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THough you doe not keepe your discourse at home, yet keepe your opinion, and though that walke abroad, yet let this stay within: goe not out of your selfe, to see another: it is dangerous for a tender and sicke opinion, to bee
too adventurous in airing it selfe; it is Christs advice,
If they say, Behold he is in the Desart, Nolite exire, Goe not out, Matth. 24. 26.
MAke open protestation of their kindenesse and fa∣vours to themselves, and you shall observe it will worke a dis∣claiming and disavowing in the ingenuous, when Christ said to the righteous,
I was an hungry, and ye gave me meat, they replied, Lord when saw we thee an hungry, and fed thee? but the wicked re∣ply, Lord when did we see thee an hungry, and did not minister unto thee? Matth. 25. from 35 to the end
BEe oft neare and familiar in discourse and society, and be often infusing your affections and more light passions: this is to cast your owne garment upon another.
Eliah to make Elisha prophesie like himselfe, cast his cloake upon him, 2 Kin. 2. 13, 14.
HEre would be some art used to draw the attention away that your adversary obtaines, and by this, like Peter,
you cut off M••lchus care, Luk. 22. 50.
IF recantations may stand with the credit of your per∣son, they are surest and most pre∣vailing; the prodigall had this refuge,
I will goe to my Father, and say, Father, I have sinned, Luke 15. 18.
DOE not seeme to grudge or repine, for by that you insi∣nuate some disability and want of desert in him who is honou∣red: Christ tooke it ill when Iu∣das said of Maries Spikenard,
To what end is this waste? Matth. 26. 8.
BEe not too peremptory in lawes or ceremonies in your feast, obliging others to the obser∣vance, Ahasuerus feast was there∣fore commendable,
For they gave royall wine in abundance, yet none did compell, Esth. 1. 7, 8.
MEn are freest and most chearfull in times of joy and mirth or pleasure, therefore put them into these, or observe to take them at these times; When Ahasuerus was at banquet with Queene Esther,
What is thy re∣quest, saies he? and it shall be per∣formed, even to the halfe of the Kingdome, Esth. 7. 2.
IT is the safest not to let such goe on, and enjoy the power they assume; when Vasthi the Queene would not obey the King,
Shee hath not wronged the King onely, sayes Mamucan, but all the Princes, whose Wifes, if they heare of this deed, shall despise them, Esth. 16. 17.
IT is policy to comply, and thus farre to bow with Naa∣man in the house of Rimmon: when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reve∣rence, Then was H••man full of wrath, Esth. 3. 5.
SUspition is a vertue where you have had no occasion to trust, credulity hath betraied more than her opposite,
Believe not every Spirit, 1 Joh. 4. 1.
TO bee fearefull, is to doe misfortune a curtesie, and to make us lesse able to encounter what wee feare: successe or dis∣comfiture often beginne at the heart,
The feare of a man brin∣geth a snare, Prov. 29. 25.
MAke them not more sud∣daine by your apprehensi∣on,
let not your project for e∣scape, bee violent, but smoothly quicke, for else it distracts, and in your haste you may take out at a wrong doore,
Goe not forth ha∣stily to strive, Prov. 25. 8.
IT is wisdome to looke to your owne house when your neigh∣bours is on fire, and to startle and awake at the passing-bell of your friend,
And great feare came on all those and as many as heard those things, Acts 11. 5.
RElate your owne alacrity, and chearefull resolution, the aide you have already in pre∣sent,
or in promise, the counte∣nance and quality of your assi∣stants; when Nehemiah would repaire Jerusalem, hee told the Priests and Rulers the Kings words, and how God was with him,
And let us rise up and build, Nehem. 2. 18.
GIve occasion for each to dis∣course in his owne professi∣on and art, so you please the par∣ty, who delights to communi∣cate his knowledge, and you en∣rich your owne,
A wise man will heare and encrease, Prov. 1. 5.
ANimate and cherish your agents and instruments
with such arguments as fit the nature of the businesse, either by gift, promise or extolling their merit,
And all the Wall was joyned together, for the People had a mind to worke, Nehem. 4. 6.
LOoke about where your weaknesses and disadvanta∣ges lie, and there apply forces,
And they said unto us, from whence yee shall returne they will bee upon you, therefore I set in lower places behinde the Wall, and in the higher places, I even set the People with their swords, their speares, and bowes, Nehem. 4. 12, 13.
WArme the bosomes of the people with exhortati∣ons,
excite them with the right of their cause, the dependancies, and supposed advantages, which are on their side,
Be not afraid, re∣member the Lord who is great, fight for your brethren, your sonnes; and your daughters, your wives, and your houses, Neh. 4. 14.
IT is better to move by speech than letter; your face, your person, your countenance, may get regard; Saint John deferres further writing to Gaius,
I trust I shall see thee shortly, and we shall speake face to face, 2 Joh. 14.
VSe the plainest, for they will worke faithfully, and report truly; cunning men will
for your satisfaction sake and their owne credit, adventure without command, and from your businesse derive credit to themselves: Christ chose the plainest for his spirituall busi∣nesse:
God hath chosen the weake things of the world, 1 Cor. 1. 27.
IN generall, fit your matter with a condition.
In businesse of expostulation.
VSe a bold man, such an one will not easily bee put off or daunted, God imploies Paul to the obstinate Jewes,
Bee not afraid but speake, Acts 18. 9.
WHere entreaties are of moment, use well Ian∣guaged men; thus were the men of Lystra perswaded, and
They called Paul Mercurius, because hee was the chiefe speaker, Acts 14. 12.
VSe subtle and crafty men, they will search, and skrew, & worme into busines of difficul∣ty,
Counsell in the heart of a man is like deepe water, but a man of understanding will draw it out, Prov. 20. 5.
VSe such as have beene lucky and fortunate, such will bee industrious in your businesse to keepe up their reputation,
The keeper of the prison imploied Joseph in all, for he saw what hee did the Lord made it to prosper, Gen. 39. 23.
ONe way, 1. You may sound them a farre off rather than touch upon it abruptly: though our Saviour intended to stay with his Disciples, yet
Hee made as though he would have gone far∣ther, Luke 24. 2••.
A Second way is by unexpe∣cted comming upon them, and some quicke question which prevents long deliberations; when God prevailed with Paul in his conversion,
Suddainly there shined round about him a light from Heaven, Acts 9. 3.
ONe way of discovery is by passion.
Passion is one casement through which men are seene, therefore the Wise-man advised,
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, meaning, least hee dis∣cover himselfe, Prov. 19. 11.
ANother way is by trust. He that committeth any thing to the faith of another may observe his condition: the Servant in the parable by the ta∣lent committed to him, discove∣red himselfe to his Lord, and heard from him,
Thou hast beene faithfull over a few things, Matth. 25. 21.
A Third way is by your ne∣cessity.
When there is no pretext or colour to bee used, men are dis∣covered, how they stand affe∣cted;
thus the Hypocrites for a while beleeved, but in time of temptation fell away, Luke 8. 13.
One way,
IT may bee done by knowing his nature and customes, and so you may winne him; thus▪ God disposes and orders men to his will,
For he knoweth the hearts of the children of men, Prov. 15. 11.
ANother way, you may doe it, by observing their ends, and so draw them; Christ saw Simon, and the rest also for fish, and hee gave them their nets full at draught, and perswades them to follow him thus,
Ye shall hence∣forth catch men, Luke 5. 10.
A Third way, by knowing their faults and weaknesses, and so you may with awe make them yours, when the woman of
Samaria saw Christ knew her se∣cret faults,
Whom thou hast now (saies he) is not thy Husband; I per∣ceive thou art a Prophet (saies she) and then honoured him, John 4. 18.
THeir speeches must bee in∣terpreted by their ends and aimes you perceive by them, and doe no•• expound them too much to the present sense they seeme to beare; the Pharisees end with Christ was to trap him, therefore hee wisely declined every faire question, and that of Tribute thus,
Give Cesar the things which are Cesars, Matth. 22. 21.
IF you bee fluent in one kinde▪ bee sparing in another, if in your diet, save it elsewhere, keepe one hand shut when the other is open, when Christ had beene prodigall in his Miracle of loaves and fishes, hee concluded fiugally,
Gather up the fragments▪ that nothing be lost, Joh. 6. 12.
TOo much magnifying and applauding moves envy and contradiction, when the Officers said of Christ,
Never man spake like this man, the Pharisees re∣plied, Are ye also deceived? John 7. 46, 47.
TOuse a kinde of ceremony is to teach others to be cur∣teous too, and demeanours most commonly are paid backe in their owne coine,
Whatsoever a man soweth that shall hee reape, Gal. 6. 7.
BEe not too much in any thing, by that you create satiety and become cheape,
With∣draw thy foot from thy neighbours house, least he be weary of thee and so hate thee, Prov. 25. 17.
APply your selfe so to any person of quality, as though it were more out of regard than your owne softnesse, least your good intention bee expounded flattery, therefore in discourse to acquit your selfe of this, inter∣pose your distinctions and rea∣sons to his, and when you allow, doe it with enlarging those rea∣sons which are his grounds:
Christ commended the woman of Canaan when shee thus inter∣posed, Truth Lord, yet the Dogges eat of the crummes which fall from their masters table: shee yeelds to him, yet with an exception, Matth. 15 27.
IT is not so convenient to offer it your selfe as to lay some traine for the party to take at; when Nehemiah had a desire to tell the King a businesse, hee be∣came sad, so as the King enqui∣red,
Now (saies hee) before that time I had not beene sad in his pre∣sence, Neh. 2. 1.
IT is policy to watch him with your eye to whom you relate any thing of consequence, for the secrets of many appeare in by-motions of their counte∣nance and behaviours, therefore the eyes of God, whom no se∣crets escape, are said,
To runne to and fro throughout the whole earth, 2 Chron. 16. 9.
AFfect not innovation too much, for there is an incon∣gruity in all new things with the old, and they peece not so well, and such experiments are dangerous, unlesse the necessity be urgent,
No man (saies Christ) putteth a piece of new ••l••th to an old garment, for the rent is mad worse, Matth. 9 16.
LOoke well that it be the ne∣cessity which calles for the reformation▪ and not rather a desire of your owne to change, and then
Aske for the old pathes. where is the good way, and walke therein, Jer 6. 16.
TOo much haste maketh false conclusions and clauses in bu∣sinesse, stay a while to make an end the sooner,
The race is not to the swift, Eccl. 9. 11.
OBserve the quicke and tart speeches of any, they are often sprung out of covert and secret intentions, therefore Salo∣mon condemnes such,
Seest thou a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a foole, Prov. 29. 20.
THinke on those predecessors that have behaved themselves
ill in the place before, for a dire∣ction to thy selfe what to avoid,
Now these things are our examples to the intent wee should not lust, as they also did, 1 Cor. 10. 6.
A second way,
INvite and embrace helpes and advices touching the practice of bu••••nesse,
If two lie together, then they have heate, but how can one be warme alone? Eccl. 4. 11.
A third way,
GIve accesse freely, and bee li∣berall of your presence, for concealement stirres up passion in sutours; it is even one of the spirituall griefes,
Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled, Psal. 30. 7.
A fourth way,
BE not swayed and led by ea∣sinesse, importunity, or light respects,
To respect persons is not good, for such a man will trans∣gresse for a piece of bread, Prov. 28. 21.
A fifth way,
IN conversation and private dispatches, be not too sensible of what you are, of your place and honour, by humility you shall finde grace and favour, God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble, and our Advocate Christ Iesus bids us,
Step boldly •••• the throne of grace, Heb. 4. 16.
BEe not hasty to punish, but debate and examine, The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, saies God,
I will goe downe now, and see whether they have done al∣together according to the ery of it, Gen. 18. 30. 21.
AVoid all unnecessary and ambitious ingrossing of businesse, and all insolent and proud affectations,
He that exal∣teth his gate seeketh destruction, Prov. 17. 19.
A second way,
A Wise man will some∣times in businesses that doe not much concerne, suffer himselfe to bee crost on purpose, and to bee over-borne, that hee may lessen envy,
It is good for me that I was afflicted, Psal. 119. 71.
DOE not publish too much what you are to doe, it is like a Trumpet to call up and awake opposers or competi∣tours,
The prudent shall keepe si∣lence in that time, Amos 5. 13.
One way,
STudy not revenge too much, neither meditate on the af∣front, for by this you keepe your wound greene which would heale,
It is honour for a man to cease from strife, but every foole will be medling, Prov. 20. 3.
A second way,
BEe not too witty in finding out circumstances of con∣tempt, for they kindle and aggra∣vate,
He that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow, Eccl. 1. 18.
A Third way, consider that revenge maketh thee but e∣ven with thy adversary, but par∣doning makes thee his better,
it is the glory of a man to passe over a transgression, Prov. 19. 11.
A fourth way,
IF hee be a friend that provokes thee, thinke as Iob did, when God afflicted him,
Shall I re∣ceive good at his hands? and shall I not receive evill? Iob 2. 10.
VSe a kinde of opennesse and freenesse, such be haviour will make others free to you▪
To communicate forget not: what∣soever you doe, doe it heartily: and as in water▪ Face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man, Prov. 27. 19.
A second way,
GEt the opinion of secrecy, for then like a sound and close vessell men will powre themselves into you;
Let every man bee swift to heare, slow to speake, Jam. 1. 19.
A third way,
GEt the report of upright dealing, and men will ne∣gotiate more freely with you; doe not affect the crooked cour∣ses of the Serpent,
Renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not wal∣king in craftinesse, 2 Cor. 4. 2.
IT is wisedome to raise another into favour, who may give checke to the others insolency and presuming;
Ahasuerus cau∣sed Haman his favourite to take the royall apparrell and put it upon Mordecai, Esth. 6. 10.
DOE not relie too much on the faire weather below, nor suffer your selfe much pos∣sessed with what you possesse; the faster you are glued and bound, you are then torne and rent from thence with more sor∣row;
when Haman was com∣manded to honour Mordecai
whom hee hated, after hee had done, He hasted to his house mour∣ning, Esth. 6. 12.
IF you cannot prevaile for your entire sollicit, goe lesse for the present, and importune a grant in part by way of experi∣ment; when Daniel saw it was difficult to enjoy his diet of pulse and water, he said to their president,
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, and as thou s••est▪ deale with thy servants, Dan. 1. 11, 12.
EM••latours and secret Ene∣mies will be dispersing these,
to disparage your attempt, or to feare you from proceeding, for such prevaile much with a timo∣rous actour, but a wise and reso∣lute agent will neglect them;
Thus (said Nehemiah) they all made us affraid, saying, Their hands shall bee weakened from the worke that it be not done, Neh. 6. 9.
YOu may safely suspect their plot, for it is either to enter∣taine you with parley and delay, and so to hinder the progresse of your worke, or else to engage you in some other businesse, to make you remit in your industry and action upon this; And San∣ballet sent, saying, Come let us▪ meet together, and I sent saying, I am doing a great worke, Why should
the worke cease? and they sent unto me foure times, Neh. 6. 2, 3.
LOoke what your scandall is you afford and occasion, whether it bee dishonourable to your profession, religion, or obligation, and then differ not the reformation, least you con∣tinue it with too much disad∣vantage to the cause,
Also I said, It is not good that ye doe: ought ye not walke in the feare of our God, because of the reproach of the Hea∣then our Enemies? Nehem. 5. 9.
SEt not both your eyes upon your businesse, but looke a∣broad with one, bee not too se∣cure in what you doe; if your
mattocke be in one hand, have a sword in the other, bee prepared for worke and defence;
And the builders every one had his sword girded by his side, and so they buil∣ded, Neh. 4. 18.
IF the cry and exclamations bee high and grievous, delay not, but redresse exactions, by reforming the Officers and Ru∣lers, and causing them to ab∣staine;
There were that said, wee have borrowed money for the Kings tribute: then I consulted with my selfe, and rebuked the Nobles and Rulers, and I said, I pray you, let us leave off this usury, Nehem. 5. 7. 10. 4.
BEe not insolent and presu∣ming, neither assume too much; it is Salomons, Put not forth thy selfe in presence of the King, Prov. 25. and when Saint John would have bowed himself, the Angell suffered him not,
See thou doe it not, for I am thy fellow servant, Rev. 19. 10.
IT is not safe to bee too pre∣sumptuous no•• bold in com∣municating, especially to com∣mon people, and those of meane ranke, who are the very servants and vassals of rumour and fame; make choice rather of persons of quality; when Paul went to Jerusalem,
I communicated (sayes
hee) the Gospell, but privately, to them which were of reputation, Gal. 2. 2.
MUch counsell bringeth much safety,
And God sate upon a throne, consulting how to destroy Ahab, and all the Hoast of Heaven standing by him, 1 Kings 22. 19.
REmission and reference is fit in such throng, and crowdes; when Paul in his asto∣nishment, asked GOD,
What wilt thou I shall doe? he referred him over to Ananias: so Corne∣lius was set over in a vision to Peter, Acts 9. 6. 10. 5.
FAvours given with modera∣tion and temper, keepe them still in appetite and atten∣ding for more,
None returned to give thankes (sayes Christ) but this stranger:so they that are strangers to your favours, that taste them seldome are thank∣fullest.
When the Crow that Noah sent forth, found sure footing, he never returned.
SEcrecy and silence is the chiefe engine: these that hold not counsell, are but Jays in acti∣on, and like bad gamesters, by not keeping close their Cardes, let their adversary winne the game.
The heart of a foole is in his mouth.
BEe not too inquisitive after that you would bee loath to finde, it is like one that pursues that which hee desires to avoid,
Take heed,—least thou heare thy servant curse thee, Eccl. 7. 21.
SAlomon forbids to exchange any aire with such per∣sons, there is neither credit in the contention, nor conquest;
Answer not a foole according to his folly, Prov. 264.yet hee allowes after, what he here disapproves; therefore a light medling is not amisse, but no familiarity;
An∣swer a foole (and so leave him) ac∣cording
to his folly, least hee be wise in his owne conceit, Prov. 26. 5.
DOE not retire and leave a displeasure to it selfe, it is as if you should see your neigh∣bours house on fire, and goe a∣way, no•• seeking to quench it; keepe still your prescription, there is an art to looke ones selfe into the favour of a displeased friend; like one that sheds his image into a looking-glasse with standing before it;
if the spirit of the Ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place, for yielding pacifieth, Eccl. 10. 4.
IT is more policy to passe o∣ver words and causes, which have occasioned the difference, than to peece the rent with ex∣cuses and apologies.
It is a strange act to make the cause of your enmity your way to friendship, and to send your old wrath on embassage for a new reconcilement,
Hee that co∣vereth a transgression seeketh love, but he that repeateth a matter se∣parateth very friends, Prov. 17. 9.
BEe smoothe and soft in your ••nswers and replies, and so you put off wrath, and this is to
blow upon the heate of another to coole him.
Sweet entreaties and calme phrase perswades such passions into friendship;
Surely the Ser∣pent will bite without enchantment, Eccles. 10. 11.
BEe not too formall and pun∣ctuall for occasions; as it is but a vaine delicacy in Religion, so it is in civill matters; Thomas his faith was the worse for being so point-device, Except I shall see in his side the print of the nailes, and put my finger into the print of of the nailes, I will not believe.
Doe not regulate your devoti∣on by the Calendar, nor waite for conveniency by the Alma∣nacke;
Hee that observeth the winde shall not sow, and he that re∣gardeth the cloud shall not reape, Eccl. 11. 4.
THey are ever carried with timorousnesse and formali∣ty, and they come hardly and unnaturally from the actours; Peter sate downe among them, but a certaine Maide beheld him, as hee sate, and looked earnestly upon him, and said,
This man was also with him, Luke 23. 55, 56.
IF your friends bee men humo∣rous and uncertaine, though not with you for the present, yet date an alteration to your selfe; Ama tanquam inimi••us futurus, love your friend as one that may be your enemy; Job describes the wisedome of God in this clause,
Behold hee put no trust in his ser∣vants,
even he charged his Angels with folly;and sayes Zachary,
I was wounded in the house of my friend, Zach. 13 6.
DOE not therefore extin∣guish all your purposes up∣on them, saying, as Paul at his farewell, From henceforth you shall see my face no more; if you faile in the thing you desired, doe not therefore casheere and turne their respect out of service: that were asif you should breake a bow, that would not hit the mark you shot at.
Keepe what you had still in tune for application, and re∣member,
It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, Acts 1. 7.
PAssions are of light and sub∣tle nature, like aire and spi∣rit, soone moved; the motions which prevaile with them must bee according to their owne na∣ture, suddaine and subtle;
Or ever I was aware, my Soule made mee like the Chariots of Amina∣dab, Cant. 6. 12.
THey are pacified by oppo∣sing passion to passion;
I will turne their mourning into joy▪ Jer. 31. 13.
By not opposing their first brunt, but suffering them to worke out their first forme of vi∣olence;
By long for bearing even a Prince is perswaded, Prov. 25. 15.
STudy to create this passion in those you imploy, by promi∣ses and faire inducements, such will endure the distempers and agues of businesse, for hope is like a pulse and spirit in the ar∣tery of negotiation; therefore the Apostle sayes of Charity, that
it hopeth all things, and end••∣reth all things, 1 Cor. 13. 7.
OBserve what influence de∣pendances have upon mens natures.
Where dependance is, there is a servility and tendernesse of be∣haviour,
Therefore the chiefe Ru∣lers, though they beleeved in Christ,
durst not confesse him, because of the Pharisees, Joh. 12. 42.
Where dependance is, there is an Obligation from departures; men that depend cannot bee free and absolute in their actions and motions,
The eyes of such servants must still looke unto the hand of their masters.
Where dependance is, there is a feare to make forfeit of pre∣scriptions and favours, to which they are entituled; therefore David in his spirituall adhe∣rence sayes,
In thy feare will I worship, Psal. 5. 7.
By these advantages men are awed and swayed, and speake in the Language of our Saviours o∣bedience,
Not as I will, but as thou wilt, Matth. 26. 39.
HE that would see the closets or private walkes of any, must procure the keyes.
There is no informing your selfe in the secrets of another, without the helpe of these that can open them.
A servant is one key,
He revea∣leth his secret to his servants, A∣mos 3. 7.
An espiall is another,
A tale∣bearer revealeth secrets, Prov. 11. 13.
His owne actions a third, thus God is discovered,
Speake to the Earth, and it shall teach thee, Job 1••. 7.
Common report a fourth,
Aske now—the Fowles of the aire, and they shall tell thee, Job. 12. 7.
Familiars and Counsellours a fifth,
Come (said Dalilah) for he
hath shewed me all his heart, Judg. 16. 18.
IT is a pretty art of discovery, to put out some questions or cases which import your pro∣ject, and to observe how they assent or dissent; this is to dive and wade for a secrecy, and to informe your selfe for accom∣modation; this policy the Pha∣risees used often upon Christ,
Is it lawfull (say they) to heale on the Sabbath-day? this they said tempting and trying him, Matth. 12. 10.
IT is a prevailing practice, to pretend the like, and seeme
sicke of the same disea••e••men of a trade or profession will commu∣nicate most freely each to other:
We powre out our selves freeliest to Christ, for hee was like us in all things, sinne onely excepted, Heb. 4. 15.
2. Another way is to appose▪ and question them in times and seasons of alacrity and joy, for the spirits then come forth more from retirednesse and privacy, and have a subtle loosenesse and laxation, and are not so retentive and difficult; therefore it is stiled in Scripture,
The Oyle of joy, Isai 61. 3.because it makes the parts soft and supple to be wrought.
A Third way, to picke a se∣cret out, is to observe them in any fit of sorrow or dis∣content; for though griefe bee a corrugation and contraction of the parts within, yet it holds
with the nature of strainings and squeesings; there is something still exprest, and got out at such times; when David was in hea∣vinesse, then sayes hee,
I acknow∣ledged my sinne unto thee, P sal. 32. 5.
LEt there bee a free course for complaints, let the law bee open and expedite; this keepes favourites and great ones from daring, and doing wrong, and restraines the people from sediti∣ous meanes of redresse, when they observe any wrong committed;
Seeke judgement, relieve the op∣pressed, Isai. 1. 17.
APprehend alwayes the first rumours, and catch at the breath of reproaches; their spreading is like a malignant aire, that infects where it blowes: the onely course here is to force the libeller and calumniatour to turne accuser and impleader, and to bring publicke proofe for the private calumniation, and so ex∣cuse, or condemne:
Execute judgement in the morning, Jam. 4. 11. Jer. 21. 12.
INnovations are made two wayes, either suddainly and at once, when the present lawes are then observed inconvenient; and this is scarce effected without
dislike and opposition and dan∣ger.
Or by degrees and slowly, by these which foresee inconveni∣ences at a distance, and even here is a hazard of dislike from these which are not equally sighted.
In generall, the danger is great, and departures from customes unsafe and full of hazard; Ab antiqua vivendi consuetudine non libenter discedamus; therefore sayes the Wise-man,
Meddle not with them that are given to change, Prov. 24. 21.
EVen in a time of peace, it is a policy to have a noise of warre: the exercise of armes makes your peace brighter than them, and preparations for an enemy, keepes your enemy at more distance, never none lost by antedating losses; Pa••is tem∣pore
belli studia tractarentur,
Watch therefore, for yee know not the day, Matth. 25. 13.
WHatsoever the change be, whither of forme of go∣verment, or lawes, or doctrine and discipline, still things take better if they appeare in the fea∣ture of antiquity, and that your change seemes still but to bee a recovery of antiquity which was lost, and a kinde of reduce∣ment to the primitive integrity; therefore give the same names and titles, vt eadem cum illis esse putentur, that they may bee thought the same still among the vulgar; for absolute innovations will take from none but him, who said,
Behold I make all things new, Revel. 21. 5.
IF too much injury may not follow, or unlawfulnesse bee committed by it, it is policy to alter the state and fortunes of the greater sort, to transmite and exchange the possessions and their lords, to put a new face up∣on all things, that you may bee the onely man read there, and all dependances acknowledge you: this action comes in a proporti∣on to that of God,
Who filleth the hungry with good things, but the rich he hath sent empty away. Luke 1. 53.
IT is the best not to seeme assu∣ming and arrogating, for then
the obligation ends in ingrati∣tude, and where men have beene most deserving, even those which should requite, grow sicke of two diseases which makes them un∣gratefull, Avaritia & suspitione, avarice and envy, and
Where envy is there is confusion, and every evill worke, Jam. 3. 16.
IT is policy to suffer it with caution, for if you once shew your dislike in opposing, you stir it into combustion and strife, for many are often well prepared to rebell, which fit still and con∣tent themselves in the contem∣plation of the power they en∣joy, like some birds which never stirre nor offer upon wing, while you seeme to neglect, or not eye and stirre them too much, but if once you move, they move too;
therefore in this case as the Pro∣phet sayes,
Your strength is to sit still, Isai. 30 7.
HEe that hath occasion to suspend the discovery of himselfe, and thinkes it no time to make himselfe knowne, let him take heed when hee hath ob∣tained what he desired, that hee change not too suddainly, but that his alteration seeme rather a worke of the occasions which happen to him, and that hee seemes to change because things require it, else hee discovers his disguise and pretence to his dis∣honour, but in the other way like Job,
He even waites till his change come, Job 14. 14.
TAke notice that two things may set such on worke, therefore they are to be eyed and observed.
The one may bee an ambition to greatnesse and popularity.
The other, a fortifying them∣selves in the favours and opini∣ons of others, that they may bee more able to struggle with the authority they feare.
Therefore observe, Ne benefi∣centiae aliqua specie mali quippiam m••liantur, least what they pre∣tend as a vertue, they use but to colour their vice, for
Gifts are said even to blinde the wise, Exod. 23. 8.
ENquire into their walkes and advantages, and those they adhere to, winne those then by favours and promises from them in private, and this is to disable them without noise or appea∣rance of tumult: this the Apostle observes and drawes some from siding with the world by propo∣sing Heaven and heavenly com∣forts,
From such withdraw thy selfe, but godlinesse is great gaine, 1 Tim. 6. 5, 6.
DOE not betray by your joy and alacrity any project which lies dormant in your bo∣some, watching for this occasi∣on; discover not your secret
ends and purposes, you intend upon the enjoying this favour, and give no occasion for suspiti∣on; hee is unwise that makes suit for his enemies sword, and tels him hee intends to slay him therewith,
Discover not a secret to another, Prov. 25. 9.
WHen you have occasion to reprove the errours and misbehaviours of any, ob∣serve your season and phrase for it, if they bee many who are in∣teressed in the guilt, reprove them smoothly and calmely; Saint Pauls methode is observeable, when hee rebuked the Corinthi∣ans,
What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not, 1 Cor. 11. 22.
THey that worke by such, are like those that shoote in a broken bow, which will not hold the bending, it is not safe to employ any who have suffered ill intreaty or disfavour from you, such keepe a wound in me∣mory, and they will either fall upon some action which shall recover their honour, or expresse their revenge,
Ʋsing their liberty for a cloak: of maliciousnesse 1 Pet. 2. 16.
THose counsels which are un∣fortunate, though they bee prudent and faithfull, yet prove ever dangerous to the counsel∣lours themselves; therefore it is
policy to advise with moderati∣on, and not with vehemency and importunity; and yet however to propound your soundest rea∣sons and arguments, that these which embrace it may rather seeme to come over to it, than bee drawne, and when their as∣sent meets, they stand equally engaged themselves to share in the successe; it is not safe for any to counsell peremptorily, but for him
Who worketh all things after the counsell of his owne will, Ephes. 1. 11.
IT is your safest to seeke the re∣move of those which envy your attempts, yet by honest and lawfull wayes, for so long as they are neare you they will bee a cloud still to hinder the bright∣nes and clearenesse of your acti∣ons;
God tooke away Korab and his complices,
that Moses might doe his service more accu∣rately and famously, Numb. 16. 31, 32, 33.
DOE not seeme in your acti∣ons to referre all to your selfe, and to bee too much a cen∣ter to what you doe, attribute all your successe to the Power a∣bove; It is no more I, sayes Paul, but Christ that dwelleth in mee; and make still protestation, that your undertaking have respect to the benefit of others;
Whether we bee comforted (say es the same Apostle) it is for your consolation,—or whether wee bee sober, it is for your cause, 2 Cor. 1. 65. 13.
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.
BEe observant of the humour and disposition you see raigning and predominant where you come, bee not singular nor contradicting, discord advances all musicke, but the musicke of society and correspondence: they that cannot comply (and yet not betray too much easi∣nesse) are ignorant of the true symmetry and proportion in so∣ciety, and are like those in the parable,
We have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to yee, but
ye have not danced, we have mour∣ned to ye, but ye have not lamented, Matth. 11. 17.
BEe not too lockt up nor re∣served, when there are occa∣sions of freenesse offered, but let your behaviour like a key open the double locke of your owne and your friends reservation; it is no right method to draw one neare you, by keeping your selfe at distance; and the way to have the vessell of another opened, is to powre forth your selfe in a sweet effusion,
Because of the sa∣vour of thy good ointments, there∣fore doe the Virgins love thee, Cant. 1. 3.
LEt your face bee open and entertaining: there is an art to looke ones selfe into respect and honour: a plausible and libe∣rall countenance is a pleasant re∣pose to these that perhaps shall never be admitted nearer you, as a hall or dining chamber in a great mans house welcomes ma∣ny which never come to bee ac∣quainted with the lodging or in∣ner roomes;
The King hath brought me into his chamber (sayes the Spouse) wee will bee glad and rejoyce, Cant. 1. 4.
BE not unseasonable in broa∣ching any pleasant humour, like intruding Musicians, that
strike up in a roome where many are retired and busie: wee know Christ turned the musicke out of Jairus house for venting their lighter aires at the serious time of a funerall, the best opportunities are meale times, and some other by-houres of relaxation, others must bee as well tuned for recei∣ving as you for giving,
While the King sitteth at the table, my Spik∣nard sendeth forth the smell, Cant. 1. 12.
BEe punctuall in finding out his times of sowrenesse and disaffection▪ for all men have cri∣ticall seasons and dayes, and are not alwayes the same in humour and disposition; let their beha∣viour be the alarme to yours, and be observant of their more secret
motions and gestures, and awake with them at their first sum∣mons, for you shall see, if you be an exact observer, the dawnings and day breake of their better dispositions: it was a wise com∣mand the Spouse gave,
I charge ye, O ye Daughters of Ierusalem, that yee stirre not up nor awake my beloved till hee please, Cant. 2. 7.
DOE not let your selfe loose so as to create any satiety or surfet in those you converse with, but leave them as neare as you can in appetite and desire, and it will not be amisse to make some suddaine and unexpected departures, so they seeme not too affected and abrupt▪ thefe that af∣fect you will continue after this inquisitive and restlesse to enjoy you: it is policy to shed a plea∣sant
sowrenesse in some of your actions, and to become an inge∣nious and friendly tormentour▪ these are in Salomons language the true wounds of a friend, and an ingredient of such bitternesse will addulce and sweeten you afterwards;
I opened to my belo∣ved, but my beloved had with∣drawne himselfe and was gone, I called on him, but hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no answer, Cant. 5 6.
LAbour to bee guilty of an act 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ay shew some notable friendly respect; in new reconcilements, it is not the ex∣changes of ordinary behaviours and common entreaties which will doe it, such are taken but for complements and aires of the times, and like an eccho finde
a returne in the same accent, the Spouse takes a▪ wise course with her beloved,
I found him whom my Soule loved, I held him, and would not let him goe, untill I had brought him into my mothers house, and into the chambers of her that conceived me, Cant. 3. 4.
IF you know any eminent oc∣casion or solemnity wherein such may stand ingaged, shew▪ your selfe an observer there as one that had brought a share of congratulations to sacrifice at such a time: persons that are pub∣licke and famous, love to have things passe with notice and re∣gard,
Goe forth, O yee daughters of Sion, and behold King Salomon with the crowne wherewith his mo∣ther
crowned him in the day of his ••sp••usals, and in the day of the gladnesse of his heart, Cant. 3. 11.
A Modest insinuation of your knowledge in their abilities, a smooth taking notice how eminent they are, will in∣vite them to communicate: there is a secret to discourse men into a relation of themselves,
Awake O North-winde, and come thou South, blow upon my Garden, that the Spices thereof may flow out, Cant. 4. 16.
IF the party you discourse with bee difficult in his relati∣ons, use a kinde of interrogato∣ry enquiry, question him in an handsome way of diminution and lessening that which you de∣sire to see enlarged: the Daugh∣ters of Jerusalem desirous to know what a Lover the Spouse had,
What is thy Beloved (say they) more than another Beloved? then shee answers, My Beloved is white and ruddy, the fairest among tenne thousand, Cant. 5. 10.
1. Consider their originall. CIvill contentions are occasi∣oned by a double feare, the Rebels hasten to Armes fearing a future revenge for their present provocation, and the King or Princes of State hasten, fearing their surprisall, and had rather overtake their violence with an early setting forth, than stay at home for it, and
Stay you not (sayes Joshua) but pursue, Josh. 10. 19.
2. Present need and necessity is another occasion, and then they envy the fortunes and goods of the reft, and like Naboth, are sicke of their neighbours vinyards.
3. The luxury and licentious∣nesse of times is a third occasion, and then a faction rather, lascivit
quam saevit, is more a wanton than a rebell, and like a proud fed Horse corvets till hee cast his Rider; the Apostle gives this same reason for the spirituall re∣volt,
They have begunne to waxe wanton against Christ, 1 Tim. 5. 11.
AMbitious men are most stir∣rers, for troubled waters are fitter for their nettes than calmer streames, and they hope to shuffle into a place or station, like men in crowdes, sooner in a tumult or disorder, than upon quieter tearmes: David com∣plaines,
The proud are risen a∣gainst me, Psal. 86. 14.
2. Men of desperate and bro∣ken fortunes, for such having runne riot upon themselves are
readier to doe the same upon o∣thers, and to set their neighbours house on fire, that they may from their losses save something to themselves, these that stirred once in a time of combustion, sayes the Scripture,
was every one that was in distresse, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, 1 Sam. 22. 2.
3. Men inconstant and wave∣ring are parties too, for to such it is tedious to have things al∣wayes the same, and like Coper∣nicus, they never thinke things are in right in motion, but when they runne round, and then they are in most appetite and expe∣ctation, and are ready to play the midwifes, when times are bigge with new and doubtfull actions, and to deliver them into strange events, and thus the Apo∣stle▪ observes it in the spirituall change too,
The time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine, but after their owne lusts, shall heape to themselves Teachers, having itching eares, 2 Tim. 4. 3.
4. Men confident and daring are great advancers of this cause, the more men in these attempts put forward, the more the com∣mon rout put to them, and the worse men are now, the better for such a cause,
—••n turbis pravus sortitur ho∣norem.
The first men in the impiety, are the first in esteeme and credit,
The Leaders of the People cause them to erre, Isai. 9. 16.
5. Men disaffected and dis∣contented with present affaires are not behinde heere, these are eloquent in complaints of the times, and ingenious in scatte∣ring suspitions and jealousies up∣on the King and Governours, be∣ing the very turbamenta vulgi, incentives of the people;
They dispose Government, presumptuous
are they, and are not afraid to speake evill of Dignities, 2 Pet. 2. 10.
KNow that meetings and private conventicles a••e the very Parliaments of factious deliberations and resolutions, and are to bee observed and dis∣persed,
The Rulers of the Earth were gathered together against the Lord and against▪ his Church, Acts 4. 26.
2. Know also that the preten∣ces which Factions make use on are the recovery of their liber∣ties, which they complaine to bee taken in, and mode straiter, the defence of their charters, with other reformations, these are the colours a rebellion paints with, and sets them abroad to
entertaine the eyes of the com∣mon people; the Elders and Scribes thinke to prevaile against Stephen thus,
We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and charge the customes which Moses delive∣red us, Acts 6. 14.
KIll Factions betimes, as Herod did the infants in their cradles, if you let them grow they may prove too strong for you, when a sedition is at age it is more able, Fortior adulta se∣ditio; a little Physicke will dis∣perse a gathering Disease, which if it knot, hath more danger and difficulty: it was enough to make the Servant in the Parable bad, when he thought with him∣selfe,
My Lord delayeth his com∣ming, Matth. 24. 48.
2. Send some of authority, gra∣vity, and of a gracefull speech among them, who may disswade and exhort;
And they were asto∣nished, for his Word was with po∣wer, Luke 4. 32.
3. Let the Prince or chiefe Governour reserve his owne pre∣sence for the last remedy; Last of all (sayes the Parable) hee sent his Sonne, saying, they will reverence my Sonne: the appearance of the greatest prove often happy ex∣tinguishers to a civill flame, yet let it bee done in all state and royall circumstance, the perso∣nall presence of many Com∣manders have put a commotion sometimes out of countenance, till they have turned as the Soul∣dier from Caesar, with a Non pos∣sum ferre fulmen••culorum, wee cannot endure the thunderbolt of your eye: know too, that common people are more ready to beginne opposition than con∣tinue it, more ready Ad rebellan∣dum,
quam bellandum:
And when they saw the chiefe Captaine and Souldiers, they left beating of Paul, Acts 21. 32.
4. Though the Faction gather and grow violent, yet let the weapons bee the last in your hands, give dayes of respit, and time for a calme; naturall things after a trouble will returne to smoothnesse, and afterward re∣duce themselves to a setled con∣sistence;
And remember that to sinners, God is gracious and merci∣full, long-suffering, and of great kindnesse, Joel 2. 13.
5. Try experiments upon them with severall passions, raise them with hopes by faire entreaties, and promises, and cast them downe with feares and menaces; offendours are wonne with al∣lurements, and awed with threat∣nings; God uses this method,
If my People shall humble them∣selves, and seeke my face, I will
heare, and forgive, and heale their Land; but if yee turne away, then will I plucke them out by the roots, 2 Chron. 7. 14, 19.
6. Try to draw away some of them with gifts and office of place or honour, and thus you pull feathers out of the wing of a conspiracy, and imps your owne.
7. Dispatch some of eminency to comply in the faction with them, and to bee parties among them, and their advices may find occasions and pretences to pull them behinde or about in their practices, that you may gaine ground and advantage; David had his pensioner in Absaloms counsell-chamber, 2 Sam. 17. 5, 6.
8. Doe not shew your selfe too inquisitive into those you suspect guilty of any adherence, neither make too much noise of revenge and punishment; pardons are
your best language to offendours, though many bee in the guilt, there should bee but few in the suffering, Multorum culpa sit poe∣na paucorum.
If that Nation (sayes God) against whom I have pronounced turne from their evill, I will repent of the evill that I thought to doe unto them, Jer. 18. 8.
CAlme such passionate moti∣ons as trouble your spirit, so long as smooth water is trou∣bled, there can be no cleare refle∣xion; passions shed an ill dispo∣sition over the whole Soule, and distracts both your counsell and judgement, so as you may then erre, both in making choice of your end, and of your meanes to it, or in your act of applying, and accommodating, or in the
time you should take, or the place where you should doe it; thus the ambitious and envious men of humours and passions often succeed ill;
A man of coun∣sell will be considerate, Eccl. 32. 18.
2. They are not likely to suc∣ceed ill who make God of their counsell, goe not forth among affaires below till you have beene above: David resolves wisely,
I will heare what God the Lord will speake, Psal 85. 8.
EXpresse neither your passi∣on, nor revenge; if the re∣ports bee just, your guilt is a pri∣vilege; if false, it is wisedome to take no notice, stirre not there, where you shall provoke sooner than appease;
A wise man will pacifie it, Prov. 16. 14.
FIrst consultation is requisite and election of what is to be done, then looke about for cir∣cumstances, as of place, time, persons, humours, dependancies, occurrences which may happen, propose all reasons, suspitions, conjectures, and improve them by a due examination, forecast impediments or what may hin∣der your effecting, and conse∣quences, what may follow and arise from thence, then looke to the conduct of your businesse, how to dispose all, and allow some uncertainty to those events which are independant, for there is an instance of succeeding in which providence reserves and reveales when and to whom shee pleases, There is a time when in their hands there is good successe, Eccl. and sayes Christ, cast the
net on the right side of the ship, and yee shall finde, Joh. 21. 6. there is a right side for fishing, else your net may returne empty.
First see what is to bee done in each particular case.
2. Then enquire prudently the meanes how to compasse it, then observe the just measure and pro∣portion you are to allow the action, that is, weigh the fittings of the circumstance of time, place, and subject, then apply your selfe to the felicity or dex∣terity of arriving where you in∣tend:
Let reason goe before every enterprise and counsell before every action Ecclef. 37. 16.
IF you would have your judge∣ment cleare for the conduct of
businesse; retire home into your selfe, and keepe sometimes a di∣stance with businesse; your eye sees not so distinctly things that are nearest and closest; Moses will be in the Mount a farre off, as well as below among the people; and your judgement or word of your Soule should like the eter∣nall Word of God,
Never goe out so, as to depart from you.
THe state of outward cir∣cumstances and retinue, will command a stooping and bowing in opinions towards you, if you want these your owne vertues, and good qualities will doe you that service, yet have them va∣lued by others upon your selfe, and keepe them at home, and they will bee more admired a∣broad, for retirements and with∣drawings in conversation is like
a distance, to some scene of a heaven which is presented with more admiration, and in your necessary nearnesse with any that are your familiars, let not your face and language and ge∣sture too freely loose to your owne or anothers mirth, you shall never binde up strangers in a solid respect of you by too much unloosing your selfe, Numb. 11.
The plentifull showers of Manna caused a satiety, and made the people say,
Now our Soules are dried away that there is nothing besides this Manna, Num. 11. 6.
THere is a secret authority and power which hath great influence over mens spirits, and it is some individuall thing
within the party, some naturall graces besides the affluence of outward things which begets re∣putation and sets a price upon him in the opinions and causes what hee sayes or does to bee re∣ceived; observe what you have of this in you, and then preserve and improve it, for it is of great advantage; commanders, law∣givers, and magistrates, profes∣sours in arts and sciences are fa∣mous for it; where men are of reputation, others encline before hand to their opinion, belike for feare they come too late, they attended to our Saviour, for
He spake as one that had autho∣rity, and not as the Scribes, Matth. 7. 29.
NObility, wealth, dignities, favours, friends, are such outward things as conduce to
put you into respect; to these beauty, comelinesse, and grace∣fulnesse, to these the gifts of the Soule, as of knowledge, wise∣dome, or what other vertue or grace may exalt you above the ordinary pitch of others, these give men the empire and sove∣raignty over others, and above all these, that speciall character which God imprints upon any whom hee intends for place or office, which ever commands ve∣neration, and entitles to prehe∣minence; David was commended to Saul thus,
I have seene a sonne of Jesse that is cunning in playing, and a valiant man and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him, 1 Sa. 16. 18.
AS in the spirituall estate perseverance preserves and
advances that grace which re∣lapses weaken and loose, so in the temporall, the streame that will be still pure must keepe run∣ning; Philosophers say, Ex qui∣bus nascimur nutrimur, wee are nourisht with such things as wee are made on, thus in fortunes, the same actions must bee repea¦ted for the preservation which were active in the acquisition, Fortuna moribus immutatur, a change in your course will bring a change on your estate,
Meddle not with them that are given to change, Prov. 24. 21.
And a double minded man is unstable in all his wayes, Jam. 1. 8.
BEe liberall and magnificent, yet doe it with speciall choice of persons, causes, times, and places, the service of God
and your country are the actions which exalt you most in the eyes of all; God is magnified by Da∣vid thus, He hath dealt bountifully, sayes hee, and those to whom God himselfe sayes, Yee are Gods, must keepe in some faire propor∣tion to make good their Divinity they receive,
Hee that sow••th bountifully shall reape bountifully, 2 Cor. 9. 6.
IF you finde an happy con∣currence of your affaires with time, place, and persons which give successe, bee prudent and in∣dustrious to manage and dispose this good fortune, your coopera∣tion is necessary, and though God provide you this harmony in your circumstances, yet your owne paines and counsels must
manage them, and then you shall not bee so much fortunate by contingency and chance, as by in∣dustry and prudence,
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, Tim. 4. 14.
BEe moderate, and bee graci∣ous to your friends and ad∣herents, avoid insolency and presumption, for those kindle you into scorne, and pride, and enflame into emulations, and emulations into checkes and contradictions, and those bring on improsperous events, there∣fore the highest have had the most fatall mischances, Goe on with thy businesse in meeknesse, so shalt thou be approved, Eccl. 3. 17.
Let us not be de••••rous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another, Gal. 5. 26.