THE ADVICE OF A Father: OR, COVNSEL to a CHILD. DIRECTING Him how to demean himself in the most important passages of this LIFE.

Malis omnia plena sunt.

Issid.

Tu autem noli vinci à malo.

Luth. in Eccl. cap. 7. p. 29.

Crede, stude, vive, pinge aeternitati.

Cor. A Lapid.

LONDON, Printed for the Author, M.DC.LXIV.

To his Son.

Dear Child,

LOoking back to the perils that I have passed, in my passage through the boisterous Sea of a troublesome world; being affected with my own folly, and willing to witness my affection to thee, I am forced to shame my self, to shew the course I steered, that thou mayest steer another course. Let my expe­rience excuse thine; by me take thou warning; I would not presage a shipwrack, but prevent it; out of doubt there will be stormes at Sea; when thou seest the wracks upon the Rocks, steer so, as to shun that which hath split me; expect to meet with crosse and cruel blasts; prepare thy tack­ling for a tempest, lest the Ship be over-set, or come to shore too soon. Man is of few dayes, and [Page] full of trouble; his stay short, his sorrows sharp, he is no other, but the Channel wherein the wa­ters of Marah flow; what a variety of misery at­tends him? still in a state of sorrow; one wave comes upon the neck of another, and threatens to drown him. It were as needlesse as endless, to give thee an account of the cares and crosses he is subject to; thou wilt know too much of this too soon. It is my design to fit thee for the encoun­ter, that being fore-warned, thou mayest be fore­armed, that no force may foyl thee. I would have thee to acquit thee bravely, to scorn either to stagger or startle. Promise not to thy self a happiness that never any had; the decree is up­on record, and there is no exemption, or excep­tion. Look about thee, and tell me, if thou canst, the condition free from trouble! Roses have their prickles; there are motes in the Sun; conveniences have their inconveniences, and comforts their contraries; neither is the honey worth the stinging: If thou attainest the thing thou wishedst for; thou wilt want what thou didst wish for in it: never any gave chase to the creature, that came not home by Weeping Crosse; yet is it not so much the fate of most, as their fault, that they suffer: a wise man will misse the Mire, and shunne the Sloughs [Page] wherein I have stuck. Take heed to thy standing; it is not the unevennesse of the way, but carelesnesse, that commonly occasions falling: I have known some come down on plain ground, that have stood in a rugged place. Let neither hand nor foot stirre, but as thine eye directs them; manage thy af­faires with discretion; if Providence hath dealt thee an ill Game, mend it by thy play; the best Gamester usually winnes. Create not to thy self crosses, and do nothing to deserve them: Why shouldst thou purchase pain? or, make any work for Repentance?

When things go crosse, make a vertue of necessity, and be content, where thou canst not prevent: to sit down and cry, will nei­ther lighten thy burden, nor shorten thy jour­ney. Slight what thou canst not shun; what must be, why not willingly? Hast thou vi­negar to drink? make not thy draughts more tart with thy tears. Take the sowre with the sweet; what is not toothsome, may be wholesome; besides, it becomes a Child to drink of the cup his F [...] gives him; he knows best, what is best for thee. Why shouldst thou then be troubled at any thing? snarle not at the stone, but learn to smart and smile. Every Bird [Page] will sing in the Sunne, and the Spring; Be thou merry in a Winter's day; what falls out without thy fault, concerns not thee to feel. Be still the same in every state; imitate the Cedar, not the Shrubb; move not with the greatest blasts, and let not changes change thee.

It will be all alike e're long, whether thy way hath been up hill or down, fair or foul, when thou art at home: The Traveller for­gets his weary steps, when he hath recovered his Journey; what though it may blow hard? a storm may drive thee to thy Harbour; and it matters not how much thou hast been tossed, when thou art landed. The poor Mariner thinks no more of the Sea, when arrived, un­less to make the Shore the sweeter; and O the pleasant prospect on Mount Zion! Let this bear thee up, it shall be better in a little while; suffering will not last long; afflictions will leave thee, or thou them; it will clear up, or thou get shelter; storms will be spent, or else be past; the Furnace is not to consume, but refine; and after thy tryals comes thy triumph. Have a good heart, Heaven will make amends; one hours being in glory, will requite all: Sup­pose sweat, blood, and tears should mix together, [Page] and thou with pain shouldst get the prize, when what is wonne is worth it; Can a Crown cost too dear? look up, and hold out, hoping but a while; what is in thine eye, shall be in thine hand.

Thus, thou seest what thou mayest expect, and needest not be surprized. I would wil­lingly fit thee for the worst, and leave some token of my love behind me, that thou may-learn to live, when I am dead. I know not how soon thou mayest be deprived of the counsel of a Father, as thou wert too soon of the care of a most tender Mother. Ne­ver man lost better Wife, nor ever had Child greater losse: But she needs not an Encomium, and is above my praise; I shall shew my love best to her, in my love to him she left me; this put me upon the present, which (by accident) is become publick, I am too conscious of my own weak­nesse, to go about to teach the world wis­dome: But as for thee, I am perswaded thou wilt not despise my Affection. Remem­ber what I tell thee, when I am rotten, and forgotten; thou art entering upon the Stage, I am going off; so act thy part, that at thy Exit, the Spectators may clap their hands; [Page] do nothing unworthy of them or thy self; In a word, so live, that thou mayest never be ashamed to live, nor afraid to dye; to thee to live, let it be Christ, and to dye will be gain. The Lord guide thee with his Counsels, and afterwards receive thee to Glory.

So prayes,
Thy truly affectionate Father, &c.

[Page 1]THE ADVICE OF A Father.

CENT. I.

I.

BEgin to be good betimes, thou canst not be good too soon, nor too good: Set out in the morning, tarry not till noon; better want way, than want day: Consider what thou hast to do, and which way [Page 2] thou may'st best dispatch it, thy business will take up all thy time: Be not idle, lest thou want for thy work; besides, there is no reason the Devil should have the bud, whil'st God stayes till the fruit fall.

II.

Be up, and doing early, let not the Sun see thee in Bed; Turn out when the Cock calls, break off sleeping at break a day, indulge not a drowsie temper: Wherefore should'st thou waste thy time, thou hast not that to spare which thou dost mispend? And what thou spendest this way, reckon lost: Why shouldest thou live but half thy dayes, in the Grave there will be enough of sleeping.

III.

Let God be the first and last in thy thoughts, close and open thine eyes with him. When thou lyest down, think that ere long thou shalt be laid lower; and let thy rising mind thee of a Resur­rection: As sleep shews a dying, so waking types out a time when the dead shall wake: It will not be Night alwayes, the Trumpet will sound, and the day break▪ methinks I see the Prisoners of Hope stir, and jog each other, and hear their bones clatter.

IV.

Do all as for Eternity, & remember there must be an Account given: A little while, and the Judge will set upon the Bench, and the Books shall be brought forth; thy present actions will then either acquit or cast thee: So behave thy self, that thou may'st be bold at the Bar, while the condemned Malefactor trembles. Take heed lest thy Conscience come not in as a witness a­gainst thee. Live, as if thou wert to merit Heaven, and to save thy self; yet trust not to thy works, to be justified by them, be sure to make sure of a pardon.

V.

Be diligent in thy Calling, therein thou may'st serve both God, and thy self. Be not sloathful in business, set to whatever thou set­test about; Do what thou dost in as little time as thou canst, and with all thy might, what thy hand finds to do. Mind thy employment, it is not thy pleasure that payes thee; but before thou setlest in any way, weigh the wages with the work, and see how it will turn to Account; it [Page 4] is tyresome to toyle for nothing, and he that cannot find any fruit of his labour, will soon faint.

VI.

Let the Intervales of thy time; be well im­ployed, interline the void spaces with works of piety, and let not thy particular Calling en­croach upon thy general; have some time to spend in Gods service, give to him what is his, and to thy self what is thine; there is a time for Devotion, and a time for Divertion: Learn to know the fittest season for every thing, what is out of time, is out of tune.

VII.

Busie not thy self about Trifles, like Domi­tian, in catching Flies, or in things that do not concern thee; as good do nothing, as to no pur­pose; it is a great purchase, where thou hast but thy labour for thy pains. He is ill employ'd, which grasps the water, or is sifting sand, espe­cially when his work wants him; Thou hast e­nough to do, in doing that which must be done; it were improvident to put off an important business, and when thou needst not, to neglect it▪ [Page 5] Dispatch while it is called to day, to morrow may not be thine.

VIII.

Let thy Recreations be such as sutes best with thy condition and employment, and the least expensive either of money, or time: Buy not thy pleasure too dear, the cost will abate the comfort. Be not effeminate in thy sports, those which are most manly, will best become thee; yet let them not be too violent, lest they preju­dice thy health, and do thy body harm.

IX.

Make not Recreation thy business: Thou were not sent into the world, as the Leviathan into the Sea, to take thy fill of pleasure: In the sweat of thy browes thou must eat thy bread, and work out thy salvation with fear and tremb­ling. Consider, on this moment depends Eter­nity, and then be idle if thou canst. Thy dili­gence should be somewhat answerable to the work, and to the wages; be not content to do a little good, or to glorifie God a little; besides, Heaven deserves thy pains, and the Race is got by running; he that wins the Crown, shall wear it.

X.

Be serious in what concerns the welfare of thy soul; make sure of God and glory, and never be satisfied, till thou canst say, that both are thine. Be not contented to continue in a Christ­less state, why shouldst thou hang over Hell by a Twine-thread? Often ask thy self the que­stion, how stands the case between God and thee? what evidence thou hast for Heaven? Hazard not a happiness at any rate; dare not to live, as thou dost not dare to dye.

XI.

Walk according to Rule, and regulate thy actions by right reason. Do nothing unseem­ly, and what may shame thy profession, or thy self. Shun whatever seems scandalous, and car­ries with it but the appearance of evil. Set a high value upon thy Reputation, better lose thy life, than have thy Credit lost. Manage thy Affairs with discretion, and take heed thou dost not forfeit thy esteem with wise and good men. Be not only pious, but prudent; temper thy zeal with judgment.

XII.

Sute thy self to thy state, and buckle to a cross condition; let not thy mind be higher than thy means, but submit to a mean fortune. Lower thy Sails in a storm, and yield to the time; make some potent friend thy Harbour, till the Tempest is over. The Shrub may shelter it self behind the Cedar. Go chearfully away with thy burden, and make afflictions no afflicti­on; slight what thou canst not shun, thou wilt get no good by strugling.

XIII.

Be reserved, yet courteous in thy carriage; let not all that see, know thee. Be civil to every body, but familiar with a few, all are not fit for friends. Discover not thy self, till thou hast discovered what others are; and try, before thou trust. Seem strange in strange company; freedom is a folly, and incurs a censure. Say little, let others speak, the least harm comes by silence; Thou may'st take an advantage by their words, which thou givest them by thine.

XIV.

Let thy Garb be grave, rather rich, than gau­dy; yet not so costly, as comely; be neither the first nor the last in a fashion, none but a con­ceited fool will be singular. Conform in thy Cloaths to the custom of the place wherever thou art; Why shouldest thou be wondred at? Be not profuse in thy Apparrel, but cut thy Coat according to thy Cloth; it becomes a Gentleman to have more in his pocket, than up­on his back; yet till thy deserts make thee known, the outside will set thee forth, and thy Cloaths gain thee credit in the worlds eye; but be sure think not the better of thy self for thy fine feathers; thou hast reason to think the worse, if thy worth be in thy wear; it is much more for thy honour that thou didst grace them, than they thee.

XV.

Be moderate in thy expences, yet be not base; know when to spare, and when to spend. Be generous upon a good occasion; but be sure to see whether your Accounts will bear it. What thou dost, do upon design, unless they be Acts of [Page 9] charity, or courtesie, then hate the thoughts of requital. Waste nothing, lest thou want; pro­fuseness hath made many poor, and poverty is worse than death to an ingenuous spirit. Live within thy self, it is sad to live upon others. Let thy layings out be less than thy comings in, that thou may'st lay up for a rainy day; a good Estate is the best shelter.

XVI.

Look not upon Wine when it sparkles in the Cup, drink nor for delight; of all Vices, take heed of Drunkenness, there is no sin so shame­ful, and so much unmans a man. This not only disorders, but banisheth reason. A Drunkard is metamorphized into a Beast, uncapable of coun­sel, and only fit for evil; other Vices come a­lone, but Drunkenness is ever attended with o­ther Vices.

XVII.

Set a Knife to thy Appetite, and make not thy belly thy god. Be not delicate in thy Dyet, let thy stomack be thy sauce. Mind more what is wholsom, than what is roothsom; it is a poor pleasure to please the palate. Desire not many Dishes, Enough is as good as a Feast; and why [Page 10] should thy eye be bigger than thy belly? A lit­tle suffices nature, to satisfie hunger is the end of eating.

XVIII.

Desire rather to be accounted a good Christi­an, than a good Companion; and let not the perswasions of any person tempt thee beyond thy temper. Humor no man to thy own pre­judice; consult with conveniency in complying with thy company; rather displease them, than do any thing to displease God. Delight not in drinking Healths, not that it is not lawful to re­member a friend, but the consequent is usually ill; it is better for both to pray for his health, and to drink for thy own.

XIX.

Be sober thy self, and frequent such society; shun the company of intemperate persons, least thou beest drawn in. If by accident thou art amongst them, discover a dislike of their pro­ceedings, and make not their practice thine Dis­engage thy self with what expedition possible, and come no more amongst them; thy compa­ny offends them, and theirs thee.

XX.

Go not into suspected places, and be not found upon the Devils ground. The best way to secure thy self, is to keep out of harms way. Keep thy station, if thou wouldst keep thy standing, tempt not the Tempter to tempt thee. Perchance thy Conscience can dispense with more than thy Credit can; avoid the scandal, as thou wouldst avoid the sin; and remember, thy Reputation is easier lost, than recovered.

XXI.

Delight not in seeing others distemper'd; it is a mad kind of mirth that mad men make, and why shouldst thou love that in any, which thou wouldst not in thy self? Force no man beyond sobriety, or his own desire; act not the Devils part, tempt not to intemperance, prevent it what thou canst. I wonder that any should make themselves sport in making another stagger, it is a sad sight to me; theirs is the sin, whilst his is the shame. I will not glory that others have drunk too much, or that I can drink more; this were to endeavour to damn them or my self: [Page 12] What joy can I take in that Victory, where the Devil wears the Garland, and the reward is Hell.

XXII.

Use all things with a moderation and indiffe­rency, and be not brought under the power of any thing; let all be (in a manner) alike to thee. Do not love so, as to long; be as well content to want, as to enjoy; know how to be without what thou hast, and live above what thou livest upon; let not thine heart be in thine eye, or in thine hand.

XXIII.

Keep thy bodie under, if pampered, it will be unrulie; it needs a bridle rather, than a spur: Hold the Reins in thine own hand. Denie thy self in what thou dost desire, that thou may'st learn to desire but what thou dost enjoy; some­times stop where thou may'st go further; what is lawful to use, may be expedient to refuse; it is better to take up of thy self by degrees, than to be forced to a stand upon a full carrier.

XXIV.

Be thankful for what thou hast, and he that gave thee that, will give thee more; if thou hast less than others, perchance thou wantest less. He that made the Vessel, knows how to trim her, and to sute her ballast to her burden. What­ever thou hast, make it not too much by ingrati­tude; if it be beneath thy desire, yet it being above thy desert, thou hast reason to be thank­ful, and there is no such way of begging.

XXV.

Study others, but first and most thy self; Tra­vel not so far abroad, as to neglect home, be not a stranger to thy own breast; if thou art not made to thy mind, endeavour to mend one; where nature is defective, let it be thy care to supply nature; something may be done to set thy self streight, if thou wert born bad; be new born.

XXVI.

Render to every man his due, whether it be respect, or reward. Deny none what he de­serves, [Page 14] lest he complain, and be heard; if thou hast wronged any, repent, and restore; quiet thy Conscience, and content him. Take up the controversie whilest thou art in the way, let not the Judge decide it; God takes part with the injured person, and such a one pleads hard.

XXVII.

Proportion thy Charity to the necessity of o­thers, and thy own ability. Reckon what thou givest to be lent, not lost; thou hast good se­curity, God is become thy Debtor; the Beggars purse is his Treasury, the poor man is his Recei­ver, and he security for the poor man. If the person be wicked, and really want, give for Gods sake, and pity him as a man; where the object is doubtful, rather relieve a Droan, than let a Bee perish; better give to mistaken want, than that any want thorough thy mistake.

XXVIII.

Be oftner in propounding questions, than in deciding them; ask rather, than answer. Why should not the gain be thine, this is the way to better thy knowledge? thy ears teach thee, not [Page 15] thy tongue. Be inquisitive, and enquire till thou knowst no more to know; so long as thou art ignorant, be not ashamed to be instructed; it is never too late to learn. If thou canst not satis­fie thy self, seek satisfaction elsewhere; all know not alike, nor none all things; thou may'st help another, and he thee.

XXIX.

Have a high esteem of Learning, this will make thee a Gentleman without help of He­rauldry; consult with thy fancy, thereunto sute thy study; where pain is a pleasure, profit may be expected. If thy Genius aim at gain, bend thy endeavours either to the Law, or Physick, from both thou wilt find a double advantage. The first shews thee the way to get, and keep an Estate; by the other thou may'st both enrich and cure thy self. I know no Professions like these, that are so surely profitable; you hazard not what you have, and what you get is clear gain.

XXX.

Let not thy Books be many, but of the best. Thou art never the worse Scholar, if thy Libra­ry [Page 16] lay in thy head. Thou hast no more Learn­ing than what thou carriest about thee, that which lies by, is the Authors, not thine. If Books would make a Scholar, the Bookseller might bear the Bell. Let thy choice be answer­able to the profession thou intendest, and value not the Treatise by its Volume; such have more of paper, than of pith; and more reading, than reason. The soul is usually too scanty for such vast bodies.

XXXI.

Read men as well as Books, both will make thee compleat, and accomplished. Follow the best, not the most, nor them in all things nei­ther, but as they follow the grand Exemplar. Let other mens harms secure thee, thou may'st learn wisdom by their folly, by shunning the Rock on which they split. This is the advantage of him that follows, he sees with more eyes than his own, and cannot be surprized.

XXXII.

Be not so Bookish, as to neglect thy Estate; he is an ill Geometrician, that overlooks his own spot, this were to study to shew thy self a fool; [Page 17] what greater weakness than to be wiser abroad than at home? And how many have I known thus Book-learned? whose wealth hath wasted with their lamp, and have parted with possession for an empty notion; better burn thy Books, than be thus abused; but why may not a Scho­lar, be more than a meer Scholar?

XXXIII.

Set bounds to thy desire of knowledge. There is no less wisdom in leaving, than wit in learn­ing. Know where to stop, when thou must not know; let thy study be with safety and security. Come not too near to Aetna, lest it burn thee; be not over-curious in searching into hidden things; secrets are to be secret, touch not for­bidden fruit, the Tree of Knowledge is deny'd thee. Thou canst not forget the sad effect which did arise from tasting, let ignorance sometimes content thee; he knows enough, that knows all but what will hurt him.

XXXIV.

Be not conceited of thy Parts of Learning. Think meaner of thy self, than others think; [Page 18] modesty will make thee the more admired. Hu­mility passes the strictest Critick without sus­pect, or searching. Pride puts a low esteem of what is most deserving, and makes liable either to contempt or censure, the proud person. Let not the apprehension of your own worth, place you on the Pinacle from whence so many are fal­len. This sin of Angels (or rather Devilish sin) I find the most Seraphick spirits subject to; yet see no reason that men of reading, should pride themselves with anothers plumes, having nothing they can lay claim to, but what they have stoll'n, beg'd, or borrowed.

XXXV.

If thou hast a mind to add the Practick to the Theorick, and dost intend to travel, take some counsel for thy companion, lest all thy Traffick be but Trifles, and thou makest no better an im­provement of thy stock, than the adding of af­fection to thy solly; and shew thy self one of Solomons Factors, to bring back Apes and Pea­cocks, or at best but a little gold, the product of dear-bought experience.

XXXVI.

It being supposed thou art no stranger at home, steer thy Course to those Parts where thy projects are most probably to be accom­plisht; what may best sute with thy pleasure, may not sure so well with thy profit; yet he that travels in the capacity of a Merchant, is usually sure, though slow, and hath a double ad­vantage, and improves both mind and estate at once, with the same expence, hazard and trouble.

XXXVII.

Wherever you come, seem not much con­cerned with the Customs of the Countrey, lest dislike occasion dispute, and dispute danger▪ in matter of Religion. Be very modest; when thou canst not wave thy turn to speak, frame thy discourse rather by way of Question, than Answer; as one whose business is to learn, not to teach. Comply with the Ceremonies of each place, so far as thou may'st with Conscience, which in a Traveller had not need to be very ten­der, who ought to be rather a Sceptick, than a Zealot.

XXXVIII.

Keep still the mean between Superstition and Profaness, and let not the place prejudice thee; the sins most proper to it see, and shun; be sure thou beest neither surprized, nor scared into sin; as a preservative against a forreign infecti­on, keep close to duty; constantly in the morn­ing ask advice what to do, and at night call thy self to account for what thou hast done; be the same abroad, as at home; though thou chang­est the Climate, thou needst not change thy self.

XXXIX.

Be courteous in thy carriage, and as liberal as thou canst. Conform to the custom of the Countrey, and the humors of the Company; let not thy behaviour be either light or lofty. They that cannot understand thee by thy lan­guage, may know thee by thy carriage. Be neither captious, nor censorious; condemn none, and compare nothing. If thou must give thy judgment, and find it doth displease, rather cry peccavi, than stand it out; it is ill coping with Cocks on their own Dunghill.

XL.

Look upon Wine and Women to be the Scylla and Carybdis, whereon most Travellers split; keep thy head, and heart whole, and thou needst not fear any thing. Consort but little with your own Countrey-men, lest you lose one part of your errand, Language. Take heed of play▪ which usually causeth passion, and ends in earnest. Make no shew of any sums of money you carry about you; the best way to bear your charges is by Exchange, the luggage is less, and the loss can be but single. Inne in the chief Inne, if thou mindest either thy credit or security; keep thy self reserved, it is dangerous to discover thy designs; know as much of others as thou canst, but let others know as little as thou canst of thee.

XLI.

In Reproving, mind the person, and the time▪ nothing requires more prudence, than a right Reproof; if he be above thee, let it be with the more meekness, and in much humili­ty; with thy equal thou may'st be the more [Page 22] bold, and bolder with thy inferiour. Be sure to take the fittest season; without great reason reprove none; but when alone, a man may be willing to hear of that whch he would not have another hear of.

XLII.

Be not guilty of the crime thou reprovest another for. How canst thou blame any, if thou thy self beest blame-worthy? This were to discover a detestation to the person, rather than to the fault; and such a Reproof can ne­ver be well-given, nor well-taken. Reform thy self before thou rebukest them, lest the stone flie back, and thou beest thine own accu­ser.

XLIII.

If thou wouldst have another do as thou say'st, say but as thou dost; the best arguments are drawn from example; this argues thou art in earnest when thy life leads the way. Words are but wind, but seeing is believing; example works more than precept. How can I follow his counsel, whom I know to be bound to the same place, yet steers another course? I shall [Page 23] sooner suspect he will deceive me, than him­self.

XLIV.

Launch first forth with a low Sail, hoise by degrees; to strike were a shame, and better to go slow, than to over-set. Be not lavish, though it blows fair, the wind may vary. Hus­band thy stock discreetly, spend not too fast of the store, lest thy provision be dispatched before thy Voyage; there is no necessity that thou shouldest either starve or surfet.

XLV.

Do not precipitate thy Revenge; slight, or at least dissemble an injury, till thou canst either forgive, or require it. Be not captious, things are as they are taken; make the best construction of what is doubtful, perchance the injury was not intended, and is by chance, not choice; in such a case never hurt him wil­lingly, who did thee harm against his will. In­deed if the affront were designed, it may be convenient to call the person to account, though seldom at the same time. Let pru­dence [Page 24] provide an opportunity, then shew thy self a man, but withall a Christian.

XLVI.

Contend not with those that are much be­low thee; it is a discredit to dispute with an in­feriour; what canst thou expect to get worth thy while, or worthy of thy self? sue a Beg­gar, and thou know'st what follows; the best is but thy labour lost, and oftentimes the loss proves greater; he had better have forgiven the debt, that cannot recover his charges.

XLVII.

Let thy Recreation be a servant to thy busi­ness, lest thou become a slave to thy Recreati­on; enjoy thy pleasure, but let not thy plea­sure enjoy thee. Dispatch thy work, and do not loyter; resting is after labour, and there­unto tending; unbending of the Bow is in or­der to a bending.

XLVIII.

Contemn not the most contemptible ene­my; it is dangerous to despise the vilest or the weakest. Give not thy adversary any advan­tage; why should'st thou disarm thy self, to arm him? Necessity and opportunity may make a Coward valiant; if he flies, follow not the Chase too fast, neither break the Bridge behind him; thou gettest no less glory by his flying, than thou wouldst do by his falling; be not fool-hardy; I have known some by jesting, have lost their lives in earnest.

XLIX.

Be not engaged for any thou canst not be surety with security. The Borrower is a ser­vant to the Lender, and thou to both. Thou to ease them, takest the burden upon thy own back; which while it lies on thee, they look, and laugh; this thou dost deserve, by making anothers debt thine, which if possibly thou may'st not pay, yet to lose thy liberty is too much; who would be under the lash of the Law, that may be free?

L.

Prize neither men, or things, by what they seem, but by what they are. A Bristow stone looks like a Diamond, and may be as well set. Value not the Jewel by her frame, nor any thing by its cover: The Book is not the bet­ter for its Clasps, nor doth an Estate make a man the better; though the Coat be never so costly that a Fool wears, yet it is but a Fools Coat; and what more common, than to see a Ring in a Swines snout?

LI.

Have low thoughts of thy self. He is the most holy, that is the most humble; and though it be impossible that a wise man should not know himself, yet it is no small part of pru­dence to seem not to see it; affectation is the greatest folly; there is nothing so much doth prejudice thy Reputation, and take off the praise due to thy parts.

LII.

Be not puft up with the report of a Para­site; it is natural for a Sycophant to dissem­ble; thou canst not know thy complexion by a false Glass; think not thy face is as it flatters thee. I know too well what I am, to believe them, that speak well of me; none loves a friend more, nor more abhors falshood; they deceive themselves, that go about to deceive me; in this sense to deceive the deceiver is no deceit.

LIII.

Be not prodigal to praise, or dispraise either things, or persons; what needest thou discover thy opinion; to be over-busie, is a badge of fol­ly; who can tell the inconvenience it may oc­casion, if another take up the Cudgels, and engage thee into a dispute or quarrel? what did not concern thee to meddle, will concern thee to maintain.

LIV.

Laugh not at thy own Jests, lest others laugh at thee; it loseth much of its briskness, if it be not sudden; why should it be seen, be­fore it be spoken, or heard. Thou speakest to the ear, not to the eye; and he that would strike to purpose, must not discover when the blow is coming.

LV.

Let not thy Jests be too smart; thou hadst better lose a Jest, than a Friend. Touch not at all, at least but gently, the galled place; few men love true Jests; these often breed bad blood, and sometimes turn to earnest; rub not too hard, take away thy hand when it does any more than tickle.

LVI.

Be content to be paid in thine own Coyn; what thou wilt give, take; there were no sport if it be not banded; do as thou wouldst be done to, another may expect the like liberty [Page 29] without distasting. Thou hast made a Rod for thine own back, though it smart, thou may'st the better bear it; he that gives the first blow, hath little reason to be angry, though he be struck again.

LVII.

As thou lovest thy liberty, be not entang­led in the Labyrinth of Love; to be a slave to a woman, is the basest bondage; thou canst not more unman thy self; why shouldest thou part with thy Prerogative? I have read of some, whose heads stand in their breasts; make thou the moral, and let every part keep its proper place; there is no necessity thou shouldst be a mad man, or a monster.

LVIII.

If thy veins swell, and thy blood boyle, perchance Galen can cool, or cure thee; try all wayes before a woman, lest the Remedy prove worse than the Distemper. Besides, to gratifie thy appetite, is like drink in a burn­ing feaver, which doth encrease thy thirst, and thy longing. To tame the flesh, there is no­thing [Page 30] like to Physick, and to fasting; if thou dost not indulge the humor, the swelling will go down of it self.

LIX.

When the spirit moves, consider the mis­chief of Marriage, and the sin and shame to meddle with a Strumpet; if this will not con­jure down the Devil, thou art in danger; if the storm continues, thou hast thy choice, ei­ther to sink at Sea, or to be ship-wrackt in the Harbor; and the case may be so, that thou hadst better cast thy self into the arms of the Ocean, than the embraces of a wife.

LX.

Marriage, though the most serious transa­ction of our lives, and a matter of the great­est concern and moment, yet is the most go­verned by chance, and its comfort the most uncertain; it being impossible to perceive the imperfections of either person, till experience hath made way for a bitter Repentance; in o­ther things we try before we buy, but here we are forced to take all on trust, and run a Risco, [Page 31] which if considered, none would be so hardy to hazard a happiness at hand, for a hope at such an adventure; neither is the yoke to be shifted, be it never so strait and uneasie; nay, though thine might fit anothers neck, and an­others thine; it is hard that what is in choice an act of the will, should be continued rather by constraint, than consent.

LXI.

If my perswasion cannot prevail to hinder thee from dashing upon this Rock; let thy fancy sleep while thy judgment chooseth; for though do what thou canst, thou may'st be cheated; yet prudence may in part prevent. Choose rather by the ear, than by the eye, that may dazle & deceive thee; a good fame, is better than a good face; besides the danger of doting upon an adored beauty, it being a question not yet decided, whether she can be fair, and ho­nest too; she had need be more than a woman that can resist the temptations of opportuni­ty, and importunity; yea, though grace should guard the Fort, and proffers should not prevail, [...]t may be assail'd by force, or taken by treache­ [...]y, and surprize; he that cannot get the key, [Page 32] may pick the lock; yet if a wife be wise, she will rather conceal the Cuckold, than produce his horns by her carriage or confession; it is a comfort in such a case, that sometimes he knows not himself, nor the world him.

LXII.

Let thy chief aim be at goodness, mind not her person so much, as her principles, and her practice. A bad woman can never make a good wife; there is little hopes that she that is not holy, will be honest; and she that knows not her duty to God, will not know her duty to her Husband. The English Laws are too far in womens favour, to force obedience.

LXIII.

Look not only after grace, but good nature; see to the disposition, most of the comfort of a married condition consists therein; mind thy own peace, more than the piety of an ill hu­moured person. I have known a Diamond ill set, and grace grafted upon a Crab-stock; where there is a pearle, there may be poyson. I like not the conjunction of Heaven and [Page 33] Hell, neither would I have thee marry in hopes to mend; this were to purchase pains or Re­pentance.

LXIV.

It is not enough the disposition be good, unless it sute with thine; likeness is the ground of love; propriety without proportion, gives little satisfaction; it is the right mixture of humors that makes the harmony; if the temper be not tuned, the Musick's marred; what is good in its self, and for another, may not be so for thee.

LXV.

Marry not one too much above thee in birth, lest she prove thy Mistriss, or at least expect it. Great inconveniences many times arise from matching into great families, to whom you become a servant, if not a slave; neither will subjection serve without your sub­stance; honour will devour you by putting you upon immoderate expences, to maintain a port like your self; of this it may be said, as of the Grand Seniors Horse, Wherever it comes, no grass will grow.

LXVI.

Thou may'st give a shrewd guess at the comfort of a married condition by the porti­on; when ever thou partest with thy liberty, let thy fetters be of gold; set not too low a price upon thy freedom; if thou must be a drudge, let thy wages be worth it; why shouldst thou thrash for nothing? Be sure to make sure of what she hath; trust not the com­mon report; fame is a friend to the female Sex; expect the money fall short, and allow accor­dingly. Remember this, when thorough a restless humor being discontented with thy condition, thou desirest change, that a fat sor­row is better than a lean one.

LXVII.

If thou art provided of a person thus ac­complished, yet do not promise thy self too great a satisfaction; why should thy hopes de­ceive and befool thee? ask thy self when ever didst thou give chase to any creature, and camest not home by weeping cross; hath the fruition at any time answered the expectation? was the fruit according to the flower? but sup­posing [Page 35] thou should'st have a happiness that never any had, yet time makes all things tyre­some, if not loathsom; the most honey­sweet enjoyment sowres with standing; com­forts cease to be comforts by continuance; when as a few cold winters have snowed upon your head, and your blood grows chill, and be­gins to retire, you will then conclude my coun­sel to be Canonical.

LXVIII.

If thou art so tame to permit thy neck to be put into a noose, draw even in the same yoke; let love sweeten the services; what thou must do, do willingly; stand not too much up­on Superiority, as thou prizest thy peace and quiet; beside, what difference can there be, where two persons are made one? there is no distinction of mine, and thine, at least in the use; thank thy self, if (with thy liberty) thou hast lost thy propriety, thou wert born free, and made to govern; if thou hast forfeited thy Supremacy, it is thy own fault, and what is more obliging than a free act? it were now a folly to complain; make thy condition as comfortable as thou canst, ha­ving chose one thou lovest, love thy choice.

LXIX.

Reckon not the want of Issue any great want: Children are certain cares, and uncer­tain comforts; a wise man may beget a fool; the child is not alwayes like the father; how many Monsters have I seen produced of judici­ous Parents, who have been like Vipers to those that begot and bred them? some have been both their sorrow, and their shame; what though thou hast none to hand thy name to posterity! many Kings and Emperours have dyed childless; if thou wantest an Heir, there are enow that want an inheritance.

LXX.

If thou art a father, let not a fond affection destroy thy child; bend the Twig betimes, while it will bend; delay too long, and it will grow too strong. Season his younger years; the Vessel favours as it is season­ed; let him suck pious and prudent prin­ciples with his milk, that he may be habi­tually good; this will make him learn his du­ty [Page 37] with less difficulty, and do it with more de­light.

LXXI.

Be thy self a good guide to thy son; Parents are patterns; if thou would'st have him write fair, set him a fair Copy; the child cannot be blamed, if he be like the father, at least by him; lead the way that he should go; example does more than precept; the eye directs bet­ter than the ear; and it is usually seen, like fa­ther, like son.

LXXII.

Know when to cherish, as when to correct, and steer thy course according to the nature and temper of thy child; if fair means will do, never use foul; insinuate into his mind goodness by degrees; this will make him in love with vertue; for which let him see thou art more willing to reward him, than to reprove and punish Vice; he that commends his child when he does well, teaches him to do bet­ter.

LXXIII.

Bring not thy son up in idleness; why should a droan consume thy labour? study his genius before thou disposest of him in a Profession; never force his fancy; no good will be done a­gainst the hair; improve his natural parts what's possible by art and industry; knowledge is the Diamond in the Ring, and makes the man a Gentleman. Let not thy child know, espe­cially him thou hast placed in a Calling, what thou hast to leave him, lest depending upon the one, he neglect the other, and both strings fail him; neither let thy provision hinder his employment; two getters is little enough for one spender; besides, 'tis good to walk with a Horse in ones hand; and he stands surest, that hath something to uphold him.

LXXIV.

Behave thy self so in thy family, that those below thee may both love and fear thee; be not too familiar with thy servants, neither let [Page 39] them be privy to thy secrets. This were to change the relation, and make thy self the servant; and those whom thou darest not dis­please, will dare to displease thee. Keep a di­stance with discretion; that others may know their places, do thou know thine.

LXXV.

Be not imperious, yet keep the staffe in thy own hand; let them rather see thy power, than feel it; least while they fear it, they hate thee; such will never do thy work well, unless when thy eye is upon them; and who would be such a slave to servants? Choose those that will be careful without chiding; and delight to see them chearful in their business, and to do it with delight.

LXXVI.

Provide for their support and maintenance; let them not want in their work, be punctual likewise in their pay; their wages is their due, when their work is done; the labourer is wor­thy of his hire; if he deserve better, encou­rage thy servant in well-doing; this will engage him for the future to do well; in thy contract [Page 40] leave something to thy choice; the advantage is double, in what thou givest above the bar­gain.

LXXVII.

Let not their business be a bondage; their restraints ought to be reasonable; allow some time to unbend the bow; there is a time to la­bour, and a time to loyter; be not unmerciful to thy Beast, much less to thy servant; consi­der him as a man, and more as a Christian; al­low him rest and recreation proportionable to his employment.

LXXVIII.

As thou art accountable, be careful of thy charge; thou hast a double trust, of soul and body both; if either miscarry, a reason will be required, and thou must answer it. The great Master minds his meanest servant; all stand in a like capacity to him; he hath no respect of persons; thou and those below thee now, will soon stand upon even ground.

LXXIX.

Reckon thy servants among thy children; the difference is only in degrees; both make up the oeconomy; thou art the father of the fa­mily; a wise servant is better than a foolish child; cast him not off in old age, when he hath spent himself in thy service; a faithful servant does well deserve to be accounted a­mongst thy friends.

LXXX.

Rebuke in private; publick reproof har­dens; and he is most prone to offend, who is past shame; rather than to be alwayes chiding, rid thy hands of such a servant; better do thy work thy self, than to have such ado to have it done; if he be at mans Estate, strike him not; blows become neither thee nor him.

LXXXI.

Keep no more servants than needs must; many by their footmen had been unhorsed. Let thy Revenue exceed thy Retinue; why should [Page 42] others consume thee? look upon thy servants as sharers with thy prosperity; if thy condition be clouded, and a storm threatned, they will soon leave thee for shelter. I have read of an extravagant respect of some; but a Swallow or two do's not make a Summer; fewer servants have dyed for their Masters, than there have been Masters by their servants undone.

LXXXII.

Be not hasty in the choice of a friend, but slower in the changing; fix not thy affections suddenly; but where thou dost fix, fasten; con­stancy is the unseparable companion of friend­ship, whereas to waver is a crime unpardona­ble; try before thou trust, and never question after tryal; thou canst not wrong thy friend more than to suspect him.

LXXXIII.

Do nothing to displease God, and let no­thing he does displease thee; let there be but one will between him and thee, and his thine; behave thy self as in his eye, and in his audi­ence; he is witness, and he is Judge; if thou [Page 43] hast offended, punishment is thy due; thou hast no reason to repine, when justly beaten; whatever the sentence is, it is no less just than severe; if thou wouldst escape the stroak, shun the sin.

LXXXIV.

Read thy own mortality in the monuments of dead men; as they are, thou must be; they are gone, and thou art going; their Bell is rung out, and thine is tolling; a little while, and thy place shall know thee no more; the Grave is ready for thee, and Death stands at the door; he is knocking now, and ere long will force his entrance. Do what thou hast to do, that before thou dyest, thou may'st have done. Dispatch, lest thou beest prevented; live to dye, that thou may'st but dye to live.

LXXXV.

Compare what thou hast received with what thou hast deserved, and thou wilt see thy sorrows have been fewer than thy sins; it might have been worse, if not here, yet in Hell; a living man hath no reason to complain; it is mercy thou art capable of mercy; that judg­ment [Page 44] is not pronounced, a reprief is more than thou deservest; what then is a pardon! affli­ctions are but fleabites; it is a favour to be burnt in the hand, when the crime merits a Halter.

LXXXVI.

Intend a publick good; rather than a private; the gain on every side will be greater, and the greatest thine; thou canst not effect a general good without doing thy self good; that which is beneficial to the whole, cannot be prejudicial to any part; be not of a scanty spirit, thou art not born for thy self; the whole Creation claims a share; it were monstrous a particular interest should outweigh the world.

LXXXVII.

Think not thy friends departed to be lost, they are only sent before; they have dispatch­ed their Journey whil'st thou art jogging on; the storm still beats on thee, but they are hou­sed; what thou hast in thine eye, they have in their hand; they have got the Crown, and thou art yet to conquer; thy Robes are red, but theirs white; they have finished their [Page 45] Voyage, and are landed, but thou must keep the Sea. All tears are wiped from their eyes, while thy cheeks are bedewed with tears; mourn not for them, but for thy self; they are so much the more happy as the sooner.

LXXXVIII.

If thou wouldst avoid sin, avoid the occasi­on; it is easier to shun the temptation, than to resist it; come not near the pitch, lest thou be defiled; keep out of harms way; it is no dis­cretion to dally with danger; the Fly singes her wings by playing with the flame. De­pend not upon thy own strength; many have lost their power by their presumption; better be careful than confident; it is hard standing in a slippery place, and a rare thing not to deny Christ in the High Priests Hall. Take heed of nibling at the bait, lest the Hook catch thee. Shut thine eyes till the temptation is past; it is not enough to be fortified with a resoluti­on; so was Alipius, yet when he looked, he liked. Thou hast to do with a subtle tem­pter; what he cannot do by strength, he does by slight; though as a Lyon he could not pull the Apple, yet as a Serpent he could climb the Tree.

LXXXIX.

Look upon thy life as a stream that runs and returns not; every day thou art dying, and to yesterday thou art dead; thy house of clay is continually undermining, and will fall; eve­ry sickness makes it shake, and stagger; and who can tell but the next disease may destroy it? I cannot think to live long; Lord, let me live well; it matters not how soon I dye, when I have done; I cannot be too soon with thee, nor happy too soon.

XC.

Is thy condition clouded? it will clear up, and the Sun shine; give not way to sorrow, but bid thy griefs be gone; consider to what thou art design'd, and let thy hopes chear thee; it were a shame for a Saint to look sad; what melancholy, and going to glory? will not Heaven make amends? thou art yet under Age, have patience but awhile, and the Heir enters upon his inheritance; the Prince may pass disguised in a strange Land, but take state upon him in his own Territories. I value [Page 47] not what my way is, when it leads home; I mind not my Journey, but my Journeys end.

XCI.

Create not to thy self Crosses; why shouldst thou seek for a knot in a Bullrush? Be not so­licitous for to morrow; thou canst not tell whe­ther to morrow may be thine; sufficient for the day, is the evil thereof; perchance what thou fearest, may not befall thee, and then thy trouble is for nothing; however, it will be time enough when it comes. I will enjoy what I have, let what will come; why should I refuse to quench my thirst, for fear I want drink the next day?

XCII.

Expect not a Heaven upon Earth; few meet with two Heavens; one is enough, two too much; the portion cannot be in expectation and possession both. Wouldst thou eat thy bread, and have it? think not thy way should be strowed with Roses; working precedes a reward, a Crown implies a Conquest; suffer­ing is proper to thy present state; wouldst [Page 48] thou have thy Inne like thy dwelling place?

XCIII.

Consider what hath befallen others, and thou wilt not wonder whatever befalls thee. Do things go bad, it goes worse with better men. Art thou poor? it hath been still the fate of the bravest persons; some have been so by choice, but most by chance; wealth is but vanity, and usually vexation; like a gar­ment too big, or too long: If my father deals with me as with the rest of his children, shall it not content me? there is no reason the most undutiful should have a double portion.

XCIV.

Let not the miseries common to mankind, make thee either mourn, or murmur; the back was made for the burden; see others laden as well as thou, and how many go away more nimble under a greater weight. Suppose some have a lesser Cross to carry, yet do not thou re­pine; if thou beest better able, why should not thy will be proportionable to thy power? I am born to trouble, I will do my best to bear it.

XCV.

Be satisfied with thy station, and stir not from thy standing; if thou art near the bot­tom, look to thy feet lest they slip, thou mayst come lower; if thou art got up the hill, take heed lest thou fall; the surest way is to stand still; thou mayst be happy, and keep where thou art. Content does not hang so high, but thou mayst reach it upon the ground; what though another hath more, if thou dost vvant less? more than enough is too much, and lesser would be better; too great a Sail for a small Vessel is dangerous; but sute the Sail to the ship, and she goes sure.

XCVI.

Accustom thy self to sobriety, and do not indulge thy sensual appetite in the provisions of thy life; give not the flesh the reins, set bounds to thy desires, & keep them within their banks; let not nature be thy limit, but neces­sity; leave thy longing, lest thou lose it; it may be sooner ceased, than satisfied; learn to [Page 50] stop, know when thou art well; it is a torment to Tantalize.

XCVII.

When pleasures tempt thee, turn them round; see how they look behind, view the shadowy side, as well as that which is next the Sun; reckon upon a return, and consider what the remembrance is like to be; if thy delights be sinful, sighs and sorrow will make them soure and unsatisfying; take his word who took his fill of all, and let his experience pre­vent thine; yet if bought wit be best, look back to the time of thy own disappointments, and when thou art about again to be cheated, remember what thou hast already found, and be no more abused; It is thine own fault to be deceived twice.

XCVIII.

Upbraid no man with his weakness; do not discover a deformity, if thou canst conceal it; lay thy finger upon the Wart, and let not o­thers see the shame; never report it to dis­parage him, or advance thy self. Admire that goodness that supports thee, when others slip; let their failings humble thee; the fountain is [Page 51] the same, though it runs not alike clear; thou mightest have been as he is, and may'st be; look to thine own feet; let him that stands, take heed lest he fall.

XCIX.

Change not thy opinion of persons, as they change their affection; consider what they are in themselves, not what they are to thee; their kindness or unkindness makes no essential al­teration; it is more an accident, than a quality; perchance thou hast deserved the difference, the change is then in thee, not in them; no wonder the effect alters with the cause.

C.

Never boast of thy sin, nor glory in thy shame, cast a vail over thy naked part; if pos­sible, shun the scandal; it is not necessary that others see, what God sees, and thy self. Plead not in a wrong cause, this argues impudency, not penitency. Blush when thou art too blame; be more ready to confess thy fault, than to ex­cuse it. Do not contend, but amend; ingenui­ty lies in acknowledgment.

CENT. II.

I.

WHen Pride makes thy plumes rise, con­sider what thou wert in thy birth, and what thou shalt be; uncleanness in the womb, and rottenness in the tomb▪ filthy in concep­tion, and filth in thy dissolution; what art thou between these, but weakness and wild­ness? Consider but the pollutions of thy na­ture, the prevarications of thy life, the dirt of death, and then be proud if thou canst.

II.

Be angry, but sin not; let not the Sun go down upon thy wrath, shew thy self willing to be reconciled; be not passionate, but soon pa­cified; [Page 53] if anger boyle within thy breast, seal up thy lips; the fire that wants vent, will suppress it self; words like blows, often blow a spark into a flame; if any hath injured thee, think whom thou hast wronged, and bear with others, as God bears with thee.

III.

Do not covet what thou hast not, but con­tent thy self with what thou hast; he is rich, that is satisfied; want lies in desire. Cove­tousness is a thing the most contradictory to it self, and causes what it pretends to cure; like drinking in a feaver, which does not quench the thirst, but make it the more violent; the desire does not cease, though thou hast what thou dost desire; happiness lies in the use, not in the principle; a man may starve with Bills and Bonds about him; it were a madness to ab­stain from meat, because thou art hungry; or from any thing, because thou lovest it; thou hast but what thou dost enjoy; what lies by is liker to be anothers than thine.

IV.

Receive what God gives thankfully, and return what he requires chearfully; take all in good part that he does; look not to the mes­senger so much as to him that sent him; bid him welcom, if not for his own sake, yet for his Masters; think nothing too hard to suffer, nor too dear to part with for a Father; filial affection will carry thee far; slaves serve for hire, but love in a son is the only motive to duty.

V.

Let Gods glory be thy aim, and the end of every action; he made thee, and thou wert made for him; that in thee, and by thee, he might glorifie himself; in his honour consists thy happiness; he might have been happy without thee, but thou without him canst not be happy; to serve him, is the way to enjoy him; those which honour him, he will honour; his glory will be thine; do that for his sake, which thou wouldst for thine own.

VI.

Love the World as about to leave it; look upon thy self as departing, and things as pas­sing by; how canst thou fix thine eye, where the motion is perpetual, and thou canst not make a minutes stop or stay? Thou seest thy comforts but as thou art sailing, they will soon be out of sight; thou art launching forth in­to an Ocean of Eternity, where thou canst not see Land; a little while, and all thy delights are gone; the Curtain will be drawn, and the Play done.

VII.

Be not contented to be good thy self, un­less thou canst be an instrument to make o­thers good; there is comfort in company; who would go to Heaven alone? it is a grief to a Christians heart, to see the path to Zion over­grown, and that so few follow; fain he would that the dust did flee, that Troops went up to­gether; it is pity friends should part to meet no more; my bowels yearn over them I love, lest any should miscarry.

VIII.

Say nothing but what thou wilt stand to; why should the Truth suffer, or thy own Re­putation? be neither the first, nor forward in any strange Report, lest thy Credit be called in question, though the Report be true; if it be so to day, it will be so to morrow; and more certain, if not in it self, yet to others, and to thee; when ever I tell what I hear, I will tell who told it me, at least when I find it startle; let the Author bear the blame, why should I?

IX.

In the morning think what thou hast to do, and at night ask thy self what thou hast done; so spend every day, that thou may'st delight to review thy actions; why shouldest thou con­clude with a sigh, or a tear? if possible pre­vent Repentance. Do nothing that may need a pardon; yet wherein thou hast prevaricated, let confession follow upon commission; fear not to see thy score, but to encrease it; call thy self to account, and chide thy self.

X.

Commend no man to his face, and behind his back do not discommend him; to do either, argues a base spirit; if thou knowest any good of him, let others know it; if any ill, tell it to himself; of the dead and absent if thou canst, speak well; if not, say nothing; ac­cuse none that cannot answer for themselves; what credit to conquer, where there is none to oppose thee! to talk high, is the property of a Coward, especially when his enemy is absent; I will scorn to take advantage of any; to come behind is dishonourable; I shall likewise fear him that flatters, lest while he smiles, he smite me.

XI.

It matters not how long thou livest, but how well; to crowd a great deal of work into a little room, bespeaks thy diligence; I shall not measure my life by dayes, but by doing; not by my stay, but by my service. I would live to labour, and when my Master hath no more to do, I am content to be no more, that time and task may end together; there is no such mi­sery as to be buried alive.

XII.

Whatever thou dost, have an eye at death; do nothing now, which thou wouldst not then have done, and still suppose the next act to be the last; look upon thy self as dying, and reckon upon a time of reckoning; believe thou art before the Judge, and the Jaylors be­hind thee; this will make thee not dare to do, in doing of which thou dar'st not dye.

XIII.

Better is the man without money, than money without the man; I never thought any the better for his Bags; an Ass may be laden with gold; I have seen fools advanced, and wise men wait, and what more unseemly sight? how little proportion appears in providence, when fools have fortune, and wise men chance!

XIV.

Friendship makes prosperity brighter, and burdens lighter; I am not more my own, than my friends in every estate; I enjoy my self in [Page 59] him; he is my solace in the Sun, and shelter from the storm.

XV.

Besides sin there is nothing dreadful; the punishment is less than the crime; I will fear nothing but to offend, and will choose rather to suffer, than to sin.

XVI.

A common misery is less a misery; there is comfort in company, though in trouble; a general grief is not grievous, none can re­pine when all suffer; a personal affliction is most affecting; this is the sting of sorrow, to suppose our state without a parallel; a burden is better born by many, than by a single shoulder; why should I complain, where the case is common? if others suffer, why not I?

XVII.

Whatever befalls me without my fault, I will bear with an undaunted mind; it is my fate, not my folly; and why should I make that worse, which I could not make better? [Page 60] I will not fear what I cannot fore-see; but slight what I cannot shun: I can bear where I am not too blame, and where my weakness did not marr, it will be my wisdom to mend.

XVIII.

There is nothing more Noble than to deserve well of ones Countrey; we are not born for our selves, and what reason to return our lives where we had them! it hath been the brave resolution of many bad men, to sa­crifice themselves for a common good; in this they have excelled themselves; what care have Heathens had of their Countrey, for which it was sweet (they said) to dye! and they did what they said.

XIX.

A sure friend is best known in an adverse state; we know not whom to trust, till after tryal; there are some that will keep me com­pany while it is clear and fair, which will be gone when the clouds gather; that is the on­ly friendship, which is stronger than death, and those the friends whose fortunes are embar­qued [Page 61] in the same bottom; who are resolved to sink, and swim together.

XX.

My friend is as it were my self; there is but one soul in two bodies, neither am I more my own, than my friends; I have nothing but what is his; what I have, he hath; if he will, he may command both me and mine.

XXI.

Whatever thou dost, do quickly; it may be too late to tarry for leasure; want of a power, follows want of will; delayes are dan­gerous; what thou art unfit for to day, per­chance to morrow thou wilt be more unfit; besides, who can call another moment his? I will dispatch what I have to do, lest something be left undone; I had rather want work, than time; and finish too soon, than be surprized.

XXII.

There are many not worthy of light, on whom the Sun shines; prosperity is oft-times [Page 62] the portion of the basest of men; there is no judging by appearance; all is not gold that glisters; a Dunghil will stink still; let me be a flower, though I grow in the shade; Provi­dence appoints the place; what is good for o­thers, may be bad for me.

XXIII.

Necessity is no friend to freedom; there is no liberty where there is no remedy; I will come under the least obligation possible, and act by choice, not constraint; what is forced, is not thank-worthy; that which is free, is only kindly; I will have my hand observe my heart; then shall I do what I will, while I will but what I do.

XXIV.

As the Furnace tryes the Gold, so misery proves the man; his suffering shews his strength, troubles are the only tryals; the re­solution is known by the opposition, the pati­ence by the pain.

XXV.

I never thought him happy, who thought himself miserable; the mind is the man; if another hath what I can be without, what is he the better, or I the worse, while he wants more, and I less? he is not happy that enjoyes, but that doth not desire. Satisfaction lies not in Addition, but Substraction. A Monarch may be miserable; but content is more than a Kingdom; I can be what I will, while I will be what I can.

XXVI.

Socrates passing through the Market, cryes out, How much is here I do not need? Nature is content with little, Grace with less: Poverty lies in opinion; what is need­ful is soon provided, and enough is as good as a Feast; I am worth what I do not want; my occasions being supplied, what would I do with more?

XXVII.

The fear of Death is worse than Death it self; it is better to be dead, than alwayes dy­ing; give me the man that dares to dye, that opens his breast boldly, and bids to Death de­fiance; that can welcom the King of Terrors, and look him in the face with a smile. I will account my last enemy, my best friend, who shews me my Crown when almost spent, and helps me to what I fought for.

XXVIII.

They may kill, but cannot hurt: 'Twas the saying of Seneca, when doomed to dye, and it argued a brave Heroick spirit, Whom need a Christian fear, whose life is hid with Christ! he is out of Gun-shot, the reach of men and Devils; whatever happens, no­thing harms him; to kill him is the greatest kindness; you send him but to Heaven the sooner.

XXIX.

I have read of a Phylosopher, that being pounded in a Morter, bid his Tormentors in derision beat on the Sack of Anaxarchus; he looked on the body, but as the bag, and knew the treasure was secure; it matters not what becomes of the Casket, when the Jewel's safe; and what though the shell be crack't, when the kernel is whole and untoucht? it were below me to shrink, or look pale at any thing, when Heathens can bear torments with a smooth brow; if they can be so valiant, it were a shame for a Christian to be a Coward.

XXX.

He fights with a shadow, that fights with a Saint; who can neither be hit, nor hurt; a Christian walks invisible, and is invulnerable; you strike at you know not what; the stone falls short, it never comes near him.

XXXI.

In living as in swimming, the lesser luggage the better; why should I then repine to be eased of what doth hinder? perchance if I had not lost, I had been lost; it is a mercy in a shipwrack to escape naked; what I lament, might have drowned me.

XXXII.

Opportunity comes neither often, nor con­tinues long; it is good striking while the Iron is hot; to lose the occasion, is the loss of all. I will endeavour to take the fittest time for every action, lest I should slip the season; I cannot promise my self any other opportuni­ty, than the present; I will hoise Sail while the wind is fair.

XXXIII.

Fortune does often favour the most daring; Nothing venture, nothing have; desperate designs many times succeed, and things beyond hope happen; I have known strange re­sults [Page 67] of a resolution; while some have sought death, they have found both life and glory; I will look before I leap; then leap at all; he is a Coward that will shun the Combat, where the Crown countervails the Conquest.

XXXIV.

It is uncertain how the Evening proves; who knows whether the Sun will shine at set­ting; it sometimes goes down clear, and sometimes in a cloud; there is no depending on what is doubtful; since I cannot foresee what may fall out, I will provide for that I can­not prevent, that I may bring my mind to my condition, when I cannot my condition to my mind.

XXXV.

Divine wrath proceeds to punish by de­grees, but makes amends for its slowness, with its severity; the longer the blow is fetching, the sorer is the stroke; abused patience turns to fu­ry; forbearance is no acquittance; I had rather fear before I feel, than feel before I fear.

XXXVI.

He hath every thing that desires nothing; a contented mind is richer than Croesus, or then the Indies; this turns all we touch to gold, and is the only pearle of price, more worth than a World. He is the happy man, that can see and scorn, who does not covet, but contemns, and hath at home, what others seek abroad; what doth he not enjoy, who enjoyes himself?

XXXVII.

Satisfaction lies in proportion, and in pro­priety; without both there can be no content; what is not fit, or not our own, will never make us happy; that serves best that sutes best, is most comfortable, and most comely; I will shape my Last to my foot; a Shooe too big is uneasie, and too little pinches; what matches the mind, must likewise be the mans, or all is nothing; I may starve for famine, while another hath food to spare; what is that to me, which is not mine?

XXXVIII.

That which is ill-gotten, is usually ill-spent; a covetous Father hath commonly a prodigal son; what the one rakes, the other scatters; he that knows not how to get, knows not how to keep; lightly come, will lightly go; what is gained by ill means, is spent in an ill manner; besides what comes in an unwarrantable way, is not blest, but blasted; how have I seen wealth to waste like butter against the Sun? I have known a curse accompany an Estate, till the canker hath consumed it.

XXXIX.

The Pilot governs the Ship with wisdom, not with violence; not by force, but dexteri­ty; I will endeavour to do by prudence, what I cannot do by power; where the Lyons skin is too short, the Foxes may serve to piece it; that what the hand could not act, the head may effect; yet will not I separate the Serpent from the Dove.

XL.

A wise man is moderate in prosperity, and in adversity valiant; a great mind is not easi­ly moved; it is the shrub, not the Cedar, that is shaken with every blast; I like that man, who is the same in a storm, and in a calm; who stands firm in spite of wind and weather; whatever alters, it is alike with him; he changes not with changes.

XLI.

It is more noble to refuse, than to receive; he that accepts, loseth his liberty, and be­comes a debtor; where I do not need, I had rather deny, than desire; every courtesie is obliging; why should I be bound, when I may be free? yet if I must receive a kindness, I will mind not more what it is, than from whom it comes; I shall not love the Present, where I do not like the Person.

XLII.

Hope the best, think of the hardest, and bear whatever happens; let not thy spirit sink; keep thy head above water, and no danger of drowning; the heart is the fort, which unless surrendred, cannot be taken; I will prepare for a Siege, resolving not to give up whilst I can hold out; and it is in my choice whether I will be Conqueror or conquered; I will not give way to grief; I am not gone till grief gets in; suppose my Cup be sowre, why should I make it more tart with my tears?

XLIII.

Sleep is the image of death, its picture and resemblance: Sleep is but a breathing death, and death a breathless sleep; the greatest dif­ference is in their age, sleep being the elder brother; why should I fear the one, that with the other am so familiar? I will go to my bed as to my grave, and to my grave as to my bed; it matters not, dust or down, when asleep; I am sure to rise at break a day, and what would I do up sooner?

XLIV.

Every man hath his lot; nothing can be­fall us, but what was before designed; there is no such thing as chance; our Father hath ap­pointed his children their several portions, why then am not I satisfied with what comes to my share? what serves others, might serve me; shall I be more dainty, and less dutiful? be­sides, it is decreed, nor can I change my fate, what was determined, must be done in spite of what opposes.

XLV.

He that knows most, knows little to what he does not know; our knowledge is but in part; a Pismire may puzzle the profoundest wit. I admire at the pride, and impudence of those persons, who think to lade the Ocean with a Cockle-shell, yet are gravelled in a fellow-creature! how may those eyes look against the Sun, which a Candle dazles: I will not pry within the vail, nor search into what is se­cret; it was therefore hid, that I might not know it; I will wait till it be revealed; in the mean while adore what I cannot comprehend.

XLVI.

It hath much startled me, and wiser men, to see the good fare ill, and the bad fare best; that vertue is neglected, and vice rewarded; but why should I wonder, when bones are thrown to Dogs? were those things good, good men should have them; slaves are paid off with these; my wages will be more, the longer it runs on, and my pay-day will come; I shall soon see how all things have been working for the best, that every River tended to its Ocean, and each Circumference to its Center; that it was the end of every Providence to do me good; it is imperfect what I take asunder; but when all parts are put together, it will ap­pear beautiful; when what is in the myste­ry, shall be in the history; and what is now a forming, shall be brought to open view.

XLVII.

Bread and water sufficeth nature; none to these are poor; what is necessary is at hand; every field will afford us food; hunger is not dainty, there needs no sauce to a good stomack; [Page 74] I will eat to live, not live to eat; to be a slave to my belly, nothing were more below me, or more base; I never thought it worth my study to have my palate pleased; water will quench my thirst, and Wine can do no more.

XLVIII.

In the same vein may be gold and poyson; there are motes in the Sun, and a sting where there is honey; there is nothing pure and un­compounded; there is a dark side, as well as a bright; conveniencies have their inconvenien­cies, and comforts their contraries; Roses have their prickles; the sweetest state is but bitter sweet; my happiness lies in my self, I am not the worse for what I want; neither do I think had I more, I should be the more happy.

XLIX.

Leisure without learning is death, and idle­ness the grave of a living man; it vvas a brave saying of Scipio (and every Scholar can say it) That he vvas never less alone, than vvhen alone. I pity those vvho spend themselves, and mispend their time, in doing nothing, or [Page 75] vvorse than nothing; vvho are alvvayes ei­ther idle, or ill employed; I am resolved no day shall pass vvithout a line; let me converse vvith the dead; I desire no better company; Books are the best Companions; I vvill live to learn, and learn to live.

L.

There is none but thinks he must sometime dye, yet vvhen the time comes, he turns his back, and trembles; it is strange that in so long a space vve cannot prepare for so short a vvork, and of so much vveight; this is the last cast, and all lies at stake; it is not so much hovv vve live, as hovv vve dye; he acts vvell, that comes off the stage vvith applause; I vvill endeavour so to perform my part, that at my Exit the Spectators may clap their hands.

LI.

None can grieve much, and grieve long; ex­tremities are not lasting; the sharpest sorrovv is the soonest spent; vvhat is violent, is not permanent; it vvasts its self, and is quickly gone: What though my sufferings be sharp, [Page 76] vvhen they are but short! a constant pain is vvorst; a little little vvhile, and all my qualms vvill be over; the other puffe, and then a calm; storms vvill be spent, or else be past.

LII.

That vvhich vvas hard to endure, may be svveet to remember; to repeat a pain is a plea­sure; vvith vvhat delight vvill a Souldier relate his Conquest? and the poor Mariner vvhen he comes to his Port, vvill please him­self in recounting his past toyle; vvhat plea­sure vvill it be to me to see the Sea from the shoar, vvhen I have finished my Voyage, and am landed?

LIII.

There is the most content in a mean condi­tion; a great Estate is a great burden; vvhat care does it cost in keeping? and he that hath most, hath no more than he enjoyes, besides the trouble; I am of his mind, vvho desired neither riches, nor poverty; betvveen both is best; there is more tranquillity, more security; I vvould not be soo lovv, lest I am trod [Page 77] on; nor too high, lest I fall; let me not be exposed to contempt, nor vvant content till I envy others.

LIV.

Do not depend upon prosperity, nor yet despair vvhen things go cross; he that sails vvith a fresh and fair gale, cannot tell but the vvind may turn; here is nothing constant but inconstancy; suppose it be not overcast, some­times it rains, and the Sun shines; yet a man may be so provided, as not to fear a shovvre; vvhatever the Weather is, I vvill keep my Coat about me; if it be vvell novv, it may be vvorse; and if it is not so vvell as it vvas, it may be better than it is.

LV.

Hast thou an ill-hand dealt, mend it by thy play; he hath no reason to complain, that vvins the game; a little stock vvell-husband­ed, may amount to a great Sum; and vvhat matter, vvhere thou hast it, vvhether it vvere given or gotten; vvhere Providence hath not provided, a man is his ovvn purvior; and if [Page 78] he please, may please himself. I have known a smoke blown to a flame, and seen the fire go out; some have brought their pence to pounds, and others a Noble to nine pence.

LVI.

The low Cottage stands surer, than the lofty Turrets, less liable to wind and weather; Riches have been a snare to many, who have lost for them, themselves; a fair Estate is but the fairer mark; the bigger Butt to shoot at; the tall Cedar may come down, when the shrub keeps its station; I have seen the surly Oak fall, while the Reed stands.

LVII.

Steer not by the stars; though they may govern thee, yet God governs them; it is true, the heavenly have an influence upon the earthly bodies, and the effect does naturally follow the cause; from such a principle, such a product; yet there is no rule without excepti­on, and things are oft-times diverted by over­ruling power; the stream does not alwayes keep its course, and channel [...]; much must be [Page 79] allowed to emergencies, and contingencies; I wonder at the boldness of some men, who dare to pry into secrets, and take upon them to dis­cover Decrees, as if they knew the mind of God, and were of his Cabinet-counsel; they tell you they have their tydings from the stars, as if the stars told tales.

LVIII.

There are none so insolent, as those who are advanced from nothing; set a Beggar on Horse-back, and he will ride; he domineers most, who rises from the Dunghill; his con­dition being in the extream, his mind cannot keep a mean; and he can never rule right, who cannot rule himself; there is no slavery so in­tolerable, as to be subject to a vile person; I do not like the Thistle should sway the Scepter.

LIX.

He cannot be proud, that thinks either what he was, or will be; whatever may raise us up, yet dust will keep us down, and dust we are in composition, and shall be in dissolution; the best is but refined earth, but earth at best; [Page 80] beauty is but skin-deep, within is filth, and pu­trefaction; a fair outside but fill'd with ashes; the most despised creature is of the same clay with me; if I am put to a nobler use, it is the Potters pleasure; the mettal is the same; though I be better burnished, we are alike in the lump, and shall be when we are broken; if I look but to my feet, the Peacock will let fall his Plumes; I will endeavour to learn what I am, and to remember what I learn; let me never forget my Maker, nor my self.

LX.

The Bee sucks honey out of a stinking Weed, and the Chymist will extract gold out of a baser mettal; a wise man will gain by every thing; his enemies Weapon shall save his life; the Physitian makes a potion of a Vi­pers; it is not impossible to get good out of evil, neither is the good the worse; why should I value the pearle the less, for being in a Toads head?

LXI.

Rather sin thy self, than cause another to sin; of two evils choose the least; he is the [Page 81] greatest Traytor, that engageth others in the Treason; the guilt is aggravated, where the crime is compounded; to sin alone, is less a sin; it is a treble offence where I force it; sin­gle in the person I compell, but double in my self; it is a bad bargain where both are losers.

LXII.

It is a saying more common, than commen­dable, He knows not how to live, that knows not how to dissemble; though there are few so impudent to plead for it, many by their practice approve it; how is cheating grown a custom? to flatter is to be in the fashion; who can tell the heart by the hand or tongue? most men row one way, and look another. I do not condemn discretion; nor think I am bound to speak the truth at all times, nor all the truth; but my intention must be good, it is the end that mends, or marrs the action; and though plain dealing should dye a Beggar, yet honesty will at last be found the best policy.

LXIII.

Alwayes be doing something, be never idle, rather do and undo, than do nothing; it is bet­ter to pick straws, than to blow thy fingers; but none can want work, but they who want will; I fear those whose time is now a burden, will have too much cause to call back time; I will not lose a day, lest I want what I lose.

LXIV.

It is in living, as in sailing, whether I sit, or walk, wake or sleep, I still make some way towards my Harbour; my Glass is running, my Taper burning, whether to work by, or to waste; my time spends, how­ever I spend my time.

LXV.

What uncertainties are poor creatures at, who are sure of nothing, not of themselves; we and ours are still in motion, tending to a center and conclusion; whatever hath a be­ing, either decayes or dyes; but this is worst [Page 83] of all, we sometimes lose our comforts before we leave them, they are taken, and we are left to lament their loss; who can tell what a day may bring forth? what alterations have I seen in a lesser space? I have seen it clear, and in an instant overcast; the Wind may soon come about, and the Tyde as soon turn; the World rings changes; it is a poor content which is plac'd in what is perishing, and subject to casu­alty or corruption; Lord, let me love what I can neither lose, nor over-love.

LXVI.

It is decreed all must dye; some are gone, we are going, and the rest must go; there is no repealing this sentence, nor from it any ap­peal; neither is the Executioner to be bribed, he scorns Crowns and Scepters; when the Warrant is signed, thou art a dead man, neither tears nor prayers will serve thy turn; Death spares not sexes, sorts nor sizes, all are a­like to him, who dispatches all; what though my Cottage be convenient, I must turn out; why then should I fix my affection, where I cannot fix my habitation?

LXVII.

Did not my Conscience convince me, I might wonder what need Philip had of a Mo­nitor, with his Memento mori; it is strange that we living among Tombs, should forget to dye; every creature may serve for a remem­brancer to mind us of what we are made of, be­sides those sad spectacles still in view, which are more lively emblems of mortality; me­thinks we may hear them say, as you are, so were we; as we are, you must be.

LXVIII.

What a bustle do some men make, who are snatched away of a sudden in the midst of their pride and folly? the stir they keep upon the stage, and in an instant the Curtains drawn, and their part is done; the Prince must put off his Robes, and he who thought a World too little, hath but his length of ground.

LXIX.

I have observed those are nearest their end, who have obtained their ends; when what was proposed, is performed, and men begin to please themselves, then Death steps in, and divides stakes; it is best to sit loose from eve­ry thing, to be indifferent in what we do enjoy; why should we promise, and expect to be dis­appointed?

LXX.

How does experience disprove the Proverb, That stollen goods are sweet; the little satis­faction to be found in an unlawful pleasure, in the fruition there is a reflection, which takes off the edge of our appetite, and blunts our joy; what content can there be in that for which Conscience smites? I will reckon with­in the Hive there are stings, as well as honey, sin will end in sorrow; Lord, when I am tem­pted to that which is not warrantable, let me consider the cost, and see whether the account will bear it; shall I delight in that which con­cludes in grief and groans? why should I buy Repentance at so dear a rate?

LXXI.

As the Tree falls, so it lies; as Death leaves us, so judgment finds us; how should we gird up our selves, when at the end of the Race is either Heaven or Hell, and there is no setting out again; should we miscarry novv, vve are lost for ever, it vvill be too late to mend? that had need to be vvell, vvhich is but once done; I do not think there is another space to live our lives over; I vvill therefore act as for Eterni­ty, as one that hath but a cast for all; I pity those vvho put their Repentance to hazard of a Purgatory, supposing there vvere such a place, it vvere better to pay our debts, than to go to Prison.

LXXII.

It vvas a smart saying of the Pirate to Alex­ander, I am accounted a Thief, because vvith one Vessel I rob a sevv, vvhilst you that with your Army vvaste all, are called by another name; that is theft in a private person, vvhich makes a Prince a Conqueror; the one comes to the Gallovvs by the same means, the other gets glory; not but he vvhose thefts are great­est, [Page 87] must needs be the greatest thief; neither is he less deserving punishment that steals by day, than he that steals by night; this is the rea­son the revvard is not the same, vvhere there is no lavv, there is no transgression.

LXXIII.

By much laughter thou mayst knovv a fool; it deforms the face, and no less the mind; a great spirit is not easily moved, nor a solid sub­stance soon stirred; it is the unballasted Ves­sel that mounts with every wave, to be sudden­ly affected argues a frothy spirit; it shews lit­tle discretion, sometimes to express our joyes. I have known some, whose wit hath exceeded their wisdom, so tickled with their own con­ceits, that while they would in a Jest be count­ed witty, have given occasion to be in earnest taxed of folly.

LXXIV.

More than enough is poyson, nature is soon satisfied; too much meat does but clog, and oppress the stomack; what is not necessary to keep alive, does but hurt and destroy; a million more dyes of surfet, than of hunger; more by [Page 88] food, than famine; as the Troculus serves the Crocodile, so death serves us; it usually goes in at our mouths that kills us.

LXXV.

Drink not to intemperancy, too much liquor will put out the fire; besides other ef­fects of drunkenness, which is both a sin and shame; what will he not do, who knows not what he does; and how much is it below a man to unman himself? what more unseemly sight, than to see a beast in humane shape? nay, a beast is not so unreasonable.

LXXVI.

The abuse does not hinder the use of any thing in its self lawful; the best may be abu­sed, and the best corrupted proves worst; as the sweetest Wine makes the sowrest Vineger; there is nothing good but in its season; I will look to the time, as much as to the thing; as that may be bad to another, which is not so to me, so neither may it be alwayes bad.

LXXVII.

In things indifferent it is good to deny our selves; all that is lawful, may not be expedi­ent; it is more safe not to make use (some­times) of our liberty, than to go to the last link; none but a fool will come as near danger as he can; a wise man will keep at a distance; who knows the force of a temptation? it is hard to turn in a narrow Room; he that will do all he may, will soon do more; besides, I verily believe most men lose themselves in lawful things, and are undone, in doing that which may be done; it is not enough a thing is good, if not good for me; a circumstance may alter the case, and make an action sinful.

LXXVIII.

He that lies upon the ground can fall no lower; this is the security of a mean conditi­on, it is without fear of changes; it may be better, but cannot well be worse; the shrub cannot fall far; happen what will, he that is poor is safe; he shrowds himself under his own obscurity, and is guarded by his poverty; let [Page 90] Wind, or Tyde, or both turn, it cannot injure him.

LXXIX.

The punishment thou deservest bear pati­ently; it were injustice to repine, if justly pu­nished; blame none but the crime, and thy self; thou hast thy due, what wouldest thou then desire? there is no reason thou shouldst have either less or more; the penalty bearing proportion with the offence, what fault can the offender find?

LXXX.

If thy suffering be undeserved, be not on­ly patient, but chearful; kiss the Rod, and bid the affliction welcom; scorn to flinch; when thou seest the blow, it were a shame to stir or startle; if thou dost suffer for well-doing, do not grieve, but glory; it is matter of joy and triumph; consider but from whom it comes, for what, and for whom; I will take all in good part, that comes from my Father, as it comes to me in love; why should I be troubled at that which is for my good, or what I endure for him? I know my Cross will prove my Crown, I will therefore smart, and smile.

LXXXI.

He that spends more than he needs, may need what he spends. Prodigality is the greatest folly; no wonder if he that wasts, wants; he is the wise man, who in plenty pro­vides for a day of scarcity, and layes up for a wet day; that lives within himself; saving is the best way of getting, all is sure gain; it is good walking with a Horse in ones hand; what is the end of profuseness, but a Prison, or a Halter?

LXXXII.

To be over frugal, argues a poor and mean spirit; such are good to none, not to others, nor to themselves; a man hath but what he enjoyes; for any thing more, he is not much the better; what we make use of, is only ours, the rest signifies little, and is little less anothers; as I would not be lavish, so neither will I live so much below my fortunes, as to be their slave; I abhor what is base and beggerly, and scorn more a person of a poor spirit, than the poorest person.

LXXXIII.

That falls out sometimes in a day, which never fell out before; it does not follow what never was, shall never be; unlikely things are brought to pass, and who can tell what may happen? what alterations have I seen? such as no ear (till now) hath heard of; who could imagine the changes which of late have been? it is not mine only, but the Worlds wonder; what hath been, may be? I will not then presume, here is nothing constant, neither can I be certain of any thing.

LXXXIV.

Avoid sloath, if thou wouldst avoid scorn; shame is the reward of a sluggard; idleness will bring thee to want and beggary; there is nothing of price and value, but what is pur­chased by sweat and pains; they are pebbles, not pearls, which are to be had for stooping; gold is not got by gaping, nor honour without toyle and hazard; it is working earns the wages, and running wins the race; fighting makes way for conquest, and conquest for the [Page 93] triumph; without striving, is got neither gold, nor glory.

LXXXV.

As you season the Vessel, so it smells; bend the Twig while it is young, the soft Wax will take any impression, but delay may make that difficult, which was at first easie; it is better dealing with a child, than with custom; let the seed be good thou sowest, or Weeds will be all thy Crop; the ground will bring forth Wheat or Tares, upon thy husbandry very much de­pends thy harvest.

LXXXVI.

It is as unreasonable as dangerous to defer a­mendment, till we can sin no more; no thanks then, sin leaves us, not we sin; shall we spend the day in the Devils drudgery, and put off God with the evening? shall Satan have the flower, and God have the bran; he that de­serves all, surely deserves best; we need not fear to begin too soon, that cannot do too much; I never heard of any good too young, or too good.

LXXXVII.

It is as ridiculous, as unreasonable, to put off Repentance to old age; what a folly is it to leave the hardest work to the weakest time? we shall find it work enough then to grapple with our distempers & disease; enough to do to dye; besides, though true Repentance is never too late, yet late Repentance is seldom true.

LXXXVIII.

He that will divulge his own secrets, never trust with thine; how can he that is false to himself, be true to thee? neither is any fit to make a friend, who hath not this retentive fa­culty; it were folly in any to make such a choice, and the greatest treachery to betray, wherein there is imposed confidence; I think no wrack can force me to commit this unpardonable sinne; I will not know what I may not keep, but will keep what I know.

LXXXIX.

There is nothing I more abhor, than a back­biter; this is the very worst of Vermine; these the incendiaries and fire-brands of a Na­tion; the Salamanders that live in the flames; it is a cowardly part to come behind, and be­low a man of mettal; I will scorn to take any advantage of my greatest enemy, he shall see the blow when I strike it, and before he feels it; neither will I make a party against a single per­son, it is childish to complain; what hath ano­ther to do with my wrong? besides the in­justice to condemn without witness, or at least confession; evidence cannot be taken, but face to face; he that passeth any other sentence, is a Murderer, not a Judge.

XC.

Blame not another wherein thou art blame-worthy; thou canst not accuse him, but thou dost shame thy self; in his fault, thou mayst see thy own; the same Glass will discover both thy face and his; you are cast by your own confession, and condemned out of your [Page 96] own mouth; should I reprove, and be guilty, my Conscience would check me no less for hy­pocrisie, than for the Crime I enveigh against; neither is a party a competent Witness.

XCI.

I have read of those that have laughed till they have dyed; but have seen some laugh till they have cryed; hence I conclude, that mirth in its extream is madness; I pity those who go merrily to execution, and dye laughing; give me that joy which ends not in tears, that joy which hath no end; why should I drink of puddle water, when I may follow the stream to the Ocean.

XCII.

Hast thou a breathing time, it is to fit thee for the next encounter; do not think thy foes though they flee, are fovled; Satan hath his stratagems, it is his craft to conceal his cou­rage; he is not routed when he retreats; his flying is but in order to a further fighting, and goes back only that he may return with greater force; I will still stand upon my guard, lest I [Page 97] should be surprized, an enemy is not to be trusted.

XCIII.

Do not depend too much upon prosperity; Clouds may return, the Sun may be eclipsed, and the day overcast; suppose the wind be now fair, it may come cross, and the gale against thee; I have known some blown back to Sea, when within sight of shore; and others arri­ved at the Haven of a supposed happiness, and mored at Anchor, have I seen shipwrackt in the Harbour.

XCIV.

Conveniencies have their inconveniencies, and comforts their crosses; thousands have found sorrow from whence they looked for satisfaction; and proportionable to the expecta­tion, is the disappointment; the fear of losing what we have, takes off much from the delight in enjoying; besides creatures cannot perform as they promise us, or we our selves; why should I catch at a shadow, or set my heart up­on that which is not; a Glass is not a Diamond, it may cut, but cannot content.

XCV.

Prepare for the worst, the best will help it self; if what thou fearest fall not out, thou art made amends for thy lost labour; fewer words cannot imply more folly, than to say I never thought; it were better to see and shun, than to feel the stroak, rather prevent than repent. I will have my Armour ready, though I do not use it, lest I enter the lists naked; I will expect, and I shall the better withstand the shock; what though the Sea be smooth, the wind may rise of a sudden? a Calm is the fit­test time to get my tackling ready against en­suing storms.

XCVI.

It is a comfort in misery to have a compani­on; good company makes foul way fair; be­sides, the stream being divided, is the less vio­lent; a burden is better born by two, than by a single shoulder; yet would I not desire ano­thers misery, though it make me the less mise­rable; I had rather suffer alone, than have a partner in sin and suffering.

XCVII.

Ask forgiveness where thou hast offended; it is more base to do an injury, than to beg par­don; it is ingenuity to acknowledge, but to persist argues a froward spirit, and makes the crime double; it were a shame should the wronged party seek for peace; the fault I have committed, I will not think it below me to confess; why should I engage in a bad cause? there is no necessity I must be a Coward, or not a Christian.

XCVIII.

Where the wrong is mutual, and both too blame, let each condescend to other, and meet half way; set injury against injury, and the account is balanced; and if so, it were as good to give a general discharge, as to receive and pay; why should there be a difference, when the fault is equal? it is a folly to fall out for nothing; there needs no more but to shake hands, and friends; blowing will not quench the fire; when the enmity is over▪ what mat­ter who strikes sail first? if one must, why not I? why should I be conquered by courte­sie, [Page 100] and let another prove himself the better man?

XCIX.

It is natural to erre, but to persist therein Devilish; we have our dark side, as well as our bright; our night, as well as day; the clearest-sighted may be mistaken, the worst is when the mistake is maintained. I have known some convinced of their sin, yet will not confess for shame; Conscience must give way to credit; if I am out of my way, it were better I went back than go on wrong. I had rather be ac­counted a fool by others, than find I had fool­ed my self; I may be weak, I will not be wil­ful.

C.

A publick offence requires a publick ac­knowledgment; others must be satisfied as well as thy self; I have seen how some can leap from one extream to another, with the greatest ease, and without the least regret; as if what­ever cause they undertook, must be therefore good; I will not think much to recant, when I have cause to repent; he that escapes the pe­nalty, may well undergo the pennance.

CENT. III.

I.

WHere there is no necessity, launch not forth any farther than thou mayst re­turn, before the storm takes thee; how many might have rid securely in the Harbor, who by putting to Sea, have suffered shipwrack? to be too forward to engage thy self in danger, is to be fool-hardy; be not concerned with what concerns not thee; consider the call, as well as the cause; who is to do, what is to be done; run not before thou art sent, it is good sleeping in a whole skin.

II.

If endeavours will not do, it is best to give way awhile, and stay for a fitter season; take shelter till the rain is over; clouds will be distil­led, or dispelled; if thou canst not row against the stream, cast Anchor, and tarry till the Tyde turns, the Wind may come about, though now it be full against thee; there is more skill, and no less valour seen, in making a good re­treat, than in fighting; it is better to retire, than to be routed; he that flies may fight a­gain; to day may be anothers, to morrow may be thine.

III.

Pluck not a Coal from the Altar, lest it fire thy Nest; take heed of medling with the Churches Patrimony; it were impious to alie­nate any thing given to pious uses; once de­voted, the Donor hath not power to alter; much less hast thou; yea, what was in him su­perstition, would be in thee sacriledge.

IV.

Play not with Scripture; it is dangerous jesting with edge Tools; do not sport with what is Sacred; to make the Bible thy past­time, were both sinful and saucy; reverence Gods Word as the Word of God; to deride the message, were to scoff at him that sent it; be not too bold with thy betters; more man­ners would become thee better.

V.

In matters of moment be sure thou art al­wayes serious; inconsideration may be of ill consequence; it is good to look before you leap, lest you leap and fall; resolve not rash­ly, lest you repent at leasure; weigh all circum­stances with the thing thou intendest, and reckon upon what may, as well as upon what should be; endeavour nothing but what is fea­sible, and before thou engagest on any design, ask thy self this question, What if it be not effected? it were folly to run a hazard, where the profit will not countervail the danger; the pearle may not be worth the price; gold may [Page 104] be bought too dear; compare conveniencies with the inconveniencies, and see whether the honey be worth the stinging.

VI.

Be not over-wise in thy own conceit; this were to proclaim thy self a fool; besides the dangerous effects of so great a folly; how ma­ny depending upon their own strength, have run headlong into ruine, and undone them­selves? presumption precedes peril; the dan­ger is nearest, when least thought of; I will sus­pect my own wisdom, lest I hazard my reputa­tion with wise men, and by refusing help, whilst I choose to stand alone, I chance to fall unpitied.

VII.

Abhor pride, lest all abhor thee, there is nothing so insufferable as a proud person; he cannot admire himself more, than others detest and scorn him; if a Tempest rises, he hath no Port to friend, nor no Anchor; the Ship had need be tite, and well provided of tackling, that must weather out the storm; it is the highest policy to be low and humble in a high [Page 105] place, and great preferments; there is no way like this, to stay thee in the state thou art, nor more probable to help thee if the Tyde turn; if others are below thee, be thou below thy self.

VIII.

Kill sin in its conception, before it comes to the birth; quench the fire while it is but a spark, a spark may flame; it is dangerous to dally with lust; that may overmaster thee, which might have been easily mastered, if ta­ken in time; jest not with the knife, lest thou cut thy fingers; make not sin thy sport, for fear it prove a snare; do not slight the most seemingly contemptible enemy; I will ac­count the first motion to evil, evil, and crush the Cockatrice in the Egge; what a monstrous off-spring comes of a corruption, and tempta­tion?

IX.

Buy not Repentance too dear; he that sins upon the easiest terms, hath no cause to brag of his bargain; how little soever it cost him, he will find himself a loser, when the Account is ballanced; I envy not those who pay for their [Page 106] pain; my pain shall pay me; what a price is Hell at! Heaven may be had sometimes bet­ter cheap.

X.

Walk warily, thou hast many eyes upon thee; God, Angels and men observe thee; thou hadst need act well, that hast so many Specta­tors; behave thy self as in publick view; do nothing but what is fit to be done in the face of the Sun; what is acted in the Closet, shall be published upon the House-top; when I am tempted to any works of darkness, I will con­sider that the day will discover, and my sin will prove my shame; God sees now, and all shall see.

XI.

Let thy head affect thy heart; zeal without knowledge is like the mettald Horse unmana­ged; give me light as well as heat; I had ra­ther know what I do, than do I know not what; what comfort can I take in the way I walk blindfold, besides the danger of strag­ling, or of stumbling.

XII.

Let not thy knowledge be without affecti­on; this is like a frosty Moon-shine, that gives light, but no heat; God looks to the heart more than to the hand; and prefers the will before the deed; he that lives not up to his light, is the least excusable; to know, and not to do, deserves double stripes; ignorance is less a Crime than disobedience; the one may procure pardon, when the other cannot pro­cure pity.

XIII.

When we want our comforts, we are mad for anger; and when we have them, we are mad for joy; still extravagant, and upon the extream; never well, neither full nor fasting; never as we would, or should be; if God cut short our Commons, then we lan­guish; if we have plenty, how apt to sur­fet!

XIV.

Learn in all Estates to be content; know how to want, and to abound; let every condi­tion be alike to thee; do not only submit, but be satisfied; if thy Cup be empty, do not repine; is it full? do not spill; carry a steddy hand, and keep a constant course; be still the same; whatever alters, do not thou; subscribe to the will of God, and let his will be thine; conclude every thing for the best, which he thinks best.

XV.

Afflictions like a violent showre, makes a great noise, but does little hurt; what though the storm beats upon the Tiles, when thou art within the house, and it comes not nigh thee! it is but retiring home, and thou may'st find a shelter in thy self against wind, and weather; I need not suffer unless I will; if I am resolved, what can trouble me?

XVI.

Prosperity is no proof of patience; Stars shew not themselves in the day, they appear brightest in the darkest Winters night; it ar­gues courage to chear up, when things go cross and contrary; to bear a burden, and make no bones of it, is brave and noble; he is a man for me that can encounter crosses as uncon­cerned, and can endure either heat or cold; I will sute my self unto my state; if I cannot be what I will, I will be what I can.

XVII.

Advise before thou dost adventure; be vvell resolved in vvhat thou resolvest on; let counsel go before execution; it is too late after practice to ponder; I vvill de­liberate, before I determine; it vvere bet­ter to be a Prometheus, than an Epime­theus.

XVIII.

Be as thou vvouldst be accounted; in de­ceiving others, thou dost deceive thy self; and [Page 110] remember nothing is so odious both in the eyes of God and men, as an hypocrite; this is a Devil incarnate, and a vvhite Devil is the most dangerous; Hypocrites they are painted Sepulchres, Wolves in Sheeps cloathing, no­thing less than they seem; I vvill take heed of those vvho can smile, and smite; laugh in my face, and kill me; I knovv not their intenti­on, by their motion; from such good Lord de­liver me; I fear not all the Devils in Hell, so much as a false friend.

XIX.

Let not thy tongue run at random, and vvhatever thou sayst, stand to; maintain vvhat thou dost affirm; it vvere a shame to unsay any thing; to eat thy vvords, argues either fear, or folly; I vvill not be rash, but resolute; shall I recant vvhen I am in the right? vvhy should the truth, or my reputation suffer?

XX.

Of all sins, take heed of lying; other sins vvill lose thy credit vvith good men, but this vvith all men; this is the fate of a notorious [Page 111] lyar, he is never believed, whether he speak true or false; whatever he sayes is therefore suspected; it hath no more authority than the Author; I will not be first in a fresh report, lest I incur this censure; nor too credulous to blame all I hear, or as soon as I heard it; what is true to day, will be no less true to morrow, but more certain; my eyes are not so easily de­ceived as my ears; I can say what I see, but not all I hear.

XXI.

Accustom not thy self to swearing, and shun all such society; learn not the language of Hell, and take not the Devil for thy Tutor; common Swearers are of the society of Sa­tan; there may be some excuse for sins that produce either pleasure or profit; but what can be said for Swearing, which produceth nei­ther? I have often wondred at those desperate fools, that will destroy themselves for no­thing? They value their souls but little, who sin at so cheap a rate?

XXII.

Come not near the house of an Harlot, lest the fair outside tempt thee in; consider the incon­venience that may accrue; at the best thou wilt buy Repentance; besides, it is but for a plea­sure, proper to a beast, below a man; it were a shame for thee to be a Pimp to thy body; thou art greater, and born to greater things.

XXIII.

It is a common, but false assertion, That stollen Goods are sweet; the consideration of the sin, soures the most desired enjoyment; this, if it takes not off the edge of our ap­petite, yet it blunts our joy, and makes the pleasure less a pleasure; the checks of Con­science will cool our courage, and very much abate our contentment; what for want of thinking, is honey in the mouth, will be bitter in the belly; how nauseous will thy sweet morsels be, when thou com'st to chew the cud? I like not that which like the Bee flies away, and leaves only a sting behind it; give me that joy that ends not in sorrow, the joy that hath no end.

XXIV.

Before thou enterest upon any action, con­sider not only whether it be lawful, but whe­ther it be expedient; that may be lawful in it self, but not at such a time, or perchance not at all to thee; a circumstance alters the case, and makes an action sinful; what is one mans meat, is anothers poyson; in doing a good action, I may do ill, both in relation to my self, or to the season; what is commendable, may not be convenient.

XXV.

In things indifferent do as others do, it might be thy sin to be singular, at least it would signifie a perverse temper; besides, what is he better than a fool, that thinks he can see more with two eyes, than with twenty; be not contrary wherein thou may'st agree, lest thou beest accounted rather cross, than conscienti­ous; what thou may'st freely do, not doing, may offend.

XXVI.

Think not all things indifferent that are so in their own nature; what was so before, be­ing commanded, ceaseth to be indifferent; the Powers thou art to obey having bound thee, which to resist, would shew thee to be a bad Subject, and no good Christian; Subjection is a positive Injunction; I will do my duty, & not dispute what the Magistrate does command; if it be not a sin to do, it will be a sin to diso­bey; and in things disputable, I had rather commit an unknown sin, than sin against a known Law; I cannot give God what is Gods, unless Caesar hath his due.

XXVII.

Be not overprying into the practice of thy Prince; not his life, but his Laws are to be thy Rule▪ there must be some allowance for his liberty, power is a very great temptation; how much more when it meets with occasion and encouragement; it is hard standing in a high and slippery place; I have known some who with their stations have so chang'd themselves, [Page 115] that they who before were supposed Saints, have proved neither good Magistrates, nor good men.

XXVIII.

If the stream of Government be either black or bracky, impute it rather to the veins thorough which it passeth, than think it so in its spring; if the Sun shine not alwayes clear, it is (it is like) occasioned by some interpo­sing Cloud; this is the unhappy fate of Prin­ces, to suffer both by and for their servants; nei­ther see I a way to help it, till Argus, and Bria­reus, meet in a single person.

XXIX.

Submit to the lowest Officer, as to thy General; there is a Majesty in the meanest Magistrate, whom if thou dost disobey, thou despisest him he represents; and have a care lest that Authority which authorized him, cha­stise thee; though sometimes Jack in an of­fice be a busie fellow, and possibly the powers may go beyond their power, yet thou hast no commission to examine theirs, neither are they accountable but to higher, or the highest.

XXX.

Be not much concerned in the Government of the Church, so long as the substance does not suffer; if Religion flourish, and be pro­fessed in its purity, it matters not whether the Barque be guided by Presbyters, or by Prelates; what Gods Vicegerent shall appoint, shall please me.

XXXI.

Be neither superstitious, nor too precise in matters of Ceremony; in things lawful, con­form according to the institution of the Church, of which thou art; no doubt she hath a power in circumstantials, and may command where it is not before forbidden; for the posi­tive part it is not material, though it be not expresly enjoined by God himself; sure the Church hath some liberty of which every pri­vate person is not a proper Judge; grant what is injoined to be doubtful, with me the Legisla­tive hath the casting voyce; to hear all were impossible, and the way to have none heard.

XXXII.

Have a care of disturbing the Churches peace, upon a slight occasion; there is scarce a greater sin than Schisme; besides, none but an ungracious Child will call his Mother Whore, and thereby proclaim himself a Bastard; it were Viper like, to tear the bowels that bred thee; and it is an ill Bird that defiles his own Nest; for my own part I look upon no Ceremony in our Church sufficient to ground a separation, so long as it serves only for order and decency; I conceive there is no holiness plac't therein; methinks neither vest­ure nor gesture should cause a variance; black and white, kneeling or sitting are alike to me, either colour or posture might serve, if neither had been appointed.

XXXIII.

Take heed of censuring those that take a greater latitude than thou dost; that may be a sin to thee, which is not so to them, it is im­possible thou shouldst be Judge of another mans conscience, look to thine own, and leave his to him; he stands or falls to his own Ma­ster, [Page 118] and his Account may not concern thee.

XXXIV.

As the weak should not censure the strong, so the strong should bear with the weak; there are babes as well as fathers, and some stomacks that are more squeamish, the same food is therefore improper, and incongruous; if a Child be fearful, do not blame him, it is lest he fall, pity his weakness, and help to uphold him; I will give him my hand, that cannot stand alone, and go his pace that cannot go mine; we are going the same way, why go we not together, and refer our inconsiderate differences to be decided in Heaven? in that Church there is a perfect harmony of confor­mity and uniformity; now we know but in part, and it is impossible but in lesser points we differ; but it is but to wait awhile, and all con­troversies shall be reconciled; and I fear all parties blamed, in this especially, their unchari­tableness to each other; I wish for order in the Church; yet though I should look on all things therein very innocent, yet others not seeing with my eyes, are offended, and know not how to help it. I would therefore deny my [Page 119] self much of my own liberty, for her peace, and their satisfaction; since things indifferent in themselves may not so seem to all, I would (if possible) have nothing done that is an offence to any, at least what may be undone; and I conceive he is most in fault, that will fall out for nothing, especially when he knows an­other must wound his cōscience by complying, and cannot yield, but sin, it is pity that Paul & Barnabas should part, that those who have the same Head and Heaven, have not the same heart; that Children should fall out in their way home, and the same Tribe cannot go to the house of God, but in divided Troops; I wish none were more scrupulous than my self; but since they cannot come to us, let us go to them; what's matter who goes furthest, so we meet; this will manifest our humility and self-denial; the Churches gain will be infinitely greater than our loss, and I see no other way for settlement but by substraction; let zeal give way to charity, mercy is better than sacri­fice; we lose little that deserves complaining; it is but a shadow, and the shell we so much contend for and dispute.

XXXV.

Think not the worse of any perswasion, for the irregular practices of any person; it is the principle makes the opinion, why then should the abuse take away the use, or make it the less esteemed? the sweetest Wine may prove the sowrest Vineger, yet is not the Wine the worse; I will not have a lower value of what is good, though patronized by bad men; I will mind the Maxim, not the man; if the line be crooked, I conclude the fault is in the hand, not in the Rule.

XXXVI.

Let not a small difference in judgment, make any difference in affection; may not hearts a­gree, though heads differ; it were well if all were of the same mind, but this is rather to be desired, than expected; if the distemper be not mortal, and have not touched the vitals, I mean the controversie lie only in circumstanti­als, what hinders but for all this, we may go hand in hand to Heaven; there may be a uni­ty, though not a uniformity; as for me, I will [Page 121] love the Image of Christ wherever I see it, and them for it; I will look more at the truth of grace, than at the measure, as knowing a spark may arise to a flame, and that growth is by de­grees.

XXXVII.

Be not so wedded to thy own opinion, as to conclude none can be in the right, but thou, who made thee infallible, or a Judge of another mans Conscience? may not he claim the same liberty, to judge thine? wherein thou dost dis­sent from any, be first assured thou art not mi­staken, and then endeavour to inform them (in meekness and compassion) of their mistake; and if this be not the way to win them, I am indeed mistaken.

XXXVIII.

Be all things to all men, that thou may'st gain some; if they cannot go with thee, go as far as thou canst with them, let not every punctilio part you: Are they in danger, your company is the more needful, and it is pity to let them perish? the Shepherd will leave his flock, to follow a stragling Lamb? and he that [Page 122] suffers another to destroy himself, does destroy him; yet herein be wise, lest his deliverance prove thy destruction; venture not without a Warrant, remember Charity begins at home.

XXXIX.

Affect not any party, for any persons sake; good men may erre, the best are but men; do not pin thy faith upon anothers sleeve; take not thy Religion on trust, look more to the foundation, than to the builders, or the building; I will follow others no farther than they are followers of Christ; they shall be mine, as he is their example; I will not admire men, nor Paul, nor yet Apollos.

XL.

Do not broach any new Doctrine, the best is from the beginning; Antiquity is a mark of Verity; the foundation was laid at first, and there is no adding to fundamentals; I shall suspect what is new, and cannot think any thing necessary should be unknown till now; in point of faith, I am not bound to insert any novel conceit in my Creed; Humane [Page 123] inventions are no Essential parts of Divine Worship.

XLI.

Serve God with thy body, as well as with thy soul, he likes not a slovenly or unmanner­ly service; consider thy distance, and do as becomes thee; familiarity is good amongst Fellows, but Reverence becomes our Devoti­on; I wonder to see Christians so Clownish, so Uncivil, and withall so captious, that those who are not so saucy as themselves, must be accounted superstitious; though a Cere­mony be in it self nothing, yet it serves to set out the service, and being designed but for decency, it is strange it should give distaste; I love to see the Spouse in a neat, though not in a wanton dress; as one that would please her Husband, not her Lovers; I confess gaudy, and light attire, is a sign of a light Huswife; duckings and cringings are no marks of mode­sty, yet may the Church be comely; is none but a Harlor handsom?

XLII.

Keep thy judgment to thy self, why should others know what thou art, or paraphrase upon thy opinion; herein thou hast a great advan­tage, to change thy mind when thou art mista­ken, and yet continue to others thinking, in the same mind; how can they condemn thee of weakness, that are themselves never the wi­ser? if truth and conscience will excuse me, I had rather be a Spectator, than an Actor in a doubtful case; a looker on runs less hazard, and sees best; why should I be drawn into dispute or danger? I have known two fight, and a third run away with the bone; let who will crack the shell, if the kernel be but mine.

XLIII.

Engage not so far in any party, as to make its quarrel thine; why shouldst thou espouse an interest to endanger thy self? I need no o­ther instance than the present times to prove the prejudice; how many to gain a name, have lost themselues, who might have stood, if they had not sided? besides the publick injury, [Page 125] and what so great a crime, as to occasion or encrease a Schism, and division in Church or State? for my part I know none (nor would be known) by any faction or distinction; I were a fool (when I may be free) to confine my self; I think all parties are too blame, there is no Garden without its Weeds; I will not take all that comes, but pick and choose here and there a flower.

XLIV.

Do not run before thou art sent, or a wrong way, thou hadst better wait than work, when what thou dost should not be done, at least by thee, expect a call, it is the command must bear thee out, the Warrant only differs the Executioner from the Murderer; above all take heed thou dost not invade the Magistra­cy, or the Ministry; touch not the Ark, or Gods Anointed; it is a Paradox in Divinity, as in Policy, for a private person to be in a publick place; I like not wandring Comets, let every star be fixed in its orb and sphere; I will do what good I can in my station, out of which I will not go, though to do good.

XLV.

Read Gods Book with Reverence, and in things disputable conclude as the Church de­termines, which if not in it self infallible, yet is less like to erre than thee, or any particular party, or private person; besides, he that herds with the flock, hath obedience to bear him out, when an out-lier hath more danger, and less excuse; take heed of being too positive, in the Prophetical part of Scripture; how many of our over-bold Expositors, have pro­ved false-Prophets? follow the line that runs through the whole laborinth, let not the tracts, though of good men, be thy guide, every ex­ample is not for imitation; to see a wrack, may save the Ship.

XLVI.

Question not the truth of Scriptures; this were to shake the foundation, and to make God a lyar and impostor; what blasphemy to imagine he should put such a Cheat upon his creatures, and that the World should be so abused? if in every Science there is a Rule, much more in Religion; and if there were no [Page 127] Law, there could be no transgression; yet al­though in point of practice, he that runs may read his Lesson; I confess in matters of faith, some things are sublime, above the capacity of blind Reason to comprehend; what I do not see, is a Subject for belief, I cannot think the Scripture contradicts its self, though so it should seem to me.

XLVII.

Take heed of a scrupulous, as of an erroni­ous Conscience; be not too nice and squeam­ish; it is possible to be over-righteous, do not winch at every touch, nor bogle at every block; starting is an ill quality; yet as I would not have thee fearful, so less fool-hardy; keep thy Conscience tender, though not raw; it is better to do less, than thou mightest, than more than thou mayst.

XLVIII.

Do not concern thy self much in the man­ner of Devotion; I know no Decree that Religion may not change her dress; the wor­ship may be the same, though not in the same [Page 128] garb; what a command makes lawful, custom will make commendable; I like neither the sticklers for, nor opposers of what in them­selves are insignificant, what need such a stir for nothing? I will conform to the course of o­thers in matters of Ceremony, as knowing my cloaths be not my skin, and why should I wear that I may not with decency devest in case the fashion alters?

XLIX.

Do not persevere in a known Error, rather return than go on in a wrong way; suppose thy Reputation something suffer, better thou, than the truth; be not obstinate, why shouldst thou be beaten for stubbornness? I will recant what I have reason to repent; and when I see my folly, I will confess, and endeavour to amend my fault; let the World judge as it will, the sin is worse than the shame; and of the two, I had rather venture my credit, than wound my conscience; sins against light, are not light sins.

L.

In matters of Religion, lay not too great a stress on Reason, not that I think any thing un­reasonable is commanded, but it becomes not thee to dispute what thou art to do; neither is God obliged to tell thee why he will have it done; it is enough thou knowest his will, thy part is to fulfil; besides, what need of a pro­spective, were things near and within the reach of Reason? I confess Reason commands be­lief, yet I am bound to believe, what I can­not prove by Reason.

LI.

Be not curious in School-Divinity; though it sharpen thy wit, it will blunt thy faith; be contented that something should be con­cealed; to be over-wise is dangerous; pry not into secrets; come not too near the fire, lest it burn thee, and thou knowest its nature, by its operation; it were better to continue igno­rant, than to buy thy knowledge at so dear a rate; I will not put God to prove what he sayes, but will conclude it therefore [Page 130] true, because he hath said it.

LII.

Think not to wade thorough the hypostati­cal union; can a Child contain the Ocean in a Cockle-shell? it is too deep for thee to fa­thom; admire, and adore what thou canst not apprehend! I wonder at those bold wits, who dare to approach so near the Sun; I confess my eyes does soon dazle; I had rather know God by his goodness, than by his greatness; neither do I ever expect fully to know him. He is a very fool that cannot puzzle the wisest in a fellow-creature; and if so, I could not believe him to be a God, whom a creature can comprehend.

LIII.

Let not every new light lead thee, lest thou losest thy way, and thy self; be not easily perswaded out of a beaten path; without reason, never leave the Road; why shouldst thou straggle, and follow thine own inventi­ons, or anothers? keep with the flock; the sheep in the fold are safer than they which wan­der; steer by the Stars, not by a Meteor, or [Page 131] a Comet; let not an Ignis fatuus be thy guide; I will not credit every new conceit, nor submit my reason to a phanatick whimsie; every Child that is Christned, is not Legitimate; and why should I be Surety to a Biat, that may prove a By-blow?

LIV.

Meddle not with Church-lands; Sacriledge is a Capital sin, besides the danger of incurring the Clergies censure, who being supported by power or policy, cannot want an opportunity to be revenged; never was Bull so baited as thou wilt be; a Sword is not so sharp, as a Satyrs pen; Aqua fortis is not so piercing, as Ink and Vineger; had I a mind to play the Thief, it should be with lesser noise and no­tice; for rather than some will lose, they will wake the World with bauling; if they can­not force me, they will be sure to tire me out, and make me glad to yield, that I may be quiet; neither will it be enough I take away nothing, if I leave not something behind me.

LV.

Ply not thy prayers as Seamen do their Pump, only in a storm, and for fear of sink­ing; if thou hast nothing to ask, return thanks for that thou hast received; who va­lues a friend, that never comes near him, but when he comes to beg? this argues little love, but signifies something lacking; I would be constant in my devotion, were there no oc­casion; God may justly deny my desire, should I neglect my duty?

LVI.

Do not dare to enter upon any weighty em­ployment, without asking leave and direction; he is an ill servant, that does not desire to know his Masters mind; it may be that thou wouldst do, must be undone, or at least not now done; I am not at my own disposal, nor can I without permission dispose of my self; besides, without a blessing I do but fur­row Seas, and plow the Sand.

LVII.

If thou wouldst have God to answer thy prayers, let thy practice answer them; do as thou sayest, endeavour what thou dost desire, and expect not a miracle; where means are appointed, up and be doing; something on thy part is expected; there is a time for action, as well as for devotion; thou may'st have thy Throat cut upon thy knees; the Sword of the Spirit is not the only weapon.

LVIII.

Let prayers for temporal things be alwayes with a proviso; when thou hast proposed what will please thee, let God do what pleases him; be willing to receive no more than he is willing to give; for be assured, he will give neither less nor more, than will do thee good; I desire nothing but what comes freely, and had rather want the thing, than the will; be­sides it may be best to be denied, when I ask what would do me harm.

LIX.

Be positive in thy petitions for spiritual things; God will give here grace, and hereaf­ter glory; in what is absolutely necessary, thou may'st be peremptory; resolve to request, till thy requests are granted; he may deny, and give at length; there is reason thou should'st beg, before he bestows; I will not be discou­raged, though I see no return; I am content to tarry his time; what I desire is worth the waiting.

LX.

Let not Gods Decree discourage thee; thy duty must be done; besides, the means as well as the end is determined; the manner as the matter; what thou may'st have for asking, thou may'st not have without; spare to speak, and spare to speed; the worst is but to lose thy labour; it will be a satisfaction, thou hast comply'd with thy Obligation; but what though thou hast not the same, if thou hast something better in its self, or at least for thee! however, Gods pleasure is the end of our prayers; if I do what I am commanded, I [Page 135] have my reward, in that I have obeyed; I dare not draw the Curtain, or dive into Gods Decrees, his commands only concern me.

LXI.

If profit be thy end in the choice of thy Profession, reckon upon the hazard no less than upon the gain; consider well what risco thou dost run, and set the receits against it; the greater is thy adventure, the better had need be thy Voyage; if thou hast an Estate already, it were a folly to put that in danger, lest thou hast less than thou hadst; but if thy case be desperate, then have at all; he that hath nothing, can lose nothing.

LXII.

It is a poor Trade that will not pay a mans pains; he hath little enough that only lives by his labour; and it is very hard, if two hands cannot maintain a back and belly; it is a beggerly blaze, that is not worth the blow­ing; better it were to play, than work for no­thing; I pity those who toyle, and cannot catch; whilst some draw shoals to shoar, these [Page 136] are at it with their Net, while others do but angle.

LXIII.

Be not too eager to be rich; haste makes waste; it is good to go on gently, at least, at first; design nothing but what thou hast great probability to dispatch; and grasp no more than thy hand will hold; too many I­rons will put out the fire; I have known some neglect their business by being over-busie, who had done well, if not over-done; fair and softly goes far, and sometimes the farthest way about is the nearest way home.

LXIV.

The surest way to get an Estate, is to put up what thou gettest; herein thou runst no hazard, all is clear gain; and a penny sav'd, is two-pence got; I do not judge a man by his incomes, but by his expences; a bad Trade may turn better to Account, than a better; he that takes but little, and saves it, hath more to shew than he that hath greater takings, but spends all.

LXV.

Let not the strange success of some, en­courage thee to the same course; it does not follow that thy endeavours shall be alike suc­ceeded; more thereby have been marr'd, than made; & how many times have they themselvs been at a point of being undone? I will pon­der well the project I go upon, and look rather at what may be, than what hath been: I were a fool to make any person my president, unless I were sure the same event would attend me; I will drive on my designs the most likely way; why should I leave, or allow any thing to a contingency, or to chance? I may better pre­sume upon a probability, than depend upon a possibility.

LXVI.

If thou art in a thriving way, make use of thy time, and do not trifle; hoise Sail while the Wind is fair; thou knowest not how soon thou mayst be becalmed; a Trade is a ticklish thing; the Wind is not more wavering; and I have often wondred at the simplicity of some, who live up to the height of their get­tings, [Page 138] not considering their comings in are ca­sual; who can tell whether this year may be like the last, or the next like this? it is good making Hay while the Sun shines, opportunity will be past; I will lay up while I can, I may lay out when I will; a wise man will not spend to spare, but spare to spend.

LXVII.

It argues a light spirit to be soon stirr'd; give me a man that is moved at nothing; he is the greatest Conqueror that can overcome himself; why should anothers fault make me guilty of so great a folly? yet if ever I am over-angry, the end of my passion shall be the beginning of my repentance; the Rain natu­rally follows the Thunder; I may be passio­nate, but I will not persist; neither will I be more angry with any, than (for that anger) angry with my self.

LXVIII.

It is better to expect a disappointment, than to promise a product proportionable to the purpose; who knows what the project may [Page 139] produce? the event is very uncertain; many things fall out between the Cup, and the Lip; neither can the success be seen; I will not wonder whatever happens, though the means and the end do differ; I can but use my own endeavour, must leave the rest to my Fathers pleasure; I propose, it is his Prerogative to dispose; when I have performed what belongs to me, I will acquiesce in what he does, and I have done.

LXIX.

Study rather to be good, than to be great; be better than others, and thou art the best man; Dignity sometimes destroyes, and still decayes; but in vertue there is no vanity; worth is the only wealth; it is goodness, not greatness, that will do thee good; this will stand thee in stead, when Riches takes wings, and the bubble breaks; I will esteem of my self by my mind, and scorn to borrow, or be beholding; let others glister, my treasure lies too deep to be discerned; I cannot want gold, when the Mine is mine.

LXX.

Nothing is more hard than to be high and humble; prosperity begets pride; how do the Sails swell with a fresh gale? top and top-gal­lant out shall stand, when the Wind stands fair; how lofty have I seen some advanced from a low estate? what a change hath that change wrought? none can tell who they are, by what they were, so little be they like them­selves.

LXXI.

Strive not for priority; it is the person gra­ceth the place, and not the place the person; the best goes not alwayes foremost, nor upper­most; it is a pitiful honour that proceeds from a right hand; a wise man values neither way nor wall; he cannot be so much below others, as these are below him; besides, when desert is discovered, he shall be called up, and placed so much higher.

LXXII.

A disturbed mind is like troubled waters, which gives but a bad reflection; look not in the Glass at such a time, or in such a Glass; at least do not judge according; thou seest thy folly, not thy face; if thou wouldst know thy self, stay till all be still; thou art not as thou seemest, passion is not thy complexion; what a Metamorphosis will grief or anger make? why should I then give way to an extream of either? this were to proclaim my self a Change­ling by my countenance and converse; there is no necessity I should appear a mad man, or a fool.

LXXIII.

Embarque not all in the same bottom, lest thy self (if the ship) sink; runne no more hazard than needs must; and where thou need­est not, trust none; let not thy whole stock be at Sea at once; have two strings to thy Bowe; keep a reserve, something to trust to when the rest fails; thou may'st lose, and not lose thy self; why should one disaster destroy thee?

LXXIV.

Take heed of bearing too great a Sail, though the Wind blow right; many a Vessel hath been over-set with a fair gale; art thou got up on high, let it not make thy head gid­dy? neither think higher of thy self, because thou art seated higher; if thou art affected, let it be with the fear of falling; thou art in no little danger, consider the peril, more than the place.

LXXV.

Be not ashamed to confess, what thou wert not ashamed to commit; is not the sin the same to the eye, as to the ear? what is secret, God sees, and the World shall see; why should'st thou then be shie to make the disco­very sooner? it were a folly for a known of­fendor to stand upon his vindication; pleading guilty sometimes procures a pardon; if I can­not clear, I were better accuse my self, and cry peccavi; I will plead mercy, where I cannot plead merit; and implore his favour, whom I have offended.

LXXVI.

Think not too well of thy self, lest others think worse of thee; be not wise in thy own conceit; a conceited fool is so much more a fool; there is little hope of him who cannot teach, nor will learn; he that knows most, knows he knows little, to what he does not know; I will not reckon I know enough, till I know all; why should I think much to learn, while there is more to know, and others know more?

LXXVII.

Be careful in the choice of thy company; as they are, so art thou; let them be as thou wouldst be; like will to like, birds of a fea­ther will flock together; associate thy self with such society as are not come to such a pass to be past shame; take heed lest thy ac­quaintance bring thee either into punishment, or repentance; this is the advantage of good company, it will make thee good, or at least so esteemed.

LXXVIII.

Hath any wronged thee? forgive the person, and forget the wrong; it is a poor patience, that cannot out-live the others injury; do not dispute, but despise; to contemn is the way to conquer; pass by affronts with a scorn; why should it trouble thee that Asses kick, and Dogs bark? see what they are, and slight what they do; it is not for thee to concern thy self with that which doth no more con­cern thee; am I injured? perchance the man is belovv my anger; or to be angry, is belovv me.

LXXIX.

There is no remedy where the wound is mortal; the dart of death is deadly; he strikes once, and strikes not again; no salve can cure that sore; the blow being given, life is gone, and when all is done, the man is dead still; I will endeavour to do that well, which I can do but once; and seeing I must dye, I will prepare for what I cannot prevent, and do that wil­lingly which I cannot avoid; that what neces­sity forces others, may be matter of choice to [Page 145] me; and when the fatal message comes, I will go merrily away with the messenger, knowing he is sent by my father, to fetch his child home.

LXXX.

He knows not what is sweet, that knows not what is soure; there must be a difference, or there can be no distinguishing; we under­stand things best by comparing them with their contraries; the night shews the day; health is best known by sickness, and wealth by want; what though it be ill at present! it may serve but for a foyle; to set forth the fu­ture; by remembring what I was, I may know what I am.

LXXXI.

He gives well that gives willingly, when the heart goes with the hand; what is forced is not kindly, and deserves neither thanks, nor praise; the manner is as considerable as the matter, and the giver as the gift; that cour­tesie is to be contemned, which comes by con­straint; the worth lies in the will, and I will do as I would be done to; what I give, shall be both quick and free.

LXXXII.

Wise men say least; wisdom lies not in words; a hollow Vessel gives the greates [...] sound, and the shallow stream makes the mos [...] noise; he knows how to speak, that knows how to be silent; it is the puddle that appears most; the spring lies low, and hid; it requires time to aim to hit the mark; but a fools bolt is soon shot, and flies at rovers; I ever thought them the wisest, who say not most, but to the most purpose; who will not lose a word, and strike seldom, but strike home; why should I give another advantage over me, or lose my own advantage? besides, I learn by another, not by my self.

LXXXIII.

So love thy friend, as to hate his faults; the vice is no part of the man; the Wen is a blem­ish to the body, so is sin to the soul; the suc­cors do but spoil the Tree; and what injury to him I love, to hate what harms him?

LXXXIV.

Strike while the Iron is hot; delays are dan­gerous; it is good making Hay while the Sun shines, to take the benefit of time and tyde; do with all thy might what thou hast to do, lest Night come on, and it be left undone; why shall I defer till to morrow, what may be dispatched to day? especially in what imports me, and run a hazard, and need not; besides, he that is unfit to day, may be more unfit to morrow; I will not sleep till I have cast up my Account, and made my peace; a short reckon­ing is soonest cleared, and the smallest Sute the easiest granted.

LXXXV.

No Creature comfort can give content; Husks are a windy food; they swell, but do not satisfie; he that hath most, hath still too little, there is something wanting still; a globe will not fill a triangle; God is the only ade­quate, and commensurate good; other things, though patch't and peeced, and put all together, are yet too short and scanty; I can drink dry all but the Ocean, and go away dry; [Page 148] there is no quenching my thirst in sipping a [...] the stream; all to me is nothing, to him who is all in all.

LXXXVI.

Peril produceth pleasure; after the greatest danger is most delight; we value the conquest by the combat, our comforts by what they cost us; far fetch't, and dear bought, want for no price; how shall I esteem the Victory after the fight is over? how shall I prize my Crown purchased by sweat and blood? after a tyre­som Journey, home will then be home; the more weary, rest will be the more welcom.

LXXXVII.

He that is not devout in his devotion▪ though he say his prayers, he does not pray; and how can he think God should hear him▪ that does not hear himself? lip-labour is bu [...] lost-labour; if the heart goes not with the tongue, well may the hand be empty; he tha [...] asks he knows not what, may expect an answe [...] he knows not when; I will not be rash in my requests, lest I beg what may do me harm nor yet cold, lest I teach denial.

LXXXVIII.

It was a good saying of Seneca, So live with men, as if God saw thee; so speak to God, as if men heard thee; regulate thy acti­ons by this golden Rule, then shalt thou acquit thy self to God and men, and hereby comply with both, either out of fear, or shame.

LXXXIX.

He hath no profit by his pains, where Pro­vidence does not prosper; if God doth not succeed, all is labour in vain; early up, and never the near; the Race is not to the swift, nor the Battel to the strong; what strange dis­appointments have I seen, and as strange suc­cess! I have known a man whose eyes have been in his head, to catch nothing, when a blind man hath caught the Hare; it is not the means, but the blessing; some toyle to be tantalized, when what others touch, turns to gold; many by their ingenuity have been un­done, while fortune favours fools.

XC.

Let thy Company be such as thou wouldst be thy self; conformity is the ground of com­munion; likeness causeth love; what sutes, serves best; besides, let him be what he will, thou wilt be known by him; tell me with whom thou walkest, and I will tell thee what thou art; can two go together, unless they be agreed? what fellowship can light have with darkness? I will be careful of nothing more, than in the choice of my company, on which depends both my credit, and my comfort; I do not approve of that person for a friend, whose principles and practice I approve not of; if the strings jarre, it marrs the Musick; I cannot dispute without I dissent and differ, which is inconsistent with that affection I bear to my friend.

XCI.

He that is false to another, may expect o­thers to be so to him; and if he suffer, he may thank himself, he is paid but in his own Coyn; had I no other Reason, I would be honest, lest I teach a knave to play the knave; for should [Page 151] I deceive, I shew the way how I may be decei­ved; by the same method I injure others, they may injure me.

XCII.

Nothing more usual, than after mirth to be melancholy; the day buries it self in dark­ness; mourning must take its turn, and sorrow hath its season; for every thing there is a time, and after laughter the heart is sad; give me that joy which ends not in regret, nor grief; and is sweeter in the stomack, than in swallow­ing; that is only worth prizing, which is when past, a pleasure; I vvill not value any thing, in vvhich I cannot in the revievv rejoyce.

XCIII.

Riches rule the roast, money is the only Monarch; gold is the Worlds god, vvealth vvants not for Worship; this is the Lord Pa­ramount, the most absolute Prince on Earth; and he that is a Favourite, is vvise, valiant, eve­ry thing; I have blushed sometimes to see a silly Ass to be esteemed for his trappings; he is the best man that is mounted, though vviser [Page 152] vvalk; for my ovvn part I vvill not judge of the Jevvel by the Cabinet; vvherever I find vvorth, I shall admire and imitate.

XCIV.

Cast thine eyes often upon the sorrovvs of others; see hovv their Cheeks are bedevved vvith tears; look back to them belovv thee; consider their case, vvhose condition is vvorse than thine; hearken to their sighs, and grum­ble if thou canst, vvhilest thou hearest them groan; vvhat though things go cross, and a­gainst the hair! it is not so bad as it might have been, and it may be better.

XCV.

An envious man lives languishing, and dies living; he is sick at the heart, and the disease the more dangerous; his distemper lies vvith­in, there are the vultures gnavving; nothing vvill do him good, but vvhat others have, and vvill not part vvith; thus does he starve him­self many times in a full pasture, because he cannot get into his Neighbours field; he sees vvhat he vvants, and vvants vvhat he sees; [Page 153] why should anothers happiness be my torment? if he smile, must I look pale and wan? may we not both be happy?

XCVI.

The end Crowns the Action; we praise for what is past, and clap not hands till the act be over; the end is all; all is well that ends well; Vice may awhile flaunt it, but Vertue will bear the Bell; this only will hold Water, and will not shrink in the wetting; what though the way be rugged! it is good enough that leads to glory. I mind not my Journey, but my Journeys end; it matters not much what the Morning is; the Evening crowns the day.

XCVII.

He grieves at last, whom a temptation hath deceived; the peril may be pleasing, but the pain will be piercing; sweet meat, but soure sauce; poyson may be wrap't up in sugar; the bait hides the hook; I will fear most, what I most affect; knowing the danger lies in what I love, though I do not love the danger; I will tye my self as fast by a resolution, as Ulysses did [Page 154] his Sailors, lest Syrens should shipwrack me; if perhaps I scape drowning, yet this will be all my reward, to reflect upon my folly with grief and shame.

XCVIII.

What thou borrowest, pay willingly; re­member it was lent, not given; on these con­ditions thou didst receive, to return; if thou art stinted to a day, fail not in thy time, lest he that supplied thy occasions, want for his own, and thou lose thy credit, and thy friend; be­sides, there is not the same reason that what thou didst ask of him, he should ask of thee; I have experienced it to be a lesser crime to de­ny, than to demand; I expect no thanks for those favours that are not restored, till requi­red.

XCIX.

It is better to dye once, than to be alwayes dying; than to live in fear, pain or shame; I have wondred that to those whose conditions have been thus qualified, death should be no more welcom; I had rather not be, than be miserable; where I cannot live, let me dye with honour.

C.

There is no Physitian like to a faithful friend; Galen cannot cure what Achates can; in all my griefs I can go to my friend, and ease my self of all; whatever is too hea­vy for me alone, he sets to his shoulder, and to both it is no burden; this we do for each other, and without pain to either; if our crosses come together, and we are both loaded, we then discharge our grievances by exchange; per­chance my back may bear his better, and his mine.

CENT. IV.

I.

WHat the eye doth not see, it doth not affect; we look, and then we like; there can be no discovery in the dark, and con­sequently no desiring; I were a fool to dote upon that face, whose beauty I can wink into blackness, and in a moment can cause to vanish; I will keep the Casement shut, lest what gets into the Window, make way for a greater mis­chief.

II.

Contemn not good counsel, though it comes from a contemptible person; what hast to do with him? his advice concerns thee; the [Page 157] best wits have been the basest men; some slaves have had great souls; the liquor is not the worse for the homeliness of the Vessel; gold is no less gold, though in a poor mans purse; I will take more notice what things are, than whence they come; a Diamond may be set in Copper; the Case is no part of the Jewel; it were not in it self the worse (why then in my esteem?) though it came off the Dunghil; under a Thread-bare Cloak, may be a wise man though he drink water, the brain is little beholding either to back or belly.

III.

Thou art sure to dye, and perchance to day; a greater matter hath been effected in a lesser time; I enjoy not my life by Lease, and Ten­nants at will have not alwayes warning; what reason have I then to be ready, that when I leave this house of Clay, I may remove to my house in Heaven?

IV.

Few care how well▪ they live, but how long; they reckon their lives by the time they [Page 158] tarry, as if they came into the World for no­thing; to go out as they came, not considering he hath the greatest applause, not that acts most, but best; I believe I have more business here than only to look on; it behoves me to be­stir my self, lest before I dispatch my task, death should dispatch me.

V.

Divinity teaches doing, not saying; to live great things, not to speak great words; ayrie notions make a noise, but that which is solid does not sound; the deepest Waters are the most silent; when the Sun is highest, it casts the least shadow; thorns make the greatest crackling; profession lies in practice; in the life is the life of Religion; I like example better than precept, when the person proves the president.

VI.

He that sutes with his Estate, is a rich man; Wealth consists not so much in quantity, as in the quality of the professor; he that hath less, may have enough; and he that hath most, can [Page 159] have no more; a lesser Ship needs lesser Sail; there can be no poverty where there is propor­tion; sutableness is the ground of satisfaction; a Cottage will content a Codrus; it is not what I have, but what I am; less will serve a dwarfe, than a Gyant; and me perchance, than another man; I do not want what I can be without; Water may quench my thirst, and a few grains may serve my turn, as well as a Granary; I need no more in my Journey than will bear my charges, the rest will be supplied at home.

VII.

Felicity is an unquiet thing; Alexander weeps there were no more Worlds to conquer; how projective is prosperity! how restless is the man through care and contrivance! he beats his brain, and every vein works; he sees something he still lacks, and leaves no stone unturned to attain it; which when he hath, he is unhappy still, and perchance in greater torment; he is never satisfied, full nor fasting; for when he knows not what he wants, he wants he knows not what.

VIII.

He is not poor that hath not much, but he who would have more; want lies in wishing; he lacks most, that longs most; none so rich, as he that does not covet, but contemn; he hath all, that desires nothing; he hath con­tent, and content is all; I will not judge of the man by his money, but by his mind; and he who thinks a little is not enough, will think enough too little.

IX.

There is no torture to a tormenting Con­science; better the body wrack [...] than the mind; a wounded spirit who can bear? this is a Hell on this side Hell; how do the flames of that infernal fire scorch, and singe a poor soul, re­flecting upon its sins, and sentencing of its self? dreadful is the doom of a condemning Conscience; no storm like that which is rai­sed by the Wind, that riseth out of the bot­tomless Pit; Lord, let it blow, and beat, and what it will, so the Vessel be tite, and there be but a calm within; let the Bird in my breast [Page 161] sing, though in a Winter-season; I had rather the World were against me, than be against my self.

X.

Men speak evil of thee, but they are evil men; the tongue does but declare what the heartendites; from bad thou canst not expect better; what is filthy in the fountain, cannot be fair in the stream; no wonder thou hast not a good word from such as these; likeness pro­duceth love; I will suspect my self if any speak well of me, of whom I cannot speak well; neither will I value the yelping of eve­ry Curre, no more than the Moon the Dogs barking; that serves for a foyle to set me forth, which sets forth their folly.

XI.

Study to please the best, not the most; re­spect the nature, rather than the number; the quality, not the quantity; gold is tryed by the touchstone, not by the balance; wise men judge of things as they are, not as they seem, and there are few which are compe­tent [Page 162] Judges; who can think himself the wi­fer for pleasing fools?

XII.

If thou wilt be happy, resolve to despise, and to be despised; slight what thou canst not shun, and endure what thou canst not cure; stand upon thy guard, and let nothing get within thee; keep what thou canst in thine own keeping, and trust none but thy self; see not with anothers eyes, but alwayes have thi [...] about thee; think thy present state still the best, if not in it self, yet for thee; look not upon that as good, which cannot make thee better; have nothing in admiration, and be sure have as low thoughts of thy self, as others can have of thee; prepare for the worst, but make the best of what befalls thee; resolve thy will into the Will of God, and thou need­est not be troubled at any thing.

XIII.

Let not the Authority of the Speaker move thee, mind what is said, not who speaks; there is no man but may erre; Homer himself [Page 163] sometimes sleeps; I will not pin my faith up­on anothers sleeve, nor take the position from the person; whoever is my friend, I am more a friend to truth; and if the Devil be in the right, I should wrong him not to believe him; an enemy may by chance give good counsel; honey from a Weed is not worse, than that drawn from a flovver; a blind man may hit the mark, and a better Archer miss it.

XIV.

Bear chearfully vvhere there is no remedy; patience is the only prudence; make a vertue of necessity, vvhat must be, vvhy not vvil­lingly? to sit dovvn and cry, vvill not lessen our burden, or our vvay; to pore upon our grief, makes it the more grievous; that is not a trouble vvhich vve do not think of; give me the man that can both smart and smile; that sleeps svveetly in a storm, and carries his Crosses as unconcerned; vvho, notvvith­standing the greatest difficulties, goes merrily about his vvork, and is jogging on all vveath­ers; I vvill mind my duty more than my dan­ger, and fear nothing but to offend; I vvill assent to vvhat I cannot prevent, and do no­thing [Page 164] by constraint, but by choice; it vvere a shame for me to sigh for sorrovv, or to startle at any blovv; vvhat pleases God, shall please me.

XV.

Think every day thy last; thou couldest never yet call to morrovv thine; there is no necessity thou shouldest have a day to dye in, as much may be done in a moment, the stroak is soon given; look not for death before thee, the Serjeant comes behind; the time past is dead and gone, the present upon departing; I have been long dying, and cannot look to live long; there vvill be a last day, and this may be my last.

XVI.

He values not his labour, that overcomes; neither pain nor peril is reckoned by him that gets the prize; the end makes amends for the means; he that vvins the race, never repents the running; vvhat though Heaven cost me hot vvater? it vvill be richly vvorth it; a Crovvn vvill require my contests, and my combats; I that sovve in tears, shall reap in joy; the Harvest vvill pay for all, I shall have [Page 165] my wages when working time is done; what is in hope, shall be in hand; red Robes shall put on white; no sign of sweat, nor blood; no more foes, no more fighting.

XVII.

There is nothing more miserable than man, nor more proud; what creature so helplesse, and so unhappy? his body more brittle than that of beasts, and his mind in continual trou­ble; I am still subject to sickness and to sorrow; diseases and discontents prey upon this carcase, like Vultures upon the Carrion; what am I? but the channel wherein the waters of Marah flow.

XVIII.

The fairest flowers do soonest fade; beauty is soon blasted; that which flourisheth at noon, towards night withers; there is an end of all perfection; all is vanity; what is the world? but a poor empty thing; both in the whole, and in every part, its pleasures perish and pu­trefie, and that which smells the sweetest, de­cays and dies; its profits are only gilded, not Gold, which rubs off while in your hands; as [Page 166] for its honours, they are but as smoke, a blast' or bubble; I will love nothing much, which I cannot love long; I find, the less I lean upon a brittle staff, the longer it keeps from break­ing; inordinate affection, usually causeth sud­den separation.

XIX.

It is better to endure, than to do evil, to suffer, than to sin; the crime is worse than the punishment; nothing shall force me to of­fend; why should I displease my God, or de­file my self? besides the hazard I run of Hell, I know the worst of what can befall me here, but know not what may follow; the inconve­nience of an after reckoning.

XX.

Innocency is the greatest felicity; a good Conscience is a continual feast; this is the on­ly musick which makes a merry heart; this makes Prisoners sing, when the Jaylor trem­bles; it matters not who accuses, if I can clear my self; there is no Law, where there is no transgression; yet would I not be guilty, [Page 167] were I sure to pass unpunished; Conscience might condemn, which is both Witnesse, Judge, and Jury.

XXI.

Liberty is a thing inestimable, there is no­thing in the world of so great a value; he must needs be poor, who hath not this pearl; to be confined is the greatest torment, though a Pallace were the Prison; a man may be no lesse a prisoner, though his fetters were of Gold; I cannot but wonder to see some so lightly to esteem their freedome, who for pre­ferment will sell themselves for slaves, forced to dance attendance, when they might com­mand; I am free, and cannot brook to be bound; I had rather loose my life, than my liberty; why should I be tyed to persons, or to place?

XXII.

There is nothing more detestable than dis­grace; nothing more odious than servitude; we are born to honour and liberty, let us keep these, or die with glory; my credit is my crown, and my liberty my life; all were gone, [Page 168] should I part with these; I would sooner dye, than live in shame; better it is to dye bravely, than to live basely.

XXIII.

As thou sowest, so thou reapest; the seed is the same, as to its nature, and its quality; Corn will continue Corn, and Tares will be Tares still; he that sows to the flesh, shall reap corruption; I will mind my Seeds-time, as I would find my Harvest, knowing as I am now, I shall be then; if I loyter in the Spring, my Crop will be according.

XXIV.

Piety is the foundation of vertue; where the Spring is polluted, the stream cannot be pure; and where the ground-work is not good, the building is not lasting; he does nothing, that begins not well; that is only praise-wor­thy, which proceeds from a right principle; Divinity is a better stock than Morality to graff on; little can be expected from depraved nature; I do not look for Grapes from Thorns, nor Figs from Thistles; as is the tree, so is the fruit.

XXV.

Affect not ostentation; covet rather to be good, than to appear so; imitate the Publican rather than the Pharisee; in cheating the world, thou wilt cheat thy self; let the inside be the better side; deserve praise, but do not desire it; forget what thou art, and press for­ward to what thou shouldest be; content not thy self with the measure thou hast attained; there is no standing at a stay, and while another is better, thou mayest mend.

XXVI.

Think no sin small, the least is a load too heavy for the backs of men and Angels; a crime committed against an infinite God, de­serves to damn thee; and what comfort can it be in Hell, to consider a small matter hath brought thee thither, or might have kept thee thence? I will look upon it as an aggra­vation of the offence, to offend for little or no­thing; besides, I may fear lest I count great sins small, and little sins none.

XXVII.

Promise nothing to your prejudice, howe­ver perform what you promise; no Bond binds like the word of an honest man; be care­ful of engaging, and then let thy care be to disengage thy self; it matters not though the Obligation be not sealed by an Oath, or sub­scribed by Witness; thy Conscience is as a thousand, and will put the Bond in Sute; it were better pay the Principle, than Principle, Cost, and Charges.

XXVIII.

Do not only submit to the Will of God, but subscribe likewise to his Wisdome; con­clude not things go cross, when every circle tends to its center; whatever befalls thee, is best for thee; if it be not good in it self, yet it does thee good; Providence is not pur­blind; there is no such thing as chance; the wheel is full of eys, though some dispensations seem dark.

XXIX.

Be not a Servant to thy Slaves, thy Money, or thy Body; thou art not born to so base a bondage; why shouldest thou obey, where thou mayest command? use thy Estate, and enjoy thy self; let all be subservient to thy Soul, and thy Soul to the Lord of all; know thy place, and keep a distance; suffer no en­croachment to be made upon thy Prerogative; every thing is below thee, if thou beest not be­low thy self.

XXX.

Look upon that to be good, which is law­ful, not what is gainful; go not out of Gods blessing, into a warm Sun; serve him rather than thy own turn; take not any unwarrant­able course to purchase wealth; better want, than be wicked, it will appear so at last, in the winding up of the bottome; I had rather be poor and pious, than grow rich in a wrong way.

XXXI.

Trouble not thy self that others have few­er [Page 172] troubles; the burden is but proportioned to the back, and he that lays on, will either lift with thee, or lighten; it argues courage in thee, and confidence in thy Captain, that thou art chose for a Champion; the hardiest Soul­dier is set to the hardest service; as is thy ven­ture, so will be thy victory; thy conquest will be as thy combat; who will refuse any thing, where what is got, is glory? see the Trophies and the prize; reckon upon the Lawrel; thou must fight, but shalt not be foyled; and it matters not what Heaven cost thee, when the reward is worth it.

XXXII.

Let thy thoughts be provident, but not perplexive; dost thou foresee a sorrow? pre­vent it if thou canst, if not, entertain it with a smile; why should every scratch rankle? it were a folly to fret and sume, for what thou canst neither help nor binder; Patience be­comes the Pilot, though the winds blow cross; what I do not occasion, I will bear as uncon­cerned; if the fault be not mine, why should the feeling?

XXXIII.

Live as one that must die, and perhaps the next moment; be always in a travelling po­sture, in a readiness to be gone; sit loose to the world; consider thou art upon thy way, not at home; thy Inne is no dwelling place; fix not thy affections, where thou canst not fix thy habitation; give not death a double labour, to send thy soul from thy body, and thy heart from the creature; I will look upon all as dy­ing, and my self half dead; what may be, is uncertain; what is past, is dead to me; hence I conclude, I can call no more than the present minute mine.

XXXIV.

Whenever thou art sollicited to sin, consi­der how dear it cost Christ, and how dear it will cost thee; trace him from the Garden to Golgatha; nay, from the Cratch to the Cross; and see what he suffered for imputed sin; what then mayest thou expect to suffer for thine own? if thou canst not sin at a cheaper rate, it will not be worth thy while to sin; lay the pleasure against the punishment, and see how the scale stands.

XXXV.

Hast thou done any thing that doth dis­please? to despair is more displeasing; if Ju­stice be thy foe, yet Mercy is thy friend; con­fess thy fault, and amend; do so no more, and all is well; a lame leg may be as strong as e­ver, and the sick as sound; none but a Cain thinks his sins too great to be forgiven; this were the greatest sin; to despond, were to disparage God, and his Grace, and at once to question his Mercy, and Christs Merits; it is a double wrong to offend, and after to doubt of pardon.

XXXVI.

Run not the danger of a Death-bed Repen­tance; why shouldest thou hazard Heaven? besides the folly of deferring what must be done; and if at all, why not now? time tar­ries not, and assure thy self there will be no calling back of time; there is no working in the Grave, whither thou art going; the day is for doing, night draws on, the Curtains will be drawn; imagine thou hearest Death cry, Dispatch, the next voice may be Depart; let [Page 175] a Death-bed find thee fit, not fit thee; thou wilt have enough to do, to die.

XXXVII.

Look upon thy Taper, and there see the Embleme of thy time; if a blast blow it not out, yet it burns, and like as the wax, so dost thou waste; perchance thy decay is insensible, yet one day succeeds another, and thy last day will come; the silver cords will be loosed, and the golden bowls be broken; death proceeds by degrees, but it will e're long diffuse it self through every member, and it will be said of thee, as thou hast said, He is dead; others are gone, and thou art going to a Land of darkness, as Darkness it self; it will not be always thus, thy Grave will be digged, and the Bells ring for thy Funeral; walk as becomes the light, it will not last long; burn clear to the socket; why should'st thou go out in a snuff, and leave a stink behind thee?

XXXVIII.

Labour not to lengthen thy life, but to bet­ter it; do much in a little time; he hath li­ved [Page 167] long enough, that hath lived well enough; a good life, makes a great age; do not desire to be longer from God, than needs must; make haste, rid away thy task betimes; to protract thy work, prolongs thy wages; after the heat, comes the hire; pay-day comes after labour; a recompence signifies something done; and when the account is taken, thy life will be measured by action, not by hours.

XXXIX.

Desire to be dissolved; to be with Christ, is best of all; here is nothing worth thy stay, though Heaven be worth the waiting; be therefore content to live, but willing to die; watch for the word, when the voice shall cry, Come, and eccho back, Amen, even so come Lord Jesus; what dost thou part with, but pain for pleasure, a Prison for a Palace, fetters for freedome! at best, but a few crums that fall from the Table, to take thy fill at the first hand, with the Bridegroom and his friends.

XL.

Be chearful in every con [...]ition; what a dis­honour [Page 177] is it to the Master, for the Servants to be still repining? it argues the wages is not worth the work; it discourages those who want employment; I have often thought the generality of Professors too blame, for their lumpish melancholly carriage, which brings an ill report upon Religion, as if it marr'd all mirth, and were inconsistent with their Profes­sion; when none have less cause to be sad, than a Saint, nor indeed any besides to be chearful.

XLI.

Be couragious, and fear nothing, but to of­fend; in doing thy duty, despise thy danger; venture upon any thing, upon the warrant of a command; he that bids thee, can bear thee out; perchance beasts shall not bite, nor the fire burn, however, better thou lose thy life, than he his glory; he can give thee another, and reward thee for the former; thy loss will be thy gain; none shine brighter in Heaven, than those who swim thither, in streams of their own blood.

XLII.

Run not into a needless danger; it is not [Page 178] the Cause, without the Call, makes a Martyr; thou wilt have no comfort in a suffering thou bringest upon thy self; keep thy station, and stir not out, without thy Commander calls thee; he cannot do well, that disobeys; Soul­diers and Saints are under discipline, and are not to be disposed of at their pleasure; thy place is appointed, where thou must either fight in, or fall.

XLIII.

If another have wronged thee against his will, willingly forgive the wrong; let the in­tention make amends for the action; thou art hit by accident, he did not aim at thee; his hand perchance might slip, or his eye dazle; who can be against a mischance, though it prove a misfortune? I look upon him as less in fault, who is sorry that he hurt me, than he who would, but could not; I will measure the mischief by the malice, and the malice by the meaning.

XLIV.

Let him who is thy Alpha, be thy Omega; God gave thee to thy self, give thy self to him; [Page 179] Rivers run to the Ocean; every thing tends to its center; live to him, by whom thou li­vest; look upon thy self not as thy own, and what thou hast, to be none of thine; remem­ber the reckoning, when the account is to be called; thou art entrusted as a Steward, be faithful to thy trust; hide not thy Talent, the same will not serve, the principle is expected with the improvement; every year must have its encrease; thy sum will be the greater, the more thou hast, and the longer; why should I tarry, that must account for my time? Lord, fit me for thee, and take me to thee; take my heart, and then take me; I would be with thee, were I but untyed; if my work be done, or may be, by another, I am desirous to be dis­charged; I came from thee, and shall be rest­less till I come to thee.

XLV.

Love God for himself, and other things for him; use the creature, to enjoy God; thou mayest see the Potter in the Clay; in his workmanship, admire his wisdome; let every thing be in subordination to him, there is no reason for a Rival; he will be paramount, his [Page 180] power claims that prerogative; deny him not his due; he made thee Lord over other crea­tures, that he might be Lord over thee and them; they serve thee, that thou maist serve him.

XLVI.

Look upon every action of thy life, to be a matter of moment, and be well advised in what thou dost; do not delay, yet deliberate; pro­pose, ponder, and then proceed; undertake nothing rashly, and go through with what thou undertakest; let the executative part be dis­patched as soon as possible, lest thou shouldest be too late; loyter not, after thou art set out, for fear thou beest benighted; thy work en­creases, and thy time decreases; in a word, let thy carriage be, as becomes a wise man, and a Christian.

XLVII.

Be good, though thou beest not so account­ed; if thou canst not satisfie others, satisfie thy self; whoever accuseth, yet let thy conscience clear thee; persevere in a good cause, though neither thou, nor thy cause prospers; remem­ber, the Crown is given, not to them that [Page 181] combat, but to them that conquer.

XLVIII.

Scruple not to observe those dayes the Church hath celebrated, and remember the in­stitution was for imitation, rather than recrea­tion; besides, surfeting cannot please that Saint, who pleased God by fasting; I cannot wrong Saints departed more, than to make their me­mory the occasion of my sin and shame; I will keep therefore Holy-days holy.

XLIX.

In every thing, look to the end through the means; it is not enough God hath promised, something on thy part is to be performed; make good the condition, and he will make good his promise; up and be doing; man is not such a helpless creature as he imagines; he deserves to sink, that will not endeavour to save himself, neither will desires do; thou mayest wish thy heart out, and yet want thy wish; he that is fallen into a pit, may pray and perish.

L.

So live, as that thou mayest neither be afraid to dye, nor ashamed to live; let grace be thy guide to glory; to live let it be Christ, and and then to dye will be gain; deserve well in thy way, but desire to be at thy journeys end; let not the sight of thy last stage scare thee; so act thy part, that thou mayest leave the stage with applause, and the spectators may clap their hands; all my aim is to come bravely off; my acting may please others, but does not please me.

LI.

Have high thoughts of Heaven; yonder twinckling Stars are but the pavement of that House; if those be under foot, what is over head? eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, what God hath provided for them that love him; what is the World? but a howling Wilder­ness to the Coelestial Canaan, and yet there is some delight in the Desart. From thence draw this deduction, If the Out-houses be so stately, what is the Palace of the Great King? the glory which is reserved, and shall be reveal­ed; [Page 183] our Cockle-shells are too little to lave that Ocean, in which we shall be swallowed up to all eternity; if a cluster hath such sweetness, what is there in the Vintage? the first fruits fall short of the Harvest; if a few glimpses of glory, which God affords his Servants in their straits be so satisfying, how will it be, when faith is swallowed up of fruition? if praeliba­tions be so pleasing, what will it be to drink at the Well-head? if we have so much to bear our charges in our journey, what shall we meet with at home? if there be so much laid out for sinners, what is there laid up for Saints? when God shall cull his Wheat from the Tares, in the day when he makes up his Iew­els.

LII.

He that is penitent, is innocent; tears will wash away the foulest spots; since I cannot be without sin, I would not be without sorrow; that which is sweet in the mouth, may be bitter in the stomack; then shall I fear for­bidden fruit, when I find my pleasant morsels of such hard digestion; it is better not to be sick, than cured, and Repentance is a Purge; I will use it, not as food, but Physick; I wish [Page 184] I could be well without it; but Lord, where I am not innocent, make me penitent.

LIII.

It is never too late to do well; better now than not at all; I will labour the more, the more I have loytred, that I may fetch up what I have lost, and redeem what I cannot recall; that as I have hitherto lived to little purpose, I may do much in a little time; he gets soonest to the Goal, not that sets out first, but runs fastest.

LIV.

The remembrance of a past labour is sweet; the Saylor sings when the storm is over, and the weary Traveller when he comes to his Inne, will please himself in telling of his toil and trouble; what was grievous to undergo, may be delightful to review; to repeat a past pain, is a pleasure; I will not so much think of my grief, as my glory I shall gain by my tos­sings when I am landed; the worse hath been my passage, the more welcome will be my Port.

LV.

Death will equal all; in the Grave there are no degrees; rich and poor are there alike; it is a place that admits of no priority; Bones do not justle; who knows the Cedar from the Shrub, when both are consumed to ashes? there is no distinguishing Dives by his dust; it will soon be the same with the beggar and the best; mountains must be levell'd with the lowest plains, and great ones with the ground.

LVI.

What might have been, may be; that which is past, may return; it may clear up, and be overcast again; all things here are still in mo­tion, and ebb, as well as flow; I will so an­chor, as not to fear when the tide falls, to be left on Land; it may be worse, although it now goes well; the wind may turn, and the black Clouds that were blown over, may be blown back; I will provide for what I cannot prevent; it is wisdom to foresee the shower.

LVII.

Death passeth upon all; the slayer follows the slain; the Judge, as sure as the Condemn­ed, dyes; the Jaylor, as the Prisoner; there is no condition is excepted; it is a Decree, from whence there is no appeal; the Prince is as subject to this arrest, as the poorest Peasant; the Grave is the general meeting place; it matters not much who get thither first, whi­ther all are going, and where all meet; all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes.

LVIII.

There is nothing in the world but death certain; we know whither we are bound, but what may befall us in our voyage, we do not know; it does not always blow alike; we are sometimes up, and sometimes down; seldome steer steddy; yet we still sail to the same Port, though not by the same Point; what uncer­tainty am I at, that can neither find out what degree I am in, nor judge at my course by my Compass? since I cannot be sure, I will not be secure.

LIX.

He that hath least trouble, lives best; a qui­et life, is the only life; what content can there be in a crowd? it is sad being at Sea in a storm? a hurry of business makes but our passage the more boisterous; I would neither be idle, nor much employ'd; I do not think the world worth wasting my self, or my time; a man may get, and be a loser; Gold may be bought too dear; I will delight in what I do, and en­joy what I have; while others strive for Crowns, my mind is to me a Kingdom.

LX.

Pleasure is soon past, and oft-times leaves more cause of penitence, than of remembrance; the sweetest morsels slide down the soonest, and the soonest make us sick; what is whole­some, is seldom toothsome; where there is ho­ney, there is a sting; sorrow is the effect of sin; the sweetest Rose hath its prickles; there is a bitter sweet in the best state; vanity will prove vexation; pleasure ends in repentance, if not in pain; why should I covet what cost too [Page 188] dear? it is a bad bargain, where the profit will not countervail the pain.

LXI.

Use causes custom, and custom takes away conscience; he that sins often, will not know when he sins; to do nothing else, will make it seem nothing; what was at first strange, will by degrees become familiar, and gets acquain­tance by continuance; I will endeavour to crush the Cockatrice in the egge; a spark is easier quench'd than the flame; the best way to prevent a mischief, is, to stifle sin in its mo­tion; I will keep temptation at arms end, lest if it get within me, I receive the foil, and joyn­ing with corruption, should carry me captive.

LXII.

There is nothing so bitter, which a brave mind cannot bear; great sufferings sute best with a great spirit; a heavy load with a strong shoulder, it is not the burden, but the back; not what is laid on, but him that bears it; Lord, give me what thou commandest, and command what thou pleasest; if thou callest me to that [Page 189] I never did, give me that I never had; let one hand be under, as the other is upon me, that I may carry my crosses chearfully, and troubles may not trouble me.

LXIII.

The way to Hell is easie; there is no diffi­culty in going down hill; it is a plain path that leads to the infernal pit; I will not mind my baiting place so much as my journeys end; nor the way I go, as whither I am going, neither complain that it is no better; all is well, that ends well; I am, or shall be past the worst, and Heaven will make amends for all.

LXIV.

It is best to die, before thou desirest? how many deaths must he die, that lives till he de­sires to die? we wish not for the worst, and it is more wisdom to prevent, than to cure; I will not think that can come too soon, which may prevent both sin and sorrow; I cannot be too soon happy, nor rid of sin too soon.

LXV.

That which an Age was building, is not an hour destroying; what famous Fabricks, the work and wonder of many Ages, have been soon consumed to ashes; some Cities lie buri­ed in their ruines, and nothing of some to be seen; here is no abiding City; I will seek that which is above, whose builder and maker is God.

LXVI.

Vices are learn'd without a Master; weeds need no sowing; what grows wild, will grow alone; nature will nourish her own, which she both produces and provides for, without the help of Art, while what is good, is gain'd by sweat and pains; I will the least value what cost the least trouble, and comes without care, as knowing Gold is got with difficulty, and Pearls with pain; but Pebbles are in every place.

LXVII.

I will account that my Country, where I am well; why should I be confind? suppose I be [Page 191] not where I was born, what was in my Parents power, is now in mine; I am left to my own liberty, to pitch where I please; what folly were it to restrain my self, who am not obli­ged to persons, or to place? why should not my body be as free as my mind? and neither Sea nor Land can bound my thoughts; let narrow souls take up with a narrow room; the world is my Country, where-ever I am, I shall think my self every where at home.

LXVIII.

The greatest happiness consists in a mans own will, and it is in his own power to make himself happy; felicity lies in fancy; he was a brave fellow, that thought all the Ships that came to Athens were his own; who so rich as he? I am, as I esteem my self; it matters not though I have not of my own, when what an­other hath, is mine.

LXIX.

Moderation in prosperity, argues a great mind; to keep an even course, when all Sails draw, shews the Ship to be well ballasted; I [Page 192] will not value my self by what I have, but by what I am; the change of my condition, shall never change me; whatever alters, yet will not I; this shall be my Motto, Still the same.

LXX.

This is the miserable condition of mankind, we are born one way, but dye many; how ma­ny thousand casualties are we subject to? the least whereof might prove as mortal as Goliah's Spear? no creature so contemptible, which cannot kill us; what a strange uncertainty are we at, that are sure of nothing? we daily walk over many Graves, and carry our lives in our hands; since I know my sentence, I will pre­pare my self, not knowing but the next acci­dent may prove the Executioner.

LXXI.

He that cannot hope, let him not despair; many things fall out, which could not be fore­seen; and who can tell what may happen! why should I give my self for gone? it may clear up at noon, or in the afternoon; after a storm, comes a calm; a foul morning may [Page 193] prove a fair day; but if my case be concluded, and my sun be to set in a cloud, it is but with­drawing for a while; in the Grave all is close, and still; I shall there be well, though no where else; let it rain, or blow, or what it will, it shall neither wet, nor awake me.

LXXII.

That grief is light which is capable of coun­sel; it is a good sign to see the plaister at the sore; the wound is worst that festers; no trouble like to that which is felt, not seen; the disease that seizes the heart, is most dangerous; I am resolved my sorrows shall not enter past skin deep; why should my mind be concerned in all that concerns me; this may be my re­medy in every malady, to retire home; and it is but keeping the door shut, and the wind can­not enter; so that if I suffer, I may thank my self.

LXXIII

All things here run round; there is nothing new under the Sun; what is, was, or may be; the wheel is still turning; that which is past, will come about again; I will not wonder at [Page 194] what I see; it is no more than what hath been before; let my case be what it will, I am nei­ther first nor last; others have drank of the same cup, and some will pledge me.

LXXIV.

Small things through concord are encreased, but discord destroys all; peace produces plen­ty; but variance, want; I like not those Sa­lamanders, whose Element is the Fire; if pos­sible, I would live peaceably with all men; quietnesse is the greatest happinnesse; I will strive neither to give, nor to take offence, but carry my self as circumspectly as I can, tha [...] there may be no occasion of contention, eithe [...] from me, or them.

LXXV.

What is past, cannot be recall'd; Time is ball'd behind; millions will not fetch back the last moment; gone once, and ever gone; the stream runs, but returns no more; the Clock never strikes backward; if the Glasse be turn­ed up again, it is for another hour; how prodi­gal have I been of that which both the Indies [Page 195] cannot buy! Lord make me more thrifty of my time, lest what I have lost, I lack; I have done but little; night draws on, and there is no working in the Grave, whither I am going.

LXXVI.

There is no pleasure but by continuance ceaseth to be a pleasure; too much of one thing, is good for nothing; honey may become loathsom; choice gives content; to be con­fin'd, marres all; the daintiest dish, if always fed on, proves unsavoury; the sweetest Wine, will turn sowre; the softest bed, to lie on long, will be uneasy; there is no satisfaction in any single comfort; I long, and loath, and love again; this is the life I lead; hence I conclude, creatures cannot give content; I will go far­ther, and fare better.

LXXVII.

Is any outward affliction befallen thee? snarle not at the stone, but see the hand that threw it; look upward, and look inward; it is the Father corrects his Child; know thy fault from feeling; blame none but him thou [Page 196] mayest, thy self, and thank thy folly; learn instruction from correction; kisse the Rod, and take heed thou beest not beaten for stub­bornnesse; welcom the message, and the mes­senger shall be discharged.

LXXVIII.

Is thy Estate gone? it was anothers before thine, and what wonder it is now anothers? who can hinder what will away? grieve not for that thou couldest not keep, but get that thou canst not lose; perchance if thou hadst not lost, thou hadst been lost; think of thy de­liverance, as well as of thy damage; however, it were childish to complain; hast thou lost what thou hadst? thou mayest have what thou hast lost; but if it be not recoverable, why should'st thou vex thy self for nothing, and make thy draughts more tart with thy tears?

LXXIX.

Art thou banished, or imprisoned? all places are alike to a wise man; he scorns to be confi­ned; neither seas, nor walls, can binder him; what if thy body be bounded? thy mind is free; [Page 197] when abroad, at home; though I leave my place, I do not leave my company; my best friend will not leave me; and what do I not enjoy, whilst I enjoy my God and my self?

LXXX.

Do reproaches trouble thee? slight what thou canst not shun; despise what thou dost not deserve; concern not thy self with their cattle; what is that to thee? it were a folly to mind the yelping of every Curre; what is the Moon the worse for the Dogs barking? let Rabshecaies rail, and Shimeies slaunder, I would value it no more than the wagging of a straw; shall every scratch ranckle? consider, it is the common fate of good men to be ill spoken of; this serves for a foil to thee; the filth will blow back into their own faces.

LXXXI.

Art thou sick? it is but the flesh that feels; it is the body only upon the bed; the soul is free, not subject to disease; but suppose a sym­pathy between such friends; yet consider, the Potion that makes thee sick, does thee the [Page 198] most good; thou hast to do with a wise Phy­sician, who knows when to use Corrosives, and when Cordials; he prescribes to the nature of the distemper no more than necessary, no less than will work the Cure; besides, the disease sometimes proves the remedy.

LXXXII.

Do things go ill with Church, or State? a common calamity is best born; if thou canst not divert the plague, endeavour to secure thy self; take shelter for a while, storms will be spent, or else be past; should the ship miscarry, a planck might conveigh thee to shore; but why shouldst thou fear the Vessel, when God guides the Helm? let him alone to steer; at Sea thou mayest look for change of weather; keep thou close in thy Cabbin; what hast thou to do to meddle? steering belongs not to the Passenger, but to the Pilot.

LXXXIII.

Hath death deprived thee of thy dearest friends? thou art following as fast as thou canst; their glass is run, thine is running; their bell [Page 199] rings out, and thine is towling; bear with their absence, but a while; you are not like to be long asunder; and what though parting be bitter, a meeting will make amends.

LXXXIV.

Hast thou lost a good Wife? it is for her good; thy loss, is her gain; it is better being in Heaven than here; she hath finish'd her course, and got her Crown; storms still beat on thee, but she is housed; thou art working, she is paid; what thou hast in propriety, she hath in posses­sion; mourn no more; it is incongruous to grieve for one in glory; save thy tears for thy self; thou mayest need them, not she; if this will not suffice, yet chear up for shame; consi­der, as thou wert a husband, so thou art a man.

LXXXV.

Is thy Son dead? no marvel, thou didst beget him mortal; flowers are sometimes pluck'd be­fore they are blown; Graves are not all of a size; no age will exempt from death; it is more wonder thou hast lived so long, than that he dy­ed so young; what though the fruit falls, when the tree stands?

LXXXVI.

Art thou afraid of death? be more familiar, and thou wilt less fear it; thou cam'st upon con­dition to return; and is not home to be desired? death is but a dirty lane, that leads to our Fa­thers house; what though body and soul part? both are safe, and the better part happy; is the weary traveller loath to rest? doth the souldier like to be besmear'd with sweat and blood? death welcomes me first with victory, and helps me to what I fought for.

LXXXVII.

Is it dying thou fearest most? or to be dead? dost thou dread the pain? I verily believe thou hast endured more; but be it what it will, it must be; if light, thy patience is the less; if great, to bear it bravely will be the greater glo­ry; consider, what is violent, cannot be last­ing; it will either consume thee, or it self; if the storm be extream, it is a sure sign it will soon be spent; it is but winking, and thou openest thy eys in heaven.

XXXVIII.

Dost thou fear more to be dead, than to die? is the flesh unwilling to lie rotting in the grave? not seeing any, unseen? why should this trouble? the grave is a bed of Down, on which thou wilt sleep sweetly; there is no noise to disturb thee; all is hush and still; the prisoners there shall rest together, and hear no more the voice of the op­pressor; there is no sound of chains and shac­kles; thy bolts shall be beaten off at the prison door; be not afraid to enter into thy Chamber, till the indignation's past; thou art there secure, though no where else out of harms way; let it rain, and blow, and what it will, it shall neither wet nor awake thee.

LXXXIX.

Doth Satan buffet? courage yet, thy foes will soon either flee or fall; the next shock may be the last; one encounter more may put an end to all; but what needst thou fear fighting, who need not fear foiling? thou art sure to come off a conquerour, and to leave the field with fly­ing colours; suppose it cost thee sweat and [Page 202] blood; the more difficulty, the more glory; O hold out for a while; win the day, and wear the Crown.

XC.

Be not cast down, whatever thy crosses be; sute thy self to thy state, and conclude the pre­sent condition is alwayes best, if not in it self, yet for thee; take heed of being surprized; let nothing seem strange, which hath been, or may be; look upon whatever happens, as thine own choice; why should thy desire thwart Gods decree? let thy will in his be done; be chearful, as becomes a child going home; what though the way be bad? thou art in sight of thy fathers house, and heaven will requite all. I value not my journey, but my journeys end.

XCI.

Have not hard thoughts of Providence; however it goes, yet God is good, and all shall work to that intent to thee; be quiet, and let him alone; things are framing for his glory, and for thine; he knows best, what is best; what­ever befalls a Saint, is for the best; I will look [Page 203] beyond the means to the end; and what comes from love, I will take in love; why should I question his care, or skill, that searches before he skins the sore; a wise Chirurgion cuts to cure.

XCII.

Consider thy distance, and do not dispute with thy Maker; what reason to reason the case with him? must his word or thine stand? shall the Clay contradict the Potter? he that made the vessel, may marr it at his pleasure, and who can hinder? how easie could he crush and crack thee? shall a silly creature be a com­petitor with his Creator? must he ask thy consent before-hand? or, does he need thy counsel; take heed lest stripes bring not down thy stomack; I will lay my hand upon my mouth, when his is upon my back; if I groan, I will not grumble; I were better to bend, than to break; what likes him, shall like me.

XCIII.

Be not peremptory in thy petitions; it is a mercy sometimes to be denyed; thy desire might undo thee; ask nothing but with sub­mission, [Page 204] and upon condition; and do not think thy prayers lost, if they be not answered; much less, if an answer be delay'd; what thou beg­gest, may not be fit for thee, or at least, when thou wouldst have that which would do thee harm, God loves thee too well to give it.

XCIV.

Does any thing trouble thee? see from whom it comes, from whence, and for what; troubles arise not out of the dust; snarle not at the stone; it were folly to revile the Rod; shall I murmure when I am justly beaten? no wonder I come home by weeping Cross; when I wander I have no cause to blame any but my self; I will be more sorry for my fault, than for the effect; I have more reason to re­pent than repine.

XCV.

In all thy griefs, thou mayest go to the Throne of Grace, and there disburden thy self of all; spread thy case before the Lord, and let not thy countenance be any more sad; acquaint him with thy straits, and assure thy [Page 205] self it shall go well; will a Father deny his Child any thing? at least, what may do him good? consider thy relation, and question if thou canst, his care, or his affection; and it being supposed he loves thee, bounty proceeds from bowels; this shall satisfie me, God knows, and pities, and will supply; I shall not want what I want, and cannot be with­out; if I have not what I would, I have what I should.

XCVI.

Learn to live by believing; fruition comes short of faith; what is the world to that which thou expectest, and is providing for thee? it is but to wait awhile, and what is in thy eye, shall be in thy hand; thou shalt have enough to bear thy charges here, and is not that e­nough? he that pays thee thy pension, will pay thy portion; I will not part with my hopes for millions of Crowns and Scepters; my delight lies in desire; what I lack now, I shall not long; the heir will enter upon his inheritance, and take possession.

XCVII.

Set not too high a value upon any crea­ture; for shame be not besotted to a borrow­ed beauty; it is the paint sets off the picture; why shouldst thou admire her for that is none of hers? consider the complexion, not the colours; she is (at best) but filthy fair; I will adore no face, that is either false or fa­ding; I like not the beauty which is not skin deep, or no more; that to me is most lovely, which is most lively, and most lasting.

XCVIII.

See things as they are, not as they seem; it is ill judging by outward appearance, or at the first view; compare the sowre with the sweet, and tell me whether is the most pre­dominant; Roses have their prickles, and Bees their stings as well as honey; I have dissected creature-comforts, and cannot find any thing to term happinesse; experience tells me, I might have excused my pains; and taken the word of a wiser man, it is well if I have only lost my labour; I might have lost my self.

XCIX.

The Heathen could say, it was the delight of the Gods, to see a good man bear his trou­bles bravely; there is no sight like a con­tented Christian, and none hath more rea­son to be content; whatever befalls him, is for the best, and to make him better; eve­ry thing he touches, turns to gold; he may meet sometimes with a cross, or a losse, yet the account will bear it; give me a man that is still the same under variety of dispensati­ons; who lights still upon a square, and changeth not with changes; it argues a great mind, to sing in a storm, and a winters sea­son; I would bear up the Helm, though the wind be in my teeth, and scorn to strike Sail; my face shall not discover either regret or fear, lest my countenance accuse me of cowardize; I would meet a frowning for­tune smiling.

C.

There is a bitter-sweet in the worst state; no suffering should make a S [...]int sad; do not disparage thy profession, and thy expe­ctation; [Page 208] eye but Christ and thy Crown, and murmure if thou canst; look to Jesus; com­pare thy way with his, and thine is fair; he bore the brunt; thou tak'st the field when the battel's won, and the heat of the day is over; but what matters what the encounter is! the conquest will be the greater, and con­sequently the triumph; I shall be satisfied with my reward, though I fight to the throat in blood; what hazard can I run for Heaven? shall I be weary of my work, when my wa­ges will be according? it cannot be he who wins the wager, should repent the way.

FINIS.

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