The last advice of Mr. Ben. Alexander (late minister of West-Markham, in the county of Nottingham) to his children. In two parts. The contents follow.

The Last ADVICE OF Mr. BEN. ALEXANDER ( late Minister of West-Markham , in the County of Nottingham ) To His CHILDREN . In Two Parts .

The Contents follow .

Prov. 24.21 . My Son , fear thou the Lord , and the King : and Meddle not with them that are given to change .

London , Printed for Nath. Ekins , at the Gun in S. Pauls Church-yard . 1659.

The CONTENTS OF This BOOK . In the first Part. A Preface to Page 3. A Catechisticall Dialogue . to p. 13. A Godly Form of Prayer to p. 26. In the second Part. Generall and Particular Advice . 1 In Religion , from p. 29. to p. 43. 2 Opinion , to p. 48. 3 Morality to p. 60. 4 Government to p. 65. 5 Study . to p. 72. 6 Mariage . to p. 75.

The ADVICE OF Mr. Benjamin Alexander To his CHILDREN .

IT was great joy which S. John ( 3. Epistle of John v. 4. ) had , when he heard that Gaius and his Children did walk in the truth ; and , if it be a part of the glory of Heaven , to know what is done on earth , my glory should be exceeding glorious to know that you my Children did so : But whether I know it or know it not , if ye do so , ye are certain of the crown of glory . This which I have left you , concerneth you , first , as you stand to God , secondly , to men , thirdly , to your selves : the Lord bless you , & these , and allother helps of piety to you , that you may be glorious through holiness here , and in holinesse hereafter .

Your loving Father Ben. Alexander . August 2. 1658.

The first part . Sarah .

I pray thee , Brother , let us sit under yonder green tree .

Ben.

I will , sister , for it is pleasant weather . But why wilt thou go to day ?

Because I am now at leisure , and would speak to thee in private .

Let us go .

Pray tell me one thing , Brother ?

Doubt not Sister , I will if I can .

I have seen my Father oft times on his knees in the hall , and sometimes in the parlour , what doth he mean by that ?

My Father goeth then to prayers .

To pray , what is that ?

It is a duty .

Is there a duty due to any but my Father and Mother ?

Yea , Sister , that there is .

To whom ?

To God .

What is he ?

A Spirit .

A Spirit , what is that ?

A spirit is an intelligent substance without body or bodily qualities .

What is God then ?

God is a Spirit , most holy , most wise , eternall and infinite , in whom we live , move , and have our being .

How many Gods are there ?

But one in essence , but three in persons ( viz. ) Father , Son , and holy Ghost .

How shal I come to know him ?

Three waies .

Which are they ?

By his works about us , his word unto us , his workings in us .

What is his word ?

That which we call Scripture .

How came that to us ?

God breathed it into men , who spake as they were inspired by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost .

What men were they ?

Enoch , Moses , the Prophets , Evangelists , Apostles , &c.

What are his works ?

The Creation of the world , and all the things therein ; as Sun , Moon , Cloud , Earth , Sea , and his Powerfull , and wise Providence , in upholding , and ordering all things , till the end come .

What are his Workings ?

Light , Love , Feare , and all affections , acts of Conscience , Faith , and all Graces .

But , why doth my Father Pray ?

That God would forgive our sins , and give all things necessary for life and godliness .

What is sin ?

Sin is the transgression of the Law .

And , have I any sin ?

Yea , Sister , and I also : for we were born in sin , and are thereby enemies to God , and all goodness , and subject to sicknesses , crosses , and losses in this life ; yea , we must die also ; and , without the speciall Grace of God , are cast away for ever and ever .

Thou tellest me a strange thing : how cometh this to pass ?

By Adams sin , in whose loynes we were , and so are liable to these punishments .

What did Adam do ?

He disobeyed the Commands of God , in eating the fruit , which he had forbidden .

How is that proved , good Brother ?

See Rom. 5.12 . By one man sin entered into the World , and death by him , and so death passed over all men , for that all have sinned .

Is there any more Scripture for it ?

Yea , Sister .

Which are they ?

Read Psal. 1.51.5 . I was shapen in iniquity , and in sin did my Mother conceive , and Epes . 2.3 . we are by nature the children of wrath , even as others .

Alas , Brother , what case are we then in ?

In the state of damnation , and God may cast us into hell .

Hell , what is that ?

The place of torments , by fire and brimstone , where is weeping , wailing , and gnashing of teeth .

These are torments , the Lord deliver us from them ; is there a way to escape them ?

Yea , Sister .

How ?

By the Son of God .

Who is he , that I may know him ?

Jesus Christ , of whom you read in the Bible .

Is it he , of whom I read in my Psalter , that was conceived by the Holy Ghost , born of the Virgin Mary , suffered under Pontius Pilate , was crucified , dead and buried , rose again the third day , and shall come in the end of the world , to Judge the quick and the dead ?

Yea , Sister , the very same .

What is he , that I may see him ?

He is in heaven , thou canst not see him yet .

How then shall I know him ?

By mixing faith with thy reading of the Gospel .

What is Faith ?

Faith is the gift of God , by which he giveth a mind to believe in Jesus Christ , and a full perswasion settled , that what he did , suffered in life or death , as it was sufficient , so it was efficacious for my salvation .

And , is there nothing but this Faith required ?

Faith alone doth save us , but , this Faith never goeth alone , but , it worketh by love .

Which is the Rule of love ?

The ten Commandements .

What is the summe of the Commandements ?

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God , with all thy heart , and thy neighbour as thy selfe .

Faith then is a perfect jewell : how shall I finde it ?

The Word begets it , Sacraments confirme it , Prayer encreaseth it .

And , will this bring me to Heaven ?

Yea , if you persevere to the end .

But , you told me , I must die , how then can I go to Life ?

Death is the doore to Life .

Doth my soul die ?

No , that goeth to God that gave it .

Then my body onely stayeth in the grave .

Yea.

How shall that rise ?

According to the Scripture , by the Power of God .

When ?

In the Resurrection of the last day , when they which have done good , shall go into everlasting life ; but hypocrites , and unbelievers to eternall fire .

Will you help me to Pray ?

Yea , Sister .

I thank you Brother , how then must I pray ?

The Prayer .

O Most glorious and gracious Lord God , the great Creator of Heaven and earth , and the wise Disposer of all things , which thou hast made for thine own glory , and for the good and welfare of all thy servants ; we the most unworthiest of all thy servants , do desire to prostrate our selves before thy divine Majesty , under an humble acknowledgement of thy goodnesse , thy grace , thy truth , and faithfulnesse ; thy many mercies renewed and continued every day to us , and our great unworthinesse of the least of any of them . We are not worthy of the crumbs that fall from thy Table ; not onely because we were born in sin , but because we have lived in sin , and have daily added to our sins , by the vanity of our thoughts , words , and actions , and the unsutablenesse of the whole man to all thy commands : we are ignorant of them , yea we have digged to our selves Cisterns that will hold no water , we have doubted of thy promises , and distrusted therein thy Covenants , broken thy Lawes , polluted thy Ordinances , profaned thy Sabbaths , abused thy mercies , slighted thy judgments , sinned against the light of our own Consciences , against Grace received , against the motions of thy holy Spirit , against Heaven , and in thy sight , and we are not worthy to be called thy Children ; and therfore most justly mayst thou poure down thy displeasure upon us , and empty the vials of thy wrath upon us and ours , making our lives bitter unto us , by diseases and manifold crosses , and deny us the fruition of thy self , in glory hereafter : and yet thou art just in all thy wayes , and holy in all thy works ; for this we abhor our selves , and condemn our selves , ( oh let us escap● the condemnation of thee our God ) : O enter not into judgement with us , for , in thy sight , shall no flesh living be justified ; our only Hope is on the Merits of Jesus Christ , thy beloved Son our Saviour , of whom thou spakest from thy Excellent Glory , this is my beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased ; in him , O Lord , be well pleased with us , and signe thy good pleasure unto us , by a full , and free Pardon of all our sins ; Lord , 't is a great Request we begg of thee , and more then such sinners as we are , can hope for , to receive from thee , but , it was a great Price which was paid for us ; not by corruptible things , as silver , and gold , but , the most Precious blood of thine own Son ; we tender up to thee Lord Jesus Christ , upon the Altar of a believing soule ; O receive him for us , thou laid'st upon him the iniquities of us all ; that we through his stripes , might be healed ; magnifie thy mercies towards us sinners , and thy Grace , by passing by our transgressions ; and , Lord , Seale up thy Pardon , by giving thy holy Spirit unto us , in more inlarged fullnesse , and let him comfort us , and beare witness to our spirits , that we are thine , and thou art ours , that being delivered from the bondage of sin , we may cry out Abba Father .

O let thy Spirit bring gracious answeres to our soules desires , plead the cause of our soules ; shed abroad the love of thy selfe in our hearts , leading us into all necessary truths : guiding us by Grace here , that we may come o● Glory hereafter ; And , as we desire Pardon of sins , so we pray thee subdue our sins , mortifie those corruptions that dwell in us , and oft times do tyrannize over us , and bring us to subjection to the Law of sin , making us most wretched creatures ; O let it pittie thee , to see Satan rule over us , who takes us captive according to his will : bruise his power , limit his malice , shorten his chaine , divide his Kingdom , hasten his finall doome and condemnation ; O let no Lord Rule over us , but thy selfe , for thou art our only God , and we will worship thee ; And good Father , lead us not into temptation , deliver us from the evill thereof , strengthen us against them , sanctifie us under them , and let us finde the sufficiency of thy Grace under them , to make us conquerors through Jesus Christ ; O make sin loathsome to us , helpe us to looke upon sin , as thou dost looke upon it , to Judge it and condemne it , give us a sight of it , in thy favour , a sorrow for it , and a resolution against it ; and hold us up by the Power of thy Spirit , through Faith to Salvation ; Helpe us to derive our Joy from Heaven , and our comforts from above the cloudes , and to lay up our treasure above the sun , where the moth , and the thiefe cannot eat thorough and steale ; Make good thy Covenant to us , in giving us a new heart , and renewing our spirit in us , let the Scepter of Christ sway over the whole man : our understandings , wills , affections , bringing all to obedience of the Law of Christ ; Remember thy whole Church , what promises thou hast for Jewes and Gentiles , in thy good time make out to them , bring in the out-cast of Israel , and all from the high-wayes , that so thy house may be full ; O let the Nations be thine inheritance , and the utmost parts of the Earth be thy possession ; Remember , and blesse these Nations wherein we live ; O Lord keep up England from falling from thee , let it not languish , nor decay in Godlinesse : and let not the wantonnesse under the meanes of Grace in it , procure the want of Grace in it ; thou hast divided us , bring us together again ; O Pardon the sins of our Nation , and helpe us , to keep our selves free from the pollution thereof ; thou art a God of order , O settle order in thy Church , and unity among thy Saints ; let such as do erre out of ignorance , learne knowledge , and such as have sinned against knowledge , finde Repentance ; endue the Magistrates with the knowledge of thy Spirit of Grace and wisdom , as well as with Power , that we may live a peaceable and quiet life under them , in all godlinesse and honesty .

O let thy Ministers be cloathed with holinesse , write it on their brest , let them shine by holinesse of life , as well as by Doctrine , and Crown all their Labours with a Garland of soules .

And remove not , O Father , thy Candlestick from us , for our unworthinesse of it , and our unthankfullnesse for it , but Pardon our unprofitablenesse under it , and teach us to profit more and more . And , O Lord , comfort all the children of affliction , speake peace to the wounded and troubled spirit , binde up the broken hearted , powre in wine and oyle into their maladies , that the bones which thou hast broken , may rejoyce ; convert our enemies , and make our wayes so to please thee , that our very enemies may be at peace with us ; blesse our Relations in consanguinity , affinity , and Christian friendship , that as there is a communion of Saints , so we maystudy to edifie one another , in love and piety , by words and workes .

And good Father , set us higher than our crosses , and temporall afflictions in this life , helpe us to cast our care upon thee , who hath promised to care for us , and thou that regardest sparrowes , tellest us , we are of far greater value then many sparrowes .

Now Lord , we blesse thy good name for all thy Mercies and blessings , for deliverance from dangers seen , and unseen ; for continuance in prosperity , for food and raiment , for life , health , peace , plenty and prosperity ; for family blessings , and personall favours ; we blesse thee that we are born in the pale of thy Church , where there is the dew of Heaven , and fatness of the Earth the meanes of Grace plentifully vouchsafed unto us ; O helpe us to walke worthy of these thy goings out to us , and teach us the right use of all thy providence .

Accompany us , holy Father , with thy Gracious presence , order us from day to day , be not far from us , but guide us by thy spirit , till thou shalt translate us to thy Glory , all which we crave from thee , not for any worthiness that is in us , but only for thy Son our Saviours sake , to whom , with thy self and Spirit , be given all Glory , and thanksgiving , now , and for ever , Amen .

The second Part. Containing GENERALL And PARTICULAR ADVICE , Touching Religion , Opinion , Morality , Government , Study , Mariage .

The second Part. Containing GENERALL And PARTICULAR ADVICE , Touching Religion , Opinion , Morality , Government , Duty , Mariage .

RELIGION .

1. QUestion not the least way , whether there be a God , or not , nei●her be curious concerning him : Non nunquam de D●vera loqui periculum est , & ▪ And God is rather known 〈◊〉 what he is not , then what he 〈◊〉

2. Quarrel not in th● least manner with the Mysteries of Religion , as the Tr●nitie , the Generation of th●● Son , the Profession of th● Holy Ghost , but bring 〈◊〉 humble minde with thee and go not without th● guide of Faith , and freque●● Prayer .

3. Thou art by Professi●● a Christian , therefore sit dow● and cast with thy selfe , tha● thou art to Love Things thou Seest not , Believe Things thou Knowest not , Apprehend Things thou Reachest not .

4. Though the Spirit of God worketh a full perswasion in the heart , concerning the things of God , yet outward Arguments are necessary ; for , that which gave Thomas the Apostle an assurance of the Truth of Christ , was his sensery , Reach hither thy finger , John 2.27 .

5. Let your Prayers be frequent , and among your premeditated Petitions , remember to Pray , that God would not lead thee into Temptation , for in these last dayes , the shorter Satans reigne , the sharper is his rage ,

6. Oppose not any Truth , and be not like the Sea Pie that cannot rise , except it be by rising against the winde .

7. In matters of doubt , mingle Charity with your Judgement , and temper your zeale with discretion .

8. Where there are many Sects of Religion , take great heed what thou doest , for nothing is so hard , and chargeable to keep , as a good Conscience .

9. Remember this speech of one , that said , a good Religion may be made of the Papists Charity , the Puritans Words , and the Protestants Faith .

10. Read the Bible often , and with Reverence ; in doubtfull matters Consult the Church , in the purest Ages thereof , which is the Pillar and ground of Truth , and the Gates of Hell shall not prevaile against thee .

11. Let your judgement be content , rather to wade where you finde footeing , then to swim in sence of Scripture ; in the one you shall know your grounds , in the other you will foote in uncertainties , or have but a sandy foundation .

12. Despise not Profession of Holinesse , but take heed how you trust it , the Coat of Christ is more worne , then the practise of him .

Keep thy Conscience free and cleare , and let thy Conversation shew it , that if dirt be cast at thee , it may not stick upon thy Reputation .

14. Have a care of your Carriage in the World , for no action will please , which cometh from one , whose Person and Profession is distasted .

15. If thy Teacher be wicked , looke well to thy selfe ; for the Teachers error is the Peoples tryall .

16. Preaching doth lift up Christ more highly then Reading , like spice bruised or pounded ; so is the Word of more sweet savour , when it is Preached .

17. Milke in the brest of the Mother , is farr better then Milke in the sucking-bottle ; so Sermons , with lively actions , are farr more edifying then the same Repeated .

18. Prayer is a most prevailing Duty , use it continually by your selves , but Sollemnly twice a day .

19. Take heed of pride , and let the joynts of your conversation be oyled with Humility .

20. One bended knee will bend many hearts ; but pride is an unwining quality , making thee to be scorned of thy betters , hated by thy equalls , feared by thy inferiours , and beloved of no body ,

21. Avoid sin , as to thy self , and consent not to it in others , for t is all one to hold the sack , and to fill it .

22 In all your losses , crosses , & sicknesses , set Gods Glory before thine eyes , without much contemplation of thy particular condition ; our Saviour gave the giftes of Miracles to his Apostles , to cure others , yet could not , or did not cure their own weaknesse ; as St. Paul , Timothy , 1 Tim. 5.28 . nor his own , 2 Cor. 1.8 .

23. Let not dangers or difficulties cause thee to neglect Religion , all weather is faire to a willing mind .

24. Curious questions in Schoole-Divinity do whet the wit , and sharpen the braine , but dulls Faith , and proves an Enemy to soule-edification .

25. Ascube not to thine own endeavours , for Divine providence doth act more vigorously , then humane prudence .

26. Let not the errors of thy Teachers cause thee to imitate their vices ; they have Treasure in earthen vessells , 2 Cor. 4.7 . and he that will prove a pitcher of clay to be a pot of gold , takes great paines to small purpose .

27. Be not much wedded to your own opinion , but consult with men of knowledge and Religion , and then be firme and fixed , like the Axle-tree , though the wheeles oft time run forward or backward .

28. You may serve , or beare office under them , that have ascended to the Throne by blood-shed ; for there were some in Nero's house , Phil. 4.22 . and in Herods also , Acts 13.1 . and other instances in Scripture .

29. Duells are an invention of the Devill , and against Piety and Religion , if thou overcomest , thou loosest , and gainest a stinge of Conscience , scarce to be pulled out again .

30. As a man that lieth uneasie , is subject to turning and tossing , so , a man unconstant in his Principles , is soon moved to change .

31. In times of change , men account of the Institution of the Church , as old Coyne , not much better then counters ; but slight not thou wholsome Doctrine , because of the Generall blemish it lieth under .

32. Reverence Antiquity , but conclude it not infallible ; yet , take her word sooner then any particular learning , Doctrine being much cleared by experience .

33. If God blesse thy basket , be charitable , though man be unthankfull ; for God will have some to be so , the better to reserve requitall to himselfe .

34. Marke this , when the Common Wealth fadeth , the Church flourisheth not , one side of the face will not smile , when the other frownes .

35. 'T is a vanity to use Pomps at Burialls , Mourners like Crowes devour the Living , under pretense of Honouring a dead carcase .

36. That man deserves to be forgotten , that hath nothing to Register his name , but a grave-stone .

37. Use not Religion as birds do their shells , which , while they are hatching , do preserve them ; but , when they are hatched , are broken , and cast away .

38. Be not given to Acts of Cruelty ; for bloody hands have rowing feet .

39. How little soever thou hast , get it honestly ; no good useing of any thing , will make amends for the ill getting of it .

40. Thou art born in the Pale of the Church , and so art a visible Christian ; but , content not thy selfe with that ; many knew Nathaniel to be an Israelite , but , none but Christ could say , Behold , an Israelite , in whom there is no guile .

41. Have frequent thoughts of thy death , for life is but like a little bird , that flieth in at one window of the house , and goeth out at another .

42. Be eminent in nothing but Religion , Godlinesse hath the Promise of this life , and that which is to come ; 1 Tim. 4.8 .

43. While the men of the World hunt after greatness , do thou study goodnesse , it was great Honour that Paul giveth Ephenetus , that he was the first man that embraced the Faith in Acham , Rom. 16.5 .

44. In Adam we lost three things , Gods 1. Image . 2. Favour . 3. Fellowship .

Assure thy selfe of Christ , he is the Image of the Father , that hath purchased favour for thee , and fellowship with thee .

45. I fear that Popery will spread again in these Nations , trie if your Principles be sound in the Faith , profound in Judgement .

In order to this last Advice , observe these that follow .

OPINIONS .

1. TAke heed of entertaining a new Opinion in point of Religion , for , if the passions of the minde be strong , they will easily sophisticate the understanding , and make it apt to believe upon slender warrant , and imagine infallible truth , where scarce any probable shew appeareth .

2. The Socinian Religion is to a Triall , subtle and light ; ●e Roman is too earthy ●nd worldly ; embrace , and ●old fast the Reformed Re●igion , as the soundest and sa●est way to Salvation .

3. The Religion of the Church of Rome , especially of the Jesuites , is imperious , and if they cannot bend others ●o it , they will burn them ; but , ●f thou canst warrant thy call , ●ather die , then denie the Truth .

4. The Millinaries have something like truth in them , nor were they condemned by any Councell , for three hundred yeares after Christ .

One Mr. Archer hath a book of that Opinion , buy it , if the Lord bless thee , an● observe it well .

5. The Scismatick in Gene●rall , and the Anabaptist in particular , is very fiery , and wi●● not be contented , unlesse 〈◊〉 hath such a Sanctity here o● Earth , which God never trusted yet out of Heaven 〈◊〉 &c.

6. The Ranters of Englan● are the same with the famil●● of love , formally , or rather o● the family of lust .

7. The Lutherans , abou● the Sacrament of the Suppe● do erre ; yet follow thou Luthers Motto , In quo aliqui● Christi video , illium dilig●● .

8. Run not eagerly afte● new Lights , nor endeavour t● put them out ; for , he tha● will not quench the smoaking of flax , may possibly accept of candles , though made of rushes .

9. Be not hasty to oppose one of a different opinion from thee ; for new opinions rather gain reputation , then loose it by opposition .

10. When pretenses of Religion are imperious , men carry brests of steele against others of their own Profession .

11. Schisme , like a flood let out , is only of force , at the first opening to drive on designs of Innovation ; loosing it selfe afterward , either out of wearinesse , or doubt of consequence .

12. If thou hast attained to any perfection in any thing , take heed you blemish it not by any absurditie ; for his name that burnt the Temple of Diana , outlasted his that built it .

MORALITY .

1. TAke heed of wantonnesse , in word or deed for , the snuffe of lust , goeth out with the stinke of loathing .

2. Strive not for the upper-hand with the Pharisees , least thou loose the right hand of , friendship among Christians .

3. The Cordiall woundings of a faithfull friend , will keep thee from the wounding cordialls of a flattering foe .

4. Grieve not for what thou canst not helpe , for what is past cure , should be past care .

5. If God sends abundance into thy basket , deny thy self ; for necessity will teach thee more , then overmuch enjoyed prosperity .

6. Go to the houses of Great men , for , men in Power esteem better of such , to whom they have done courtesies , then of those they have received greater from , they looking upon this as a shame , the other as an Honour .

7. Let nothing unjustifiable , dangerous , or , to be construed in an ill sence , come under your hand , for , some time it may rise up in judgement against you , when things spoken are forgotten , Litera scripta manet .

8. Speake disgracefully of no body at Publick Meetings , lest a friend , or a kinsman be present , and heare thee ; therefore look upon all free discourse , as dangerous in mixed companies .

9. Tell not to others your vices and infirmities , least you make them censorious of your Actions , and judges of your condition .

10. Reveale not the pranks of other men to every body , least thou sell thy friend , and give him an argument of distrust of your fidelity , and secresie in other things .

11. Let your wit serve you rather as a buckler to defend you from others , then a sword to wound them ; for a word cuts deeper then a sharp weapon ; and a blow proceedeth from the hand , but a disgracefull speech from the heart .

12. Regard not vaine talke , they are light leaves that do wagg with every winde .

13. When thou art innocent , be not afraid of the high language of an insulting foe ; the Sun lookes then biggest on the earth , when it is ready to set .

14. Put not your sickle into another mans corne , least you cut your fingers .

15. Burthen not your selfe with uselesse notions , no body will carry about with him that key , that will unlock no Treasure .

16. Search for the truth in a matter , before thou speakest , and then be bold , for truth may be blamed , but never shamed .

17. If thou beest a Tennant to any man , consider who was before you , for , that man will get little with his forke , that succeedes him , that went before him with a rake .

18. When you write a Letter , so write it , as if the Person to whom you write it , were present with you .

19. Have a care that you use no words , or phrases , which may be thought to be learned in unlearned company .

20. Give Advice , when you are desired , and continue it no longer , then you see 't is acceptable .

21. Be not accounted an intelligencer , least you come under the odious notion of a spie .

22. Grant a courtesie when asked , at the first , for expedition doubleth the worth of it . Bis dat qui citò dat .

23. Mend not the Copie of your Master , nor contradict his Commands , least you be thought to value your conceipt above his , and so be accounted proud .

24. Write not the faults of Great Persons in a Letter , least it be intercepted , and you sent out of the World before your time .

25. Weare your cloathes neat , but suitable to your fortune , least on the one hand you be accounted a soven , or on the other , proud , and vain glorious .

26. Live frugally at present , that thou mayest grapple with what may come hereafter .

27. Have a care you meddle not with womens quarrels , for womens braules , are mens thralls .

28. Let not thy judgement be corrupted by a gift , a bribe may not be taken , a boone may .

29. In expenses , spare , when you may , that you may spend when you should .

30. If anger do boile in your heart , let it not run over in your mouth , open scandall doth more hurt then concealed vice .

31. Do not too much enjoy prosperity , for Manna was despised for variety .

32. Be mindfull of received curtesies , and , write not good turnes in sand , and ill turnes in brass .

33. Reverence your Mother , and , if need be relieve her ; love your brothers and sisters , remembring that ye are of a piece , and differ from one another in name only .

34. Take heed you lay not the aspersion of a witch upon any one , for , we are strangers to the secret Malignities of Nature , and madd men in their melancholly extasies , have had as prodigious confessions , and gestures as they .

35. At a conference be silent a while , to speak last is a great advantage , for , thereby shall you heare the matter debated , and the strength , or weaknesse of others Arguments , to guide your speech .

36. Despise none for the meannesse of their birth , or poverty of breeding , for true virtue maylodge in a poor Cottage .

37. Be neither pleased nor grieved at reports , the good is enlarged , and the bad quenched , by nothing sooner then neglect .

38. Judge of nothing by the voice of fame , nor desire it much , for it carrieth a trumpet , which , for the most part , gathereth more enemies then friends .

39. Provoke not a coward too farr , least he turne valiant to thy overthrow .

40. Take heed what company you keep , for example prevaileth more then precepts .

41. When you speak to any , look them full in the face , other gestures do bewray want of breeding , confidence , or honesty , and dejected , eyes , argue , guilt or folly .

42. Ride not hastily thorough a Town , men do think that either the horse , or your braines are none of your own .

43. Keep a good horse , it is very usefull for you , and much may be done that way , to oblige a friend .

44. If it may be , never buy , but with ready money : and not commonly of your friends and acquaintance ; for they will take it ill , if you will not be cheated some times , to humour them .

45. When guilty of a fault , seeke not to excuse it by niceties , a fine thred will soone be broke in the spinning .

Concerning GOVERNOURS .

1. A wicked man , and a bad Instrument , is to be obeyed , Christ and his Apostles did so .

2. In bad times t is better to be passive , then active ; our blessed Saviour was never heard to inveigh against the present Power , though it made the head of John Baptist to be cut off .

3. Owne the Power , but not the faults of Magistrates , and comply not with them , that under Pretence of Law , would defraud Naboth of his Vineyard .

4. Forfeit not the trust which is imposed upon you , in neither Peace nor Warr , there is none but will befriend vertue , though it be found in Armes against him .

5. Submit to that Government , which Providence hath placed over you , for Conscience sake , though of meane beginnings , and necessary deformities in obtaining the Soveraignty ; David from a small rise , was made a King , and Treason it was not to obey him .

6. Stand not upon your innocency with those that are able to bring the greatest into a fault , t is no dishonour to submit to thieves , if fallen into their hands .

7. To whom your Person must be subject , let your tongue be silent ; a fooles tongue will sometimes or other cut his head off .

8. If you can enjoy your Conscience , and the designes of Gods Glory , question not the Authority of those under whom you do it .

9. Consider all States and Kingdomes had their foundation laid in the dirt ; be not therefore misled in Point of civill obedience , least you make your guide your stumbling block .

11. If Religion , in the Profession thereof , be blemished , and Law lie dead , a golden tongue in a prudent head , will have great influence in a Common-Wealth .

11. Meddle not with the Powers of a Land , for , he that drawes his sword against his Prince , must throw away his scabbard .

12. What is required by men in Authority , though it be not thanks worthy to grant , yet t is dangerous to deny .

13. Censure not , nor talke at randome of State Matters , there may be a moath under the Carpet of Council Tables , or a flea may leap into the bed chamber of Princes , and these are lesse then the birds which Solomon spoke of , Eccles. 10.20 .

Concerning . STUDY .

1. IN the first place , study t● know God , and call t● minde that advice of Davi● to his Son Solomon , 1 Chro. 28● 9. And , thou my Son , know tho the God of thy Father , and serv●● him with a perfect and willin● minde ; if thou seekest him , 〈◊〉 will be found of thee , if th● forsakest him , he will cast th● off for ever .

2. Latin is more necessary for you , then your own Mother tongue , being an universall Language , and much Learning is conveyed in it , apply your selfe to the study of it .

3. Good and true writing is part of Grammer , and a blessing which God gave to one of the Tribes of Israel , ( viz , ) Zebulon , Judg. 5.14 . Practice it dayly , a competent substance is got by it , and t is very usefull in a Common-Wealth .

4. Arithmatick is a very liberall Science , Nature , Reason , and Art , freely contributing to it ; of this , I may say , what Solomon speaketh Prov. 22.29 . Seest thou a man diligent in his business , he shall stand before Kings , he shall not stand before meane men .

5. Have some inspection in Physick , that will add to your welcom where ever you come :

6. But , do not imagine the diseases you read of , are in herent in your selfe , for , that will argue melancholy .

7. As for bookes , si non habes , quos leges , lege quos habes , few bookes well studied , nurish the understanding more , then many hundered , which are but gargled in the mouth , as many do .

8. Read as much as you can , but , withall consider , that the more you gather out of books , the poorer you proclaim your Naturall parts .

9. Spend no time in difficult trifles and niceties , which , like tough meat aske more paines to chew , then they do yield profitable nourishment .

10. If you make use of Poetry , let it be rather your recreation , then your businesse ; for , men of sound Judgement looke upon it rather as fancy , than solid perswasion .

11. Content your selfe with ordinary Invention , for , constant exercise in any Art , will teach you to attaine excellent habits .

12. Make not Musicke your study , for , besides the unprofitablenesse of it , it rendreth a man suspected of Levity .

13. If thou attainest to any proficiency in parts , be humble ; no greater ornament to Learning , than humility .

14. Leave your bed , when first sleep hath left you , t is very ill for your eyes to read lying , and worse for the mind , to be a cage of uncleane thoughts .

15. Eate not so long as you are able , meates in England , which do most inveagle the stomach , are stewd up at last in great houses .

16. Drinke not while you are hot , unlesse your drinke be not , rather chew liquorish , or take tobacco .

17. Let not the Irreligiousnesse of any place , cause thee to forget thy duty toward God ; remember , God heard the Prayer of Daniel in Babylon , as well as David in ●●on .

18. Disputation is for the Schooles , and shun thou all Disputes concerning Religion , t is commonly unprofitable , and sometimes dangerous .

19. But , if it be unavoiddable , make queries , rather then Arguments , for , a young Student must rather learne , then teach .

20. Be not curious concerning things that are future , least you render your present condition uncomfortable .

21. Provide not roome in your breast for the passion of feares , by a tedious expectation of what may come ; ill fortune , it is as unconstant as good , and a wet day may be as short , as a faire day is pleasant .

22. Make not your selfe stupid , by poring upon despaire , nor wanton under contemplation of hope .

MARIAGE .

1. BE neither a Misogamist , nor a Misogunist , love is a winning quality , but lust is a deadly sin .

2. Pray for the guift of continency , and if God do give it thee , account it a most precious Jewell .

3. Mariage is Honourable in all , but , not all kinde of Mariage ; t is lawfull for any to marry , but , not to marry with any , they that marry , must marry in the Lord , 1 Cor. 7.39 .

4. Boast not of the favoures women bestow of you , least you be accounted light .

5. Fly the embraces of women , and remember Joseph , least you loose your liberty , strength , and Religion , and turne that to you , which is theirs ( viz. ) to have your will subject to them , Gen. 3.16 .

6. Dote not upon beauty , t is the fruit of that Tree , which first of all destroyed man , and made him subject to slavery ; suffering her to command , who , in right reason , ought to obey .

7. Marry not for beauty , 〈◊〉 , unendowed handsomness , ●st you bury your judge●ent in sensuall affection .

FINIS .