Advice to a son; or Directions for your better conduct through the various and most important encounters of this life. Vnder these generall heads I. Studies &c. II. Love and marriage. III. Travell. IV. Government. V. Religion. Conclusion.

Advice to a son; or Directions for your better conduct through the various and most important encounters of this life. Vnder these generall heads I. Studies &c. II. Love and marriage. III. Travell. IV. Government. V. Religion. Conclusion.

Table of contents

Title page

To the Reader.

To his Son.

READER.

ADVICE TO A SON. I. STUDIES. &c.

To the Reader, concerning the following Discourse of Love, and Marriage.

ADVICE TO A SON. II. Love & Marriage.

ADVICE TO ASON. III. Travell.

ADVICE TO A SON. IV. Government.

ADVICE TO A SON. V. Religion.

VI. Conclusion.

§

§

[Page] [Page] Advice to a Son; or Directions For your better Conduct Through the various and most important Encounters of this Life.

Ʋnder these Generall Heads

I. Studies &c.

II. Love and Marriage.

III. Travell.

IV. Government.

V. Religion.

Conclusion.

OXFORD. Printed by Hen: Hall Printer to the University, for Thomas Robinson 165 [...].

To the Reader.

[Page]

[Page]

SUch as make it their businesse, with the Spider, to suck out the Crudities and Corruptions in Bookes, are unlikely to faile of Matter here: yet may come farre short of the Credit and Good might accrue to themselves and others, did they pore lesse [Page] on what is really amisse, and more on that which is not yet brought under a perfect Knowledge (unpossible to be taken up pure by those that begin but now to scramble for it:) NewOpinions, though perhaps untrue, rather gaining, then loosing Repute by Opposition; This breeds matter of wonder, why so maney should hazard their Fame, by running and yelping after those prodigious Wits of this last Age, B. D. H. &c. Who are not unable, with Abner, to silence these swifter [Page] writers with the Butt-end of of their Quils; and so richly endowed from Nature, as they are able to trafick upon their single stock, without obliging the credit of antient Authors, who for ought I know, were of poorer Parts, and might learne of them, were they in being. This is said to honour those that can take their pastime in the Depths of Reason; and not to shroud my poore Interest under theirs, whose Bookes deserve better Coverings, then can be picked out of the choisest of my Papers, or theirs [Page] that have the impudence to traduce them. To conclude, Many that can buy Bookes, want Wit to use them.

To his Son.

[Page]

Son,

I Have forborne to set your Name on the Forehead of these Animadversions, not that I am ashamed either of Them or You, but for such like Reasons.

First, because some Truths, I here indeavour to make legible, [Page] the tyranny of Custome and Policy labors to conceale, as destructive to the Project of Government; and therefore unlikely to passe by wise men, without a formall reproofe; who have beene long since taught by unerring Experience, That Ignorance drawes with the least reluctancy, in the Yoake of Obedience; being of so sheepish a Nature, as she is no bodies foe but her owne.

Next to spare you the trouble of arming your Reason, in way of defence, upon every Alarum, They may receive, from the Censures of wiser or weaker Judgments: For not carrying the [Page] markes of your particular Interest, you may stand, as it were unseen, behind the Curtine of indifferency, and heare without blushing the Opinions of others, if chance or your will should please to make Them the object of their Discourse. Amongst whom, if any accuse Them, as too cheape and obvious, They are unadvised Questioners of their owne Charter, in case they should be Fathers: who were never deny'd yet the fredome to teach their Children to manage an Hobbyhorse, without offering violence to Gravity or Discretion.

Neither do we so ordinarily [Page] fall through the unevennesse or difficulty of the way, as carelesnesse and ignorance in the Journals of former Experience: This makes it the greatest demonstration of Paternall Affection, like the Pelican, to dissect my selfe before you, and by ripping up mine owne Bowels, to let you see where the defects of humanity reside, which are not only the occasions of many corporeall Diseases, but of most of the Misfortunes accompanying Life.

And though, in passing through so much weaknesse, They are rendered more deficient, then, [Page] considered in their owne Nature, in truth they are; Yet, being the best I am able to afford you, They cannot but be looked upon by You for as lively a Monument of my Love, as if they bare the Magisteriall Impresse of a worke of Solomons.

And in regard of Time, none can be more opportune then this, in which men carry breasts of steele against those of their own Profession (some niceties excepted) under the imperious pretence of Religion.

If any blinded with Ignorance, or misled by a more candid Nature, should engage for the sufficiency [Page] of These, or any thing else, I have writ: I am conscious of too many flawes in my selfe, to be swell'd beyond my naturall proportion.

Your sake alone produced Them, that during the little time I have to live, you might turne to my Iudgment, upon all occasions, without trouble; and converse with me being dead, without feare.

There is no great difference between good daies, & evill, when past; yet if thus fortified by the Advice of a Father, no lesse then the Prayers of an incomparable [Page] indulgent Mother, you should breake out into Extravagancies, presuming on the Opinion of your owne Iudgment, and the mediation of our Love, (Though it would be the severest curse remaining in the custody of Fortune, yet unlayed upon mee:) I doubt not, but to receive more comfort, from a Patience able to beare it, then you shall from a Repentance sufficient to blot it out.

But it is neither Delight in me, nor Charity unto you, by Iealousy to antedate Crimes [Page] never yet commited; I desire you therefore to take these Admonitions, as markes to sayle by, not for presages of Shipwrack.

For any faults escaped here, through hast, or other infirmity, I hope your Love will be large enough to cover them, not exposing, out of Ostentation or Idlenesse, your Fathers Shame: whereby, not only what is perfect may prove usefull, but the very mistakes and blots obtaine as great a designe, by exercising your wit and industry in their Emendation; which I expect you should faithfully performe in relation to These, or any thing [Page] else you find, may traduce the Credit or staine the Memory of

Your loving Father, &c.

READER.

These Faults you may mend thus. Pag. 18. lin. 1. change it and if. p. 41. l. 15. r. jealousy. p. 75. l. 15. r. Streets. p. 82. l. 26. their r. there p. 86. l. 5: r. of the. l. 25. r. those p. 99. l. 4. r. [...]id. p. 116. l. 10. r. 40. Tithes. p. 118. l. penult. r. at a Gna [...]. p. 119. l. 7. r. through. l. 14. r. prejudice. p. 139. l. 23. r. or Stupidity.

What other Faults you find, or make, you may also mend how you please.

ADVICE TO A SON.
I. STUDIES. &c.

[Page]

[Page]

1. Free Schooles. 2. Ʋniversities. 3. Collegiate Discipline. 4. Meere Scholars. 5. Physick. [...]6. Volumes. 7, 8. History. 9. Choice Bookes, Negotiations, Embassadors. 10. Converse. 11. Pedants. 12. Strong-lines. 13. Exercise—of 14. Stile. 15. Letters. 16. Sordid Phrases. 17. Courtesies. 18. Counsel. 19, 20. Secretaries. 21. Serving wicked Masters. 22, 23. Intelligencers. 24. Observance. 25. Dependency. 26. Writing things dangerous. 27. Poetry. 28. Musick. 29. Clothes—30. Buying. 31. Horses. 32. Riding. 33. Wrestling, Vaulting, Fencing, 34. Swimming. 35, 36. Suretyship, Trusting. 37. Publick Faith. [Page] 38. Contracts. 39. Implicit judging. 40, 41. Pride, Basenes. 42. Gesture in Speaking. 43. Boldnesse. 44. Covetousnesse 45, 46, 47. Thrift. 48. Rising out of Bed. 49. Eating. 50. Drinking, Tabacco. 51, 52, 53. Drunkenesse. 54. Diet, Plots. 55. 56. Company. 57. Jeering. 58, 59. Proverbs, Injuries, Fighting—Duels. 60. Insulting. 61. Ordinaries. 62. Doggs, Boyes, Whores. 63, 64, 65. Secrecy and Boasting—of—the Favours of women—66. Married—67. Great Ladies—68. Masks, Playes. &c.

1. THough I can never pay enough to your Grandfathers Memory for his tender care in my Education, yet I must observe in it this mistake; That by keeping me at home, where I was one of my young Masters, I lost the advantage of my most docible Time: For not undergoing the same discipline, I must needs come short of their experience, that are bred up in Free-schooles, who by plotting to rob an Orchard &c, run through all the subtilties required in taking of a [Page] Towne; being made by use familiar to secrecy, and complyance with opportunity; Qualities never after to be attained at cheaper rates then the hazard of all; whereas these see the danger of Trusting others, and the rocks they fall upon by a too obstinate adhering to their owne imprudent resolutions; and all this under no higher penalty then a whipping: And tis possible, this indulgence of my father might be the cause I afforded him so poore a returne for all his cost.

2. As your Education hath been befriended by a Foundation, so you may endeavour the requitall, if God makes you able: However let not the contrary aflict you, since it is observed by some, That his name who burnt the Temple of Diana, out-lasted theirs that built it; A fortune God grant may never fall upon our Ʋ niversities. Neverthelesse if Zeale overheated in the narrow hearts of men ignorant & covetous should dry up these fountaines of learning, by appropriating their Revenues, & demolishing their Monuments (to the fame of which forrain Nations resort in Pilgrimages, for to offer [Page] up honour & admiration to these shrines, & returne more loaden with satisfaction then they could possibly bring prejudice) yet shee should pull downe no more, thē she had formerly rais'd, when incited by a contrary affectiō to charity & knowledge; therefore a provocation not strong enough to distemper a wise mans patience, who may easily observe, in his owne or precedent bookes of experience, as great mapps of devastation. For if one age did not level, what another had erected, variety were lost, & no means left to render the present or future Generations famous or infamous.

3. I have observed in Collegiate discipline, that all the Reverence to Superiours, learn'd in the Hall or Chappell, is lost in the irreverent discourse you have of them in your Chambers: By this you leave the principall businesse of Youth neglected, which is to be perfect in Patience & Obedience, Habits no where so exactly learned, as in the Foundations of the Jesuits, could they be fetcht thence without prejudice to Religion & Freedome.

4. Let not an over-passionate prosecution [Page] of Learning draw you from making an honest improvement of what is already yours, or may be made so by your future endeavours; as such doe, who are better read in the bignesse of the whole earth, then that little spot, left them for their support.

5. If a more profitable employment pull you not too soone from the University, make some inspection into Physick; which will add to your welcome where ever you come; it being usuall, especially for Ladies, to yeild no lesse reverence to their Physicians, then their Confessors: Neither doth the refusall of Fees abate your profit proportionably to the advancement it brings to your Credit: The intricacy of the study is not great, after an exact knowledg in Anatomy, & Drugs is attained; not hard, by reason of the late helps. Yet I advise you this under such Caution, as not to imagine the Diseases you read of, inherent in your selfe, as many melancholicke young men doe, that make their first Experiments upon their owne bodies, to their perpetuall detriment: Therefore you may live by, [Page] not upon Physick.

6. Huge Volumnes, like the oxe roasted whole at Bartholmew Faire, may proclaime plenty of labour & invention, but afford lesse of what is delicate, savory & well concocted, then smaller peices: This makes me thinke, that though upon occasion you may come to the Table & examine the bill of Fare, set down by such Authors; yet it cannot but lessen ingenuity, still to fall aboard with them; Humane sufficiency being too narrow, to informe with the pure Soule of Reason, such vast bodies.

7. Be conversant in the Speeches, Declarations & Transactions occasioned by the last wars; out of which more naturall and usefull knowledge may be sucked, then is ordinarily to be found in the mouldy Records of Antiquity.

8. When I consider with what contradiction Reports arrived at us, during our civill wars; I can give the lesse encouragement to the reading of History: Romances never acted being borne purer from Sophistication, then Actions reported to be done; by which Posterity hereafter, [Page] (no lesse then Antiquity heretofore) is likely to be led into a false or at best but a contingent beliefe. Caesar, though in this happy, that he had a pen able to grave into neat language, what his sword had first more roughly cut out, may in my judgment, abuse the Reader; For he, that for the honour of his owne witt, doth make people speake better, than can be supposed men so barbarously bred were able, maypossibly report they fought worse, then really they did. Of a like value are the Orations of Livy, Tacitus and most other Historians; which doth not a little prejudice the truth of all the rest.

9. A Few bookes well studied, and throughly digested, nourish the understanding more, then hundreds but gargled in the mouth, as ordinary students use: And of these, choyce must be had, answerable to the Profession you intend: For a States-man, French Authors are best, as most fruitfull in Negotiations & Memoires, left by publick Ministers, & by their Secretaries published after their deaths. Out of which you may be able [Page] to unfold the Riddles of all States: None making more faithfull reports of things done in all nations, then Embassadors; who cannot want the best Intelligence, because their Princes Pensioners unload in their bosomes, all they can discover. And here by way of prevention, let me informe you, that some of our late Embassadors (which I could name) impaired our affaires, by treating with forrain Princes in the language of the place; by which they did not only descend below their Masters dignity, but their own discretion, betraying for want of words or gravity, the intrinsick part of their Employment; and going beyond their Commission oftener by concession, than confining themselves within it, or to it; the true Rule for a Minister of State, not hard to be gained by a resolute contest, which if made by an Interpreter, he, like a medium, may intercept the shame of any impertinent speech, which eagernesse or indiscretion may emit: Neither is it a small advantage to gaine so much time for deliberation, what is fit farther to urge: It being besides too much an honouring [Page] of their tongue and undervaluing your owne, to professe your selfe a Master therein, especially since they scorne to learne yours. And to shew this is not grounded on my single Judgment, I have often been informed, that the first and wisest Earle of Pembroke did returne and Answer to the Spanish Embassador, in Welch, for which I have heard him highly commended.

10. It is an Aphorisme in Physick, That unwholsome Aires, because perpetually suck'd into the lungs, do distemper health more then courser Diet, used but at set times: The like may be said of Company, which if good, is a better Refiner of the spirits, then ordinary Bookes.

11. Propose not them for patternes, who make all places rattle, where they come, with Latine and Greeke; For the more you seeme to have borrowed from bookes, the poorer you proclaime your naturall Parts, which only can properly be called your owne.

12. Spend no time in reading, much less writing strong-lines; which like tough meat, aske more paines and time in chewing, [Page] then can be recompensed by all the nourishment they bring.

13. Books flatly writ debase your stile; the like may be truly objected to weake Preachers, and ignorant Company. Penns improving, like childrens leggs, proportionally to their Exercise; so as I have seene some stand amazed at the Length of their owne reach, when they came to be extended by employment; As appeared in the late King Charles; who, after his more imperious destiny had placed him under the Tutorage of an unavoidable necessity, attained a Pen more Majesticall, then the Crown he lost.

14. The way to Elegancy of stile, is to employ your pen upon every Errand, and the more trivial and dry it is, the more brains must be employed for sauce. Thus by checking all ordinary Invention, your Reason will attaine to such an habit, as not to dare to present you but with what is excellent: And if void of affectation, it matters not how meane the subject is; There being the same exactnesse observed, by good Architects, [Page] in the structure of the Kitchin, as the Parlour.

15. When businesse or Complement calls you to write Letters, Consider what is fit to be said, were the Party present, and set downe that.

16. Avoid words and Phrases likely to be learned in base Company; least you fall into the Error, the late Archbishop Laud did, who though no ill speaker, yet blunted his repute by saying in the Starchamber, Men entred the Church, as a Tinker and his Bitch do an Ale-house. But this may easily be declined by those who read for their imitation the incomparable lines of the late King, written in a stile as free from affectation as levity.

17. Grant, if ever, a Curtesy at first asking; for, as expedition doubles a Benefit, so delay converts it into little lesse then an Injury, and robs you of the thanks; the fate of churlish natures: whereas some I have knowne able to apparell their Refusalls in such soft robes of Courtship, that it was not easily to be discerned, whether the Request or Deniall were most decent.

[Page] 18. Be not nice in assisting, with the advantages, Nature may have given you, such as want them; who do not seldome part, in exchange, with those of Fortune, to such as can manage their Advice well; As they only do, that never give counsell, til called, nor continue it longer then they find it acceptable.

19. It is not safe for a Secretary to mend the copy his Master hath set him, unlesse own'd as from his former inspirations; Least he should grow jealous, that you valued your conceptions before his; who measures his sufficiency by the length of his Employment, not the breadth of his naturall Parts: This made the Lord Chancelour Egerton the willinger to exchange incomparable Dr. D. for the lesse sufficient, though in this more modest Mr. T. B.

20. But in case his affaires be wholly left to your management, you must not only looke to correspond for his miscarriages, but as obstinately to renounce any honour may be given you to his prejudice: imputing all to his single sufficiency; your selfe owning no higher place [Page] than that of the Executioner of his commands: For though many great men, like Properties or Puppets, are managed by their servants, yet such are most deare to them, as can so carry their hands in their actings, that they make them appeare lesse Fooles then in truth they are; easily done by giving them the honour to concede or deny in publike, without interposing any other arguments against it, then may become the mouth of a servant, however you may order him in private.

21. That it is not unlawfull to serve, beare Office or Armes under such as ascend the throne or other high places, by stepps washed in bloud, you may be abundantly satisfied in Conscience, by the Church in Nero's house, the good Centurion, and many others mentioned in Scripture.

22. Write not the faults of any persons neare the throne, in any Nation you reside in, least your Letters should be intercepted, and you sent out of the world before your time, but reserve such discourse for the single eare of your master; into which you must powre it with more [Page] caution, then malice, least it should come to be discovered, as it is odds but it will, And then the next endeavour is revenge; it being lesse danger to traduce a King, then his Minions, The first still looked upon as aboue blame, because uncapable of punishment, but the latter are not onely subject to accusations, but the aggravation of their Enemies, which fills them full of caution, and prejudice to all they feare are able or but willing to detect them: I could produce sad effects, that have followed the want of care in this; but that I intend Advice, not a History.

23. It is an office unbecoming a gentleman to be an Intelligencer, which in real truth is no better then a Spy; who are often brought to the torture and die miserably, though no words are made of it, being a use connived at by all Princes: To whom I give this Caution, That they do not stay after their patrons are called home, which do not seldome (in emulation to their Successor, or to gratify the Prince they have treated withall, and it may be from whom they have received presents, and high Commendations [Page] to their owne King) discover all that are imployed to do him hurt.

24. Court him alwaies, you hope one day to make use of, but at the least expence you can; observing it the condition of men in power to esteeme better of such, as they have done curtesies for, then those they have received greater from; looking upon this as a shame, upon the other as an honour.

25. Mingle not your Interest with a Great man's, made desparate by Debts or Court-injuries; Whose breakings out prove fatall to their wisest Followers and Friends; averred in the last Earl of Essex but one, where Merrick his Steward and Cuff his Secretary, though of excellent parts, were both hanged: For such unconcocted Rebellions turne seldome to the hurt of any but the parties that promote them, being commonly guided by the directions of their Enemies, as this was by Cecil, whose creatures perswaded Essex to this inconsiderate Attempt.

26. Let nothing unjustifiable or subject to danger appeare under your hand; which many yeeres aftermay rise up in [Page] judgment against you; when things spoken may be forgot: As happened to the Duke of Norfolke, Sr. Jervis Ellowayes and a great Earle I knew led by the nose all King James his reigne, out of feare of being questioned for Letters writ to so high a person as it is treason by the Law to sollicite &c. Therefore I charge you, as you tender the blessing of your owne safety, not to write in an ill sense, what ever your Character be; For, if not tedious examination, sharp torture will force you to produce a key.

27. Be not frequent in Poetry, how excellent soever your veine is, but make it rather your exercise then businesse: Because, though it swells you in your owne opinion, it may render you lesse in that of wiser men, who are not ignorant how great a masse of Vanity for the most part coucheth under this Quality; Proclaiming their heads like ships of warre, richer in Triming then Lading.

28. The Art of Musick is so unable to refund for the time and cost required to be perfect therein, as I cannot thinke it worth any serious endeavour: The [Page] owner of that Quality being still obliged to the trouble of calculating the difference betweene the morose humour of a rigid Refuser, and the cheap and prostituted levity and forwardnesse of a mercenary Fidler: Deniall being as often taken for pride, as a too ready complyance falls under the notion of ostentation: Those so qualified seldome knowing when it is time to begin, or give over; especially Women, who do not rarely decline in modesty, proportionably to the progresse they make in Musick; such (if hansome) being Traps baited at both ends, and catch strangers as often as their Husbands, no lesse tired with the one then the other.

29. Weare your Cloaths neat, exceeding rather then comming short of others of like fortune; a charge borne out by acceptance where ever you come: Therefore spare all other waies, rather then prove defective in this.

30. Never buy but with ready money; and be drawne rather to fix where you find things cheape and good, then for friendship or acquaintance; who are apt [Page] to take if unkindly it you will not be cozened: For if you get nothing else, by going from one shop to another, you shall gaine experience.

31. Next to cloaths, a good Horse becomes a Gentleman; in whom can be no great loss, after you have got the skill to choose him; which once attained, you may keep your selfe from being cozened, and pleasure your freind: The greatest danger is hast; I never lov'd to fix on one fat, for then I saw him at the best, without hope of improvement: If you have fallen on a bargain not for your turne, make the Market your Chapman, rather then a friend.

32. Gallop not through a Towne, for feare of hurting your selfe or others: Besides the undecency of it, which may give cause to such as see you, to thinke your Horse, or your Braines none of your owne.

33. Wrestling and Vaulting have ever been looked upon by mee as more usefull then Fencing; being often outdared by resolution, because of the vast difference between a Foyn and a sword, [Page] an house, and a feild.

34. Swimming may save a man in case of necessity, though it looseth many, when practised in wantonesse, by increasing their confidence: Therefore for pleasure exceed not your depth; and in seeking to save another, beware of drowning your selfe.

35. Such as are betrayed by their easy nature to be Security for other men, though their friends, leave so little to themselves, as their liberty remaines ever after arbitrary at the will of others. Experience having recorded many (whome their fathers had left elbow-roome enough) that have by Suretyship expired in a Dungeon. But if you cannot avoid this Labyrinth, enter no farther then the thread of your owne stock will reach; the observation of which will at worst enable you to baile your selfe.

36. Let not the titles of Consanguinity betray you into a prejudiciall Trust: No bloud being apter to raise a Feaver, or cause a Consumtion sooner in your poor Estate, then that which is [Page] nearest your owne; as I have most unhappily found, and your good Grandfather presaged, though God was pleased to leave it in none of our powers to prevent: nothing being truer in all Solomon's Observations, then that A good Friend is neerer then a naturall Brother▪

37. Hee that lends upon Publick Faith, is Security for his owne money, and can blame none more then himself, if never paid: Common debts, like common lands, lying ever most neglected.

38. Honesty treats with the world upon such vast disadvantage, that a pen is often as usefull to defend you, as a sword, by making writing the witness of your Contracts: For where Profit appears, it doth commonly cancell the bonds of Freindship, Religion, and the memory of any thing that can produce no other Register, then what is verball.

39. In a case of importance, heare the reasons of others pleaded, but be sure not to be so implicitely led by [Page] their judgments, as to neglect a greater of your owne: As Ch: of England did, to the losse of his Crowne. For as the ordinary Saying is, Count money after your Father; So the same Prudence adviseth, to measure the ends of all councells, though uttered by never so intimate a freind.

40. Beware neverthelesse of thinking your selfe wiser or greater then you are: Pride brake the Angells in Heaven, and spoiles all Heads we find crackt here; for such as observe those in Bedlam, shall perceive their Fancies to beat most upon mistakes in Honour, or Love. The way to avoid it, is, duely to consider, how many are above you in Parts, yet below you in Condition; And that all men are ignorant in so many things as may justly humble them, though sufficiently knowing to barr out despaire.

41. Shun Pride and Baseness, as Tutors to contempt, the first of others, the latter of your selfe: A haughty carriage putting as well a meane esteeme on what is praise worthy in [Page] you, as an high Excise on that appears amiss; every one being more inquisitive after the blemishes, then beauties of a proud person; whereas the humble Soule passeth the strictest Guards, with more faults, like the faire-mouthd Traveller, without scorne, or so much as searching.

42. When you speake to any (especially of Quality) looke them full in the face; other gestures bewraying want of breeding, confidence, or honesty; Dejected eyes confessing to most judgments, guilt, or folly.

43. Impudence is no Vertue, yet able to begger them all; being for the most part in good plight, when the rest starve; and capable of carrying her followers up to the highest preferments: found as usefull in a Court, as Armor in a Camp (And if I am not mistaken in your temper, you may suffer in the world for want of so competent a proportion of boldnesse, as is necessary to the conduct of humane affaires.) [Page] Scotchmen have ever justified the truth of this, who will goe farther with a shilling, then an English-man can ordinarily passe for a crowne.

44. I doe not find you guilty of Covetousnesse, neither can I say more of it, but that like a Candle ill-made, it smothers the splendor of an happy fortune in its owne grease.

45. Yet live soe frugally if possible, as to reserve something, may enable you to grapple with any future contingency.

46. Provide in youth; since Fortune hath this proper with other common Mistresses, that shee deserts Age, especially in the company of want.

47. But I need not use other perswasions unto you concerning Thrift, then what the straitnesse of your owne Fortune points you to; more contracted by others Covetousnesse then my Prodigality.

48. Leave your Bed upon the first desertion of Sleep. It being ill for the [Page] eyes to read lying, and worse for the mind to be idle; since the Head during that lazinesse is commonly a cage for uncleane thoughts.

49. It is no where wholsome, to Eat so long as you are able, especialy in England, where meat, aptest to inveagle the stomach to an over-repletion, comes last: But in case you transgresse at one meale, let no persuasion tempt you to a second repast, till by a fierce hunger you find your selfe quite discharged of the former Excesse: An exact observance of this, hath, under God, made me reach these Times, and may through his mercy preserve you for better. I have heard that the Indians by the great moderation they use, are well able to digest raw flesh, thought by some of more naturall if not easy concoction, then what is dry rosted. All compositions with milk are dangerous in a Heat, and not seldome deadly.

50. Drinke not, being Hot, unlesse Sack &c. such droughts residing rather in the palate & throat, then Stomach, [Page] & so safer quenched by Gargles, Liquorish, a Cherry, or Tobacco; the use of which I neither perswade, nor prohibit, haveing taken it my selfe, since sixteen, without any extraordinary markes of good or ill; but cannot approve of nosing, or swallowing it down; as many to my knowledge have done, not long-liv'd.

51. Nothing really acceptable to the gusto of Humanity, but Prudence may experiment without Detection, or waking the clamorous Multitude (gratified in all opportunities they have to accuse others, though farr more guilty themselves) a temper not possible to be attained by the lovers of Drinke, which will not only render my Reasons, but your owne uselesse.

52. Were Drinke capable of Councell, I should advise, if unfortunately overtaken by such a Distemper, not to remove from the place you received it in; by which some part of the Shame may be avoided, and more of the Danger, attending the irregular motions of this giddy Spirit.

[Page] 53. Drinke, during the operation of the Distemper, will act all the Humors habituall in Mad-men: Amongst both which I have seen some very zelous & devout, who, the fitt once over, remained no lesse profane. This proves, Godlinesse capable of being fained, & may raise an use of Circumspection, in relation to such as professe more then is sutable to humane frailty.

54. He that alwaies regulates his Diet by the strict Rules of Physick, makes his life no lesse uncomfortable to himselfe, then unsociable unto others: The like doth he that useth palpable Plots in triviall things; who is made by this so suspected in Commerce, as none will approach him unarmed with the like weapons: For though Wisdome may purchase reverence, & attention; Subtilty (distinguished from it only by a fly Carriage) raiseth alwaies suspition: Wherefore the Closenesse of the Heart in matters of consequence, is best concealed by an Openesse in things of lesse moment.

[Page] 55. Experience hath found it no lesse shame then danger, in being the Chiefe at a merry Assignation. Since what is of evil savour falls most to their Messe at the upper end of the Table; but good, to the meanest; who have the impudence to scramble up any thing that suits to their advantage, as readily as they can find Oaths to decline what may redound to their losse.

56. Beware what Company you keepe, since Example prevailes more then Precept; though by the Erudition dropping from these Tutors, we imbibe all the tinctures of vertue & vice: This renders it little lesse then impossible for Nature to hold out any long Siege against the batteries of Custome & Opportunity.

57. Let your Witt rather serve you for a Buckler to defend your selfe by a handsome Reply, then a sword to wound others, though with never so facetious a Reproach; Remembring that a word cutts deeper then a sharper weapon, & the wound it makes is longer [Page] in curing: A Blow proceeding but from a light motion of the Hand agitated by Passion, whereas a disgracefull Speech is the result of a low & base esteeme settled of the Party in your Heart.

58. Much wisdome resides in the Proverbs of all Nations, & therefore fit to be taken notice of; of which number this is common amongst us, Play with me, but hurt me not: It being past peradventure, that more Duells arise from Jest then Earnest, & between Friends, then Enemies; serious injuries seldome happening but upon premeditation; which affords Reason some, though perhaps no full Audience; whereas this extemporary Spirit, conjured up by shame & smart, hearkens to nothing but the rash advice of a present Revenge.

59. If an Injury be of so ranke a Nature, as to extort (in point of Honour) an unsavory Word (never sutable to the mouth of a Gentleman) Swordmen advise to second it with a Blow, by way of prevention, least he striking [Page] you (which cannot but be expected) you should be cast behind-hand. But this their Decree not being confirmed by Act of Parliament, I cannot find it suitable with prudence or religion, to make the Sword Umpire of your owne life & anothers, no lesse then the Law, upon no more serious an occasion, then the vindication of your Fame, lost or gain'd, by this brutish valour, in the opinion of none that are either wise or pious: It being out of the reach of question, that a quarrell is not to be scrued up to such a height of indiscretion without arraigning one or both parties of Madnesse: Especially since formall Duells are but a late invention of the Devill's, never heard of, in relation to private Injuries; among the Romans the Gladiators fighting for their Pleasure, as the Horatii & Curatii for the Safety of the People. It cannot be denyed, but that Story layes before us many kill'd for private revenge, but never accompanied with so ridiculous a Formality, as the sending of Chalenges; which renders the Dead a greater [Page] Murderer, then he is that kills him, as being without doubt the Author of his owne Death. This makes me altogether beleeve, that such wild manhood had its Originall from Romances; in which the Giant is designed for death, & the Knight to marry the Lady, whose Honour he hath preserved; not so gently treated by the English law, where if his leggs or freinds be not the better, he is hang'd, & his Estate confiscated, to the perpetuall detriment of his Family: besides the sting of Conscience, & a naturall feare, like that of Cain's, attending Blood, by which the remainder of life is made tedious & miserable to such unfortunate men, who seeme in all honest Company to smell too strong of Blood, to be taken into any intimate Relation.

60. Prosecute not a Coward too farr, least you make him turne valiant to your disadvantage: it being impossible for any standing even in the worlds opinion, to gaine glory by the most he can have of those that lie under such a repute: besides, Valour is rather the [Page] product of Custome, then Nature, & often found where least expected; doe not therefore waken it to you prejudice, as I have known many, that would still be insulting, & could not see when they were well.

61. Speake disgracefully of none at Ordinaries, or publick Meetings: least some Kinsman of Friend being there should force you to a base Recantation, or engage you in a more indiscreet Quarrell: This renders all free discourse dangerous at Meetings of mixed Companies.

62. Carry no Dogs to Court, or any publicke place, to avoid contests with such as may spurne, or endeavour to take them up. The same may be said of Boyes, not wise or strong enough to decline or revenge affronts; whose complaints doe not seldome engage their Masters, as I knew one of Quality kild in the defence of his Page. The like danger attends such as are so indiscreet, as to man Whores in the street, in which every one pretends to have an interest for his money, & therefore [Page] unwilling to see them Monopolized, especially when they have got a pot in their pate.

63. Reveale not the pranks of anothers Love, how serious or ridiculous soever you find them; it being unlikely the mirth should compense the danger: By this you shall purchase your selfe a retentive faculty, & sell your friend a stronger confidence of your secrecy, hanging on him the lock of a perpetuall obligation, of which you may ever be keeper of the Key, either out of love or feare: yet many other faults are not more dangerous to commit, then know without detecting.

64. Be not Trumpet of your owne Charity, or Vices; for by the one you disoblige the receiver, as well as loose your reward; and by the other, you alarum the censures of men; most being condemned through the evidence they give against themselves by their words and gestures.

65. If it be Levity and Ostentation, to boast when you doe well, in what Classe of Folly must they be ranked, [Page] that bragg of the Favours of Women? rendering themselves, by this, no lesse fraile, then they; It being more shame for a man to be leakey & incontinent at the mouth, then for a woman to scatter her favours.

66. To make love to married women doth not only multiply the sinne, but the danger; neither can you, if question'd by her Husband, use, with hope of victory, any sharper weapon, then Repentance sheathed in a modest excuse.

67. Fly, with Joseph, the Embraces of great Ladyes; least you loose your liberty, & see your leggs rott in the stocks of the Physician; they being often unwholsome, ever so unreasonable, as to exact a constancy from you, themselves intend not to observe; perverting so farr the curse of God, as to make your desires subject to theirs.

68. Usher not women to Maskes, Playes, or other such publick Spectacles into which you have not an easy accesse for money or favour: such places being [Page] apter to create injury, then afford an handsome opportunity for revenge: Besides, if those you carry be old & deformed, they disparage you; if young & handsome, themselves.

To the Reader, concerning the following Discourse of Love, and Marriage.

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THis had not appeared, being a result of more juvenile yeares, but that I feared, if let alone, it might hereafter creep abroad from under a false Impression, & one more scandalous to that sexe, then becomes my complexion or Obligation. Therefore to vindicate me from the no lesse inhumane then unnaturall imputation of a Woman-hater, I doe here protest, with a reference to their charity and my owne most serious affections, That if the Partie advised had been a Daughter, my inke must have cast blacker than the [Page] rich graine of their Angelicall Beauty is capable to be aspersed by. It being observable, That such Idolaters as made She-Deities the object of their worship; were by all celebrated for most Learning Wisdome & Civility. Neverthelesse though women be Cordials when desire is past, & Juleps while the heat continues, yet since it is ordinary for Dablers in Beauty to mistake Poyson for Physick (such feminine Boxes not alwaies bearing Inscriptions sutable to their Drugs, but often painted with more Perfections, then they carry in them) I hope this Discourse may the better be excused; having the Example of Solomon to justify the harshnesse of my Expressions, no lesse then his Follies to warrant the necessity of the Caution; least my Son should mire himselfe and his hopes in the pursuit of such foolish flames, as have tempted the strongest, wisest and most religious out of the waies of Peace. I shall forestall the Reader with no farther Complement, then That he would [Page] forbeare to condemne or praise beyond Reason; least he should appeare too severe towards my Levitie, or indulgent to his owne Morositie, in relation to beauty.

ADVICE TO A SON.
II. Love & Marriage.

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1. The Nature & Effects of Love. 2. It's influence upon Youth; tempting it—3. to Marry;—4. unhappily, for Beauty—5. without Money, &—6,7. to swallow the fatall Bait,—8. Not answering Expectation. 9, 10. Marry not a fam'd Beauty. 11. Lawes concerning Marriage—12 somewhat strange: Polygamy; Priests—13 Marriage, the result of Policy. 14. Fruition tedious. 15. Wives Lust, Iealousy. 16. Discomforts from Children &—17 other wedlock inconveniences—18 best palliated by an Estate—19. Portion, Joynture. 20, 21, 22, 23. The unhappinesse of poore [Page] Marriages—24. Travell, a means to avoid the danger, from—25, 26. A handsome woman. 27. Fond Love an ill Counsellour. 28. Children how much to be desired. 29, 30. Conclusion.

[Page] 1. LOve, like a Burningglasse, contracts the dilated lines of Lust, & fixeth them upon one object: bestowed by our fellow-Creatures, (the exacter Observers of the Dictates of Nature) promiscuously, without partiality in affection, on every distinct Female of their repective species; whereas Man being restrained to a particular choise, by the severity of Law, Custome, and his owne more stupendious folly, out of a jealousy to be rob'd of a present desire, is so hurried away with the first apparition of an imaginary Beauty, (supposed by his Fancy, grosly abused by her servants [Page] the Senses, corrupted and suborn'd through an implacable appetite, which Nature for her owne end of continuance, stirs up in all to this fleshly Conjunction) That no reason can for the present be audible, but what pleadeth in favour of this soft passion, which makes a deeper or lesser impresse, proportionable to the temper of the Heart it meets with; causing Madnesse in some, Folly in all: placing like stupid Idolaters, Divinity in a silly creature, set by the Institutes of Nature in a farre inferiour Classe of perfection to that which makes it his businesse to worship & adore it; Imagining as false felicities in the fruition, as they apprehend miseries in the losse; when all they desire is but the fruit of that Tree, the kernell of that Apple, which first destroyed us all; faire to sight, but of fatall & dreadful consequence to the taster; rendering Him subject to slavery, that was borne free, & Her to command, who ought in righter reason to serve and obey.

2. To cure Youth wholly of this desire, [Page] were as uneasy a taske, as to divest it of humanity; Therefore I expect you should be tossed in this Storme, but would not have you shipwrack't by contracting your selfe to the Ocean, unlesse with the Duke of Venice you might yearely repeat the Ceremony to as great an advantage.

3. For if ever Marriages were on all sides happy (which is no Schisme to doubt of) experience never found them among such as had no other nealing but what they received from the flames of Love; which cannot hold without jealousy, nor breake without repentance, & must needs render their sleepe unquiet, that have one of these Cadds or Familiars still knocking over their pillow.

4. Those Vertues, Graces & reciprocall Desires, bewiched affection supposed to be there, fruition & experience will find absent, and nothing left but a painted Box, which Children & Time will empty of delight, leaving Diseases behind, & at best, incurable Antiquity.

[Page] 5. Therefore I charge you, as you will answer the contrary another day to your Discretion, & upon the penalty of a bitter, though vaine Repentance, not to truck for, or entertain commerce upon the credit of Marriage, with a solitary, that is, an un-endowed Beauty; (which if really intended, you question your owne Judgement, if otherwise, the Honesty of you both:) From whence I have known such sad consequents to result, as have made some (wise enough to presage the mischiefe of the event) so far concede to the teares & miserie of the Partie, as they have cast themselves out of meere pity & conscience into the precipice of Marriage; burying their owne fortunes & future felicity, only to satisfie the affection of another.

6. Marriage, like a Trap set for flyes, may possibly be ointed at the Entrance with a little voluptuousnesse, under which is contained a draught of deadly wine, more pricking & tedious then the passions it pretends to cure; leaving the Patient in little quieter condition [Page] in the morning, then him that hath over-night kil'd a man to gratify his revenge.

7. Eve, by stumbling at the Serpents sollicitations, cast her Husband out of Paradice; nor are her Daughters surer of foot, being foundered by the heat of Lust & Pride: & unable to beare the weight of so much of our Reputation, as religion & custome hath loaded them withall, that an unballasted behaviour, without other Leakage, is sufficient to cast away an husbands esteeme: Neither doth the penalty of a light report laid on the Mother, conclude there, but diffuseth it selfe, like a Leprosy, over Posterity, being uncapable of any other cure, then length of time can deduce out of forgetfulnesse.

8. It were something yet if Marriage could answer the expectation of all she boasts the Cure of, in the large Bill out Mountebanck-Teachers proclaime in every street; which upon triall she often comes so farr short of, as to satisfy none; But rather aggravates [Page] the sinns of Solitude, making simple Fornication to sprout into Adultery. And if it happen that your wife be impotent or infected (as not a few are) with one or more of those loathsome diseases incident to weake feminine nature, which render her unsociable, you are posted off, both by Lawyers & Divines, to the same patience I doe here more opportunely propose, before you are fallen under so mischievous & expensive a conjunction.

9. If none of my perswasions, nor others wofull Experience dayly met with in the world, can deterre you from Yoaking your selfe to anothers desires, make not a celebrated Beauty the object of your Choice; unlesse you are ambitious of rendring your house as populous as a Confectioners Shop; to which the gaudy Waspes, no lesse than the liquorish Flyes make it their businesse to resort, in hope of obteining a lick at your honey-pot, which though bound up with the strongest obligations or resolutions, & sealed by never so many protestations, yet [Page] feminine vessells are obnoxious to so many frailties, as they can hardly beare without breaking the pride and content they naturally take in seeing themselves adored; Neither can you, according to the loose custome of England, decently restraine her from this concourse, without making demonstration of jealousy towards her (by which you confesse your selfe a Cuccold in your owne imagination already) or incivility to such as come to visit you, though it may be strongly presumed, your sake hath the least share in this Ceremony; however tied in manners to attend with patience, till his Worship, perhaps his Lordship, hath pumped his witt dry, having no more Complements left but to take his leave; Thus with his invention rebated, but not his Lust, he returnes home, where the old preserver of baudery, his Kinswoman, Perceiving by his dejected countenance that he came short of his desires, & wanting a new gowne, imbarks herselfe for the employment; & to put the honester face upon so ugly a designe, [Page] she contracts a strait alliance with your (yet-possibly-unconquered) Bedfellow, and under pretence of a Gossiping, or perhaps a voyage to some religious exercise, hurries her away in his Honour's Coach to a Meetinghouse, where though she be taken by storme, is fairely sent home with bag and baggage, being only plundered of what you are not likely to misse; And finding it unsafe to complaine, returnes againe upon her parole, or so often as her new Governour pleaseth to summon her; sheltering the fault under custome, your unavoidable fate, or perhaps Providence (which for their excuse, some are wicked enough to pleade) till her forehead be as much hardened with impudence, as yours is by reproaches &c. And yet he is the happier owner, who hath a wife wife enough to conceale the reall Hornes of her husband, than she, that being innocent, doth by her light carriage make the base symptomes appeare in the world's opinion. Oh remember this when you are about to forget the [Page] pleasure and safety only to be found in a single life.

10. If you consider Beauty alone, quite discharged from such Debentur's as she owes to the Arts of Tire women, Taylors, Shooemakers, & perhaps Painters; you will find the Remaines so inconsiderable, as scarce to deserve your present thoughts, much lesse to be made the price of your perpetuall Slavery. Be not then led, like a child, by these gaudy Butter-flyes amongst the bryars & nettles of the world; since obteined, a little time & use will weare off their fading colours, leaving nothing in your possession but a bald drowsy moth; which if good, will by accident; if bad, make it her business to discontent you.

11. The English Lawes are composed so far in favour of Wives, as if our Ancestors had sent Women to their Parliaments, whilst their Heads were a wool-gathering at home; allowing no abusing of husbands Capitall, nor marriage dissolvable, but in case of Adultery, not subject to proofe but under the attests of two witnesses at [Page] one and the same time: Nor is non-co-habitation a sufficient discharge from his keeping all such children, as her lust shall produce during his aboad betweene the four English Seas; so as if his wife be a Strumpet, he must bannish himselfe, or deale his bread and cloaths to the Spurious issue of a stranger; a thraldome, no wise man would sell himselfe to for the fairest inheritance, much lesse for trouble, vexation and want during life. Whence it may be strongly presumed, that the hand of Policy first hung this Padlock upon the liberty of men; and after Custome had lost the Key, the Church, according to her wonted Subtilty, tooke upon her to protect it; delivering in her Charge to the people, that single wedlock was by divine Right, making the contrary, in diverse places, Death; & where she proceeded with the greatest moderation, Excommunication: condemning thereby (besides four fift parts of the world) the holy Patriarchs, who among their so frequent Dialogues held with their Maker, were never reproved [Page] for multiplying Wives and Concubines, reckoned to David as a Blessing, & to Solomon for a marke of magnificence. Neverthelesse the wily Priests are so tender of their owne Conveniencyes, as to for bid all Marriage to themselves upon as heavy a punishment as they doe Polygamy unto others: Now if nothing capable of the name of Felicity was ever, by men or Angells, found to be denyed to the Priesthood, may not Marriage be strongly suspected to be by them thought out of that list? though to render it more glibb to the widet swallow of the long abused Laity, they have gilt it with the glorious Epithite of a Sacrament, which yet they loath to clog their owne stomachs withall.

12. However the patient submission to the Institution of Marriage is the more to be wondred at, since Man and Woman not being allowed of equall strength, are yet so farr prevailed upon by Policy, as quietly to submit themselves to one Yoke.

[Page] 13. For there is not any other constraint to this Conjunction, but what results from understandings so mufled for the present, that they cannot discerne that Marriage is a Clogge fastened to the neck of Liberty, by the jugling hand of Policy, that provides only for the generall necessities of all in grosse, not the particular conveniencies of single persons; who, by this, give stronger securitie to the Commonwealth, then suits with prudence or liberty. And to such as aske, How should the world subsist, did all observe the like caution? It may be answered, As well as without Unthrifts, who by spending their estates profusely, make way for wiser men to be the more happy: and as it is impossible to find a dearth of the latter, though not compelled thereunto by any other Law, then the instigation of their owne folly; so doubt not but there will be enough found of the former, to stock the world, without putting so chargeable an experiment on your owne conveniency.

[Page] 14. Aske your selfe, What desire you ever attained, that a long and oftenrepeated fruition did not render tedious, if not loathsome, though the thing wished for remained in the perfection it was before enjoyment? And can your Reason promise you to continue the same unto Beauty, so transitory, as it is in a manner lost, before you can truly consider, whether it belongs to Nature, or the Dresse? therefore when discontented with your present condition, tumble towards any change, rather then into that bottomlesse pit, out of which no repentance can bayle you.

15. After that Age, Wearinesse, Wisdome or Businesse hath dipossessed you of this dumb and deafe amorous Spirit, & concluded all desires to uxorious vanities; it is possible, your Wives appetite may encrease, and that Disease of Lust, which your youth cured before she had leysure to discover it, may then unseasonably interrupt your sleepe, calling for that, there shall be nothing in her, but importunity, to [Page] provoke you to; not in you, but the desire of quiet, & to conjure downe the fierce Devill of Jealousy, which hants the houses of married folkes, rendering them no lesse unhappy, dismal, and clamorous, then the Temple of Molech, where such children and servants, as you most delight in, shall passe through the fire of a daily contention.

16. Were it possible to assigne to your choice the vertues of your Mother, which I confesse are inferiour to none; & fancy a Son with as rich parts as imagination is able to endow a creature withall; yet a Daughter may come, that for want of good behaviour, or care in Marriage, shall infuse so much gall into your cup, as will be able to imbitter all the pleasure taken in the rest: Or if you should escape this in regard of one, the least deformity happening to any of the others, will cause more griefe, then all the towardlinesse of the most perfect can outtalke.

17. Our Beldame Eve, to save her [Page] longing sold us all for an Apple; & still as we fall into the same desires, apprehending felicities in things we never tryed, we are carried away by her peevish daughters, the true Syrens wise Ulisses stopt his eares against; who under pretence of pleasure and love, leade us into Dens & obscure Holes of the rocks, where we consume our pretious time & bury our parts, (which might enable us to despise or honour this world, as best suited our complexions) feeding all our lives upon the dry bones of want and affliction; and like Actaeon, torne by our Families; Nothing being more certain, then that Married man changeth the shape of a naturall freedome, and inrols himselfe among such as are rendered beasts of burden under Reason of State: whereas those unclog'd with this Yoke, if they like not the service and discipline of their owne, may the easier exchange it for that of any other Commonwealth.

18. Though nothing can wholly disengage Marriage from such inconveniencies [Page] as may obstruct felitity, yet they are best palliated under a great estate; all other Arguments for it receiving commonly confutation from time and experience, or are evaporated by Fruition: Birth imposing a necessity of charge, as Beauty doth of jealousy, if not of a bad report; innocency being often found too weake to guard it selfe from the poyson of tongues.

19. The true extent of her estate therefore is first to be surveyed, before you entaile your selfe upon the Owner; And, in this, common fame is not to be trusted, which for the most part dilates a Portion or Joynture beyond its naturall bounds; proving also not seldome litigious; and that found given by Will, questionable; by which Husbands are tied to a black Box, more miserable then that of Pandora; there being in the Law hope of nothing but trouble & injustice. Neither doe Widdowes seldome put their Estates out of their owne reach, the better to cheat their Husbands; perverting so farre the course of Nature, as to make him [Page] thrash for a Pension, who ought to command all. This requires, Love to be ushered, into this undissolveable noose, by Discretion: since it hath rarely fallen within the compasse of Example, that both parties (if wise) should be cordially pleased with their bargain: Therefore the Yoke of Marriage had need be lined with the richest stuffe, and softest outward conveniences, else it will gall your neck & heart, so, as you shall take little comfort in the Vertue, Beauty, Birth, &c, of her to whom you are coupled.

20. As the fertility of the ensuing yeare is guessed at, by the height of the river Nilus; so by the greatnesse of a Wives Portion may much of the future conjugall happinesse be calculated: For, to say truth, a poore Marriage, like a Fathers Theft or Treason, entailes shame and misery upon Posterity, who receive little warmth from the Vertue, much lesse from the Beauty of their Mother.

21. The best of Husbands are Servants, but he that takes a Wife wanting [Page] Money, is a Slave to his affection, doing the basest of Drudgeries without wages.

22. Experience cryes in the Streets, that he who taketh his Maid into the Marriage-bed, finds her no lesse imperious a Mistresse, then he that is coupled in the highest linke: for such as bring nothing, esteeme themselves slighted, if they command not all; whereas better educations are apter to confesse an Obligation, then those basely borne.

23. Vast Estates are not so sensible of the inconveniences of poore Marriages, as having, besides greater diversions, the staff of power to keep the lean wolfe from the dore: Want being no lesse the originall of most sinns, then the Mother of all plagues; so as the depth of Poverty calling upon the bottomlesse pit of Despaire, tempts the ill-bred Son, for want of better education (to change a life, he thinks cannot be made more wretched) to marry the Chamber-maid; by which the no lesse unadvised Daughter learnes to [Page] runn away with the Groome. Doe not the carefull lookes of all Fathers give evidence to the truth of that Saying, Children are uncertaine Comforts, but certaine Troubles?

24. Therefore (deare Son) if you find your selfe smitten with this poisoned dart, imitate his prudence, who chose rather to cast himselfe into the armes of the Sea & Travel, the to let his hopes & parts wither in those of a poore whining Dido; who is no more able to give you caution, for the continuance of her owne affection, then you are of yours, or of her Beauty.

25. I have heard a well-built-woman compared in her motion to a Ship under Saile; yet I would advise no wise man to be her owner, if her Fraught be nothing but what she carries between wind & water.

26. A neat wench, like a faire picture, may adorne a Roome for a generall Commerce; or like a painted Innpost, may tempt you, as a Stranger, to while away some scorching houres; but to hang her in your Heart, & turne [Page] Host to a bare Holly-bush, is so high a Blasphemy against Discretion, that it would not only exceed repentance, but pity & forgivenesse, especially in relation to you, who have had these rocks marked out on all sides, by the Advice or Splinters of an indulgent Father.

27. But if once you render your selfe a Pupill to whining Love, he will read you such contrary Politicks, as shall perswade you to make a League with Misery, & embrace Beggery for a Friend; and after this you are capable of no higher honour, than to be registred in one of his Martyrologicall Ballads, & sung by dairy-maids to a pityfull Tune.

28. To conclude, if you will needs be a Familist & marry, muster not the want of Issue among your greatest afflictions, as those doe, that Cry, Give me children, or else my Name dies: The poorest way of immortalizing that can be, and as naturall to a Cobler as a Prince, and not seldome out-reached by a Grave-stone. This proves them [Page] no fooles, that made their owne choise, by adoption, out of the masse of Humanity, not confining themselves to such as the doubtfull chance of marriage obliged them to; since wives doe worse then miscarry, that goe their full time with a Foole or a Bossive birth; yet lesse uglinesse resides in the greatest personall deformity, than in an ordinary Mulct of the Mind: nor can there be a greater dissemblance between one wise man & another, though Strangers in blood, then dayly falls out betwixt them & their owne Issue; so as it is rarely observed, that a prudent Father begets a like Son; in which, Nature proclaimes, Things of moment not made for Stallions, & to bury their rich Talents in the tedious commerce & loathsome sheets of a silly woman. And if we consult right Reason, not Opinion, More of our Bloud runns in a Brother then a Child, the surer-side being alwaies a stranger to the Family: The truth is, they are really no more ours, than the curles of our haire, or parings of our nailes, carrying [Page] often such thoughts towards us, as we should detest any for, but them: Made ours rather by use, then Nature, as appeares in the rest of Gods Creatures, who looke no longer after their young, then whilest they are unable to shift for themselves. This also speakes an immoderate sorrow for their losse, as impertinent, as the like desire to procure them: none being truely capable of Felicity, that situat it out of the extent of their owne reach, or are over passionatly affected with other forreigne misery, then what doth purely belong to themselves.

29. But if this savours too much of the Stoick, You may qualifie it as you please; For I doubt not but the zeale your youth doth yet retaine towards the Creed and Practise of others (possibly not so well taught) may at present make much of This looke like Blasphemy; But when so many winters have snowed on your Head, as on your Father's, you will thinke it Canonicall, and fit to be read to Posterity

[Page] 30. It may appeare possibly too early in relation to your yeares; but I had rather it should arrive so, then too late; not knowing the extent of my owne time, which cannot be long, and made me hasten these Instructions, least I should seem lesse chari table to a Son, then Dives did in Hell to his Bretheren.

ADVICE TO ASON.
III. Travell.

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1, 2, 3. It's Consequents Good & Bad considered. 3, 4, 5. Travel—with an Embassador,—As a Merchant.—6. In case of warr.—whither. 7. Directions about—8 Performing divine Duties, 9, 10, 11. Declining Disputes—of Religion; 12 Regulating Zeale, 13. 14. Vindicating Customes, 15. Comparisons, 16. The Inquisition, Prohibited Bookes, 17. The Eucharist, 18. Crucifix. 19, 20. Forrain Churches. 21. Scoffers at their owne Religion. 22. English in Orders—23. or otherwise, the worst Companions. 24. Injuries. 25. Gaming. 26. womens Favours. 27, 28. Wenches. [Page] 29. Impatient desires; Charmes of women—30 Pretending Love. 31, 32. Italian Lust. 33. Gifts. 34. Money, Removes. 35. Inns, New Acquaintance, Servants. 36. Experience, Languages. 37. Turkish incivility. 38. Plantations.

[Page] 1. Some, to starch a more serious face upon wanton impertinent and deare-bought vanityes, cry-up Travell, as the best accomplisher of Youth and Gentry; Though detected by Experience in the generality, for the greatest debaucher, adding Affectation to Folly, and Atheisme to the Curiosity of many not well principled by Education; Such wanderers imitating those Factors of Solomon, that together with Gold, returned Apes & Peacocks.

2. They and only they Advantage themselves by Travell, who well fraught with the experience of what [Page] their owne County affords, carry over with them large and thriving Talents, as those Servants did, commended by our Saviour. For he that hath nothing to venture but poor despicable and solitary Parts, may be so farr from Improvement, as he hazards quite to loose and bury them in the externall Levity of France, Pride of Spaine, and Treachery of Italy: Because not being able to take Acquaintance abroad of more Prudence, then he meets with in the Streets and other publick places, the Activity of his Leggs and Armes may possibly be augmented, and he by tedious Complements become more acceptable in the eyes of silly women, but uselesse, if not pernicious, to the Government of his owne Countrey, in creating doubts and dislikes by way of a partiall Comparison.

3. Yet since it advanceth Opinion in the world, without which Desert is usefull to none but it selfe (Scholars and Travellers being cry'd up for the highest Graduats in the most universall judgments;) I am not much unwilling [Page] to give way to a peregrine motion for a time; Provided it be in the Company of an Embassador or Person of Quality, by whose power the danger may be rebated, no lesse then your charge of dyet defrayed, inconsiderable in such a Retinue, as Persons of their Magnitude are forced to entertaine.

4. Or if your Genius (tempted by profit) incline to the life of a Merchant, you have the Law of Nations, and Articles of a reciprocall Amitie to protect you from other inconveniences, then such as Indiscretion drawes upon rash and unadvised strangers.

5. And thus man'd out, Your experience may receive Lading at the first hand, when others, failing of the like advantages, must take up that little they make, at the common Beame; yet pay more Custome, and runne greater hazards, then the whole Returne, when cast up, is able to compense.

6. Or in case this Nation should againe breake out into Partialities, [Page] it may not be ill prudence to goe where you may have the prospect of the war with safety, who euer prevailed: And for the place, I say France, if you have a purse; else some Towne in the Netherlands or Flanders that is wholsome and safe; where French may be attained with little more difficulty then at Paris, neither are the humors of the people very remote from your owne.

7. Now if it be your fortune on any such like Accounts to leave your Native Countrey, Take these Directions from a Father, wearied (and there fore possibly made wiser) by experience.

8. Let not the Irreligion of any Place breed in you a neglect of Divine Duties; remembring, God heard the prayers of Daniel in Babylon, with the same Attention he gave to David's in Sion.

9. Shun all Disputes, but concerning Religion especially; Because that which commands in cheife, though false and erroneous, will, like a Cock on his own [Page] dunghill, line her arguments with force & drive the Stranger out of the Pit with insignificant clamours; All Opinions, not made naturall by Complexion, or imperious Education, being equally ridiculous to those of contrary Tenents.

10. But where you find such discourse unavoidably obtruded, mould your Arguments rather into Queries then dogmaticall Assertions; professing it more the businesse of Travellers, to Learn, then Teach: This, besides the removall of Jealousies, will proclaime you Civill, and not bury the hope of a future compliance: Muzling the mouthes of the rigid Zelots (who think none worthy of Life, are found out of the Traine of their Opinions) no lesse then engaging the more Moderate rather to pity you, as one misled, then accuse you for wilfull and contumacious: Observing herein the prudence of our Saviour, who prohihibits the casting of Pearles before such, as are more likely to employ them to your dammage, then their own edification: [Page] And therefore Silence ought not in reason to be reckon'd for a desertion of Truth, where it cannot be maintain'd, but to the prejudice of what the Imperative Power hath declar'd so to be.

11. A Sceptic humour, as it is most sutable to any man out of power, so especialy if he travels; lesse offence being taken at Doubters, then such as boldly undertake to determine: There not alwayes remaining a necessity either in Religion or Discretion to give a positive Answer, as appeares by Christ, who did not seldome oppose one ambiguous Question, against another no lesse dangerous to resolve: Therefore you may be as well a Murderer, as a Martyr, if you run too unadvisedly into ruine.

12. Keepe your Zeale chain'd for a Guard to your conscience, not letting it fly upon such things as Custome hath not made it familiar withall; (Remembring that the Saduces, who denied Angels and Spirits, are not registred for such implacable enemies [Page] to our Saviour, as the Pharisees, who confessed both) The fury of which Passion hath transported some so farre, as to strike the Eucharist out of the Priest's hands thar carried it; Choosing, like giddy Phaetons, to burn, rather then not manifest themselves unseasonably the Children of God.

13. Do not imitate their follyes, who conceit themselves bound in honour to assert all Customes used in the places they come from; which, besides contraction of Quarrels, brands such Sophisters with the imputation of a partiall Incivility: Custome being of that insinuating nature, as it can convert into the shape of comlinesse, Diet, Apparell, Gestures and Sins, that, to a Stranger, may appeare most distastfull, ugly and unnaturall: This renders a defence of the errors of your owne Countrey as undecent, as the too lowd proclaiming of them is shamefull and unworthy.

14. As it is neither mannerly nor safe to discommend any thing used abroad, so likewise is it disadvantageous; [Page] for by commendation you shall the better scrue out the true Opinion themselves have of it; which upon your dislike will be concealed, or heightned out of shame, or ostentation.

15. Fall not into Comparisons; For what doth it concerne the Advancement of wisdome, whether London, or Paris, St Marks Church or Paul's be the fairest? the like modesty must be observed at your returne home, least you should seeme to have lost, in your travell through other Nations, the naturall affection due to your owne; which may raise suspicion of a change, either in your Religion or Allegiance.

16. If the wisdome of the States of Holland were warily observed (who give no other answer for the present, to any new Proposition, but Peut-estre, in English, it may be so; (by which they civilly evade a peremptory asserting or denying the validity of any Argument) The Hell of the Inquisition would not be so replenished with the Soules of poore unadvised Christians; who, [Page] made giddy with an impertinent Zeale, and confident in the Promises of the treacherous Jesuites, their Countrymen that have wayes enough to betray you, without discovering themselves) communicate to them prohibited bookes in hope to convert them, which I advise you by no means to carry with you; This Mr Mole found true in a tedious and sharp Captivity; reported to be betrayed by Sr T: M. at the instigation of the Lord R. to whom he was assigned Tutor, by the Earle of Ex.

17. To the Eucharist, met in the Sreets, through which it is often borne to the houses of the Sick, Custome, no lesse then the Injunction of the Magistrate, obligeth all to kneele, or bow. The which if a Stranger neglects, he is liable to the Inquisitors: Now if it be an Idol, St Paul sayeth an Jdoll is nothing: And if it renders the meat offered unto it no wayes distastfull to a sound conscience, how should it deprave me to be uncovered, as the rest are? It being palliated, if not absolutely decided this way, in the case of Naman, [Page] and the Duke of Saxony, whom Luther permitted to assist the Emperor Charles the fifth at a Mass, only to preserve a temporall Dignity; covering it with the title of a civill respect.

18. Pity, rather then spurne at those you see prostrate before a Crucifix; Considering wee find it enjoyned, by the Penner of the Practice of Piety (too often printed, to carry the marks of any thing contrary to the genuine mind of the then Protestant Church) that all communicants at the article of their receiving, should imagine the postures of Christ upon the Cross. And if so, doth it not leave roome for a Query, who is the most mistaken, he that makes to himselfe a Representation in his heart, or on the wall? Yet this, with the rest, is laied before you only as an Adviso, not a stumbling blocke, and occasion of offence.

19. Enter no farther into Forraign Churches, then the hand of your own Religion and Conscience leades you; for though the Body of their worship do not take you, the higher expressions [Page] of zeale and austerity (in the preciser sort of Church-men and people, taken for the soule of all Professions) may seeme to discover some defects in your owne: And so displeased on all sides, you dash upon the rock of Atheisme, as such doe, that value the merits & sanctity of Christ by His, who pretends to be his Vicar; and all Morall vertue by the scant Standard, they find it measured by at Rome; where they put out the eyes of the lesse advised with the dust of Antiquity; which we seeming to want, are not so catching to those, not wise enough to looke behind the Curtaine of Formalities.

20. Yet where Conscience and Reason give you leave to comply (as possibly they may in many things) do it ingenuously, without compulsion or dint of Argument; least opposing a Truth upon the By, you give them cause, to thinke you guilty of falshood in the Maine.

21. Consort with none who Scoffe at their owne Religion, but shun them as spies or Atheists: For Strangers [Page] honour them most, next to those of their respective Tenents, that are modestly zealous in the observation of their Owne.

22. Eschew the Company of all English, you find in Orders, for as they have imitated the lapsed Angels, in falling from their first Station; so they beare the like malevolence to all they despaire of bringing into the same condemnation, being for the most part despicable, poore, and Melancholy: The Prorestants eying them as Apostates, and the Catholicks as fugitives and unprofitable devourers of the Natives bread: Thus young Scholers, because not able to reach all they desire at home, like Prodigals abandon the bosome of their Mother, unadvisedly casting themselves into that of want and reproach: Viscount Mont's Brother being but a Porter to a Religious house, and many of the the rest exposed to such hard and desperate Missions into the Indies and other reremote Climats, as their lives are rendred no lesse tedious then uncertaine.

[Page] 23. Besides, he that beyond Sea frequents his owne Countrey-men, forgets the principall part of his errand, Language, and possibly the opportutunity to get experience how to manage his expence; Frugality being of none so perfectly learn'd, as of the Italian and Scot; naturall to the first, and as necessary to the latter. The English also are observed abroad more quarrelsome with their owne Nation, then strangers, and therefore marked out as the most dangerous companions.

24. An Injury in forraine aire is cheaper pas'd over then reveng'd: the endeavour of which hath not seldome drawn on a greater: Besides, if patience and evasion be not learn'd by your Travell, the Bils you have taken up may perhaps be discharged as to the Merchant, but quite lost in regard of any return of profit to such inconsiderate men as suffer themselves to be transported with their Passions; since he that is Master of them, shall act and speake reason, when others, destitute [Page] of that Moderation, appeare mad, uttering nothing but noise.

25. Play is destructive to Estates every where, But to the Persons of Gamesters abroad: rendring them the Objects of Cheating and Quarrels: all by-standers being apt to attest to the prejudice of a Stranger.

26. Hee that desires quiet and to decline Quarrells (undertaken by Strangers upon irreparable disadvantages) must, above all, avoid giving or receiving favours from women: There being none, out of the List of common whores, any waies acceptable, to which some Ruffin (in Italy cal'd Braves, who will murder a man for a Crowne) doth not pretend an Interest, either as a Husband, a Kinsman, or a Servant: Neither are they safely conversed withall, in relation to health; Participating so farr of the nature of Devills, that they are not only instrumentall in the Sin, but many times also in the Punishment.

27. Make not the promise of Marriage a Baud to your lust, nor thinke [Page] her fruit worth owning, shall yeeld possession upon no more formall obligation: Presuming that if shee can dispence with the Ceremony, by which Law only makes her yours, it is as possible that time and the wearisome repetition of the same embraces, may, upon as handsome a provocation tempt her to change the Substance.

28. Hee that ownes a Whore in a more peculiar sense, then a common Jakes, descends from the dignity of Reason; And yet I have known some so farr transported as to marry such an one, to the infamy of their Familyes, no lesse then their owne future discontent: making a mercenary woman, Arbitrator and Guardian of their Issue; contrary to the wiser practise of Spain, where none are admitted Judges of anothers Interest, that have taken fees, as Pleaders themselves, least former use should convert them into Bribes; It being hard to forgoe a profitable custome, and as impossible to impropriate such cattell, as to monopolize the Aire For the barr of honour being [Page] once leaped over by that Sex, there remaines nothing certaine to the owner, but the open fields of Shame and Repentance.

29. If tempted by an impatient Affection to any thing not without danger or difficulty attained, Catechize your selfe with this Question; What wish, fortune or labour ever presented you with, that, after a full fruition, did not soone grow tedious, or, at best came not far short of what, creaking expectation had undertaken it should performe? And let this contemplation moderate your desires, that all worldly profit or pleasure is correspondent to a like measure of anxiety & wearisomnesse. Therefore let no importunity warp you contrary to right reason & conveniency; ever arming your constancy against Flattery and Impudence, strong assailants, especially marching under the teares and caresses of a handsome & seeming innocent woman; from whom it is no dishonour to fly, and with whom their is no safety to treat, for fear, like blind Sampson, you [Page] grind out the remainder of your dayes, between want and Repentance, and be led in Triumph by her friends, and those suborned to seduce you, more ready to sacrifice the thanks to their owne Nets, then to the easinesse of your Nature, to which it is only due.

30. If any then be furiously enamored on you, whose fortune cannot correspond for the Troubles incident to Marriage (which God knows are not a few) venture the losse of her, rather then your selfe; it being one of the highest pieces of madnesse, to hang an indissolvable padlock upon your future hopes, only to save a wenches longing; with whose soft humor, miscarriage is more sutable, then a man's, armed with so much Advice: Therefore fly from such as incurable Plagues; nothing being more catching to unbiased nature, then a seeming violent Affection, which if not built upon a former promise, you may leave her justly to the melancholly Society of her owne folly, out of which it is all odds, but shee may [Page] happily recover, or imitate the voluptuous death of that Taylor, reported to haue whin'd away himselfe for the love of Queen Elizabeth.

31. Who travells Italy, handsome, young and beardlesse, may need as much caution and circumspection, to protect him from the Lust of men, as the affections of women; an impiety not to be credited by an honest heart, did not the ruins of Sodom, calcin'd by this unnaturall heat, remaine still to witnesse it.

32. And as I have heard, they continue so enamored this uncouth way of Lust, led by what imaginary delight I know not, that such as Age and weaknesse have set beyond the power of Acting, suffer themselves to be patients in that noisome bestiality, maintaining to this end Emissaries abroad, to entice men of delicate complexions, to the houses of these decrepit Lechers, under pretence of an assignation made by some feminine beauty; And thus ensnared, the poore uncircumspect young man cannot with conscience doe, or [Page] safety refuse this base Office.

33. Where you never meane to returne, extend your Liberality at first coming, or as you see convenient during your aboad; For what you give at parting is quite lost.

34. Make no ostentation of carrying any considerable Summe of Money about you, least you turne that to your destruction, which under God is a Strangers best preservation: And remove not from place to place, but with company you know: The not observing whereof is the cause, so many of our Countrymens graves were never knowne, having been buried in as much obscurity as kild.

35. Inns are dangerous, & so are all fresh Acquaintance, especially where you find their offer of friendship to out-bid a Strangers desert; The same may be said of Servants, not to be entertained upon ordinary commendations.

36. Next to Experience, Languages are the richest lading of a Traveller, among which French is most usefull; [Page] Italian and Spanish not being so fruitfull in Learning: (except for the Mathematicks and Romances) Their other Bookes being gelt by the Fathers of Inquisition.

37. He that is carried by his curiosity under the Jurisdiction of the Turke, or other Mahumetan Princes, shall be used (as they esteeme him) like a dogg; and so to be armed with a more invincible Patience, then commonly accompanies a man free borne; insomuch as I heard a Kinsman say, who had been at Jerusalem, that the richest experience he brought from thence, could not in the least proportion recompence the trouble he met with; bringing home certaine marks of the incivility of the people, for an uncertaine discovery of the places famed for Christ's Death and Buriall. And though he thought he merited by it (a conceit I know uncapable of place in your head) yet no reward could hire him to repeat again these weary steps: Therefore I advise you to believe rather what you may read in your Studie, then goe thither [Page] to disprove it.

38. I can say little of Plantations, having had no experience of them; But that he, which changeth his owne Country, shall not, in my mind, do well, to go farther from the Sun, or where he may not at least share in the Government.

ADVICE TO A SON.
IV. Government.

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1, 2. Change. 3. Commotions. 4. Tumults, Incendiaries. 5. A Warr—for Religion,—Oppression. 6. Submission to wicked Governors,—7. Not approving them. 8. Warinesse and Fidelity. 9. Submission to Powers in being. 10. Ambition. 11. Recognition of the present Powers. 12, 13. The Originall of Dominion. 14. Fresh Families: State-Martyrs—for 15, 16 Fame. 17. High Birth; Titles of Honour. 18. Meane Birth. 19. Obligation to Governours, what—20, 21. To a Monarch;—To a Free State: Siding. 22. Enemies reconciled [Page] —23. Trust not. 24. Ingratitude. 25. Forrain Interests. 26. Preferments under Monarchies, and Republicks, compared. 27. Oratory—28. To speake last;—Mr Hamden. 29. Insurrections, Conspiracies. 30. Perfection, Change. 31. Directions to a Magistrate about—Preferments—32. Punishments—33 The Souldiery—34 The Clergy.

[Page] 1. COntract not the common distemper, incident to vulgar braines, who still imagine more ease from some untried Government, then that, they lye under: not having passed the first Forme of experience, where wee may learne, that Tyranny is no lesse naturall to Power, then lust to Youth.

2. If happy for the present, 'tis no better then madnesse to endeavour a change; if but indifferently well, folly: For though a vessell may yeeld the more, for tilting or stirring, it renders all in it unpleasant to present use: The Die of warr, seldome turning to their advantage, that first cast it: such therefore as cannot make all well, discharge their conscience, in wishing it so; Government [Page] being the care of Providence, not mine.

3. But if it be your Fortune to fall under such commotions, imitate not the wild Irish or Welch, who during Eclipses, run about beating kettles and panns, thinking their clamour and vexations available to the assistance of the higher Orbes; though they advance nothing but their owne miseries, being often maimed, but at best layed by without respect or reward, so soone as the state is returned to its former splendor: Common Souldiers resembling Cocks, that fight for the benefit and ambition of others, more then their owne: This proves it the wholsomer counsell, to stay within dores, and avoid such malignant effects, as people attribute to the supposed distempers of the superiour Planets. But if forced to take a streame, let it be that which leads to the desires of the Metropolis; the chiefe city being for the most part preserved, who ever prevailes, in a civill commotion, abounding in money and friends, the readiest way to purchase [Page] quiet.

4. Bee not the pen or mouth of a multitude congregated by the gingling of their Fetters: least a Pardon or Complyance knock them off, and leave you, as the Soule of that wicked and deformed Body, hanging in the Hell of the Law, or to the vengeance of an exasperated Power: But rather haue patience, and see the Tree sufficiently shaken, before you run to scramble for the fruit, least instead of profit and honour, you meet a cudgell or a stone: And then (if possible) seeme to fall in rather out of compulsion, then designe: Since the Zeale of the Rabble is not so soone heated by the reall oppressions of their Rulers, but may be as easily cooled by the specious promises and breath of Authority.

5. A Multitude inflamed under a religious pretence, are at first as unsafely opposed, as joyned with; resembling Beares exasperated by the cry of their whelps; and doe not seldome, if unextinguished by hope or delayes, consume all before them, to [Page] the very thing they intend to preserve: Zeale, like the Rod of Moses, devouring all for Diabolicall, that dares but appeare before it in the same shape: The inconsiderate Rabble, with the Swine in the Gospell, being more furiously agitated by the discontented Spirits of others, then their owne; who cannot be so happy in a Sea of bloud and devastation, the dire effects of warr, as in peace, though invaded with some Oppression, a Scab that breaks out oftentimes in the most wholsome constituted Bodyes of States, and may with lesse smart be continued on, then picked off. And because the Generality are uncapable, in regard of number, either of reward, or punishment, therefore not of use to the Ambition or safety of others, but for the present, like Gun-powder, during the flash of their discontent, and as a Lock in a River, are onely of force upon the first opening, to drive on the designes of Innovation; loosing themselves afterwards in a more universall dilatation, either out of wearinesse, [Page] or doubt of the consequence.

6. The Example of Brutus, rather then Cato, is to be followed in bad times; it being safer to be patient, then active; or appeare a foole, then a malecontent. An Evasion not only justified in the person of David, and by the eloquence of Paul before his Heathen Judges; but our Saviour himselfe is not heard to inveigh against the present Power, though it had made the Head of the Baptist the Frolick to a Feast.

7. Owne the Power, but not the Faults of the Magistrate; nor make Law, assigned for a buckler to defend your selfe, a sword to hurt others: least partiality should allure you to passe the sentence of Approbation upon any thing unwarrantable in its owne nature. Neither let any Formalities used at a mimicall Tribunall (as that was set up in the case of Naboth) perswade you to more then a passive compliance: since such may seeme to make greater, rather then diminish the wages of their iniquity, that seeke to cover Rapine with a Gowne; which the [Page] sword might patronize with more decency: And this observed, the people might cheaper receive all their injury at the first hand, which these Retailers of wickednesse utter at more intolerable rates. The result of all is, Ahab might better have committed murther single, then rendred so many accessary, under the formall pretence of a Religious Fast. &c.

8. Before you fix, consult all the Objections, Discretion is able to make; But once resolved, desert not your Party upon every Accesse of a Feaver, as many melancholy spirits did, these warres; who, by their often and unseasonable flittings, wore themselves so out on both sides, as they were not worth owning, when successe undertooke for them that they did turne in earnest: Irresolution, rendering pardon more difficult from either Faction, than it could have proved, had they remained constant to any; Devesting themselves of the ensignes of Fidelitie, looked upon by all with the eyes of pity, and doe often meet with Honour, seldome faile of Forgivenesse, [Page] from a Noble enemy, who cannot but befriend vertue, though he hath found it in armes against him. Yet if you perceive the Post you have contracted, to totter through undermining Treachery or weaknesse, you may purchase your preservation by all honest endeavours: For he that prolongs his life by the for, feiture of a Trust he has undertaken, husbands it worse, then if he buried it in the field of Honour; Traitors in all ages being equally detested on both sids.

9. Submit quietly to any power Providence shall please to mount into the saddle of Soveraignty, without enquiring into their Right for Conscience sake, or their Births, in relation to Honour: Remembring, that not only David, but the most famous for successe, did not only cut off others Lines, but were naturall shepheards under the Cope of Heaven, before they attained to be metaphorically so under the Canopy of the Chaire of State; which once possessed, clarifies the present Incumbent's Title from the greatest imputations incident to Birth or Proceeding. And the [Page] many-headed Beast, the Multitude, is seldome more, sometimes lesse gall'd and vexed by the new, then the old Saddle or Riders; who, out of their greater experience of her brutish patience, are more apt to load her with the trappings of power, and the furniture sutable to a throne; whose Inventory Pride increaseth proportionable to continuance, and the presumption they have of their own ability to keep the people from attempting their Remove. This may render it indifferent to a wise-man, what card is Trump; whose game may possibly prove as faire under Clubs, as Diamonds; neither ought he to be troubled, whither his Fetters consist of Many linkes, or but One.

10. Nurse not Ambition with thine owne bloud; nor think the wind of Honour strong enough to blow away the reproachfull sense of a shamefull, if possibly that of a violent Death: For if Solomons Rule be true, that A living Dog is better then a dead Lion, a Quick evasion cannot but be deemed more manlike, then a Buried valour.

[Page] 11. If Authority exacts an Acknowledgment from you, give it with all readinesse: It being the highest Frenzy, to dispute your Innocency with those who are able to convert the greatest into a fault: For, if it be no dishonour to submit to Theeves, if fallen into their Hands, Let not the example of a few fooles (who, like Lice, thrive no where so well as in a prison) tempt you to oppose your felicity against the Imperative Power, under which the disposure of your person doth wholly remaine, and therefore madnesse to deny it words.

12. I abhorre the the Idolatry of the Heathen, yet cannot but mind you of their Humility, in adoring any thing the people set up, though but hewed out of the body of an Oake, most auspicious unto swine, and principally after shaking by such stormes as Devils are reported to have raised: Therefore if you may enjoy the liberty of your owne conscience and estate, question not the desert or right of those, under whom you doe it.

13. He that suffers his conscience to mislead him in civill Obedience, makes [Page] his Guide a stumbling-block; and doth not consider that All States and Kingdomes now extant, had their foundations laided in the dirt, though time may have dried it up by oblivion, or flattering Historians lick't it off.

14. Thinke it no disparagement to your birth or discretion, to give honour to Fresh Families; who cannot be denied to have ascended by the same steps, those did, we stile Antient; New being a terme only respecting us, not the world: For what is, was before us, and will be, when we are no more: Warre followes peace, and peace warre, as summer doth winter, and foule weather faire; neither are any ground more in this Mill of vicissitudes, then such obstinate fooles as glory in the repute of State-Martyrs after they are dead; which concernes them lesse then what was said 100 yeares before they were born: It being the greatest odds, Their names shall not be registred, or if they be, after death they are no more sensible of the honour, then Alexanders great horse, or any beast else, his Masters Indulgence, or the writers, are [Page] pleas'd to record: Neither, in a strict sense, doe they deserve such honour, for being able to date their possessions from before the Conquest, since if any be due, it wholly belongs to them that were buried in the ruines of their Countries Liberty, and not to such as helped to make their graves, as in likelyhood most did, whom the Normans suffered to remain. Therefore tis madnesse to place our felicity out of our owne reach, or to measure honour or repute by any other standerd then the opinion we conceive of it our selves; it being unpossible to find a generall agreement in any good or evill report; The Raigne of Queene Elizabeth being no lesse traduced, then that of Richard the Third is justified.

15. Bee not therefore licorish after Fame, found by experience to carry a trumpet, that doth for the most part congregate more enemies then friends.

16. And if you duely consider the inconstancy of common Applause, and how many have had their Fame broken upon [Page] the same wheele that raised it, and puffed out by their breath that kindled the first report of it, you would be as little elevated with the smiles, as dejected by the frownes of this gaudy Goddess; formed, like Venus, out of no more solid matter, then the foame of the people, found by experience to have poysoned more then ever she cured; Being so volatle, as she is uncapable of fixation in the richest jewels of nature, vertue, or grace; The composition of that body wholly consisting of contradictions; no readier to set up this day, then she may be to pull dull downe the next: This renders it the lowest pu [...]rility to be pleased or angry at reports: Good being inflamed, and Evill quenched, by nothing sooner then a constant neglect.

17. Ostentation of Birth, at no time decent, cannot in this be safe, wherein the very foundations of honour, are not only shaken, but laid bare: Besides many are so abused, in the sound of their owne, or their fathers titles, that by bustling for the upper end, they often render that a shame, which in it selfe is [Page] no crime: as for example, if the son of the Common Hunt, (in english, the Lord Mayors Dog-keeper) by reason of the title of Esquire annext to his place, should consider himselfe as a man of worship, &c. Were it not ridiculous, when God knowes, the appellation is used for the honour of the city, not the person that weares it? The same might be said of all Mechanick Places at Court, which to render them the more vendible, were blazoned with the false Alchymy of a like Title; so far from advancing repute, that it sets it back, in the opinion of all judicious men. Observe how ridiculous such animals are, to pride themselves in the shadow and taile of Honour, when the substance is vanished, and the Head, &c.

18. Despise none for meanesse of Bloud, yet doe not ordinarily make them your companions, for debasing your owne; unlesse you find them clarified by excellent Parts, or guilded by fortune or power; Solomon having sent the sluggard to the Pismire, to learne industry; and to the living Dog, rather then the [Page] dead Lion, for protection.

19. It cannot be looked upon as an act of prudence, to doe more for another, then in reason may be expected from him againe upon a like occasion; unlesse so far as I am obliged to it out of gratitude; and no farther can my Prince or any one else expect assistance from me; For if I have not my livelyhood by him, I cannot apprehend any cause, why I should expose it for him, especially if I may, with any probability, be happy and keep it without him. And because most of the first Propriators of Government, in our dayes, and long before, have ascended the Throne at the cost and trouble, if not contrary to the mind of the people they command, why should any loose that for their preservation, which was never gained by their Benevolence? Therefore if those at the Helme have lost their power, and I not able to find a particular Engagement or Interest strong enough to make their good successe inseparably necessary to my present or future well-being, I am not bound to goe farther on with them, [Page] then sutes with my safety, and the security my judgment gives, that they are able to bring me off: All we owe to Governours, is Obedience, which depends wholly on Power, and therefore subject to follow the same Fate and perish with it. For Friendship can be contracted between none that stand so far remote from the Line of Paritie; Therefore all superlative Powers are excepted out of this commerce, because situated, in truth or pretence, under a divine right, which no Interrest of mine can reach, much lesse procure: Then, being so far above us, they can be nothing to us, longer then able to support themselves: For if they have an extraordinary and particular establishment in heaven, it were blasphemy to think they can be puld downe by any but God; in the opposition of whose Vengeance, I am no more able then willing to stand, as those must, that appeare unseasonably for them. Besides, Powers are established to protect us, who are to live happy under them, not miserably for them, if possibly to be prevented; since all sorts of Governments [Page] may be reckoned among the rest God's plagues, powred downe upon men for their oppression and disobedience, in the primitive Parity; which makes our Wills, like Eve's, subject to others.

20. No Government can be safely ingaged by a single person beyond requitall: Kings thinking it a diminution of Honour; and Republicks a dangerous step to Popularity: Here you may see the continuall use of of circumspection; since 'tis possible for Vertue to forme a weapon against it selfe.

21. If it be dangerous to over-oblige a King, it is mortall in relation to a Free State; whose Ingratitude, no lesse then requitall, is divided among so many, as they are scarce capable of shame or thanks: Every Particular disavowing what is generally thought amisse, And all faults buried in his grave, that hath the fortune to die next. Therefore if possible avoid siding; yet if compell'd, remember it may be deducible, both from the History of the great Earle of Warwick, and Stanly, That a King may be as safely destroyed, as preserved: And for [Page] Common-wealths, they are in nothing more perfect then Ingratitude; either Government finding it better husbandry, to pardon enemies, then reward Friends.

22. A reconciled enemy is not safely to be trusted; yet if any, a Great one; it bring easier for such to execute their malice, then conceale it.

23. To conclude this part, imagine few the more capable of Trust, because you have formerly obliged them; nothing being more ordinary, then natures that quit such scores with hatred and treachery: And if you consider, whose hearts have been most empty of pity towards unfortunate Princes, Experience may present you with millions of such, whose hands formerly were fild with their bounty.

24. Ignorance reports of Witches, That they are unable to hurt, till they have received an Almes; which though ridiculous in it selfe, yet in this sense verified, That Charity seldome goes to the Gate, but it meets with Ingratitude; They proving, for the most part, the [Page] greatest enemyes, that have been bought at the dearest rates of friendship; which proceeds from the high pride of Humanity: Therefore be as little flattered to doe good out of hope of requitall, as I would have you terrified out of feare of the contrary.

25. Providence, or a severer Destiny, hath housed under all our roofes a sufficient proportion of Calamities; Therefore 'tis folly to send to market for troubles, As those doe that contract forrain infelicities, vexing themselves for the losse of the Prince of Conde in France, the death of the King of Sweden in Germany, or the progresse of the Turkes in Candy, Tophets prepared of old, as well to torment the ambitious and unquiet spirits of busy Subjects, as Kings.

26. One may attain to a higher degree of Honour and Power, under a Monarch, then can be found room for in a Republick; as is apparent in some Favorites, that have had the administration of all affaires: Yet in my opinion this is abundantly recompensed, in the multitude, [Page] which the latter imployes; who are securer in what they enjoy, in not being subject to the passions of a single judgment.

27. Though Law perish, a thing unlikely, being the guard of all Peace, yet Oratory will still keepe in repute, as having more affections to worke upon in a Republick, then a Monarchy: one judgment being easier forestall'd, then many; So as I may safely presage, If a golden Tongue fall under a subtile head, it may have a great influence upon the whole Senate.

28. At a Conference to speake last, is no small advantage, as Mr John Hampden wisely observed, who made himselfe still the Goal-keeper of his party, giving his opposites leisure to loose their reasons in the loud and lesse significant tempest, commonly arising upon a first Debate; in which is he found his side worsted, he had the dexterous sagacity to mount the Argument above the Heads of the major part: Whose single Reason did not seldome make the whole Parliament so far suspicious of their owne, as [Page] to approve his, or at least give time for another debate; by which he had the opportunity to muster up more forces; thus by confounding the weaker, and tiring out the acuter judgments, he seldome failed to attain his ends.

29. Republicks lye most obnoxious to popular commotions, Monarchies to clandestine attempts: In the first it is not safe to be found, unlesse they be so epidemicall, as may more then probably assure successe; in the latter not decent for a person of honour, though warranted by never so much security; no hands being more loathsome, then those that smell of bloud, and treachery.

30. Hee that seekes perfection on earth, leaves nothing new for the Saints to find in heaven: For whilst Men teach, there will be mistakes in Divinity; And as long as no other govern, Errors in the State: Therefore be not licorish after Change, least you muddy your present felicity with a future greater, and more sharp inconvenience.

[Page] 31. As I would have you primarily to intend the stopping of the leakes in your owne Bottom, if called to the Helme (from which in Free states none are exempt;) so you must by no meanes neglect the repairing the broken fortunes of others found to be of excellent parts; who if not made friends by preferment, may prove dangerous to a new-founded state: Neither are preferments so scarce, or these so numerous, but that there is provision enough for them in these three Nations: I confesse Queen Elizabeth most happy in this, which preserved her from Civill Wars, whose foundations are Commonly laid by such as are too subtile to be discovered: Flames, as in Hay or straw, may be kindled in the more combustible People by such as shall appeare rather to bring water then fire; Nothing in experience being found more mortall, then an unseasonable Commendation from an eloquent tongue, or a forced complyance from a discontented Politician. The Consistory and Jesuits maintain throughout the world the trafick of [Page] sedition & privy conspiracy; yet have had so much wit, as to land it in Presbyterian bottomes, and to cover their disobedience to Governours under the attempts of the Anabaptists, that naturally acknowledg none. The truth is, if wise men will make it their businesse, they may be easily able, where the people are unsetled, to obstruct all good, and promote much evill, under the specious pretences of Religion and safety: Therefore far cheaper pleased, then discontented; being otherwise, in true policy, capable of no slighter security, then shall be able to cut off all hope or desire of future revenge: The consideration of which though it cannot make me altogether approve, yet it abates my severity in the condemnation of that Legislator, said to have write his Lawes in bloud, which might be more sutable to the complexion of some times, then may possibly hitherto have beene thought.

32. The like may be imagin'd of men proscribed, who between thirst of revenge, and a desire of returning, do not seldome promote their Countries [Page] ruine. This also may authorize their Tenents that hold punishing Children with the losse of Good's, for their Fathers Crimes, as dangerous as unjust. And under this head may be reduced all Penall Lawes, laid upon faults not really prejudiciall to the state: Nor can a too rigid scrutiny, either after personall lapses in manners, or uncouth Tenents in Religion, produce any good effects to a Commonweal, where no Inquisition is, which under the Papacy drawes the envy wholy upon the Church, made incapable, not only by custome, but an aufull Reverence, of all revenge.

33. Another error may happen (especially where a Free State is founded in Armes) by Conceding too great a power to the Soldiury, who like the spirits of Conjurers, do oftentimes teare their Masters, and Raisers in peices, for want of other imployment: Therfore since it is beyond the plenty of any Nation, to proportion a reward sutable to the opinion they have of their one merit, it behoves the supream Power to bury their Covetousnesse and Ambition in the [Page] fields of others, by a forrain war; yet as little to their discontent as may be; alwaies giving them the honour of good servants, though bad Masters; remembring, that the cause, you raised them for, is not so deepe buried but it may rise againe to the terror of all that withstand it.

34. Neither can the Clergy be rendered, with lesse danger, Despicable, then Great; both these extreames equaly crossing the waies of peace: yet more safety possibly may accrue from estating them in so comfortable a competency as the loosing of it may create feare, then such a Power, as they have in other Nations, found by experience to produce pride and ambition, besides an incroachment on the Peoples Liberty; whose natures they are used to warpe towards any side, by the hope and terror they raise in their consciences in relation to another world; the exploding of which beliefe-would be no lesse diminution to the reverence of the [Page] civill Magistrate, then the profit of the Priesthood.

ADVICE TO A SON.
V. Religion.

[Page]

1. 2. The Bible, The Church, Expositors. 3. Brightman. 4. Ʋniversall Consent. 5. Profession. 6. Hypocrisy, Scandall. 7. Criticismes, Schoole-Divinity, 8. Controversies. 9. Socinians, 10. Popery. 11. Purgatory &c. 12. Schismaticks. 13. Millenaries. 14. Levellers. 15. The Reformation. 16. Workes, Profession, Faith. 17. The present wild Errors—18. tend to Anarchy: Moses, Mahumet; Discretion. 19. Zeale in excesse. 20. Conscience, Reason, Superstition. 21. Obstinacy of Hereticks. 22. Courtiers and Common-people's Religion. 23. Seekers, Reason, The Scripture, Beliefe, Tender Consciences. 24, Antiquity. [Page] 25. Reason, Revelation, Prophecy, Miracles & Faith. Honesty of the Indians. 27, 28. Difference of Religions; Conscience. 29. Fortune-Tellers. 30. Hope & Feare. 31. Divine Vengeance. 32. Witchcraft. 33. Rash Judgement. 34. Charity. 35. Impiety, Improbity. 36. Injustice. 37. Purchase of Church-lands. 38. Enmity to the Clergy, or Religion Established. 39. New-lights. 40. Titles. 41. Wisdome of Moses. 42. Card. Woolseyes Folly.

[Page] 1. REad the Booke of God with reverence; & in things doubtfull take fixation from the authority of the Church, which cannot be arrained of a damnable error, without questiōing that truth, which hath proclamed her impregnable against the gates of Hell. This makes me wish that our Samsons in successe (who have stript her of her Ornaments, Riches, Power, and Honors, which the ancient piety left her to cover her Nakednesse with all) & given them to vaine expounders of Riddles, may not one day have cause to repent, when they find themselves anoyed no lesse then the eyes of Truth weakened by the dust and rubbidge, [Page] the fall of so great and antique a frame is likely to make.

2. Therefore be content to see your Judgment wade, rather then swim, in the sense of the Scriptures, because our deep plungers have been often observed to bring up sandy Assertions, & their heads wrapt about with the venemous weeds of Error and Schismes, which, may for the present discountenance the endeavours of modester Learning; yet will, no doubt, sinke and vanish, after some time and experience had of their frequent mistakes, as those of our bold Expositers of the Revelation, have most shamefully done.

3. For if Brightman, known by my selfe pious and learn'd, could be so out in his Calculations for the Pope's fall, as to the time; What encouragement remaines for you to perplex your studies or expectation, when those hieroglyphicall Obscurityes shall be performed?

4. He may be lesse prudent, if not religious, who straines at Gna [...], contrary to the stomack of the Church he [Page] lives in, then such as swallow greater things, owned by her universall consent: For he that heards with the Congregation, though in an Error, hath Obedience to stand by him; whereas a Truth in the other may be rendred more peccant, though a solitary obstinacy: since it is ordinary with the holy Spirit to register such Kings for Good, as had not quite expunged all markes of Idolatry, though possibly in their power to have done it, which a private person cannot but want, having nothing but Arguments to oppose, blunted through perjudice arising from a contrary practice.

5. Despise not a profession of Holinesse, because it may be true; But have a care how you trust it, for feare it should be false; the Coat of Christ being more in fashion than his practice; Many Pulpit men, like Physicians, forbidding their Patients that, you may ordinarily find on their owne trenchers.

6. Hypocrisy, though looked upon by the Church, the spouse of Christ, as a gaudy and painted Adulteresse, yet [Page] if she passeth undiscovered, the result is not so dangerous, as that of open Profanenesse: Therefore shun all occasions of scandall, which commonly ariseth from drinke, whose followers have their lapses scored on every wall.

7. Criticismes and curious Questions in Schoole Divinity may whet the wit, but are detected for dulling the edge of Faith, and were never famous for edification; and though looked upon, in these last Centuries, as the right hand of Learning, yet better cut off, then used, as they have long served, for weapons of contention: Devised to puzzle the Layity and render the Clergy no lesse necessary then honorable; Who have worke enough cut out for them till doomes day, to resolve, which is least suitable to the Divine Essence, To have bound the hands of men, or left them at liberty, By which, a constraint must needs be put upon us, or our Maker, &c.

8. I can approve of none for Magisteriall Divinity, but that which is found floting in the unquestion'd sense of the Scriptures: Therefore when cast upon a [Page] place that seemes equaly inclined to different Opinions, I would advise, to count it, as Bowlers doe, for dead, to the present understanding, and not to torture the Text by measuring of every nicity, but rather turne to one more plaine, referring to that all disputes, without knocking one hard place against another, as they have done since this iron age, till an unquencheable fire of Contention is kindled, And so many jarring and uncertaine sounds of Religion heard, as men stand amazed, not knowing which to follow, all pretending to be in the right, as if it were possible, for Truth to contradict her selfe.

9. I Confesse the Socinians are not at this time unworthily looked upon, as the most Chymicall and Rationall part of our many Divisions; Yet going contrary to the antient Canons of the Church, esteemed in the Schoole of the Fathers, the best Grammar of a Christians Creed, and wanting the principall Buttresses of Prescription, Uniniversality & Consent, to uphold the [Page] convenience, and justify the Truth of their Doctrine, I cannot award them so much approbation as they seem in reason to plead for: Yet are so farre confident, that if just proofe can be made of their adulterating the faith of Antiquity, few Professions extant can justly take up the first stone against them, who upon a conscientious scrutinie, may possibly appeare equally culpable: (However such as call them Arians, do not think they honot them with a former universall Consent, Athanasius only excepted:) And other lesse probable Opinions may learne this candor and Charity from them, not to barre Heaven Gates against all Professions but there owne; or, like our Retailers of new Lights, pull Passengers into their Preaching-houses by the sleeves, as if all wanted Religion but themselves.

10. And as the Socinian Doctrine appeares too aëry, high and Mercuriall for ordinary Capacities, whose understandings, are usually consum'd, like Jupiters Mistresse, in the splendid commerce of such sublime speculations; So [Page] the Roman is too earthy and Saturnine, participating of the drosse of Merit, Images, Indulgences, &c. Which convinceth Her of so much wordly respect, as she stands condemned by all, but such as are betrayed to her devotion through Ignorance, Profit, or Honor on the one hand, or chain'd to her Obedience, by the iron Inquisition on the other.

11. Yet were not Purgatory with the rest of the Romish Goblins, obtruded as Articles of Faith, I should be the lesse scandalized at them; in hope, by accident, they might occasion good: Finding humane Nature so childish, as to be sooner scared, then perswaded, out of the darke Enteries of Sinne: the reall Rod not being so terrible, in the hand of the Magistrate, as these Phantasmes, which Tradition and the Preists subtilty hath formed in the peoples Braines.

12. Now for the vagabond Scismatick. he is so fiery as he cannot last long unconsumed, being ready upon the least advantage to melt all into Sedition, not sparing to burn the fingers of Government, longer then they shower downe [Page] Offices and preferments upon him; whining for a Sanctity here, God never yet trusted out of Heaven: Therefore uncapable of quiet, but under a severe Restraint, or an absolute Liberty.

13. I confesse the Millenaries are of so joviall a Creed, as I could be content, it stood with the will of God, I might heard with them; whoif not approoved, I doe not find condemned by any Councell, at least for the first three hundred yeares.

14. But our new Levelling Opinions, though they seeme to transcribe their Authority, from the no lesse inimitable then miraculous practize of the primitive times, stand (if taken at the farthest extent) in so diametricall an Opposition to all humane felicity, as not likely to proceed from the Lord of Order; Being, if lights, in such darke Lanthornes, as rob humane Society of all reward, and consequently, endeavour of desert: Yet the Owners, though unconstant in their new waies, pronounce it damnable to keepe the old.

[Page] 15. In conclusion, you will find the Reformation most conformable to the duty we owe to God, & the Magistrate: if not too flegmatick, in passing by decent Ceremonies; or too cholerick and rigid, in obtruding upon weake and tender Consciences.

16. And yet it was no unhappy rancounter in him that said, A good Religion might be composed out of the Papists Charity, the Puritan's words and the Protestants Faith: For where workes are thought too chargeable, outward profession too cumbersome, the third renders it selfe suspected; The two first, being onely palpable to sense and reason, stand firm like a rock, whereas the other shakes under the waight of every Phantasy, as Peter did when he walked upon the Sea. To speake English, In good workes none can be deceived, but the doer, in valuing them too high; in the two latter all but God, who only knowes the heart.

17. It is observable in the present humour, that those who carry an Impresse of the wildest errors have a safer Pasport to [Page] travell by, and a neerer step to preferment, then such as retaine the Tenents, our Fathers kept in grosse during the flames of the antient Persecutions, and by retaile under the modern; making the honor of that Doctrine scandalous, for which our Ancestors were not asham'd to die, who are by this rendered the worst of Murderers, as having through Obstinacy beene guilty of their owne Death.

18. Will not such proceedings incline to Anarchy, and that prooving loathsome to all, make roome for the old or some more acceptable Familie, if not for Conquest by a forreine Nation? Because people lying uneasily, are apt to such tumblings and changes, as cannot but at last bring them under a Power, strong enough to constraine, or cunning enough to perswade them, with a pretence of holinesse and righteousnesse, to a mutuall compliance, in relation to a change of Government: Of the first there are multitudes of Examples, throughout all profane Histories; of the latter few but sacred, where the Jewes under Moses [Page] being led by the miraculous hand of God, are not capable to be comprized under the erring Axioms of humane Policy. As for Mahumet he tolled on his untutored rable, by mixing profit and rapine with his religion, which he left uncertaine; grounding his precepts upon successe, ever owned as dropped upon them out of Heaven; making himselfe still confident of the event, which I cannot undertake: Therefore unable in these aporetick times, to give you better Counsell then to keep your compliance so loose, as if possible, you may fix it to the best advantage of your profit & honour.

19. Neverthelesse though a high, palpable and externall Zeale is taken by the present Age as a marke of Confidence, yet I cannot looke upon it with such affection; because scru'd up to these altitudes in many by the wooden pinnes of wordly respects, Not likely to hold longer in tune, then a harmony can be made amongst all Parties, now possibly at odds, or under a jealous Aspect. Theresore I advise you, to put no more [Page] of it on, then with decency you may divest in case the fashion should alter, and the rich die the wars have dipt it in, be rubb'd off; Since all customes rise or fall proportionable, to the exchāge they make for the preferments in the state, to which in discretion you are bound to sute your Obedience, though not your Conscience: For my Perswasions reach only to what is consonant to Religion, which doth not bind you to choake your fortunes with the Criticismes of such Postillers of the Age, as value their Interpretations of Scripture above liberty or Life, And by this overweening, one Century makes Martyrs of those the precedent thought Hereticks, and such Liberators of their Countrey, as were formerly held Traitors.

20. Keep then your Conscience tender, but not so raw as to winch and kick at all you understand not; Nor let it baffle your wit out of the bounds of Discretion, as such do that suffer themselves to be moped by it: To prevent which, keepe Reason alwaies in your eye, whose light ought never to be lost in any worldly [Page] action, and but eclipsed in what relates to Heaven: The Tribunall of conscience being erected in our Soules, to detect our miscarriages, not to betray our welbeing; and therefore subordinate not only to a superlative Authority, but also to our owne honest, safe and wholsome conveniences. Neither is Conscience seldome misled by Education, Custome and the fâls representations of Teachers, who benighted in the darke Interests of Covetousnesse and Ambition, seeke to lodge others under the roofe of such Institutes as they believe not themselves, yet employ all their Art, sufficiency and endeavour, to make them passe for authentick and the pure mind of God; Like Juglers, that beguile our senses, with what is not, to have the better opportunity to pick our pockets of what is realy usefull to themselves: For as the more subtile wind, got into the narrow and delicate parts of our body, is able to act the Stone, Gout, and other most acute diseases, not really present; So doth Superstition represent in this changeable and concave glasse, of a suborned [Page] Conscience, thinges for sinfull, that are indeed but naturall and indifferent; and other pious, are really vaine and destructive; The prosecution of which leads readily to Atheisme, or an over-biassed holynesse, which persecutes all that carry the impress of any contrary Tenents.

21. Fly that selfe-murdering Tyrant Obstinacy, who, like our Witches, is not seldome found to pamper the Impes of Heresy with her owne bloud: being not only now, but from all Antiquity, able to bring clouds of witnesses to the stake for the proofe of the wildest Opinions: And if I am not foully mistaken, from the reverberation of her heat, the flames of the antient persecutions, as well as those that followed, were at least increased, if not kindled.

22. As it is manifest that most Princes and men in power (the not unlikeliest to know truth, because it is suspected they did at first disguise it) make no more account of Religion, then the profit and conveniency it brings is able to compense; So the unbiased Rable if once [Page] emancipated out of the fetters, their former Creed confin'd them to, value the Church as they do the old Coynes they digge up, which they take for Counters, because they find them subject to rust; and are not able, by reason of their Roman Inscriptions (the Character of the Beast, which opinion rather then judgment imagines them branded with all) to make them passe in the strict commerce of these intoxicated times; whereby they exchange that for baser metall, which in it selfe perhaps is pure Gold, only attached unhappily by the Cankers and Corruption of Age, easier scoured off, then melted.

23. But if St Peter's pretended successor, the Pope, be found guilty of such erroneous mistakes, it cannot be so much a Soloecisme in Reason, with our Seekers to place St Thomas in the Chair; believing, like him, no more, then lyes patent to humane understanding, which is as much as can decently be imposed upon a new believer without a Miracle; Reason being all the Touchstone besides left in our hands, to distinguish this Gold [Page] from the drosse, they pretend our Religion hath contracted. The Scripture alone seeming unable, by reason of her divers Readings, and the severall sounds, variety of Expositions have put upon it, to decide all differences: Besides the long aboad she hath made at Rome (where who knowes whether or no, or how far that Bishop hath put in his foot?) may render her, in some opinions, suspected, as participating of the like Corruptions, we see manifested in some Translations: So as it may possibly be wished, Learning had never taken her out of the hands of Tradition; where for many yeares she remained with more quiet, then ever she enjoyed since she grew domesticall with all sorts of understandings, who have been connived at by the state (how prudently I dare not determine) whilst they cut her short, or extend her longer, as best fitted their ends and occasions. Now if Faith be not allowed to be taken implicitly from the Authority of any Church, A freedome of choise, by consequence, will result to all, by which Salvation must be wrought [Page] out; And in this wildernesse of contention, we have no better guide to follow then Reason, found the same for many thousands of yeares, though Beliefe hath been observed to vary every Age: And since so considerable a falshood is discovered by our Governours, in the Clergy's Tenet, For the impunity of Kinges; why may not their poore Subjects, be unsatisfied, about the place, they shall receive their owne reward or punishment in, after this Life? or what else may befall these dusty Bodies of our's. Yet I say not this to diminish your Faith, but to encrease your Charity towards tender Consciences who may pretend cause enough to doubt; Though my single Judgment is still ready to determine for Antiquity.

24. Reverence Antiquity, but conclude it not infallible; yet I should take her word sooner in Divinity, then any other Learning; because that is clearest at the beginning; all Studies else more muddy, receiving clarification, from experience.

25. All Truth familiar unto mortals is only legible by the eye of Reason; [Page] Revelation and Prophecy being strangers now to flesh, and ever too high elevated for the perpetuall commerce of such weake Creatures, who may sometimes enjoy a glimmering of them, as the Northerne inhabitants do of the Sun in winter; not permanent longer then they are able to fan away the darke Clouds of infidelity, which dims their Light upon the absence of the Extacy: Whereas Reason passeth in an universall commerce, being of an unquestion'd allay, and therefore likeliest to be the Oracle of the everliving God, said by Solomon, to have squar'd the barres of the Earth by her Rule, and so not improbably supposed to have measur'd out the way to heaven by her Line. St Paul allowes the notice of Gods universall goodnesse, for a sufficient evidence to convince the disobedient Heathen; and may not the same as well save the faithfull observers of the purer Law of Nature? shall the righteous Judge of all things be found with two weights, one to save, another to damne by? Reason only commands beliefe, all things else [Page] begge it; so farre as the most stupendious Miracles that ever were, cannot confute, though 'tis possible they may silence it for a time: But Beleife changeth; and impairing or mending imply's a wearing out, imperfections Reason is uncapable of, remaining the same for ever, as the most faithfull guide to our Maker.

26. It is no lesse worth your observance then admiration, that the wilder Indians and other people by us stil'd Barbarous, are yet more strangers to the unsociable sinnes of improbity, covetousnesse &c. then such as pretend to advance their Conversion: Of which this may be a reason, that whilest they remaine constant to the pure Dictates of Nature, they imagin no Mediation to secure their hopes, or screen their feares conceived to depend on another life, but their owne endeavours; which might give Paul an occasion, to pronounce them a Law to themselves, and therefore possibly within the compasse of Gods secret grace; it being our Saviours owne Confession to him that had kept the [Page] Commandments, that nothing wanted but the sale of his Propriety, a terme these understand not, having all in Common; and if the last part be looked upon as omitted, I would faine know, who followes his master best, He that comes loaden with what he is able, and goes as farre as he can with him; or else he that hath lost it all, or is lazy and lies downe by the way: Acceptance being a fatre easier grant, then pardon?

27. Religions do not naturally differ so much in themselves, as fiery and uncharitable men pretend; who do not seldome persecute those of their own Creed, because they professe it in other termes; Then do not only aske thy conscience, what is Truth, but give her full leasure to resolve thee: For he that goes out of the way with her consent, is likelier to find rest, then he that plods on without taking her Directions.

28. Therefore do nothing against the counsell of this guide; though shee is observed in the world to render her owners obnoxious to the injury and deceipt of all that converse without her: Nothing [Page] being more hard and chargeable to keepe, then a good conscience.

29. Let no seeming opportunity prevaile so farre upon your curiosity, as to entice you to an inspection into your future Fortune; since such Inquisitivenesse, was never answered with good successe. The world like a Lottery, affording multitudes of Crosses, for one Prize; which reduced all into a totall summe, must, by a necessary consequence, render the remainder of life tedious, in removing present felicities, to make roome for the contemplation of future miseries.

30. Do not preengage Hope or Feare, by a tedious expectation; which may lessen the pleasure of the first, yet cannot but aggravate the waight of the latter, whose arrivall is commonly with a lesse traine of inconveniencies, then this her harbinger strives to take up roome for; evill fortune being no lesse inconstant, then good. Therefore render not thy selfe giddy by poring on despaire, [Page] nor wanton with the contemplation of Hope.

31. Stamp not the Impresse of a divine vengeance upon the death or misfortunes of others, though never so prodigious, for feare of penning a Satyre against your selfe, in case you should fall under the same Chance: Many things being taken up for dropped out of an immediate celestiall hand, that fell from no higher pitch, then where God in his providence hath placed such events as waite upon all times and occasions; which prayers and prudence are not able alwaies to shroud you from; Since upon a strict inquiry it may appeare, that, in relation to this world, the godly have as little cause to bragge, as the wicked to complaine.

32. Be not easily drawn to lay the foule imputation of witch-craft upon any, much lesse to assist at their condemnation, too common among us: For who is sufficient for these things, since we are as ignorant in the Benevolences, as Malignities of Nature; Mad men presenting [Page] in their melancholy Extacies, as prodigious confessions and gestures, as are objected to these no lesse infatuated People? And if this humour hath so far prevailed with some, as to take themselves for Urinals, Wolves, & what not, Can it seem impossible for those invaded by all the causes of discontent, to imagine themselves Authors of what they never did? Most of these strange Miraracles they suppose, being hatch'd by the heat of Imagination, or snatcht out of the huge mass of contingences, such a multitude of Individuals as the world produceth, cannot choose but stumble upon: Neither may it be admitted with due reverence to the divine Nature, that Prophecy should cease, and witches so abound, as seeme by their frequent executions; which makes me think the strongest Fascination is incircled within the ignorance of the Judges, malice of the witnesses, of stupidity of the poore parties accused.

33. Be not therefore hasty to register all you understand not in the black Calender [Page] of Hell, as some have done the Weapon-salve, passing by the cure of the Kings evill, altogether as improbable to sense; Neither rashly condemn all you meet with that contradicts the common received opinion; least you should remaine a foole upon record, as the Pope doth, that Anathematized the Bishop of Saltzburg, for maintaining Antipodes; and the Consistory, that may possibly attaine the same honor, for decreeing against the probable opinion of the Earths Motion: Since the branding of one Truth imports more disrepute, then the broaching ten Errors: These being only lapses, in the search of new reason, without which there can be no addition to knowledge; That, a murdering of it, when by others greater wit and industry it is begotten, not to be accounted lesse then an unpardonable sin against the Spirit of Learning; Therefore mingle Charity with Judgment, and temper your Zeale with Discretion; so may your owne fame be preserved, without intrenching upon that of others.

[Page] 34. Fall not out with Charity, though you find, for the most part, Ingratitude lying at her Gate; which God hath contrived, the better to reserve requitall to himselfe.

35. As he offers an high indignity to the Divine Nature, that robs God of his honor, by owning thoughts of him unsutable to the dictates of Reason, the the exactest Engine we have to measure him by, out of the volume of his Word; So doth he offend no lesse against Probity, that detaines another's due, contrary to Justice and the clamors of his owne Conscience: whereby he makes himselfe and his posterity heires to the curse which the wheele of Providence, moved by the breath of Gods first Fiat, doth usually stamp upon those, that endeavour to deface the impresse of goodnesse and equity, which appeared in all things at the beginning. Therefore be not forward to promote any destructive Tenents; or licorish after such ill-gotten estates, as the Law of Power may for a small summe be woed to possesse you of; out of an [Page] hope to engage you, or a feare they might revert, in case they were not diffused amongst a multitude of owners.

36. Make not Law, or the Power you may possibly exercise in the Commonwealth, instrumentall to your private Malice? No murders being so bloudy, as those committed by the sword of Justice.

37. Let not the cheapnesse or conveniency of Church-lands tempt you to their purchase; For though I have not observed vengeance so nimble in this world, as Divines pretend, yet what prudence is there, to submit all your future successe to be measured out, by so severe Expositions, as Church-men usually make of Sacrilegious Persons, which all are registred to be, that meddle with their Revenues? besides the danger and shame of refunding, in case a contrary zeale should repossesse the people, whose clamours and warrant cannot be thought lesse sufficient to obliterate your Title then the former, written, as may be supposed, with more Authentick Inke.

[Page] 38. Denounce no enmity against the Clergy; for, supported by Prayers or Policy, they cannot long want an opportunity to revenge themselves. Oppose no Religion you find established, how ridiculous soever you apprehend it: For though like David, you may bring unavoidable Arguments, to stagger a popular error, None but the Monsters owne sword, can cut off the head of one universally received.

39. Run not hooting after every new Light you may observe to wander about, nor endeavour by a tumultuous dispute to puff it out: for he that will not quench the smoaking flax may possibly accept of a Lamp composed of no richer stuffe then Rushes.

40. Grudge not Tithes to the Teachers of the Gospell, assigned for their wages by the divine Legislator; Of whose Institutes this was none of the least profound, That the tribe of Levi were prohibited all other revenue, then what was deducible out of the tenth part of the other Elevens increase: setting bounds [Page] thereby to all the improvement, their wisdomes, and the tie the Priest-hood had over the peoples consciences, might in the future possibly make, In causing their Maintenance to rise and fall, proportionable to the generall standard of the Nations felicity; which this limitation obliged them to promote, and for their owne sakes, to oppose all incroachments likely to interrupt their brethrens utility. This prompts me to believe, that if the like salary were assigned here, we might promise to our selves the same successe; Prouided the soveraigne Power reserved in their owne hands the collation of Benefices, without giving leave to any Stipendiaries or Lecturers, that signify little lesse then an Anti-clergy: And to perswade this, there may be more Reason, then the narrow project of this Discourse is able to find roome for.

41. Yet I cannot but by the way mind you of the superlative Wisdome of Moses, who, least one sacrilegious injury should have proved a precedent for a [Page] greater, (had the people made a benefit by the spoile) imployed the Censers of Corah and his complices to make plates for the Altar: But finding the Gold of Idol [...] too ranck, decently to be used in the service os God, filed them to dust, and threw them into the River; least the Multitude having beene flesh'd on a Calfe, a false Diety, should after assume the boldnesse, to rob the true One, and those, his Institutes appointed to live by his service.

42. And here it may not improperly be said, that Cardinall Wolsey was ignorant of, or had forgot this Aphorisme of Policy, when he pulled downe Monasteries to build Colledges, by which he instructed that docile Tyrant, Henry the eighth to improve the same; there being nothing forwarder to demolish the results of zeale and Ignorance, then Learning and knowledge: Neither did he discover himselfe a more accomplished Courtier, when he laid the foundation of Grave for a living King, who could not be delighted with the sight of a Tombe, [Page] though never so magnificent, having lived in so high a Sensuality, as I may doubt, whether he would then have exchanged it for the joye [...] of Heaven it selfe. I instance in this, as [...] fit example, to diswade you from thinking it discretion ormanners, to use funereous discourses before Princes or men in power, who hate nothing so much, as the thought of their owne Mortality, and therefore unlikely to be pleas'd with the Messengers of it.

VI. Conclusion.

[Page]

Carriage towards Your—1. Mother—2. Sister. 3. Last will. 4, 5. Buriall. 6. Death. 7. Judgment. 8. Close of all.

1. BEare alwaies a filiall reverence to your deare Mother; and let not her olde age, if she attaine it, seem tedious unto you; Since that little, she may keep from you, will be abundantly recompensed, not only by her prayers, but by the tender care, she hath, & ever will have of you: Therefore in case of my death, (which, wearinesse of the world will not suffer me to adjourn so much as by a wish) doe not proportion your respect by the mode of other Sons, but to the greatnesse of her desert, beyond requitall in relation [Page] to us both.

2. Continue in love and amity with your Sister, and in case of need help her, what you are able; Remembring, you are of a peice, and Her's and Your's differ but in name; which I presume (upon want of issue) will not be denied to be imposed on any child of her's, you shall desire to take for your owne.

3. What you leave at your death, let it be without controversy; else the Lawyers will be your heires.

4. Be not sollicitous after Pompe at my Buriall, nor use any expensive funerall Ceremony; by which, Mourners, like Crowes, devoure the Living, under pretence of honouring a dead Carcasse: Neither can I apprehend a Tombe-stone to adde so great a weight of glory to the dead, as it doth of charge and trouble to the Living, None being so impertinent wasters, in my opinion, as those that build Houses for the Dead: He that that lies under the Herse of Heaven is convertible into sweet herbes and flowers that may rest in such bosomes, as would [Page] shreek at the ugly buggs, may possibly be found crawling in the magnificent Tombe of Henry the Seventh; which also hinders the variety of such contingent Resurrections, as unarched Bodies enjoy, without giving interruption to That, which He, that will not againe die, hath promised to such as love him and expect his appearing: Besides, that man were better forgotten, who hath nothing of greater moment to register his Name by, then a Grave.

5. Contest not with such frantick people, as deny men the Buriall formerly cal'd Christian: since unquietnesse importunes a living Body more, then a Ceremony can advantage one that is dead. This and an hundred other changes ought not to perplex our Rest, who are lesse interested in what can happen after our death, then in that was extant before our birth; No bookes being legible in the Grave.

6. Neither can I apprehend such horror in Death, as some do, that render their lives miserable to avoid it; meeting it oftentimes by the same way they take [Page] to shun it. Death, if he may be ghest at by his elder brother Sleep, (borne before he was thought on, and fell upon Adam, ere he fell from his Maker) cannot be so terrible a Messenger, being not without much ease, if not some voluptuousnesse: Besides, nothing in this world is worth comming from the house-top to fetch it, much lesse frō the deep Grave; furnished with all things, because empty of desires.

7. And concerning a future account, I find the Bill to swell, rather then shrink, by continuance; Or if a stronger propensity to Religion, resides in Age, then Youth (which I wish I had no cause to doubt of) it relates more to the temperature of the Body, then any improvement of the Mind; & so unworthy of any other reward, then what is due to the effects of humane infirmities.

8. To conclude, Let us serve God with what reverence we are able; and do all the good we can; making as little unnecessary worke for repentance, as is possible: And the mercy of our Heavenly Father supply all our Defects in the Son of his Love. AMEN.

[Page] Thus I have left you finished (Deare Son) a Picture of the World; in this at least like it, that it is fraile and confused; being an Originall, not a Coppie; No more forrein help having been imploy'd in it, then what my owne miserable Experience had imprinted in my Memory. And as you have by Triall already found the Truth of some of these; So I most earnestly beg of you, to trust the rest, without thrusting your fingers, like a Child, into those flames, in which your Father hath formerly beene burnt; and so, adde by your owne purchase, to the multitude of inconveniences, he is forced to leave you by inheritance.

Now You are Taught to Live, ther's nothing I

Esteeme worth Learning, but the way to Die,

The End.

Information about this book

Title statement

Advice to a son; or Directions for your better conduct through the various and most important encounters of this life. Vnder these generall heads I. Studies &c. II. Love and marriage. III. Travell. IV. Government. V. Religion. Conclusion.

Osborne, Francis, 1593-1659.

Edition statement

1655

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A90197

ID [STC]

Wing O508

ID [STC]

Thomason E1640_1

ID [STC]

ESTC R203068

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99863154

ID [PROQUEST]

99863154

ID [VID]

115338

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A90197)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 115338)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 206:E1640[1])

Source

— Advice to a son; or Directions for your better conduct through the various and most important encounters of this life. Vnder these generall heads I. Studies &c. II. Love and marriage. III. Travell. IV. Government. V. Religion. Conclusion., Osborne, Francis, 1593-1659..

Extent

[16], 151, [1] p.

Printed by Hen: Hall printer to the University, for Thomas Robinson,. Oxford. :: 1656. [i.e. 1655]. (Attributed to Francis Osborne.) (Annotation on Thomason copy: "October. 18. 1655."; the second 6 in the imprint date has been crossed out.) (Reproduction of the original in the British Library.)

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