Vade mecum. = Goe vvith mee deare pietie, and rare charitie. VVhose flame is stirred vp, to dispell the cold out of the minde. By Otho Casmanne, preacher at Stoade. Translated out of Latine, by H.T. minister. The contents appeare in the page following.

Vade Mecum Goe with me . DEARE PIETIE & RARE CHARITIE . Whose Flame is stirred vp , to expell the Cold out of the mindes of many . To all that professe the Name of Christ , and call vpon his Godheade .

A sententious Prologue .

TO know and liue [ O yee Christians ] is all our Desires , Let vs learne first to know , that wée may know how to liue . for

Non qui multa quidem sed quae sunt commoda vitae .

Is dici sapiens , cur meriatur habet .

Not him that knoweth much alwaies . A wiseman will I call : But he that knows his life to rule , What so shall him befall .

This world hath much science , but little conscience , least therefore our knowledge To know if it goe alone doe puffe vs vp , let charitie be ioyned with it , with christian prudence : God and our selues . let vs endeuour to know God and our selues , But at this day many know many things , but scarse any knows himselfe well : for to know our selues , is an A gradation hard point , and not for euery one to attaine ; Let vs therfore learne first this diuine precept , Euery one to know himselfe , for he that knows himselfe shal know god , he that knows God shal be made like vnto him : he that is made like vnto God : is worthy of God : he that is worthy of God , committeth nothing vnworthy of God , but Acceptable . thinketh on divine things , and what hee thinketh he speaketh , what he speakerh , he Displeasing Godly worketh . ( ergo ) caetera si vis noscere , te ipsum noscere discas . caetera si vis vincere , teipsum vincere discas .

Noscere se ipsum , vincere se ip sum Maxima virtus .

If ought thou dost desire to learne , Learne first to know thy selfe : If ought thou wouldest ouercome , First then subdue thy selfe . Thy selfe first know , and first subdue , All other vertues will ensue .

Let vs liue ( O yée christians ; ) that wée To liue . may liue with Christ ; This life is to be desired not for it selfe , but for an other , wherevnto we must come by the gate of Death .

Therefore that we may alwayes liue with Christ , let vs learne to liue and die well .

We learne to liue well , by meditating on Death .

We learne to die wel , by liuing Godly .

We learne to liue Godly , by dying hapily .

The end of this life , is a happy Death ,

The end of Death is a blessed life :

We shall liue blessedly , if we be dead to the world . Ergo.

Viue diu , sed viue deo : nam viuere mundo , Mortis opus est , viua est , viuere , vita deo , Viue sed vt séper viuas , sic ergo beatus , Viue deo moritur , qui sibi viuit , homo , Yf long to liue thou doe desire , Then long in God to liue : The worldly life doth work to death , For God true life doth giue . So liue that thou maist alwaies liue , And happines attaine . Who liues vnto himselfe doth die , Such death will be his baine .

Let vs not therefore reckon how long , but how well we doe liue : he hath liued Not how long but how well . long who in few yéeres , hath gayned many Talents , by liuing well : for not many yéeres and dayes make a long life , but a liuely minde , he liueth not that thinketh on nothing but how to liue , he that hath nothing in his life more pleasant then this A miserable life . mortall life , can neuer in his life imbrace vertue . Many times therefore , he that liued long , hath liued but a while , because he liued not well : And many times , he that liued well , hath no long life ( to wit in this world ) full ill liue they that thinke to liue alway . Let vs not alwaies be beginning to liue well , for he liues ill , who is alwayes beginning to liue well . Oh , beléeue me ▪ many haue ceased to liue , before they euer began to liue : therefore let vs diligently consider , not so much how long , but in what manner wee haue liued : for not to liue , but to liue wel is better .

Non est crede mihi sapientis dicere viuam , Sera nimis vita , est crastina , viue hodie . It is no wise mans part to say , To morrow I will lyue : To morrows life may come too late , Yf God no life doe giue ,

Therefore Oh man to know and liue , begin , goe not backward but proceede . There is a mark set thée , euen eternal life in heauen , the chiefe perpetual happines . 1 Marke . Choose the better part with Mary : Lay vp treasure in heauen , wher rust nor moth corrupteth Math , 6 not , nor theeues can break through nor steale . And God shall giue to thee ouer Apoc. comming , to eate of the tree of life , which is in the middest of the Paradice of God .

This is the marke of life . This is true life , striue to this , from hence is banished all ill , héere aboundeth all good .

Héere shalt thou rest againe from thy Còmodities in the ende . labours , being deliuered from all euills : God shall wipe al teares from thine eyes , there shall be no more death nor mourning , nor cry , nor sorrow .

2 Héere shalt thou inioy the most pleasant company of thy God , thy creator , conseruer , Redéemer , sanctifier , whom beholding face to face , thou shalt rest in his ioy , who shal be all in all vnto thée . Thou Cor. 13 shalt be with Christ , the fayrest among Iohn : 12 men , and shalt see his glory which the father hath giuen him .

3 Héere shalt thou beare the Image of the heauenly man , and with open face 2 Cor. 3. thou shalt behold the glory of God , and shalt be transformed into the same Image from glory to glory : There , that which is perfect commeth in place : and that 1 Cor. 13 Math. 13. Luk 20 1 Iohn . 3. which is vnperfect shal be abolished , and thou shalt know , euen as thou art knowne . Thou shalt shine as the sunne in the kingdome of God the Father : Thou shalt be as the Angels of God , and as the sonnes of God are . Thou shalt be like to God who appeareth vnto thee .

4 Heere shalt thou be gathered to the company of the holy Angels , and to the Heb 12 Congregation of the faithfull , who are recorded in heauen , where is mutuall knowledge , perfect loue , perpetuall praising of God . 1. Pet. 3.

5 Héere thou shalt be replenished with al ioy without tediousnesse , in an heritage immortall , vndefiled , incorruptible . To those that loue him , God hath prepared 1 Cor. 2. such ioyes as the eye hath not seene , the eare hath not heard , neither the hart can conceiue in the heauenly Paradice .

2 The way to this marke is laid open to The way to the marke . Ioh. 14. Ibid. 6. Act. 14 , vs . First our Sauiour Christ saith : I am the way the truth and the life ; next it is said by him , Euery one that seeth the sonne and beleeueth in him hath Eternall life : and thirdly , by many tribulations must we enter into the Kingdome of Heauen .

Therfore Christ is the way , we must enter by faith , we must walke through tribulations , For straight & narrow is the Matth. 7 way that leadeth to life .

This way of life to the iust is good , holy , right , immaculat , elect , It is vnknowne What manner of way to mans reason , few enter , into it , there are few walkers among so many talkers , and vnpleasant and difficult is it to the flesh , because of the companions that accompany the Travellers , euen the crosse , and deniall of our selues .

Yet this is the way which God hath set before vs , which is pleasing to him , wherin he directeth vs , and which leadeth to him :

3 This way is to be learned out of the Where this way is to be learned . holy Scriptures rightly vnderstood , by the illumination and schooling of the holy Ghost , confirmed by vse , and frequente meditation : till by experience we féele the Spirit of God to worke in our hearts and by practise wée perceiue a chéerfulnes to walke in the waye of Godlinesse .

The first member . Incipe beginne . Ierem , 6

Enter O man the way of life and looke diligently about thée , where that way is , and walke in it . Beginne , the marke is life , there is a way that leades vnto it , set thy longing to attaine to thy heauenly father , from whom thou art declined after the world and the Deuill . The first entry by conuersion . Conuersion in 2. pointes . 1 Acursion from euill .

Make thy beginning or entry by conuersion : let thy conuersion be , by auersion or turning away from euill , euen the worst euill , and by a reuersion or returne to good , euen the best good .

Turne away therefore from euil , euen the worst euill , which is sinne , and turne Ierem 25. vnto good , the best good , who is God .

Let euery man turne away from his wicked way , and from his vngodly desire , Motiues to turne from sinne . Alienation from god . Consider O thou sinner , thy miserable estate whiles thou art yet in thy sinn .

1 Thy sinne doth turne thée from God , and God from thée , whom it greuously offendeth and maketh thée his vtter enemy Now what can be more grieuous , then to haue and feele , God to be thine Enemie .

2 Thou becommest worthy by thy sinne to be forsaken of God , and after a sort to Depriuation of graces . be brought to nothing , being brought to extreame beggery of the Spirit , to wit , being depriued of Gods grace and glory : To be without the chiefe Ens and good is either to be miserable , or else to be nothing at all .

3 Thy sinne maketh thée of a man , a friend to the Deuill , yea his seruant and Consorting or seruing of the Diuell . slaue , and the heyre of hel fire . Every man by sinning selleth his owne soule to the Deuill , taking the sweetnes of temporall pleasures as a price for it : Againe on the other side also thou driuest away from thée As much as in thee lieth . by sinning : the good Angell thy kéeper .

4 Sinne is a most filthy thing as the scripture setteth it out : like mire wherein The filthines of sinne . swine wallow : like dreggs , rottennes corruption , leprocie . Behold the prodigal Luke 15. sonne wallowed in the mire of Luxury , at the last liuing among an heard of Swine Looke also if thy soule stinke not by the putrifaction and corruption of the wounds of thy sinnes .

5 If thou wax olde in thy sinne , O thou Custome of sinne daungerous least impatienie follow . sinner it will exercise a great Tirannye ouer thée by custome , and by custome of sinn , Satan , so that thou shalt not repent , though thou sometimes desire to repent , For sinne is barbarous and exerciseth tiranny ouer the Soule that is once taken captiue , to the ruine of th●se that receiue it : chrysostom I confesse I sighed not being bound with yron chaines , but with mine own yron wil , mine August lib : 8 : enemie had possessed my will , and had of it made a chaine for me , and had bound me fast : I strugled with my selfe and was ouerthrowne of my selfe .

6 Whilest thou continuest in sin thou dost sustein the gyft of eternall punishment that is , thou art , depriued perpetually of the Eternall punishments vision or sight of God and art tormented with euerlasting paine of most ardent fire . Epilogus -

Call to minde therefore with me the miserable state of a Sinner : thou art Gods enemy , depriued of gods grace : most beggerly , most filthy , a slaue to the Diuell , vnder the tirrany both of Sinne , and Satan : an heyre of Hell , Turne therefore from this worst euill .

But that thou maist conuert , by turning from euill , and returning to God , Gods helpe to be craued thou hadst néede of the help of Gods grace to preuent , accompany , and follow thée , For it is God that giueth Repentance by Grace threefolde . 2. Tim 2. the knowledge of the Truth , that wee may recouer out of the snares of the Diuell who are holden Captiue at his will ; It is God that worketh in vs both to wil Phillip. 2. and to performe Say therefore with ioying : Conuert me O Lorde and I shal be Ierom. 31. de voc gent Lib. 2. The working of gods grace . conuerted : after thou didst turne mee I repented . The grace of God saieth Prosper is aboue all iustifications or instructions , perswading : by exhortations , warning by examples : terrefieng by dangers , inticing by miracles , guiding by vnderstanding , inspiring by counsel , illuminating the hart it selfe , and induing it with affections of faith .

Now the grace of God in turning man from sinne vseth two meanes . Two means of Auersion from sinne .

First the knowledge of sinne . Next the Consternation of the minde .

Thou maist come to the knowledge of thy sinne by the Lawe of God . For by the Lawe is the knowledge of Sinne : For the Lawe is the rule of righteousnesse shewing what is iust , and what is vniust . 1 The knowledge of sin Rom. 3. Whatsoeuer therefore is either in vs , or is done by vs , which is not agreeable to the rule of Gods Lawe , that same is sinne By this rule try both thy Internal and Externall actions , and thereby iudge of thy life . And that thou be not deceiued in the vse of this rule . Obserue these two things

Whatsoeuer is contrary to the Law of God and our neigbour , is forbiden by 1 Two Rules whereby to know sinne . the Law of God , and is repugnant to the rule of iustice . And contrariwise whatsoeuer agréeth with the Law of God , and our neighbour , is commanded by the Law of God , and consonant to the rule of iustice : Although by expresse wordes it seeme to be neither commanded , nor forbidden .

The Lawe is spirituall requiring a pure , perfect , spirituall , and perpetuall obedience : whereby thou maist vnderstand that al men are guilty before Gods tribunall , as transgressors of his holye Lawe , Thus then thou wilt acknowledge thy selfe a Sinner

2 Then learne to know how Sinne is conceaued and fashioned in the hart , and How Sinne is conceaued afterward brought forth in worke .

1 Foure manner of waies sinne is conceaued and framed in the hart , by Suggestion , In the hart foure waies . delectation , consent , and defence .

The Suggestion is wrought by the aduersary : delectation by the flesh : consent by the will , bould defence by pride : whiles the fault which ought to terrifie the minde , doth lift it vp , but the more it swelleth , the more it supplanteth it .

2 Foure manner of waies also is sinne performed in worke : First we are ashamed In worke foure waies . to sinne openly : After a while we can let our faults be knowne without blushing : Héerevpon sinne groweth to a custome ; and at the last it is confirmed , eyther by a false hope of mercy , or by a desperate feare of misery .

Finally , learne to know the haynousnesse of sinne : for sinne is an iniury offred The hainosnes of sinne by the sinner to God : A contempt of his high Maiestie , while we despise his will preferring the loue of our selues and the creaturs : Sinne is a most heauy burden depressing a man in the basest manner , and casting him headlong except he repent from one wickednesse to another : Submitting him to the Tiranye of the diuell , and last of all throwing him down to Damnation .

This mischiefe was so vnrecouerable by any humane wisedome , vertue and Aremedie , strength : that it was necessary that the Sonne of God should become man to be Crucified and die that we might be deliuered from it .

2 After the knowledge of sinne , followeth Consternation or compunction . Two fould . Psal. 88. a consternation or casting down of the minde sorrowing for the sinnes committed , and trembling at the wrath of God and punishments due for sinne : heareof thou shalt say with Dauid . Thy wraths are gone ouer mee and thy terrours haue troubled me , And againe : Mine iniquities are risen aboue my head and are like a Psal. 38. sore burthen to heauy for mee to beare .

This consternation or sorrow or sense of Gods wrath wil be stirred vp the more How it is stirred vp . in thee , Yf thou thinke on the Lawe giuen to our first parents in Paradice : In what day so euer thou shalt eat of this tree Gen. 2. thou shalt die he death , If thou call to mind that Thundering of God in mount Sinai : Cursed is he that abideth not in all things which are written in the Lawe to doe it .

If thou looke to the hand writing of thy Conscience , testifieng of thine owne hart , both the sinne and sentence of damnation pronounced by God .

If thou view the signes of gods wrath : whether thretned or executed , as plague , famine , sword , &c. or such as prognosticate punishment iminent or neare hand .

Heereof riseth feare and and sorrow .

Feare is thrée fould as Bernard saith : Two effects of the Law Feare to be depriued of the grace of God : Feare to be excluded from the vision or 1 Feare three fould . sight of God ; and feare to to be tormented in hell .

This feare doth Bernard stirre vp in his owne hart in this wise : Way well How it is stitred vp . Bern : in Cant 16 Oh my soule what a fearefull and horrible thing it is to haue contemned thy maker , to haue offended the Lorde of Maiestie

Maiestie is to be feared , Lord-ship is to be feared , especially such a Maiestie such a Lordship .

Hee euen he is to be feared , who after he An enumeration of terrible things al to be feared of impenitent sinners hath killed hath power to cast downe headlong in to Hell , I tremble at hell , I tremble at the Iudges countenance , which maye make euen the Angels & heauenly powers to tremble . I tremble at the wrath of his power , at the thought of the violent ruine of the World , at the flaming of the Elements , at the mighty tempests , at the voice of the Arch-angell , and the sharpe worde , I tremble at the teeth of the Infernall beast , at the belly of Hell , at the roaring beasts prepared for a pray : I am affraid of the gnawing worme , the scorching fier , the smoke , the vapour , the sulphur , the Spirit of stormes , the outward darknes : Who will giue water to my head , and a fountaine of teares to mine eyes , that I may preuent by teares , weeping wailing gnashing of teeth ? and hard manacles and fetters and weight of Cheynes , pressing downe , binding , burning and neuer consuming . Wo is me O my mother , why diddest thou beare me , a sonne of sorrow , bitternes , indignation , and eternall weeping ? 1 Sorrow two fould

2 Sorrow of compunction which ariseth out of the consideration of the heinousnes of sinne is two fould ,

1 The first sorrow is for the punishments Sorrow of punishments deserued , it is called worldly sorrow or a sorrow to death .

The efficient cause of this sorrow is 2. Cor: 7 Eficient cause . euen the holy ghost , who in this case is called the Spirit of Bondage to feare : who testifieth vnto vs our seruile and miserable estate while we are straungers Rom. ●pirit of bondage . from Christ , and therefore doth strike a feare and horror into vs .

Now the Instrument where●● the holy ghost doth worke this sorrow in our Instrument hearts is the preaching of the Lawe , the some whereof is comprised in this Sillogisme or reason : Cursed is euery one that abideth not in al thinges that are written in the Lawe to doe them ▪ From hence the conscience gathereth , but I haue not a bidden in them ( wherevpon it concludeth Ergo I am accursed .

Héerevpon ariseth that sorrow or rather horror of mind , not so much for sinne , which is in the assumption : as for the punishment of the Curse , which is in the conclusion .

This Terrour of the Lawe ( if the grace of the Gospell come not betweene ) would driue a man to desperation .

2 The second sorrow is for Sinne it Sorrow of offence . 2. Cor. 2. selfe , and for the Offences committed against God , it is called Godly sorrow , or a sorrow to Saluation .

The Efficient cause of this sorrow is Efficient cause . the holy Ghost : who in this case is called the Spirit of Adoption , whereby we cry Spirit of Adoption . Abba Father : This openeth our mouth , and enlargeth our hart to call God our Father and to call vpon him familiarly ,

Now the Instrument whereby the holy-Ghost doth worke this sorrow , or Instrument rather loue in our hearts , is the Preaching of the Gospell , the somme whereof is comprised in this Sillogisme or reason .

Hee that beleeueth shal obtaine remission A Sillogisme . of sinnes : shal be iustified , and saued : From hence the hart by Faith gathereth , but I beleeue ; Ergo I shall obtaine remission of my Sinnes , I shal be iustified and saued . In this conclusion , as their is matter of vnspeakable ioy ? So also there is in that same matter of sorrow , which is conceaued ( vpon the knowledge of Gods mercy ) for offending so mercifull a father .

Of this sorrow the same Bernard saith : Bernard When I bethink me how I haue offended my heauenly father , I haue good cause to be ashamed : Sorrow though I be not terrified : He hath voluntarily begotten me by the worde of Truth : Hee spared not his only begotten for me so begotten : So he hath shewed himselfe a Father to me , but I haue not againe shewed my selfe a Sonn to him : With what face do I now lift vp mine eies to behold so good a Father , being so bad a Sonne ? I am ashamed that I haue committed things vnworthy my begetting : Iam ashamed that I Or my kind haue liued so degenerate from such a father : O let mine eyes gush out with water : Let confusion couer my face : Let shame ouerwhelm my countenan e , & darknes possesse it : Let my life languish in sorrow , and my yeres in mourning , fie for shame : whatfruit Rom: 6 : had we of those things wherof we are now ashamed , If I haue sowne in the flesh I shal reape nothing of the flesh but corruption : if in the world that also passeth , & the lusts thereof , what ? I haue not beene ashamed wretched man to preferre transitory & vaine thinges , whose ende is death , before the loue and honor of my Eternall father : I am confounded , I am confounded to heare : If I be your Father , where is my honor . &c. Reuersion or returne to God . A descripti-of God . 2 Hauing turned from sin the worst euil return to God the best good , whom thou hast forsaken Take a view of God who calleth thee , to whom thou must haue recourse : He is Ens Compleat absolute of himselfe , the chéefest good , most simple , most perfect , & therfore diuine , Eternall before all things , in all things , after all things and in the highest degrée , within all things , not included without all things not excluded aboue all things , not lifted vp vnder all things not cast downe , to this Ens return thou .

Hee is the cheefe good , most actuall . most liberall , indefficient & perfect , in him all goodnes Essentially , and aboue all Excellency is found : from him all goodnes is deriued , to all creatures , without any diminution to himselfe : By cleauing vnto him by Faith and Charitie , all the Saints are made good and happy . whom by communion and participation of his goodnes , he doth fill , and as it were , make drunke with plentie . To this most excellent and most bountifull good , returne , that being deliuered from euill , thou maiest be made pertaker of good .

Now thou doest returne by Faith and How to remine . confidence of minde , wholy resting in the mercy of God the Father , through Iesus Christ and his merits .

This is a wonderful and supernaturall faculty of the hart , apprehending and receiuing of Christ , by the holy ghost , and applying him to our selues .

Heareof riseth an internall and effectuall An Internall perswasion perswasion , by the forcible working , or certification of the holy Spirit , concerning the mercy of God the Father in Christ . Verily , verily , I say vnto you : hee Ioh: 6. that beleeueth in mee hath Eternall life . Item beleeue in the Lorde Iesus , and thou Act: 16. Ephes: 3. Eph: 1. shalt be saued . Item , By Christ wee haue an entrance through confidence . Item : In whom yee haue hoped , after that yee hard the worde of Truth , euen the Gospell of Saluation : In whom after ye beleeued , yee were sealed with the holy spirit of promise . Item : Which spirit , testifieth to our spirit , Rom. 6. that wee are the sonnes of God .

But that this Faith which is the frée The practise of Faith . gift of God , and is not giuen : to euery one may arise in thy hart .

First thou shalt doe thy endeuour to The knowledge of the Gospell . attaine the knowledg of the Gospel by the illumination of the holy Ghost : My iust seruant by his knowledg shal iustefie many . Especially thou shalt labour , by an inward sence of thine owne wants , to consider the promises of the Gospell , whereby thou shalt giue an assent to the Gospell hard , that thou be not in that number , of whom it is saide : That the Worde hard , Heb. 4. did not profit them , because it was not ioyned with faith in them that hard it . For God would haue all men to be saued , and to come to the knowledge of the Truth .

Secondly , thou shalt conceiue Hope of pardon , whereby thou shalt beleeue , that Hope of pardon . thy sinne is pardonable , though it be not yet pardoned ▪ thou shalt say with the prodigal Luke 15. sonne : I wil arise and go to my Father , and wil say vnto him : Father I haue sinned against heauen , and against thee , neither am I worthy any more to be called thy sonne : make me as one of thy hyred seruants .

Thirdly thou shalt eagerly hunger and Hungring & thirsting for grace , thirst , for his grace , whieh is offred thee in Christ , and shalt earnestly begge : that He who is Alpha and Omega , the first and the last , will giue thee of the fountaine of liuing Water , freely , When thou art proceeded thus farre , Christ doth count thee happy . Blessed are they that hunger and Math. 5. thirst after righteousnes , for they shal be satisfied .

Fourthly thou shalt come to the throne Accesse to the throne of grace . Heb. 4. of grace , that by apprehending Christ , there thou maist finde mercy with the father . Now in this accesse thou shalt performe two things .

First thou shalt humbly , purely , and Confession of sinne . faithfully confesse thy sinnes , generally and in particular . Whervpon shal follow remission of them before God : According to that : I wil make my sinne knowne Psal: 32. vnto thee , and mine iniquitie will I not hide : I said I will confesse my defaults vnto thee O Lorde , and thou tookest awaye the punishments of my sinne . Say with the Prodigal sonn , Father I haue sinned against Luke 15. Heauen and against thee , neyther am I worthy any more to be called thy sonne .

Secondly , thou shalt intreat for pardon Intreating for pardon . Rom. 8. for thy sinnes , with grones that cannot be expressed , and that with continuance . In which case the spirit will helpe forward our infirmities : For we know not what to aske as we ought : but the spirit entreateth for vs .

Finally to conclude , a certaine and speciall perswasion , must be sensibly and effectually A certayne perswasion . imprinted in the hart , whereby the promises of the Gospell must be applyed to thy Faith , that Christ may speak inwardly to thy hart : Be of good comfort my Sonne , thy sinnes are forgiuen thée . Sée therefore O man , thou that returnest to God , that thou giue thine assent , vnto the Worde of God , and withstand doubting and distrust , and then by experience , thou shalt féele a sence of ioy and comfort .

A patterne of the practise of Dauids repentance

Dauid after his fall repenting , giues the first place to the knowledge of his Knowledge of sinne . sinne : Haue mercie ( saith he ) on me O God , after thy great mercie , And vpon Psal. 51. which Psalme Gregorie sayeth , I should despayre of the healing of my wound , If I did not presume of the omnipotencie of my Phisition : Let others seeke for small mercy that haue sinned ignorantly , I as I haue grieuously falne , so haue I greatly offended : But thou O omnipotent Phisition , dost both correct the contemners , and instruct the ignorant , and pardon the confessors . I doe know mine owne wickednesse , and my sinne is alwaies against mee : Here is present ( sayeth Gregorie ) the miserable Gregorye . man , let mercie also be at hand : I know my own miserie , if I did not acknowledge my selfe miserable , I should not labour in mourning .

1 I acknowledge that I haue sinned of Manifold acknowledgements mine owne accord , and wicked will , therefore I doe not hide mine vnrighteousnesse : I know from what I am falne and what I haue incurred , I know to whom I haue inthral'd my selfe by sinne , euen to the Diuell , the enemie of all goodnes , I know the blot that I haue gotten by sinne , and the filth wherewith I haue horriby defiled my selfe .

2 I acknowledge that I haue sinned against Manifould wayes against God . thée onely , and done euill before thée , against thee my Creator , whom I vnhappy creature haue not serued , but haue rather cleaued to the creature , then to the Creator , Against my Lorde , against whome , I as a most wicked seruant haue rebelled to obey thine enemye , against thée my Law giuer , whose will while I shoulde haue followed , I haue shamefully despised , and to satisfie my lust , I haue transgressed thy Lawes . Against thee my most louing Father , for whose innumerable benefits , I haue béene so long vnthankefull , yea with whose benefits beeing fatted and pampred , I haue kicked against thée my Father , and being forgetfull of thy loue , I haue preferred mine owne Loue , and the Loue of the Creatures before thée , Finally against thee my good God , most mightie , most iust , haue I sinned , whiles I haue departed from thée on whome I should wholy haue depended , and in whome onely as my ende I should haue rested .

2 After the knowledge of sinne , came A consternation . Psal : 6. a feare or consternation of his mind , which did inuade his minde : Lorde sayeth he rebuke me not in thy fury , neyther chasten me in thy wrath .

3 Héere vpon a great sorrow possessed Sorrow for sinne . Ps : 38 his hart , Mine iniquities are gone ouer my head , and are like asore burthen to heauy for mee to beare : my wounds are putrified and corrupt through my foolishnesse , I am racked and vexed exceedingly , my hart panteth , my strength hath Ps: 51. forsaken me , &c but an humble and contrite hart thou wilt not despise . Hope of pardon psal : 6.

4 Hope of pardon succéedeth : Turne thee O Lorde and deliuer my soule , saue mee for thy mercie sake : because in death no man remembreth thee , and in Hell who will confesse thee : : As my soule , sayeth Gregorie , is turned to thee , by the storme of repentance , so turne thou to Gregorie , me , by the calme of mercy , and being turned to me deliuer my soule . And therefore Dauid saieth to his soule , why art Psal. 42 thou cast downe O my soule , and why frettest thou within me : Trust in God for I will yet praise him .

5 After hope of pardon Dauid communeth Faith . p●al 25. with God , and resteth in him , O my God in thee doe I trust , let me not be put to confusion : The Lorde is my saluation : In thee O Lorde doe I hope , let me neuer be confounded .

6 Out of this Faith breaketh out from Confession the soule , a confession watching to heauen : I said I will confesse my sinnes vnto the Psal: 32. Lord , and thou tookest away the punishment of my sinne . My sorrow is euer Psal. 38. in my sight , for I will open my iniquitye before thee , and bee carefull for my sinne .

7 A purpose of amendment of life followeth : Purpose of Amendment Psal : 6. Psa: 39. Depart from mee , all yee that worke iniquitie : For the Lord hath heard the voyce of my weepin● : I saide I will take heede to my waies , that I offend not in my tongue .

8 Finally he reioyceth , with an inward Inward ioy and peace . Psal: 103. sense of ioy and peace : Praise the Lorde O my soule , and forget not all his benefits , who forgiueth all thine iniquities , and healeth all thy diseases , he will not alway be striuing or chiding , neither keepeth in his anger for euer , &c. Returne into thy rest O my soule , because God hath beene bountifull to thee .

Thus doe we depart from euill , not Counersion not without greefe without a sorrow of euill : that is wee are sorry wee haue béene euill : neyther doe we approach to good as to God , without Faith in him : For hee that will come to Heb. 11. God must beleeue that God is .

Now this departing from euill , and approaching to good , imports a certaine Conuersion imports a change , vnde , et alio . Threefould chaunge , which hath two tearmes or bondes , vz: from whence , and whether .

This chaunge is in the minde , will and harte .

An the minde there is a change of the 1 In the mind Iudgement and counsell The minde disaloweth the euill that is done , and alloweth the good that is to be done . 2 In the will .

In the will the chaunge is on this wise , the will refuseth the euill , which hetherto it committed , or at the least way declineth from it , and chooseth hereafter the good that is to be done , or enclineth to it .

In the hart the change is thus wrought : 3 In the hart . The hart hateth and detesteth the euill hitherto done , and loueth and pursueth the good hereafter to be done .

Cease therefore to doe euill and learne Conclusion Esai. 1. psal 34. Rom. 13. or else study to do well : or depart from euil , and doe good : Item : Cast away the works of darknes and put on the armour of light : Item : Walke in the spirit , and fulfill not the lusts of the flesh : Item : Put yee one the Lord Iesus Christ , and make not prouision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof , And Christ himselfe saieth , deny thy selfe and take vpp thy Crosse and follow me .

Beginne therefore , being turned from euill and returned to good , to bring forth Fruits of Conuersion fruites worthy of amendment of life , and apply thy selfe to the study of holinesse or new obedience .

1 Thou art bound as a creature to the Obligations between God & us . Creator , I wish thee often to pay the debt of gratitude .

2 Thou art bound as a seruant to his lord . If I be your Lord , where is my feare .

3 Thou art bound as a childe to his Father , thou art a child by creation , and regeneration , reuerence therefore Almightye God as thy best Father .

4 Thou art bound as a client to thy benefactor , the benefits of God towards thée are exceeding great , therefore exceeding great thankes are due to him . What fruites .

Beginne therefore to shew thy good life , and obedience to God , in louing God and thy neighbour .

1 The loue of God is conceaued in thée , by the knowledge and consideration of The loue of God . the fatherly affection , of God towards thee : It is brought forth by a confidence in Christ : it groweth by the spirit of faith : it is strengthned by the cogitation of the heape of Gods benefits , both corporal and spirituall : it appeareth in our obedience vnder the Crosse and holinesse of life .

2 The loue of our neighbour is brought forth and maintained , by the loue of God , The loue of our neighbour 1 Iohn . by the commandement of God , by the bonde of nature and grace , Hee that sayeth he loueth God and yet hateth his Brother , is a lyar , and the loue of God is not in him .

But beginne the holy study , of eyther loue , to testifie , that thou art turned from The end of godlines . sinne and returned to God : that thou hast renounced Satan , that thou hast submitted thy selfe to God , that thou art a companion of the most chaste spirits in heauen : That thou art a fellow of all that feare gods name on earth : That thou art the Temple of the holy Ghost : wherein whole burnt Offringes and incense is offred , and the hornes of the Alter are decked with boughs , & flowers of obedience .

Beginne to day deferre not , make no long Dangers . of delay Vncerteinty of life . delayes , for feare of these dangers insuing .

1 Meditate with thy selfe , the vncertaintie of thy life . Surely thou must watch and pray , for thou knowst not , either the day or hower , wherein the Lord will come : take heede thou be not ouertaken by gods iudgement at vnawares . Heaping of sinne is tresuring of wrath . Rom: 2.

2 Know thou the by dangerous delay , the tresure of many sins , of gods wrath & grieuous punishments , is gathered together .

Thou by thy hardnes , and hart that cannot repent , doste treasure vp to thy selfe wrath , against the daye of wrath , and declaration of the iudgement of God The angels griefe . Luke 15

3 Be thou affraid to offend the holy Angels : who verily reioyce at the repentance of sinners euen as doubtles they sorrow at their securitie in heaping sinne vpon sinne . Induration by alienation from God .

4 Call to mind the dangerous alienation from God , which is procured by daily encrease of sin : way moreouer , with a secret ● serious consideration , in thy soule , the induration that wil follow , for the longer thou deferrest thy conuersion , the harder it will be : A young man walking after his owne way . when he is olde will not depart Prouerb 22 from it . Thou knowest thy saying : Late repentance is seldome true Repentance

5 As much as in thée lieth , take héed of an An euill Conscience euill conscience , which custome and continuance in sinne , doth breed and nourish : There is no greefe bitterer then a gnawing Conscience .

6 The longer thou stickest in thine old Depriuation of Grace . sinne , the longer thou art depriued of the sweet ioy of the holy ghost , and spirituall consolations .

7 Thou shalt encrease the ioy , and Satans Ioye pleasure of Satan thy enemie , by drawing after thee along corde of inueterate or old gr●wen sinnes , Thinke it a true saying : Sinnes are the delights and dainties of the Diuell . Examples Tragicall .

8 Finally view the Tragicall endes of all such as haue euer drawne along the day of there Conuersion : Call to remembrance the horrible destruction of the olde world the Sodomites . Egiptians , & Iewes , The Churches of the East , and other that were impenitent Be not flack Syrach . therfore turne vnto the Lord , and put not off from day to day thy conuersion : for sodenly shall his wrath come , and in the time of vengeance he will Ierom. to Cilantius . destroy thee . Too long custome of sin makes the way of vertue , rough and vnpleasant .

After any vice , saith Bernard , is confirmed Bernard . by many yeares custome , a particular , and as it were a miraculous assistance of Gods grace , as needfull for the ouercomming and rooting out thereof . A question to a secure sinner . Both waies catching . The same Bernard saith ; Thou that makest so vnequal a reckoning with thy selfe , perseuering in thy euil & vngodly life , tell me : Doest thou belieue that the Lord thy God will pardon thy sinnes , or doest thou not beleeue ? If thou beleeue that thou shalt finde no place for pardon , what greater folly can there be ; then to sinne without hope of pardon ? But if thou thinke that hee is good , gentle , and mercifull : who although he haue bin offended , yet he is readie alwaies to pardon thy sinnes : Tell me I pray thee , what greater frowardnesse can there be , then to take occasion to offend him the more , whom there is cause thou shouldest loue the more . And S. Augustine , we must preuent Augustin the day , which is wont to preuent vs . And the same . He that is first forsaken of his sinnes , before he himselfe doe forsake them : is not freely condemned , but as it were of necessitie : late repentance deceiueth many . And Ambros . Not to sin is onely proper to God , Ambrose but it is the part of a wise man , to amend and correct his error , and to repent him of his sinne . And Cassiodorus : A mischiefe , the longer it continueth , the more it encreaseth , but a speedy correction of sinne , is a curable good . And Saint Augustin . Though God haue promised pardon to him that repenteth , yet he hath not promised leisure to liue till tomorrow , to him that sinneth .

The second member . Nedifice . Faint not : neither goe backward .

THou knowest & hast found the way of life , thou art entred into it , walke in it with thankesgiuing . No man , Transition by onely knowledge of the way , hath attained to the end , except he also walke in it . Thou art entred the way , hold on thy purposed course , approach euery day chéerefully to thy GOD , by faith in heart , by studie of godlinesse , by true loue ; depart further daily from Sathan , the world , and thy selfe . But in fleeing , beware of vanitie and inconstancie , that thou faint not , or goe backward . Thy repentance , and thy life , are determined Repentance and life , one end . August . by the same ends : for the whole life of a Christian man , is a continual exercise of repentance . The action of the second repentance ( which followeth the first ) through our whole life , which wee lead in this mortal flesh , must be vndertaken with perpetual supplication , of humilitie , 1. because no man desireth , the eternall , incorruptible & immortall life , except he repent him of this temporal , corruptible , & mortal life . Secondly , howsoeuer euery man doth glory , that he hath tamed his body , so y● being crucified to the world , hee doth chastice his members from all euill workes , hauing brought them in subiection : yet let him vnderstand , that all these thinges are giuen him , he hath them not of himselfe : Not onely therefore because of our very mutabilitie & ignorance , and for the malice of the day : but also because of the very contagious dust of this world , we ought to repent vs daily .

Here therefore is néede of a continuall Mortification & vivification . Mortification of the flesh , and vivification or quickning of the spirit : Faint not , beare it out , and bée stout , thy labour will one day auaile thée .

The greater thou art , the more laborious The greater , the greater conflicts . shalt thou be : being deliuered from Sathan , and made the sonne of the highest , thou hast gotten an high pitch of glory : thou shalt therefore haue the greater conflicts with labour and dangers . Nothing Alexander was more Kingly in Alexander , than his labour . And to thée being a great Kings sonne , now reconciled to thy father , nothing ought to be more glorious , then this spirituall labour . Life ( life I say eternall ) giues nothing to men without great labour : no man attaineth to the highest without labour . Sometimes thou Preoccupation . shalt be in danger , what then ? he that attempteth great matters shall be in danger : and great things will be enterprised with great perills , and the greatest good things , are not without some great euils : Spare not therefore to bestow thy labour , though there be danger , where honor and reward are to be hoped for : But be wise : A minde that knowes how to feare , knowes how to aduenture warily , be well aduised of the danger , and thou shalt be wary to auoide it . Two branches .

Here two things are to be done , We must resist Temptation . We must take héede of Relapse . When thou art entred the iourney of Temptations . Christian Pietie and Charitie , thou shalt not be frée from temptations : But take a good courage .

1. For God to whom thou art returned Causes of temptations . God and why . will trye his new souldier : But God would neuer suffer thée to be shaken in the siue of temptations , were it not for his owne greater glory , and thy greater profit , who art tempted : Both that thou mightest be stirred vp to desire the rest of our celestiall countrey , and be drawne away from the loue of this present world : & also that thou mightest knowe , from whence strength to resist is ministred vnto thée . Here thou must haue these aides in a readines .

First , be feruent in praier , that thou maist Aydes . Praier . Psal . 6. Hope . say with Dauid : Let thy hand now cease : Item ; Lord reproue me not in thy furie .

Secondly , stir vp thy hope of Gods mercie , for he that now chasteneth vs is our father : who therfore doth now shew himselfe a father , that he might not hereafter shewe himselfe a most seuere iudge : God 1. Cor. 10. is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that which you are able to beare , but will with the temptation giue succes that ye may be able to bear it .

Thirdly , let inuincible patience strengthen thée . Whereupon Bernard Patience . on the Psal. He that dwelleth , saith : Glorifie and beare Christ in your body : A Psalm. 9● . pleasant burthen , a sweete waight , a holsome farthel : though it seeme sometime to presse vs down , thogh it punch our sides , though it whip vs when we winch againe : though it pinch our chawes with bit and bridle , yet it doth very happily restraine vs . Be thou as a yoked Iumentum . or drawing beast , that thou maist say with Dauid , I am become as a beast vsed to the yoke . This similitude consisteth not in brutishnes , but in imitation of patience .

2. The diuell , an aduersary and a tempter , wil sift thée , and vexe thée , whom The diuel , and why . thou hast forsaken : He séeketh the ruine and destruction of thy soule , and by infinite engines and great force laboureth to ouerthrow thée : But resist and faint not .

Though he be most subtile : yet thou Aides . Subtile . that art a tender plant of God ( as Bernard speaketh ) not hauing as yet thy sences exercised to discerne good and euill : followe not the iudgement of thine owne heart , abound not in thine owne sence , least that craftie huntsman entrap thee , being vnwary . Humble thy selfe vnder the mightie hand of God , take counsel of the holy Scriptures : hear the aduise of holy men , who knowe better the wiles of that hunter . Solicite God by prayers , and knocke at heauen gates .

Though hee be very strong , and as a roaring Lion : yet be thou armed with Strong . faith in Iesus Christ , whereby thou maiest daunt the force of Sathan , studie to leade a godly life , as much as thou canst , by Gods grace .

In all things , or aboue all , saith the Ephes. 6. Apostle , take the shield of faith , whereby ye may quench all the fiery darts of that wickedone . And S. Peter saith . Resist the diuel , being strong in faith . 1. Pet. 5.

Though hee be most cruell : yet since the triumph which Christ crucified got Cruell . ouer him , he is become most cowardish .

Resist the Diuel , saith Saint Iames , Iames. 5. and he wil flye from you : And Gregory . He is strong against them that consent to him : hee is weake against them that resist him : if consent be giuen to his suggestions , he is as a Lion : if he be resisted , he is as an Ante.

3. Oftentimes we our selues doe tempt Our selues . our selues , being domistical or priuie enemies to our selues , by our carnall lusts : Euery one , saith Saint Iames , is tempted , Iam. 2. when hee is drawne away by his owne concupiscence , and snared , as a fishe with a baite .

Against this inward enemie , thou must Aides . wage priuie war continually , & shake the weapons , by a daily deniall of thy euill affections , & wicked inclinations , which we perceiue in our selues : Let the purpose of thy mind be constant to follow good , detest inconstancy , idlenes , & slouth , with earnest endeuour , repunge the prickes of noysome cogitations , and delectations , assoone as they rise .

4 Without vs , in the filthy world , The world . many things doe offer themselues , which by some meanes containe in them something , which may allure thine appetite , and leade thée from right reason : yea , as Salomon saith ; The creatures of God , are many times as a snare , and as a trap to the feete of the vnwise . For the corrupt nature of man , as a spider , doth draw out of the sweete flowers of Gods good creatures a iouyce , which it turneth to poison .

But thou O man shalt get the victorie , Aides . if thou shunne or remooue all occasions of sinning . Bernard . The true note of compunction , is the fleeing of opportunities , and the withdrawing of occasions . O thou that art a Champion of Christs , if thou be wise , arme thy selfe with a most patient enduring of the temptation , when it is present , and with a Christian perseuerance in the conflict or encounter .

When thou art conuerted , & reconciled to God , & hast entred the path of pietie ; Speciall temptations . certaine special sēptatiōs wil assaile thée .

1. But let it not dismay thee , that after thou art reconciled , the memory of thy Remorse of sinne . former sinnes hath recourse , sharpely assaulting thy mind : Heare Dauid saying : My sinne is alway before mee . Heare Psal. 51. Saint Paule . I am not worthy to be called an Apostle , because I persecuted the Church of God . The remembrance of sinne , as it is sinne , is profitable : for thereby the force and weight of sinne , A profitable remembrance whereby God hath bin iniured and prouoked , is represented to the eyes of our mind : from whence arise a most holsome feare and sorrowe , from whence shame & blushing , as of a childe before so good a father from whence a loue is enflamed towards our louing or beninge God , who hath pardoned our sinnes . Heare worthy Dangerous-remembrance ? Augustine . Set not before thine eies the delectation of thy former sins : but set before thine eies the damnation of thy sinne : It is dangerous , when the filthy imaginations of sin , & impure fantasies haue recourse , & doe with importunitie thrust in them selues , for they shew , that the remnants of the old sores doe yet rest in that mans soule . Whereupon Bernard saith : Therefore our memorie must be purged from these , & this sinck must be thorowly scoured : Heare the Apostle S. Paul . This is a faithfull saying , and worthy by all meanes to be accepted . That Iesus Christ came to saue Comforts sinners , among whom I am the chief . Take therefore ( my brethren ) from the blessed Apostle this consolation and comfort , that the conscience of former sins , after we be returned to God , doe not ouermuch torment vs , but may onely humble vs , as it did him : I am the least of the Apostles , & am not worthy to be called an Apostle , because I persecuted the Church of God : Euen so let vs humble our selues vnder the mightie hand of God , and let vs haue trust , because we also haue obtained mercie .

2. Moreouer , this cogitation , not without Troubles of temptations . great danger , doth trouble thy mind , to wit : That while yet thou didst liue after thy owne wil , & gauest the rynes to thy appetites , thou didst not féele so many cares & troubles ( as in this state of grace , euen in the first entry of Christian pietie thou art sharpely shaken with . But when this Aides . cogitation comes to thy minde , heare what Christ doth cry to thine eares : He that will be my Disciple , let him denye himselfe , and take vp his crosse & follow me .

Nunquam bella pijs , numquam certamina desunt Et quocum certet , mens pia semper habet . The godly alwaies warriours are , To them are conflicts rife : The godly mind hath enemies , Who mooue continuall strife . vse of temptations .

There is great vse of temptation , which God will not haue thée to lacke : He that is not tempted , what knoweth he , saith the wise man ? All the Saints haue troden this path : wilt thou exempt thy selfe from this lot ? Christ himselfe the best beloued sonne of God , is the standard-bearer of this warrefare , whose steppes we must follow : He was in all things tempted like vnto vs . Heb. 4.

When thou wast called to a new life , thou wast not called to delights and pleasures , but to labours and temptations , to persecutions , yea if so the case required , to vndergoe death .

1. When this cogitation afflicteth thée , Aides . Sathan most busie to tempt in our conuersion . then thinke , that Sathan doth search all the corners of thy heart , to trie after thy conuersion how thou holdest friendship with God , with whom thou hast newly entred amitie , whether it be stable or wauering , hee hath no neede of this triall towards those , who are at vtter enmitie with God .

2. Thinke thou that Sathan will More busie with a convert , then with a wilful sinner . moue euery stoane ( as they say ) to remoue thée from godlinesse : but he hath no cause to set vpon a wilfull sinner in such sort : for he possesseth and vseth him , as he lists . Wherupon Chrisostome saith ; Satan doth euer assaile the first beginnings of good , he trieth the rudiments of vertue , hee hasteth to extinguish holy things in the first springing , knowing that he cannot subuert them when they are surely founded , or grounded .

3. Finally thinke thou , that the séedes Seedes of sinne lurking . of these temptations doe lurke , or lye hid within our selues ( for either being addicted to some peculiar vice , or being drawn away with the care of worldly businesse , they appeare not but when opportunitie serues , they lifte vp their heads : and bewray themselues , euen then , when we begin to liue to God .

3. Many times the way of Christian The way hard . life will terrifie thée , as being hard and rough for the flesh , saith Bernard , hitherto vntamed , doth not willingly suffer it selfe to be chasticed , & brought into bondage , but being as yet mindful of late lost libertie , doth more earnestly lust against the spirit . This temptation , saith he , is called Night feare . in the Psalme , The night feare , not night it selfe , because not euery affliction , which is signified by the night , but feare of affliction , is the temptation .

But to ouercome this cogitation of the Aydes . flesh , which by the helpe of Christ thou shalt . Thou must take paines in the way of godlines and charitie : for the way of vertue is hard : it will not be gotten , but by enduring euery hard and rough thing , sorrow , yea infamy , if néed be . Haue not the Heathen who knew not Christ learned this by natures direction . Difficilia , qua pulchra . Beautifull or excellent things are hard to be attained . Nature it selfe hath proposed or set many difficulties before things of estimation : vertues are wrapped vp in labours , and great expences , that thou shouldest get to them by many difficulties : Carefull labours , or laborsome cares , prepare the way to the attaining of faire and honest things . Thou hast striuen to enter at the narrow gate , procéede in the way , giue not thou place to euill , but throng on more boldly . Pray and take paines , and thou shalt ouercome all difficulties : Labor improbus omnia vincit : vntired labour doth ouercome al : But nothing is so easie , that seemes not hard , if we goe about it with an ill will : we clime to honour by vertue : nature hath placed nothing so high , whither vertue cannot reach .

They are deceiued with the error of a Vertue hath her delights . false opinion , that think , that a godly life is ful of trouble , labour , & paine : so that it is altogether voide of swéetnesse & pleasure : when as vertue is not without delight , & Christs yoke is swéet , & his burthen light : Let vs heare Dauids experience : I haue delighted as much in thy testimonies , as in al maner of riches . Item . The iudgements . Psalm. 9. of the lord are to be desired , aboue gold & precious stones , sweeter than the hony & the hony comb . God himself in his couenant promiseth present helpe . I wil giue them a new heart , and a new spirit will Gods aide promised . I settle in their bowels , and I wil take away their stonie heart , and giue them ● fleshie heart , that they may walke in my precepts , and keepe my iudgements , and doe them , that they may bee my people , and I may be their God . He therefore , who is true and mightie , will bring it to passe , that thou maiest say with the Apostle : Our old man is crucified with Christ , that the body of sin might be destroied , that wee might no more serue sinne : Feare not , saith Esay , because Esay . 40. I am with thee : shrinke not , because I am thy God , I haue strengthened thee , and haue helped thee , and sustained thee , by my right hand . Behold , all they that striue against thee , shal be confounded , brought to shame , and bee as though they were not , &c. I am thy Lord God ; who take thee by the hand , saying vnto thee : Feare not , I haue holpen thee .

When Iesus our Sauiour commeth : And euery valley is exalted , and euery mountaine and hill is humbled , and the rough waies are made plaine : That which thou canst not , that shall the holy Ghost aboundantly performe , in thée : The Lord thy God shall circumcise Deut. 30. thy heart , and the heart of thy seed , that thou maist loue the Lord thy God with all thy hart , and with all thy soule , that thou maiest liue . Say with Saint Augustine , Lord giue that thou biddest , and bid what thou wilt : Be carefull to kéepe the loue of God , and that wil Loue endureth many troubles . make thée to swallow al troubles without paine . For this is the loue of God , that wee keepe his commandements , and his commandements are not burthensome : for all that is borne of God , ouercommeth the world . And Saint Augustine . He that loueth , laboureth not , for all labour is contrary to them that loue not : onely loue it is that blusheth at the name of difficultie . Temptations of the world .

4. The world also , either with his glory , and brauerie , will allure thée to loue it ; or by his contempt and embacing will discourage thee , when thou art entred into the way of pietie , and charitie : or will strike into thee a certaine ( I know not how to call it ) impudent shame to professe the truth . No small impediments in the way of godlines . But learne with me O Christian .

Spernere mū●ū , spernere nullum , spernere to met , Spernere te sperni disce , beatus eris . Despise the world , despise no man , Except thy selfe perdee : Learne to despise , to be despisde , So shalt thou happie bee .

Consider with me , I pray you , how Aydes against worldly felicitie . short and transitorie the felicitie of this world is : How many and great miseries are mingled with worldly delights : How many and great dangers and snares lye in their way , that walk through the parching heate of this world . Consider the horrible blindnes and Egyptian darknes of worldings . Looke on the world , & thou shalt looke on a filthy dunghill of sin and vncleannes . Looke on the world , and thou shalt looke into a shoppe of fraude and deceits , yea into the house of death .

Contemne therefore the contempt of this world : which being despised , despiseth thee : but thou shalt be commended of him , that is most to be commended , euen of God , from whom all true praise procéedeth .

But if thou bee ashamed of the truth ; Aydes against shaming at truth . and blushest at the waies of Gods holy Commandements : Remember O man , remember , that thou must shortly dye , and be presented before Christ : how great shame shalt thou then be couered with ? If Christ were not ashamed to hang naked on the Crosse for thee , why art thou ashamed to kéepe Christs sayings ? So many thousands men & women , haue powred out their blood with their life for Christs sake , and art thou ashamed for loue of him to doe any good ? What wilt thou say in the day of the last iudgement ? what will he thy shame ? what confusion of face ? If thou be ashamed to doe well , thou shamest to bee a Christian : what shame can be more shameful ▪ Thou knowest what Christ saith : He that is ashamed of me before men , of him will I be ashamed before my father , & all his Angels , Thou knowest also that of the Apostle : If I endeuoured to please men , I should not bee the seruant of Christ . And one saith : Why doest thou respect men ? why doest thou delay to doe those things which are acceptable to God & good men ? Didst thou not promise in thy Baptisme to renounce the diuel and all The vow of Baptisme . his workes , and onely to loue God , into whose name & Godhead thou wast baptized . Shame therefore to doe the workes of the diuel , reioyce to doe the will of God : It is a shamefull madnes to blush at well doing , for the which we shall bee despised both in heauen and earth , and not to blush or be ashamed of euill doing which hath a curse following it , and punishment , both in this , and in the world to come . Thou art not ignorant of that saying of our Sauiour ; The seruant Luc. 12. knowing his Lords will , and not doing it , shall bee beaten with many stripes . What is it , I pray thée , that thou praiest daily , that Gods will might be done , and yet to please the world , thou doest it not ? Consider I pray thée , that it cannot be , By the world , vnderstand the wicked . that it should bee well with thée concerning God , and also concerning the world , that thou shouldest please God and the world . If other shuld laugh thée to scorne , whiles thou séekest for treasure , yet thou wouldest not desist from thy purpose for their scorning : why then doest thou giue ouer to séeke the treasure of diuine grace and glory ? Viewe one the one side , God , & and Paradise , which is the dwelling of the blessed , and on the other side the world , and the conuersation of worldlings , and tell me whether estate is more to be desired ? O how great ioy shalt thou be filled with ! when by death thou shalt depart hence , if for humane fauour or displeasure thou wert neuer hindred , or ashamed to liue to God .

2. Take heede of Relapse , that is , Relapse daungerous .

Fall not backe into thy former sins . The memory of thy life past , which before thy conuersion , thou didst leade ( as it séemed ) swéetly , in the fulfilling the lustes of the flesh , is wont to draw with it a certaine sadnes in the will , because thou perceiuest that thou art perpetually excluded from that pleasant life by thy conuersion to God .

But knowe thou , that this Relapse ( as they call it ) or falling backe into sicknesse is dangerous : Our Sauior Christ threatning vs : that of a man falling backe to Vnderstand , fal : or end . his old sinne , the last shall bee worse , than the first : And that in thrée sorts .

1. In respect of the diuel , who doth assault , the man lately deliuered from the In respect of the diuel . sinnes wherewith he held him in slauerie , more cruelly , he attendeth him : more watchfully , he inuadeth him : more sharply , as a praie recouered out of hie hands , or as a morsel snatched out of his Iawes : And not finding rest , he saith : I will returne into my house , whence I came out : And leadeth with him , seuen other spirits worse than himselfe . The man therefore relapsed in respect of Sathan , is in worse case than before he was .

2. In respect of God also , because such a sinner as a dogge to his vomite , In respect of God . or as a swine to her wallowing in the myre , is sooner forsaken of God : We haue healed Babilon ( saith the Lord by the Prophet ) but yet shee is not Ierem. 51 sound : Loe let vs leaue her . Item , Who will haue pittie on thee , O Ierusalem ? Ierem. 15 or , who will goe to intreat for thy peace ? for thou hast forsaken mee saith the LORD , thou art gone backward . And Christ saith to the man cured of the Palsie : Behold thou art made whole , sinne no Ioh. 5. more , least a worse thing happen vnto thee . Item , Thou vngratious seruant ; Mat. 12. I forgaue thee all that debt when thou desiredst me , shouldest not thou haue had compassion on thy fellow-seruant , euen , as I had pittie on thee ? And the Lord being wrath , deliuered him to the Iaylors , till hee should pay the whole debt . Ye knowe how it saide : Hee that loueth danger , shall perish in it .

3. In respect of the sinner himselfe , who often falleth backe into sinne , the last In respect of the sinner . is worse than the first , for sundry causes : First , because in euery sinne , there is a turning from God , by the transgression of the commandement , and a turning to the diuel , by the delight in sin . And out of this delight , by custome of sinne , are engendred euill habits , which make our returne to God hard : So that we get as the Prophet saith : A harlots forhead , Ierom. 3. that cannot blush . And Saint Augustine . Out of our peruerse will riseth lust , and while wee serue our lust , wee breede a custome : and while we resist not custome , it becomes a necessitie . And Solomon saith : The wicked when hee is come into the deepe , make light of it .

All other sinners doe warre against thrée enemies , but he that often falleth The three enemies . The Diuel , world , flesh . backe into sinne , must warre against a fourth enimie , to wit , custome , the hardest enemie among all .

Secondly , he that is reconciled to God , and is deliuered out of the power of darknesse , euen the diuel , and is restored to The fourth Custome . Sin in a Christian , more hainous than in an infidell . 2. Pet. 2. the frée libertie of the spirit , doth sinne more heinously by Relapse , than hée that is by nature a child of wrath , and liues in slauery to sinne , hauing neuer receiued faith , nor the grace of Christ . It had bin better for them not to haue known the way of righteousnesse , than after they haue knowne it , to fall backe from the holy Commandement which was giuen vnto them . And Basil . As the aire which is drawn in pestilent places , doth breed priuie diseases in the body ; so out of euill custome , many mischiefes arise , though they be not by and by felt and perceiued .

Thirdly , consider with mee , what a great indignitie is in this matter . For what can bee imagined more absurde , than euen now , to haue wept and mourned , An indignitie . and to haue entreated Gods infinite mercie , to obtaine remission of thy sinnes , and sodenly changing thy purpose to forget thy selfe , to set light by Gods grace , to renounce godlinesse , to bee clearely an other man , and to thinke otherwise , than eare-while thou wast , and desirest alway to be .

Fourthly , when we often fall backe Hard to obtaine . Gods fauour . to the same sinnes , it is an harder matter , ( no doubt ) to returne againe into Gods fauour , both because the iniurie is greater , and Gods displeasure iuster , and because we our selues haue hardned our hearts : and finally , because Sathans power and dominion ouer our soules is encreased : For this cause are wee Heb. 10. taught : That to those that sinne wilfully , after the knowledge of the truth receiued , there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sinne , but a fearefull expectation of iudgement and deuouring fire , which shall consume the aduersaries . But this place is rather vnderstood of Apostasie , and sinne against the holy Ghost .

Be not therefore negligent in auoiding Exhortation . such cogitations , as solicite thée to returne againe to thy old life : yea the more often and earnestly that they thrust themselues into thy mind , the more spéedily and strongly , let them be cast out . We must saith Ciprian , meete with the suggestions of the diuel , and not nourish a snake , till hee become a serpent : And Hierom. Kill thy enemie , while he is small , and dash iniquitie in peeces , euen in the seede . Be seruent in prayer , and often vse that prayer , which was so familiar to Saint Augustine . Da quod iubes , & iube quod vis , Giue ô Lord , that which thou biddest , and bid what thou wilt .

The third member . Profice : Goe forward , or proceede .

IT is the gift of God to procéede in the God the cause of profiting . Iere. 10. way of Saluation : For God giueth the encrease . I knowe O Lord , that the way of man , is not in his owne power , neither is it in man to correct his owne way .

Wee must therefore aske this gift of Praier the meanes . God , by prayer , in whose hand it is . And Dauid , Leade me O Lord in thy righteousnesse , because of mine enemies , make thy way plaine before my face . Wée must therefore pray : That according to the riches of his glory , hee will strengthen vs by his spirit , in our inward man , that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith , that we may be rooted and grounded in loue . Saying , Thy will be done O father , as in heauen by thy Angles ; so in earth , by vs .

Laying therefore aside , all malice , Exhortation . 1. Pet. 2. and al guile , and dissimulation , and enuy , and all backbiting , As new borne babes , reasonable , and without deceit , desire ye the milk of the word , that ye may grow thereby to saluation , if ye may tast how gracious the Lord is . And striue to enter in at the straite gate : Exercising thy 2. Tim. 4. selfe vnto godlinesse , which is profitable to all things , with great zeale and endeuour , taking vpon thee the yoke of Christ . Goe on in the way which thou hast entred : for the kingdome of heauen suffereth violence , and the violent catch it . Say vnto Sathan , that would drawe thée backe : Goe behind me Sathan , for thou art an offence vnto me .

The way of the righteous , procéedeth Prou 4. as a shining light , and groweth to a perfect day . Be not therfore wanting to the Heb. 12. Psal. 119. Not to profite . grace of God : but runne the way of Gods commandements . If to profit be to runne , saith Bernard , then thou ceasest to profit , when thou ceasest to runne : and when thou ceasest to runne , then thou beginnest to faint : Hereof wee may plainly gather , not to profit is nothing else but to fall away . The spirit must euer either profit or fall backe . And Augustine ; How much soeuer we liue here : how much soeuer we profite here : let no man say ; It sufficeth me , I am righteous : He that saith , I stay in the way ▪ cannot tell how to come to the end of the way ; And the same August . Goe forward my brethren , examine your selues alway , without fraud or flattery : dislike alwaies what thou art , if thou wilt attaine to what thou art not : for where thou pleasest thy selfe , there thou wilt stay .

Obserue diligently thy going forward . Foure things to be noted in profiting . In profiting , perswade thy selfe assuredly , that thou art daily beginning .

2. Be not discouraged if thou perceiue that thou hast not yet profited so much as thou couldest wish .

3. Let the purpose of thy race in profiting be God , & too God : Therefore in the beginning of euery action , first examine thy action diligently , and afterward , looke to the progresse & end of it . Then whatsoeuer humane praise might happen to thée , by thy wel doing , tread it vnder foot , in respect of the glory of God .

4. Looke to the patterne of all vertues , euen Iesus Christ : who is the sonne of righteousnesse , the light of the world , the way , the Truth , and the Life : Through patience runne to the marke : that is , set Heb. 4. before thee , looking to Iesus the captaine and finisher of thy faith : In all things grow in him . Eph. 4.

First and aboue all things , labour earnestly to subdue thy self , and to flée vices ; then follow vertue , and séeke after righteousnesse . These things are to be obserued generally : now of things specially , wherin we ought to profit or goe forward .

First , in denying vnrighteousnesse . Two branches . Secondly , in attaining righteousnesse .

1. Touching the abnegation or deniall of vnrighteousnesse .

Thou shalt denie vnrighteousnesse , if thou deny thy selfe , and mortifie the flesh .

Thou shalt deny thy selfe , and mortifie the flesh , if thou first foresée that thou sin not , and after sinning , that thou spéedily repent , and beware not to commit the like sinne .

Now among sinnes .

Some are lighter , and Two sorts of sinnes .

Some more greeuous .

Let vs make our beginning , by shunning and declining , the lighter sinnes . Surely all sin offendeth the Maiestie of God , and maketh the sinner guiltie of eternall death ; but it is euident that there All sinnes offend God . Lighter sins to bee subdued . are certaine degrées of sinnes , and one sinne is more heynons than an other : Hee therefore that will profit , must make his beginning by subduing the lighter sinnes .

Though they séeme of small account , yet I would wish thée , not to make small account of them . For remember :

1. All sinne whether great or smal , doth Manifold inconueniences . wrap thée within punishment , because it is a breach of Gods commmaundement .

2. They defile the soule with their contagion : They doe so deface our beautie , saith Augustine , That they seperate vs from the most chast embracings of our Spouse , who is more beautiful than the children of men .

3. As water quencheth flaming fire , so doe they diminish the seruer of Charitie . They weaken the faculties of the mind in the exercise of holy vertues : as a loade laide on an horse , maketh him goe the slower .

4. They hinder our owne glory by hurting Gods glory , and doe abate the blessing of our eternall glory .

5. They dispose or prepare a man to greater sinnes : and barre vp the way from receiuing newe graces : They hinder the true deuotion of holy prayers to God , and are an impediment to our progresse in a spirituall life .

6. They spoile vs of many heauenly graces . And as théeues , who pilfer many A Similie . small things by little and little , are not of long time perceiued , because the things are of small value : yet in the end the theft is perceiued , when the owner perceiueth that he wanteth many things . So doe these pilfering sinnes by litle and little bereaue vs of many graces .

7. They weaken the soule , and make it apt to fall into all euill infirmities : And though they séeme to be but small hurts , yet are they not to be neglected , but spéedily to be healed .

8. They are as dust , or as a cloud before the eyes , which hinder the sight , so that wee cannot chéerefully behold God , nor purely loue him .

Hee therefore that despiseth small Ecclese . 19 Eph. 4. things , shal decay by little & litle , saith the Preacher . Grieue ye not the holy spirit , saith the Apostle . And Saint Augustine ;

Despise not small sinnes : though thou Small sinnes to be despised . Similes make light account of them , yet be afraide at least , when thou numbrest them . And the same . No sinne is so smal , that by contempt becomes not great . For the sea sands , though they be very litle , and so likewise the drops of water : yet being multiplied , growe to great flouds , and doe much harme : and the water that leaketh into the shippe will at the length sinke it . The same . There is no sinne so small , that is not able to destroy a man , if hee take pleasure in it . And Hierom. Way not how little thy sinnes are , but how great God is , who is displeased with thee .

Therefore O man . What is to be done to auoyde small sinnes .

1. Search diligently , and daily , all the starting holes of thy conscience , & striue continually against euery sinne , be it neuer so smal : by new repentance & , exercise of faith , we ought daily to cure our maladies , not onely by acknowledging our sins , but also by searching the root of them .

2. Call to remembrance otherwhiles , that sinnes , otherwise small , in a man endued with great graces , are recokned to be great . For by how much the person that offendeth is more famous , by so much is the blot , that he is stained with by offending , more shamefull .

3. Thinke seriously , that euery sinne , bée it neuer so little , is an impediment to him , that goeth forward in the way of saluation , especially , if it bée nowe growne to an habite , or custome , whereto little sinnes doe make a way . If it hinder , being once or twice committed , what will it doe , thinke you , when by daily custome , it is confirmed ? for euery euill is easily suppressed in the first springing , but not when it is waxen olde . Wee must therefore withstand the beginnings . For though such sinnes be thought to be as thornes , To withstand beginnings A Similie . which when they bee young , pricke gently , yet when they are growne more stubborne , sticke faster , and wound sorer , so that though they kill not the inner man , yet they pearce him through to the quicke , and weaken him , and make him to halt ilfauouredly in the way of life . Let thy first care bee therefore to ouerthrowe small sinnes .

2. Next , let vs endeuour to shun , plucke vp , and cast away greater sinnes , euen Greater sinnes to be auoided . wicked affections , which by custome are growne to an habite , which are fourefold .

1. Immoderate selfe-loue , which is carnall , must be cast off . 2. Carnal appetites and concupiscences , must be tamed . Euilles fourefold 3. Vnbridled affections and perturbations , must be refrained . 4. Wicked habites must bee pulled vp by the rootes .

1. Concerning selfe-loue .

The loue of our selues being carnall Selfe-loue aboue all to be mortified . and immoderate , must bee denied and mortified .

The height of the deniall of our selues , is the mortification of the peruerse loue of our selues . Which passing through all other vices , doth giue as it were a spirit and life vnto them , and therefore hath the preheminence aboue all other vices : Bernard . Whereupon Bernard .

There is a carnall loue , whereby a Hom. 4. man loueth himselfe , for himselfe aboue all things , whiles yet he sauoureth nothing but himselfe . And S. Augustine . in Ezech.

The peruerse loue of our selues , depriueth the swelling spirit of the holy Lib. 11. De Gen. ad Lit. societie , and wrappeth him in miserie , now longing to be satisfied with iniquitie : The contrary to it is Charitie , which seeketh not her owne : that is , reioyceth not in her priuate excellencie , and therfore worthily is not puffed vp . And the same . Two loues made two Cities : Lib. 14 de Ciuit. to wit , the loue of our selues , the earthly Citie , to the contempt of God : The loue of God , the heauenly Citie , to the contempt of our selues .

The carnal loue therefore of our selues , Why to be mortified . is to be mortified , because it doth not onely defile the action , but also peruerteth it , and bendeth it to thy selfe : so that it causeth , that although thou séeme to thy selfe , to doe that thou doest for Gods cause , yet indeede not respecting God , but thy selfe , thou séekest nothing in thy purpose , but onely thy selfe .

Conuert therefore thy whole studie and care , to an earnest deniall of thine owne carnall loue : for no small heate How to mortifie it will serue , to dry vp so great a fountaine of euils .

Oppose against the head of all wickednesse , the mother of all vertues , Charitie , that thou , who didst perish by louing thy self , maist reuiue by denying thy selfe . For man , saith Augustine , who perisheth by louing himselfe , recouereth by denying himselfe .

The force of this abnegation , or renouncing Fiue heades of our selues , is by Saint Basill reduced to fiue heades : First , to renounce our riches , possessions , and all our worldly goods . Secondly , our parents , kindred , and worldly friendes . Thirdly , all our carnall and earthly affections . Fourthly , our owne honour and glory . Fifthly , euen the loue of our life , and that for the loue of God and Iesus Christ .

This doe therefore : Be thou vpright : What is to be done He is vpright saith Gregory , who is not cast downe in aduersitie , who is not inclined to carnalitie , who is wholely lifted vp to heauenly things , who is wholy subiected to Gods will : Direct all thy doings to God , and by loue to enioy God , who is alwaies present : As much as thou maiest , endeuour to be vnited , and likened to God , that thou séeke onely and affect his honour , his will , and his good liking , both in prosperitie and aduersitie . So shalt thou be happie .

2. Concerning carnall lusts and appetities .

The inclinations to euill , to wit , carnal lusts and appetites must be tamed .

For we are by nature more prone to euill than to good : The thoughts of mans hart are prone to euil from his youth : yea Generall inclination to euill Gen. 6. & 7. Rom. 7. al the cogitations of his hart are inclined to euill at all times . In our flesh dwelleth no good , but sinne , which maketh that we vnderstand not what wee doe , and that we doe not the good that wee would , but the euill , that we hate : For the law of our members in vs , resisteth the lawe of our mind , and captiueth vs to the lawe of sinne .

There are also certaine inclinations , which followe the nature of particular Spciall inclinations persons , and the constitution of certaine bodies . And there are which by custome are engendred , by some habite gotten .

O how vnhappie doth a man that is going forward , feele himselfe , by being hindred by these inclinations and lustes ? and howe great a labour is it to subdue them ?

1. But thou O man , take a good courage , and striue by Gods helpe to goe forward , Meanes to tame them . as thou hast begun , in the way of godlinesse : The continual exercise of godlinesse auaileth much in this case : Concupiscence saith S. Augustine , is daily diminished in those that profit , and are continent . That therefore thou maist restraine euil inclinations , either common , or proper : exercise thy selfe in those vertues , which are most contrary to them . And to represse lust , containe .

2. With great vehemencie resist the inclinations of lust , and the first motions Withstand beginnings . Rom. 6. thereof : striue , repunge , consent not : goe not after thy lusts : Let not sinne raigne in thy mortall body , to obey the lustes thereof . Let thy humble and feruent prayer to God , breake the force thereof when it ariseth .

3. When the motions of those appetites arise , let not thy heart be moued , but continue immoueable in thine aduised purpose to please God , as if those perturbations were altogether without thee : neither didst thou worke any thing in them , but rather didst suffer . According to Bernard . Now peraduenture I doe not these things , but suffer of them : they are done in me , but they are not done by me , if I doe not consent . I may call them mine , not because I doe them , but because I suffer them .

4. Search diligently to what euil thou How to discerne inclinations . art inclined : that thou maiest méete with them , and strangle them as enemies . Marke the constitution of thy body , whereof followeth the inclination .

Wilt thou knowe , saith Fulgentius , Fulgentius what thou louest , marke what thou thinkest : for the frequent and often recourse of anie thought vncalled , is a signe of a liking or desire of that thing . Rip the inclination of thy childhood , and youth : It is a rule that things that are very pliable may suffer of a weake agent : To bee eastly mooued therefore either in mind or sense , at the sight , voice , or fame of any light matter , is a token of an inclination to that thing . Examine thine owne experience , what things they are , which haue hetherto either furthered thée to vertue , for thy good , or drawing thée back to vice , for thy hurt : and hereby apply thy selfe to pursue the one , and to auoid the other .

3. Concerning affections and perturbations . Euill inclinations and carnall lustes , engender vicious perturbations and affections of the mind , which are called passions : Those if they be immoderate , must be wéeded out with the hooke of mortification .

1. Watch carefully in the verie rising Rules how to mortifie them . of the affection , that thou checke the violence of it euen in the beginning , before it come to a perfect habite : Blessed is hee that taketh the litle ones and dasheth them against the stones : As S. Augustine interpreteth the Verse of the Psalme .

2. After this thou shalt not be idle , Cutting off . but shall continually cut off the branches of vntamed perturbations , which by hereditary corruption spring vp in the minde , with the are of abnegation . It is not enough , saith Bernard , once to haue cut them off , wee must euer be pruning , yea if it be possible euer , because if thou wilt not dissemble , thou doest euer find some thing , that ought to bee cut off : How much soeuer thou hast profited , while thou abidest in this body , thou art deceiued , if thou thinke that sinne is dead , and not rather suppressed in thee . The Iebusite will dwell within thy borders , will thou , nill thou , he may be subdued , hee cannot bee vtterly driuen out .

3. Thou shalt not onely labour to lop Planting in . the branches of euill affections : but also shalt endeuour contrariwise to plant or griffe in , the graffes of good affections : For the minde is neuer frée from motions , either stormy and euil , or calme and good , let it therefore be occupied with good , that it be not ouerwhelmed with ill : to wit , Let thy minde be occupied in diuine and spirituall things . The inward mans labour , is the outward mans rest : And the seruer of the spirit , is the chilnesse of the flesh .

4. Moreouer , if thou wilt cure thy passions , thou shalt toyle much , to turne away thy mind and will from the loue of earthly things , that thou maist wholely apply thy mind to heauenly things , cleauing fast to God . That thy life may be hid with Christ in God .

4. Concerning wicked Wicked habits . habits .

As euill inclinatious bring forth euill affections , so euill affections engender wicked habits , the rooting out whereof , require a greater force of the spirit .

Now the faculties of the mind , are some Faculties of the Mind . Superiour . superiour , and some inferiour .

The superiour faculties , are the vnderstanding , and will .

In the vnderstanding , these vices following are to be mortified .

1. The vice of Curiositie : whereby the In the vnderstanding . What is to be mortified . Curiositie vnderstanding doth search those things which either excéede our sapacitie , or which appertaine nothing to vs to know . Heare the wise man : Seeke not out things too high for thee : And be not curious to searche out superfluous things .

2. The vice of Temperitie or rachnes . Temeritie . When by doubtfull coniectures and vncertaine signes , wee presume to iudge of the life & manners of an other man , against charitie : & not onely to iudge , but to condemne our neighbors . Where that of the Apostle may be iustly returned many times vpon vs . Thou art inexcusable O Rom. 2. man , whosoeuer thou be that condemnest an other : for in the same thing , wherein thou iudgest an other , thou condemnest thy selfe .

3. The vice of Pertinacie or stubbornnesse , Pertinacy when wee cleaue so stifly to our owne opinion , that wee admit no mans counsell or perswasion in deliberating . Aganst which Salomon saith : Leane not to thine owne wit , and be not wise Prou. 3. in thine owne conceit .

Distrust therefore . O man thine owne iudgement : and apply thy iudgement Dagerous to trust our owne iudgement . to the rule of Gods word , and of wise men .

Saint Basil saith : As it is farre from right reason , wholely to relye vppon our owne will and iudgement : So not to stand to the iudgement of the greater part , is to incurre the danger of contumacie , and wilfulnesse , ( at the least other circumstances being equall ) . And Cassian .

It is vnpossible for any man , trusting in his owne opinion , not to be deluded by the diuel . And Bernard . How long will yee be wise in your own eyes ? God committeth , and submitteth himselfe vnto mortall men : and will yee walke yet in your owne waies ?

And elsewhere . What greater pride can there be , than that one man should preferre his own iudgement before the whole congregation , as if he onely had the spirit of God ? It is like the sinne of Idolatry not to assent : to wit , to sound iudgement . And like the sin of southsaying , to repunge . And againe : If the loue of thy friend , doe diminish & couer his fault , in thy iudgement : how much more shal the loue of thy self deceiue thee , when thou shouldest iudge against thy selfe .

4. The vnderstanding , is the perpetuall fountaine of infinite Cogitations , Thoughts to be mortified . which being laide vp in the memorie , are there preserued and kept : These if they be faultie must be mortified . Whereof some are idle : some are earthly : some are filthy : some are curious .

1. Those that be idls must be reformed : Idle thoughts . For if we shall giue an account of euery idle word : why not as well of euery idle thought ? Call to mind , that thou standest alwaies in the presence of the Lord of heauen and earth , who séeing the heart , doth secretly reprooue the idlenesse and vanitie thereof .

2. Those that be earthly and worldly , Earthly . are more violent , and cleaue faster vnto vs , which if they settle awhile , cannot bée remooued without great difficultie . Put the axe therefore to the roote of that delight , which beginneth to affect thy will , by such cogitations . This carnall appetite , springing vp in the beginning of our life , we must represse or kéepe vnder in vs , though wee cannot extinguish or quench it .

3. Those that bee filthy or vncleane , are suggested by the wicked spirit : Whereof Bernard saith : We ought , if wee will preserue our soules pure , whiley et the vncleane thoughts are a farre off , to preuent Vncleane them , and to driue them from vs , that they may haue no accesse vnto vs . The same Bernard saith , We must set so fearce a keeper at Reasons Chamber doore , as will spare none , but whatsoeuer enemie shal presume to enter , whether priuily , or openly , hee will driue them away . And let that be , The remembrance of Hell fire .

4 Those that bée curious ( as before ) Curious . in séeking the hidden thinges of God , and man , are to be auoided : For as thou must not be carelesse in searching thy selfe : so thou must shunne curiositie . The soule saith Bernard , while it is drousie , throgh carelesnesse in vewing it selfe , becomes In searching other . In the will what is to be mortified . curious in examining others .

2. In the will , all that is to be mortified , that is proper to our selues , and not common with God , and his Saints . For as in the will , the principle of good , is to submit our selues to God , and to commit our selues to be ruled by him : so the mischiefe riseth thereof , that the will is guided , by her owne becke and counsell . Our owne will therefore is to bée denied : which séeketh it selfe , delighteth in it , and neglecting all other by selfe-loue , wherewith it is wholely snared , is bent to her owne commoditie . Our owne will saith Bernard , Our own will daungerous . doth impunge the Lord of Maiestie , with her owne furie : for it withdraweth and conueieth it selfe from his gouernment , whom it should serue as her Author , while it will bee in her owne power . And againe , What doth GOD hate or punish , but our owne wil ? Let our owne will cease , and there shall bee no Hell : Against whom doth that fire rage , but against our owne will ?

Maruellous thinges fall out in the abnegation Maruellous effects . of our owne will : whiles by the spirit of God , the wil riseth against it self , and is turned against it selfe , by enuy it selfe .

1. The will is carnall , and blind by nature , How to be mortified . therefore it néedeth a guide , that it erre not . If the blind lead the blind , both shall fall into the pit .

2. The wil is licencious by nature , therefore it hath néede of a bit or bridle , that it passe not the bounds of reason in her affections : Restraine their iawes Psal. 32. with a bit and bridle .

3. The will by nature , is like a shamelesse strumpet in her appetites : who prostituteth her selfe vnder euery shadowy Ierem. 2. tree : therefore it must be restrained and kept , that it become not a praie to her lusts : Goe not after thine owne concupiscences , Sirach . 18 saith the sonne of Syrach , and turne away from thine owne will , for if thou giue thy soule her lustes , shee will make thee a scorne to thine enemies . Whatsoeuer , saith Seneca , thou withdrawest from thine owne wil , that onely A double leprosie . thou addest to vertue . And Bernard ; There is a double Leprosie in the hart : our owne will , and our owne counsell , surely an euill leprosie , and so much the more dangerous , as it is more inward . And Basil , whatsoeuer any man doth by the arbitrement of his owne will , that , as it is the doers owne , so is it farre from the rule of godlines . Ephrem . Nothing is more grieuous , than to be ouercome of our owne will .

2. Inferior faculties of the soule , are the Inferiour faculties . Sense and Appetites in the Concupiscible and Irasible parts .

Here are also euill Habites to be mortified .

1. First , we must labour to auoid gluttony ; Gluttonie to be mortified . For it is impossibl● saith Cassian , that a full belly should withstand the temptations of the inner man : for hee that could not stay his superfluous appetites ; how shall he be able to quench the heates of his carnall concupiscence . And Gregory . We cannot preuaile in the conflict of the spirituall combat , except wee first tame the enemie that is within our selues : to wit , the appetites of gluttonie . And Basil . The moderation of the bellie , is the repressing of the perturbations of the minde , the repressing of the perturbation of the minde , is the peace and tranquillitie of the soule , the tranquillitie of the soule , is the plentifull fountaine of vertues .

1. Applie as a remedie to this disease , Abstinence , Remedies . Abstinence . for contraries , are cured by contraries : by vsuall temperance , not onely the mouth , but much more the desire or appetite is restrained and is made obedient to reason , and to God .

2. Thou must no lesse abstaine from other vices , Neighbour vices . then from noysome meates , if thou desire to suppresse the appetites of gluttony . For as the immoderate lust and vse of one vice is the bréeder of many others : so by pampering thy belly , many vices are readie as it were to render mutuall thankes . Againe : They , whose belly is their God , sauour of earthly things . Phil. 3.

3. That thou yéeld not to gluttony , Labour , and spare not to take paines , do that Labour . thou doest earnestly , for to escape the snares , and to preuent the trappes of the Diuel , be alwaies doing some good thing , and euen to day .

4. Be thou occupied seriously , in meditation Meditations . of diuine matters : It is true saith Greg. That Gluttony is weakened by abstinence , but no man can haue the vertue of Abstinence , that doeth not fill his minde with spirituall foode .

5 Looke on the example of our sauiour Christs example . Christ , whom thou oughtest to imitate : He endured hunger and thirst with wonderfull patience : And when meate was brought him , though he were hungry , Ioh. 4. yet would he not eate , to put away hunger , taking his opportunity to win soules : yea , in the middest of his torments they gaue him Wine mingled with Gall to drinke .

6 Finally , thou shalt profit in mortifying Rules of moderation . Gluttonie : if thou take heede least vnder a pretence of naturall necessitie , thou passe the boundes of reasonable moderation : If thou encounter the very delight of gluttonie : If thou prepare thy selfe to eate , as if thou shouldest take a medicine : If while thou eatest , when varietie of dishes doth whet the appetite afresh , thou checke the appetite , and represse thy gréedinesse .

1 From hence procéed to mortifie Luxury to bee mortified Luxurie , or Riotousnesse , with a serious care .

The chariot of Luxurie , is rolled Bernh . in Cant. vpon foure vices , as vpon foure wheels : the cramming of the gorge : the lust of the flesh : delicacie in apparell , excessiue idlenesse or sleepe : It is drawne euen with two horses , Prosperitie of life , and Abundance of wealth . And these haue two riders ; sluggish Drousinesse , & enuious Securitie .

Luxurie must be abandoned by him Greg. in moral . that will goe forward : for after this vice hath once possessed any mans minde , it wil scarce suffer him to think any good : for our lusts are like birdlime . Of suggestion , riseth cogitation : of cogitation , A gradation . affection : of affection , delectation : of delectation , consent : of consent , operation : of operation , custome : of custome , desperation : of desperation , defence of sin : of defence , gloriation : of gloriation , damnation .

Pleasures , as saith Chrysostom , are like A description of pleasures . the Sirenes , which outwardly appeare very beautiful , with long yealow locks , gray glancing eyes : round full pappes : a pretie small mouth : rosie cheekes : the necke , brest , hands , and other parts , as white as Alablaster : but with an horrible tayle , like a Serpent , sharpe pointed , full of teeth , and venemous . Therefore Aristotle perswadeth him that will escape the snares of pleasures , to viewe them on the backe part , and not in the face : when they goe from vs ward , and not when they come toward vs .

But looke thou on the iudgements of Gods iudgments , against Luxurie . God , against luxurious persons : consider the vniuersall flood : the destruction of Sodome , the slaughter of the Isralites and Beniamites , the confusion of Dauids house .

Read the Histories of all ages , reporting the miseries which came by Luxurie : and marke what destruction Luxurie and Lecherie haue brought , not onely vpon particular persons , but also vpon whole nations . As Troy , Sodom , &c.

When this vice assaulteth thee , the first and chiefe remedie is prayer .

Without humilitie , saith Gregory , no triumph is gotten against any vice . The Remedies Humble pra●er . mind that cannot submit it selfe humbly to God : cannot preuaile against the lusts of the flesh , but striueth in vaine to ouermaster them , and pressing them , cannot oppresse them . Aske of God with Solamon , continence or chastitie : For I knewe saith hee , that otherwise I could not be chast , except God gaue it : And euen this was a point of wisdome , to know whose gift it was : therefore I went vnto the Lord , and made my prayer to him . He loues thee not at all ô God , saith S. Augustine , who loueth any thing with thee , which he loueth not for thee .

2. Abstinence from stirring meates , Abstinence . is an effectuall remedy against this vice , for if lust bee a fire , thou takest matter from that fire , when thou withdrawest wine and delicates . For in wine , saith the Apostle , is Luxurie , if it be in excesse .

Wine and youth saith Herod , are two Riuers of voluptuousnesse .

3. Kéepe thy heart carefully : for The custodie of the heart . out of the heart procéede euill thoughts . The heart therefore , saith Cassian , is first to bee clensed , from whence springeth life and death . And Salomon saith : With all diligence keepe thy heart , for out of it proceedeth life .

But that thou maiest cleanse and keepe thy heart : expell euill cogitations forthwith assoone as they rise : And in the stead of wicked cogitations , occupie thy minde about honest and chast things .

4. After the custodie of the heart , The custodie of the sences . kéepe thy senses : Heare Saint Augustine . Whatsoeuer appeares beautifull to thy sight : whatsoeuer sweet to thy tast : whatsoeuer flattereth thy hearing : whatsoeuer enticeth thy smelling : whatsoeuer is soft in touching , in all these if wee be vnwarie , euill concupiscences creeping in , we suffer the virginitie of the soule to bee corrupted , and that is fulfilled which is spoken by the Prophet : Death entred in by our windowes : to wit , our senses .

Here thou shalt haue profited O man : Notes of profiting . If by Gods grace thou haue attained so farre , as that if thou féele the prickes of the flesh , thou suffer them without thy fault . If thou preuent euery euill thought , or if they offer themselues to thy mind , thou sodainly strangle them : If thou perceiue that lust is abated : & though it cannot here be vtterly taken away , yet it may be subdued .

3. Study then to mortifie couetousnesse : For it is an outragious mischiefe : whose Couetousnesse to be mortified . gréedinesse to possesse alwaies more and more , cannot be satisfied with any plentie or store of riches , which is wont to bée accompanied with sauage crueltie , which they exercise towardes other , that they may fulfill their vnlawfull greedinesse , with other mens goods , Flee therefore couetousnes , worse than a dog , or a snake , which taketh away the vse of things , enuying them , to themselues , and other . Marke , I pray you , if a couetous man be not more vile than any slaue : for he is The miserable state of a couetous man . an Idolater , a théefe , a murtherer , an infidell , a prophane person , an Atheist , inhumane , execrable , the cause of all mischiefe , a foole , miserable , sordide , insatiable , poore , pensiue , a bande , an Adulterer , blind , and altogether vnhappy .

Expell , and explode with clapping out this vice from thée .

First , by true knowledge and holy reuerence Remedie & means . of God .

Secondly , by greater gaine , I meane godlinesse , with a minde content with her lot . For nature is content with fewe things , liue not by opinion , but according to nature .

Thirdly , knowe thou that vnsastable Incommodities of riches . couetousnesse cannot defend hers in time of aduersitie .

Fourthly , remember that the loue of riches doth bring men into many dangers . And that onely , the enemies of learning and vertue , doe greatly estéeme them : and that they are the cause of all confusion .

Fiftly , viewe rather the worthy examples of such as haue vsed their riches well and conueniently .

Sixtly , thou knowest that thou shouldest first seeke the kingdome of God , to whose prouidence thou oughtest to commit all thy businesse and affaires .

Seuenthly , marke me the riches of this world , which are such as can make no satisfaction , nor bring any peace or tranquilitie to the soule .

Finally , looke on the patterne of perfection , Christs example . euen our Lord Iesus , who being poore in this world , was an vtter enemie , both in word and deede to couetousnesse .

4. Moreouer , we must endeuour to Anger to be mortified . How great a mischiefe . mortifie Anger , and to restraine wrath : for wrath is an horrible monster : it doth extinguish the light of reason , it burieth outward furie , though thou cannot so easily , nor so soone bridle the inward motions : If thou be ashamed so to be moued , or to be séene angry before wise men : If thou canst recompence other mens euill sayings and déeds , towards thyselfe , with good déeds and words : If when wrath ariseth , it doe not preuent reason , but follow it .

5. The poison of enuie must be purged Enuie to be mortified . out of thy soule : for this is a pestilent wickednesse , which changeth a man into the state of the diuell , and an vnmercifull fiend : For it is sorrow of the prosperitie , What Enuie is . and good successe of our neighbours affaires . So that as Chrysostome saith ; An enuious minde is euer sadde . And Basil . All the blessings of his neighbour , both inner and outer , both of body and mind , doe grieue an enuious man , and his good successe , he counteth his own calamitie : Enuie is so foule an euill , that the enuious man dares not bewray himselfe : therefore he counterfeits gladnesse , but he bursts inwardly .

Flée therefore enuie O man : horrible is the nature and disposition of enuie : for it is striken with sorrowe : and in stead of praising the bountie , mercie , and goodnesse of God , it becommeth an enemie to God and man , to whom nothing is so heauie and troublesome , as to enioy the blessings of God .

Viewe the picture of an enuious man , described by Gregory : The rankor of A picture of Enuie . enuie , saith hee , when it hath corrupted the heart , the outward parts bewray the madnesse of the minde : the colour becomes pale , the eyes cast downe , the minde enflamed , the members waxe cold : the cogitation is enraged , the teeth gnash , and when the hidden hatred groweth in the hidden corners of the heart , the inclosed wound festereth the conscience . To mortifie enuie ,

1. Be thou so minded , that thou admire no humane thing at al , as being called Remedies to the participation of true and eternall blessings , not to vaine and transitorie things : set thy desires and affections on the actions of vertue , and Enuy shall not surprise thée .

2. Hee that desireth to be free from Lib. 5. Moral . the plague of Enuie , saith Gregorie , let him loue that heritage , which the number of heires doth not straighten , which to all is one , and to euery one is whole , which appeareth to be so much the larger , by how much the more the multitude of them that enioy it , is enlarged .

3. Consider that the gifts and graces of our neighbours are so proper to themselues , as that God many waies doth communicate the vse of them to others .

4. Call to minde often the mischiefes which flow from the fountaine of Enuie , the gréeuousnes of the sin , & how hardly it is cured . Take thou away enuie , saith S. Augustin , and then that which I haue is thine : I will take away enuie , and then , that which thou hast is mine . And Ambros : Flee enuie which is wont to rent , not so much other , as him that doth possesse it .

6. Pride , which is detestable in a Christian Pride to be mortified . man , is to be mortified : The beginning of all sinne , saith the sonne of Syrach , is pride : which beeing the roote of all vice saith Gregory , is not content with the ouerthrow of one vertue , but raiseth it selfe against all the faculties of the mind , & is as it were a generall infection , corrupting the whole body .

Sée it , and shunne it : for a proud and ambitious man , can neither endure a superiour , A proude man . nor an equall : He hunteth after false honour , and neglecteth true honour : he setteth himselfe against God , whom he robbeth of his honor , that he may conuey it to himself , against all right and dutie : he neuer wayeth the miseries of such as are like himselfe : he neuer considereth his owne weakenesse , nor Gods power : he neuer obserueth nor feareth the sharpe threates of God against proude men : to conclude , hee hath lost all knowledge of himselfe .

Now to the end thou maist deny and Remedies against pride . ouercome this vice of Pride :

1. Dwell with thy-selfe , and knowe thine owne wants : Know thy selfe , O how many things shalt thou finde , that shall offend thée !

2. Set before thine eyes the example of the Sonne of God himselfe , who beinge declared to be Lord of men & Angles , yet whiles hee was conuersant in this world , he was a perfect patterne of humilitie , & contempt of worldlie glorie , and consider the dangers that are wont to accompanie great prosperitie .

And wilt thou get a perfect knowledge How to come by the knowledge of thy selfe . of thy selfe , and a true humilitie , which are the deadly enemies of pride ? Reade and meditate diligently the sacred holy truth : Conferre the state of vs , who are men , with the condition of other creatures : Examine and enquire rigorously into thine owne life : Consider how many things thou lackest , which are infinite in number , aboue those thou hast : Compare this state of ours , with the state of our first parents before they sinned : Marke who they be that praise thée , and who they be that dispraise thée : Take a liuely view of the tribunall , of the most wise , iust , and omnipotent God . So shalt thou abate thy pride , and be humbled .

7. Sloth is to be mortified , and the drouzie wearinesse of the mind , dulnesse Dulnesse in spirituall exercises to be mortified . What it is and coldnesse is to be shaken off : I meane

The drowzie wearinesse wherewith the heart is burthened and depressed , so that it can doe nothing willingly : whereby the whole man is cast downe with a sluggish lazinesse , & a continuall tediousnesse occopieth the minde , whereby the mind is swallowed vp and possessed with a faint languishing , so that it is hindred by a cloudie darknesse and confusion of it selfe , that it is no : able to frame a spéech . Whereof riseth a lukewarmenesse , or frozen coldnesse .

Luke warmenesse in this place , is a certaine dulnesse in him that is going on Luke-warmenes what it is . in the way of life begun , now being alreadie , either wearie , or else discouraged with the loade of the burthen , or difficultie of the iourney , & as it were , fainting in the way , he sitteth him downe , and goeth no more forward .

This lukewarmnesse , maketh a man to pray , without attention , & feruencie of Effects . the spirit : To meditate heauenly things , without due sense , affection or fruite of his vnderstanding : Hardly doth hee rid himselfe from frequent cōncourse of men : Seldome doth hee gather his wandring mind home to his owne heart : He vieweth himselfe , as it were , through a lattice , without repentance , or purpose of amendment : willingly doth he range abroad , to relieue his tediousnesse : He solaceth himselfe , with vaine delights , and cogitations , here and there , sought for : Hee talketh fréely of other men , and obserueth and reproueth other mens wordes and déedes : But himselfe grieuously taketh discipline , admonition , and correction : Hee auoideth all labour , necessarie and fruitfull to his saluation : Hée obeyeth lawes , but slowly , coldly , and with loathsomnesse : He séeketh honor and estimation of men , and desireth to please them : Hée neglecteth the holesome vse of the Sacraments : He seldome & lightly heareth godly Sermons : He shunneth not the occasions of sinne , but presumeth of his owne strength : He pampers himselfe , and liberally bestoweth on his own carkasse : He calles to minde his old manners , and the pleasant life of worldlings , so that he is not displeased with worldly pleasures , but rather approueth them .

Therefore to take away this tediousnes , heauines , and dulnes .

Pray to God to deliuer thée out of these necessities . Say vnto thy spouse : Drawe Remedies me after thee , and wee will runne after the odor of thy ointments or perfumes .

2. When thou feelest , saith Bernard , an heauines or dulnes vpon thee , doe not yeelde vnto it , or cease from a studie of Godlines : By resisting , thou shalt ouercome : thou shalt resist , by returning to thy labour againe .

3. Consider the dangers in the which Dangers of lukewarmnes . a lukewarme man doth stand : There is danger , to fall backe vnto his old sinnes : There is danger , to léese the fruit of the labour bestowed , in the life wel begunne : There is danger of a greater fall , if that dulnes be not shaken off : There is danger neuer to recouer out of the gulfe of that languishing and fainting .

4. Remember the vnhappie state of the lukewarme man : wherein he can no long while be quiet , but he shall be vexed with the cogitations and scruples of his own conscience : yea the very lothsomnes it selfe , ( if there were no other thing ) wherewith he is holden , cannot but greeue him and wound him .

2. Coldnes is an affection , whereby a man loueth indéed , and chooseth a better trade of life , but he hath no power to dispatch Coldnes , what it is . himselfe from those businesses and occasions , which either hold him in sin , or stay him from the race , & rule of vertue : or casteth him into such sinnes , as can be by no means excused . And so much the greeuouser is the fal , as the degree of holines , from whence we fall , is higher .

1. First therefore thou must deliberate Remedies of a newe kinde of life , more earnestly to be pursued , by a renouation of serious repentance and faith .

2. Meditate with thy selfe on thy end , which may be sodaine , and cannot be auoided , and other the last things which follow death .

3. Consider , that Hypocrisie and dissembling , is most odious to God . A simple nature saith Bernard , such as God is , requireth simplicitie of heart : woe be to the sinner , that entreth the land two waies , for no man can serue two maisters .

4. Viewe and waigh the life of luke-warme , & frozen cold men , that knowing it , thou maiest dislike it , & disliking it in others , thou maiest amend it in thy selfe .

5. Cowardnesse and feare must bee Pusillanimitie to be mortified . mortified : for when a man is entred the way of Christ : the mind , many times , is assailed with griefe , either by expectation of some euill , or danger approaching : or by desperation of safetie or deliuerance from some euil , or danger present .

But bee not dismaied in thy minde : Heare and pray to him , who saith : Say to the faint harted , be of good courage , and faint not . And say with Dauid , I Esay . 35. Psal. 54. did waight for him , who saued me from my pusillanimitie of spirit , and from the tempest .

Why fearest thou O thou coward ? Feare argueth a base minde : conceiue a firme hope of the prouidence of God : when Exhortation . thou striuest with the anguishes of Pusillanimitie , thou must lift vp thy minde to Gods prouidence . Resist with a good courage , and set thy selfe , by the helpe of Gods spirit , against the whole rout of phantasies . Discusse , saith Gregory , the mistes of mourning , least thou , who in the time of tranquillitie , didst thinke greatly of thy sefe , in the time of perturbation , doe confound thy selfe , with the terrors of thy base thoughts . Peraduenture God will bring thée , by this Good effects . Pusillanimitie , to a studie of humilitie , that by it , that loftie pride ( which euen in good actions , lieth in waight , euen for holy men ) may be laide flat , or hee hath a purpose , to purge thy soule , of that affection of selfeloue , whereby oftentimes thou art wont to please thy selfe , more than is méete .

How be it ; what is it , that thou néedest Comforts against sundry sorts of feare . The crosse greatly to feare , or be amazed at ?

1. Is it the Crosse or Affliction ?

If thou be godly , the crosse and affliction is to thée ineuitable , or not to be shunned : it is profitable , honorable and glorious : it confirmeth thine adoption , it renowneth thy vertues : it banisheth vices . Beare therefore the crosse with a good courage .

2. Doest thou feare the anguish of Sicknesse sicknes ? Thy body is mortall , there is no cause then that thou shouldest feare sicknes , which leadeth to death : Sicknesse bréedeth hollome Philosophy : to wit , A meditation of death : the vices of the mind are cured by the diseases of the body : thou learnest to abandon selfeloue , and the loue of the world , and to hope for a better life : Faith , Hope , and Inuocation of God , becomes more ardent .

3. Art thou afraid of the losse of worldly things ? Losse of earthly things .

Trust in God , leane on his most holy promises , surely Gods truth is immoueable , his power impregnable , his bountie immeasurable , he will not leaue thée , nor forsake thée .

4. Doth the terror of death trouble Death . thy mind ?

Cast off the feare , which incredulitie that is to be banished , doth strike into thée : compare the course of this life , with the last period or end thereof . Art thou not tossed with perpetuall miserie ? If thou be wise , with the wise man , thou Eccles. 1. Commodities of death . wilt say , Vanitie of vanities , al is vanitie . Be not afraid of death , wherby thou shalt be deliuered from the tyrannie of sinne ; from the snares of the world ; from the temptations of Sathan ; from the rage of false brethren ; and shalt come to the port of felicitie , out of the sinke of euils , eternall : death shall not touch thee , because eternall life is prepared , promised , sealed and confirmed to thée in Christ : Beléeue and thou shalt haue eternall life .

5. Dost thou tremble at the assaults of Satan ?

God doth furnish his with strength , to resist Satan : Being vpholden by the wisdome , vigilancie , and inuincible power of Christ thy head , cal vpon God , take vnto thée christian patience & constancy , with the shield of faith , and the sword of the spirit , and by Gods grace and perseuerance thou shalt be safe .

6. Art thou astonied with thy many , and great sinnes ; Sinne . .

Behold the remission of all thy sinnes purchased by Christ , promised , giuen , and sealed vnto thée : why tremblest thou ? Behold the loue and mercie of God the father , the satisfaction and intercession of Iesus Christ , and admit the comfort , and assistance of the holy Ghost .

7. Thou quakest for feare of the last The last iudgement Iudgement and Tribunall .

Be of good comfort , and settle thy selfe throughly on the promises of saluation , so often repeated in holy Scriptures : The loue of God the father , and the couenant of his grace , through the satisfaction of his sonne Iesus Christ , is immutable , and he shall bee our Patrone , and Aduocate in that iudgement . Thou for thy part as often as thou sinnest , so often returne to Daily repentance . God , by a renewed repentance and faith : apprehend the grace of God the father : the merites of Iesus Christ : the consolation of the holy spirit , who is the earnest of our inheritance : heare the manifold afflictions of this worlde , with a patient minde : & séeing thou hast accesse vnto the Throne of grace , powre out thy praiers to thy God : sigh and send vp thy affections , and thy hope shall not bee confounded , but thou shalt enioy vnspeakeable felicitie in heauen . Amen .

The fourth member . Profice vlterius . Goe yet further forward in attaining righteousnesse .

WHen we haue denied vnrighteousnes , we must procéede to A transition . attaine righteousnes : According to that , Cease from euil , & do good : vertue must succeed in the place of vice .

Now in séeking after the way of righteousnes and life , beware thou decline not , either to the right hand , or to the left .

Let vs then goe forward In vertues , and with a good courage . In virtutibus & In virtute .

Concerning vertues , knowe that they are Vertues Gods gifts great goods , to be desired for themselues : that they are the gifts of God most precious , and with most earnest praier and desire to be begged of him : And if thou obtaine them , God is to be thanked , who hath endowed thée with so great graces . The first care must be , to attaine them .

The next is , to keepe them when they are gotten .

Thou shalt both get them and kéep them . How vertue is gotten and kept .

First , by the frequent vse of godly praier : for God doth both giue , and encrease his gifts to those that aske of him .

Secondly , by a good courage , which we must bring to the attaining of iustice , for vertue of it selfe is laboursome , and the nature of man if it be not vpheld , is verie prone to euill .

Thirdly , by an ardent loue of vertue : for Loue ouercomes all difficulties , and is strong as death , as Saloman saith .

4 By perpetuall vse and exercise : for they are as the talents , which God by no meanes will not haue to lie idle : hée that doth not go forward , in the race of vertue , doth goe backward . But in this practise looke one thy Maister Christ Iesus , who is the perfect patterne of life and death .

Now by gods grace working with thée , thou shalt walke from vertue , to vertue : thou shalt exercise vertue , for vertues sake : thou shalt practise vertue , for the loue of God , and to his glorie .

2. Thou shalt goe forward in vertue , with a good courage and willingly .

First , if when thou settest thy first step How to goe forward . on the threshold of any vertue , if thou haue a resolute purpose , in thine owne will , to followe that vertue , & vppon euerie occasion to put it in practise .

Secondly , if thou so firmely perseuere in the purpose , & practise of that vertue , that thou suffer not thy self to be drawne from it , by any temptations .

Thirdly , if where as our corrupt nature estéemeth the countenance of vertue to be sower , and her seruice bitter , thou on the contrary , doe estéeme her so beautiful , & her seruice so swéet , that not only any thing cannot pluck thee from her : but also thou Vertue , beautifull & sweete . doest fulfil all her duties , with great chéerfulnesse and alacritie . Thou shalt procéed therefore : First from a firme purpose to practise , from practise to a perfect habite , being able to resist impediments : from thence thou shalt ascend to an alacritie , & chéereful delight to be euer Degrees or steps . Satan . doing some good .

Iustice or righteousnesse .

Iustice or righteousnes doth comprehend in it self , al vertues : So that this is the very head of al christian vertue , of religion , charitie , holines : which discerneth exactly , & practiseth chéerfully al holy & honest actions : This giueth to euerie one that is his The propertie of Iustice . To God glory . Why. owne : To God , that which is his owne . To Man , that which is his owne .

1. Concerninge Gods due .

Iustice giueth to God Glorie , especially , by studie of holines , and Religious pietie : therfore glorifie God , for thou owest vnto thy God , glorie .

In respect of God himselfe . In respect of our selues . Gods nature . Tim. 1 Psal. 113. His commandements . Promises there as His benefits .

Consider God himselfe : The nature of GOD is most glorious , the best , the greatest , the fairest : Thou art bound by his commandements , to glorifie him : Embrase his swéet promises , tremble at his horrible threats ; contemplate his actions and workes , wherein his vertues , promises and threatnings , doe notably shine , to wit : The benifits of our creation , Conseruation , Redemption , Intercession , Sanctification , & Glorification : His wonderfull iudgments , rather to be reuerenced then searched , yet alwaies right & iust . Iudgments Rom. 11. Miracles , His miracles , may be added : Is not the end of all his diuine vertues , commandements , promises , iudgements , that he should be glorified . Let vs consider our selues ? behould the Image of God , to the which we were created , and are regenerate , and The image of God . whereby we haue a fellowship with God and a partaking of his vertues , doth allure vs to glorifie him : The vowe which Vow in Baptisme . The Sacraments . we made in our Baptisme once , and in receiuing the Sacrament of the Supper , we often renewe , doth bind vs to glorifie God , manie excellent commodities which we enioy doe force vs .

Giue therfore glorie to God , and thou shalt haue peace of conscience , which passeth al mans understanding . His blessings Effects . shall cheare thy heart in all things : thou shalt receiue the testimony of a true faith , thy death shall be pretious : thou shalt carry with the a pledge of thy resurrection and glorie , which is to come .

Assure thy self , there is nothing that can returne from vs to God , for al the graces which we receiue from him , but only this homage , to glorifie him : Which while we doe , we declare our loue to our neighbour , whom by thy example , thou doest win , by stirring him vp to glorifie God . Now we giue glorie to God , especially as I haue said , by the studie & practise of religious pietie , whereby , in beléeuing Religious Pietie . rightly of God , thou doest also worship him rightly .

Minister , saith the Apostle , in thy 1. Tim. 6. faith , pietie , and follow O man Gods righteousnes , faith , pietie , charitie , patience , modestie . For godlines or pietie , is great gaine , with a minde content with his estate or lot . And Seneca saith : A good man must be very religious towards God .

Now Religion standetb in two points : In the true knowledge of God . In the true worship of God so known

First therefore thou must learne to know Trust the true knowledge of God . God aright , as hée is reuealed in the booke of nature , which is the frame of the world , & in his word , which is the holy scripture : and herein consisteth christian wisdome . Let not the wise man , saith Ieremy , glory in his wisdom , nor the strong man in Ierem. 9. his strength , neither the rich man in his riches : but let him the glorieth , glorie herein , that he vnderstandeth and knoweth euen me , who am Iehouah , who exercise mercie and iustice in the earth , wherein also I delight . In the visible creatures saith Paule , the eternall power and diuinitie of God is seene . And the Prophet Esay sends vs to the Law and Esay . 8. the Testimony : And Christ our Sauiour to the holy scriptures , saying : Search Ioh. 5. the Scriptures .

This wisdome must chiefely be learned out of the holy Scripture ; which enstructeth Holy Scripture the rude or vnlearned , counselleth the ignorant or doubtfull , correcteth the sinners or offenders , comforteth the heauie or sorrowfull , bringeth backe such as erre or wander , into the way of truth : briefely , it frameth aright the whole life of a Christian man . All Scripture , 2. Tim. 3. and euery part thereof , saith Saint Paule , is inspired of God , and is profitable to Teach , to Reproue , to Correct , and to Instruct in righteousnes , that the man of God may be intyre , prepared to euery good worke . It is a sure word of Prophesie , saith Saint Peter .

Secondly , God being rightly known , 2. True worship of God . must also bee religiously worshipped of thée . Religious worship yéeldeth vnto God . First due humility , feare , loue , hope , confidence .

Secondly , Inuocation by praier , attention by hearing his word , and seruice in the publique exercises of religion .

Thirdly , patience vnder the Crosse , and constancie in the profession of Christian truth .

1. Be thou therefore religious towards Humilitie towards God . God , giuinge him such humilitie , as is due to him . Submit and subiect thy selfe reuerently to the Maiestie of God , both in mind and body , and confesse thy selfe vnworthy of his benefits .

Thou shalt be humbled to God ward , if thou consider him , to be thy Creator , & thou his creature . Him to be immortall , and thy selfe mortall . Him to be the Lord , and thou his seruant . Him to be the best , and thy selfe the worst . Humble your selues , saith S. Peter , vnder the mightie 1. Pet. 5. hand of God , and hee will exalt you in due season . Say with Iacob the Patriarch : Lord I am lesse or vnworthy of all the benefits and truth , which thou hast shewed vnto thy seruants . Gen. 32.

This humilitie will bréede in thée an obedience towards God : for it is not enough Obedience to knowe the will of God , except thou doe obey him , and endeuour to put in practise the commandements of God , which thou hast learned : He that doth the will of God endureth for euer . And 1 Ioh. 2. if ye know these things , saith our Sauiour , happie are ye , if ye doe them . Not Ioh. 13. euerie one that saith vnto me , Lord Lord , shall enter into the Kingdome Mat. 7. of heauen , but hee that doth the will of my father , who is in heauen , euen hee shall enter into the Kingdome of heauen .

Yéelde vnto God a due feare : acknowledging Feare . the mercy , and Iustice of God ; Feare to offend God , whom to offend is the chiefe euill . Conceiue a terror of sinne , and the punisher thereof , and yet so feare God , as that thou loue him , as a child doth his father : for we must both feare God as our Lord , and loue him as our father . The Lord hath a delight Psal. 147. Psal. 112. in them that feare him , and yet put their trust in his mercie . Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord , and hath great delight in his commandements . Yet haue ye not receiued the spirit of Rom. 8. bondage , to feare , vz. such a feare , as cannot stand with the loue of God . 1 Ioh. 4.

Render therefore to God the loue that Loue . is due vnto him : that is ; In acknowledging the goodnesse and loue of God towards thy selfe , loue thou God ; againe aboue all things , Loue the Lord your Esay . 28. God , and serue him , with all your hart , and with all your minde . He that loueth father or mother more than me , saith Christ , is not worthie of me .

6. The loue of God is verie diligent in working : This is the loue of God , that ye keepe his commaundements .

1. This loue doth vnite the louer and 1. Ioh. 5 : The properties of the loue of God . the thing loued ; so that we say with Dauid : Like as the heart desireth the fountaines of water , so longeth my soule after thee o my God : It bringeth a mutual coniunction with it : for God is loue , and he that abideth in loue , abideth 1. Ioh. 4. in God : It so rauisheth a man with the loue of God , that forgetting himselfe , bee séeketh not his owne , but the things that are Iesus Christs .

2. This loue , maketh vs continuallie to cast the eyes of our mind vpon God . Man by loue setteth his affection vpon God , because the minde thinketh on nothing else : this loue is strong as death , it ouercomes all things , and is ouercome of nothing .

3. It so féedeth the minde , that it is neuer satisfied : it neuer thinketh or séeketh anie thing but God ; and him , the more it findeth , the more it wisheth .

Viewe the creatures , all are yours saith the Apostle : viewe thy selfe , thou art Christs ; viewe Christ , hée is Gods : So by loue thou ascendest to God .

Fixe thy hope vpon thy God , as is meete , calling to minde his loue , and Hope . truth in thinges past , and expect with patience , his presence and helpe for things to come .

Cast thy care vpon God , and hope in Psal. 37. him , and hee will bring the matter to passe . Item . Tarrie the Lords leisure , Psal. 147 be of good courage , expect the Lord , and hee shall comfort your heart : The Lord hath a pleasure in them , that put their trust in his mercie .

Hope confoundeth not : But hope Obiects of our hope . thou from God , such things as fall vnder a Christian hope : to wit , eternall happinesse , & all things that are necessarie and profitable to further vs in the attaining of that blessed felicitie : hope for Gods Mercie , with his effectual blessing in all things , and that by thy Sauiour Christ Iesus . Yea hope manie times contrary to hope , and striue against the spirit of distrust and desperation : And hope thou strongly , constantly , chéerefully .

Rest thy confidence vpon God as thou Confidence . art bound : Acknowledging the power and mercie of thy God , and firmely repose thy selfe therein , against whatsoeuer dangers happen . Blessed is he , saith Ieremie , that trusteth in God , and Ierem. 17 whose confidence is in the Lord . And the sonne of Syrach . In all thy Syrach . 33 actions put thy trust in God , for so shalt thou also fulfill his commaundements .

2. Bee thou also religious towardes God , giuing him due worship : In adoring Adoration or Inuocation of God . him , and calling vpon his name : Call vpon him religiously , acknowledging him to haue all power , all knowledge , and to bée present euery where .

But call thou vpon God , with a present intention of minde ; with an Rules of Inuocation . acknowledging of thine owne vnworthinesse ; with a true affection of heart , with a desire of Gods blessinges , submitting thy will to Gods will : with hartie repentance ; with a consideration of Gods commandements ; with a meditation of the diuine promises , with assured faith to be heard , with confidence in Christ the Mediator .

These things being thus prepared , intreate the mercie and fauour of God , both to obtaine things necessarie for soule and body , and to turne away all euill .

Now , the best forme of prayer for euery Christian man , is the Lordes praier , taught by the sonne of God to his Disciples , containing all things briefly , which are to be praied for .

When néede requires , giue God the A religious oath . honor of a religious oath , and call God himselfe to be a witnes of thy spéech , as the onely searcher of the heart , and if thou doe wittingly deceiue or lye , ●et him reuenge the lye or deceit . Thou shalt feare the Lord thy God , and shalt sweare by Deut. 6. his name .

Thou owest vnto thy God a reuerend Gratitude thankfulnes , waie therefore Gods benefits , with an admiration and ioy , rehearse them , commend them , celebrate them , extol them . Acknowledge all good things , as receiued from him onely , both spirituall and corporall , and therefore giue him only the glorie . Say with the Psalmist : I will praise the Lord at all times , his Psal. 34. praise shall alwaies bee in my mouth . Offer vnto God the sacrifice of thanksgiuing , and say , Praise the Lord ô my Psal. 103. soule , and forget not all his benefits .

Be not thou either ashamed , or wearie , Exercise of the word priuate . Psal. 1. or cloyed with the word of truth ; exercise thy selfe rather in the word of God , by reading , meditating , talking , and conferring with other . Let thy delight bee in the law of the Lord , & meditate therein both day and night , let the word of Colloss. 2 Christ dwell in thee plentifully in all wisedome , teaching and exhorting one another , Apply thy reading . 1. Tim. 4.

Being asked a reason of thy faith at any conuenient time , or otherwise being prouoked , defend Gods truth out of the holy Scriptures , and be not ashamed to confesse it . Be readie , saith Saint Peter , 1. Pet. 3. alwaies to giue an answere , to euery one that asketh a reason of the hope that is in you , for euery one that confesseth me before men , him will I , saith Matt. 10. Christ , confesse before my father , who is in heauen .

Be not slacke to serue God in publique Exercise of religion publique . exercises of Religion . At appointed times , but especially on the Saboath , repaire to the Church , where the Christian Congregation is assembled in vnitie of minde , forsake not such méetings , neither despise thou the communion of Saints , but attend the word of God , as it is méete , vse the Sacraments , and pray deuoutly with the Saints . Let vs not Heb. 10. forsake the mutuall assemblies , saith the Apostle , as is the the manner of some . Doe all to the glory of God : Let all things be done to edifying . 1. Cor. 10. & . 14. Ecclesiasticall rites

Moreouer , obserue the publique Ecclesiasticall rites , attending on Religion , that all things may be done decently and in order , in conuenient time and place .

3. Whatsoeuer crosse it pleaseth God Patience vnder the Crosse . to lay vpon thée , thou oughtest to beare it patiently , for this is our dutie to God . Carry therefore the crosse , wherewith God doth try thée his child , or chastice thée in this vale of teares : carry it I say with patience , stoutly , and with an inuincible Rom. 12. Prou. 3. Heb. 12. mind : Be patient in afflictions : My sonne saith Saloman , refuse not thou the chastening of the Lord , neither grudge when thou art reproued of him : For whom the Lord loueth he chasteneth , &c.

God doth chastice thée , lest thou shouldest Vses of the crosse thinke thy selfe without all fault . Hée would haue thée more & more to returne to him , to cast off sinne , and to imbrace vertue , that the old man might be crucified , and the newe-man reuiued . Hée would haue thée to preuent further lapses , and not to rush into securitie . He would also staie other from wickednes by punishing thée , and that they might spedily returne to good .

Moreouer , the seruant and disciple , must be conformed to his Lord & master . Christ is our Lord and master , with whom we must suffer , if we will raigne with him .

God trieth thy faith , thy hope , thy obedience , thy patience , thy feruencie in praier : He will haue his power and mercie to appeare , in strengthning , & deliuering thée . He would make thée wearie of this earthly life , & to be stirred vp with a desire of thy heauenly loue . Therefore beare that is to be borne : patience will haue the victorie .

Be constant in faith , and yéeld to God the obedience of thy faith : Persist in this Constancie . religious worship of God , by perseuering vnto the last breath of thy life , in a liuely faith and loue of God : neither doe thou suffer any thing , either prosperous or aduerse , to remoue thee from that heauenly truth , or godlinesse , which thou hast learned . Be faithfull vnto death , saith the Apoc. 2. Mat. 10. spirit , and I will giue thee the Crowne of life , for hee that perseuereth vnto the end , shall be saued .

2. Concerning mans due .

Iustice giueth to euery man his due ; man must giue , first vnto himselfe that which is due to himselfe .

And next to his neighbour , that which is due to his neighbour .

Giue to thy selfe that which is due to thy selfe . Thou oughtest to loue thy selfe , To thy selfe thou owest loue . and not to hate thy selfe , but this loue must be holy and moderate , that knowing thy selfe , by the helpe of Gods grace , thou maiest frame thy selfe , to an holines and righteousnes , conformable to the Lawe of God . Thou shalt loue thy Rom. 13. Eph. 5. neighbour as thy selfe . And neuer yet did any man hate his owne flesh , yea he nourisheth and cherisheth it , euen as the Lord doth the congregation . Auselme saith .

Iustice is a libertie of the minde , giuing What iustice is . to euery man his proper right ; to our Superiour reuerence , to our Equal concord , to our Inferiour discipline , to God obedience , to our selues holines , to our enemie patience , to the needie mercie . And a man becomming iudge of himselfe , must search himselfe , without partialitie . Enter therefore into thy selfe : Dwell with thy selfe , and seeke not thy selfe without thy selfe . And as Plautus saith : Euer perswade thy selfe it is best , that thou thy selfe be best , if thou cannot attaine to that , yet at the last , that thou maist bee next the best .

First therefore thou owest to thy selfe , The knowledge of our selues . 1. Cor. 11 and 13. the knowledge of thy selfe : Surely it is a very hard matter to knowe our selues ; but heare thou the Apostle , who saith : Let euery man examine himselfe , Item , examine your selues whether ye be in the faith . Heare other wise Christians , as Ayapetus for one : We must first learne this diuine precept , that euery one knowe him selfe : for hee that knoweth himselfe knoweth God : He that knoweth God , shall become like to God , but he that shall become like to God , must be worthy of God , hee becomes worthy of God , who committeth Acceptable to God . nothing vnworthy of him , but thinketh on diuine things , and speaketh what he thinketh , and doth what he speaketh . Chrysostome saith : It is the part of a wise man , first to knowe himselfe , to viewe what hee himselfe is : what is beneath him , what is within him , what is aboue him , what is ouer against him , what before him , what behind him . For this consideration hath a fourefold fruite , Our own commoditie , our neighbours charitie , the worlds contempt , and the loue of God . And Bernard saith . No man is saued without the knowledge of himselfe , out of which riseth humilitie , the mother of saluation , and the feare of God , which as it is the entrance to wisedome , so is it the entrance to saluation .

Beeing knowne to thy selfe , Care of our selues thou owest of good right to thy selfe , a diligent care of thy selfe , concerning integritie , & holinesse , to the composing and decking of thy selfe .

Now thou shalt frame thy selfe to integritie and holinesse : if thou studie to vse and order aright , the things which God hath committed to thée ,

Whether they be Inward , or Outward .

First therefore , when thou knowest Care of goods . Of the minde . thy selfe , reforme all the inward goods of thy minde and body , to a rightnes pleasing God .

Iustice therefore , yéelding thy selfe thy right , commandeth thée , aboue all things , to be carefull in enforming rightly , and repairing the faculties of thy soule , both Superiour , and Inferiour .

The superiour faculties of the soule , Superior faculties . are the mind , the conscience , and the will : Haue a good regard of these , and thou shalt not be in danger .

Concerning the mind .

Giue therefore to thy minde or vnderstanding , that which is due to it . What we owe to the minde

Now thou owest to thy mind or vnderstanding , wisedome : to thy Iudgement , Prudence .

1. The minde attaineth wisedome , Wisdome by applying it selfe to the knowledge , and consideration of diuine and humane things , which are profitable and necessarie to the vse of our life .

This is obtained of God : For all wisdome , How we obtaine wisdome . Out of the word . By prayer saith the sonne of Syrach ; is from God , but by his word , for his word is the fountaine of wisdome , and his commandement , the originall and entrance thereunto . It must be asked by prayer , saying with Saloman . O Lord giue me wisedome and vnderstanding , that I may go in and out before thy people . By companying with the wise . Prou. 13. Syrach . 6. It is learned also by conuersing with wise men , according as it is said : Hee that keepeth companie with wise men , shall become wise : Therefore my son , saith Syrach : Apply thy selfe to the instruction of wisdome , from thy youth : for wisedome aduanceth her children , and receiueth those that loue her , & goeth before them , in the way of righteousnesse , and purchaseth them the loue of God .

2. Prudence is gotten by due obseruation , Prudence what is méete to be done , or left vndone , what is to be desired , or shunned , that thou maiest foresée to chuse the good , and refuse the euill , and search the means to performe honest actions : that both afore and after thou be wearie . For Prudence , is like two-faced Ianus , in euery thing obseruing , what goes before , and what followes after : Remember what Aristotle saith : That man is borne to two things , vz. to vnderstand , and to doe , or worke .

Thou shalt atchieue it , next the grace of God , by vse and memorie of things , according Howe prudence is gotten . By experience . as it is said ,

Longo Prudentia surget ab vsu ,

Prudence riseth , by long practise or experience .

When thou doest deliberate , saith Isocrates , of things to come , consider the examples of things past ; For if thou remember thinges past , thou shalt the better deliberate of things to come . Alwaies giue eare to that of Syrach : Whatsoeuer thou takest in hand , doe it aduisedly , and keepe a meane in all things .

Now in labouring for Prudence , in How to be perfect in Prudence Counsell . this sort shalt thou proceede .

First , take counsell of the matter that is to be done , or not done : try all things afore hand by counsell .

1. Let the rule of thy counsell be the Law of God : according to it , let all thy cogitations and deliberations be directed : Thy Law saith Dauid are my counsellors .

2. Then let thy prayer , powred out to God , craue his helpe , that thou maist both thinke , and determine those things that are agréeable to his will : saying with Dauid ; Teach me to doe thy will O God , for thou art my God .

3. After prayer let a diligent inquisition and meditation of those things wherof thou hast consulted , follow . For as Saloman Prou. 10. saith : The lips of the iust consider what is acceptable .

4. Doe not attribute too much to thy selfe , and to thine owne determinations , according as it is said : Leane not too much Prou 3. to thine own wit , especially in thine own matters , wherein men are wont to be blinded . Therefore in waightie matters take aduise of other : I , saith Wisedome , Prou. 8. dwell with Counsell , and am present in all wise consultations .

Secondly , when thou hast taken counsell , discerne aright betwéen all those reasons , Discretion . that are brought in consulting .

Here therefore is néede of discretion , whereby truths are discerned from falsehoods , certainties from vncertainties : vnprofitable things , from profitable : vnseasonable , from seasonable : honest from vnhonest : pleasant , from vnpleasant , and to conculde , good from euill . And of these which are more or lesse good , and which are more or lesse conuenient , for time , place , person , or for the matter in hand . And to discerne not onely what is to bée determined , but also how much , and how farreforth wee ought to procéede in euery cause .

2. Concerning the conscience .

Giue vnto thy conscience , that which What is due to the conscience . is due vnto it .

Thou oughtest not to wound and vlcerate our conscience , but to kéepe it sound and entire .

Now thou shalt get , and kéepe , a good , Three meanes to get a good conscience . Preparation . and a sound conscience , by thrée meanes .

By diligent preparation , by spéedy application of remedy : and by reformation .

2. That thou maiest diligently prepare thy conscience : Learne by the lawe what is commanded to be done , and what is forbidden and to bee left vndone : Learne the iudiciall sentence of the Law , pronouncing men accursed for euery sinne : Then examine thine owne conscience seriouslie , according to this rule of the Lawe , whereby thou shalt vnderstand , what thy state is before God ; hereof a sorrow will strike thy hart , for feare of the punishment due to thy sinnes which thou hast committed .

2. A better Remedie for a sorrowfull and wounded conscience , can I not Remedies shew you , than the blood and merite of Iesus Christ our Sauior . For the applying whereof vnto our selues , we haue néede : First , of the preaching of the Gospell , which is as it were the hand of God , offering his grace vnto vs . And then of faith , which is as our hand , receiuing the graces offred . But here thou must remember to humble thy selfe truely , and to resist all doubting .

3. The conscience is then reformed , Reformation . when it ceaseth to accuse and terrifie thée , and contrariwise , beginneth to excuse thée , and by the holie spirit doth testifie vnto thy spirit , that thou art the childe of God , and that thy sinnes are forgiuen Two means to Keepe a good conscience . thée . When thou hast gotten a good conscience sée that thou preserue it , and kéepe it in safetie : by remouing impediments and applying fit remedies .

Impediments , some are with in thee ; Impediments to be remoued . some without thée .

1 Within thee are thine own sinnes : take away therefore ignorance , seducing thée from the knowledge of Gods word : take away vnbrideled & vntamed affections , by inuerting their course from thy neighbour against thy selfe , or thine owne sinnes : or by inclining them to God , and our Sauiour Christ : take away worldly desires of riches , honours , and pleasures .

2. Without thée the diuell , and the wicked world are impediments to a good conscience , these must be withst●●d .

Remedies to be applied for the preseruing of the conscience are two : First , Remedies to be applied . thou shalt conserue and nourish a liuely faith : Secondly , thou shalt retaine a constant purpose and ardent desire to obey God in all things , so shalt thou prouide for thy conscience .

3. Concerning the will .

Moreouer , giue vnto thy wil that which What is due to the will . is due to it .

If thou loue thy selfe , thou owest vnto thy will an holy gouernment , to bridle it by a godly prudence : that being guided , not by the flesh , but by the spirits , it may earnestly will that which is good , and niil that which is euill : Now it is God , saith Philip. 2. the Apost. who worketh in you , both to will , and to performe according to his vndeserued fauour .

Here thou maist vse the sylogisme , as Prudence Sylog . they call it , of Prudence : whose principles or propositions are fetched from Counsel and Iudgement , and the conclusion from the election of the will .

Counsel searcheth out things which are Counsell . a furtherance to attaine the purposed end .

Iudgement discerneth among many Iudgement things purposed ; which are chiefly to be chosen .

By election the will desireth and chooseth Election . those things , which by right reason we haue learned to be most profitable for our vse : whereunto if the command of reason & prudence , illumined , be ioyned , it maketh the purpose readie for the action , or to the hand : so that there wanteth nothing but execution , or putting in practise .

But sée thou propound nothing to thy will , but that which may agrée with the will of God , and doth tend to his glorie to the knowledge of whose will , and to ; the aduancement of whose glorie , thou oughtest with all diligence to frame thy selfe . Thus shalt thou sanctifie the superiour faculties of thy soule , by giuing them that is due to them : wherein thou doest a right to thy selfe .

The inferiour faculties of the soule ; to wit : The Irascible or angry part , and the Concupiscible or lusting part , are to be brought in order , that thy affections may be moderate and holy .

1. Concerning the Irascible or angry part .

Thou shalt moderate or rule that Vertues moderating the Irascible part . part of thy soule which is prone to anger , by these Christian vertues , vz. Fortitude , Magnanimitie , Patience , Constancie , Méekenesse , Humilitie .

1. Furnish thy soule with Fortitude , wherewith it may be armed and prepared Fortitude to enterprise and endure labour , yea euen the perils of death , with a Christian courage , so that it may expell cowardly feare out of the minde , & may settle a constant trust in it . Be of good courage , Psa. 27. saith the Psalmist , and God shall comfort your hearts . Ye that put your trust in the Lord : Be strong in the Lord , and Ephe. 6. 1. Pet. 3. in the might of his power : Feare not their threats , neither be thou troubled . And Saint Paul to Timothie , saith : My sonne , be thou of good courage . 2. Tim. 3.

Saint Ambrose saith : Fortitude of the Lib. 61. Offic. minde is no meane vertue , or seuered from the rest , as if it were at defiance with other vertues , but it is such a vertue as onely defendeth the ornaments of al vertues , and preserueth their right , and is at deadly enmitie with all vices , it is inuincible in labours , couragious in dangers , rigorous against pleasures , churlish against enticings , whereunto it cannot tell how to listen . And Christ . Fortitude of minde is to vs from him Lib. 63. De vita Contempt . to whom with the Prophet wee sing ; The Lord is my fortitude & my praise , and he is become my saluation : He is our fortitude , because hee doth so strengthen vs with his inuincible protection against all vices , that neither flattering prosperitie can make vs dissolute , nor frouning aduersitie desperate . And now the Lord be our praise .

Now thou shalt be reckoned a valiant man if thou haue such power ouer Who is a valiant man . thine affections , that thou canst master them , so that not thou art so stirred and prouoked by them , as they by fortitude are ruled and gouerned at thy becke : For the valiant man vseth his anger as a whe●stoane to sharpen his courage in aduenturing perills , yet as an vnderling , not as a commander , neither is his reason thereby disturbed , but his affection inflamed .

2. Magnanimitie or greatnes of courage is occupied in great matters , and of Magnanimitie . honorable account , wherewith also the soule must be endued : that wée seeke not honour for it selfe , nor greatly estéeme of humane honour .

Hee is a man of great courage saith Gregory : who desireth eternall things . Who is Magnanimous . Thou shalt bee magnanimous , if thou contemne humane honour , and enterprise great thinges for the glory of God , and exercise all vertues which tend to eternall felicitie . If thou encrease daily in courage , and wish earnestly , and performe valiantly whatsoeuer may further the glory of God , & the saluation of men , if thou stand inuincible against all iniuries and calamities , which men can lay vpon thée .

3. Possesse thy soule in patience , wherby Patience . thou maiest endure with a willing mind , & stoutly beare all euills that come vpon thée , and all troubles which thou takest vpon thée , and all aduersities and crosses which thou canst not with honestie and godlines auoide .

Arme thy selfe with patience , saith Syrach . 2. the sonne of Syrach , whatsoeuer happeneth , bear it patiently , & endure whatsoeuer calamitie patiently . And our Sauiour Christ saith : Possesse your soule , Luk. 2. in patience . And S. Peter : Minister in your faith patience , &c. 2. Pet. 1.

No man can escape misfortunes , but to beare misfortunes patiently , is onely the part of a godly man : for mortall men are bound to beare mortalities : endure the harder things , then shalt thou more easily beare light things .

Nobile vincendi genus est patientia , vincit punctum . Qui patitur , si nis vincere disce pati . A noble kind of victorie . Is patience : Learne to suffer . For he that suffereth , ouercomes all wrongs that men can offer .

S. Crysostome maketh nine degrées Nine degrees of patienc . of Patience . The first is , to do no wrong . The second is when a wrong i● done , not to desire a reuenge . The third is , not to requite the wrong , but to be quiet . The fourth is , to offer himself to beare wrong . The fift is , to be ready to beare more than he that doth the wronge desires . The sixt is , not to hate him that doth the wrong . The seuenth is , to loue our enemie . The eight is , to doe him good . The ninth is , to praie to God for him .

4. Thou owest vnto thy soule constancie , Constancie . or perseuerance in wel doing : that is , to persist in an honest & laudable purpose , to retaine alwaies in one rate , the same minde and will , that thou be not lifted vp by prosperitie , nor cast downe by aduersitie , or decline from good to euill .

Hereby thou maist ouercome the difficultie of long lingring , or fault of defection , whereunto the action of vertue is in danger , when it is drawne out by length of time . Get this grace , by Gods helpe vnto thy soule : the thou maist haue a wil to perseuere in the action of vertue begun , till thou haue fully perfected it : Pray vnto God , and he will say vnto thee : I am the Lord thy God , taking thee by the Esay . 41. hand , and saying to thee : Feare not : I haue holpen thee : Feare not ô Iacob , that art a worme : He will strengthen thy weake hands , and thy feeble knees , and make thy feete to step aright .

But let thy will bee firme to persist in faith , and the workes of faith , and to resist those things which hinder them . First Satan is an aduersarie , whom thou must Impediments . withstand , being stedfast in faith . Secondly , the very length of time , often bréedeth a vaine feare , but in thy God thou maiest doe all things . Thirdly , the world many times affrighteth vs with his bugges , or turneth vs aside by his examples : But labour thou , & thou shalt haue thy hyer , after wearines followeth rest : hope , and thy hope shal not confound thée .

5. Indue thy mind with méekenesse , which may so appease the angry force Meekenesse . therof , that it offer not violence to reason , or remoue her out of her state , but may make thée readier to pardon , than to reuenge .

By méeknesse therefore anger must be Anger to be refrained . Eph. 4. Tit. 3. refrained or brideled : Walke saith the Apostle , in all meeknesse and humilitie , forbearing one an other , and forgiuing one an other , in modestie shewing meekenesse to all men . Item , Let vs behaue our selues in much patience and long suffering and mildnes , in the holy Gost .

By méekenesse desire of reuenge Eph. 4. Colloss. 3 which riseth of anger must be restrained or cut off . With patience support ye one an other , forgiuing one an other , if anie man haue a quarell against an other , euen as God for Christs sake hath forgiuen you : not rendring euill for euill . Rom. 12. The effects of meeknes Psal. 147. Iudith , 9.

If thou be méeke , thou shalt be acceptable to God : The Lord receiueth the meeke , he heareth the prayers of such as be gentle : The prayers of such as be humble & meek haue euer bin acceptable to thee , saith Iudith : To such he sent his sonne : To preach to the meeke he sent me : To such hee giues his grace : To the meeke he giueth grace : Such he directeth in all their actions . He shall Esay . b 1. Prou. 3. guide the meeke in iudgement , he shal teach the gentle his waies .

6. Thou owest humilitie to thy soule Humilitie which may make thee not to waxe proud of the store or worth of any graces , but in acknowledgement of thine own infirmities to prefer euery one before thy self .

In humilitie embracing one another , Item , Decke your selues inwardly , with lowlinesse of minde : for GOD 1 , Pet. 5. resisteth the proude , and giueth grace to the lowly . Humble your selues therfore vnder the mightie hand of God , & he shal exalt you in due time . My sonne saith Syrach , behaue thy selfe humbly , apply thy selfe to the lowly : for this is Syrach . 3. better than all that which the world esteemeth so highly : The greater thou art , the more humbly behaue thy selfe , and the Lord will loue thee : for the Lord is the most high , and yet he worketh great things by the lowly and afflicted . And Chrysostome saith ; Nothing is to bee compared to the vertue of humilitie : for it is the roote , the nurce , the prop , and band of all goodnesse . And Saint Augustine , If we will attaine to the height of Charitie , wee must first thinke of the foundation of humilitie . And Basil : Humilitie is the safest treasury of all vertues .

Anselme reckoneth seuen degrées of humilitie : The first is , to knowe thy selfe to Seuen degrees of humilitie . be contemptible . The second is , to be sory for it . The third , to confesse it . The fourth is , to perswade the same to other in time and place . The fifth is , to beare it patiently when other report it . The sixt is , to take it in good part when thou art vsed contemptibly . The seuenth is , to accept , desire , and loue the same .

It must néedes be a great strength in the mind that shal ascend to these degrées . Though thou do neuer so great matters , yet count not thy selfe great : Thou shalt become humble , if thou contemne all worldly and humane things , and doe consider the beginnings of thine own being .

2. Concerning the concupiscible or Vertues moderating the concupiscible part lusting part .

Thou shalt moderate thy soule , which is prone to lust , by these Christian vertues .

3. Temperance , Abstinence , and Continence .

1. Thou oughtest to kéepe thy soule in Temperance . Temperance : whereby thou maiest refraine and restraine thy lustes , thy pleasures & delights of the body , from which , because they be natural , we are the more hardly drawne .

Sundry reasons there are , which ought to stirre thée vp to moderate the appetit●● Motiues . of iust .

First , because the voluptuousnes of the body , doth hinder that God by his word cannot enter into the soule of man , to drawe and conuert it to him .

Secondly , because bodily pleasures are vaine , slipperie , momentanie : euen vanitie of vanities : leauing behind them , remorse , sorrow , repentance , not easily remoued .

Thirdly , because euen in the very moment of time , wherein carnall pleasures doth entangle vs with her allurements , it doth so bewitch our mindes : with her poyson ( shall I call it ) or swéete charme , that it wholly subdueth vs . Let not sinne Rom. 6. therefore raigne in your mortall bodies , that yee should thereunto obey through the lustes thereof : But striue against the tyrannie of pleasures , which a● it were certaine cruell beasts doe deuour the soule , and strangle reason , if in time they be not preuented . Seneca saith : It is an easier matter to hinder the first motions of the affections , than to rule their violence : set thou therefore vpon the roote of lust as it were with a sword .

2. If thou loue thy selfe , challenge to thy Abstinence & sobrietie . selfe abstinence and sobrietie , and yéelde them to thy soule : that thou maiest kéepe the nutritiue power thereof in an holy temperance and moderate vse of meate and drinke . Vse sparingly , saith Ecclesiasticus , Syrach . 31 Eccles. 10 those things that are set before thee , that thou bee not odious for thy greedines . And the Preacher saith : Blessed are thou O land , whose princes eate in due time for refreshing and not for ryot : for he that is moderate in feeding shall prolong his life . Item , Wine moderately drunke is a cheering to the soule and heart : And strong drinke soberly taken is health both to soule and body . Let not therefore your hearts Luk. 21. bee ouercome with surfetting and drunkennesse , and cares of this life . &c.

Thou must therefore striue earnestly with thy selfe , against thy bodily appetities , which as it is hard to ouercome , so it is glorious to ouercome : for the diuell vseth the necessitie of the flesh as a iust patronage to an inward temptation .

3. If thou wish well to thy flesh , sée Continence and Chastitie . thou retaine Continencie and Chastitie , and embrace them : that thou maiest kéep the generatiue power of thy soule in a holy temperance and lawfull vse ordained of God . Cal to mind often these warnings .

This know ye , saith the Apostle , and Eph. 5. vnderstand , that no fornicator , or vncleane person , or Adulterer , hath any inheritance in the kingdome of God & 1. Cor. 6. Christ . And againe : Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ , the Temples of the holy Ghost , Vessels of honour ? shall I take the members of Christ , and make them the members of an harlot ? God forbid ? Item . If any man defile the Temple of God , him will GOD destroy . Item : This is the will of GOD , euen your Sanctification , 1. Thes. 4 that yee shoulde abstaine from fornication , and that euery one of you should knowe how to keepe his vessell in holinesse and honour , and not in the lustes of concupiscence , as doe the Heathen which knowe not God . And our Sauiour Christ saith ; Hee that looketh on a Mat. 5. woman to lust after her , hath committed Adulterie with her alreadie in his heart . And Ierom. It is a great gift of faith , and a great grace of vertue , to keepe the Temple of God pure , and to offer our selues a whole burnt offering to the Lord , and to be holy both in body and spirit .

2 , Thus must thou prouide for graces of the mind : Take a care also for goods Cares for goods of the bodie . of the body , by a lawfull endeuour to preserue the health of the body .

If therefore thou loue thy selfe , haue a care of thy bodily health , maintaine as Health . much as in thée is thy life and welfare , that it may be whole and sound : It is maruellous how much the former temperance through abstinence and continence doe helpe to preserue health .

If thy health bee endamaged , apply medicine to recouer health , and to auoide Medicine Sirach. 38. sicknesse : My sonne , saith Ecelesiast . consider diligently what is good for thy body and what hurteth thy health , and abstaine from it : Honour the Phisitian with due reward , and vse him for necessitie sake . Againe : Health and a good habite of body is better than gold , and Cap. 30. an able body than great riches . Reade more , Chap. 38.

3. Thou must prouide for externall Care for goods of fortune . goods , which they cal the goods of fortune , ( if thou loue thy self ) such as are Honour , and Riches .

Let a godly contentment and sufficiencie , moderate and gouerne both these sorts : that thou rest content with thy portion and estate , both of honour and wealth , which God hath allotted thée , with a thankefull minde to GOD , not desiring or carefully séeking more .

For godlinesse is great gaine , with a 1 Tim. 6. Syrach . 31. minde content with his lot : And a moderate man is content with fewe things : Bee content therefore with present & . 42. things . Learne with the Apostle to bee content with thy estate : I haue learned , saith hee , In whatsoeuer estate I am , Philip. 4. therewith to be content : I knowe how to be humble , and how to excell euery where , and in al things I am instructed , both to be full and to hunger , both to abound , and to suffer penurie . Hauing 1. Tim. 6. foode and cloathing , let vs bee therewith content , &c.

1. Concerning honour .

Let modestie be the moderator of thine Honour . honour : whereby thou maiest desire , pursue , and maintaine thine honour , so farreforth as is conuenient , lawfull , and seemely : Let your modestie bee knowne to all men : Through modestie , Philip. 4. & . 2. let euery man esteeme an other better then himselfe : The greater thou art , the more humbly behaue thy selfe , saith the sonne of Syrach .

Endeuour in the meane while , by godlinesse , vertue , and honest arts , to get thy selfe a good report among men : for honour is an honest estimation , conceiued of vs by other men , for vertues sake . If it may be , procure an Rom. 12. honest report in the sight of all men . Item , Whatsoeuer things are true , whatsoeuer Philip. 4. honest , iust , pure , louely , or of good report , if there be any vertue , any praise , thinke on these things : for a good name is better th● riches , saith the wise man .

2. Concerning riches and wealth .

Let godly industrie bee thy guide in Riches . Getting . getting thy riches or wealth : I say godly , that thou shouldest pray . For

Omnia cūprecibus ferivda cura potest : Prayer . Labour . Isay industry , that thou shuldest labor .

Labor omnia vincit improbus . As praier with care doth much auaile So earnest labour doth preuaile .

Performe therefore the duties of thy calling diligently , expecting an heauenly blessing by calling vpon God , and labour earnestly to get thy liuing , that thou maiest eate the labour of thine owne hands .

In the vse of thy riches gouerne them Vsing . by a godly possession : that being iustly gotten , thou maiest hold them lawfully , and maiest be master of them as long as it shall please God : Be thou alone owner Prou. 5. of thine owne fountaine , and not strangers with thee .

Vse them and enioy them , frugally Vsing . and thristily : by making thy expences according to thy abilitie , tollerable , honest , and necessarie , answerable to thy degrée . The iust man saith Salomon , vseth Prou. 10. his riches for the benefite of his life . And the sonne of Syrach saith , Take Sirach . 14 benefit thy self of thy wealth or goods . And Dauid ; God shall fill thy mouth Psal. 103. with good things .

Thus must thou exercise righteousnesse by louing thy selfe in a godly sort , giuing to thy selfe thy due : to thy soule that which is due to it : to thy body that which is due to it : to thy externall goods that which is due to them .

But thou art not borne to thy selfe , thou oughtest to loue thy neighbour as thy selfe : thou must be conuersant with him . To him thou owest loue , to vse him familiarly , nourishing societie in a ciuill life . Here obserue two things . Who is our neighbour . Luk. 10.

First , that euery man is thy nighbour , whether thy friend , or thine enemie : whether rich or poore : whether domesticall or a stranger : whether knowne or vnknowne : especially if he stand in néede of vs . But among Christians hée chiefely Gal. 6. is our neighbour , who professeth the same religion with vs , and therfore chiefly to be beloued .

Secondly , let this be ●● common rule , whatsoeuer ye would th●● men should doe to you , doe ye the same to them againe .

2. Let iustice therefore both giue and Iustice towards thy neighbour . To euery man liuing . retribute vnto thy neighbour that which is due to him , whether A liue , Ordead .

To euery man liuing generally , and to some speciall persons especially .

To euery man liuing , beare inwardly ● Christian affection , and shew outwardly the effects thereof .

1. Thou oughtest to beare a Christian Beneuolence in-affection . affection towards thy neighbour : that is to say a good wil , embracing euery man as he is a man , and Gods Image , with a welwilling affection of minde : being willing and readie to helpe , or further thy neighbour in his businesse no lesse than thy selfe in thine owne : Endeuour as much ●● thou caust to preserue Christian Concord , and peace towards all men . Concord . According to the Charge of the Apostle . If it be possible , as much as is in you , Rom. 12. Effects of beneuolence . line peaceably with all men .

2. Thou must also shewe the effects of thy wel-willing in déede and worke , to performe towardes him in conuersation . Humilitie , Ciuilitie : Liberalitie .

1. Concerning Humanitie .

Denie not the right of Humanitie vnto Humanitie . any man , being thy selfe a man . But signifie thy inward good will towardes all men , in outward gesture and words : for iustice wils thée to bee courteous and gentle to thy neighbour . Shewing thy selfe easie and tractable in speaking , in hearing , in answering , in companying . Be yee gratious or amiable , saith the Apostle . Collos. 3. Eph. 4. Rom. 15. Be yee curteous one to another . Let euery man please his neighbour in that which is good .

2. Concerning Ciuilitie .

Be not vnmindfull of Ciuilitie in méetings , let thy behauiour be quiet , thy conuersation Ciuilitie . seemely : Let mistresse Ciuilitie rule thy spéech and gesture : for thou owest vnto thy neighbour , both conuenient speech and gesture .

1. Let her so gouerne thy spéech , that Silenc . & speech . first thou maiest learne to kéepe silence , seasonably , and séemely . Next , that thou maiest knowe when to speake wisely and rightly .

1. Some time a comely silence is seasonable , Circumstances . of silence & speech whereby we conceale our meaning , or what we knowe : Bethinke thée therefore aforehand , whereof , and to whom , in what wordes , in what place and time , with what sound or voice any spéech is to be had , or not had : what , to whom , where , and when it is meete to kéepe silence . Weigh thy wordes , saith the sonne of Syrach , as in a ballance , and Syrach . 8 make a doore and barre for thy mouth , and beware thou slip not at any time , and fall before him that lieth in waight for thee : Pray with Dauid : Set a watch Psal. 141 O Lord before my mouth , and keepe the doore of my lippes .

2. Sometime it becomes vs to speake vnto our neighbour , and to vtter our mind , but yet in due sort : Sée therefore Circumstances . that thou consider the things whereof thou speakest : waigh thy words . Obserue time and place , temper thy pronuntiation decently .

3. Let truth especially season thy talke Truth . in our speech . Eph. 4. with her attendants : for thou oughtest to speake the truth to thy neighbour .

Be therefore most studious of truth , and vtter thinges to thy neighbour as they are in déed , according to the meaning of thy heart , and the instruction of reason . Let euery man speake the truth Zach. 8. to his neighbour , saith the Prophet . And Dauid testifieth , that He that speaketh the truth to his neighbour from his Psal. 15. heart , and hath vsed no deceite in his tongue : hee shall dwell in Gods Tabernacle .

With truth , ioyne first gentlenesse , next fidelitie , both which thou owest vnto thy neighbour .

Deale plainely and fréely with thy neighbour , what thou conceiuest aright Truth . vtter ; what tbou hearest interpret fauourably in thy word , and couenantes with thy neighbour . Keepe thy promise firmely . Keepe touch with thy friend laith Salomon : And bee not carried about Prou. 27. Syrach . with euery wind , but be constant in thy words .

Let Christian grauitie order thy gesture Iestures . towards thy neighbour , that they may be framed towards euery one , as is conuenient , with comely behauiour : let A●ule . this be thy rule : Shewe thy selfe in behauiour and gesture , such as thou wouldest be counted : And be thou inwardly such indéede , as thou labourest to appeare outwardly .

3. Concerning liberalitie .

Thou owest vnto thy neighbour good Beneficence , or liberalitie . turnes and benefits , therefore according to thy abilitie thou shalt helpe thy neighbor ▪ both with thy purse and paines , thou shalt communicate with him thy goods , what thou maiest and oughtest : Let thy Prou. 5. fountaines saith Saloman , flowe forth , and let the water streame in the streets , but bee thou still owner of the springs . Doe good vnto al , but specially to those Gall. 6. Mat. 5. Syrach . 5. and 14. of the houshold of faith . But doe good to them also the hate you , &c. Item . According to thy power help the poore , giue cheerefully : for God loueth a cheerefull giuer .

To thy Beneficence adde Christian Gratification . gratification , whereby through thy curtesies and good turnes , thou dost encourage thy neighbour in well doing , that he may goe on to the end of that he hath wel purposed : Light thou therefore an other mans candle by thine : teach the way to the wandring : giue faithfull counsell : communicate willingly holsome doctrine : further thy neighbour in the attaining of some honest function , and other things necessarie . These things thou owest to euery man .

To some speciall persons we owe also To speciall men . some speciall duties . Both in hartie affection , and willing effects . As ,

1 To our neighbour being in miserie , To such as are in miserie . we owe , Compassion and Commiseration , or the bowels of mercie : sorrowe therefore with thy neighbour in his miserie , out of an earnest affection of loue & desert , and studie to relieue him . Put vpon Coll. 3. you as the elect of God , holy and beloued , the bowels of compassion . Item , Be ye at concord ; haue a feeling of one 1 Pet. 1. anothers miseries : loue as brethren , &c. Item , Remember those that are in bonds , Heb. 13. as if you your selues were in bondes with them . Haue compassion of those that be in affliction , as if you your selues were afflicted in the body . Item , Reioyce Rom. 12. with them that reioyce , weepe with them that weepe .

To certaine states of men , we owe also Affection and Duties . Giue therefore to euery one their due .

To our superiours , Reuerence , and Obedience . To the poore , Reliefe , or Almes . To the Pilgrimes or strangers Hospitalitie and Entertainment ,

1. Concerning our superiours .

Giue vnto thy Superiours , first , reuerence The superiours . Reuerence . Rom. 13. or worship . That is , sée thou giue due honour & reuerence to such men as either in age , state , gifts , or otherwise , are thy betters . Giue to euery one , saith the Apostle . his due : Fear , to whom feare : Honour , to whom honour belongeth . Rise Leuit. 19. vp before the gray head , & honour the person of the aged . Item . Feare God , honour the King , For he that feareth God , Syrach . 10 honoureth his Prince . saith Eccles.

Secondly , we ought to yeeld obedience Obedience to those that lawfully rule ouer vs : so that wee must not onely heare the lawfull charge of our superiour , but also studie to performe it . Obedience , saith Samuel , is Sam. 15. better than Sacrifice . And Greg. By Sacrifices were offred the flesh of other creatures : by obedience our owne wil is mortified : in that our will is subiected to the will of another for Gods cause . And Bernard , Christ rather than hee would loose his obedience , lost his life .

2 Concerning the poore . To the poore almes .

Giue almes to the poore , that thou maist reléeue theire want by thy supply .

No precept is more vsuall saith Cyp. among the precepts of Christ , than that we should insist or be deligent in giuing of almes , and not be greedie of earthly possessions ▪ but to lay vp treasure in heauen : S●ll your possessions saith hée , and giue it in almes , And again , Lay not vp treasure for your selues on earth , &c. If thou wilt be perfect , goe , sell all that thou hast , and giue to the poore , and thou shalt haue treasure in heauen . To conclude , He calleth them Abrahams children , whom hee seeth to be diligent in helping and feeding the poore .

3. Concerning Pilgrimes or Strangers .

Thou oughtest to harbour Pylgrimes To pilgrimes , Hospitalitie . or Strangers : Such good gests shalt thou receiue , cherish , and refresh , as may no way empeach thy good name , or bréede thée any mischiefe . Exercise therefore Rom. 12. 1. Pet. 4. Heb. 13. Hospitalitie . And bee yée readie to harbour one another without grudging . Item . Be yee not vnwilling to harbour strangers : for by this meanes some vnawares haue lodged Angels . And Saint Augustine saith . Learne O thou Christian to giue entertainment , least peraduenture , hee against whom thou shuttest thy doore , and to whom thou deniest entertainement , be God himselfe . Or at least , one of Gods Saints , of whom it is saide : whatsoeuer ye did to one of these little ones which belieue in me , ye did it to me . And contrariwise , whatsoeuer ye did not , yee neglected to doe to me . These things giue to thy neighbour while he is yet aliue .

And remember that thou art a debter Duties to the dead . to the dead : Performe to them therefore the last duties of pietie : to wit , mourning and buriall : for as these who are sicke , and at the point of death , are to bée visited and comforted : so those that bée dead must haue their right ( which are called iust ) for we ought both to mourne for them , and to burie them . Wherevpon the sonne of Syracb saith : If any man dye , bewaile and lament him , as if Syrach . ●8 . thou haddest suffred some great losse , and then wind his body , according to the custome , and see that he may be honestly buried .

These things , shalt thou performe as a man , but much rather as a Christian man , both to the liuing and dead .

Now moreouer , thou must haue a regard what thy neighbour hath deserued Retribution , or recompence . of thée , and what good turnes thou hast receiued , that thou maiest recompence and requit them : For iustice requireth , that thou retribute and repay the good turns thou receiuedst , with good turns , as being a due debt .

Retribute therefore or returne to thy friend , friendship : and at the least thankefulnes , for his well deseruing of thee .

1. Concerning friendship .

Thou doest returne friendship , if in good will and curtesse thou doe render Friendship . mutuall loue to thy friend : Recompence therefore hartie good will , with hartie good will , enterchange curtesies , such as be honest and possible .

But thou shalt be carefull to set thy affection on such as thou perceiuest to bée With whom bent earnestly to true godlinesse , and a serious studie of vertue , that yee may growe vp together in godlinesse , as it were one heart . Therefore Eccles. saith ; Ioyne thy selfe to good men , and reioyce with them . Item ; A sure friend is Syrach . 9. & 6. a strong hold , hee that hath such a one possesseth a great treasure . And Cassian saith ; That is faithfull friendship , and a coniunction indissoluble , ( or a ioynt that cannot be dissolued ) which is founded vpon equalitie of vertues : for the Lord maketh men that are of like manners or conditions , to dwel together in one house . And therfore in those onely loue can continue without breach , in whom there is one purpose & wil , who wil , & nil the same thing , or one thing .

2. Concerning gratitude or thankfulnesse .

Thou doest returne thankefulnesse Gratitude to thy neighbour who hath deserued well of thée , when thou doest render vnto him , a thankeful remembrance of a benefit receiued , with a willing declaration of thy good will , both in word and déed .

Carry therefore towardes thy benefactors , a minde or desire to recompence benefites rrceiued , or at the least a heart most readie to wish well : But if thou canst requit good turnes receiued , with gifts and curtesies . Chrisostom saith ; The best gardian of benefits is the memorie of benefits , and a continuall confession of thankes . And Bernard , Nothing can be returned more acceptable by the receiuer to the giuer , than if he shewe himselfe thankfull for that he secretly receiued , for he doth reproach to the spirit of grace , who doth not take a good turne , from him that giueth it , with a gratefull minde .

Thus hauing abandoned vnrighteousnesse , labour to attaine righteousnesse .

1. Begin I say , to enter the way of saluation ; by Conuerting from euill to good . 2. Faint not for any temptations which are in the way . 3. But goe forward by denying thy selfe . 4. And following Christ in the way of holy vertues : by 1. A firme purpose to attaine to vertue : by 2. A fortitude ouercomming all impediments : by 3. A swéet contentment in vertues possession : by 4. A daily examination of our profiting in the way of vertue .

The Epilogue or Conclusion , containing .

An encouragement , or spur to vertue : That thou maiest ô man be enflamed , in the studie of Pietie , and Charitie . First by reasons taken from Christianitie . Consider at large these short sayings .

LEt the most holy and most glorious God , allure thée by the perfection of his vertues , whose glorie thou oughtest earnestly to further .

2. Let the eternall knowledge of God whereby thou art foreknowne , prouoke thée to holinesse .

3. Let the vndeserued and frée loue of God , wherewith thou art loued , the mercie and grace of God wherewith he preuenteth thée , drawe thée .

4. Let thy holy predestination to life , first holy or blamelesse , next eternal , procure thée .

5. Remember that thou art created by thy Creator to walke in holinesse and righteousnesse .

6. Let the Image of God thy father and Creator , whom thou oughtest to resemble , & not to be a degenerate or vnkindly sonne , inuite thée .

7. Let the wonderfull benefite of Gods preseruation and gouernment : whereby thou art maruellously kept , euen vnto this houre , exhort thée .

8. Let the vnspeakable loue of God the father , who gaue his onely sonne to thée , and to death for thée , encline thée to godlinesse .

9. Let the inestimable or vnvaluable benefite of thy Redemption , bring thée to an holy obedience : for thou wast redéemed , that thou shouldest be thankefull .

10. Let the patterne of perfection and charitie , Iesus Christ , whose steps thou must follow , enflame thy heart with the loue of charitie .

11. Let the dignitie of thy calling lead thée to holines of life : for thou art called not to vncleannes , but vnto holines .

12. Call to minde how thou wast reconciled to God , who was offended with thy sins , by Christ : that thy sins were forgiuen thée , that thou mightest liue to God , and righteousnesse .

13. Let the gifts of the holy Ghost , which are giuen thée , to sanctifie thée : who is offended with thy sinnes , induce thee to the studie of godlines .

14. Let the commandement of the most best , and most greatest God , who willeth thy sanctification , compell thée to the practise of Christian charitie .

15. Let the regard of thy dutie due to God , call thée to an obedience of holinesse , that thou maiest testifie thy gratitude towardes him : for thou art Gods debter .

16. Let thy renouation begun , wherby thou art become a new man , stir thée vp daily : for he that is borne of God sinneth not : And a good tree bringeth forth good fruits .

17. Let thy faith if it be liuely , bring forth , stir vp , sharpen , and maintaine the studie of vertue : For without works faith is dead : shewe therefore thy faith by thy workes .

18. Let the light and knowledge of the will of God and his misteries , kindle in thy minde holinesse . Thou knowest Gods will , doe it .

19. Thou owest to thy God a sacrifice of worship , to be seasoned by the f●●● of faith : to bee enflamed by the fire of the holy Ghost : to be sanctified by the merite of Christ .

20. Thou art the Temple of the holy spirit wherewith thou art annointed and endued : kéepe this Temple holy , set forth the praise of God , with thought , word and mind , mouth , and life .

21. Let the comforts of the holy Ghost , whereby thou art refreshed , running in the race of vertue , and comforted in thy prayers , bee as spurres vnto thée in the course of godlinesse .

22. Let that swéete franquillitie of a good conscience , and the inward ioy of heart , which thou enioyest by vertue , minister fire vnto thy deuotion .

23. Let the manifold commodities which accompanie Pietie , pricke thée forward : for Pietie hath the promises of this life , and of the life to come .

24. Let the hope of fruite that comes thereby moue thée : for thereby thou shalt relieue thy neighbour : thou shalt glorifie God : thou shalt stop the mouth of thy aduersaries .

25. Let the vncertaintie of thy life , and death euery where , and at all times lying in waight for thée , warne thee : Liue well , that thou maiest dye well .

26. Let that glorious Tribunall of Christ , and the fearefull iudgement of the last day , before whom thou shalt be presented , and at which time thou must giue an account , terrifie thée .

27. Let the terrour of ii . fernall torments wherewith all the wicked shall be tortured , compell thée to the obedience of faith .

28. Let the reward of life and glorie eternall , which with great ioy thou shalt enioy , in Gods own presence , in the midst of all celestiall happinesse , illure thee .

29. Be earnest to followe righteousnesse , for by attaining thereto , thou shalt obtaine the commendations of a wise man : who is as the apple of Gods eye .

30. If thou be iust thou shalt be happie , euen as that thée , which being planted by riuers of water , fructifieth in due season , and remaineth vnwithered : As a florishing Palme trée , or as a Cedar planted in the house of the Lord .

The praises and priuiledges of the iust .

First , thou shalt be noble in déed : being the sonne of God , borne of God .

2. Thou shalt bee the very Image and liuely similitude of the liuing God .

3. Thou shalt bee the beautifull and beloued spouse of Christ : Thou shalt bée called the ioy & delight of the most highest .

4. Thou shalt be the Tabernacle and liuing Temple of the liuing God , & a certaine Chappel for the holy Ghost .

5. Thou shalt spring forth as a bright light , and encrease to perfect day .

6. Thou shalt mount to heauen , despising and treating vnderfoot , all earthly and transitorie things .

7. Being assured of Gods helpe , thou shalt alwaies hope for saluation without doubting .

8. Thou shalt beare iniuries patiently , and pardon wrongs willingly .

9. Thou shalt enioy true peace and tranquilitie of minde : thou shalt be filled with true godlines and pleasures .

10. Thou shalt be worthy of all manner of sound honour : thou shalt be glorious in worship and praise .

11. Thou shalt be adorned with Christ & pietie , with most beautifull ornaments .

12. Thou shalt be very rich : for thou shalt want nothing at any time . And for thy sake the Lord will blesse the Citie and other .

13. No creature shall hurt thée , if thou be iust : but euery creature shall serue for thy good . For all things were made for thy behoofe , and are preserued .

14. Thou shalt haue the kingdome of God within thée , and shalt be a King .

15. All thinges shall prosper happily with thée : Euen aduersitie shall make thy state most happie .

16. Thou shalt haue God to bee thy protector , thy gardian , and reuenger .

17. God will haue a speciall care of thee : whom thou shalt haue to be thy teacher and guide .

18. Thou shalt onely serue God and Christ , being a perfit fréeman .

19. Thou shalt haue God thy friend , and whatsoeuer thou askest , thou shalt obtaine . And whatsoeuer thou giuest him , shall be most acceptable to him .

20. Thou shalt be a fellowe citizen with the Saints , being admitted to the heauenvly Citie : And being an heire of the eternall kingdome , as the sonne of God .

21. Being a souldier of Iesus Christ in the Christian warfare , thou shalt ●●ght manfully and valiantly .

22. Thou shalt be in God and Christ , and God and Christ shall be in thee .

23. Thou shalt liue a long and blessed life in Christ the sonne of God . And all manner of blessednesse shall bee in thée .

24. Death shall not be fearefull vnto thée , and thou shalt expect it ioyfully : for dying , thou shalt not dye , but liue for euer .

25. Thou shalt obtaine assured victorie against all thine enemies .

26. When thou shalt enter into heauen , thou shalt be crowned with heauenly glory and honour .

27. In the generall iudgement , thou shalt be adorned with praises by Christ the Iudge .

28. Thou shalt sit with Christ to Iudge the world , and shalt triumph gloriously with all the blessed .

Secondly , be thou stirred vp O man , by exhortations and examples of Heathen men : Heare and blush .

I vse saith Seneca , this authoritie against my self , and euery day I arraigne my selfe : when the candle is taken away , and my wife is silent ( who now knoweth my manner ) I begin to examine with my selfe the whole day past , I viewe ouer all my deedes and words , I conceale nothing from my selfe , I passe ouer nothing : for why should I feare any my errors ? when I may say , See thou doe it no more , I forgiue thee for this time . Againe he saith : What is better than this custome , to examine the whole day ? How sweete is that sleepe , that followeth this surviewe of our selues ? how quiet , how sound and free , when the soule being either commended or admonished , becomes an especiall and priuie censor of it selfe , iudging of her owne meaning ? Therefore , saith the same Seneca , enquire into thy selfe : first performe the part of an Accuser : next of a Iudge : lastly , of an Intreator : Sometime also offend or displease thy selfe : For he doth willingly erre , who knoweth not that hee doth erre , he doth ouerloue himselfe , who is content that other should erre , that his owne errour may be hidden .

1. Cóncerning Pietie towards God . The same Seneca saitb .

1. A good man ought to be very deuoutly giuen towards God : And to worship God for his excellent maiestie and singular nature .

2. The first seruice of the Gods is , to Hee speaketh in the plurall number , as a Heathen man . belieue in them , or to belieue that there are Gods . Next , to giue vnto them , their honour and goodnesse : To knowe that it is they that gouerne , and rule all things by their power , that take the charge of mankind .

3. He worshippeth God , that knowes God , neither shall any man profit sufficiently , except he conceiue aright in his mind , what manner of one God is : hauing all things , bestowing all things , giuing benefits fréely . And Epictetus .

If wee bee well aduised , what else should we doe , either publique or priuate , but celebrate , and praise , and giue thankes to God : should wee not both while we are digging , and while we are ploughing , sing this hymne vnto God ? Great is God , who gaue vs these instruments wherewith wee till the earth : Great is God , who gaue vs our handes : who gaue vs power to swallowe , who gaue vs our stomach , who maketh vs to growe secretly : to breath sleeping : these things are to bee sung in euery thing , and a diuine hymne to be sung , because hee hath giuen vs vnderstanding of things , and power and reason to vse them . And soone after he proclaimeth . If I were a Nightingall , I would doe the kinde of a Nightingall : If a Swanne , of a Swanne : Now that I am a reasonable creature , I must praise God : This is my dutie , this I doe , neither will I leaue my station , as long as I may , and I exhort you to vse the same song . And Seneca .

The Godhead is a great thing , I wot not what , and greater than I can conceiue : which while we liue , wee endeuour to knowe , and to approue our selues vnto him .

Thus speake these Heathen men : Shall we be astonied at these things ? or shall we not rather be ashamed ? Againe , Seneca .

The end i● to followe God : But to followe God , is to submit our owne mindes to the minde that gouernes all things : as good Citizens submit themselues to the Lawes of the Citie . And againe the same Seneca . I doe euer will rather what God will , than what I my selfe , I wil be ioyned and cleaue to him , as his seruant and attendant : with him I desire , with him I cease to desire , and simply and in one word : That that God wills , I will .

O Words bred ! procéeded from heauen . O Epictetus , saith Lipsius , that I were so affected with thée . Againe the same ,

I dare lift vp mine eyes to God and say , Vse me hereafter where thou wilt , and how thou wilt : I haue good cause to consent with thee : I am of one mind with thee , I refuse nothing that seemeth good to thee : Leade me whither thou wilt , cloath me with what garment thou wilt . Wilt thou haue me beare office in a common-wealth ? wilt thou haue me liue a priuate life ? wilt thou haue me to bide by it , or to flee ? to bee poore , or rich ? I doe not onely agree to bee and doe what thou wilt haue me , but in all these thinges I wil defend and maintaine thee against other . Againe the same .

We must so conforme our selues that we may obey God , and be content with all things that happen , and willingly follow . As which are ●●don , & proceed from the best mind , euen God : This is an high courage , that yeeldes it selfe to God . Againe ; A wise man , if anie thing happen , knows it is the Law of nature : hee will call to minde that old rule , Follow God . Againe : We are borne in a kingdome , to obey God is libertie .

Seneca out of Epictetus . Duc mo parens , celsique dominator poli. Quocunque libuit , Nulla parendi est mora , Adsum impiger , fac nollo , comitabor gemens , Malusque ▪ patiar , quod pati licuit bono , Sic vivam●● , sic loquamur . Guide me O father , Lord of the highest skye : Whether it shall please thee , to thee will I hye . Be it thou denie me , I will follow sadly . And will suffer euill , as a good man gladly : Let vs so liue , and so speake .

We enter ●nto the Temple , saith he , soberly : comming to the sacrifices , we cast downe our countenance humbly : we take our gownes with vs , and frame our selues to all signes of modestie .

2. Concerning knowledge of our selues . The same Seneca .

1. The beginning of saluation , is the knowledge of our sinne : And it skilleth much more what thou séemest to thy self , than what thou seemest to other .

2. Surview euery corner of thy mind , and though thou knowe no euill by thy selfe , yet sometime , ( as the said Seneca often saith ) it behoueth thée to forget what thou art , and it is a good thing and profitable for some men to be ignorant or himselfe : that is , not to know his abilities : that he may rather in feare , leade a moderate life , than in pride an insolent & immoderate . Otherwise as Socrates said : The knowledge of our selues is the cause of much good , and the ignorance of our selues , is the cause of much euill .

3. Concerning wisdome . The same Seneca .

1. The exercise of holsome studies is commendable , though it bring no present fruit .

2. Studie not to knowe more than other , but to know better : the is , with more fruit : To desire to knowe more than is sufficient , is a kind of intemperance .

3. A wise man must not goe alwaies in one pace , but in one way .

4. A wise man is skilfull to ouercome euills , but a foole is wearie of himselfe .

4. Concerning Prudence .

1. Prudence is a present notion or vnderstanding , forecasting things to come , or that may happen .

2. If thou embrace Prudence , thou shalt be euer the same , & as varietie of time & causes doe require , so thou shalt apply thy selfe : not changing thy selfe at all , but rather fitting thy selfe to euery occasion : As the hand which is the same , both when it is stretched to a spanne , and when it is pressed to a fift .

3. If thou desire to be prudent , intend thy foresight to things to come , and propose to thy minde whatsoeuer may fall out : Let nothing be sodaine to thée , but foresée all aforehand , for he that is prouident neuer saith , I did neuer thinke this would haue beene so , because he standeth not in doubt , but expecteth , he doth not suspect , but auoideth .

4. If thy mind be prudent , dispose thy actions according to thrée times : Order things present : foresée things to come : Remember things past . For he that neuer thinketh of things past looseth his life : hee that neuer forethinketh of thinges to come , falleth vnawares into all daungers . The heathen esteemed their Philosophy . Christians must esteeme the word of God .

5. Concerning true libertie .

1. To obey God , saith Seneca , is true libertie , and that true libertie may happen to thée , thou must serue Philosophie : That onely studie is called liberall , because it bringeth libertie .

2. It is true libertie , not to feare men , nor fortune ▪ nor to will vnhonest things , nor excesse , but to haue a great power ouer our selues .

3. Liberalitie doth bring our mind to that fréedome , wherein it was created of God our father and Author , so that it feareth nothing , nor sorroweth for any thing , nor serueth a baser . For a good man is alwaies frée , though he be a slaue : an euill man is a slaue , though hee bée a King : a slaue I say to so many Lords , as he is to vices .

I am free , saith Epictetus , because I am purposed and haue conformed my minde to Gods will : Hee would haue me shaken with an ague , I am content : he would haue me to enterprise a matter , I will : he would haue me to obtaine a thing , I will endeuour : he would haue me not to obtaine , I cease : hee would haue me dye , I yeelde . Who can now therefore hinder mee , or force mee besides my will : no more than God himselfe .

6. Concerning Fortitude and Magnanimitie . Seneca saith ;

1. If thou wilt put off all carefulnes whatsoeuer thou fearest least it happen , forecast that it will happen , and whatsoeuer euill it be , measure it with thy selfe , and abridge thy feare . He is not a valiant man , whose heart groweth not in courage , in the midst of difficulties .

2. It thou be of great courage , thou wilt neuer thinke that any man can doe thée a reproach : Thou wilt say of thine enemie , It hurts not me , that hee had a purpose to hurt me . And when thou hast him in thy power , thou shalt thinke it a sufficient reuenge , that thou couldst haue reuenged , & hast not : for assure thy selfe it is a great and honest kinde of reuenge , to pardon .

3. It is the measure of Magnanimitie , neither to be faint hearted , nor brainlesse bold . Thou shalt therefore be Magnanimous , if thou neither thrust thy selfe into dangers rashly , neither shunne them dastardly : And nothing doth daunt the courage so much , as the conscience of a wicked life . It is the propertie of a man of good courage , to contemne great things , and not to encomber himselfe with too many things , but to hold a meane .

4. There is nothing great in humane things , but a minde despising great things . A Magnanimous man standes vpright , equally poised on both sides : Nothing doth cast him downe , nothing that is to be borne doth displease him . He complaine●h not of any thing fallen on himselfe , that may fall to another man , hee knowes his strength , he ouercomes fortune by vertue .

7. Concerning Patience . Seneca .

1 We mortall men are borne to this lot , or bound to this condition , to beare mortalitie .

2. I would bee loath to endure torments , but if I must suffer them , I wish that I may behaue my selfe in them honestly , stoutly , and couragiously .

3. He that can beware fortune , can beare it : Neither skilleth it what thou bearest , but how thou bearest : If he that doe thee wrong bée weaker then thou , spare him : if he be mightier than thou ; spare thy selfe .

4. Thou art not yet happy , if the vulgar sort doe not deride thée : If thou wilt be happie , make thine account , both to contemne , and to be contemned : It is hard to suffer , but swéete to remember .

8. Concerning Constancie : Seneca .

1. Goe forward , and aboue all things take héede that thou be constant . As often as thou wilt trie whether thou hast done any thing or not , marke whether thou will the same thing to day , that thou didst will yesterday : The change of the will , sheweth that the minde doth sometime swimme , and somtime floate , as the wind blowes .

2. Account it a great matter , to be still one man , No man is still the same man , but a wise man . all other are of many shapes . This require or exact of thy selfe , that what manner of man thou purposest to shew thy selfe , such one thou kéepe thy selfe to the end .

3. There is nothing that constant labour , and diligent earnest care , wil not ouercome . Vertue and Felicitie are placed on high , but godly perseuerance will reach and pearce to them .

4. The greatest token of an euill minde , is wauering , and a tossing betwéene a shewe of vertue , and a loue of vice .

9. Concerning meekenesse , moderating anger and reuenge . Seneca .

1. The chiefe remedie against anger , is delay : wilt thou not be angry , be not curious : The multitude of offenders , appeaseth the anger of a wise man .

2. The lesse thou suppressest anger , the more shalt thou be suppressed by it : for then we beginne to be angry with other , when wee leaue being angry with our selues : And the end of anger , is the beginning of repentance .

3. Anger dies quickly in a good man , as a short passion , and euen the memorie of anger .

4. No frée or honest man , can beare reproach . A grieuous crime , euen when it is lightly reported , doth harme . O how miserable a thing is it to be iniured by him , of whom I cannot be belieued :

5. Forgetfulnesse is a remedie against wrongs , in an afflicted man , laughter is an iniurie : that is ; It is an iniurie to scorne a man that is in miserie : He that doth wrong to one , threatens many .

6. It is the part of an high courage to despise iniuries , and it is a reproachfull kind of reuenge , not to séeme worthy , of whom to seek reuenge : for some haue setled the wrong more déepely , while they haue gone about to reuenge them . He is noble and valiant , who like the great wild beasts despiseth the barkings of curres .

10. Concerning Humilitie . Seneca .

Let no man be too confident in prosperitie , let no man faint in aduersitie ; For the course of thinges is changeable .

And the other Seneca , the Tragedie Writer .

Quoquo fortuna altius .

1. Euexit atque leuavit humanas opes : Hoc se magis supprimere foelicem decet .

Item .

2. Ima premutat brevis hora summis Quem dies vidit veniens superbum : Hunc dies vidit fugieus iacentem .

Item .

3. Nemo confidat nimium secundis : Nemo desperet meliora lapsus : Miscet hac illis , prohibet que Clotho Stare fortunam , rotat omne fatum . Nemo tam Divos habuit fa●e●tes , Chrastinum vt possit sibi polliceri . Res deus nostras celeri citatas . Turbine versat .

Item .

4. Dominari tumidus ▪ spiritus altes gere : Sequitur superbos vltor a tergo deus . 1. How much the higher fortune hath , Lift vp a man to wealth and power . So much the more he ought to stoope , Least fortune chance on him to lowre .

Item .

2. One howre turnes all things vpside downe , Changing the lowest with the highest : Whom one day sawe comming proudly , The same day sawe flying cast downe .

Item .

3. Trust not too much prosperitie , Hope better in aduersitie : For Clotho mixeth this with that , Nor suffers fortune keepe one state , None is so high in Gods fauour That hath to morrow in his power , For mens afflictions , as with whirle winde , Are still turmoild , and stay none finde .

Item .

4 Goe on to rule in tyrannie : Swell still with proud and loftie state : Yet God who hateth pride , at backe Pursues the proud with deadly hate .

11. Concerning Temperance , Abstinence , and Sobrietie . Seneca .

1. We may not set our chiefe felicitie in the flesh .

2. An Oxe is fed within the compasse of a fewe aker● of ground : One wood or forrest is sufficient for many Elephants . But man is fed by the land , and the sea , How then ? Hath nature giuen vs an vnsatiable belly , when as she hath giuen vs so small a body , that we should excéed the gréedinesse of most vast and hungry beasts ? Surely no : for how small a thing is it that is giuen to nature , with how litle is she sent away ? The hunger of our belly costs vs not much , but our ambition and riotousnesse : Let vs therefore reckon men that serue their belly , not among men , but among beasts . And some not among beasts verily , but among the dead .

3. Nothing shall so much profit thée to temperance and a moderation of all things , as the often remembrance of the shortnesse of thy life , and vncertaintie thereof : whatsoeuer thou doest , remember death .

4. It is a shameful thing not to know the measure of thine owne stomach , or not to excéede it . The belly is content with a little , if thou giue it not what thou canst , but what thou oughtest . Seneca saith of himselfe .

I vse such a pallet , being an old man , wherein no print of my body can bee seene : I goe down into a cold bath , afterward I eate dry bread , I dine without a table , after which I need not wash my hands .

12. Concerning Chastitie , and Continence . Seneca .

1. We must also warre , and surely , with a kind of warre , whereto no truce is euer giuen : Pleasures or lustes , must aboue all be subdued , which as ye sée haue rauished fierce natures , or valiant minds : If I giue place , or yéelde to voluptuousnesse , I must giue place , or yéelde to sorrowe : I must also giue place , or yéelde to labour : I must giue place , or yeelde to pouertie .

2. The louer knows what he desires , what he sauours he sées not : or how ill aduised he is , he sées not : The louer what he supposeth , dreames waking : Loue cannot bee wreasted away , but it may slip away . Redéeme the anger of thy louer with teares : It is a commoditie for ● yong man to be beloued , but in an olde man it is a crime : Loue is an idle cause of care .

3. Bashfulnesse is to bee nourished , which as long as it lasteth in the minde , there is some place for good hope .

13. Concernig Contentment . Seneca .

1. Let all thy cogitations bend hither , this care , this wish , remitting all other wishes to God : that thou be content with thy selfe , ( that is , with thiue owne estate ) and with the goods that spring of thy self , ( that is , with thine owne abilitie ) what felicitie can approach nigher to God ?

2. Rest content with thine owne , to be so much the happier , as thou art freer , from much businesse : for as the body is more ready in health , so is the minde being frée from cares : and as weakenesse wringles the body , so cares drie vp the minde : And it is an euident signe of weakenesse , to want many things .

14. Concerning Modestie , which is content with meane things . Seneca .

1. It is the token of a great minde to contemne great things , and rather to be content with a meane , than to couet too much ,

2. It neuer did satisfie him that got it , that seemed too much to him that wished it : And the other Seneca .

3. Whatsoeuer excéedeth measure , hangs in a tickle or vncerteine state .

4. He that would haue his vertues published or proclaimed , labours not for vertues sake , but for glories sake .

5. Will the strong man glory in his The application is left coniecturall . strength , when sicknes hath weakned his body ? Doth the rich man glory in his riches , when théeues or tyrants haue spoiled his hope ? Shall a man boast of nobilitie , when he is reproachfully vsed , & many times brought in bondage to base persons .

15. Concerning frugalitie , and sparing . Seneca .

1. If thou liue according to nature , thou shalt neuer be poore : if according to opinion , thou shalt neuer be rich . Nature requires but litle : Opinion hath no measure .

2. Hunger costs but little , surfeting is chargeable : A small care will prouide necessaries , delights and dainties aske great labour .

3. Buy not all that thou lackest , but that which is néedefull and necessarie : It is easily prouided the nature desireth , there is much toyle about superfluous things .

16. Concerning the care of health .

1. Hold this sound and holsome manner of life , that thou so farre nourish and cherish thy body , as is conuenient for thy health : It must be handled somewhat the more hardly , least it be the destruction of the soule . Let meate satisfie hunger : let drinke quench thirst : let garments hide nakednes , put away colde , serue for comlinesse .

2. I confesse that we haue a certaine inbred loue to our selues , to prouide for them : I doe not denie but that we may nourish them , I denie that we must serue them .

3. We must so carry our selues , not as though we were to liue onely to the body , but as though we could not liue without the body .

4. He estéemes little of honestie , who loues his body too well : Let vs take diligent charge of it , but yet so farforth as reason requires .

5. We are greater , and borne to greater things , than to be bondmen to our bodies : The contempt of his body , is a mans owne libertie .

17. Concerning libertie of manners . Seneca .

1. As he that is tossed hither and thither with stormes , and yet goeth not forward to his Port , hath not sailed much , but hath bene much turmoiled : So hée that hath liued long , and hath not profited in good manners , hath not liued long , but hath bin a long in the world as it were tossed too and fro .

2. Euery man may frame his owne manners , but seruice or offices , fall by chance .

3. Nothing doth better endue honest minds , nor sooner reclaime a mind enclinable to euill , than the conuersation of good m●n .

18. Concerning Iustice . Seneca .

1. Whosoeuer desireth to attaine , or practise Iustice : first feare and loue God , that thou maiest be loued of him : Now thou shalt loue God , it thou imitate him herein , that thou doe good to all , and hurt no body . So all men shall count thée , and call thée a iust man , they will followe thée , reuerence thée , and loue thée . For being iust , thou wilt not onely , not doe harme thy selfe : but also thou wilt hinder other from doing harme .

2. Looke to receiue from other , that thou doest to other : Thou shalt performe pietie to thy parents : loue to thy kindred : thou shalt haue peace with all men : thou shalt haue warre with vices : thou shalt kéepe fidelitie with thy friends , and equitie towards all men .

19. Concerning liberalitie and bountie . Seneca .

1. It is the propertie of a wise man ; both to owe where he ought , and to pay where he ought : to owe alwaies thanks , to repay good turnes as he may .

2. This is the lawe of friendship betwéene two : The one must by and by forget what he giues , or what good turne he hath done , the other alwaies remember what he receiues , and how much hée is indebted : He that doth a good turne , must be silent , he that receiues it , must declare it .

3. Benefits must be giuen silently , that they may onely be knowne to them whom they profit . Sometime also euen he that is relieued must be deceiued , by hauing a benefit , not knowing from whence he receiueth it .

4. Although thou oughtest to giue to euery one that asketh : yet in him to whom we giue , we may respect his manners , his good affection towards vs , his néere dwelling , his societie with vs , & the good turnes & curtestes aforetime done for our behoofe .

5. A benefit that sticks long in the giuers fingers , and which he séemes loth to depart with , & so giues , as though it were wreasted from him , is not acceptable : But those good turnes which are readie , easte , occurrent : where there is no delay but in the bashfulnesse of the receiuer , are most acceptable .

6. The often vpbraiding of benefits deiecteth the heart , and casteth downe the courage . Let vs giue our benefits fréely , and not let them to vsury . He is worthy to be deceiued , who thought of receiuing againe when he gaue .

7. There is no benefit so great , that a malicious minde may not embace : there is none so small , that a good Interpreter will not aduance .

20. Concerning Truth : Sinceritie , and Fidelitie . Seneca .

1. Truth is like her selfe in euery part : A lye is slender and thinne : if yee looke into it diligently , ye shall sée thorow it .

2. A man that hath done a shrewde turne , may fortune be hid : but though he be hid , his conscience will not bee flattered .

3. Counterfet things doe soone returne to their nature , but such as are grounded on truth , and rise from a sound foundation , procéede to greater , and better .

4. I had rather faile of successe , than faile in my promise : He that hath faith in his dealing , wil deale vprightly euen with his enemie : He that léeseth his credit ; léeseth the vttermost that he can : when single harted faith is once gone , she seldome returnes from whence she went : No man euer lost fidelitie , but he that neuer had it .

5. Both points are faultie : both to belieue euery body , and to belieue no body : That thou wilt haue another man not to disclose , that doe not thou disclose first .

6. An euill man speaking faire , count as a snare laide for thée . For he hath his poison , which is his faire spéech .

7. As a modest gate or pace is fit for a wise man : so should his spéech be graue , and not bold or rash : Be therefore slowe in spéech .

8. And let this bee our chiefe rule , what we think , to speak : what we speak , to thinke : That the man and his spéech may agrée .

21. Concerning friendship .

1. Bethinke thée whom thou wilt receiue to thy friendship , but when thou hast taken aliking , embrace him with thy whole heart , talke with him as boldly as with thy selfe . Reueale all thy secrets to him , if thou thinke him faithful , thou shalt make him faithfull .

2. The remembrance of my friends deceased , is swéet vnto me : for I held them as if I should loose them : I haue lost them , as if I had them .

3. It is to no purpose to séeke a friend onely , in the markets or concourse of people , if thou looke diligently , thou shalt finde him at home : for he is deceiued that séekes a friend in the common walkes and assemblies , or that makes triall of him at a feast : For thou shalt finde thy friend within thy breast , and not on the Exchange .

4. It is troublesome to haue all men as friends , it is enough that they be not our enemies .

5. Dissimilitude in manners : distance in manner of life , & contrarietie in nature , dissolueth friendship : Approued friendships , desire earnestly , retaine constantly , kéepe perpetually : Enmities which happen , vse honestly , belieue slowly , lay down spéedily .

6. With our friends we ought to haue short reckonings , and long friendships .

7. First setle thy selfe to be good , and then séeke another like to thy selfe .

8. Admonish thy friend secretly , but praise him openly : If thou beare with thy friends faults , thou makest them thine owne : So trust thy friend , that thou leaue no place for an enemie .

9. It is a march an●ising , not a friendship , that respecteth commoditie . For he detracteth or discrediteth friendship , who prouideth for good haps .

22. Concernng Gratitude , or Thankfulnesse .

1. This surely is agreeable to Iustice , so be thankfull for euery benefit receiued .

2. Some giue thankes by stelth , in a corner , or in the eare : they are afraid to doe it openly , that they may be saide to haue a benefit rather by their owne vertue , than by others helpe .

3. Let vs therefore thinke nothing more honest than a thankefull mind : And he that accepteth a good turne thankfully , hath paied the first pention .

4. He that willingly oweth thanks , doth recompence a good turne : And he that meanes to be thankfull , forthwith when hee receiueth , doth acknowledge it .

5. To recompence a good turne , and to be thankfull , requireth time , and abilitie , and a prosperous fortune . Nothing is so necessarie , or with more care to be learned , than to requite a benefit , and to giue thanks .

23. Generall precepts : note them well .

1. It is the triumph of Innocencie not to sin : And where we may doe most harme to forbeare .

2. Thou sinnest twise when thou appliest thy selfe to obey sinne . The eyes offend not , if the minde command not the eyes .

3. Vices doe créepe , and hurt by touching , & the sinful liues of offenders doe passe to euery one that is next .

4. No possession , no waight of gold or siluer is more to be estéemed than vertue .

5. Vertue is thankefull to euery one both dead and liuing : if we followe it in good sooth .

6. All benefits would bee bestowed in light , or openly : but there is no stage or theater greater to vertue , than a good conscience .

7. We must so liue , as if we liued in the sight of all the world : wee must so thinke , as if euery man might sée into our inward breast , ( or as if euery man might sée our heart ) .

8. Regard thy conscience , more than same , for same may be deceiued many times : but by thy conscience neuer .

9. Feare no man more , that is wéeting of thy sin , than thy self , for thou maiest escape another , but thy selfe neuer . For sinne is a punishment to it selfe .

10. Learne this one thing , to despise this life : No man euer ruled it well , but hee that despised it : Thinke still of what manner thy life is , and not how long : for not to liue long , but to liue wel , is a good thing .

11. It is a good thing to finish our life before death , and then to expect the time that remaineth in securitie .

12. None of vs knowes , how néere the Lord is : Let vs therefore frame our mindes , as if wee were come to the last home . No man receiueth death chéerefully , but he that hath prepared himselfe thereto long before .

13. Whatsoeuer thou doest , looke to death . Euery day must be ordered , as it were the last .

These are out of a Heathen man ; Heare them , ponder them , blush , and followe them .

Except thou walke and continue in this way : Thou shalt be odious to God , The conclusion . who hateth the workers of iniquitie : Thou shalt be offensiue to good men , and euen to the vnbelieuers : because for thy sake the name of God is euill spoken of among the Gentiles : Thou shalt be cursed euery where , and procure grieuous punishments vpon thy selfe : Thou shalt be holden captiue as a slaue in Sathans snares . To conclude , thou shalt haue no part in Gods kingdome , but shalt heare that fearefull sentence of the most high Iudge : Goe thou cursed one into euerlasting fire . O homo .

Mors tua , Mors Christi , Fraus Mundi , Gloria Coeli . Et dolor Inferni , sunt meditanda tibi . Remember man thy dying day , Generall . restraints of sinne . And Christ , who for thee dide : Remember Sathans subtilties , And how this world doth slide . Remember ioyes celestiall , And paines that are in hell : Let not thy flesh seduce thy soule , Remember these things well . FINIS .