often thought eating , drinking , and stuffing the carcasse , a shrewd burden and intollerable yoke ; it dulls the cheerfull limbs , and hales the body to vnworthy seruitude : to long and strong diseases , to ouerpressing pangs , and after to vntimely deathes : it bemires the thoughts of the soule deepely in the trade of vncleannesse : it hinders the vigorous minde from feeding on higher thoughts . The eternal God forbid then that I should so bee fettered , Let mighty beasts be stalled and fatted with their dainty variety . I will take a more happy resolution , and strike such fast friendship with sober moderation as my minde shall bee a free maister to entertaine whole armies of heauenly thoughts and my body a ready seruant forth-with to welcome such noble guests . I will thinke it foule scorne to yeeld my sanctified body to such iniquity . And I will not bee such an enemy to my selfe , as to imprison my selfe , or to defile my selfe with grosse impurity .

SOme Vertues among foule Vices , are like Pearles in a dunghill . I haue knowne some of exceeding good parts , full of wittinesse , admirable for tongue delight , indued with cleere vnderstandings and hony-flowing speech , and almost euery way so excellent , as if a man would make a discription of them , a man might set such a note vppon them , as might make them very notable vnto you : yet their , exceeding worldlinesse with their close hypocrisie , hath altogether disgraced the other assembly of their most commendable vertues , no otherwise then ragged penurie oft ouerthrowes a louely beauty . I will labour therefore that euery part of my life may be an ornament to me . And as I loue not a ragged rayment for decency , nor a patcht payment for mony : so neither like I to tender a torne life to Gods diuine excellency : but bearing shewes in my countenance of honesty and well mindednesse . I will resolue in all things to be blamelesse .

IF cruell and fierce beasts did range in dangerous sort anongst vs , wee would carefully prouide good defences against such mischiefes , giuing those beasts many mortall and manfull wounds , how maruellous a matter is it then , that when the horrible foule Diuell , like a ramping and roaring Lyon , furiously prosecutes vs , wee imploy not our endeauors to his ouerthrow , but suffer him to fasten his clawes ( most cruell impressions of wonderfull passions ) vpon vs . Oh thou in whom all power and defence is harboured , teach me thy truth , a sufficient bulwarke against such mischiefes .

WHat hath man that may make him so lickerous of commendation , his stout and couragious heart , alas , as it is sometime valiant , so often it is ouerpressed with mighty passions of griefe and feare ; his iudgement : why the deepest iudgement is oft mistaken , and grossly erres , reason being growne a seruant to passions : his sharpe wit ? why the best wits are often troubled with vnperswadable melancholly , yea many their wittes crackt with violent affections : his wisdome ? what need he when he hath many Paragons : his braue beauty ? why the state of the mind is better then the state of the body , and we know that aged wrinckles deface fairest faces . Lastly his ritches or pleasures ? why outward delights and fertill grounds are but halting helpes to decaying soules . Lo then I will count my selfe vile , and know my weaknes to be vnfit for any worthinesse : and if my friends in their speeches giue me any commendation , I will thinke they speake not so much of iudgement as blinded with affection .

I Haue often seene a poore man inritching his cloathes , and a wealthy man whose cloathes haue inritched him : In the former , his best part is inward , in the latter , his best outward . But truly I had rather bee in rude rayment , with an vnspotted simplicity , then to bee set in highest dignity with folly .

IT is great indiscretion to bandy against a power inuincible and matchlesse , such power hath GOD : the valiantest of men that dare oppose him shall finde dismaydnesse . They can no more auaile then the Emmot pull downe a Cedar : I am resolued then to put my hand to euery painfull office that I may please my GOD , but I will neuer dare to fortifie wickednesse to the prouoking of him .

OFt haue I mused what monster wrought my harme in blunting if not breaking the loue of my deerest & neerest friends : At length I found that suspition and facility to beleeue all things , ruins friendship and batters the walls of the sweetest and firmest affections : oh then that some of my friends would be lesse suspitious , and not so credulous , that my choycest friends might not proue so vnkinde and boystrous . It is a very sensible displeasure to be refused of a deere friend .

MEn are more discontented to see them-selues frustrated of things promised , then of those which are but hoped for : in the one there is but mishap , & they complaine onely of fortune in the other contempt , and they challenge him that hath broken his promise . I will promise nought then but what I meane to performe , for I know the nature of man is more sensible of contempt then of losse .

THe iust ( saith GOD ) shall liue by faith . I will thinke then euery daie I rise I haue no life , if I doe not walke all that daie by faith , doing nothing but that may seeme good in the eyes of GOD , and what I am fully perswaded pleases him

IT was well said . Kings Crownes doe not helpe them from the cruell head-ach : nor shooes of gold doth heale the gout . Riches auaile not in the day of wrath , but righteousnesse deliuers from death , this is a receiued rule . How is it then young men wax so proud of wealth and present age so lofty . An aged Gentleman of an approued goodnesse could say . That this boyish brauery would bring one daie a perplexed minde . How shall wise men like then such Gentlemen as be earnest in euery present humour , and make themselues braue in their owne liking . Oh bee they not like a bubble blowne vp with their owne small-proud breath and quickly shall be broken with a greater . Had I then millions of gold I would thinke that these outward pleasures would smally pleasure my soule : Small greatnes heere , if guilty conscience neere . I thinke it greater greatnesse to get the surest kingdome .

EXperience hath taught me , Miseries doe oft begin when as they seeme to end . Haue I not known some discarded after many notable deserts , which was the more notable to them because they fell from excesse of fauour from a heape of sweetes expected , to a heape of sorrow , rejected . Haue I not knowne sorrow creepe suddenly amidst ioy , whiles friends treate of marrying , newes comes of death . I thinke then there is not any man , but may haue more harme then hee hath had good . If hony come then and the sweetest pleasures , I vowe to looke for change , and to expect , that Sorrow like a Beare is ready to giue mee a shrewd imbracement .

IT is vsuall amongst men to accuse Nature , or else mens company , or to cast their complaints on the euill times , or some way or other to deminish sin , and to forme for themselues substantial excuses . They are cunning to find pleasing names for things which are bitter and nought . But alasse this is nothing . Hee that will breake with his friend neuer failes to finde occasions , so may wee a thousand , if wee will breake with GOD . I protest I will neuer doe so . No remembrance of others noughtinesse , shall delight mee to guild ouer my guiltinesse , if it should what did I else , but make my scratchings incurable wounds .

I Haue often obserued that many mornings make guilden shewes of good meanings , and yet afterwards clowdes haue risen powring out water and blacking ouer all the face of heauen . Surely not vnlike haue I seene among the sonnes and daughters of men . Lord what glittering shewes haue I beheld , whence I haue discied the foulest and blackest heart ? What calmenes of sea ? whence sodainly hath rose outragious waues : what louing company ? milde mouth ? hony words ? when vnder all hath closely beene dissembled a cruel minde : Lord shield me from such vgly beasts , whom thou wilt one day fling into the pit of hellish darknesse . I know there is no danger carries with it more horror then this so aduerse to thy truth . Keepe me therefore from this desperate daubing .

INiuries done to faith and reputation , are not easily repaired , nor recompenced , yet men through desperate ambition do oft commit this outragious wrong : what euill surmises , shrewd suspitious mad meditations be in some ? which being carried with the current of this disposition , doe receiue all thinges with the hardest interpretation , condemne all men of euill , because their minde hath no eye to espie goodnesse ? But what is there not but in hard wrested constructions may bee counted a blot : so men of incomparable worth may be debased . I vow to driue away such beastly furies , and to scowre my head of such surmises , least they bee an vnhappy occasion of staining my brothers reputation .

THe tongue wel tuned makes most pleasant musicke , and is to man a principall ornament : but men haue made it a very false Embassador deliuering affections whereof their heart is vtterly void . What dolorous discourses shall you heare when heart within hath mighty delight ? what mighty delights when heart within makes dolorous discourse ? What kindely termes tongue turneth out , when malicious matter is wrapt in secrecie ? What mallice in mouth when kinde conceits with in ? What coy and thundring speeches oft deny a thing , when the heart with dumbe eloquence desires it . And are not these now excellent people ? The false Embassador must bee cut off for his presumption , so let the tongue of such bee cut out that talke on such a fashion . I le tune my tongue aright ; if sighes hearty sorrow s●unds , if cheerefull be my heart , my tongue shall shew it .

CHrist was more pure then the nicest eye can finde a spot in , his iudgement sound , his affections spotlesse , his inward worthinesse shined through the foulest mists . No maruell if hee bee set for our example . O rare example ! not to be hoped for of any other . Away from me all yee that delight in horrible foulenes : I delight not in your vnpleasant company , your life is rusty and ilfauored . I wil cast mine eye to my beloued Sauiour : hee was full of beauty , sweetnes , and noble Conuersation .

THe haughty heart of man thinkes it foule scorne willingly to submit to bee ruled by Gods teachers : they nourish themselues in ouermuch vaine hope : But did they know and acknowledge their value , what heart so hard , and eare so barbarous , but would bee imployed to heare and yeeld . Would men would giue resolute refusalls or happy resolutions to heare his voyce . I le tread the path let them now follow . Speake Lord for thy seruant heareth : what thou biddest be done I resolue to vndertake .

COnceit is much : some thinke so highly of their owne , as others cannot reach vnto them , but if they bee crost with better Conceits , then burst they out into rage and bitternesse , such troublesome effects selfe-conceit breeds : Then will they lye and sweare to get aduantage : But by their leaue who so tells a lye and ads an oath : I count his conceits deceits , and I esteeme him weake in witte and vile in conscience . O Lord then let me not brag much of any wit I haue , least while I would shew my selfe witty , I demonstrate a heart too farre possessed with folly .

ALl men couet to bee Best , fayne would we surpasse one another , but the wronge course is taken : Hard fayre , great iournies , dangerous attempts , mischiuous Councells , vnmercifull force , mortall wounds are vnder-gone and vnder-taken , and all to bee Best , that is forsooth to bee richest : But alasse it is not so , hee that sinnes least is the best man , and he that sinnes most is the worst . Oh then , I will flye from sinne , and I will account my self excellentest , when from sinne I can stand the farthest .

WHen learned men come amonge rude & vnskilfull swaines , they many times haue not ordinary courtesie from them , yea often they haue giuen vnto them an vnkind and shrewd welcome , I maruaile not at it , for betweene them and vertue there was neuer knit a fast frendshippe by any education . Their witte is so base they cannot conceiue the beauty and sweetnes of a learned life : But though such loue to drinke on the draffe , let my life bee spent among the learned breasts : For this I know : Hee that leaueth the learned to liue with the ignorant may happen on some wealth , but hee shall neuer bee wise .

Who so hath gotten vertue possesses a Lady of great beauty , and such a beauty , as shewes forth the beames of wisedome , where euer it comes . Indeed deepe sorrowes , strange wrongs , often mightily darken her excellency for a time . But as the excellent and swift running Sunne quickly breakes out , and kindely cheeres the short and sweet nibled grasse , so Lady vertue quickly adorns her owner , and well arayes him with most pleasant grace . Lord giue mee vertue then rather then the exquisitest dainties and daintiest varieties , that high conceits can fancy .

I Hold it a base thing to be straitened by vnworthy seruitude , a man can not then goe to behold delightfull prospects , nor step aside to haue his sorrowfull minde supported . Hee cannot walke to heare the cherefull and well tuned Birds , or to see the pretty Lambes with bleating oratorie craue the dammes comfort , limited he is , and he must giue attendance . But more base I deeme it , when Sathan so shall fetter a man , that hee may not behold Gods holy Temple , where hee may haue his sorrowfull soule solaced with Preachers breath , more sweete then South-west winde , that hee cannot heare Gods sweete wel-tuned Birdes , nor see Gods Lambes desiring milke .

DEath strikes to some a dreadfull terrour , others are not moued at his terrible countenance , but by their hardines despise death . Some when hee comes giues him a cheereful welcome . The first is base and seruile , the second is courage without skill , the third is truely valiant . Lord giue mee a resolute heart that when I shall bee dangerously sicke I may not faint : Let mee haue courage guided with skill , and skill armed with courage , that when death shal cast his rufull dart , I may giue thee my heart , and leauing this world , I may feed my mind with higher thoughts , and more excellent contemplations , longing to be in heauen , my delightfull country and my heauenly dwelling .

HOnour oft fetches his earth where hee will grow from out of the popular sort : so lowe dunghills are fetcht to fairest fields : but whiles the poore earth is thus exalted , it gets a new quality , and holds no more his former , then the child that hath leaue to play , holds the last part of his lesson . Times alter natures , & honors change manners : So such as haue disdained all chamber delights , now like and entertaine them with pleasant discoursing . Those who would not thinke a thought , that is not weighed by wisdome and vertue , now can cherish most abominable actions . O Lord though thou shouldst set mee high yet let me know a vertuous heart will neuer yeeld to villany .

FRiendship now a dayes is so rare , as it is to bee doubted whether it bee a thing indeede , or but a word , most make loue to others , and yet loue no body but themselues : sweet termes and kindest courtesie , things ordinarye , when yet their heartes within bee naughty . But howsoeuer their walke bee close , yet often-times their owne feet betray them , for they themselues vtter themselues to be but enemies . O il imployed courtesie ! I beare great honour to a friend that is hearty , but Lord let me loath hippocrisie and all such humane inhumanity . I know some friends whose wordes bring forth actions , God blesse them , and continue them vnto me , but if euer it fall that I loose them , I shall haue hearty mourning for the losse of their sweet conuersation .

GOd is too strong for my poore power to resist , hee can either with cunning or with force , or rather by his cunning force disfigure and deface me : as he gaue me a timely birth , so hee can giue mee an vntimely death . O then how great soeuer my other busines bee ( Oh most mighty God ) I wil most willingly wait on thee , though my weake body bee as a ruinous house , yet thou canst make mee dwell in safetie .

IN my time I haue met with strange and vnpleasant changes . Oft I haue found ouer-vehement constancy hath proued sodaine Apostacie , and pleasant company turn'd to be the forgers of folly . This hath made me cry out . A constant Louer is an admirable Creature . But though such bee the times . I am resolued to carry my selfe in all my demeanour , so constantly that I will indure any extremity , rather then in her sweetest growth to destroy vertue .

IF Hippocrites bee once vnmasked , fame will bee verie prodigall of so notable an accident : and all will vnderstand what before the fortifier of wickednesse had concealed . It will make mountaines of their sinnes , and ouer these the hipocrite as a tossing and tottering ship on wallowing waues , shall mount aloft to be straight carried downe to the pit of hellish darkenesse . Thus shall they bee carried by the tirranny of fames blast . And the longer they liue in sin , the more wayward will fame bee to them . Lord keep me from all close dissembling that such outragious waues may neuer shake me .

SOmetimes with heedfull obseruation I haue beheld the water Spaniells sport : he hunts the diuing Ducke , he waites to spye her rise againe , hee swims , he snuffles , hee in weedes himselfe , and all to please his maister and make him sportfulnesse . O what a wretch is man that imitates not this Creatures dilligence ! Euen with my strongest desire , I wish I may shew more sedulity in seruing my father heauenlily , least this Creatures dilligence doe shamefully condemne me .

MAny vile things we see , to which wee are carried with an eager and impatient delight which things whiles thus we disorderly loue , wee disguise our bodies and disfigure our mindes but then especially if led with swiftnesse of desire , any thing crosse vs . Loue crost is a monstrous Lyon : and like a valiant beast with open Iawes it teares vs . I haue said in my heart then I will looke to my wayes my desires shall bee to thee O Lord . Not whatsoeuer likes me shall bee beutifull , but what likes thee shall bee to me delightfull .

THis world is soe far possessed with securitie , that nothing is so strong can purge it of that infection . The Ministers of God leaue nothing vnsaid which their wit can make them know , or their deepe loue to people can require of them yet nothing auailes . They vse more cunning intreating for mens abode in Gods holy feare , then any greedy Host can vse to a well paying passenger . Yet cannot their prayers preuaile . Yea Gods rod deeply wounds and oft he wounds againe and rubs vs with greefes afresh , yet such is security in men , as they can no more lay it from them , then the Crow can bee perswaded by the Swan to cast off all his blacke feathers . But Lord let mee remember , a child that feares not the rod , will hardly proue gratious , and men that liue securely and feare not God will bee in Hell , ere they bee aware .

IT cannot be imagined how well some haue conned the lesson of secrecy . They are so artificiall , as they cannot be hunted out of their villany . They can beare shewes in their countenance of honest and well minded men and with seeming vertue satisfie others when no goodnesse is nourished in their hearts . These steale sinne , and none must know it , neither must any fame bring it to our eares . But doe these persons thinke to see Heauens excellencies ? or thus to delude and mocke GODS Holy Maiesty . Oh no , stolne sinnes are sweet if the stealer could scape , but hee shall be catcht and so shall pay for his hunting .

IT is strange to see the vnmanlike cruelty of of mankind , for many are so tirannically ambitious , as they thinke their maisterhoods nothing worth , vnlesse they doe iniury to the vertuous . Hence to holy ones are stired vp wronges and griefes intollerable . They are misvsed , slandred , belyed and what not ? Their tables are serued with bitter rootes and furnished with sallets of wormewood : A foole and a knaue cannot take thought , whilst an honest heart is full of sorrowes . But sure it is . A noble cause eases much a gieuous case . This is the Godlies golden solace . And though man to man bring misery , yet comfort enough in this , if thou be free from iniquity . If I meet then with Helhownds that crosse mee , yet I le take heed that sight of sin doe not also tosse mee .

YOung Gentlemen many times are carried with ouer-vehement desire to see and behould the rare sights of forraine nations : therefore they take great iournies strang courses , vnder goe oftentimes vnpleasant companies : and sometimes get mortall wounds and cruell executions . They oft goe so farre as they neuer returne , meeting with vnexpected mischiefs , But as for me I wel can say . A farre trauailer seeth much but hee that goes to Heauen makes a happy iournie . The rare sights of this world shall neuer so please my fancie , as they shall draw mee from the rauishing delights I see in diuinity .

SInnes committed cause mighty griefe to a holy heart : but God teaches his how to driue away the extreamity of sorrow , and to obtaine aboundant ioyfulnes : sight of sinne with narrow eies : humble submission for deadly deedes : vehement desire for mercifull fauour , strong resolutions of future obedience make a sweet electuary to chase away griefes furie . An electuary comfortable indeed , for so the sinner escapes his deadly danger . Yet this I haue alwaies thought , the escape out of sinns danger is comfortable , yet to keepe quite out of it , is a heape of wisdome .

MAny men in this world haue goodly portions , which yet are vnfit for the meanest consultations . How oft doe wee see wisdomes and vertues precepts , better followed by a beggar then by such as be richer , great ones often make a mocke at vertue , and many be fortunate that be not wise . But who so happily hath this double portion , to follow vertue as well as riches . I shall blesse my eyes with that ioyfull sight , and shall esteeme such as most pretious iewells .

WEe see many rich men fairly and hansomely attired as though they were children of the Summer , they possesse faire fieldes , ride on milke white horses , sit in coaches richly furnished in black and red and all variety . Surely most comely sights , and such as calls the ruder eye to view them . Yet the godly wise can see that many of these are vilely foule and vnhansome in their mindes and soules , in the workes of God as slow as slowest Iades . I wil deeme of these , as these vse to speak of their horses . A faire horse is comely to looke on , but if he proue heauy , hee is nought for trauell .

TRauailers whiles they iournie , some-time they step into delicate greenes and most pleasant grounds cunningly be set with trees able to shelter from a shower , sometimes they walke on barren heathes , where if sturdy stormes doe come , they can finde no redresse . Loe such is the life of man now faire , now foule , now sweet , now sowre , now greene , but straite mirie : somtime full of delectation , anon turmoyled with affliction . But since I must trauaile through this worlds wildernesse . I resolue to account my aflictions as my necessary businesse yea and on good experience I speake it . The Stormes of affliction scoures the faithfull , and happy shall he be indures to the end .

IT is a wonder to see , how deuoutly religious many seeme to be , which yet are nothing so . They will shew a most pure and dainty complexion ( so that the viewer shall bee wonderfully mistaken ) and yet bee most vile in their conuersation . Stayed thoughts and vertuous wordes shall yeelde you proofes of their goodnes , but in the vttermost euent of matters , all proues a rotten Carkas . My care shall be then that my deeds shall be sutable to my words . And I will testifie that as I thinke and speake , so I desire to doe vertuously , for els my enemies may rightly say , great boast & small rost makes a cold kitchin .

WHere Lady Vertue takes vp her lodging , Dilligence waites on her with most humble seruice , but idlenes is shut out of doores , she dares not speake , no nor looke ( as from her miserable selfe ) vnto her heauenly highnes : for her steps are too slowe to follow vertues traine , and therefore shee denies her seruice . I resolue then to be full of sedulity , that I may keep Lady vertue company . I will not bee like such Gentlewomen that marre their complexions , and conditions with lying long in bed , when as they might haue made a handkercher by that time they rise .

TO set out strifes is a matter to monstrous for my capacity : I haue earnestly besought some for peace when they haue burst out to fury and shewne far more stirring motions to iniquity . But are not these worse then flyes & more absurd then Ants. The flyes liue together in swarmes , and the Ants liue quietly in heaps but men can hardly make a company to liue in quiet . But O Lord let me inioy peaceablenes , while others are ouercome with strifes tediousnes .

IF we see faire and beautifull persons , we are oft vehemently carried with shews of affection to them : wee then take liberty to loose the raines to our senses delights : and our reason now seruile to passion accepts no satisfaction without inioying . But O how oft haue I beene taught that poysoned drinke may be in a golden cup. When I see then a woman of beauty , I le watch if I can spy any vertue : If I descry none , I le not care a straw for her company .

A Blessed man he is that hath such qualities as he is beloued in all good companies , & whose society draws to godlines : but cursed are those whose foule courses cary men to wickednes . To which not onely nature bends them but the base bringing vp they receiue at their Parents hands confirmes them . But if hee that sets a a traueller out of his way commits villany , so these drawing out of the way of heauen , shall smart for such iniquity .

THe children of God me thinkes are full of beauty : I finde in them most louely sweetnesse . Lambes they bee , and therefore gentle , Doues they bee , and therefore simple . The wicked mee thinkes are full of deformity : I finde in them most loathsome bitternesse . Dogges they bee , and therefore currish , Swine they bee and therefore swinish . Oh then I will much and greatly delight in the blessed Saints and detest the cursed doers . For the Lamb and the Doue are two pretty Creatures , but the Dogge and the Hogge are sullen beasts .

THe dainty varieties of pleasing delights that be among the wicked , draw mens minds with easie consent to vanitie : sometimes short and suddaine delights : sometimes long and pleasant deuises are offered , but all be higher points & staires to sin , oh that man knew the great growing of the stinking weed of sin : virtue growes not without exquisite labour , sin alone & willingly : vertue springs after a long season , sinne quickly & in a short space gets vp ; yea sin though but a sparke sets all on fire presently . I purpose then that mine eies shal be watchfull and my heart resolute , that not the least weed of sin shall grow in me , for I see of a little kernell growes a great tree , of a little spawne a great fish .

THe outward duties of Gods seruice , I see haue long & holily beene obserued by many : but the inward and hearty duties I feare mee of a few . Call vpon our formalists to practise some noble deeds of vertue : heereto you shall find them smally enclyned . But did they serue GOD aright , their minds so well trained and long exercised in vertue , would giue some rare demonstration of it . As for me , I euer wil conceiue , To goe to Church for fashion is an abuse of Religion , and to pray without deuotion , is breath to no purpose .

SVch heaps of sorrows accompany this life as require a vertuous resolution of mind to passe them ouer : sometimes heauines of heart assailes vs , strange stories scarre vs : dangerous sicknesse afflicts vs , and wee cannot be quiet , but long to be in our delightfull country and heauenly dwelling . Hence this hath bene my resolute thought . He that will hould out the yeare must bide the winter and summer , and he that will goe to Heauen must indure the miseries of this world .

IF wee could behold an armed man of an extreame and vnresistable force whose violence a thousand thousand could not withstand ; it would breed in vs some maruailous contemplations : but greater & extreamer force and violence wee know in sin , yet we are no whit amazed at it : Angells in heauen , men on earth are weake to conquer sin . But thankes be to Christ that hath gotten victory . But since sins force is so violen● : I le rufully eye him , but not come nigh him . A sword hath a sharp point , and a Cannon a great force , but let them alone and they will doe no harme .

SVch is the foule basenesse of Man , as the very beasts out stripe him , yea and in many things doe teach him . Some hypocrites there be artificially smoothing vp and smothering sinne which haue not art enough to learne to auoid it although the dumb creatures instruct them . Haue I not seene a dog reioyce at the sight of his Master : when his vnchast Mistris will frowne at his comming home ? Oh fact full of wretchednesse , fuller of disgrace , and fullest of guiltinesse . Oh Lord keepe mee that my affections be not drunken with such beastly sinnes , and that I may not be gouerned by them .

WIth vnspeakeable griefe I haue thought on the abominable wrongs offred by cruell men to GODS poore Saints , that should haue greatest kindnesse : Poore hearts by lofty spirits are broken with vnkindnesse and affliction . Yet comfort comes from aboue , which cheeres their vitall spirrits . But oh how these throughly wound their consciences and will God suffer these wrongs ? Oh no , but he will shake the seat of these secure Tyrants . Me thinkes they are worse then souldiers stabd at heart . For hee that is wounded at hart hath made an end of his daies : but hee that hath a wound in his soule knowes not when to end his sorrow .

SVch as were neerely acquainted with sinne : and haue discarded it , know the poysonful disposition of it : it spreads it selfe as dead poyson in a cup , and like a plague infects the soundest persons , vertue is not so spreading , not so speedie in conueying . I maruaile not then , why so many be bad , and so few good . It is because truth hath much a doe to be beleeued , but a lie runnes farre before it be stayed .

O Full often hath my breast swollen with eager desire of heauen , for when I beheld the earth , mine eyes ( being my diligent intelligencers ) carryes me to much comfortablenesse : In this world weepings and mournings , changings , and turnings , vanity and folly euery where abounds , and he that is in highest estate euen as a poore wretch with languishing steps runs fast to his graue : But in heauen are all incomparable excellencies and vneffable dignities . Oh sweet and noble place to bee in . I le be more glad then Children be of sweet meat to go to such a country , and to dwell in this neuer enough praised City . The vigor of mens wit , that can shew it selfe in any subiect , must here be blunted : they cannot speake enough of this euer-noble City if they compare it with the country , they shewe therein most rude simplicity , if with the Court . Alasse a Rich Court is a goodly sight , but he that lookes vp to Heauen will not care for the world .

WHo so when they see good can loue it , and affect it . I count such persons my principal friends , whose acquaintance I would not superficially entertaine , for sure there is no ioy in our life if we inioy not such companions , with such I learne holy helpes to heauen , and happy resolutions , with such I am instructed to conquer passions , but he that flies from good and scoffes at God I count him already with the Diuell . And though hee walke in the world yet he hath a hell in his conscience . This shal be then mine earnest intreaty vnto God , that such good and worthy friends which bee this worlds comfort , may not bee drawne away from me by my bad desert .

100

MEn haue in vse a two-fould Glasse : One most for the proud Man , the other for the Wise . The proud man whiles hee lookes in his Glasse , waxes the prouder : The humble whiles on his , he waxes the wiser . O Lord grant , while the proud Mans Looking-Glasse makes him the prouder ; my Houre-Glasse may make me wise to remember my ende .

FINIS .