The practice of policie in a Christian life taught from the Scriptures / written by I. Saltmarshe ...

POLICY CX. What you are to observe when you are to negotiate with any.

AS hee is no wise physitian, that will not study to know the full vertue of every ingredi∣ent he uses, and all circumstances which concerne the nature of it, so hee is no wise man for busi∣nesse, that will not study the knowledge of him hee deales with, for there are many things which have influence and make impression upon the nature of man; the discovery of which may doe much service.

It is necessary to consider the sexe; the Feminine is more soft and easie, and lighter things will move and prevaile with it, there∣fore the Apostle cals

Women the weaker Vessell, 1 Pet. 3. 7.

Then consider the age: old age is more perverse and harsh to

treate with;

Seest thou (sayes Sa∣lomon) an old—King? there is more hope of a foole than of him, Prov. 26. 12.

Consider the state or present condition, prosperity makes men more daring and confident,

I said, sayes David, in my prosperity, I shall never be moved, Psal. 30. 6.

Consider their country or cli∣mate, for their inclination is a little over-ruled by that; Paul bids Titus rebuke the Cretians sharpely, because

They are lyars, evill beasts, slow bellies, Tit. 1. 12, 13.

Consider the present disposi∣tion and humour they are in, the Apostles observing that Christ was not disposed to be discove∣red; None of them, sayes the Text,

durst aske him, who art thou? Joh. 21. 12.

Consider where their advan∣tages

and disadvantages or weaknesses lie most, like the light whose brightnesse examines the least chinke in a roome, and there shootes in;

I gave my heart (sayes Salomon) to seeke and search out by wisedome concerning all things, Eccl. 1. 13.