Cheap Riches, OR A Pocket-Companion, Made of Five hundred Proverbial Aphorismes, &c. as the next ensuinge page will more particularly notifie.
Naught; Naught, saith the Buyer: but when he is gone away, then he boasts.
For the Merchandize of it is better than the merchandize of Silver, and the Gaine thereof than fine Gold.
By Nathanaell Church.
London, Printed by S. G. to be sold at the Beare and Fountain in Cheap-side, 1657.
The Contents of the Booke.
- 200 Golden sayings by Henery Church.
- 300 Silver sayings, and the Conscionable Polititian, by Nathanaell Church.
To the Honourable, William Pen, Vice-Admirall to the English Navy, whom God preserve and prosper.
YOur favourable Expressions of tender Charity to me, have neither been few nor small; the Commemoration whereof might well command your unworthy Servant into a better and larger Testimony of your noble Generosity, & my humble Acknowledgement. But I [Page] must act now not according to your meritorious Worth, but my slender Ability.
'Tis pitty that Good-Will should loose any thing, but what is not worth a Keeping: much lesse then should well-do [...] passe thanklesse on Earth, which goes not rewardlesse in Heaven.
Sir, I cannot crowd your Beneficence into an Epistle, nor Gods miraculous Memorials into the most voluminous Folio.
'Tis not unknown what a [Page] anguishing Distemper persecuted me from Country to City; banished me from shore, and almost from my Self; gave me many Months Chase at Sea, emptied me of comfort, & fill'd me with Complaints: In so much as a Pining Body and a repining Soule (the Lord forgive me) were mine inseparable Companions for a long time. But I will be discontented at nothing but my own Discontent.
Ever since I was your Honours Weak and Worthlesse [Page] Chaplain in the Lyon, Centurion, Fairfax, Triumph, and the James, I wanted nothing but Thankefulness; nor could I complain of any thing but my own Ʋnbeliefe. I was among you in fear, & weakness, and much trembling, that I may borrow Pauls words 1 Cor. 2.3. though I cannot utter them in that more spirituall sense, that He doth.
But I may well sing to God, Psal. 103.1,2,3,4,5. verses, and I pray God make my Life (which he hath graciously [Page] lengthned) a Comment upon the whole Psalm.
When I think of my Restoratives for Soul and Bodie, that Counsell, Encouragement and Comfort, which your prudent Head, your tender Eye, your honest heart, your liberall Hand, your faithfull Tongue administred unto me, I say (from the soul of a Nathanael) For my Life I cannot thanke you too much, nor GOD enough And indeed, while I am telling you stories of your own Kind-heartednesse, [Page] me-thinks I heare you reply on this poor crooked Stoper, look up higher to the LIVING GOD, & say to that the same CELESTIAL EXCELLENTISSIMO, What shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men! Job 7.20. What shal I render to the Lord for All his benefits towards me? Ps. 116. [...]. I have tryed many helps for my Recovery, but all to no purpose. Now I feel, and find that the Lords way is in the Sea, and his Path in the mighty waters, and his [Page] foote-steps are not knowne, Psal. 77. [...]. To this good and great God (from whose Ocean you borrow your streams of Bounty) I recommend your Honour, and all yours, both by Sea and Land, humbly desiring him to bind up your Soul in the Bundle of Life, to let the Blessing of Him that was ready to perish come upon you (as Job 9.3.) The LORD Register you into the Number of those whose Bowels yearn to the distressed, wh se Hands open to the Afflicted, [Page] and whom None is able to reward, but He, who hath Most and deserves All, yet is contented with a little in sincerity; in whom I rest,
Prevention to the Reader.
FRiends, doe not thinke that these brief Sentences were drawn out of those Texts of Scripture quoted after them. For the Sayings were written some Years before any Quotations were made. And those places of Scripture were only set down to shew how near these rationall Maximes come to divine Verity, and how nigh Kin Faith and Reason are.
I Call my Fathers Golden sayings, and my own Silver, because his have the Priority, not only of Time, but also of Estimate: and besides mine Excell his in Nothing but Number, as Children do the Parents, and as Stars do the Sun and Moon.
As for my own Sentences, they have little or nothing in them that I have begg'd, or borrowed. Nay I fear, it will be said, that they have too much of my Self in them. But though they are like the [Page] Cobweb, spun out of my own Bowels, yet some of them well applyed may stench a bleeding Conscience.
They are (most of them) common Notions, but never the worse for that: For the Sun, the Day, the Ayre, the Fire, the Water, the Earth, and the Gospel are not the worse for being cōmon, but the better. Boni proprium est esse cōmune, Tis proper to that wch is good, to be common: And that which does good to many, is more excell [...] [Page] and more divine, ( [...], as Aristot.) then that, that does good to one only.
They are Trilineals, or three lines a piece (most of them) and so more portable for the Memory.
They are Pentad's, or just five in a Page: so that a man, (though streightned in Time, notwithstanding) may read to a Period presently, & carry a Theam to think on with him, as an Antidote against worse thoughts.
The very blank Spaces between them will prove advantagious to one that has any Good-husbandry, for there he may interscribe any other compendious Apothegme, at Pleasure and Leisure.
As for my failings, I hope they will prove either but ordinary, or but few. But I could wish this were the worst use I had made of my Pen, I hope 'tis not the best.
Much good may they do thee, Who ever thou art, Friend or Foe: so saies He, who is (in his Prayers to God for thee,)
To the Reader.
To the Reader.
Authoris Amicus ad Lectorem.
To his Ingenous Friend Mr. Nathanael Church on his Pocket-Companion.
Author ad Patrem jam 17. annos defunctum.
A Pocket-cOmpanion.
1. THings unkown we neither desire, nor feare
2. 'Tis extraordinary Wickedness, to think Nothing to be wicked.
3. Some Hearers are like the Aire, only hot, when the Sun shineth. See Mat. 13. four sorts of hearers.
4. Short Time hath long Wings, and flies away swiftly.
5. We may well spare our Thoughts from things impossible and unprofitable.
6. That Soul that is most watchfull, it least sinfull, Matth. 26.41. Rev. 16.15.
7. We can fathom from a Giants Heart to his Mouth; not a Dissemblers, see Jer. 12.2.
8. Gods Mercies are as the Fountain, not as the Land-flood, viz. constant, not uncertain, and beneficiall not prejudiciall.
9. Milk not drawn, putrifies; Riches not used, rust. See James 5.2,3. see Matth. 6.19,20.
10. We are like the Aire, dark of our selves, Grace make us light, see 2 Cor. 4 6.
11. Prophane Teachers like Mercuriall statues, direct Others, not Themselves, Rom. 2. v. 1. and v. 17. to 24.
12. This little Time is between too vast Eternities, consider Psal. 90. and Psal. 102.24. to the end.
13. If two whistle, the Dog still comes to Him that hath the Bone, note Sauls words, 1 Sam. 22.7.
14. The Hawke flies highest, but the Hen is the better dish, see Prov. 15.33. Tast the next Aphorism.
15. The Wicked have often the greatest preferment, but the Godly are alwaies most profitable, Hest. 6. and 7. Chapters.
16. The shadow of Fame is sometimes long, sometimes short. As in Joseph, Job, Jacob, Nebnehadnezer, Dan. 4.
17. Much Grace makes a little Heaven here: truth of Grace makes sure of Heaven hereafter.
18. A Dispensation to sin is nothing so good as a Disposition against sin. Compare Saul with Paul. Study Rom. 7.14. to the end.
19. The more the Church suffers here, the Enemy shall suffer hereafter, Micah. 7,8,9,10. Prov. 24.15.16,17,18.
20. Cham escaped drowing by Water, yet was drowned in sin, Gen. 9.18. to 28.
21. Distempered Affections make our Griefs exceed our Crosses, Gen. 30.1. Matth. 2.18. Jonah. 4.9.
22. That which is a Burthen within, is like to be a Blemish without, Psalm 38.4,11. Rom. 6.21.
23. Sin often prevailes against the godly, but their Resolution still revives, Psalm 39.1. Psalm 17.3.
24. Heavines and Fear very much hinder good duties, Psalm 69 3. Prov. 29.25. 1 Sam. 26.19. Psalm 40.12.
25. In out distempers, or ill company, or solitariness, Sathan watches; see Aphorism 278.
26. Diabolicall thoughts are as dust blowne; the fault is not in the Eyes, 2 Cor. 12.7,8,9. Rom. 7.17.
27. What Satan suggests that Melancholly keepes. As in the despaire of Cain, Saul, Judas, &c.
28. They never prosper, whom Gods Children do pray against, Exo. 17.11. Isa. 54.17.
29. GOD washes with blood, We with teares, Luke 7.38. Revel. 1.5. Zach. 13.1.
30. None do believe, because they are worthy to believe, Ephes. 28. Heb. 12.2.
31. 'Tis better to beare Scoffes, than to dissemble Holiness, Marke 8.38. Rom. 1.16. Jer: 20.7,8,9. Heb. 11.36.
32. We have more comfort of what we give, than of what we get, Psal. 39.6. Eccles. 2.18,19. Psalm 41.1,2,3,4. Acts 20.35.
33. Men are ashamed to make satisfaction, who shamed not to sin, Job. 31.33. 1 Sam. 15.9,11,15,30.
34. A true Convert pursueth Sin to Victory, 2. Tim. 4.7. Rom. 12.21. 1 John 5.4.
35. The World is unstable, being round; the New-Jerusalem is firme, being foure-square, Revel. 21.16. [...].
36. We call that chance (or mischance) which comes between the Purpose and the End.
37. We are secure amongst Friends, But watchfull amongst Enemies, Psal. 30.6. Neh. 7.3.
38. Breath is not the life, yet we live with it: workes save not, yet we are saved with them.
39. Christ obeyed for satisfaction, we obey for Gratulation, Rom. 5.19. 1 Thes. 5 18.
40. Our waies are direct and streight, when both Ends agree with the Middle.
41. There is a thirst of Emptinesse, and another of Desire: the first Gods people have no more but in this life.
42. Secret sins are seeds that will sprout, if they be not timely nipt, Psal. 19.12,13. See Aph. 281.
43. To look to our selves, AND to our Enemies, is the only way to be safe, 1 Pet. 5.8.
44. A well-contented low estate is the best Preferment. See Prov. 15.33. and Chapter 30 7,8,9.
45. A large Conscience all the life [...]ime, will prove an heavy Consci [...]nce on the death-bed.
46. Condemn not in Generall for one fault, nor yet justifie the Particular. Prov. 24.16. Matth. 18,15,16,17. Levit. 19.17.
47. We are commanded to take up the Crosse, not by base courses to shun it, Math. 16.24.
48. A man by wisedome gets an Estate, but cannot leave wisedome with his Estate, Eccles. 2.18.19.
49. If God break our Ships, and give us boards, we may swim to shoare, Acts 24.47. see Job 1.21. and Chap. 42.11.
50. The end of the wicked is Hell; not the end of their aime, but of their course, Prov. 14,12. and 16,25.
51. Every Lust streigthens us, the removall gives us liberty. Rom. 6.12.14,16 and Chap. 8 2.
52. Those which be ever drinking without Thirst, shall ever thirst without Drinking, Isa. 65.11. to the 15.
53. GOD judges certainly a priore, Man charitably a posteriore, Prov. 16.1,2. Psal. 139, all 2 Sam. 12.18. and 1 Kings 3.26,27.
54. We may be weake & wise both at once, as the Coney, the Pismire, and Chicken, see Psal. 104.18. Prov.6.6,7,8. Ch. 30.25,26. Reade and do Matth. 23.37.
55. The wicked are like a wheele, unstable, creaking, and at last burned, Psal. 83.13.
56. Beasts have a bodily presence to eate: Christians to edefie, Psal. 104.14 28. Psal. 145.15,16. Col. 4.6, 1 Tim. 1.4. Eph. 4.29 30.
57. Christ refused the Worlds Preferment, and then Angels came unto him, Matth. 4 8,9,10,11.
58. The more we subdue the Canaanites, out lusts, the more we enjoy Canaan our rest, see Judg. 2.22,23. and so of the Gibeonites, Josh. 9.27.
59. The deceitfull Trades-man workes on the ignorance or Need of the Buyer, Docet experientia rerum,
60. To do good to the godly (and (and ungodly) is not only a Curtesie, but a bounded Duty, Matth. 5.44. Gal. 6.10. Rom. 12. End so.
61. In things indifferent (or doubtfull) we are to look what is meet to be done, and then to doe it
62. Those Gifts do bind us most, that come from a free Giver, Hos. 14.4 8. Psal. 116.7,8,12.
63. If Injuries be our Enemies, let Forgivenesse be our Weapon, Rom. 12.21, Matth. 6.14,15.
64. It is well, when the End of our Passion is the Beginning of our Repentance, 2 Kings 5.11,12,13,14. Naamans case, and Peters, Mark 14.71,72.
65. The Favours that Forgetfulnesse doth hide, Thankfulnesse layes open to Review, Psal. 103.2,34,5,6,7.
66. Violent Affections to Gaine, bring violent Afflictions at the losse. See Matth. 19.22. James 5.1,2,3,4,5. Prov. 38. 1 Tim. 6.9,10.
67. Hell tormeneth only the bad, the Usurer torments the good, Rev. 21.8. and Chap. 22.15. Psalm 15.5. Neh. 5.9 10. see Prov. 28.8. Read Ezeck. 8.
68. An ill-favoured Snake is a better Companion than a well-favoured Harlot, For an Harlot is the Eve of a Serpent.
69 'Tis not comely to step from the Cradle of ignorance to the Chaire of censure, Job 32.6,7.
70. Tis better to be uncomfortably conscionable, than unconscionably comfortable, Psal. 37.16. Prov. 15.15,16,17. Chap. 16.8.
71. We should pray that Ministers may have life in their Doctrine, and Doctrine in their life, Ephes. 6.18 19. 1 Cor. 2,4,5. 1 Tim. 3.1. to the 8. vers.
72. The Hand by feeding the Body gives nourishment unto it self. 1 Cor. 12.14. to 27. verse, Epes. 4 28. and Aph. 438.
73. 'Tis an happy Wed lock to marry in Dispositions, as well as in Bodies, 2 Cor. 6.14.
74. Our corrupt nature desires not so much good things, as new things Athenean like, Acts 17.19. to 22.
75. GOD layes the Reines on Natures necke, but pulls not the Bit out of her mouth, Eccles. 1,2,3,11,12. compared, with verse 1.
76. We read often that the Devill is a Lyar, but seldome that he is a Swearer. We are too apt to beleeve the Devil will out an Oath, saies one.
77. We should alway set God before us, and our selves alwaies before him: see Psalm. 16.8. and Psal. 139 all. Isa. 29.15.
78. 'Tis an heavy loss to lose our Prayers, either the Act, or Event, Prov. 15.8. Psal 109.7.
79. God will not in trouble shelter the prophane man under his wings, Psalme 32.6,7,10,11.
80. The falls of Professors bring griefe to the godly, and scorne to the wicked, Exod. 32.21.
81. In Slaunders we should be moved more for the sin against God, then for our own hurt, and so in all other mischiefs.
82. Gods Favour makes us set light by the worlds Frowns, see Psal. 109.28. John 16.33.
83. 'Tis devillish to be evill in good company; 'tis gracious to be good in evill company, Isa. 26.10. 1. Pet. 2.7,8. Phil. 2.15.
84. An humble heart & contempt of the world are hardly gotten in Prosperity, Job 21.7. to 16. Prov. 1.32
85. A feigned Obedience in Life, brings but a feigned Comfort in Death, Job 8.13. and Chap. 20.5.
86. Those which can be content to be wicked, shall to their Discontent be counted wicked, Gen. 4.12.14.
87. Men may sin in Jest, yet at last be punished in Earnest, Prov. 10.23. Chap. 26.18,19. with Chap. 16.25.
88. We should never forget Gods Water-workes in 88. nor the Devils Fire-workes, Nov. 5.
89. He that willingly defames me, unwillingly adds to my Reward, Mat. 5.11,12. Heb. 11.26.
90. The Crane winds up heavy things; the Power of GOD raises up grosse sinners, Acts 9. all.
91. Our Wives may be lesse faire or Witty than others: yet we love them better, because they are our own.
92. A cursed person using a cursed meanes; cannot alwaies prevaile, As in Haman, Saul, Achitophell.
93. Our wealth is but a passe, to keep us from begging (vagrant-like) in our journey, see Gen 28.20, &c.
94. The last end of our thoughts should be thoughts of our last end, Deut. 32.29. Psalm. 394.
95. 'Tis better humbly to confesse Evills, than proudly to boast of our Goodness, Math. 23.12. Luke 18.10. [...]o 14.
96. What the broken heart seekes that the mercifull heart findes, and that is Mercy, Psal. 51.1.17. Matth. 57.
97. When God is our object, then the world is our abject, 1 Iohn 2.15,16,17. Matth. 6.33.
98. Sinfull pleasures will come to nothing, whether they have a being or not See Heb. 11.25.
99. There is more pleasure to subdue our lusts, than to fulfill them. See Rom. 8.1,2,7,8.
100. Those that speak so much of Luck and Fortune, have not been instructed in Gods providence.
101. We observe Injuries, let us observe our selves how we beare the [...]ame, Prov. 16.32. Chap. 24.29. Ro. 12.18, &c.
102. I will look on others Vertues, when I the more hate mine own Vices, Phil. 2,3,4. 1 Pet. 3,3,4,5,6.
103. An heart full of Goodnesse is worth many heads full of knowledge 1 Cor. 8.1. Chap. 13. all. Iames 4.17.
104. The being of sin in us brings Death, the reigning of sin in us brings [...]he second death, Rom. 5.12,21.
105. I like that Policy, that studies more to grow good than great. See Prov. 11.23. Ier. 45.5.
106. I am miserable without a Friend, and know not my Friend without misery, Job 16.2. Prov. 17.17.
107. Wicked men are so preserve [...] from Evils, as they are reserved for Evils, Jer. 12.1,2,3. Job 21.30.
108. First, let us make Conscience, and then let us make Prayers, Psalm. 66.18. Iob 11.13,14,15.
109. The desire of Grace, is Grac [...] to desire; see Prov. 11.23. Mat. 5.6. Isa. 26.8,9.
110. Bad Company, that have n [...] grace, hurts the good, that have som [...] corruption to work unpon.
111. To do no good workes; or else to trust in workes done, are our Rocks to split us: See Aporisme 293.
112. Because our Life is so miserable, tis a comfort we are mortal. see Job 14.1. Gen. 47.9.
113. If Matrimony be a matter of money, the Conclusion is, the Issue may be naught, see 1 Tim. 6.9,10.
114. ALL the sorrow of a godly man is not godly sorrow, As in Jacob, Gen. 37.35. and David, 2 Sam. 18. 33. but compared with Chap. 19. the 7. [...]irst Verses.
115. Our indisposition should trouble us as much as our ill disposition, Prov. 7.19. to the 25.
116. The Stars appeare not in the Day; and Patience is not seen in Prosperity, Rom. 15.3. Chap. 12.12. with Psal. 30.6. and Eccles. 7.14.
117. The End is first in Intention, and last in Execution, Arist.
118. Young Controversers like children turn to the end of their Book, not having learnt the beginning, se [...] Heb. 5.12.
119. 'Tis madnesse to practice first and then take advice, see Eccles. Cha [...] 5. the 7. first Verses, Prov. 20.25.
120. If Gods Word be our Counsellor all day, it will be our Comfort [...] at night, Psalme 1.2. Psalme 11 [...] 24.
121. Our times have more liberty for Conference then most of us do make use of, see Eccles. 116,7. Chap. 9 12.
122. God hears our prayer according to our good, not our Wills, Psal. 34.10. James 43. 1 John 5.14.
123. Our Care cannot alter things, let our Patience bear them, Psal. 37.1 to Verse 8.
124. 'Tis beter to have our Minds fitted to our Estates, then our Estates to our Minds Read. Mr. Burroughes Jewel, and Mr. Watsons Charter.
125. A man of solid Understanding prefers an inch of Profit before an ell of Pleasure. Isaiah. 44.9. Eccles. [...].1, &c.
126. Those that know much, may miss of Holiness: those that strive to Obey, shall not miss of Happiness.
127. The Aggravation of a great sin, is not the Approbation of a small one, Luke 12.47,48.
128. Much Hearing makes a learned Head: much Prayer makes a gracious Heart, see Isa. 55.3.6.
129 False Friends may prove true Enemies, 1 Kings 13.18. Prov. 27.5,6. and Chap. 28.23. and Chap. 23.6,7,8.
130. My Conscience hath to doe with my Sin before Commission, with my Person after Commission.
131. Wicked men be Fooles: were they wise, they would endeavour to be godly-wise, Rom. 1.22. Chap. 1.16.9.
132. Earth is the place, where many enjoy and yet loose Happiness. Job 20.5,15. Chap. 21.7. to the 19. Psal. 17.14. Psal. 37.35,36. Psal. 73.12.19.
133. My Prayers make me Love, and reverence God, and the Disposition endures afterward.
134. The Sunne stood still for Joshuah, whereas Covetousnesse was busie in Achan, Josh. 7.21. Chap., 10.13.
135. Our life is as a Day; the Night is Death; our Beds are as our Graves; our Arising is as the Resurrection.
136. We should not rashly run into secret things, nor let slip known truths: see Deut. 29.29.
137. The Birth of the Brain is striven for more than the Birth of the Body. Read and Ponder Eccles. 12.12.
138. Their waies are sinfull, that were a Mantle of non-imployment, Matth. 26.7. see Chap. 25.24. to 31. and beware idle Excuses, as Prov. 22.13
139. Our best actions are Counterfeit or Corrupt: see Job 14.4. Jer. 17.9. Isa. 64.6.
140. 'Tis fearfull to continue in sin, and hard to get out of it: see Ap. 350. compare Prov. 29.1. with Jerem. 13.23.
141. Our thoughts of GOD are, what he will do with us, for us, by us, Rom. 11.36. Rev. 4.11. Prov. 16.4.
142. 'Tis better for us to be humbled for our wickedness, than proudly to boast of our holiness, Luke 18.10.11,12,13,14.
143. That Charity which begins at home, must not end at home. Mat 7.12. Chap. 22. verse 39.
144. A seasonable reproof may serve as a Rudder to alter a mans Course a better way: see Prov. 6.23.
145. We are loaden with light Conceits and heavy Cares: with lead and feathers the back is broke.
146. The wicked think the godly to be Fools: but the godly know the wicked to be Fools experimentally.
147. In our Indispositions, Faintings and Afflictions let us look to the Reward, 2 Cor. 4.16,17,18. Heb. 12.1,2.
148. The giving of the Law was terrible: oh what shall the Day of accounts be? Exod. 19.18. and 20,18,19. 2 Thes. 7,8,9.
149. Prophane men are vicious both in Mirth and Anger; still foolish or frantick, Prov. 29 9.
150. Afflictions are as Sampsons Lyon, they afford the honey of instruction see Psal. 119.71. Heb. 12,10,11.
151. Cheerfulnesse is like Oyle, it makes us prompt and ready to good duties, Heb. 8.10.
152. Babes are nourished at the Mouth, but new-born Babes at the Eare, Job 12.11. Chapter 34.3 with 1 Pet. 2.2.
153. Afflicting sorrow bewails sin; but affecting sorrow forsakes sin; see Matthew 27.3,4. and Psalme 51.2,10,11.
154. Distraction cures not Distraction: Yielding never conquers; Believe not thy own unbelief.
155. Beauty is like an Almanacke; 'tis very soon out of date, Isa. 40.6,7. with Prov. 31.30.
156. Order is pleasant in Conceit, plaine in Demonstration, sure in Imitation; see 1 Cor. 14.40.
157. Consolations are for the well-being of the Soul: Faith and Repentance prove the being of grace.
158 Deliberation and Determination are the wise mans Oares, Luke 14. verse. 28. to the 34. learn Fore-cast and Resolution.
159. Carnall Reason, and Self-love are the very vitals of the old man. [...], and [...], are the Devills [...].
160. Boldness makes many go before their time, beyond their strength, Acts 19. verse 13. and 16. 1 Kings 20.11.
161. Errour in practice is maintained with shame; Errour in judgement with pride.
162. Enemies may crosse us, and hinder us on Earth, and yet further us to Heaven, 2 Cor. 4.17,18.
163. Death is welcome when he sindes us in Labour and Peace, not in Sin and Security, Rev. 14.13. Matth. 24.45. to the end.
164. Faith and Works are as the Ship and wares; Both are lost, or saved, James 2.14. to the end.
165. Discontent makes wants where none are, and encreases evills that be.
166. A flictions are like a showre of Raine: they make much noyse, but hurt us not; they wet, but not wound.
167. Infants do suck but weakly though there be Milk enough; we are streightned only in our selves; see 2 Cor. 6.12.
168. Action is the Crown of Vertue, and Perseverance is the Crown of Action; see Aphor. 185.
169. GOD works in us, for us, by us, blessed be his glorious Name, Isa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13.
170. The falls of Professors bring grief to the godly, and scorne to the wicked, see 2 Sam. 12.14.
171. Grace is but little encreased in those, who envie grace in others: (and indeed grace is too good for that vice.)
172. Contemplation to the soul is like Mirth and Recreation to the Body, Prov. 2.10. Chap. 17.22. and 18.1.
173. Mortification is in us indeed, but not of us, Rom. 8.13. Ephes. 2.1,25. Phil. 2.13.
174. Grace works in us Contrition for our own sins, and compassion for others sins, Zach. 12.10. Psal. 119.136.
175. Hypocrisie is the worst sin for GOD to judge, and the last sin for Man to judge, Jer. 17.9 10.
176. Mans Life is like a Bottle of wine; Moderation makes it last long, Probatum est.
177. We must, like Mariners looke up, the better to order our Course below; see Prov. 3,5,6.
178. Love is a Grace, which doth most, and distrusts leasts, 1 Cor. 13.4,5. &c. 1 John 3.16. Chap. 4,9,10.
179. Love is a debt that must be so paid, that still it is daily owing; see Rom. 13.8. and Heb. 13.1.
180. Pride makes us, like swolne members, to do little and suffer lesse.
181. Reason is like the Sunne; it shewes all under it, nothing above it. So Solomon oft hints in his Ecclesiastes.
182. Patience suffers evills present, and waites for good to come, Rom. 12.12. compared with Psalme 37.7. and James 5.7,11.
183. There is nothing terrible in Death, but that our life hath made it so. O never forget that!
184. Reproof is very grievous where Grace is wanting, see Psalm. 141.5. and Prov. 9.8. and 13.1.
185. Perseverance addes a Lustre to our Graces, as Ʋarnish does to the colours.
186. Persecutions, Prosperity, and Errours discover Hypocrites. Mat. 13.21. Job 21.7. to 16. Palme 40.4.
187, Old love being rooted still revivies upon fresh Occasions; as in Boaz, Ruth 2.11. and Jonathan, 1 Sam. 20.17.
188. Thankfulness is bred of Blessings, and preserves that which bred it, Psalm. 67.5 7. Psalme 50. last.
189 Thankefulnesse is a Sacrifice most acceptable to GOD and least painfull to Man, Psal. 50 8 to the 15.
190. Things wittie and pretty are not alwaies wise and pithie. The Tulip has rich Colours, but a beggerly Savour.
191. Ambition is the danger of the higher, Contention of the lower sort of people.
192. Time is like a Serpent with his tayle in his mouth, we see not the end of it, Eccles. 3.22. and Chap. 10.24.
193. Time is alwaies passing: Eternity is alway standing still. Time is a River: Eternity the Sea.
194. All our labour must be used with Prayer, but Prayer must not be all our labour, Ephes. 6.13. to the 19.
195. Affliction is but our Shepherds dog; he comes not to devour us, but reduce us to the fold.
196. The sins of GODS people are a surprizall not a Contrivall (for the most part)
197. No power, but that which at first did form us, is able to reform us also, Psal. 51.10.
198. Naturall light is of it self enough to damne us, but not enough to save us, Rom. 2.12. to 16. with Chap 1.20.
199. They that would have comfort in the day of the LORD, must make conscience of the LORDS Day.
200. Thy portion in Heaven is perfect, let me hasten to a perfect fitnesse
Amen.
Silver Sayings, or A Pocket-companion
The second part, by N.C.
201. The whole Creation is full of labour and noyse: only in the Creators Bosome is rest and quietnesse; see Psa. 73.25.
202. Greedinesse of pleasure makes men take much pains here, to suffer more hereafter.
203. Take heed of an Agrippa, or a Not-quiete: Almost was never saved, Acts 26.28. [...].
204. One honest Practitioner will out-ballance a throng of busie-brain'd Skepticques
205. He who looses All for Christ, shall loose nothing by Christ, but find all again in Christ, Mat. 19.29.
206. If the Mercies of God lead us, to Repentance, Repentance will lead us to the God of Mercies, Rom. 2.4. Isa. 55.7.
207. We read that GOD had too many to fight his Battails, but never that he had too few, Judg. 7.2.
208. The Curse of Meroz doth not prove Gods defect, but only chides Mans neglect, Judg. 5.23. and 1 Sam. 14.6.
209. We should pray and endeavor that our sorrow for sin may drown all our sinfull sorrow, 2 Cor. 7.10.
210. Thy will be done, is the be [...] Prayer for Ʋs to utter, or God to answer, Matth. 26.39.
211. Commonly where presumption leads the vann, there Desperation brings up the rear.
212. The worse the world is, the letter let Ʋs be; and the harder the Times, the softer let our Hearts be.
213. It argues little Wit, and lesse Grace to prefer an uncertainty before a Certainty, Prov. 17.16.
214. Those who add affliction to affliction, God will superadd iniquity to their iniquity, Psal. 79.26.27.
315. A little Dirt and Ayr, and a great deale of Sin, this is that proud thing called, MAN.
216. If my sins dye, while my Body lives, when my Body dies my Soul shall live, Col. 3.3,4,5.
217. Those who are troubled most for sin, shall be troubled least with sin, Psal. 32.3,4,5.
218. Those that have mortall war with sin, shall have immortall peace with God, Isa. 33.15,16,17.
219. We may read a mans true Conversion in his faithfull Conversation. The Life is from the Heart.
220. An Hypocrite is not himself unlesse he be mistaken for another.
221. Commonly there is but small correspondency betwixt a Leveller and an Impropriator; The one would have all himself: the other, every man a share. Both good alike.
222. God never unsheaths the Sword of his Justice; till our flinty Hearts turn the edge of his Mercy.
223. Our Saviour is a Lyon for Power and Might; yet a Lamb for Patience and Meeknesse, Isa. 53.7. with Revel. 5.5,12. and Chapter 6.15,16,17.
224. Build not upon futurity. Health is better than Physick, Prevention sweeter than a Cure.
225. Sinfull Craft is a shelter for Fooles; what is offensive to God, cannot be defensive to Man.
226. In Prayer we should not so much affect Expression, as expresse Affection, Prov. 23.26. Psalm 25.1 [...] Isa. 29.13.
227. God accepteth our poorest Endeavours, yet we under-value his richest Favours, 2 Cor. 8.12. Rom. 2.4.
228. Lay not thy head to Rest untill thou hast got an Interest in everlasting Rest. See 403.
229. One sinfull thought make Forfeiture of the Body to the worm [...] and the Soul to the Devils, Gal. 3.10
230. A gracious heart is ashamed of nothing but Sin, and proud of nothing but his Saviour.
231. A prayerlesse wretch is dead in sin; for what Ayre is to the Body, Prayer is to the Soul.
232. The Devill supplants us in the first Adam, but God transplants us into the second.
33. No Sin, or Mercy can be termed small in it Self, and properly, but comparatively it may.
234. Some Giants are Dwarses in respect of Others, and some Dwarfes are Giants compared with Others.
235. Those Eyes that have bee [...] the In-le s to sweet Lust, should be th [...] Out-lets of salt Tears, Luke 7.37 38.
236. A good man in ill Compan [...] is like a green stick among dry ones▪ they may fire Him, not He quen [...] them.
237. What ever we work for God▪ God works first in us: so there is n [...] plea for Mans pride, but much fo [...] Gods praise. Esa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13.
238. A bad man would faine be worse, but a good man chides himsel [...] for being no better. Compare Isa. 1.5 [...] with Jer. 13.19.
239. Bathsheba's Bathing proves Davids Defilement; but Davids Defilement becomes his own Washing. 2 Sam. 2.11. Psal. 51.
240 A beggerly reward Iames Diligence, but a bounteous Recompence will set it on its Feet again.
241. 'Tis abundantly better to prevent the Maladie, then to invent the Remedie. Principiis obsta, &c.
242 Gods Care of us, and our Meditations of Him are sweeter then the Droppings of the Virgin Honey-Comb.
243 Our own Miscarriages teach us, better buy Wisdom dear, then die a Fool. See Aph. 146.
244 A wicked Wretch may be in a good Mood, and a good Soul may be in an ill Temper.
245 As there is no good Motion, but is from God, so there is no true Rest, but si in God.
246 It argues much light to see little sins; but it argues much life to see the same, Psal. 19.8.12.
247 Oh that we did but spend as much Time, and take as much pains with our Hearts, as our Heads, 1 Pet. 3.3,4,5.
248 The best men may read their own Principles in the worst mens practices, Eph. 2.3. 1 Cor. 6.9.10,11.
249 Those that will not pray till they are Saints, will not go into the Water till they can swim.
250 To make to the Creature for shelter against Gods wrath, is to run into the River to escape Rain.
251 Spiritual Endowments are the better for use, and never the worse for wearing, Mat. 6.20. Luk. 12.23.
252 We must not value things by the greatness of the Quantitie, but by the goodness of the Qualitie Gen. 4.7. 2 Cor. 8.12.
253 Serious Matter stuft with light Flashes is like a grave Matron in a whorish dress. Note 1 Thess. 5.22, and Eph. 5.3.
254 We are very inclinable to accuse Others, that we may excuse our Selves. Gen. 3.12,13.
255 They that walk most conscientiously, lie down most comfortably, Psal. 37.37. Esa. 57.2. Gal. 6.16.
256 'Tis but a starveling Patience, that cannot out-live the other odde vexation, Jams 1.4.12. Chap. 5.7.10.11.
257 To excuse the default by Drunkenness is no Extenuation of the guilt, but Agravation.
258 'Tis an uncharitable Ignorance to censure that for a love of Errour, which was but an errour of Love, 1 Sam. 17.28.29.
259 To tempt a man to Evill, and then after-wards to accuse and condemne him is Devillish.
260 We should rather forget to eat when we are an hungry, then to bless God when we are full.
261 We must neither doat on our own self-sufficiencie nor doubt of Gods All-sucfficiencie, Gen. 17.1 2 Cor. 3.5. compare John 15.5. with Phil. 4 13.
262 Give the LORD of HOTS his due: Man fights, but GOD alone conquers, 1 Sam. 17.47. Eph. 6.10. Rom. 16.20.
263 For the most part we discern Benefits and Favours better absent then present, Hos. 5.15. Psalm 78.34. Isa. 26.16.
264 'Tis a good wind blowes no man hurt, but a better that blows all men good, such is Mercy, Psal. 145.9.
265 'Tis more feasable to be well, then to know it, and easier to have happiness, then to find it, Luk. 19.42. Prov. 17.16.
266 Gods word is a Fire, which turns all where it fastens into its own nature and qualitie, Jer. 5.14. and ch. 23.29. and ch. 20.9.
267 Those who doe what becomes them, never need fear what becomes of them, Acts 24.16. 2 Cor. 1.12.
268 A souls union with Christ is easily demonstrable by its thirsting desire of Communion with him, see Psal. 86.11. Cant. 1.4.
269 Nature is a Law, Custome is a Tyrant, but Obstinacy is a full grown Devil: see Jer. 13.23. and Zach. 7.11. [...]
270 A disturbed Mind is like troubled Waters, the worst Looking glass that can be for self reflexions, I say 57.20.21.
271 A good Bruit is better then a wicked Man, and Children had better have been still born, then live and die stubborn.
272 They that are cruel to a man because he is a Minister, stab Christ in the Eye. Beware your thoughts, see, Zach. 2.8.
273 'Tis more tolerable to imitate the Worst in the best things, then the Best in the worst things, 1 Cor. 11.1.
274 Look how much we arrogate unto our own applause, so much we derogate from Gods praise.
275 Terrestrial Joyes are trifling Toyes: Time takes them from Vs, or Death takes us from them.
276. The Slug-a-bed wakes, but his Heart sleeps; the Good-husband sleeps, but his Heart wakes.
277. A good conversation is the conservati [...]n of the good. Love, and Live, 1 Thes. 5.11. ch. 4.18. 1 Cor. 14.26.
278 Where there is great solitariness, there had need be no small self-wariness, Gen. 2.18. Eccl. 4.10.
279. Sinfull pleasures wil not quit the cost and paines we are at for the procurement of them, Eccles 1.2,8.
280 'Tis a beggerly blaze that hath not warmth enough to pay for its blowing, see Isa. 50. to the end.
281. Nip sinne in the Budd. It is easier blowing out a Candle, then an House on fire. See the 42. saying.
282. Spiritual Prudence is like Salt of litle Bulke, but of exceeding great Efficacie, see Col. 4.6. and Eph. 4.29.
283 By practising one Sermon, we prepare our selves the better to heare another, John 7.17.
284 Some go to Sea to learn to pray; and instead thereof, I think, learn to swear.
285 'Tis an heavy thing to fall out of the throne of Ambition into the pit of Perdition, Isay 14.12,13, &c.
286 They that will go to Heaven, must look to be wet by the way; but though wet, they must not be weary. Psal. 84.6.
287 He that points at Earth with one finger, had need look up to heaven with both eyes, see Col. 3.1.2.
288 Use your Will: But bitter Physick is farre more desirable, then sweet poyson. Probatum est.
289 This life is our seed time, the valley of Tears is our transitory to the Mountain of Glorification. Psal. 84 6. Judg. 2.1,4,5.
290 Sweet Lust is like the Bee with honey in the mouth, but a sting in the tayle; see Prov. 23.32.
291 If the End can be had without the Means, we may expect that our Bread should grow ready baked. see James 5.7.
292 Christ sets not the best side outward like man, but reserves the best wine till the last, John 2.10.
293 To neglect the means, or to make them our bottome for confidence are a like atheisticall, see Aphor. 111.
294 The Corruption of the best is the worst: the amendment of the worst is the best of all, 2 Pet. 32.20 &c. Heb. 6.4,5,6. 1 Tim. 1.12.13.
295 What a snailes-pace the Soul moves Heaven-ward, while she groans under this bodily shell!
297 The same Truth speaks Consolation to the humble Soul, and Desolation to the proud Spirit, as Jerem. 17.10.
297 Many times internal Depressions of Heart non-plus all externall Expressions of Hand or Tongue. Pro. 14.10.
298 The Body sometimes bleeds, though the Eyes weep not: and why may not the Soul do the like?
299. Now and then we may read the Heart in the Face, and the Sin in the judgement, Judg. 1.7. 1 Sam. 15.33
300 The smallest Blessing we have is undescrved à Priori, and Irrequitatable à Posteriori.
301 To be afraid of doing evill is a very noble and honourable kind of cowardliness, Gen. 29. Prov. 3.7.
302 Good Inclinations and Abilities are both from GOD alone: he wills the work, and works the will, Phil. 2.12. 2 Cor. 3.5.
303. 'Tis the Devils May-game, to set a mans Judgement and Practice together by the Ears. See 2 Tim. 2.26. and Jam. 4.17.
304 There is no place too holy for God, but there is a place too high for him, the proud heart, see Isa. 66.1.2. and ch. 57.15. with Psal. 138.6.
305 Sweet Rarities are difficults: Roses are armed with Prickles, Honey is engarison'd with Bees.
306 One Grain of reall Honesty will outballance many Mountains of shifting Subtilty.
307 Those are the best Books that do not bribe us from, but send us to the Scriptures, Isa. 8.20.
308 As God loves a cheerfull giver, so he Himself loves to give cheerfully, Ja. 1.5. with 2 Cor. 9.7.
309 Many are rich without Money, and merry without Laughter, and honourable without Applause, James 2.5. Prov. 14.13. 2 Cor. 5.12. Rom. 2.29.
310 As too much Learning makes a man mad, so too little makes him a Fool. Ponder that, Acts 26.24. with Prov. 1.5.
311 A droppe of Gods Blood is enough to sweeten an whole Ocean of sin and sorrow, 1 John 1.7. Rev. 1.5. Heb. 9.13,14.
312 He makes a good market of a bad Commoditie, who vanquishes discourtesies with kindness, Matth. 5. end. Luke 6.35,36,37.
313 To recollect stale in juries, and bear in mind sowre Grudges, is devillish childish, see Pro. 19.11. & ch. 24.29.
314 The least glimpse of Gods Fvaour casts a thick darkness upon all terristriall glory, Psal. 4. Hab. end.
315 How often can we do that in the face of God, which he would blush to speak of to a fellow-sinner, Psal. 90.8. Psal. 69.5. Psal. 56.8.
316 The bed-rid Patient is Gods Prisoner: the covetous Tarry at home the Devils in golden Fetters.
317 An ill Conscience beats the Hypocrite with sand-bags, mortally, but yet imperceptibly.
318 An Infant is in affect rasa tabula, a blanck-book, you may as yet write in it, what you please, Gen. 18.19. Deut. 6 7. Prov. 22.6.
319 'Tis more tolerable to be a lavish Prodigall, then to be a slavish Pinch-paunch Eccles. 5. the 3 last and ch. 6. the 2 first.
320 We cannot alwayes tell what's a clock in a mans Breast, by the Dyall of his Face. Fronti nulla Fides, Jer. 17.9.10 1 Sam. 16 7.
321 'Tis miraculous for the Dead to Live again, but much more for the Life of the world to die.
322. What our prudence cannot cunningly for-goe, our patience must quietly undergoe.
323. Shew me the man that is favrurable to Others, and severe to Himself, and if I do not love Him, hate Me.
324 Both are a like absurd, words out of season, and works out of Reason, Eccl. 3.1.7.10.
325 Those that open the Eyes of the blind, must hide Themselves, that the Sun of Righteousness may be seen
326 He who takes Reproof most willingly, least deserves it of any man; see Prov. 98. & 28.23.
327 Where Folly is the seed, shame is the fruit; and where Lust is the work, sorrow is the wages, Rom. 6.21,23.
328 When Peter looks upon the Sunne of Righteousness, it makes his Eyes water abundantly, Luk. 22.61.62.
329 Our least sinnes out-vie our greatest sufferings: Gods least Mercies excell our greatest Praises.
330 Gods Word makes Children like the Aged, and keeps the Aged from being like Children, see Psalm 119.99.100.
331 Humane Learning, Moonlike, hath its blemishes, its changes; and shines but with a borrowed lights 1 Cor. 4.7.
332 Till Conversion our hearts are but meer blotting paper, and our Thoughts but wild scriblings.
333 He that feeds the Wolf, kills the Sheep, say the Jews: and he that spares a Lust stabs a Soul, may we say.
334 God is the Heart-maker, Heart-searcher, Heart-mender, Heart-keeper, and Heart-satisfier, Psal. 51.10. Jer. 17.10. Ps. 4.6.
335 Many are so extream pievish against humane learning, that they have unlearnt all humanitie.
336 The unbeliever dies of constraint, as a prest man: the Believers dies of choice like a true Voluntier.
337 The world is full of Promises: but those Promises are empty per formances.
338 We must not adventure to put off Repentance till we put on Immortalitie: see 2 Cor. 6.2.
339 Our Memories are meere Sives, they will neither retain the Flower, nor yet part with the Bran.
340 The blind man eats many a Fly: Go to then, Blunderers beware Belzebub, 2 Cor. 4.4.
341 They that will not submissively bow to CHRIST, shall irrecoverably be broken by Him.
342 They that will not see the KING of Kings golden Scepter, shall surely feel his Iron Rod, Psalm. 2. all.
343 The Art of prevention is every way better and safer, then the Art of invention. See Aph. 241.
344 'Tis not the going into the Fornance, but the coming out, which demonstrates the Mettall.
345 Where the Remedie is worse then the Disease, questionless there the Physitian is a FOOL.
346 Where the Remedie is worse then the Disease, it is better being sick, then well, 2 King. 1.6.
347 Choak Lust in the Embryo: Better stamp upon an Egge, then look upon a reigning Basilisk.
348 'Tis but a merciless compassion to preserve that, which will utterly destroy our selves.
349 Remember Time past, consider Time present, and fore-stall Time future, Rev. 2.5.
350 If we make Mercy fewel for Lust: certainly Lust will make Vs [...]ewel for Hell, Rom. 2.4,5.
351 There are many that have [...]reat parts, and yet are very Fooles [...]or want of good Hearts.
352 He who robs God of his first [...]uits, forfeits the whole Crop to the [...]evil, Mal. 1.14. and ch. 3.10.
353 Doe nothing without Fore [...]ght or Fore-cast. A little wariness [...]events much weariness.
354 Backward, nor forward are some good. A Churle is a Lurch, and a Nabal is a Laban.
355 They who doe good again [...] their Will, doubtless would as fai [...] do Evill with their Will.
356 A good Hand-maid makes a good House-wife, and a good Manservant makes a good Master.
357 He had need be extraordinary Patient, who has the Devil for hi [...] Doctor: see 2 Reg, 1.1,2, &c.
358 Many Heathens by education prove Christians by conversation: an [...] many Christians by education prov [...] Heathens by conversation.
359 Men would be mute concerning their ability, if they did but consider their mutabilitie.
360 Life is a puffe, God is our Paymaster: Let us do good according to our own Abilitie, and our Neighbours Necessitie, Gal. 6.10.
361 One Default makes a thing imperfect, but all good Circumstances go to make it perfect.
362 To forbear doing ill, for want of Skill, and not of Will, is the Innocencie of a Fool.
363 Many a sufficient Workman is well given, and yet his Labour and Pains is ill taken.
364 To do no ill makes not a perfect good Man; but to do no good makes an absolute evill Man.
365. If we shew Mercy when wee can best spare it, God will return it when we most need it, Gal. 6.9,10.
366. Believe not thy own Unbelief. 'Tis an ill Disease, where the Physitian is a Murtherer. Read 2 Kings 1.2. to the 7. Verse.
367. He that hath never so much earnest businesse, must be at leisure to Dye prepared, or unprepared. Luke 12.18,19,20.
368. The loss of Evill is great gain. The Mortification of the Old men, is the Fortification of the New. Rom. 8.13.
369. Pray and Prosper; Aske and receive; Beg and speed; but Nothing crave, Nothing have, Matth. 7.7. Jam. 4.2.
370. The Supremacy of Reason must not be counter-byassed by the Popularity of the Senses.
371. If poore sinners would but be more dutifull, assuredly they would be lesse doubtfull, 2 Cor. 9.7. Chap. 8.12.
372. Where the water is parcel'd out into so many Rivolets, the Main current starves. See Luke 10.41,42. Psal. 37.4. Psal. 73.25.
373. They that rage against the wayes of GODS Providence, do but throw scalding Water to Windeward, See Job 9.4. Cha. 33.13. 1 Cor. 10.22.
374 Self-love is the quench coal of Brotherly-love, and Self-wil is the break neck of Self-denial, Phil. 2.4,21 Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3.2,3,4.
375 Tart Reprehension from a kind Friend, is like Limmon and Sugar, sharp and sweet, see Prov. 27.5,6. Psal. 141.5.
376 Patiently hear Admonition. Many that have lived Fearless, have died Earless.
377 The Conquest of one Bosome Foe is worth many Tears, and much Time and Labour.
378. Dispatch, Dispatch, make what haste we can possible, Night will bring us home. 1 Cor. 7.29, &c.
379 'Tis a mercifull Tyranny to wrack sinne, and shew no favour to a Destroyer.
380 Two hungry meales make the third a Glutton, two gluttonous meales make the third a starveling.
381 When we fight against God with his Own Mercies, we beat our selves with our Own Sinnes.
382 Our land is like Gydeons Fleece, Judg. 6.38. and yet our hearts (quite contrary) are like Gideons Fleece, verse 40.
383 The poor man is thus farre happy beyond others, in that he hath nothing to loose: Se Job 1.21. 1 Tim. 9.7.
314. From Creatures we must neither beg nor buy Commendation, nor yet feare Condemnation.
385. Good drinke makes good blood. I but how? Just as good Water, makes good Pottage.
386. The Devill commonly cozens us, by perswading us we cozen him.
387. A good mans Tongue many time sh [...]edly sets an ill Dogs Teeth of work, ex inopinato.
388. He who is both prudent and innocent, shall neither deceive, nor be deceived, See Mat. 10.16.
389 The Highest, greatest, and richest, are but Gods Beggers; we all do live by his love.
390. Wee must learn to promise with Vnderstanding and Discretion, & to perform with Love and Affection.
391. Weeping Eyes are not to be wincked at, nor yet to be looked upon with dry Eyes; See Luke 7.38. Chap. 22.62.
392. The World is the Booke of the Creature: The Word is the Booke of the Creator too; see Psalme 19.1.7.
393. 'Tis humane to suffer ill, Divine to do good. Patience and Love will go through both.
394 A Schollar of great Reading and small Parts, lives upon Collections and Exhibitions from Friends.
395 He who makes great Promises and small Performances, must expect great shame and small Thanks▪
396 Many abuse good will, and turn a sacred Priviledge into a privie Sacriledge.
397 Better do well and fare ill, then do ill, and fare worse. Did not I tell you so before?
398 This World is for labour and appetite; the Next is for rest and satisfaction: Be patient then a while.
399 Teach without Envy, Learn without Shame; then thou art both wise and humble.
400 Where Love hath ingress, Thanks hath egress: and where Grace hath progress, Sin hath regress.
401 Affection without Knowledge, is Heat without Light, like a close hot Oven.
402 Knowledge without Affection, is Light without Heat, like a frosty Moon shine.
403 Let it be thy firm Resolution to get thy full Absolution, before thy finall Dissolution, Mat. 5.25. see 228.
404 Vp and be doing, and prosper. More die of the Lazies, then of Labour and Travail: See 1 Chr. 22.16.
405 A Brow of Brass, and a Neck of Iron, procures an Heaven of Brass, and an Earth of Iron, Jer. 3.3.
406. Others Falls are not our Foot-stools, or stumbling-blocks, but rather our Looking glasses.
407. Say not, God hath thrown such an one by as an useless pot-sheard: for, The Lord knoweth who are his, 2 Tim. 2.19.
408. Despise none for their Weaknesse, despair of none for their Wickednesse: Our times are in Gods hand, Psal. 31.15.
409. God will not endure to see Pride stamp on Peace, Violence kick Mercy, nor Rigour over-master Love.
410. To bid carnall Security still Conscience, is but to set a Sleeper to Rock the Cradle.
411. Under-value not the Poore: we cannot want the Dust-man, the Dung-hill raker, the Chimney-sweeper, nor the Gold-finder.
412. He that acts meerly from a principle of Power, Policy, and Self-will, shall surely fall by his own Contrivances, Job 5.12,13.
413. It does me more good then my Victuals, to see but the Devil miss of his Ayme and befoole himself, Job 5.12,13,14,15.
414 Wee should not thinke so much upon what others do, as upon what our selves ought to do, John 21.21,22.
415. Brasse and Steele have slaine their thousands of Bodies; but Gold and Silver their tenne thousands of Souls.
416 Bad men (indeed I confess) have some good thoughts: I, but good men have more bad thoughts.
417 Many hold forth so long, that at last, I fear they will hardly hold out to the last.
418 They say, Deeds are male, and Words female: but I am sure, Thoughts are doubtfull.
419 That, whereon we lay out much (unless we are compleat fools) we lay up safe, Mat. 13.44.
420 Ply well the Twig while it is green. If Youth be sick of the Willnots, Old-age will die of the Cannots.
421 Fierie Furie, and key-cold Charity opens the doors to a Luke-warm Christianitie.
422 I have told you often enough of it, That The poore in purse are for Communitie: The poore in spirit are for Ʋnitie.
423 One Ʋnion in Heaven is worth more then all the Gems, Pearls, Diamonds and Diadems on Earth.
424 Fellow-members mutually sympathize; but the whole Body condoles the sick Heart.
425 Brotherly-love is no looser. The Head is beholding to the Feet, and the Belly is the Hands best Pay-master: see the 72. Aph.
426. Mans Performances must learn to borrow strength of Gods Promises, John 16.23. James 1.5.
427. 'Tis more tolerable and safe to suffer the greatest Injury, then to do the least, 2 Thes. 1.6,7.
428. Let us be thankfull for what we have, and we shall the better obtain of God what we have not.
429. The Lord will blesse that Basket, and that Store, out of the which we do relieve the Poore, Luke 6.38. Eccles. 11.1,2.
430. Wealthy I would be; for Live I may: but Honest I will be, for Dye I must, Jer. 17.9,10,11.
431. When we want Comforts, then we are mad for Anger: but when we have them, then we are mad for Joy.
432. Neither Creator, nor creature would hurt us, if we would but be true to our own Soules, 1 Pet. 3.13.
433. We can never part with too much for Him, who parted with All that ever he had for Ʋs, Phil. 2.7. [...]. He emptied or Evacuated Himself.
434 Say not in thy heart, God is mercifull, therefore I may be sinfull; but God is mercifull, therefore I must be thankefull.
435. A little that is good, is as much as I desire, and more then I deserve: or else I am a very lyar, to say so. See Prov. 30.8. Psal. 37.16. Gen 32.10.
436 God will not beat his Children for nothing, much less wil he beat them to nothing, Psalm 107.17. and Jer. 10.24.
437 We are greedie of Benefits when we want them, and yet we are ungratefull, when we have obtained them, see 456.
438 As those that will not work, must not eat, so those that may not eat, cannot work, Prov. 16.25. and a Thes, 3.10. see Aph. 72.
339 The young Storke nourishes the old one, and Children should not altogether die in the Parents debt.
440 Many times as the Cat serves the Mouse, even so the greater Thiefe leads the less to execution.
441 The melancholly Soul fights with shadowes, and beats himself with his own weapons.
442 That which breaks out in the Body or Skin, commonly went in first at the Head, Docet experientia rerum.
443 True Riches by distribution feel no diminution, but by Communication get an Augmentation.
444 'Tis an ill Disease that hides it self, and a soar beaten Child, that dares not Cry. Get that without book.
445 To fast and watch and pray, and then relapse again, is to wash our Hands, and snuff the Candle.
446. One Calling is enough at once, The deepest Engineers are not alwaies the richest Men.
447. One would think the Head should lay to heart, what the Hand layes out of the Store-house, Luke 14.28.
448. There is no Patience in Hell; but we may be sure, that there is an Hell in Impatience, Ephes. 4.26,27.
449. The whole world is full of Gods glory; And yet our Wicked Hearts are empty of his grace.
450 Commit thy way to GOD, and submit thy Will, and he will compose thy Affections, and dispose thy Actions, Psal. 37.3. Prov. 16.3.
451. What an Heaven would it be to our Souls, if we were but halfe so unwilling to sin, as God is to punish? Lam. 3.33.
452. So grosse is our folly, that We take more paines to be miserable, then we need to do to be happy, Isa. 55.1,2.
453. Except Sin be seperate from our Souls, it will seperate our Souls from our Bodies, and both from God, Isa. 59.2. Ezek. 18.4.
454. What loades of Offences and Provocations does the Lord beare, long before ever he complains! Isa. 43.24. Amos 2.13.
455. We are naturally more taken, with a grain of seeming Pleasure, then a mountain of reall Profit.
456 We do contemptuously under value Mercies in the enjoyment: but highly prize them at the removal, see the 437.
457 Instead of conquering evil with goodness, we repay evil for good unto God himself, Isa. 1.2. Deut. 32.5,6.
458 God will assuredly answer our Prayers graciously, if our lives and conversations answer them so.
459 Christs Excellency is exalted farther above the Heavens, then it is hence to the Heavens.
460 The worst thinks himself better then he is, and the best is worse then he thinks himself.
461 The best work that ever we can perform in thought, word and work, is to reform All, Isa. 1.11.16. &c.
462 Our most enlarged Prayers and Professions can no more satisfie GOD themselves, then Thoughts and Words can pay Debts.
463 In God, not only We, but also our Graces, Comforts, and Vertues, do live, move, and exist, Ioh. 15.5.
464 We should shun such profits as purchase Gods displeasure, and hate such pleasures as procure our Soules disprofit.
465 GOD needs nothing that we have, to felicitate Him, no more then the Sun needs a Candle to see Day by.
466. Never be weary of the godly Mans company: In good society there should be no satiety, Psal. 16.3.
467. The Lord Jesus hath more Compassion in store, then all the World can make use of, or stand in need of.
468. The Soul is a Tree, the Faculties are Branches, the Thoughts are Buds, the words are Leaves, the Actions are Fruit.
469. That same Travailer that takes most heed to his Wayes, makes best speede to his End, Prov. 4.23,26.
470. We cannot think too bad of our selves, nor speake good enough of God: Yet he prizes us, we slight Him.
471. The Lord is not only a God hearing Prayers; but also (Isa. 65.24.) preventing prayers.
472. The Godly mans down-fall, is his uprising, the Wicked mans uprising is his down-fall, Psal. 37.23,24. Psal. 73.18,19.
473. Most men walk in the broad Way, and yet every man thinks to enter in at the streight Gate, Mat. 7.13. Prov. 16.25.
474. There is no man living so Young, that he should presume, nor any so Old, that he should despair of Mercy.
475. I must pray for the Churches persecutors, and so I do: Lord, forgive their sinnes, and give, them lesse Power, and us more Patience.
476 He that cheats Himself is a foolish Knave: he that cheats the Devil is an honest Knave.
477 Where is reall sinceritie in the Life, there will be unwearied perseverance till Death, Gal. 6.9. 1 Cor. 15. last.
478 That Eye will never endure to look the Sun in the face, to which a Torch is tedious, see Jer. 12.5. and Aph. next.
479 How shall any behold a Consuming fire, who cannot endure the sight of a Saint? Psal. 1.5. Heb. 12. last see John 5.35.
480 'Tis a royal shame, when that vice is in a King that is intolerable in a Kingdome, Deut. 18.10,11. 1 Sam. 28.7.
481. Magistrates and Ministers too oft (like the Sea) can tame others, but not themselves, Rom. 2.17. to 25. with verse, 1,2,3.
482. 'Tis an unconceivable Advantage, to let slip the Occasion of doing evill, 1 Tim. 5.14. 1 Thes. 5.22.
483. Be our Voyage long, or short, swift, or slow, prosperous or adverse, We all anchor in the Earth. See Job. [...] 26.
484. Take but out the Water, and ye shall find the Sea a Grave to bury thousands among Fish-Wormes.
485. The Devill promises like a Merchant, but he performes like a Man of War, Matth. 4. Eph. 2.2.
486. Those in high dignities, like men upon perillous Precipices, are more pittyable, then envyable.
487. A Venice glass may, through carefull usage, out last a piece of Silver Plate unlook'd unto.
488. A small Boate many times out-lives a Tempest, when an able Bottome makes an hole in the Sea.
489. Many small Leakes may sinck the Ship: and many small Sins may drown the Soul in Perdition.
460. All carnall delights are Wine in the morning: Beere at noone, and Vinegar at night.
491. Incendiaries want not VVoe, but VVit: When the House is on fire, pray wher's the Bellowes? see Aphorism, 495.
492. No sooner can any man get publique Approbation, but base Envy fly-blowes his Reputation. See to Eccl. 10.1.
493. Every Foole can make a Foole; but he is cunning indeed, that can make a wise man.
494. Where the Heart is of a sound Constitution within, there the life will be of a sweet Complection without.
495. Mischief-mongers are like Fire-ships: while they martyr others they bespeak but an hot bargain for themselves.
496. Unruly Rulers are like Ninepins, advanced one by one, to be thrown down by sixes and seavens.
497. Covetous men are like the salt Sea; though they drink many Rivers, yet they are still unsatified. See Eccles. 17.
498. Wicked men ply their Prayers, as the Saylors their Pump, onely in a Tempest, and for fear of sinking, see Hos. 5.15. Jona. 1.
499. He that will not sweat must weepe; he that will not labour, must be belaboured. See Prov. 20.4.
500. A Wise man can learn farre more from a Foole, then a Foole can from a Wise Man, Prov. 24.30,31,32.
Post-script to the READERS.
Mercurius Desideratus. THE WISE DOVE, OR TAME SERPENT; viz. The Conscionable Politician Compendiously characterised in Prose & Verse.
By Nathanael Church.
Behold I send you forth as Sheep in the midst of Wolves: be ye therefore prudent as Serpents, and sincere as Doves.
Printed in the Year, 1657.
The wise Dove, or Tame Serpent.
HAppy is the Mans whose Meditation, are pure, whose Discourses are savory, & whose lise is holy: who speakes as he thinkes, & doth as he speakes. Who is a coward in Sin, but bold in Godlinesse.
2. Whom neither Sight can entice, nor Might enforce to do Evill: But he doth Good, and speakes Truth even gratis, & is peremptorily resolved to be honest in spight of Earth and Hell.
3. Whose Promises never out-run his Performances for want of Forecast, or after-Care. Whose Designes may be naked, & yet not ashamed. Who is not sad at glad-tydings, nor coyns Impostures to sing his own party into a Fools-dream.
4. Who bends his Mind to shoote at Perfection, though the Arrowes of his Endeavour fall short. Who loves not to plead Ignorance. Who conquers his Enemies by Patience, and murthers Injuries with Courtesies.
5. Who desires, to be both to GOD and Man a sincere Nathanael, a true Church-Member, in Faith and Affection, without Malice, though not without Evill. Whose Humanity and Humility can never be Bankrupt.
6. Whose well doing wearies out all his bad Pay-masters. Who sweates out the malignancy of Idleness. VVho is free hearted, and publique Spirited, and robs not Others of Himself.
7. Who never prides himself in temporary trifles, or future uncertainties. Who is not mad, but modest. Who scornes impudently to swagger with what his Master lent him.
8. Who furbushes his vertuous Habits by frequent Acts, and lets not his Time, nor Thoughts runne at wast. Who thinkes himself lesse then the least Mercy; and yet the whole world is not enough to fill his In-side.
9. Who doth not invisibly wound his Brothers good name with Words worse then Blows. Who is more Conscionable then most men desire to be, and yet is angry with himself for being no better.
10. VVho whines not after his Neighbours glittering dust; nor is toy-sicke, like an bard to be pleased, Changeling, or incorrigible Self-humourist; who cares not so much for Liberty, as for Conscience.
11. VVho aspires not to a faire Place by foule Play: who is not beggered by Plenty, nor made a Miser through Prosperity: who strives not to make the golden MINE a Possessive, nor poore Mens GETTINGS A Participle.
12. VVho magnifies the Creator, and parvifies the Creatures: who sets his Face towards the Sun of Righteousnesse, and by turning his backe upon transitory Delights, makes them shadow-like flock after him.
13. Who is not cunning enough to deceive Himself, nor foolish enough to let others deceive him. Who is of a Serpentine prudence, lest Another should hurt Him, and of a Columbine sincerity, lest He should hurt Another.
14. Whose Thoughts are like deepe, though cleare Waters, that may be seene into unto the middle, but not through to the bottome. Who is able to give, and willing to take good Advice.
15. Who studies not to cheat his own Soul, nor wearies himself with Frivolous Impertinencies, neglecting the one thing necessary. But being sensible of his own nothingnesse, esteemes Christ All in All.
16. VVho is wise to do Good, bu [...] to do Mischief has no Knowledge▪ VVho by his prudentiall Innocency befooles the profound Politician, and confutes the grand Impostor.
17. VVho the older he growes, the newer he is daily; and the more decrepit and crocked his Bodie is, the more straight and upright is his Mind. VVho is both inferiour to the VVormes; and yet superiour to the Angels.
18 VVho by Faith and Love disbosomes himself of all Self-interest: improves all he has for Gods glory, who turns all to his good. VVho, when we have seen & heard the best of him, still is far better within doores. Such a ones company Angels long for.
Post-script Quibuslibet.
FRiends, there was an errour, or Vice, in the Title of the Dedication hereof, through the Remoteness of the Authour, from the Presse: And the late Advancement of the Patron. Wherefore tis thought good, to leave out the Epistle Dedicatory to prevent a Generall Mistake
1. NEighbours, lay aside Partiality, or the Booke, which you please, it will not hurt you unlesse you will.
2. That Reader who is over critical, I am sure is Hypocriticall.
3. 'The self-same thing; if this man did it, it is too too Conceited; if another, tis Ingenious.
4. Nothing can be so bad, but some like it; nothing so good, but some dislike it.
5. Tis as hard to gratifie Every man, as to please ones Own fickle humour.
6. VVhen I do well, I am envied: when ill, I am upbraided: Countreymen, what ayle ye?
7. Friends, Ye are many: But were ye more; do but agree among your selves, and I'le give you all satisfaction.
8. True, My Garden has Weeds, as well as Hearbs; my Field Tares, as well as Wheat; my Bush Prickles, as well as Roses.
9. The Spider drawes deadly poyson from the cordiall Slips; the Bee suckes honey from the heartlesse Weed.
10. My Apples have some soundness, licke not the rotten: My Sieve some Flower, eat not the Bran.
11. The sincerest Israelites may be, not without his Guilt, yet without his Guile.
12. The truest NATHANIEL may have his Errata, and the purest CHƲRCH its Imperfections here.
Imprimatur,