Omnibus & singulis Affording matter profitable for all men, necessarie for euery man; alluding to a fathers aduice or last will to his sonne. Now published for the vse of all men, and particularly of those that doe inhabit Great Brittaine and Ireland.

OMNIBVS ET SINGVLIS : Affording matter profitable for all Men , and necessarie for euery Man .

SECT. I.

FOr * * Stirpe sublata , aut non sunt reliqua , aut si sunt , sine emolumento sunt , quia sine Capite nihil constat , Saluian l. 6. de Prouid . laying the first foundation of Religion ( without which al other grounds are to no effect . )

a a Per visibiles visibilium formas peruenitur ad inuisibiles visibilium causas , ascensus praestatur ad inuisibiles substa●tias , & ea●um dignoscendanaturas , Coel. Rhod. lib. 25. That there is a GOD Omnipotent , Mercifull and Iust , Gods Works doe sufficiently demonstrate .

c c Gen. 1.1 . If he build , it is a World : if he be angrie for the sinnes of the World , d d Gen. 7.17 . hee sends a Deluge . If hee will shew the loue hee beares to the World , e e Matt. 2.1 . he sends his Sonne , f f Matt. 27.57 . and suffers him to dye vpon the Crosse , to saue the World : If hee will reward the godly , it is with g g Luke 23.43 . Paradise ; when hee armes , the * * 2. King . 6.17 . Angels march vpon the head of his Troupes , h h Exod. 17.6 . the Elements are the Marshals of his Campe , the Rocks remooue from their Centre and follow to giue it Water , i i Exod. 13.21 . the Cloudes guide by day , and Pillars of fire by night , k k Exod. 14.19 . the Sea opens to giue them passage , l l Iosh. 10.12 . and the Sun stayes to end their victories . To inlarge the wonderfulnesse of his Works , m m Num. 22.28 . Balaams Asse shall speake , and reprooue his Master : n n Iohn 2.9 . Waters turne into Wine , the o o Matt. 9.22 . dead are raised to life , p p Matt. 20.24 . the Blind see , q q Matt. 9.29 . the Deafe beare , r r Mark 2.12 . the Lame goe , s s Matt. 14.19 . and thousands of people are fedde , with some few Loaues and Fish .

If hee will shew Mercie , t t Matt. 27.75 . Peter , after that he had denyed Christ , shall weepe bitterly , u u Iohn 21.15 . and be made Pastor of his sheepe . * * Act. 9.15 . Paul , of a Persecutor , become an Elect Vessel and faithful Preacher of the Gospell ; when hee will exalt the humble , x x Sam. 16.11 . little Dauid shal be taken from the sheepe , and bee made both King y y Sam. 16.13 . and Prophet : z z Gen. 41.24 . humble Ioseph from the Prison , and preferred to bee Pharoes High Steward : a a Dan. 5.26 . Daniel from the Lions Den , and clothed with Purple .

When he will execute Iustice , b b Gen. 19.24 . Sodom is deuoured with Fire and Brimstone : c c Matt. 27.45 . Lento gradu ad vindictam sui procedit Deus , tarditatemque supplicij grauitate compensat , Lips . c. 13. lib. 15. & Proper . eleg. 25. lib. 2. Iudas hanging himselfe , confessed that hee had betrayed the Innocent : d d Euseb. hist. Eccles. Iulian the Apostata , tearing out his bowels , ( in the horrour of his Conscience ) cryes out , Vicisti tandem , Galilaee .

When hee will humble the proud , Idolatrous e e Dan. 4.45 . Nabuchadnezar shall eate grasse amongst the beasts of the field : the basest of GODS Creatures shall make hard-hearted Pharao f f Exod. 9.27 . send for Moses , and confesse the true God . Finally , in all his works of Power , Mercy , & Iustice , ( out of the fierie Furnace ) g g Dan. 3.25 . Shedrach , Meshach , & Abednego , shall proclayme his Glorie .

Thus you see , that Gods Workes declare that hee is God , Powerfull , Mercifull , and Iust , and that the meanest of these Workes are of force eyther ( by the least dramme of Grace ) to conuert the most obstinate Atheist , to the true knowledge of God , or in Iustice to confound him .

SECT. II.

ALthough I doe not allow the h h Diuina mysteria credenda , non curiosè scrutanda , Amor. de Diuinis Myst . curious searching of diuine Mysteries not reuealed , for admitting that in Natures schoole , wee are taught to boult out the Truth by Logicall reason ; i i Neque ad loquendum de Deo lingua sufficit , neque ad percipiendum intellectus praeualet : magis ergo glorificare nos conuenit Deum quod talis est , qui & intellectum transcendit & cognitionis initium superat , August . yet in Gods Schoole , it is quite contrarie ; hee is the best Scholler that reasons least , and assents most , conceiues so far as humane frailties will permit , beleeues and admires the rest , God louing better a credulous heart , then a curious head : yet because your dutie towards God consisteth chiefly in the ardent desire to know God ( which is the surest testimonie of your loue towards God , and of Gods loue towards you ) there is a more speciall knowledge required of you , which is , that you indeuour your selfe ●o know him , so farre as hee hath reuealed himselfe in ●he Scriptures called his Word , as proceeding from ●is Spirit , to bring you to his knowledge : hee hath manifested himselfe in the Scriptures by three sorts of k k Dionysius de Diuinis nominibus . names .

The first , are these that ●ignifie his Essence .

The second , the persons ●n the Essence .

The third , his essentiall Works .

The names that denote Gods Essence , are fiue ;

IEHOVACH , EHEIECH , ●ACH , KVRIOS , THEOS .

l l Non habet aetatem aeternita● aut aliquando finem quae nescit originem , Cyprian . Mart. Arnob. lib. 1. aduers . Gent. Tertul. lib. 2 de Car. Christ . Iehouach , signifieth eter●all , being of himselfe with●ut beginning , and end , Almightie , both in promising and performing .

The second name is Eheiech , of that same Roote o● Iehoua , signifying , that I am that I am , or I will be that I will bee m m Exod. 3.14 . Eheiech , Asher , Eheiech .

n n Psal. 21.12 , 15 , 16 , 17. The third name Iach , which is Lord , is ascribed to God , when any notable deliuerance , or benefit comes to passe , according to his former promise .

The fourth name is o o Iohn 21.7 , 12 , 15 , 16 , 17. Kurios , vsed oft in the New Testament : when it is absolutely giuen to God , it answereth the Hebrew name Iehouah ; for God is so Lord , tha● he is of himselfe Lord , and of all others .

The fift name is Theos 〈◊〉 God ; It is deriued from , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , because p p Deus est intellectualis Sphera , cutus centrum vbique , circumferentia verò nusquam , Aug. he runnes thorow and compasseth all things : when it is properly taken , it signifieth the eternall Essence of God , being aboue all things , q q Prouida illa mens , quae coelum hoc quotidiè voluit , reuoluit , solem ducit , reducit , fruges promit , recondit , causas & vicis●itudines omnes rerum peperit , quas mirantur homines aut quae sunt , nec quicquam in hoc grandi Machina geritur , turbatur miscetur speccatum excipio ) cuius non causa a prima illa causa , Lips . lib. 1. de Constan . c. 4. giuing Life and Light to all Creatures , preseruing and gouerning them in their wonderful frame and order , God seeing all , and in all places .

The names that signifie the persons in the Essence , are chiefly one .

r r Sacramentum hoc venerandum , non scrutandum quomodo pluralitas sit in vnitate , & vnitas in pluralitate , scrutare hoc , temeritas est ; credere , pietas , nosc● verò , vita aeterna , Ber. Elohim , signifieth the mightie Iudges . It is a name of the plurall number , to expresse the Trinitie of persons in the vnity of Essence . To this purpose , the Holy Ghost begins the Bible with this plurall Name of God , ioyned with a Verbe of the singular Number , as Elohim bara dij creauit , the mightie Gods , or all the three Persons in the Godhead created . When you heare of this Name Elohim , consider that in one Diuine Essence there are three distinct Persons , & that God is Iehouach Elohim

The Names that signifie Gods Essentiall Works , are fiue :

El , Schaddai , Adonai , Helion , Abba .

f f Exod. 24.6 . Psal. 24.8 . El , is as much to say , a● the strong God , sheweth that God is not onely strong and strength it selfe , but tha● it is hee that giueth al● strength to his Creatures .

By this Name Schaddai , which is Omnipotent , God stiled himselfe vsually to the Patriarks , calling himselfe El Schaddai , the strong God , Almightie : this Name belongeth onely to God , and to no other Creature .

Adonai , my Lord , is found one hundred , thirtie foure times in the old Testament : by this Name wee challenge God to be our God , & with Thomas , say , Thou art my Lord , and my God .

t t Luke 1.32 . Helion , which signifieth most High , was giuen vnto God by Gabriel , telling the Virgin Mary , that the Child that should be borne of her , should bee the Sonne of the most High .

u u Mar. 14.36 . Rom. 8.15 . Abba , a Syriake name , signifying Father : by it remember , what you receiue from God , proceedeth from a fatherly loue , & that you owe him againe filiall obedience .

x x Sacra Dei nomina quasi pignora amoris , misericordiae , & omnipotentiae eius sunt , Aug. de Dei Misericord . cap. 7. All these sacred Names of God , are as pledges and remembrances of Gods omnipotency , and loue towards you , and of your dutie towards him .

As the true knowledge of God , is the onely inducement to the exercise of your dutie towards him , so the Religious practice of that dutie , is the only rule whereby you may liue reposedly , and dye cheerefully .

In this Exercise , I doe commend foure things vnto you , Heare , Pray , Meditate , and Doc.

SECT. III.

THis hearing , whereof I speak , consisteth a a 1. Tim. 3.16 . in the reading of Gods sacred word contained in the Bookes of the old and new Testament , and hearing it from Preachers : for the whole Scripture is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , giuen by inspiration of God , and is profitable to teach , to improue , to correct , and to instruct in righteousnesse , that the man of God may be made perfit in all good workes . The Scriptures are deuided in the old and new Testament : b b Dicitur vetus testamentum , quia priore , hoc autem nouum , quia posteriore tempore , reuelatum est , August . l. 3. ad Bonifac. Reuelationes eorum considerantur in his nominibus , non institutiones , Idem ibidem . the first is called old , because it was reuealed in the former time ; the other new , because it was reuealed in the latter time .

The difference betwixt the old and new Testament is only in certain c c Aliud illi , aliud nos , sed specie visibili , quod tamen idem significaret virtute spirituali , Aug. Tom. 3. de spirit . & lit . cap. 20. accidents , Ceremonies , and dispensation of things , in externall forme , & difference of time , but in substance all one , and tending to one effect in vertue and efficacie .

In the old , the new is d d In veteri nouum latet , & in nouo vetus patet . figured and shadowed ; in the new , is the declaration and manifestation of the old .

By Moses was the old Testament reuealed , and the Law giuen , being holy , iust , and good , e e Propter veteris hominis noxiam in qua per literam iubentem & minitantem minimè sanabatur , dicitur vetus testamentum : nouum autem , propter nouitatem spiritus , quae hominem nouum sanat à vitio vetustatis , August . Tom. 3. ad Marcell . cap. 20. seruing rather to bring vs to the knowledge of our owne insufficiencie to fulfill the same , then for laying vpon the corrupted sons of Adam , that which they were not able to vndergoe .

The new Testament was reuealed by Christ , when he was manifested in the flesh , in whom did appeare the righteousnesse of God , or the goodnes that comes from God to vs , witnessed by the Law and Prophets .

In the Euangelical dispensation of the Gospell , is the deliuerance of Gods people , not from an earthly , but from a spirituall bondage of sinne and Satan .

Heere is a triumph ouer the suppressed enemie , not Pharaoh , but Satan himselfe .

Heere is an introduction to possesse not earthly Canaan , but heauenly Ierusalem .

Heere is a Law giuen , not in Sina , but in Sion , not by Angelicall ministerie , but by the presence of the Lord himselfe ; not after a fearefull sort , but with wonderfull lenitie and gentlenesse ; not grauen in stonie Tables , but effectually printed in the hearts of the Elect.

In the old Testament was bondage , and feare : in the new , libertie & glad tidings , the ministrie not of death ; but of life , not a rigorous exacter , but a mercifull Sauiour ; not the sacraments of Circumcision , and the Passeouer , ( the administration whereof was bloudie ) but Baptisme , & the Lords Supper , both 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , vnbloudie .

In the new Testament is a Priesthood , not Aaronicall , not externall , not tyed to any one Nation & Tribe , but spirituall , and common to all the faithfull throughout the world .

In it is a Sacrifice , and that bloudie , but not of Beasts , but the sweet smelling Sacrifice of the precious body and bloud of our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus ; not iterated , but finished once for all vpon the Crosse .

In the new Testament are Ceremonies few and easie , to wit , the Word , Sacraments , and Prayers .

( In one word ) in the old Testament were figures , shadowes , and promises : in the new , the fulfilling & accomplishment of them all : this new Couenant of Grace shal continue to the worlds end , and shall giue place to no other , but to the eternall fruition of the Kingdome of Heauen .

Heereby the excellencie of the new Testament is manifest , and that both the old and new , differing in accidents and circumstances , are in substance & truth all one , and that the one is contained in the other , making vp an absolute body f f

Cum credimus , nihil desideramus vltra credere .

Hoc enim priùs credimus , non esse quod vltra credere debemus , Tertull . lib. de praescript . aduers . H●ret .

Scrut . mini Scripturas . Ioh. 5.39 .

containing perfit sufficiencie to saluation , and whereto we must neither adde nor diminish , neither seeke for Christ and saluation elsewhere ; for this cause we are commanded to search the Scriptures .

Therefore wouldest thou know what sinne is , and the punishment thereof by the Law ? a a Gen. 50. Exod. 90. Leuit. 29. Numb . 36. Deut. 39. The fiue Bookes of Moses shall teach thee the Historicall partes of these : b b Iosua 29. Iudges 21.1 . 2. Sam. 55.1 . 2. Kings 97.1 . 2. Chron. 65. Ezra . 10. Nehem. 13. Ester 10. Iob 42. the Books of the Prophets , Prouerbs of Salomon , and Ecclesiastes , will let you see the Reward of the Godly , and punishment of the wicked , and furnish you with a rich Store-house of Golden sentences , and diuine Morall Precepts .

c c Psal. 150. Prouerb . 31. Eccles. 12. Esai . 66. Iere. 2.52 . Lam. 5. Eze. 48. Daniel 11. Hos. 14. Ioel 3. Amos 9. Obe. 1. Ionah . 4. Micah . 5. Nahum . 3. Abacu●k . 3. Zephania 3. Hagaij 2. Zecha . 14. Mal. 4. The Kingly Psalmes of Dauid shall plentifully administer vnto you Heauenly Physicke for all Spirituall diseases .

d d Mat. 28. Mar. 16. Lu. 24. Ioh. 21. The 4. Euangelists shall teach you the Life , Doctrine , and Death of our Sauiour .

e e Acts 28. The Acts of the Apostles shall acquaint you with the practice of CHRISTS Doctrine in the Primitiue Church .

f f Rom. 16.1 . 2. Corin. 2.9 . Galat. 6. Ephes. 6. Philip. 4. Col. 4.1 . 2. Thes. 8.1 . 2. Tim. 10. Tit. 3. Phile. 1. Heb. 13. Iames 5.1 . 2. Peter 8.1 . 2. Iohn 5. Iude 1. Reuel. 22. The Epistles of the Apostles shall traine you vp particularly in Christ his Schoole .

Make vse of the rest of the Bookes called * * 3. Esdras 4. Esdras Tob. Iudith . Ester . Wisdome . Eccles. Bar. The Song of the three Children . S●sanna . The Historie of Bell and the Dragon . The Prayer of Manastes . 1. Mac. 2. Mac. Apocrypha , so far as they agree with the Scripture , and no further .

Read the Scriptures with a sanctified and chast heart : for vnlesse they be read by the inspiration of GODS Spirit , ( by the which they were written ) with humilitie , and desire to know , they remaine as a dead letter in the efficacie thereof ( as I did aduise you before . ) Admire reuerently such obscure places , as by your weake capacity you cannot vnderstand , neuer going further in the curious search of diuine Mysteries , then either by conferring some other place of Scripture , or by conference with some learned Diuine you may bee informed : for as the Scriptures haue in them that height and depth to exercise the Learned : so haue they that easinesse and plainenesse , that the simple maybe comforted & taught ; they are that admirable Riuer ( both shallow & deepe ) wherein as the Lambe may wade , the Elephant may swimme ; and it is only the dulnesse of our capacitie that makes them hard to vs , and the Vale of our hearts that cannot bee remooued , except by him that hath the Key of Dauid , that opens where no man shuts , and shuts where no man opens .

Delight most in such places of Scripture , as serue best for your instruction in your owne calling : for many men are too busie in other mens callings , Fides per auditum , Rom. 10.17 . 1. Sam. 2.30 . Esay 28.14 . 2. Tim. 3.16 , 17. and neglecters of their owne .

The hearing of Gods Word by the Scriptures , and by Pastors , & the practice thereof will giue you knowledge , worke Holinesse in you , breake downe your naturall corruptions , and fill you with strength against all assaults .

SECT. IIII.

PRayer , is a simple , vnfained , humble , and ardent opening of the heart before God , wherein we either aske things needful for our selues and others , or giue thanks for benefits receiued : it is either publique in the Congregation of the faithfull , or priuat , when we pray alone .

There be foure chiefe reasons that ought to induce vs to Prayer : first , the commandement of God : secondly , our sinnes , which driue vs of necessitie to God for life , succour , and help . Thirdly , our weake nature , ( being of it selfe vnable to subsist ) requireth Prayer to strengthen it , as a house pillars to vphold it .

Lastly , the subtiltie of the enemy ( who euer attendeth to ouerthrow vs , euen in those things we thinke to be best done ) ought to sturre vs vp vehemently to Prayer .

The excellencie of Prayer is manifest by the dignitie of the Commander , and the admirable effects that follow it . The Commander is God , Lord of Heauen and earth , of our life , and death , the Fountain of all goodnes , the effects thereof are such , that ( Prayer proceeding from a faithfull soule , and squared by Gods Word ) will stay the Sunne to end our victories , the falling of the raine from heauen , and at our desire againe , send down plentie of it to increase the fruits of the earth for our comfort , it will pierce the heauens for mercie , and pardon for our sinnes , stay the wrath of God against vs for the same , and obtaine whatsoeuer good thing is needful for vs in this life , or in the life to come .

z z In Oratione sedulo curandum est , ne intermissione aliqua repentè facta , rursus languascere incipiat anim● alacritas , Barnard . de progress . relig. Mat. 7.7 . Luke 18.1 . Rom. 12.12 . Ephes 6.18 . Col. 4.2 . 1. Tim. 2.8 . Let your Prayers bee daily , without intermission : for deuotion that is deferred vpon conceit of present vnfitnesse or worldly respects , at last groweth irkesome and altogether neglected : suffer not your heart to entertayne the least thought of lothnesse in the taske of deuotion , but violently breake thorow such motions , with a deepe check to your selfe , for your backwardnesse . And because holinesse doth not ( like a a Ionah 3.6 , 7. Ionas Gourd ) grow vp in a day , it is better to goe on safe and sure , then for an hastie fit , ( as many doe ) run out of winde , and then stand still . Goe to Prayer , as you would goe to the water to swimme ; goe not hot in , but take a time to coole your selfe by Meditation , b b Homo in faciem , Deus in praecordia contemplatur , Aug. feeling that your words touch the very depth of your Soule .

c c Animaduerto Deum , non tam adorantium precibus , quàm innocentia , & sanctitate laetari , gratioremque eum qui delubris eius puram castamque mentem , quàm qui meditatum carmen intulerit existimare , Ambros l. b. 3. Prou. 30.12 . Frame not your Prayers ( as some hypocritically do ) according to the fantasies of your owne braine , neither ( as others superstitiously ) thinke to mooue God by iterations and babbling , neither ( with the proud Pharise ) presuming vpon your owne worth , but ( like vnto that poore Publican ) humbly , with all reuerence , d d Exod. 3.5 . Ad beatitudinem rectè consequendam , omnia fugienda sunt corporis corruptibilia , August . de Ciuit. Dei . ( throwing off the shooes of your corrupt affections ) prostrate your selfe at the footstoole of Gods Throne of Grace , demanding nothing that is repugnant to his will ( lest you tempt him ) e e Mat. 6.8 . who out of his insearchable Wisdome knoweth best what is good for you .

In your Prayers , haue a speciall care , that you keepe euer as a patterne before you , that Prayer f f Mat. 6.9 . set downe by the Mercy-Master Christ Iesus , called the Lords Prayer . It is the pure Fountaine , from whence the Riuers of Life must flow .

SECT. V.

MEditation is a carefull consideration or a deuout calling to mind , and examination both of our spirituall , and temporall estate , by a serious contemplation of Gods goodnes towards vs , what dutie he requireth of vs towards him , and for his sake to our neighbour , and how wee haue performed the same , what reward remaineth for the godly , and punishment for the wicked , that wee haue an account to render not onely of euery mis-spent day , but of euery idle word , in what estate , either spirituall or temporall , we stand for the present .

This holy Meditation stirreth vs vp to a thankfulnesse for Gods goodnes , to sorrow , and repentance , for our by-past offences , and to a setled resolution of amendment of our liues in time to come . g g Psal 49.3 . Contemplante animo , nihil altius sublimiusue esse potest , Ciel . Rhod. l. 25. c. 12 Meditation is the most soueraigne cure of the soule : in it keepe this course , retyre your self euery day ( at some fit time ) to your h h Mat. 6.6 . chamber , Studie , Field , or some secret place , and hauing prayed to God for a recollected minde , enter into a consideration of your sinfull estate , i i 1. Cor. 11.28 . examine your self , take notice of your passions , disposition and inclination , whereby you may come to the knowledge of your selfe ; and by calling for helpe from God , resolue k k Fortior est qui se , quàm qui fortissima vincit moenia , Amb. to conquer your selfe as a walled Citie .

Call to minde , if any vnkindnesse hath passed betwixt you and l l Rom. 3.10 . Mat. 5.22 . your neighbour , or any other ; and if you remember any remnant , or the least cole of Enuie or Malice , ( lurking vnder the Ashes of your peruerse nature ) wipe away and extinguish them , by not m m Ephes. 4.26 . Mat. 6.14 , 15. letting the Sunne goe downe vpon your wrath : for he that craueth pardon , and will not forgiue , is like vnto him that breaketh downe a Bridge , that he must passe ouer himselfe .

In your Meditation , inquire diligently n n Non potest praesentem diem rectè viuere , qui se non eum quasi vltimum victurum esse cogitat , Aug. de Mort. after the day of your death , by setting it before your eyes , by examining your selfe whether you bee prepared , and o o 1. Cor. 15.54 ready , and by incouraging your cowardly soule , to looke Death in the face , flying euer in this poynt , to thy Sauiour for helpe .

Conclude thy meditation , by thinking vpon thy worldly estate : if it prosper , lay vp humility in thy heart . If poore , p p Psalme 119. pray for supply , and thinke vpon some lawfull and honest meanes .

SECT. VI.

THe fourth and most necessarie part ( belonging to a Christian ) is q q Mat 7.21 . Psal. 103.18 . doing ( being the life of all ) for it is nothing ( and vsuall to Hypocrites ) r r Esay 58.2 . to be religious in Ceremonies , ioyne therefore ( as indiuidui Comites ) the liuely s s Rom. 2.22 . Faith of Paul , t t Iam. 2.13 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 26. with S. Iames , good Works : Faith without Works , makes but a Carnall Gospeller , and Workes without Faith , a Pharisaicall Hypocrite .

Euer in doing , beware of doing against thy u u Qui conscientiae curam obijciunt , nec Deum nec homines reuerentur : Conscientia vna cadem in nobis singulis accusator , testis , Iudex , Tortor , & Carcer , Bernard . Conscience : for the treasure of a good Conscience , is the best store you can prouide for a quiet life here , and a blessed hereafter , when a dram of it shall serue you to better vse , then innumerable millions of Gold .

Omit neither time , place , nor person , if thou canst doe good : x x Mat. 25.35 , 41. Esay 58 7 , ●0 . Phil. ● . 18 . Prou. 19.17 . remember Christs last Iudgement , wherein he sheweth that the best good in the World is Compassion , Almes , and comforting in Distresse , as in Sicknesse , Pouertie , Imprisonment , or Banishment ; for although God accepteth of good thoughts , yet towards man , they are little better then good dreames : exercise therefore thy charitable offices , ( as Gods Steward ) vpon thy Brethren . Remember , it is now the time , y y Viue memor quam sis aeui breuis . Mors senibus in Ianuis ●uuenibus insidijs , Senec. de Mort. Psal. 90.16 . Iam. 4.14 . Psal. 103.15 . thy life is short , thy dayes euill , z z Heb. 9.27 . thy death certaine , a a Mat. 25.19 . thy account most certayne , thy ioyes vnspeakeable , if thou doe well : for this cause labour to husband the Talent that God hath put into thy hands , that thou maist returne thy soule better then thou didst receiue it . If that seruant was b b Mat. 25.30 . condemned as ill , that did giue his Master no more but his owne , what shall become of him that robs God of his owne ?

SECT. VII .

SLoth m m Prou. 6.6 v. 15. Ignauia turmatim●n nos ruens , eligi facilis plana ad eam , & expedita est via , at virtutem sudore dij obuallarunt , Zenoph . de dict. Soc. is the Mother of many euils , and the chiefe corrupter of Christian duetie ; banish it by diligence , in all these former exercises , neyther n n Non delinquenti , sed poenitenti , & peccatarelinqucati condonat Deus , Aug. deferring Repentance for thy by-past neglects , neyther amendment of thy former life . o o Quis est adolescens , cui exploratum sit , se ad vesperum esse victurum ? Cic. de Sen. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Basil . In denunciata sorte rapimur , Fusc . Suasor . 2. Who knoweth , but Death may shut vp thy breath , at an vnprouided time ? Repentance and Amendment , being the free Gifts of God , the Tree of Faith ( watered by Gods Grace ) onely produceth ( not common in euerie mans Garden : ) this Tree must be planted in the spring of thy Youth , and not in the Frosty Winter , when the day shall come , wherein thou shalt say , I haue no pleasure . It must bee daily laboured , hedged , and preserued from the annoyances , Caterpillers , and choking Weedes of the World ; by this meanes it shall produce plentifull store of Fruit in thy life , and at thy Death prepare thee , ( with old Simeon in the peace of a good Conscience ) to say , p p Luke 2.27 . Lord , now lettest thou thy seruant depart in peace , for mine eyes haue seene my Saluation .

I haue shortly poynted at Gods wonderfull Workes , of Power , Mercie , and Iustice , at those Names , whereby chiefely hee hath reuealed himselfe in his Word ; and at the duties that are required in his seruice .

That I may come ( with the like breuitie ) to those things that may bring you to the knowledge of your selfe , I will conclude this first part , subioyning this ensuing Prayer , which by GODS Grace will inable you to attayne to that perfection , that is craued of you , in your Christian calling .

a a Gen. 1.17 . ALmightie and b b Exod. 15.11 . glorious God , full of incomprehensible Power & Maiestie , c c Psal. 51. whose glory the heauen ( of heauens ) is not able to containe , thou that art the strong God that e e Exod. 12.13 . forgiuest offences , and passest by iniquities , g g Psal. 10.17 . that preparest the heart of the poore , and openest thine eare to heare their praiers : h h Psal. 17. Incline , O Lord , thine eares , and heare me : open i i Dan. 9.5 . thine eyes , and see a poore and wretched sinner ; O Lord , k k Psal. 5.21 . I haue done exceeding wickedly in thy sight : I doe acknowledge and confesse it , and doe humbly prostrate my selfe at the l l Act. 7.49 . foote-stoole of thy Throne of Grace for pardon , m m Ierem. 31.3 , 4. thou hast promised , according to the riches of thy Mercies , to forgiue my offences , yea , more to shew the stabilitie of thy Councell , thou hast tyed thy selfe by an n n Luke 1.73 . oath thereunto , sealed the Couenant thereof with the o o Mat. 27.57 . bloud of that immaculate Lambe , thy Sonne , the Lord Iesus , at his death vpon the Crosse .

p p Exod. 33.19 . Regard , O Lord , thy gracious and free Mercie , the Oath of thy Holinesse , the Words of thy owne Mouth : let mee feele the accomplishment thereof in my soule : q q Ierem. 31.33 , 34. write it in my heart by thy Spirit , and seale it in my Conscience by the powerfull applying of that same bloud thereto , that it may r r Psal. 51.2 , 7. wash away all my sinnes and transgresssions ; s s Mat. 27.60 . burie them in Christs buriall , that they may neuer rise vp against mee , to t t Dan. 9.7 . shame me in this life , u u Mat. 25.91 . neither to condemne me in the life to come ; Create in mee , O God , that peace of Conscience that passeth all vnderstanding : x x Mat. 11.28 . Thy free promises in Iesus Christ , make me bold to come before thee ; thou art the very Truth , and able to performe ; and as in all humilitie I craue this , according to thy a a Exod. 33.19 . promise : so by the like promise I doe earnestly begge thy b b Psal. grace , that I may hereafter lead a more holy and godly life ; sanctifie my soule by the same grace , that it may be a fit c c Cor. 6.19 . receptacle for thy holy Spirit ; and giue command d d Mat. 18.10 . Act. 12.7 . Psal. 39.7 . to thy good Angels , to attend both my soule and bodie , that in neither of them I make defection from so gracious a God ; e e Psal. remooue all occasions that may stay mee in this good course , and grant vnto me such necessaries , as may aduance mee in thy seruice . f f Gen. 28.20 . Grant vnto mee Competent meanes , that I may neither bee puffed vp with deceitfull pride , neither depressed with extreme pouertie ; h h Heb. 13.3 . Giue me grace to vse those meanes to thy glorie , the supply of those things , without the which I am not able to serue thee , i i Heb. 13.3 . and to the helpe of my distressed Brethren . k k 1. Reg. 8.30 . Looke downe from heauen in Mercie vpon l l Can. 2.6 . thy whole Catholike Church & euery Member thereof dispersed throughout the World ; bee with them ( O Lord ) and keepe those that m m Iohn 17.9 . Deut. 32.3 . are thine , vnder the Wings of thy Mercie ; n n Math. 11.28 Remember likewise all distressed persons of this Church ; o o Heb. 13.3 . ( whether it bee griefe of body or minde : ) mitigate so their paines , and comfort their afflicted Consciences , that either in p p Psal. 7● . life or q q Act. 7.56 . death they may haue a ioyfull deliuerance .

Let thy mercifull bountie be extended vpon all those of this Church in great Britaine , Ireland , and specially s s Tim. 2.1.2 . vpon our gracious and dread Soueraigne King Iames , as it hath pleased thee to grant vnto him t t Chro. 1.12 . 1. Reg. 3.12 . ( Salomon-like ) Wisedome from heauen , in the true knowledge of thee , the peaceable gouernement of thy people , and u u 1. Reg. 2.28 . true administration of Iustice : so by the like fauour preserue him from all dangers of soule and bodie , x x Gen. 27. and after Methusalems age , crowne him with an euerlasting Crowne of Glorie . Blesse y y Psal. 72.1 . that hopefull Prince Charles ( next vnto his Father ) z z 1. Es. 17.19 . the very life of our hopes , and the rest of that Royall Issue : remember ( O Lord ) thy promise made to Dauid & his seede for euer , and a a Psal. 18.50 . Math. 24.29 . so long as the Sunne giues light to the World , let vs neuer want one of that Royall Line to sway the Scepter ouer vs : b b 1. Tim. 2.2 . Heb. 13.18 . grant grace vnto the Lords of his Maiesties most honourable Councell , and to all inferior Magistrates either Ecclesiastical or Ciuil , c c Exod. 18.21 . that they may with a good Conscience & courage discharge their seuerall callings .

Finally , I doe not only intreate thy Maiesties protection this day , but d d Psal. 38.22 , 71 , 17. all the daies of my life , and in e e Psal. 37.37 . the ende thereof , that I being garded vnder the defence of thy ( All-sheelding ) Mercie , may in the end participate of f f Psal. 16.11 . those inspeakeable ioyes prepared for all them that put their trust in thee . g g Psal. 9.9.26.12.32.10 . Now , yeelding all humble and heartie thankes for all thy benefits from time to time , and especially at this time , I conclude my h h Gen. 6.5 . imperfect Prayers with the patterne of all Prayers , and i i Mat. 5.9 . which the Lord IESVS hath taught , saying , Our Father , &c.

SECT. VIII .

NExt vnto the knowledge of God & your duty to him ( hauing the approbation of a good p p Nil iuuat bonum nomen reclamante conscientia , Cass . Conscience ) seeke for a good reputation among men , not by close carriage or concealing your faults , but by eschewing all those vices that may iustly deserue reproch : for it is hard to doe good , except a man bee thought good : therefore wisely * * Palpebrae praecedunt gressus , cum operationem consilia rectè praeu●niunt . Qui enim negligit considerando praeuidere quod facit , gressus tendit , sed oculos claudit , pergendo iter con●cit , sed praeuidendo sibimetipsi , non antecedit ; atque idcirco citius corruit , quoniam vbi pedem operis ponere debet , per consilij palpebram non attendit , Greg. Rom. de past . par. 3. c. 1. foresee and consider , that a good name and reputation ( being the Manna & Nepenthe of generous Spirits ) is so delicate , that the least excesse doth blemish , an vniust action doth dishonor it , an act of in discretion , negligence , or idlenesse , defaceth it , and a sinister successe ruins it : and as Glasse crackt is easily broken , so is a Mans good name once iustly tainted .

Obserue diligently , that the * * Quid prauius ? quid malignius ? quidue aduersario nostro nequius ? qui posuit in Coelo bellum , in Paradiso fraudem , odium inter primos fratres & in omni nostro opere , zizania semináuit , in comessatione posuit gulam , in generatione luxuriam , in exercitatione ignauiam , in conuersatione inuidiam , in gubernatione auaritiam , in correctione iram , in dominatione superbiam : in corde posuit cogitationes malas , in or● locutiones falsas , in membris operationes iniquas , in vigilando mouet ad praua opera , in dormiendo ad somnia turpia , laetos mouet ad dissolutionem , tristes ad desperationem , & vt breuius loquar , omnia mala sunt ipsius prauitate commissa , Aug. describens conatus Diab . Arch-Enemie to Man , the World & your own corrupt affections ( with whom you are to enter Combat ) are 3. dangerous enemies , & ( so long as breath entertaynes your Earthly Mansion ) shall neuer leaue to assault you : the first is Cruell , Diligent , and Trecherous : the second , false and inconstant ( beeing rightly called * * Nihil tam contrarium rationi , & constantiae , quàm mundi inconstantia , Cic. lib. 2. de Diuin . Quod ego fui ad tracimenū , tu hodie ad cannas es : verba Hannib . ad Scip. Mundus , à mouendo , because it is in continuall motion without any stabilitie ) & the third ( being a a a Sua domestica vitia quisque fugiat , nam aliena non nocebunt , Guig . Ca●th . Medit. cap. 2. Domestical Enemie , or rather troopes of inmate foes ) will haue their hands in the Dish with you , and yet Iudas-like ) euer readie to betray you with a kisse .

SECT. IX .

HAue a special care to resist seuen chiefe Champions that shall be sent out against you .

First , b b Superbia , ●et . 2. Epist. est vitium muliebre superbia , & arguit oris duritiem , ac sensus qualis inest , Lapidi . Text. Pride shall indeuor to make you , with Lucifer , be thrust out of Heauen .

c c Inuidia , Gen. 3.1 . Squalida vipereas manducans foemina carnes ; cuique dolent oculi , quaeque suum cor edit ; quam macies & p●llor habent ; spinosaque gestat tela manu ; talis pingitur inuidia Enuie , with that olde Serpent , shall perswade you to eat the forbidden fruit .

d d Ira , Gen 4.8 . Irae affectus totus positus est in impetu doloris , armorum sanguinis minimè humana feruens cupiditate , Sen. de Ira. Pro. 15.19 . Wrath shall stirre you vp to kill innocent Abel .

e e Segnities species rectè velata cucullo ; Non se non alios , vtilitate iuvat . Sloth , that lazie Sluggard , shall make your Vineyard bee ouergrowne with Thornes and Nettles .

Neuer-satisfied f f Auaritia , 2. Reg. 21.1 . I●shua ● . 2 . Auarus tam fruitur quod non habet , quàm quod habet . Couetousnesse shall moue you to desire Naboths Vineyard , & with Achan , value a Babylonish Garment , a few Shekels of Siluer , and a Wedge of Gold , at an higher price then thy owne , or the bloud of thy whole Family .

Sixtly , ( without constant resistance ) g g Ebrietas , Gen. 9 33 per temulentiam nesciens , miscet libidine incestum ; & quem Sodoma non vicit , vicerunt v●na , Cle. Alex. l. 2. c. 19. Drunkennesse is able to make thee commit Incest with thy owne Daughters .

Lastly , ( seeming sweete poysoned ) h h Luxuria , 2. Sam. 11.4 , 17. S●le satae Circes tam magna potentia ●ertur , verterit , vt multos in noua monstra viros , Iune . Lecherie shall attempt to cause Vriah to be placed in the front of the Battaile , that thou maist inioy Bershebah .

SECT. X.

YOu see then the powerfulnes of your Enemies , against whose assaults , neyther multitude can resist , neyther Armie withstand , but the resolutions of a i i Sapiens omnium horarum hon o est . Iuuenal . Sat. 10. Quid illa virtus quae prudentia dicitur , nonne tota vigilantia sua , bona discernit à malis , vt in illis appetendis , ipsisque vitandis nullus error obrepat ? Aug. de Ciuit. Dei , l. 10. c 4. wiseman , grounded vpon the feare of his Maker , that this Armour may serue you for k k Alia in alijs vitia principatum obtinent , t●rannidem exercent ; Ideoque oportet vnumquemque nostrum , secundum qualitatem belli quo principaliter infestatur pugnam arripere , Cass . colla . 6. c 27. Quamuis res bellicae caecos habeant euentus , tu tamen dimicandi voluntatem pro victoriae pignore tene , Nazian. Paneg. Constant . vndertaking the Combate , ( maintayning it with courage ) and making your retrait ( although by death ) with the reputation of a wise and valorous Souldier ; square all your Actions by the Rules of Vertue and Reason ; and continue alwayes the same , in things contrarie and diuerse , without change of your constancie and vertue . For as Gold , wrought into diuers fashions , and transformed into sundrie kind of Ornaments , remains still the same in substance ; so a Wiseman continueth always the same , what soeuer hapneth ; he is fit for all chances ; he is Gouernor of the bad , Intertayner of the good , he exerciseth himselfe so , that hee sheweth his vertue aswell in l l Gubernator in tempestate dignoscitur , miles in acie pro atur , & Caesari semper in aduersis quam in prosperis maior animus fuit , Val. Max. aduerse as prosperous affaires ; hee will shew it in Wealth , in Pouertie , in his Countrie , in Banishment , when hee is a Commander , if not a Souldier , in health , if not in sicknesse , or in death it m m Epaminon das cum Leuctrum & mantineam , secundis praelijs contudisset ; hasta traiectus , sanguine & spiritu deficiens , recreare se conantem primum an clypeus suus saluus esset , deinde an hostes penitus fusi orent , inter , ogauit , quae cum ex an mi sententia comper●t , Non finis inquit comilitones vitae meae , sed meli ●● & altius initium aduenit , nunc enim vester dux Epaminondas nascitur , quia sic monitur , Valerius Maximus . selfe ; hee can subdue all euils whatsoeuer ; hauing his chiefe pleasures in those things that are neyther subiect to time , or corruption : n n Nunquam temeritas cum consilio comm scetur , nec ad consilium casus admittitur , Cic. pro Mar. Maximus bellum sic instruxit , vt esset omnium circumspectus quae contra cum poterant excogitari , Treb. Pol. in Gall. his valour is neuer without iudgement , nor his designes without conduct ; he hath Iustice in his armes , Wisdome in his counsels , Vig●lancie and Fidelitie in his executions , Sufferance in paine , & patience at all occasions ; he chuseth not friends by their greatnesse , neyther is hee luxurious after new acquaintance ; he maintayneth the strength of his bodie , not by Delicacies , but by Temperance , and his minde by giuing it preeminence ouer his bodie , he is Seruant of Vertue , and Friend of the most High ; his resolutions are o o Multa nouit Vul●es , Felis vnum magnum , ex Fab. Aesop . Nihil est accepta virtute quod ( mortali animo & manu ) immortale queri potest , V. Max. few and well settled ; wandring resolutions ( oft-times ending in confusion ) are none of his ; hee is thus , and will bee thus . Clouds flye ouer the Sunne , Darknesse followeth Light , and Light Darknesse ; nothing vnder Heauen is at one p p Credamus sextio monstranti●ter pulcherrimum , et clamanti , Hâc i●ur ad astra , Sen. Epist. 72. stay and permanent , but the resolutions of a wise and vertuous minde , Vertue beeing a proportion and vprightnesse of minde in poynts agreeable to reason , making the Possessours happie , because whatsoeuer happens vnto them , Vertue turnes it into good .

SECT. XI .

AS doing good is better than not doing euil , so ( for the better exercising your selfe in the practice of Vertues ) I doe rather recommend vnto you , honest societie , then a s s Omnia mala nobis solitudo persuadet , Cen. Epist. 25. Solitudo est , quae etiam virum fortem fortissime praecipitat , in reatum , Petr. Bles . Epist. 9. Crates , cum vid●sset adolescentem , solùm ambulantem , interrogauit quid illic faceret ? Mecum , inquit , loquor . Caue , inquit Crates , rogo , vt diligenter attendas ne cum homine malo loquaris , Sen. Si de fatuis , congregatio tibi necessaria est : si de prudentibus , tu congregationi , Ber. Epist. 115. Melancholous and Heremitish life ; but in the choyce of your companie , great care is to be had , t t Res est contagiosa societas mala , & sicut grex totus , vnius scabie cadit , & porrigine porci , vuaque conspectu liuore ducit ab vua , Iuuenal . Valetudinem firmissimam laedit aer grauis , & aura pestilens ; Ita mentem optimam conuersatio cum malis . that you conuerse with none , but such whose disposition is honest , and vertuous ; affect not multitude of friends , ( remembring that ancient saying , He that hath many Friends , hath eaten too much Salt at Meales ) but ( after good aduice ) settle your friendship with such , who reuerence x x Multi non amico sed amicitia caruerunt , hoc non potest accidere , cum amicos , in societatem honesta cupiendi par trahit voluntas , Sen. Ep●st . 6. Verae amicitiae causa vnica , virtus , Plut. friendship , as the habit of a continued loue , proceeding from a true vertuous disposition ; vniting two soules in one will , and esteeme the conuersing of friends , their mutuall participating , eyther priuate sorrowes , or conceyued pleasures , to bee the true end of friendship ; for this cause did Theseus choose Perithous , Orestes , Pilades .

Let your friend be such , who accounteth beauty but a blaze , wealth a fickle fauor of Fortune ; but friendship to be the precious chayne of humane societie , and of such Vertue , that neyther x x Tales nobis amicos quaerere dece● , qui extremo ●n periculo , veletiam ●ost mortem veri amici permancant , Val. Max. time nor fortune can corrupt .

In friendship abandon ( as an infectiue poyson ) suspicious Iealousie , and y y Cum amico omnes cogitation●● , omnes curas misce , S●n. Quibus est comm●nis amor , annon necesse est , hos ipsos cum voluptate , se mutuo aspicere , beneuole colloqui , fidem ●utuam habere ? Xen in conui . communicate not onely your minde , but your most waightie affaires to your friend ; and if sometime you keepe vp any thing from him , let it be to auoid suspicion of facilitie .

Vse not your friends like Sutes of Apparrell , in wearing them thred-bare , and then call for new , but remember thou owest him foure dueties ; z z Existimabam quo enim magis in rebus aduersis iuuissem , tantô fore mihi in prosperis amiciorem Xen Paeda . l 7. Sincerae fidei amici praecipue in aduersis co●noscuntur . V. Max. with thy purse , with thy person , with thy comfort , and counsell .

In true friendship patience is specially required : for there is no man that hath not somewhat to bee misliked , and shall not iustly mislike something in you ; if your friends faults bee few , swallow and digest them , if many , smother them to others , but louingly notifie them to himselfe .

Let nothing but death & villainie diuorce you from your friend , but still follow him so farre as is eyther possible or honest , and then a a Affabilitas & comitas res sunt nullius impendij , amicitias tamen multas conglutinant exhibitae , dissoluunt praetermissa , Cic. leaue him with sorrow .

In your gesture and words be a a Affabilitas & comitas res sunt nullius impendij , amicitias tamen multas conglutinant exhibitae , dissoluunt praetermissa , Cic. courteous to all men , by this means you shal procure loue , and keep friendship fast .

SECT. XII .

FOr the better mayntayning this friendship , & attayning to that perfection , that is demanded in the true vse of societie ; you must haue diligent care b b Nescit poenitenda loqui , qui proferenda , suo tradidit examini , Quintilian . what you speak , and how you discourse . I doe confesse , it is an excellent thing to speake well , yet for auoyding of habituall Hypocrisie ( I doe aduise you ) preferre good thoughts , before good words ; speake what you think ; and so your thoughts being good , you cannot but speake well ; and thinke it euer the safest way , to c c In omnibus Timanthis operibus , plus intelligitur , quàm pingitur , & sapientis est suam celare sentenniam , Tynd. speake little , and thinke more : wee doe see dayly basest things most plentifull .

In your silence auoid the censure of Affectation , of Sullennesse , and Ignorance , and then care not how little you speake , but how well : it was a good saying , Not that which is much , is well , but that which is well , is much .

d d Essayes Do. Fran. Ba. nunc Angliae Cancell . All discourse ought to be like a Field , without comming home to any man ; vse discourse of your selfe sparingly , of others as sparingly , neyther speaking euill of others , nor good of your selfe .

Affect better discretion in discourse then Eloquence ; and to speake agreeable to them you deale with , then in good words or good order .

e e Quintil. instit . Orac. l. 7. Vse not many circumstances before you come to the matter , for that begetteth wearinesse , and for eschewing of bluntnesse , vse some preamble .

f f Non est bonum ludere cum dijs , Ans. Priuiledge euer from your Discourse , Religion , matter of State , great Persons , any mans present businesse of importance , and all causes that deserue g g Crudelis est animi a●●nis malis gaudere , & non miserere communem naturam , V. Max. pittie , euer putting difference betwixt h h Nemo videtur sibi tam vilis , vt irrideri mereatur , Fast . saltnesse and bitternesse in your Discourse .

SECT. XIII .

SOmetimes lookers on see more then Players : submit thy selfe to others in what thou art i i Omnis reprehensio , vel meliores , vel cautiores nos reddit , Sen. So reprehendi ag●efers , reprehendenda ●e feceris , Aus . reprooued , but in what thou art praised , bee thy owne Iudge , euer accounting better of a sharpe reproofe , then a smooth deceit . When you reprooue others , obserue that all reproofe and admonition ought to be louingly , mildly , secretly , freely , and in a fit time , hauing no other end , then the loue of our Friend or Neighbour .

Before you reprooue any man , know him well ; some men are like thornes , which easily toucht , hurt not , but hardly and vnwarily , draw bloud from the hand ; others as Nettles , if they be nicely handled , sting and pricke , but roughly pressed , hurt not .

SECT. XIIII .

IT is not possible , but a selfe-conceyted man must be a Foole : k k Ingeniosi sumus ad fallendum nosmetipsos , Plin. in Paneg. Ante omnia necesse est teipsum existimare , quiae plus nobis videmur , posse quàm possumus , Sen. de tranquill . animi , l. 9. for that ouer-weaning opinion he hath of himselfe , excludes all oportunitie of getting knowledge . Thinke thy selfe but so bare l l O quàm contempta res est homo , nisi supra humana se erexerit : putredo in exortu , bulla in omni vita , & esca vermium in morte , Theoph. Alexand. in Pashal . as thou art , and more thou needest not ; and rather confesse thy ignorance , then professe the knowledge thou hast not : it is no shame not to know all things , and more dangerous to surfet vpon wit , then want it .

SECT. XV.

ALl passions or perturbations of the Soule , ( as Iealousie , Enuie , Reuenge , Hopes , Feares , Ioyes , Sorrowes , Ambition , Couetousnesse , Lust , &c. ) are so violent , that they driue the Soule from the Seat of Iustice , and doe proceed either from Ignorance , Inconsideratenesse , or from a false perswasion , that the good or ill is greater then it is : therefore when any affection begins to mooue , stay it , and compel it to giue way to Reason ; euer vse your passions , as m m Magni Imperatores , cum vident malè parere milites , aliquo labore compescunt , & expeditionibus detinent , V. Max. wise Princes doe those they misdoubt for faction ; hold them downe , & keepe them bare , that their impotencie and remissenesse may afford you securitie .

SECT. XVI .

AMong all the passions to which we are subiect , there is none more hurtfull ( and more to be eschewed ) then Iealousie , from whence many other vehement perturbations doe proceed .

When we haue once swilled in the Nectar of Loue ( either contracted by a conceyued fauour to our friend , or Matrimoniall Couenant ) we are so chary , that we can indure no Corriuall of our thoughts , neyther admit partaker of our fauours .

From this feare proceedeth the furie that men call Iealousie , which is a secret suspicion that eyther our friend hath not loyally discharged the confidence wee had in him , or that others should inioy that excellency wee haue chosen sole and singular to our selues .

This is the * * Vita quae tandem magis est iucunda ? Vel viris doctis magis expetenda ? Mente quam pura sociam iugalem , semper amare . Vita quae tandem magis est dolenda ? Vel magis cunctis fugienda quam qua ( Falsa suspecta probitate amici ) tollit amorem ? Nulla eam tollit medicina pes●em , Nullamue emplastrum vel imago sanè , Astra nec curant magicae nec artes Zelotypiam , ex Solon . in l●●d . sept. Sapi. Canker that fretteth the quiet of the thoughts , the Moth that consumeth the life of man , and the Poyson specially opposed against the perfection of loue .

After the heart is once infected with Iealousie , the sleeps are broken & conuerted in Dreames , and disquiet slumbers ; the thoughts are cares and sorrowes ; the life woe and miserie ; that liuing dies , & dying prolongs the life in worse content then death .

This foule and disgraced staine of Iealousie , is as hurtfull to the heart , as a Cockatrice to the sight , or Hemlocke to the taste : and as true Loue is Diuine with Loyaltie , so is it Hellish with Iealousie , proceeding from the fearefull misdoubting of not correspondence , or excesse of Loue .

It shortneth not only the life , but oftentimes is the cause of most horrible Massacres .

If Fortune frowne in Loue , we flye to patience ; if there happen Iarres , louing and friendly brawles , are but introductions to greater delight . If Pouertie intervene , wee relye vpon time , ( knowing that all earthly things are subiect to vicissitude ) the lowest ebbe may haue his flow , the deaddest neape his full tydes : but as the fire consumeth Flax , so this infernall plague of Iealousie rooteth and raceth out all true loue from the heart .

I cannot omit the aduice , that ( long agoe ) a iudicious ( & * * Ex Relat. Flemin . iouiall disposed ) Gentleman did giue to his friend , who was begunne to bee distempered with the burning ague of Iealousie , and it was thus :

I perceiue ( said he ) you are much perplexed with some deep conceiued griefe , yet not so deepe , but I haue diued into it ; and if you will answere mee directly to a question , that I wil propose , I shall either cure your disease , or confirme your folly ; to whom the other replied , confessing that he was somwhat disturbed , and as hee would answere his question , so would he be glad to haue so skilfull a Physician . Then said hee , Put the case that Hornes you must haue : whether will you make choice to haue them in your head , or in your pocket ? The other answered , In my pocket . You haue answered rightly , sayd his friend , and I vnderstand partly by the report of others , that haue taken notice ( by your owne disquietnes ) of your discontent , and partly , that I see you transported with that passion , that a wise man neuer admits further entrance , then to his pocket .

My aduice is , that you wade not where the Foord hath no footing ; barke not with the Wolues of Syria , against the Moone ; looke not to climbe to Olympus , neither aime at impossibilities : but pacifie that with patience , which you cannot amend by being passionate , and rather carelesly passe ouer , or secretly smother that which ( without the hazard of your credit , and stayne of your Posteritie ) cannot bee proclaymed , then a a Vt ignis , vbi foenum v●l culmum arripuerit sine mora , simulac materiam at tigerit , flammam lucidam accendit : Ita zelotypiae ignis , vbi animum attigit , amorem omnem penitùs exurit , Autor de Sing . adde fire to such combustible matter , that ( once kindled ) you are neuer able to quench .

SECT. XVII .

ENuie is a base fretting griefe , conceiued against the weale , or good estate of others , or a Hellish ioying at the fall , or aduerse fortune of our Neighbours ; as it was the first weapon , wherewith man receyued his deadly blow , in Paradise : so euer since hath it beene so charily preserued , by that irreconciliable Enemie to man , that he neuer doth impart it , but to his a a Inuidia non in alio quàm in minuto , degeneri & ieiuno animo sibi domicilium parat , Cass . deare friends , or inthrald Slaues , who once possest with this infernall fauor , will rather like Aesops toad , by enuying others greatnes , thrust themselues out of their owne skinnes , then any other shal be either partaker of their good thoughts , or good words , howsoeuer some-times , ( yet seldome ) they ( hypocritically ) smother the b b Detractio est stultorum thesaurus , quem in lingua gerunt , Aug. in detr . detracting smoke .

As I wish you neuer to entertayne the least coale of this selfe-consuming fire ; so because true vertue rests in it selfe , eyther for reward or censure , if you finde your selfe vpright , c c In hoc flectendi sumus , vt omnia vulgi vitia nobis ridicula videantur , nam vt virtus sualuce conspicua auxilium auersatur alienae commendationis : Ita vulgi opiniones parui facit , Sym. & Claud. let not false rumours , neyther enuie of the base vulgar daunt you : for as the least flye hath her spleene , the small Ant her gall , so no d d Vt vmbra hominem , sic inuidia virtutem eius sequitur , Tacit. man vertuous , although neuer so meane , but hath his enuie .

SECT. XVIII .

REuenge ( beeing an inhumane thirst for the bloud of man , or to do harm to others ) is so offensiue , that commonly it hurteth both the e e O stolide feroces , qui dum in vindictam ruitis , vitae huius & aeternae discrimen incurritis ; nonne videtis vos specioso honoris titulo ad carnificinam duci ? nonne pudet vos singularis dementiae ? nonne poenitet vos alae , periculosi certaminis , vbi vigor ille animi & praestantia ingenij , Christop . de cap. fon . in Monomachos . Offrer and Suffrer ; as in the Bee , the patterne of fond spightfulnesse , who in her anger inuenometh the flesh , and euer after liueth a Drone .

This vindictiue passion , affecting reuenge , f f Ille nefarius & sine gente , nibuque mihi esto , qui cupit ferum , & execrabile bellum , Hom. Il. 2. ciuill dissention , and priuate quarrells , hath beene the ouerthrow of many ancient Estates , Families , and worthie Personages ; if they had not beene tainted with the infamous note of barbarous Crueltie , Sedition , and foolish maintenance of false reputation .

g g Alterius perditio , tua sit cautio , Isidor . folil . 1. Therefore let others harmes preuent your danger , and account h h Optima iniuria vltio , est obliuto . Nobile vincendi genus est patientia , Iuue. it a Vertue , to remit a wrong , and applaud it for true and Christian valour , that you may hurt and will not , keeping that Golden Meane , in the remitting of wrongs , that you neither incourage others to offer them , nor induce God to retaine yours .

SECT. XIX .

KEepe a meane in your Ioyes , Hopes , Feares , & Sorrowes , and because euerie man hath his i i Quem dies videt veniens superbum , hunc dies videt fugiens iacentem , Aus . turne of sorrow , before it come , prepare for it , when it comes , k k Nihil mihi videtur infoe●icius eo , cui nihil euenit aduersi , Senec. Ignotae tantum foelicibus Arae , Stat. l. 12. welcome it , when it goes , take but halfe a farewell , still expecting his returne ( the greatest part of the life of man is consumed in hoping well , beeing ill , and fearing worse : ) l l Si fortuna inuat , caueto tolli , si fortuna tonat , caueto mergi , Periand . Symbol . when thou art ill , liue in hope of better ; when thou art well , in feare of worse ; neyther doe at any time hope without feare ( lest thou be deceiued , with too much confidence ) neither do thou feare without hope ( lest thou bee ouer-much deiected ) & in all Feares , Hopes , and Sorrowes , bee carefull that you bee euer prouided with the true grounds of contentation .

SECT. XX.

TRue l l Contemptor ambitionis & infinitae potestatis Dominus ipsa vetustate florescit , Democ. Magnanimitie is euer most settled & calme in greatnesse ; eschew ( as a contagious poyson ) ambition , being a disordered , and insatiable desire of glorie , a neuer-satisfied greedinesse to rule and aspire : This violent passion , carried away by the perturbations of Intemperance , hath beene , and is the m m Septem illa mundi miracula ( & si his quae mirabiliora ) sequentium annorum extruxit ambitio , & aliquando solo equata visentur , Sen. ad Polib . ouerthrow of many florishing Estates , and worthy spirits . This Ambition is stil accompanied with like discontent in inioying , as in want ; making men like poysoned Rats , who when they haue tasted their bane , cannot rest vntill they drinke , and then much lesse vnto their death : It is Ambition that n n Plat. de Rep. & 2. de lege . kindles vp the fire of Domesticall Diuisions , Ciuill Warres , making no other reckoning of whatsoeuer damnable enterprizes , then to further her deuised platformes .

Philip of Macedon had a Domesticall o o Ex Carifi●j Histor. Athen. lib. 10. Remembrancer , that did sing daily in his eare , before hee did come out of his Bed-Chamber , Remember , Philip , thou art mortall .

His sonne Alexander , after many p p Satis est vicisse Alexandro , quàm mundo lucere satis ; ita est Alexander , rerum natura , post omnia Oceanus , post Oceanum nihil ; de siste , Alexander , orbis te tuus reuocat . Plut. de fort . Alex. famous and q q Qui tam horridi montes , quorum non iuga Alexander calcauerit ? vltra liberi patris trophaea constitimus ; non quaerimus orbem , sed amittimus , Sen. Suas . 1. indefatigable trauels , ( ouercome with Ambition ) although he had conceyued in his mind , a fond opinion of his owne Deitie , and did stiffely maintaine it , yet on a time , when he was wounded with a Dart , and did see his bloud flow out in abundance , he then plainly r r Omnes homines me deum esse existimant , sed vulnus hoc , me hominem esse indicat , Quint. Curt. de gest . Alex. did confesse , that hee was no more but a man .

Charles the Great fed thirteene Beggers , in his owne dining Chamber euery day , that by this sad view of pouertie , he might be mooued to a more moderation of his high fortune .

Hannibal , s s Hannibalem ferunt frendentem , gementemque , ac non sine lachrymis , Legatorum verba audisse ; rarò quequam alium , patriam exilij causa relinquentem magis moestum abisse , quam ●um ex hostili solo : respexisse saepe Italiae littora , deos hominesque , accusantem ; se quoque , ac suum ipsius caput exceratum , quod non cruentum à Cannensi victoria militem Romam duxisset , ●iu . Decad 3. lib. 10. after the renowned ouerthrow of Cannas , ( the Ambassadours of his Enemie lying prostrate at his feet ) deeply considering the instabilitie of worldly affaires , did so checke his ambitious Designes , that in lieu of Triumph , he crowned his Victory with teares .

These Presidents , and the various Spectacles of Humane Miserie , the crosse Casualties , which on euery side present themselues to the eyes of the ambitious , doe aduise rather to liue in the Wisemans Stocks , t t Paruo contentus , non aeget mendicitate , Plaut. with moderate contentment , then in a Fooles Paradise , to bee vexed with wilfull Vnquietnesse , and presumptuous Ambition . Wherein three thoughts may curbe the most aspiring mindes ; the cares that accompany them , how hard it is to stand in so slipperie a place , and how dangerous or irrecouerable the fall is .

SECT. XX.

COuetousnesse u u Auaritia est bellua fera , & immanis , intoleranda , quae incendit oppida , agros , fana , domos vastat : diuina cum humanis miscet , neque exercitus , neque moenia obstant , quo minùs vi sua penetret ; fama pudicitia , cunctos mortales spoliat ; verum si pecuniae & vsurae decus ademeris , magna illa vis auaritiae facile bonis moribus vincetur , Val. Max. is a capitall vice of the Soule , tending to an vnsatiable desire , to haue from all men , & to with-hold vniustly that which belongeth to another : it is rightly compared to a Dropsie , the more it hath , the more it desireth ; or to Tantalus in Hell , who betwixt food and Water , dieth with hunger and thirst : others compare a couetous man to an Hogge , that is good for nothing vntill death ; or to a Dogge in a Wheele , that rosteth meate for other mens eating .

As in Quicke-siluer , all things swimme but Gold , so nothing sinketh to the heart of a couetous man , but gain : Pietie , Honestie , and Charitie swimme on the top , and descend not to the heart ; a couetous mans Wisedome consists onely x x Insania damnandi sunt , qui tam multa anxiae congerunt , cum sit tam paucis opus , Demo. in gaine , but in more requisite Knowledge he is a base Ignorant , and is to be y y Pla. pol. 2. Arist. 2. oeco . excluded from all wel-gouerned Common-wealths . From this Couetousnesse , as from a Fountain of mis-hap , proceedeth the subuersion of Estates , the wracke of Oeconomical Societies ; from thence doe issue Treasons , breach of Amitie , and a million of other mischiefes : Couetousnesse neyther regardeth Iustice , nor Equitie ; it contemneth all Lawes , both Diuine and Humane , condemnes the Innocent , iustifies the Guiltie , finding euer some excuse for Corruption , Extortion , and Vsurie . Finally , it makes yong men Fooles , z z Auaritia senilis quid velit non intelligo : quid enim absurdius quam quo minus restat viae plus viatici quaerere ? Cic. Tusc . old men mad and Atheists .

SECT. XXI .

HE that a a Cass . l. 7 c. 5. did call riches , Bona Fortunae , did rather vtter his auaricious inclination , then shew himselfe a good Philosopher , in ascribing false goods to a false patron ; for as there is no Fortune to giue or guide riches , so there is no goodnes in them ; yet they are so necessary ( euen to good men ) that b b Haud facile emerguat quorum virtutibus obstat res angusta domi , Iuuc . Paupertatis vnicum incommodum habere sapientem , dixit Architas Philosophus . without them they can hardly put their goodnesse or vertue in practice , Vertue in Pouertie beeing like vnto a goodly Ship readie rigg'd , but cannot saile for want of wind .

After you haue informed your selfe of the true causes that make Riches necessarie ( the chiefe whereof are to supply your owne wants , and to inable you to doe good to others ) if Riches come in your way , refuse them not , neyther desire them to other end , but to make them Slaues ; and if neede bee , without griefe ( with Socrates ) d d Eurip. in vita Socrat. Saepe mecum reputans , quibusquisque rebus clarissimi viri magnitudinem inuenissent , quae res , Populos , Nationes , Ciuitates auxissent ; ac deinde , quibus causis amplissima Regna , & Imperia corruissent ; eadem semper bona , atque mala reperiebam : Omnes victores diuitias contempsisse , & victos cupiuisse ; neque aliter excellere se quisquis , & diuina mortalis attingere potest , nisi amissis pecuniae & corporis gaudijs ; & animo indulgens , non assentando neque concupita praebendo , sed in labore , patientia bonisque praeceptis & factis fortibus , se exercitando , Val. Max. throw them in the Sea . Perswade thy selfe , if thou make them once Master , thou hast condemned thy self to thy own Gallies . It is a great madnes in a man , at once to make himselfe both Slaue and Foole : although thy Chains bee of Gold , thy bondage may bee more glorious , but not lesse miserable .

Lay not vp too much , and vtter nothing , lest thou become couetous , and miserable , neyther spend all , and lay vp nothing , lest thou become prodigall and poore ; euer framing rather your e e Vt foelicitatis est quantum velis , posse : sic magnitudinis , velle quantum possis , Plin. in Panegyr . Constant . minde to your estate , then your estate to your minde , and your charges rather vnder it , then either leuell , or aboue ; a man hauing meanes , may rise with credit , but cannot fall without shame .

SECT. XXII .

ALl Voluptuousnesse ( giuing f f Per voluptatem vitia facilius surrepunt , Sen. Epist. 7. Magnum Cicero audaxque concilium suscepisse Graeciam , quod voluptatum & cupidinum simulachra in gymnasijs consecrasset , Lact. de fals. Relig. entry to other Vices ) is valiantly to be resisted , beeing a delight , which tickleth our senses with false plesures , quickly flying away , leauing behind the occasion of Repentance , the fruits of griefe , dulling of the Spirits , the weakning of the bodie , and innumerable Diseases .

Delight not in the company of g g Cum sapiens Salomon fueras , sapientia non te eripuit , res est imperiosa Venus . Et tu Troia potens fueras , te nulla redemit Nobilitas , non te Pergamus eripuit . Tu Samson robustus eras , nec te tua virtus seruauit , fraudes saepe ministrat amor ; frangebas scilices , superabas castra , domabas extremos quicquid erat crudele per agros : Te tamen exciso delusit foemina crine , Text. discrib . mul. Non ita difficile est , ipsis captum retibus exire , quàm Veneris perrumpere nodos , Lucret . Vita foueam , in quam alios cecidisse vides , Isidor . soliloq. l. 1. strange Women , neyther tye thy selfe to a Womans beautie , which is like Phidea's Pictures , shewing most glorious to the eie , yet blemished with euery breath . Dalila will shew , & speake fayre , but in the end she will bereaue thee of thy strength and life : such Gnats will for a while make musicke about thy eares , but be sure they will sting in the end ; for Lechery is no other thing then a furious Passion , h h Arist. Problem Theophrast . lib. 3. shortning the life , hurting the Vnderstanding , darkening the Memorie , taking away the Heart , spoyling Beauty , weakning the ioints , ingendring Sciatica , Gouts , Giddinesse in the Head , Leprosie , and Pox.

SECT. XXIII .

LEt the filiall i i Timor Domini est ianitor animi , Bernard . & Iohan. Rowle : in Quadrag Ser. feare of your Creatour , and k k Duo animi dati a Deo custodes domestici , pudor & timor : qui pudorem amisit , bestiae par est ; qui timorem , bestia peior ; Bern. de diuers . 22. 1. shame to doe euill , be the faithfull Attendants , and Doore-keepers to hold out whatsoeuer may beget either sorrow or disgrace . As the first is the beginning & consummation of Wisdome : so good & approoued l l Tu virorum ac mulierum praecipuum firmamentum , pudicitia es : tu enim consecratos Vestaefocos incolis , tuo praesidio , puerilis aetatis infignia munita suni , tui numinis respectu , sincerus inuentae flos permanet , te custode , matronalis stola sancietur , Val. Max. shamefastnesse is the Mother of good Counsell , the Gardian of Duty , the Mistris of Innocencie , & preseruer of Chastitie , and shall euer bee vnto you , as faithfull a m m Quid beatius ? quid securius , quàm eiusmodi custodes habere , quibus me totum refundam , quasi alteri mihi ; qui deuiare non sinant , fraenent praecipitem , dormitantem excitent , quorum reuerentia , excellentem reprimat , excedentem corrigat , constantia & fortitudo , nutantem firmet , erigat diffidentem , fides & sanctitas , ad honesta & sancta prouocet , Bernard . de consid . l. 4. Watch , as n n Cum Philippo ( intempestiuè ludenti ) Antipatrum venire obnunciaretur , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , alueum qua ludebat in lectum reiecit , Athen. Dipnosop . lib. 10. Antipater was to Philip of Macedon ; and in the end crown all your actions with the Crowne , that is onely due to o o In cassum bonum agitur , si ante vitae terminum deseratur , quia frustra velociter currit , qui priusquam ad metas veniat deficit , Greg. Mor. l. 2. c. 40. Non inchoantibus , siquidem praemium promittitur , sed perseuerantibus , Isidor . de sum . bon. l. 2. c. 7. Perseuerantia sola virtutum coronatur , Ber. Perseuerance . From this commendable shamefastnesse , many things are to be priuiledged ; as , not to be ashamed to displease the multitude against Reason and Equitie ; not to be ashamed to reprooue such as come of purpose to offend ; not to bee ashamed to confesse your Ignorance , that you may be instructed ; or if any man with-hold your due , bee not ashamed to demand it with Reason .

SECT. XIIII .

EVer p p Apelli fuit perpetua consuetudo , nunquam tam occupatam diem agendi , vt non lineam ducendo exerceret artem ; & vsu pinxit Apelles quae pingi non possunt , tonitrua , fulgura , Plin. l. 35. c. 10. accustome your selfe to good things : for three things concurre to make a man perfect ; Nature , Education , & Custome : the last two are of force to ouerrule what is amisse in the first , and that which is called q q Habitus est altera natura , Sim. habit , ( beeing a constant desire , and following or eschewing of things ) is acquired by custome , then which , there is nothing of greater force , either to good , or ill ; vnlesse you attaine to this habit of goodnesse , your soule worketh in vaine , or like an vnskilfull Apprentice ; for when our actions and affections are growne to a habit , then are they called , eyther Vertues or Vices , as they are well or ill done .

This habit in bewitching Vices , is r r Vbi semel decratum est , in praeceps peruenitur ; adeo maturè à rectis in praua , à prauis in praecipitia peruenitur , Patere . lib. 2. hardly , or s s Tunc consummata infoelicitas est , vbi turpia non solùm delectant , sed placent , Senec. neuer remoued : therefore the best remedie against so dangerous an euill , is to resist the beginning of vicious motions , Nam turpius eijcitur , quàm non admittitur hospes .

SECT. XXV .

MY last aduice vnto you , concerning the right vse of all the Cardinall Vertues , & eschewing their contraries , shall be borrowed from the t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , l. 2. Salomon of this Age ; which is , that you make ouer all Vertues , Temperance Queene ; I doe not meane the vulgar interpretation of Temperance , consisting in gustu , & Tactu , or moderation of those two Senses ; but of that wise moderation , first , commanding your selfe , then as a Queene shall ouer-rule all the affections of your mind , and as a wise Physician , mixe all your Actions accordingly thereto .

Remember , that in all commendable Actions , In medio stat virtus ; and that the u u Pro bonis mala amplectimur , vitia nobis sub virtutis nomine obrepunt , sunt enim vitia virtutibus vicina , Hier. lib. 3. de Vict. two Vices , at eyther end of them , are but falsly coloured vnder the borrowed names of Vertue , hauing indeed no affinitie therwith .

SECT. XXVI .

BEe carefull to frame all your outward Actions , ( whether they be necessary ; as feeding , sleeping , speaking , gesture , &c. or not necessary , although conuenient , as gaming , and all sort of lawfull recreation , ) x x Cura vt habeas mentem sanam in corpore sano , Aus . Animi imperio corporis seruitio magis vtimur , Salust . Catil . lib. 1. Corpus , dum ministra animae deputatur , consors & cohaeres inuenitur , Tert. lib. 2. cap. 7. Omnis nimietas vitium reputatur , Tynd. that they may serue , for the aduancement of your inward Vertues , disposition and health of your body ; and as they that should eate some Dish deliciously sweete , temper it with tarte sawce ( lest they bee cloyed , ) and those that receiue bitter Pills , rowle them in Sugar ( that they may not bee annoyed with the vnpleasant taste : ) so , rather season all your exterior Actions with Mediocritie , then with Delight or Excesse .

But because all these sorts of outward Actions haue beene so fully intreated of by many , and are ( I doe hope ) knowne to all ( that I come to an end ) I will only adde a short aduice , for reading of Bookes , for Apparell and Trauell , being three of the former indifferent Actions , whereof you may make much profitable vse .

SECT. XXVII .

THe chiefe vse of Bookes , is to increase knowledge , confirme iudgement , to compare times past with the present ; to draw profit from both for the future , and to bring out the dead speaking with the liuing . Bookes are the most free Reproouers of Vice , the most trustie and comfortable Friends , and faithfull Companions that are , euer readie with good counsell , when it is either required or needfull ; they are the onely Physicke to purge the naturall dulnesse of our home-bred ignorance , and weake capacitie .

In reading of Bookes it is better ( as in the vse of Friends ) to conuerse seriously with few , then to wander amongst many without profit .

Make choyce of the best y y Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare , Plut. Vt cibos dimittis quo facilius digerantur , ita lectio non cruda sed multa iteratione mollita , memoriae imitationique tradatur , nec per partes scrutanda omnia , sed perlectus liber vtique resumendus , Quint. instit . Orat. lib. 11. cap. 2. Authors that write vpon the subiect you most affect , or is most necessary for you ; ( euer reiecting all such as are either repugnant to Godlinesse or good Manners ) reade them with diligence , not in parcels ( as many vnprofitably doe ) or slightly , and then cast them aside : but pervse them with diligent obseruation orderly , from beginning to end ; taking a strict account of your selfe , of those things you reade : so shall your labours ( by exercise & daily increase of your knowledge ) at last produce the desired fruit of your studies .

SECT. XXVIII .

THere is nothing whereby the inward disposition of the mind may be sooner discouered , then by lightnesse or stayednesse of apparell ; a phantasticall attyre being a confirmation of an vnsettled mind . * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , l. 3. fol. 110. Dent tibi Caesar , aetatem dij quam mereris , seruentque animum quem dederunt , Plin. in Panegyr . Ampliora sunt merita Principum , quàm nostrorum optatae votorum , Naz. in Paneg. Const . I doe aduise you , not to follow the frantike humours of new Fashions , neyther to be superstitiously , basely , slightly clothed , nor artificially decked ; but to vse your clothes in a cleanly , honest , comely , and carelesse forme .

At such times as you conuerse with your Superiours , or Strangers , rather be aboue , then vnder the rate , your meanes will allow you for apparell : although it bee a great folly in a man , to iudge the preciousnesse of a Iewell , by the Case wherein it is kept , and much greater to esteeme it by the couer of the Case ; euen so by the same reason , it is an equal indiscretion to estimate a mans worth , either by his bodie or clothes ; yet on the other side it is an ineuitable certaintie , that not only the common people and strangers , but euen wisemen are mooued , and stirred vp with outward shewes , and their minde ( according to those exterior things ) prepared to receiue a deepe impression of liking or disliking , fauour , or disfauour , reuerence , or carelesse retchlessenesse .

SECT. XXIX .

I Doe thinke verily , that all purpose of Trauell vndertaken , Non ad voluptatem solùm , sed ad vtilitatem , argueth an industrious and generous minde , and that their spirits are more base , that striue to houer about home , and these more Noble and Diuine , that imitate the heauens , and ioy in motion .

At such time , therefore , as you trauel out of your Country , resolue to trauell out of your Coūtrie-Fashions , and indeed out of your self , that is , out of all former excesse of intemperate feeding , disordinate drinking , thriftlesse gaming , fruitlesse time-spending , violent exercising , and all irregular mis-gouerning : determine that the end of your Trauell , is the ripening of your knowledge , and the end of your knowlege , is the a a Exomnibus rebus humanis nihil est praeclarius , quàm de Repub●ica bene mereri , Cicero Epist. 10. ad Familiar . seruice of your Countrie , which by right challengeth a chiefe interest in you .

The first steppe to this knowledge , is to vnderstand the Languages where you Trauell : the best way to attayne to the knowledge of them , is by Booke ; for speaking , practice , and conuersation are more helpfull . After some few Moneths ( b b Visus visu volatus , volatu , differt , haud enim M●lut , & Cicades , Aquilae , & Perdices similiter volant , Plutarch . as you find your selfe capable ) leaue the Booke , and onely vse your Master to talke with . In France , Orleance , and Bloyz , in Italie , Florence , or Sciena , in Tuscanie , Prato , in Germanie , Hiddleburgh and Lipswick , are the best places for the Languages .

In your Trauels diligently obserue what you see in the parts you trauell , making choyce of the best , and leauing the world behind you : for helping your c c Memoria res est , ex omnibus partibus animi , maximè delicata & fragilis , Rhod. l. 10. c. 18 Memorie , let your chiefe Booke be a Iournall , wherein write downe the diuers Prouinces you passe by , their Commodities , Townes , manner of Buildings , the names and benefit of the Riuers , the distance of Places , the condition of the Soyle , the Manners of the People , and whatsoeuer notable thing your eye encountreth by the way .

In your Trauell haue speciall care of your company and friends ; in that time remember that Damon and Pitheas are dead ; neither presume so much of your owne sufficiencie , as to neglect the benefit of counsell , and although some-times a young man may proue a Lelius , being Rara auis in terris , yet take a young man rather for your Companion then Friend : d d Pietas in Deum toto cordis timore ( quasi culmen & Corona Virtutum ) seruetur , Theophil . Alex. de Constant . serue God daily with great Deuotion ; he is the onely Pillar to hold you vp amongst the dangers that shall inuiron you .

At your returne , leaue all strange forrain Manners , and fashion your selfe , your Manners , Apparell , Carriage , Conference and Conuersation to the best patterne of the place from whence thou diddest begin thy Trauels : e e Alij satis vixisse te viso , te recepto , alij magis esse viuendum praedicabunt , Plin. in Paneg. so shall the remembrance of them bee pleasant and profitable , and thy returne an Ornament to thy Countrey .

SECT. XXX .

NOw f f EPILOGVS . to trusse g g Quod matres facere solent cum poma bellaria , vel tale quidpiam in pucrilem sinum immiserint , nequid excidat contrahens vndique tuniculam cingulo subijciunt : idem & nos faciamus orationem in longum protractam contrahamus , & in memoriae custodiam deponamus , Chrysost. de Ozia , Ser. 3. vp all in few words : in the first part of that which you haue heard , is contayned a short way to heauenly Ierusalem .

Secondly , for setting you forward in this Iourney , the necessitie of a good reputation amongst men is set downe , and how it is obtayned .

Thirdly , how dangerous a h h Quicquid praeter opinionem euenire in bello potest , priusquam ingrediare cogita , Thucid. li. 3. warrefare you are to vndertake in the way , and with what enemies .

Fourthly , that the resolutions of a Wiseman forged vpon the Anuill of Gods Grace , are the onely Weapons eyther to foyle these enemies , or withstand their ●●●er ceasing assaults .

Fiftly , what i i Aci●●●●●t●●rum paritèr pugnantium quae●enda , vbi tot s●●t auxil●● rij quot a●●●●● Bonauent . diet . Salut . auxiliarie Souldiers you shall choose , for maintenance of so long-lasting Wars ; and how you shall keepe them from mutinie .

Sixtly , a discouerie of the●● Ambuscadoes , and other impediments that may obui●te you in so dangerous a March.

Seuenthly , some few helpes that will serue for necessary prouision to your Campe.

Tri-vni Deo Gloria . FINIS .