The holie Bible faithfully translated into English, out of the authentical Latin. Diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greeke, and other editions in diuers languages. With arguments of the bookes, and chapters: annotations. tables: and other helpes ... By the English College of Doway

ECCLESIASTICVS. CHAP. I. Wisdom procedeth from God, appeareth in his creatures. 10. and is geuen* 1.1 in competent measure to al that feare God, 16. it bringeth al vertues, 27. excludeth al vices, 33. and is to be sought in simplicitie of hart.

AL wisdom is of our Lord God, & hath bene alwayes [ 1] with him, & is before al time. † The sand of the sea, [ 2] & the droppes of rayne, & the dayes of the world :: 1.2 who hath numbred? The height of heauen, and breadth of the earth, & profunditie of the depth who hath mea¦sured? † The wisdom of God that goeth before al thinges who [ 3] hath searched out? † Wisdom was created before al thinges, & [ 4] the vnderstanding of prudence from euerlasting. † A foun∣tayne [ 5] of wisdom the word of God on high, and the entrance therof euerlasting commandments. † The roote of wisdom to [ 6] whom hath it bene reueled, & the subtilties therof who hath knowen? † The discipline of wisdom to whom hath it bene [ 7] reueled, and made manifest, and the multiplication of her entrance who hath vnderstood? † There is one most high [ 8] Creatour omnipotent, and mightie King, and to be feared excedingly, sitting vpon his throne and the God of dominion. † He created her in the Holie Ghost, and hath sene, and [ 9] nummbred, and measured her. † And he hath powred her [ 10] out vpon al his workes, and vpon al flesh according to his

gift, and hath geuen her to them that feare him. † The feare [ 11] of our Lord is :: 1.3 glorie, and gloriation, and ioy, and a crowne of exultation. † The feare of our Lord shal delight the hart, [ 12] and shal geue ioy, gladnes in length of dayes. † With him [ 13] that feareth our Lord it shal be wel in the later end, and in the day of his death he shal be blessed. † The loue of God is [ 14] honorable wisdom. † But they to whom she shal appeare in [ 15] vision, they loue her in the vision, and in the agnising of her great workes. † The feare of our Lord, is the begynning [ 16] of wisdom, and was created with the faythful in the wombe,* 1.4 and goeth with the elect wemen, and is knowen with the iust and faythful. † The feare of our Lord is religiositie of know∣lege. [ 17] † Religiositie shal keepe and iustifie the hart, shal geue [ 18] ioy and gladnes. † With him that feareth our Lord it shal be [ 19] wel, and in the dayes of his consummation he shal be blessed. † The fulnesse of wisdom is to feare God, and fulnesse is of [ 20] the fruites therof. † Al her house she shal fil with her gene∣rations, [ 21] and the storehouses with her treasures. † A crowne [ 22] of wisdom, the feare of our Lord, replenishing place, and the fruite of saluation: † and he hath sene, and numbred her: [ 23] but both are the giftes of God. † Wisdom shal distribute [ 24] knowlege, and vnderstanding of prudence: and exalteth the glorie of them that hold it. † The roote of wisdom is to feare [ 25] our Lord: for the boughes therof are of long time. † In the [ 26] treasures of wisdom is vnderstanding, & religiositie of know∣lege, but to sinners wisdom is abomination. † The feare of [ 27] our Lord expelleth sinne: † for he that is without feare, can [ 28] not be iustified: for the anger of his animositie, is his subuer∣sion. † Vntil a time the patient shal susteyne, and after shal [ 29] be rewarded of ioyfulnes. † A good vnderstanding wil hide [ 30] his wordes vntil a time, and the lippes of manie shal shew forth his vnderstanding. † In the treasures of wisdom is signi∣fication [ 31] of discipline: † but the worshipe of God, :: 1.5 is abomi∣nation [ 32] to a sinner. † Sonne, coueting wisdom, keepe iustice, [ 33] and God wil geue her to thee. † For the feare of our Lord is wisdom and discipline: and that which wel pleaseth him, [ 34] † is fayth, and meeknes, and he wil fil his treasures. † Be not [ 35] incredulous to the feare of our Lord: and come not to him with a duble hart. † Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, [ 37] and be not scandalized in thy lippes. † Attend to them, lest [ 38] perhaps thou fal, and bring dishonour to thy soule, † and God [ 39]

reuele thy secretes, and in the middes of the synagogue cast thee downe: † because thou camest to our Lord wickedly, & thy hart is ful of guile and deceite.

CHAP. II. Whosoeuer wil serue God must haue iustice, feare of God, and patien••••; 6. with confidence in God. 14. Dissemblers, incredulous, and impatient shal be miserable; 18. but the godlie shal receiue more grace.

SONNE coming to the seruice of God, stand in iustice, and [ 1] in feare, & prepare thy soule to tentation. † Represse thy [ 2] hart, & susteyne: incline thine eare, & receiue the wordes of vnderstanding: :: 1.6 and make no hast in the time of * 1.7 obduction. † Susteyne the sustentations of God: be ioyned to God, and [ 3] susteyne, that thy life may increase in the later end. † Al, that [ 4] shal be applied to thee, receiue: and in sorow susteyne, and in thy humiliation haue patience: † for gold and siluer are [ 5] tryed in the fyre, but acceptable men in the fornace of humi∣liation. † Beleue God, and he wil recouer thee: and direct [ 6] thy way, and hope in him. Keepe his feare, and grow old therin. † Ye that feare our Lord expect his mercie: & decline [ 7] not from him lest ye fal. † Ye that feare our Lord, beleue him, [ 8] and your reward shal not be voyde. † Ye that feare our Lord, [ 9] hope in him: and mercie shal come to you for your delecta∣tion. † Ye that feare our Lord, loue him, & your hartes shal [ 10] be illuminated. † Children behold the nations of men: and [ 11] know ye that none hath hoped in our Lord, and hath bene confounded. † For who hath continewed in his command∣ment, [ 12] and hath bene forsaken? or who hath inuocated him, and he despised him? † Because God is pitiful and mer∣ciful, [ 13] and wil forgeue sinnes in the day of tribulation: and he is protector to al that seeke him in truth. † :: 1.8 Woe to them of [ 14] a duble hart, and to wicked lippes, and to the handes that doe euil, and to the sinner that goeth on the earth two wayes. † Woe to them that be dissolute of hart, which beleue not [ 15] God: and therefore they shal not be protected of him. † Woe [ 16] be to them, that haue lost patience, and that haue forfaken the right wayes, and haue declined into peruerse wayes. † And what wil they doe, when our Lord shal begynne to [ 17] looke on them? † They that feare our Lord, wil not be [ 18] incredulous to his word: and they that loue him, wil kepe

his waye. † They that feare our Lord, wil seeke after the [ 19] thinges that are wel pleasing to him: and they that loue him, shal be filled with his law. † They that feare our Lord, wil [ 20] prepare their hartes, and in his sight wil sanctifie their soules. † They that feare our Lord, kepe his commandements, and [ 21] wil haue patience euen vntil his visitation, † saying: If we [ 22] doe not penance, we shal fal into the handes of our Lord, and not into the handes of men. † For according to his greatnes, [ 23] so also his mercie is with him.

CHAP. III. Honour of parents procureth Gods blessing, 11. dishonoring them his curse. 19. Mekenes and modestie auaile much: but curiositie to know secret mysteries is dangerous. 27. A charitable, sincere, and docile hart, 33. with workes of mercie merite reward.

THE children of wisdom, are the Church of the iust: and [ 1] their :: 1.9 nation, obedience and loue. † :: 1.10 Heare your [ 2] fathers iudgement ò children, and so doe that you may be saued. † For God hath honoured the father in the children: [ 3] and inquiring of the mothers iudgement, hath confirmed it vpon the children. † He that loueth God, praying shal [ 4] obteyne for sinnes, and shal refrayne himself from them, and shal be heard in the prayer of dayes. † And as he that gathereth [ 5] treasure, so he also that honoureth his mother. † He that [ 6] honoureth his father, shal haue ioy in children, and in the day of his prayer he shal be heard. † He that honoureth his [ 7] father, shal liue the longer life: & he that obeyeth the father, shal refresh the mother. † He that feareth our Lord honou∣reth [ 8] * 1.11 his parents, and as his lordes he wil serue them, that begat him. † In worke and word, & al patience honour thy father, [ 9] † that blessing may come vpon thee from him, & his blessing [ 10] * 1.12 may remayne in the later end. † The fathers blessing establi∣sheth the houses of the children: but the mothers curse rooteth vp the foundation. † Glorie not in the contumelie of [ 12] thy father: for his confusion is no glorie to thee. † For the [ 13] glorie of a man is by the honour of his father, and the father without honour is the dishonour of the sonne. † Sonne [ 14] receiue the old age of thy father, and make him not sorowful in his life: † and if he fayle in vnderstanding, pardon him, [ 15] and despise him not in thy strength: for the almes to the father shal not be in obliuion. † For good shal be restored [ 16]

thee :: 1.13 for the sinne of thy mother, † and in iustice it shal be [ 17] builded to thee, and in the day of tribulation there shal be re∣membrance of thee: and as yee in the clere weather shal thy sinnes melt away. † Of what an euil fame is he, that forsaketh [ 18] his father: and he is cursed of God, that doth exasperate his mother. † Sonne doe thy workes in meekenes, and thou [ 19] shalt be beloued aboue the glorie of men. † The :: 1.14 greater [ 20] * 1.15 thou art, humble thy self in al thinges, and thou shalt finde grace before God: † because the might of God onlie is great, [ 21] and he is honoured of the humble. † Seeke not thinges [ 22] * 1.16 higher then thy self, and search not thinges stronger then thy habilitie: but the thinges that God hath commanded thee, thincke on them alwayes, and in manie of his workes be not curious. † For it is not necessarie for thee, to see with thyne [ 23] eies those thinges that are hid. † In superfluous thinges [ 24] search not manie wayes, and in manie of his workes thou shalt not be curious. † For verie manie thinges are shewed [ 25] to thee aboue the vnderstanding of men. † Manie also haue [ 26] their suspicion supplanted, and haue held their senses in vani∣tie. † A hard hart shal fare il in the later end: and he :: 1.17 that [ 27] loueth danger, shal perish in it. † A hart that goeth two [ 28] wayes, shal not haue successe, and the peruerse of hart shal be scandalized in them. † A wicked hart shal be laden with [ 29] sorowes, and the sinner wil adde to commit sinne. † To the [ 30] synagogue of the proude there shal be no health: for the shrubbe of sinne shal be rooted vp in them, and it shal not be perceiued. † The hart of the wise is vnderstood in wisdom, [ 31] and a good eare wil heare wisdom with al desire. † A wise [ 32] hart, and that which hath vnderstanding wil absteyne it self from sinnes, and in the workes of iustice shal haue successe. † Water quencheth burning fyre, and almes resisteth sinnes: [ 33] * 1.18 † and God is the beholder of him that rendreth grace: he re∣membreth [ 34] him afterward, and in the time of his fal he shal finde a sure stay.

CHAP. IIII. An exhortation to practise workes of mercie. 12. With commendation of wisdom: 23. (& obseruing due times) not to omite for anie feare, or sham fastnes, to say the truth, 34. also to be diligent, meke, and liberal.

SONNE defraude not the almes of the poore, and turne [ 1] not away thyne eies from the poore. † Despise not the [ 2]

hungrie soule: and exasperate not the poore in his pouertie. † Afflict not the hart of the needie, and deferre not the gift to [ 3] him that is in distresse. † Reiect not the petition of him that [ 4] is afflicted: and turne not away thy face from the needie. † From the poore turne not away thine eies for anger: and [ 5] :: 1.19 leaue not to them that aske of thee, to curse thee behinde thy backe. † For the prayer of him that curseth thee in the [ 6] bitternes of his soule, :: 1.20 shal be heard: and he that made him, wil heare him. † Make thyself affable to the congregation of [ 7] the poore, and to the ancient humble thy soule, and to a great man bow thy head. † Bow downe thyne eare to the poore [ 8] without sadnesse, and render thy debt, and answer him peaceable wordes in mildenes. † Deliuer him that suffereth [ 9] iniurie out of the hand of the proud: and be not faynt harted in thy soule. † In iudging be merciful to pupils as a father, & [ 10] as an husband to their mother: † and thou shalt be as the [ 11] obedient sonne of the Highest, and he wil haue mercie on thee more then a mother. † Wisdom inspireth life to her [ 12] children, and receaueth them that seeke after her, and wil goe before them in the way of iustice. † And he that loueth [ 13] her, loueth life: and they that shal watch to her, shal embrace her sweetnes. † They that shal hold her, shal inherite life: [ 14] and whither soeuer he shal enter, God wil blesse him. † They [ 15] that serue her, shal be seruants to the holie: and them that loue her God loueth. † He that heareth her, shal iudge nations: [ 16] and he that beholdeth her, shal remayne confident. † If he [ 17] beleue her, he shal inherite her, and her :: 1.21 creatures shal be in confirmation: † because in tentation she walketh with [ 18] him, and first of al she chooseth him. † Feare and dread, and [ 19] probation she wil bring vpon him: and she wil torment him in the tribulation of her doctrine, til she trie him in her cogi∣tations, and credite his soule. † And she wil establish him, [ 20] and make a direct way vnto him, and reioyce him, † and wil [ 21] disclose her secretes to him, and wil heape vpon him as trea∣sures knowlege and vnderstanding of iustice. † But if he goe [ 22] amis, she wil forsake him, and deliuer him into the handes of his enimie. † Sonne obserue time, and avoyd from euil. [ 23] For thy soule be not ashamed to say the truth. † For there is [ 24] :: 1.22 shame that bringeth sinne, & there is :: 1.23 shame that bringeth [ 25] glorie and grace. † Accept no face against thine owne face, [ 26] nor against thy soule a lie. † Reuerence not thy neighbour [ 27]

in his offence: † nor kepe in a word in time of saluation. [ 28] Hide not thy wisdom in the beautie thereof. † For by the [ 29] tongue wisdom is discerned: and vnderstanding, and know∣lege, and doctrine by the word of the wise, and steedfastnes in the workes of iustice. † :: 1.24 Doe not gaynesay the word of [ 30] truth by any meanes, and be ashamed of the lie of thyne vnskilfulnes. † Be not ashamed to confesse thy sinnes, and [ 31] submite not thy self to euerie man for sinne. † Resist not [ 32] against the face of the mightie, neither labour against the streame of the riuer. † For :: 1.25 iustice contend for thy soule, and [ 33] vnto death striue for iustice, and God wil ouerthrow thyne enemies for thee. † Be not hastie in thy tongue: and vnpro∣fitable, [ 34] and remisse in thy workes. † Be not as a lion in thy [ 35] house, ouerthrowing them of thy houshold, and oppressing them that are subiect to thee. † Let not thine hand be stret∣ched [ 36] out to receiue, and closed to geue.

CHAP. V. Let not riches, youth, nor streingth hold thee in sinne: 5. but do penance for sinnes remitted, and adde not sinne vpon sinne. 6. Neither presume to sinne, because God is merciful. 10. Be not couetous, nor vnconstant. 13. Be meeke in lerning, and careful in teaching. 16. not a bat••maker, nor duble tongued.

ATTEND not to vniust possessions, and say not: I haue [ 1] sufficient liuelihood: for it shal nothing profite in the time of vengeance & affliction. † Folow not in :: thy strength [ 2] * 1.26 the concupiscence of thy hart: † and say not: How mightie [ 3] am I? and who shal bring me vnder for my factes? for God reuenging wil reuenge. † Say not: I haue sinned, and what [ 4] sorowful thing hath chanced to me? For the Highest is a pa∣tient rewarder. † :: 1.27 Of sinne forgeuen be not without feare, [ 5] neither adde thou sinne vpon sinne. † And say not: The [ 6] mercie of our Lord is great, he wil haue mercie on the multi∣tude of my sinnes. † For mercie and wrath quickly approch [ 7] from God, and his wrath looketh vpon sinners. † Slacke not [ 8] to be conuerted to our Lord, and differre not from day to day. † For his wrath shal come sodainly, and in the time of ven∣geance [ 9] he wil destroy thee. † Be not careful in vniust riches: [ 10] for they shal not profite thee in the day of * 1.28 obduction and vengeance. † Tosse not thy self into euerie winde, and goe [ 11]

not into euerie way: for so euerie sinner is proued by a duble* 1.29 tongue. † :: 1.30 Be stedfast in the way of our Lord, & in the truth of thy vndestanding and in knowlege, and let the :: 1.31 word of peace and iustice accompanie thee. † Be milde to heare the [ 13] word, thou maist vnderstand: and with wisdom vtter thou a true answer. † If thou haue vnderstanding, answer thy [ 14] neighbour: but if not, let thine hand be vpon thy mouth, lest thou be taken in an vnskilful word, and be confounded. † Honour and glorie in the word of the wise, but the tongue [ 15] of the vnwise is his subuersion. † Be not called a whisperer [ 16] and be not taken in thy tongue, & confounded † For vpon a [ 17] theefe is confusion & repentance, and a verie euil condemna∣tion vpon the duble tongued, but to the whisperer hatred, and emnitie, and contum••lie. † Iustifi•• thou the litle one, and [ 18] the great alike.

CHAP. VI. Reproch, enuie, and ferocitie hinder from louing our neighbour, 5. swetenes norisheth it. 6. A trustie freind is much worth. ••8. Seeke and kepe wisdom, with al diligence. 35. Frequent the companie of the wise: and meditate in Gods law.

BE not for a frend made an enemie to thy neighbour: for [ 1] the euil man shal inherite reproch and contumelie, and euerie sinner enuious and duble tongued. † Extol not thyself [ 2] in the cogitation of thy soule as it were a bul: lest perhaps thy strength be quashed, † and it eate thy leaues, and destroy thy [ 3] fruites, and thou be leaft as a drie tree in the wildernes. † For [ 4] a wicked soule shal destroy him that hath it, and it geueth him to be a ioy to his enemies, and shal lead him into the lot of the impious. † :: 1.32 A sweete word multiplieth frends, & appeaseth [ 5] enemies, and a gratious tongue in a good man aboundeth. † Let there be manie at peace with thee, and let one of a [ 6] thousand be thy counseler. † If thou possesse a frend, in ten∣tation [ 7] possesse him, and not easely credite him. † For he is a [ 8] frend according to his owne time, and wil not abide in the day of tribulation. † And there is a frend that is turned to [ 9] emnitie: and there is a frend that wil disclose hatred, and reproches. † And there is a frend companion at the table, and [ 10] he wil not abide in the day of necessitie. † A frend if he con∣tinew [ 11] stedfast, shal be to ••hee as an equal, and in them of thy houshold shal deale confidently: † if he humble himself [ 12]

against thee, and hide himself from thy face, thou shalt haue frendshippe of one accord for good. † Be seperated from [ 13] thine enemies, & take heede of thy frends. † A faithful frend, [ 14] is a strong protection: and he that hath found him, hath found a treasure. † To a faythful frend there is no comparison, and [ 15] there is no poyse of gold and siluer able to counteruaile the goodnes of his fidelitie. † A faythful frend, is the medecine of [ 16] life & immortalitie: & they that feare our Lord, shal finde him. † He that feareth God, shal likewise haue good frendshipe: [ 17] because according to him shal his frend be. † Sonne, from [ 18] thy youth receiue doctrine, and euen to thy hoare heares thou shalt finde wisdom. † As he that ploweth, and that soweth, [ 19] goe to her, and expect her good fruites. † For in her worke [ 20] thou shalt labour a litle, and shalt quickly eate of her gene∣ration. † How exceding sharpe is wisdom to the vnlerned [ 21] men, and the vnwise wil not continew in her. † As the ver∣tue [ 22] of a stone she shal be a probation in them, and they wil not stay to cast her forth. † For :: 1.33 the wisdom of doctrine is [ 23] according to her name, and she is not manifest to manie, but to whom she is knowen, she contineweth euen to the sight of God. † Heare my sonne, and take counsel of vnderstanding, [ 24] and cast not away my counsel. † Thrust thy foote into her [ 25] fetters, and thy necke into her cheynes: † put vnder thy [ 26] shoulder, and carie her, and be not wearie of her bands. † With al thy minde goe to her, and with al thy strength keepe [ 27] her wayes. † Search her out, and she shal be made manifest [ 28] to thee, and hauing obteyned her, forsake her not: † for in [ 29] the later end, thou shalt finde rest in her, and she shal be turned vnto delectation. † And her fetters shal be to thee for a pro∣tection [ 30] of strength, and foundation of powre, & her cheynes for a stole of glorie: † For the beautie of life is in her, and her [ 31] bands are a healthful bynding. † Thou shalt put on her a stole [ 32] of glorie, and as a crowne of gratulation thou shalt set her vpon thee. † Sonne, if thou attend to me, thou shal•• learne: [ 33] and if thou wilt applie thy minde, thou shalt be wise. † If [ 34] thou wilt incline thine eare, thou shalt receiue doctrine: and if thou loue to heare, thou shalt be wise. † Stand in the mul∣titude [ 35] of wise ancients, and be ioyned to their wisdom from thy hart, that thou maist heare al the narration of God, and the prayse may not escape thee. † And if thou see a wise man, [ 36] watch after him, and let thy soote weare the steppes of his

doores. † Haue thy cogitation in the precepts of God, and in [ 27] his commandements most of al be dayly conuersant: and he wil geue thee hart, and the desire of wisdom shal be geuen thee.

CHAP. VII. Flie from al euil thinges, 4. as ambition, presumption, scandal, pusilla∣nimitie, lying, and babling. 16. Husbandrie of the ground, 21. a good wife, and good seruantes are to be cherised, 25. kepe children in discipline. 29. Honour parents, and elders, 36. & pittie the poore. 40. Memorie of the last thinges preserueth from sinne.

DOE :: 1.34 not euils, and they shal nor apprehend thee. [ 1] † Depart from the wicked, & euil shal fayle from thee. [ 2] † Sonne, sow not euils in the furrowes of iustice, & thou shalt [ 3] * 1.35 not reape them seuenfold. † Seeke not of the lord chiefe [ 4] * 1.36 principalitie, nor of the king the chayre of honour. † Iustifie not thyself before God, because he is the knower of the hart:* 1.37 and before the king desire not to seme wise. † :: 1.38 Seeke not [ 6] to be made a iudge, vnles thou be able by power to breake iniquities: lest perhaps thou feare the face of the mightie, and put a scandal in thyne equitie. † Sinne not against the multi∣tude [ 7] of a citie, neither thrust thyself into the people, † nor [ 8] binde together duble sinnes: for neither in one shalt thou be free from punishment. † Be not fayntharted in thy minde: [ 9] † despise not to pray, and to geue almes. † Say not: In the [ 10] multitude of my giftes God wil haue respect, and when I [ 11] offer to God most high, he wil receiue my giftes. † Laugh [ 12] not a man to scorne in the bitternes of his soule: for there is that humbleth and exalteth, God the ouerseer of al. † Plowe [ 13] not a lie agaynst thy brother: neither doe thou likewise agaynst thy frend. † Be not willing to make any lie: for the [ 14] custome therof is not good. † Be not ful of wordes in a mul∣titude [ 15] of ancients, and :: 1.39 iterate not a word in thy speach. † Hate not laborious workes, and husbandrie created of the [ 16] Highest. † Counte not thy selfe in the multitude of men [ 17] without discipline. † Be mindeful of wrath, because it wil [ 18] not slacke. † Humble thy spirit very much: because the ven∣geance [ 19] of the flesh of the impious, is :: fyre and the worme. † Doe not preuaricate against thy frend differring money, nor [ 20] despise thy dearest brother for gold. † Depart not from a wise [ 21] and good woman, which thou hast gotten in the feare of our

Lord: for the grace of her bashfulnes is aboue gold. † Hurt [ 22] * 1.40 not the seruant that worketh in truth, nor the hyred man that geueth his soule. † Let a wise seruant be beloued of thee as [ 23] thy soule, defraude him not of libertie, nor leaue him needie. † Hast thou cattel? looke wel to them: and if they be profita∣ble, [ 24] let them continew with thee. † Hast thou children? [ 25] instruct them, & bowe them from their childehood. † Hast [ 26] thou daughters? keepe their bodie, and shew not thy counte∣nance merrie towards them. † Bestow thy daughter, and thou [ 27] shalt doe a great worke, and geue her to a wise man. † If thou [ 28] haue a wife according to thy soule, cast her not of: and to her that is hateful commit not thyself. With thy whole hart † honour thy father, and forget not the gronings of thy [ 29] * 1.41 mother: † remember that thou hadst not bene borne but by [ 30] them: and recompence them, as they also thee. † In al thy [ 31] soule feare our Lord, and sanctifie his priestes. † With al thy [ 32] strength loue him that made thee: & forsake not his ministers.* 1.42 † Honour God with al thy soule, and honour the priestes, and [ 33] purge thyself with the armes. † Geue them the portion, as it [ 34] * 1.43 is commanded thee, of the first fruites and purgation: and of* 1.44 thy negligence purge thy self with few. † The gift of thyne [ 35] armes and the sacrifice of sanctification thou shalt offer to our Lord, and the first of holie thinges: † and to the poore stretch [ 36] out thyne hand, that thy propitiation may be perfected, and thy blessing. † The grace of a gift is in the sight of al the [ 37] liuing, :: 1.45 and from the dead stay nor grace. † Want not in con∣solation [ 38] * 1.46 to them that weepe, and walke with them that moorne. † Be not loth to visite the sicke: for by these thinges [ 39] thou shalt be confirmed in loue. † In al thy workes :: 1.47 re∣member [ 40] thy later ends, and thou wilt not sinne for euer.

CHAP. VIII. Contend not with a man of powre, rich, ful of tongue, or very ignorant. 6. Despise not the penitent, nor old folke. 8. Reioyce not at an enemies death. 9. Lerne of the elder. 13. Obserue discretion in admonishing, lending, and in being suertie. 17. Reproue not Iudges. 18. Conuerse not with the fu∣rious, foolish, nor with strangers.

STRIVE not with a mightie man, lest perhaps thou fal [ 1] into his handes. † Contend not with a rich man, lest [ 2] perhaps he make an action against thee. † For:: 1.48 gold and [ 3] siluer hath destroyed manie, and hath reached euen to the

hart of kinges, and hath turned them. † Striue not with a man [ 4] ful of tongue, and thou shalt not heape stickes vpon his fyre. † Communicate not with the ignorant man, lest he speake [ 5] il of thy progenie. † Despise not a man that turneth himself [ 6] from sinne, nor vpbrayde him therwith: remember that we* 1.49 are al in state to be blamed. † Despise not a man in his old [ 7] age: for we also shal become old. † Reioyce not of thine [ 8] enemie dead: knowing that we doe al die, and would not that others should ioy therat. † Despise not the narration of wise [ 9] ancients, and in their prouerbes be thou conuersant. † For of [ 10] them thou shalt lerne wisdom, and doctrine of vnderstanding, and to serue great men without blame. † Let not the narra∣tion [ 11] of the ancients escape thee: for they lerned of their fathers: † because of them thou shalt lerne vnderstanding, and [ 12] in time of necessitie to geue answer. † Kindle not the coles of [ 13] sinners rebuking them, and be not kindled with the flame of* 1.50 the fire of their sinnes. † Stand not against the face of a con∣tumelious [ 14] person, lest he sitte as a spie in wayte for thy mouth. † Lend not to a man mightier then thyself, and if thou doest [ 15] lend, count it as lost. † Be not suretie aboue thy power: and [ 16] if thou be surerie, thinke as if thou were to pay it. † Iudge [ 17] not agaynst a iudge: because he iudgeth according to that which is iust. † With the audacious goe not on the way, lest [ 18] perhaps he burden thee with his euils: for he goeth according to his owne wil, and thou shalt perish together with his follie. † With an angrie man make no brawle, and with the [ 19] * 1.51 audacious goe not into the desert: because bloud is as nothing before him, and where there is no helpe, he wil ouerthrow thee. † Conferre no counsel:: 1.52 with fooles, for they can not [ 20] loue but such thinges as please them. † Before a stranger doe [ 21] no matter of counsel: for thou knowest not what he wil bring forth. † Make not thy hart manifest to euerie man: [ 22] lest perhaps he repay thee false kindnes, and speake reproch∣fully to thee.

CHAP. IX. Great prudence is required in conuersation betwen men and wemen. 14. Esteme old freindes. 16. Emulate not sinners. 18. Auoide the companie of malicious. 21. Consult with the prudent, hauing God euer before thyne eyes.

BE :: 1.53 not ielous ouer the wife of thy bosome, lest she shew [ 1] vpon thee the malice of wicked doctrine. † Geue not to [ 2] a woman the power of thy soule, lest she goe in thy strength, and thou be confounded. † Looke not vpon a woman that is [ 3] desirous of manie: lest perhaps thou fal into her snares. † With her that is a dauncer be not daily conuersant, nor [ 4] heare her, lest perhaps thou perish in her efficacie. † Behold [ 5] not a virgin, lest perhaps thou be scandalized in her beautie. † Geue not thy soule to harlottes in any poynt: lest thou de∣stroy [ 6] * 1.54 thyself, and thine inheritance. † Looke not round [ 7] about in the waves of the citie, nor wander vp and downe in the streates therof. † Turne away thy face from a trimmed [ 8] woman, and gaze not about vpon an others beautie. † By the [ 9] beautie of a woman manie haue perished: and hereby con∣cupiscence is inflamed as a fire. † Euerie woman, that is an [ 10] harlot, shal be troden vpon as dung in the way. † Manie [ 11] hauing admired the beautie of an other mans wife, haue be∣come reprobate. for her communication burneth as fire. † Sit [ 12] not at al with an other mans wife, nor repose vpon the bed with [ 13] her: † and striue not with her at the wine, lest perhapes thy hart decline toward her, & with thy bloud thou fal into perdition. † :: 1.55 Forsake not an old frend: for the new wil not be like to [ 14] him. † A new frend, is as new wine: it shal waxe old, and [ 15] thou shalt drinke it with sweetnes. † :: 1.56 Doe not zelousely [ 16] desire the glorie, and the riches of a sinner: for thou knowest not what his subuersion shal be. † Let not the iniurie of the [ 17] vniust please thee, knowing that euen to hel the impious shal not please. † Be far from the man that hath power to kil, and [ 17] thou shalt not suspect the feare of death. † And if thou come [ 18] to him, committe nothing, lest perhaps he take away thy life. † Know it to be communication with death; because thou [ 20] shalt goe in the middes of snarres, and shalt walke vpon the weapons of the sorowful. † According to thy powre beware [ 21] thee of thy neighbour; and treate with the wise and prudent. † Let iust men be thy ghests, and let thy gloriation be in the [ 22] feare of God, † and let the cogitation of God be in thy vnder∣standing, [ 23] & al thine enarration in the precepts of the Highest. † Workes shal be praysed in the handes of artificers, and the [ 24] prince of the people in the wisdom of his speach, but the word of the ancients in the sense. † A man ful of tongue is terri∣ble in his citie, and he that is rash in his word shal be odious.

CHAP. X. Wise superiors are very necessarie, because the multitude folow their example. 6. Remitte and forget iniuries, detest pride, iniustice, contu∣melie, and auarice. 12. Life is short. 14. Pride is the roote of al sinnes. 23. Iust pouertie is better then sinful riches. 31. Mekenes and modestie are ne∣cessarie in al men.

A wise iudge shal iudge his people, and the principalitie [ 1] of the wise shal be stable. † :: 1.57 According to the Iudge [ 2] * 1.58 of the people, so also are his ministers: and what maner of man the ruler of a citie is, such also are the habitants therein. † An vnwise king shal destroy his people: and cities shal be [ 3] inhabited by the vnderstanding of the prudent. † The powre [ 4] of the earth is in the hand of God, and he wil rayse vp a profi∣table ruler for a time ouer it. † The prosperitie of man is in [ 5] the hand of God, & vpon the face of the scribe he wil put his honour. † Anie iniurie of thy neighbour remember not, and [ 6] doe nothing by workes of iniurie. † Pride is odious before [ 7] * 1.59 God and men: and al the iniquitie of the nations is execrable. † A :: 1.60 kingdome is translated from nation vnto nation, [ 8] because of iniustices, and iniuries, and contumelies, and di∣uerse deceites. † But :: 1.61 nothing is more wicked then the [ 9] couetous man. Why is earth and ashes proud? † Nothing is [ 10] more wicked then to loue money. For he hath his soule also to sel: because in his life he hath cast forth his most in ward thinges: † Al power is of short life. Long sicknes greueth the [ 11] Physicion. † Short sicknes the Physicion cutteth of at the [ 12] first: so also the king is to day, & to morow he shal die. † For when a man shal die, he shal inherite serpents, and beasts, and [ 13] wormes. † The begynning of the pride of man, is to aposta∣tate [ 14] from God: † because his hart is departed from him that [ 15] made him, for :: 1.62 pride is the begynning of al sinne: he that hol∣deth it, shal be filled with curses, & it shal subuert him in the end. † Therfore hath our Lord dishonoured the congregations [ 16] of the euil, & hath destroyed them euen to the end. † God hath [ 17] destroyed the seates of proud princes, and hath made the meeke sitte in their stead. † God hath made the rootes of the [ 18] proud nations to wither, and hath planted the humble of the nations themselues. † Our Lord hath subuerted the landes of [ 19] the gentiles, and hath destroyed them euen to the fundation.

† He hath made of them to wither, and hath destroyed them, [ 20] and hath made the memorie of them to cease from the earth. † God hath destroyed the memorie of the proud, and hath left [ 21] the memorie of them that are humble in vnderstanding. † Pride was not created to men: nor wrath to the nation of [ 22] wemen. † That seede of men shal be honoured, which feareth [ 23] God: but that seede shal be dishonoured, which transgresseth the commandments of our Lord. † In the middes of brethren [ 24] their ruler shal be in honour: and they that feare our Lord, shal be in his eyes. † The glorie of the rich, of the honou∣rable, [ 25] and of the poore, is the feare of God: † Despise not [ 26] the iust man that is poore, and magnifie not the sinful man that is rich. † The great one, and the iudge, and the mightie is [ 27] in honour, and there is none greater then he, that feareth God. † Free men wil serue a seruant, that is wise: and a man [ 28] * 1.63 that is prudent and hath discipline, wil not murmur being re∣buked, and the ignorant shal not be honoured. † Extol not [ 29] thyself in doing thy worke, and linger not in the time of distresse: † better is he that worketh, and abundeth in al [ 30] * 1.64 thinges, then he that glorieth, and lacketh bread. † Sonne in [ 31] mildenes keepe thy soule, and geue him honour according to his desert. † Him that sinneth agaynst his owne soule who [ 32] shal iustifie? and who shal honour him that dishonoureth his owne soule? † The poore man is glorified by his discipline [ 33] and feare: & there is a man that is honoured for his substance. † But he that is glorified in pouertie, how much more in [ 34] substance? and he that is glorified in substance, let him feare pouertie.

CHAP. XI. Wisdom by humilitie meriteth exaltation. 7. Iudge not before examination. 16. Trust not in riches. 14. God sendeth both prosperitie and aduersitie, for the good of his seruants. 31. Take heede of the deceiptful.

THE :: 1.65 wisdom of the humble shal exalt his head, & shal [ 1] make him sitte in the middes of great men. † Prayse not [ 2] a man in his beautie, neither despise a man by his looke. † The [ 3] bee is smal among fowles, and her fruite hath the beginning of sweetnes: † In apparel doe not glorie at any time, nor be [ 4] extolled in the day of thine honour, because the workes of the Highest onlie be meruelous, and his workes are glorious,

and secrete, and not seene. † Manie tyrantes haue sitte in the [ 5] throne, and he whom no man would thincke hath worne the crowne. † Manie mightie men haue bene greatly oppres∣sed, [ 6] and the glorious haue bene deliuered into the handes of others. † Before thou enquire, blame no man: and when [ 7] thou hast enquired, chasten iustly. † :: 1.66 Before thou heare, [ 8] answer not a word, and in the middes :: 1.67 of ancients adde not* 1.68 to speake. † Striue not for that thing, which doeth not [ 9] molest thee: and consiste not in the iudgement of sinners. † Sonne let not thy doings be in manie thinges: and if thou [ 10] be rich, thou shalt not be free from sinne. for if thou pursew, thou shalt not attayne: and if thou runne before, thou shalt not escape. † There is one that laboureth, and hasteneth, and [ 11] is a sorowful impious man, and so much the more he shal not abound. † There is a lither man that wanteth recouerie, [ 12] more fayling in strength, and abunding in pouertie: † and [ 13] * 1.69 the eie of God hath respected him in good, and hath erected him from his low estate, and hath exalted his head: and manie haue merueled at him, and haue honoured God. † Good [ 14] thinges and euil, life and death, pouertie and honestie are of God. † Wisdom and discipline, and the knowlege of the [ 15] law are with God. Loue, and the wayes of good thinges are with him. † :: 1.70 Errour and darkenes are created with sinners: [ 16] and they that reioyce in euils, waxe old in euil. † The gift of [ 17] God is permanent to the iust, and his prospering shal haue suc∣cesse for euer. † There is that is enriched by doing sparingly, [ 18] and this is the portion of his reward † in that he sayth: I [ 19] haue found me rest, and now I wil eate of my goods alone: † and he knoweth not that time passeth, & death approcheth, [ 20] and he must leaue al to others, and shal die. † Stand in thy [ 21] couenant, and commen therein, and grow old in the worke of thy commandements. † Abide not in the workes of [ 22] sinners. But trust in God, and tarie in thy place. † For it is easie in the eies of God sodainly to enrich the poore man. † The blessing of God hasteth to the reward of the iust, and [ 24] in a swift houre his prospering fructifieth. † Say not: What [ 25] neede I, and what good shal I haue by this? † Say not: I am [ 26] sufficient for my self: and what shal I be made worse by this? † :: 1.71 In the day of good thinges be not vnmindful of euils: [ 27] and in the day of euils be not vnmindful of good thinges: † because it is easie before God in the day of death to reward [ 28]

euerie one according to his wayes. † The malice of an houre [ 29] maketh obliuion of great voluptuousnes, and in the end of a man is the disclosing of his workes. † Before death prayse no [ 30] man, because a man is knowen in his children. † Bring not [ 31] euerie man into thine house: for there be manie traynes of the deceitful man. † For as the stomakes belche of stinking brea∣thes, [ 32] and as the partriche is brought in the cage, and as the doe into the snare: so also the hart of the proude, and as a watche man that seeth the fal of his neighbour. † For turning [ 33] good thinges into euil he lyeth in wayte, and on the elect he wil lay a blot. † For of one sparke fire is increased, and of a [ 34] deceitful man bloud is increased: and a sinful man lyeth in wayte for bloud. † Take heede to thy self of the pestiferous [ 35] person, for he forgeth euils: lest perhaps he bring vpon thee derision for euer. † Admitte a straunger to thee, and he shal [ 36] ouerthrow thee in an hurlewind, & shal make thee an aliene from thine owne.

CHAP. XII. Ʋse beneuolence towards good men. 10. Trust not enemies ouer much.

IF thou wilt doe good, :: 1.72 know to whom thou doest it, and [ 1] there shal be much thanke in thy good deedes. † Doe [ 2] good to the iust, and thou shalt finde great rewarde: and if not of him, assuredly of our Lord. † For it is not wel with [ 3] him, that is euer occupied in euil thinges, and that geueth not almes: because the Highest both hateth sinners, and hath mercie on them :: 1.73 that are penitent. † Geue to the merciful, [ 4] and receiue not the sinner: both to the impious, & to sinners he wil repay vengeance, keping them vnto the day of ven∣geance. † Geue to the good, and receiue not a sinner. † Doe [ 5] good to the humble, and geue not to the impious: prohibite [ 6] to geue him bread, lest therin he be mightier then thou: † for [ 7] thou shalt finde duble euils in al the good, whatsoeuer thou shalt do to him: because the Highest hateth sinners, and wil repay vengeance to the impious. † A freind shal not be [ 8] knowen in prosperitie, and an enimie shal not be hid in aduer∣sitie. † In the prosperitie of a man, his enimies are in sorow, [ 9] and in affliction a freind is knowne. † :: 1.74 Credite not thyn [ 10] enemie for euer: for as a brasse potte his wickednes rusteth: † and if humbling himself he goe crouching, be aduised in thy [ 11] mind, and beware of him. † Place him not by thee, neither [ 12]

let him sitte on thy right hand, lest perhaps turning into thy place, he seke after thy seate: and at the last thou know my wordes, and be pricked in my sayinges. † Who wil haue pittie [ 13] vpon the inchanter stricking of a serpent, or of anie that come nere to beastes? so also he that kepeth companie with a wicked man, and is wrapped in his sinnes. † For one houre [ 14] he wil tarie with thee: but if thou decline, he wil not abide it. † In his lippes the enimie speaketh swetely, and in his hart he [ 15] lyeth in wayte, that he may ouerthrow thee into the pitte. † In his eyes the enimie weepeth: and if he may finde a time, [ 16] he wil not be satisfied with bloud: † and if euils happen to [ 17] thee, thou shalt finde him there first † In his eyes the enimie [ 18] weepeth, and as it were helping thee, he wil vndermine thy feete. † He wil shake his head, and clappe his hand, and [ 19] whispering manie thinges he wil change his countenance.

CHAP. XIII. Conuersation with the proud, rich, and potent is dangerous. 9. Relie vpon Gods helpe, 11. Beware of pusillanimitie, & of presumption. 19. A meane is necessarie, and the companie of equals is most secure.

HE that toucheth pitch, shal be defiled with it: and he that [ 1] * 1.75 communicateth with the proud, shal put on pride. † :: 1.76 He shal take a burden vpon him that communicateth with [ 2] one more honorable then himself. And be not companion with one richer then thyself. † What societie shal the caudron [ 3] haue with the earthen potte? for when they shal knock one against the other, it shal be broken. † The rich man hath done [ 4] vniustly, and he wil fume: but the poore man being hurt wil hold his peace. † If thou geue, he wil take thee: and if thou [ 5] haue not, he wil forsake thee. † If thou haue, he wil liue [ 6] with thee, and wil emptie thee, and he wil not be sorie for thee. † If thou be necessarie for him, he wil supplant thee, [ 7] and smiling wil put thee in hope, telling thee good thinges, and wil say: What wantest thou? † And he wil confound [ 8] thee in his meates, til he emptie thee twise, & thrise, and at the last he wil mocke thee: and afterward seeing he wil forsake thee, and wil shake his head at thee. † Humble thyself to [ 9] God, and expect his handes. † Take heede lest seduced into [ 10] follie thou be humbled. † :: 1.77 Be not humble in thy wisdom, [ 11] lest hmbled thou be seduced into follie. † Being called of the [ 12] mightier depart: for by this he wil cal thee the more. † Be [ 13]

not importune, lest thou be reiected: and be not farre from him, lest thou goe into obliuion. † Stay not to speake felow∣like [ 14] with him: neither credite his manie wordes. For by much talke he wil proue thee, and smiling wil examine thee of thy secretes. † His cruel mind wil kepe thy wordes: and he wil [ 15] not spare for malice, and for bandes. † Take heede to thyself, [ 16] and attend diligently to thyn hearing: because thou walkest with thy subuersion. † But hearing those thinges see as it were [ 17] in sleepe, and thou shalt watch. † Loue God al thy life, and [ 18] inuocate him for thy saluation. † Euerie beast loueth the like [ 19] to it self: so also euerie man the nerest to himself. † Al flesh [ 20] wil match with the like to itself, and euerie man wil associate himself to his like. † If the woolfshal at anie time communi∣cate [ 21] with the lambe, so the sinner with the iust. † What fellow∣shippe [ 22] hath an holy man with a dogge, or what part hath the riche with the poore? † The wilde asse in the deserte is [ 23] the lyons pray: so the poore are also the pastures of the riche. † And as humilitie is abomination to the proude: so also the [ 24] poore man is the execration of the riche. † The riche man [ 25] being moued is confirmed by his frendes: but the humble when he is fallen, shal be thrust out euen of his familiars. † To [ 26] the rich deceeued there are many recouerers: he hath spoken proud wordes, and they haue iustified him. † The humble [ 27] was deceiued, he moreouer is rebuked also: he hath spoken wisely, and place was not geuen vnto him. † :: 1.78 The rich man [ 28] spake, and al helde their peace, and they wil carry his worde euen to the cloudes. † The poore man spake and they say: [ 29] Who is this? and if he stumble, they wil ouerthrowe him. † Substance is good, to him that hath no sinne in his con∣science: [ 30] and pouertie is most wicked in the mouth of the impious. † The hart of a man altereth his countenance, either [ 31] into good, or into euil. † The token of a good hart, and a [ 32] good countenance thou shalt hardly finde, and with labour.

CHAP. XIIII. Offence of the tongue is a frequent and dangerous sinne. 3. Riches are hurtful to a couetous, and to an enuious mind. 11. workes of mercie necessarie. 22. and perseuerance in wisdom.

BLESSED is the man that hath not offended in a worde [ 1] * 1.79 out of his mouth, and is not pricked with the sorrow

of sinne. † Happie is he, that hath not had heauines of his [ 2] minde, and hath not fallen from his hope. † Substance is [ 3] without reason to the couetous man and niggard, and for the spiteful enuious man to what purpose is gold? † He that [ 4] heapeth together from his hart vniustly, gathereth for others, and in his goodes an other wil kepe riote. † He that is wicked [ 5] to himselfe, to what other man wil he be good? and he shal haue no pleasure in his goodes. † :: 1.80 He that enuieth himselfe, [ 6] nothing is worse then he, and this is the reward of his malice: † and if he doe good, he doth yt ignorantly, and not willing [ 7] and at the last he manifesteth his malice. † The eye of the [ 8] enuious is wicked, and turneth away his face, and despiseth his owne soule. † The eye of the couteous man insatiable in [ 9] * 1.81 a portion of iniquitie, wil not be satisfied til he consume his owne soule withering it. † An euil eye is towards euil [ 10] thinges: & he shal haue his fil of bread, needie & in heauines shal he be at his table. † Sonne if thou haue it, doe good to [ 11] thyselfe, and offer to God worthie oblations. † Be mindful [ 12] that death slacketh not, and that :: 1.82 the couenant of hel hath beene shewed thee: for the couenant of this world shal dye the death. † Before death do good to thy freind, and accor∣ding [ 13] to thine abilitie stretching out thy hand, geue to the poore. † Be not defrauded of thy good day, and let not a litle [ 14] portion of a good gift ouerpasse the. † Shalt thou not leaue [ 15] to others thy sorrowes, & labours in the deuision of the lotte? † Geue and take, and iustifie thy soule. † Before thy death [ 16 17] worke iustice: for in hel there can not meat be found. † Al [ 18] flesh shal waxe olde as grasse, and as the leafe fructifying on* 1.83 a greene tree. † Some grow, and some are shaken of: so the [ 19] generation of flesh and bloude, one is ended, and an other is borne. † Al corruptible worke shal faile in the end: and he [ 20] that worketh it shal goe therwith. † And :: 1.84 euerie excellent [ 21] worke shal be iustified: and he that worketh it, shal be honoured therin. † Blessed is the man that shal continew [ 22] in wisdom, and that shal meditate in his iustice, and in vnder∣standing shal consider the prouidence of God. † He that [ 23] considereth her wayes in his hart, and hath vnderstanding in her secrets, going after her as a searcher, and consisting in her wayes: † He that looketh through her windowes, and [ 24] heareth in her gates: † He that resteth by her house, & in her [ 25] walles fastening a stake wil set vp his corage beside her handes,

and good thinges shal rest in his cottage for euer. † He shal [ 26] set his children vnder her couering, and shal abide vnder her boughes: † he shal be protected vnder her couering from [ 17] the heate, and shal rest in her glorie.

CHAP. XV. The fruictes of fearing God; 7. Which fooles, and liers reape not, but the wise only. 11. God is no way auctor of sinne, 14. but sinners themselues are the auctors, abusing their freewil.

HE that feareth God, shal doe good thinges, and he that [ 1] hath :: 1.85 iustice shal apprehend her, † and she wil meete [ 2] him as an honourable mother, and as a wife from virginitie she wil receiue him. † She shal fede him with the bread of [ 3] life and vnderstanding, and geue him the water of wholsome wisdom to drinke: and she shal be made sure in him, and he shal not be bowed: † and she shal hold him fast, and he [ 4] shal not be confounded: and she shal exalt him before his neighbours, † and in the middest of the Church she shal open [ 5] his mouth, and shal fil him with the spirite of wisdom and vnderstanding, and shal clothe him with a stole of glorie. † Ioy & exultation she shal heape vpon him, & shal make him [ 6] inherite an euerlasting name. † Foolish men shal not appre∣hend [ 7] her, & wise men shal meete her, foolish men shal not see her: for she is far from pride and deceite. † Lying men shal not [ 8] be myndful of her: and true men shal be found in her, and shal haue successe, euen to the beholding of God. † :: 1.86 Prayse is not [ 9] comelie in the mouth of a sinner: † Because wisdom proceded [ 10] from God. For prayse shal be with the wisdom of God, & shal abound in a faithful mouth, & the dominator wil giue praise to yt. † Say not: :: 1.87 It is by God, that she is absent: for doe not [ 11] thou the thinges that he hateth. † Say not: He hath made me [ 12] erre: for impious men are not necessarie for him. † Our Lord [ 13] hateth al abomination of errour, and it shal not be amiable to them, that feare him. † God from the beginning made man, [ 14] * 1.88 and left him in the hand of his owne counsel. † He added his [ 15] commandmentes and precepts. † If thou wilt keepe the [ 16] * 1.89 commandment, and keepe acceptable fidelitie for euer, they shal preserue thee. † He hath set before thee water and fire: [ 17] to which thou wilt, stretch forth thine hande. † Before [ 18] * 1.90 man there is life and death, good and euil: what pleaseth him shal be geuen him: † Because the wisdom of God is much, [ 19]

and he is strong in mighte, seing al men without inter∣mission. † The eies of our Lord are towards them that feare [ 20] him, and he knoweth al the worke of man. † He hath com∣manded [ 21] no man to do impiously, and he hath geuen no man space to sinne: † for he desireth not a multitude of faithlesse [ 22] and vnprofitable children.

CHAP. XVI. A few good children, yea none at al, are better then manie wicked. 9. Gods wrath falleth vpon the euil, and his mercie on the good. 14. workes of mercie merite great reward. 15. Nothing is hid from God, 20. but manie thinges from men.

REIOICE not in impious children, if they be multiplied: [ 1] neither be delighted vpon them, if the feare of God be not in them. † Credite not their life, and respect not their [ 2] labours. † For better is one fearing God, then a thousand [ 3] impious children. † And it is more profitable to die without [ 4] children, rather then to leaue impious children. † By one [ 5] wise a countrie shal be inhabited, and the tribe of the impious shal be made desolate. † Manie such thinges hath mine eie [ 6] sene, and myne eare hath heard thinges of more force then these. † In the synagogue of sinners :: 1.91 a fire shal flame, and in [ 7] an incredulous nation wrath shal waxe hotte. † The old [ 8] giantes did not obteine for their sinnes, who were destroied* 1.92 trusting to their owne strength: † and he spared not the pere∣grination [ 9] of Lot, and he detested them for the pride of their word. † He had not pitie on them, destroying the whole [ 10] nation, and extolling themselues in their sinnes. † And as the [ 11] * 1.93 six hundred thousand foote men, which were gathered toge∣ther in the hardnes of their hart: and if one had bene stiffe necked, it is meruel if he had bene vnpunished. † For there [ 12] is mercie and wrath with him. Mightie exoration, & powring out wrath: † according to his mercie, so his chastisement [ 13] iudgeth a man according to his workes. † The sinner shal [ 14] not escape in robberie, and the sufferance of him that doth mercie shal not slacke. † Al mercie shal make a place to [ 15] * 1.94 euerie man according to :: 1.95 the merite of his workes, & accor∣ding to the vnderstanding of his peregrination. † Say not; I [ 16] shal be hid from God, and from on high who shal remember me? † In a great people I shal not be knowen: for what is [ 17] my soule among so innumerable creatures? † Behold heauen, [ 18]

and the heauens of heauens, the depth, and al the earth, & the thinges that are in them, in his sight shal be moued, † the [ 19] mountaines together, and the litle hilles, & the fundations of the earth:& when God shal behold them, they shal be shaken with trembling. † And in al these thinges the hart is senseles: [ 20] and euerie hart is vnderstood of him: † and his wayes who [ 21] doth vnderstand, and the storme, which neither the eie of man shal see? † For manie of his workes are in secretes: but the [ 22] workes of his iustice who shal declare? or who shal susteine? For the testament is far from some, and the examination of al is in consummation. † He that is lesse of hart, thinketh vaine [ 23] thinges: and the vnwise, and erring man, thinketh folish thinges. † Heare me my sonne, and lerne the discipline of [ 24] vnderstanding, and attend to my wordes in thy hart, † and I [ 25] wil speake discipline in equitie, and wil search to declare wisedom, and to my wordes attend in thy hart, and I speake in equitie of spirit the vertues, that God hath put vpon his workes from the beginning, and in truth I shew forth his knowlege. † In the iudgement of God are his workes from [ 26] the beginning, and from the institution of them he distingui∣shed their partes, and their beginninges in their nations. † He adorned their workes for euer, neither haue they hun∣gred, [ 27] nor laboured, and they haue not ceased from their workes. † Euerie one shal not vexe his neighbour for euer. [ 28] † Be not incredulous to his word. † After this God looked [ 29,30] vpon the earth, & filled it with his good thinges. † And :: 1.96 the [ 31] soule of euerie liuing thing shal shew before the face thereof, and into it againe is their returne.

CHAP. XVII. God creating man to his owne image, gaue him gifies, 9. and precepts. 14. chose the Israelites for his peculiar people. 18. Workes of mercie are commended to al men. 20. Repentance to sinners. 28. mercie is offered to al.

GOD created man of the earth, and after his owne image [ 1] he made him. † And againe he turned him into it, and [ 2] conformable to himselfe clothed him :: 1.97 with strength. † He [ 3] gaue him a number of daies and time, and gaue him power of those thinges, that are vpon the earth. † He put his feare ouer [ 4] al flesh, and he had dominion of beastes and fowles. † He [ 5] created of him an helper like to himself: he gaue them counsel,

and tongue, and eies, & eares, and hart to deuise: and he filled them with the discipline of vnderstanding. † He created in [ 6] them the knowlege of the spirit, he filled their hart with vnderstanding, and euil and good he shewed them. † He set [ 7] his eie vpon their hartes to shew them the great thinges of his workes: † that they might praise the name of sanctification: [ 8] and glorie in his meruelous workes, that thy might declare the glorious thinges of his workes. † He added :: 1.98 discipline [ 9] vnto them, and made them inherite the lawe of life. † He [ 10] made an euerlasting testament with them, & he shewed them iustice and his iudgementes. † And their eie saw the glorious [ 11] thinges of his honour, and their eares heard the honour of his voice, and he said to them: Beware of euerie vniust thing. † And he gaue them commandment euerie one concerning [ 12] his neighbour. † Their wayes are before him alwaies, they [ 13] are not hid from his eies. † Ouer eucrie nation he appointed [ 14] a ruler. † And Israel was made the manifest portion of God. [ 15] * 1.99 † And al their workes as the sunne in the sight of God: and [ 16] his eies without intermission looking on their wayes. † The [ 17] testamentes were not hid by their iniquitie, and al their ini∣quities are in the sight of God. † The almes of a man is as a [ 18] seale with him, and shal preserue the grace of a man as the apple of the e••e: † And afterward he shal arise, and shal [ 19] render them reward, to euerie one vpon their head, and shal turne into the inner partes of the earth. † But to the penitent [ 20] he hath geuen the way of iustice, and he hath confirmed them that faile to susteine, and hath appointed to them the lot of truth. † Turne to our Lord, and forsake thy sinnes: † pray [ 21 22] before the face of our Lord, and diminish offences. † Returne [ 23] to our Lord, and turne away from thine iniustice, and hate excedingly abomination: † and know the iniustices and [ 24] iudgementes of God, and :: 1.100 stand in the lot of thy purpose, and :: 1.101 of praier of the most high God. † Goe into the partes of the [ 25] holie world, with the liuing, and them that geue praise to God. † Tarie not in the errour of the impious, before death [ 26] confesse. From the dead as nothing, confession perisheth. † Thou shalt confesse liuing, aliue and in health thou shalt [ 27] confesse, and shalt praise God, and shalt glorie in his mercies. † How great is the mercie of our Lord, and his propitiation [ 28] to them that turne to him! † For al thinges can not be in men, [ 29] because the sonne of man is not immortal, and they haue

delighted in the vanitie of malice. † What is brighter then the [ 30] sunne? & it shal faile. Or what more wicked then that which flesh and bloud hath inuented? and this shal be reproued. † He beholdeth the powre of the height of heauen: and al [ 31] men be earth and ashes.

CHAP. XVIII. Gods wonderful workes excede mans capacitie. 7. Our weaknes is streing∣thened by grace. 15. wherto man must cooperate, 19. by purging his conscience, 22. by prayer, 24. by meditating Gods iudgements, 30. and by mortifying his owne concupiscence.

HE that liueth for euer, created al thinges :: 1.102 together. God [ 1] onlie shal be iustified, and remaineth an inuincible king for euer. † Who is sufficient to declare his workes? † For [ 2 3] who shal search out his glorious thinges? † and who shal [ 4] shew forth the powre of his greatnesse? or who shal adde to declare his mercie? † It is not possible to diminish, nor adde, [ 5] neither is it possible to finde the glorious workes of God: † When a man shal haue done, then shal he beginne: and [ 6] when he shal rest, he shal worke. † What is man, and what is [ 7] his grace? and what is his good, or what his euil? † The num∣ber [ 8] of the daies of men at the most an hundred yeares: as* 1.103 droppes of the water of the sea they are reputed: and as the grauel stone of the sand, so a few yeares in the day of eternitie. † For this cause God is patient toward them, and powreth [ 9] out his mercie vpon them. † He hath senne the presumption [ 10] of their hart that it is naught, and hath knowen their subuer∣sion that it is euil. † Therefore hath he fulfilled his propi∣tiation [ 11] toward them, and hath shewed them the way of equi∣tie. † Mans compassion is touching his neigbour: but the [ 12] mercie of God is vpon al flesh. † He that hath mercie, tea∣cheth, [ 13] and instructeth, as a pastour his flocke. † He hath [ 14] mercie on him that receiueth the doctrine of compassion, and he that hasteneth in his iudgementes. † Sonne in good deedes [ 15] geue no blame, and in euerie gift geue not the sadnes of an euil word. † Shal not the dew colle heate? so also a word [ 16] better then a gift. † Is not a word aboue a good gift? but [ 17] both are with a iustified man. † A foole wil vpbraide bitterly: [ 18] and the gift of one vntaught maketh the eies to drie away. † Before iudgement prepare thee iustice, and before thou [ 19] speake lerne. † Before sickenes take medicine, and before [ 20]

iudgement examine thyself, and in the sight of God thou shalt* 1.104 finde propitiation. † Before sickenes humble thy self, and in [ 21] time of infirmitie shew thy conuersation. † Be not hindered [ 22] :: 1.105 to pray alwayes, & feare not to be iustified euen to death:* 1.106 because the reward of God abideth for euer. † Before praier [ 23] * 1.107 prepare thy soule: and be not as a man that tempteth God. † Remember the wrath in the day of consummation, and the [ 24] time of reward in conuersation of the face. † Remember [ 25] pouertie in the time of abundance, and the necessities of pouertie in the day of riches. † From morning vnto euening [ 26] time shal be changed, & al these are sowne in the eies of God. † A wise man in al thinges wil feare, & in the daies of offences [ 27] wil be ware of sloth. † Euerie subtile man knoweth wisdom, [ 28] and to him that findeth her he wil geue prayse. † The wise in [ 29] wordes, and they also haue done wisely: and haue vnder∣stood truth and iustice, and haue rayned prouerbes & iudge∣mentes. † Goe not after thy concupiscences, and turne away [ 30] from thy wil. † If thou geue to thy soule her concupiscences, [ 31] she wil make thee a ioy to the enemies. † Be not delighted [ 32] in multitudes, not in few: for their concertation is continual. † Be not poore in contention of borowing, and thou hast [ 33] nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt be enuious to thine owne life.

CHAP. XIX. An admonition against drunkennes, luxurie, 4. light suspition, 7. and detraction. 13. Freindlie correption is necessarie, 23. and sincere humili∣tie. 27. Exterior carege is a signe of internal disposition.

A workman that is a drunkard shal not be rich: and he [ 1] :: 1.108 that contemneth smal thinges, shal fal by litle and litle. † Wine and wemen make wisemen to apostatate, and shal [ 2] * 1.109 reproue the prudent: † and he that ioyneth himself to har∣lotes, [ 3] shal be naught. Rottennes and wormes shal inherite him, and he shal be lifted vp for a greater example, and his life shal be taken out of the number. † He that geueth credite [ 4] quickly, is light of hart, and shal be lessened: and he shal more* 1.110 ouer be counted one that sinneth against his owne soule. † He thar reioyceth in iniquitie, shal be reprehended, and he [ 5] that hateth chastisement, shal be diminished of life: and he that hateth babbling, extinquisheth malice. † He that sinneth [ 6] against his owne soule, shal repent: and he that is delighted in

naughtinesse, shal be reprehended. † Iterate not a wicked [ 7] and hard word, and thou shalt not be lessened. † To freind [ 8] and foe tel not thy minde: and if thou haue sinne, :: 1.111 disclose it not. † For he wil heare thee, and wil watch thee, and as it [ 9] were defending the sinne he wil hate thee, and so wil he be present with thee alwaies. † Hast thou heard a word against [ 10] thy neighbour? let it die together in thee, trusting that it wil not burst thee. † At the presence of a word the foole traue∣leth, [ 11] as the groning of the childbirth of an infant. † An arrow [ 12] stickt in the thigh of flesh: so is a word in the hart of a foole. † Rebuke a freind, lest perhapes he hath not vnderstood, and [ 13] * 1.112 say: I did it not: or if he did it, that he doe it not againe.* 1.113 † Rebuke thy neighbour, lest perhaps he said it not: and if [ 14] he said it, lest perhaps he iterate it. † Rebuke thy freind: for [ 15] there is often a fault committed. † And beleue not euerie [ 16] word. There is that offendeth with the tongue, but not from his hart. † For who is there that hath not offended in his [ 17] * 1.114 tongue? Rebuke thy neighbour before thou threaten. † And: [ 18] geue place to the feare of the Highest: because the feare of God is al wisedom, and to feare God is in it, & the disposition of the law is in al wisdom. † And the discipline of wickednes [ 19] is not wisedom: and the cogitation of sinners is not prudence. † There is wickednes, and in it execration: and there is a [ 20] foole that hath lesse wisedom. † Better is a man that hath lesse [ 21] wisdom, and lacketh vnderstanding, in feare, then he that abundeth in vnderstanding, and transgresseth the law of the Highest. † There is an assured subtilitie, & the same wicked. [ 22] † And there is that vttereth an exact word telling the truth. [ 23] There is that :: 1.115 wickedly humbleth himselfe, and his inner partes be ful of deceite: † and there is a iust man :: 1.116 that sub∣mitteth [ 24] himselfe ouermuch of great humilitie: and there is a iust one :: 1.117 that boweth his face, and feyneth himself not to see that which is vnknowen: † and if he be forbidden to sinne [ 25] for imbecillitie of power, if he shal finde a time to do euil, he wil do euil. † A man is knowen by the sight, and a wiseman [ 26] is knowen by the shew of his face. † The clothing of the [ 27] bodie, and the laughing of the teeth, and the going of the man tel of him. † There is a lying chastisement in the anger of [ 28] a contumelious person: and there is a iudgement, that is not allowed to be good: and there is that holdeth his peace, and he is wise.

CHAP. XX. Correction ought to be without passion of anger. 5. much discretion is required in speach, and in silence. 14. Also in geuing, 20. & promising, 29. and in vttering knowlege, where and when it behoueth.

HOW good a thing is it to rebuke, rather then to be an∣grie, [ 1] and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer! † The concupiscence of an eunuch shal defloure a young [ 2] maide: † so he that by violence doth vniust iudgement. [ 3] * 1.118 How good a thing is it :: 1.119 being rebuked to shew repentance! [ 4] for so thou shalt auoid wilful sinne. † There is that holdeth [ 5] his peace, which is found wise: and there is that is odious, he which is malepert to speake. † There is that holdeth his peace [ 6] hauing not vnderstanding to speake: and there is that holdeth his peace, knowing the time of fitte opportunitie. † A wise [ 7] man wil hold his peace vntil a time: but a wanton, and the vnwise wil not obserue time. † He that vseth manie wordes, [ 8] shal hurt his owne soule: & he that taketh authoritie to him∣self vniustly, shal be hated. † There is proceding in euils to a [ 9] man without discipline, and there is finding to losse. † There [ 10] is a gift, that is not profitable: and there is a gift, the reward whereof is duble. † There is debasing because of glorie: and [ 11] there is that from humilitie shal lift vp the head. † There is [ 12] that redemeth manie thinges for a smale price, and restoreth the same seuen fold. † A man wise in wordes shal make him [ 13] selfe beloued: but the graces of fooles shal be powred out. † The gift of the vnwise shal not be profitable for thee: for [ 14] his eies are :: 1.120 seuen fold. † He wil geue few thinges, and vp∣braide [ 15] manie: and the opening of his mouth is an inflamma∣tion. † To day a man lendeth, and to morow he asketh it a∣gaine: [ 16] such a man is odious. † A foole shal haue no freind, [ 17] and there shal be no thanke to his goodes. † For they that [ 18] eate his bread, are of a false tongue. How often, and how manie wil laugh him to scorne? † For he doth not distribute [ 19] with right vnderstanding, that which was to be had: in like manner also that which was not to be had. † The slipping [ 20] of a false tongue, as he that falleth on the pauement: so the falles of the euil shal come hastely. † A man without grace [ 21] is as a vaine fable, it shal be continual in the mouth of them that are without discipline. † A parable out of a fooles [ 22]

mouth shal be reiected: for he doth not speake it in his time. † There is that is forbid to sinne for pouertie, and in his rest [ 23] he shal be pricked. † There is thar wil destroy his soule for [ 24] shamfastnes, and by an vnwise person he wil destroy it: and by acception of person he wil destroy himself. † There is that [ 25] for shamfastnes promiseth to his freind, and hath gotten an enemie of him for naught. † Lying is a wicked reproch in a [ 26] man, and in the mouth of men without discipline it shal be continually. † Better is a theefe, then the continual custome [ 27] of a lying man, but both shal inherite perdition. † The maners [ 28] of lying men are without honour: and their confusion is with them without intermission. † A wiseman in his wordes shal [ 29] vtter himself, and a prudent man shal please great persons. † He that tilleth his land, shal make an high heape of corne: [ 30] * 1.121 and who so worketh iustice, he shal be exalted: and he that pleaseth great men, shal avoide iniquitie. † Presentes, & giftes [ 31] * 1.122 blind the eies of iudges, and as one dumbe in the mouth tur∣neth* 1.123 away their chastisementes. † :: 1.124 Wisdom hid, and treasure [ 32] not sene: what profit is there in both? † :: 1.125 Better is he that [ 33] concealeth his foolishnes, then the man that hideth his wisdom.

CHAP. XXI. An inuectiue against sinne in general, 5. and diuers in particular.

SONNE hast thou sinned? doe so no more: but for the [ 1] old also pray that they may be forgeuen thee. † :: 1.126 As from [ 2] the face of a serpent flee from sinnes: and if thou approch to them, they wil receiue thee. † The teeth of a lion the teeth [ 3] thereof, killing the soules of men. † Al iniquitie is as a two [ 4] edged sword, there is no remedie for the wound thereof. † Brawling and iniuries shal bring the substance to nothing: [ 5] and the house that is verie rich, shal be made nothing by pride: so the substance of the proude shal be rooted out. † The prayer of the poore out of the mouth shal come to his [ 6] eares, and iudgement shal come for him spedely. † He that [ 7] hateth chastisement, is :: 1.127 the trace of a sinner: and he that feareth God, :: 1.128 wil turne to his owne hart. † The mightie in [ 8] a bold tongue is knowen a far of, and a wiseman knoweth himself to fal by ••••••m. † He that buildeth his house at other [ 9] menes charges, is as he that gathereth his stones :: in the winter. † The synagogue of sinners is as tow gathered toge∣ [ 10]

ther, and their consummation à flame of fire. † The way of [ 11] sinners is paued with stones, & in their end, hel, & darkenes, and paines. † He that keepeth iustice, shal conteine the [ 12] :: 1.129 vnderstanding therof. † The consummation of the feare of [ 13] God wisdom and vnderstanding. † He shal not be taught, that [ 14] is not wise in good. † But there is wisdom that abundeth in [ 15] euil: and there is no vnderstanding where bitternes is. † The [ 16] knowlege of the wise shal abound as an inundation, and his counsel is permanent as a fountaine of life. † The hart of a [ 17] foole is as a broken vessel, and al wisdom it shal not hold. † A man of knowlege wil praise whatsoeuer wise word he [ 18] shal heare, and wil applie it to himself: the riotous man hath heard it, and it shal displease him, and he wil cast it behind his back. † The :: 1.130 narration of a foole is as a burden in the way: [ 19] for in :: 1.131 the lippes of the wise shal grace be found. † The [ 20] mouth of the prudent is sought in the Church, and they wil thinke vpon his wordes in their hartes. † As a house destroied, [ 21] so is wisdom to a foole: & the knowlege of the vnwise inex∣plicable wordes. † Fetters on the feete, doctrine to a foole, [ 22] and as manicles vpon the right hand. † A foole in laughter [ 23] exalteth his voice: but a wiseman wil scarse laugh secretly. † Doctrine to the prudent is a golden ornament, and as it [ 24] were a bracelet on the right arme. † The foote of a foole [ 25] goeth easely into his neighbours house: & a cunning man wil be abashed at the person of the mightie. † A foole wil looke [ 26] from the window into the house: but the nurtered wil stand without. † It is the follie of a man to harken by the dore: [ 27] and a wiseman wil be greued with the contumelie. † The [ 28] lippes of the vnwise shal tel foolish thinges: but the wordes of the wise shal be pondered in balance. † The hart of fooles [ 29] is in their mouth: and the mouth of wisemen is in their hart. † Whiles :: 1.132 the impious curseth the diuel, he curseth his [ 30] owne soule. † The whisperer shal defile his soule, and shal be [ 31] hated in al: and he that shal abide with him, shal be odious: the stil man and wise shal be honored.

CHAP. XXII. An other admonition against slouth, 3. dissolute children, 6. and mirth out of season. 7. Fooles are hardly corrected, 10. more to be bewayled then the dead. 14. Much talke doth not profite them. 24. Offend not, nor seare not a freind. 33. Kepe alwayes guard of thy torgue.

THE sluggard is stoned :: 1.133 with a durtie stone, & al men wil [ 1] speake of his disgrace. † The sluggard is stoned with the [ 2] dung of oxen: and euerie one, that shal touch him, wil shake his handes. † The coufusion of the father is of a sonne [ 3] without discipline: and the daughter shal be made of lesse account. † A wise daughter is an inheritance to her husband. [ 4] for she that confoundeth, is made a contumelie to her father. † She that is bold shameth father and husband, and shal not [ 5] be inferiour to the impious: but of them both she shal be dishonored. † Musike in mourning is a tale out of time: [ 6] scourges and doctrine are at al time wisdom. † He that tea∣cheth [ 7] a foole, is as he that gleweth together a potshard. † He [ 8] that telleth a word to him that heareth not, is as he that raiseth vp a man sleepeing out of an heauie sleepe. † He [ 9] speaketh with him that sleepeth, which vttereth wisdom to a foole: and in the end of the narration he saieth: Who is this? † Weepe vpon the dead, for his light hath failed: and weepe [ 10] vpon :: 1.134 a foole, for he faileth in vnderstanding. † Weepe a [ 11] little vpon the dead, because he is at rest. † For the wicked [ 12] * 1.135 life of the very wicked, aboue the death of a foole. † The [ 13] * 1.136 moorning of the dead is seuen daies: but of a foole and of the impious, al the daies of their life. † Speake not much with a [ 14] foole, and goe not with the vnwise. † Keepe thy selfe from [ 15] him, that thou haue no molestation, and thou shalt not be de∣filed with his sinne. † Turne aside from him, and thou shalt [ 16] finde rest, and shalt not be wearied with his follie: † What [ 17] shal be heauier then lead? and what other name hath it but foole. † It is easier to beare sand and salt, and a masse of yron, [ 18] * 1.137 then an vnwise man, and a foole, and impious. † A frame of [ 19] wood bound together in the fundation of a building, shal not be dissolued: so also the hart confirmed in the cogitation of counsel. † The cogitation of the wise at al time, yea by [ 20] feare shal not be depraued. † As stakes in high places, and [ 21] plaisteringes laid without cost, shal not abide against the face of the winde: † so also a feareful hart in the cogitation of a [ 22] foole shal not resist against the violence of feare▪ † As a trem∣bling [ 23] hart in the cogitation of a foole, al time wil not feare, so also he that continueth alwaies in the preceptes of God. † He that pricketh the eie, bringeth forth teares: and he that [ 24] pricketh the hart, bringeth forth feeling. † He that casteth a [ 25]

stone at fowles, and shal throw them downe: so he that spea∣keth reprochefully to his freind, dissolueth freindship. † :: 1.138 Al¦though [ 26] thou drowest a sword at a freind, despaire not: for there is returning to a freind. † If thou open a sad mouth, [ 27] feare not▪ for there is agreement: :: 1.139 except taunt, and reproch and pride, and reuealing of secret, and a traiterous wound: in al these thinges a freind wil flee away. † Possesse fidelitie [ 28] with a freind in his prouertie, that in his goodes also thou maist reioyce. † In the time of his tribulation continew [ 29] faithful to him, that in his inheritance also thou maist be heire with him. † Before the fire the vapour of the chimney, and [ 30] the smoke of the fire riseth on high: so also before bloud euil wordes, and contumelies, & threates. † I wil not be ashamed [ 31] to salute a freind, from his face I wil not hide myself: and if there chance euiles to me by him, I wil beare it. † Euerie one [ 32] that shal heare, wil beware of him. † Who wil geue a gard [ 33] to my mouth, and a sure seale vpon my lippes, that I fal not by them, and my tongue destroy me?* 1.140

CHAP. XXIII. A prayer against pride, 6. gluttonie, and luxurie. 7. Beware of offending in spèach. 9. especialliy of vnlawful swearing 15. blasphemie, 17. irreuerent and reprocheful wordes. 21. Also of auarice, 24. fornication, and adul∣trie, 30. al which God seeth, and wil seuerly punish. 33. With other sinnes that folow therof.

O Lord father, and dominatour of my life :: 1.141 leaue me not [ 1] in their counsel: nor suffer me to fal in them. † Who [ 2] laieth on stripes in my cogitation, and in my hart the doctrine of wisdom, and in their ignorances they spare me not, and their offences appeare not, † and my ignorances increase not, [ 2] and my offences be multiplied, and my sinnes ahound, and I fal in the sight of mine aduersaries, & mine enemies reioyce. † O Lord father, and God of my life, leaue me not in their co∣gitation. [ 4] † Hautines of mine eies geue me not, and al desire turne away from me. † Take from me the concupiscences of [ 6] the bellie, and let not the concupiscences of copulation take hold of me, and geue me not ouer to a shamelesse and foolish minde. † O children heare :: 1.142 the doctrine of the mouth: and [ 7] he that wil keepe it, shal not perish by his lippes, nor be scan∣dalized in most wicked workes. † A sinner is taught in his [ 8]

vanirie, and the proud and the euil speaker shal he scandalized in them. † Let not thy mouth be accustomed :: 1.143 to swearing: [ 9] for there be manie falles in it. † But let not the naming of [ 10] * 1.144 God be vsual in thy mouth, and meddle not with the names of Sainctes, because thou shalt not scape free from them. † For [ 11] as a seruant daily examined, lacketh not the marke therof: so euerie one that sweareth, and nameth, shal not be wholy purged from sinne. † A man that sweareth much shal be [ 12] filled with iniquitie, and plague shal not depart from his house. † And if he frustrate it, his sinne shal be vpon him: [ 13] and if he dissemble, he offendeth duble: † and if he sweare [ 14] in vaine, he shal not be iustified: for his house shal be filled with retribution. † There is an other :: 1.145 contrarie speach, also [ 15] :: 1.146 to death, be it not found in the inheritance of Iacob. † For of the merciful al those thinges shal be taken away, [ 16] and they wil not wallow in sinnes. † Let not thy mouth be [ 17] accustomed to :: 1.147 vnnurtered speach: for there is in it a word of sinne. † :: 1.148 Remember thy father and thy mother, for thou [ 18] sittest in the middest of greate men: † lest perhapes God [ 19] forget thee in their sight, and being sotted with thy dailie custome, thou suffer reproch, and hadst better not haue bene borne, and curse the day of thy natiuitie. † A man accustomed [ 20] to the wordes of reproch, wil not be instructed in al his daies. † Two sortes abound in sinnes, and the third bringeth wrath [ 21] and perdition. † An :: 1.149 hote soule as a burning fire wil not be [ 22] quenched, til it swallow somewhat. † and a wicked man in [ 23] the mouth of his flesh wil not cease til he kindle a fire. † To a [ 24] man that is :: 1.150 a fornicatour al bread is sweete, he wil not be wearie transgressing vnto the end. † Euerie man that passeth [ 25] :: 1.151 beyond his owne bed, contemning against his owne soule, and saying: Who seeth me? † Darkenes compasseth me, and [ 26] * 1.152 the walles couer me, and no man beholdeth me: whom do I feare? the Highest wil not be mindful of my sinnes. † And [ 27] he vnderstandeth not that his eye seeth al thinges, for that such feare of man expelleth from him the feare of God, & the eies of men fearing him: † and he knoweth not that the eies [ 28] of our Lord are much more brighter then the sunne, behol∣ding round about al the waies of men, and the botome of the depth, and the hartes of men looking into the hidden partes. † For al thinges were knowen to our Lord God, before they [ 29] were created: so also after it is perfected he beholdeth al

thinges. † :: 1.153 Reuenge shal be taken on this man in the streates [ 30] * 1.154 of the cittie, and as an horsecolt he shal be chased: and where* 1.155 he expected not, he shal be apprehended. † And he shal be in [ 31] dishonour with al men, for that he vnderstood not the feare of our Lord. † So euerie woman also that forsaketh her [ 32] husband, & getteth inheritance by mariage of an other. † For [ 33] first she hath bene vnfaithful in the law of the Highest: and secondly she hath sinned against her busband: thirdly she hath fornicated in adulterie, and hath gotten her children of an other man. † This woman shal be brought into the Church, [ 34] and vpon her children there shal be examination. † Her [ 35] children shal not take roote, and her boughes shal not yeld fruite. † She shal leaue her memorie to be cursed, and her [ 36] dishonour shal not be wiped out. † And they that are leaft [ 37] shal know, that nothing is better then the feare of God: and nothing sweter, then to haue regard to the commandmentes of our Lord. † It is great glorie to folow our Lord: for length [ 38] of daies shal be taken of him.

CHAP. XXIIII. True and laudable wisdom 5. proceding from God, 6. shineth in his workes: 12. especially in his Church; where she bringeth forth al vertues. 26. She inuiteth al vnto her. 44. and lighteneth her folowers with splendore of doctrine.

VVISDOM shal praise :: 1.156 her soule, & shal be honoured [ 1] in God, and shal glorie in the middes of her people, † and shal open her mouth in the churches of the Highest, and [ 2] shal glorie in the sight of his power, † and in the middes of her [ 3] people she shal be exalted, and in the holie assemblie she shal be admired, † and in the multitude of the elect she shal haue [ 4] praise, and among the blessed, she shal be blessed, saying: † I come forth from the mouth of the Highest, the first be∣gotten [ 5] before al creatures. † I made that in the heauens there [ 6] should rise light that faileth not, and as a cloud I couered al the earth. † I dwelt in the highest places, and my throne is in [ 7] the pillar of a cloude. † I alone haue gone round about the [ 8] compasse of heauen, and haue penetrated into the bottome of the depth, and haue walked in the waues of the sea, † and [ 9] stood in al the earth: and in al people, † and in euerie nation [ 10] I haue had the primacie: † and I haue by strength troden [ 11]

downe the hartes of al the excellent, and the base; and in al these thinges :: 1.157 I sought rest, & I shal abide in the inheritance of our Lord. † Then the creatour of al commanded, and said [ 12] to me: & he that :: 1.158 created me, rested in my tabernacle, † and [ 13] he said to me: Inhabite :: 1.159 in Iacob, and inherite in Israel, and take roote in myne elect. † From the beginning and before [ 14] the worlds was I created, and vnto the world to come I shal not cease, and in the holie habitation I haue ministred before him. † And so in Sion was I established, and in the sanctified [ 15] cittie likewise I rested, and my power was in Ierusalem. † And [ 16] I tooke roote in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and my abiding is in the ful assemblie of saintes. † I am exalted as a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypres [ 17] tree in mount Sion. † As a palme tree in Cades am I exalted, [ 18] and as a rose plant in Iericho: † As a faire oliue tree in the [ 19] fieldes, and as a plane tree by the water in the streates am I exalted. † I gaue an odout as cinnamon, & aromatical balme: [ 20] as chosen myrrhe haue I geuen the sweetenes of odour: † and as storax, and galbanum, and onyx, and aloes, and as Li∣banus [ 21] not cut, haue I perfumed myne habitation, and myne odour is as baulme non mingled. † I haue spred out my [ 22] boughes as the terebinth, and my boughes are of honour and grace. † I as a vine haue fructified sweetenes of odour: and [ 23] my flowers are fruite of honour and honestie. † I am the mo∣ther [ 24] of beautiful loue, and of feare, and of knowledge, and of holie hope. † In me is al grace of way and truth, in me al [ 25] hope of life and vertue. † Passe to me al ye that desire me, [ 26] and be filled of my generations. † For my spirit is sweete a∣boue [ 27] * 1.160 honie, and myne inheritance aboue honie and the honie combe. † My memorie is vnto generations of worldes. [ 28] † They that :: 1.161 eate me, shal yet hunger: and they that drinke [ 29] me, shal yet thirst. † He that heareth me, shal not be con∣founded: [ 30] and they that worke in me, shal not sinne. † They [ 31] that explicate me, shal haue life euerlasting. † Al these thinges [ 32] are the booke of life, and the testament of the Highest, & the knowlege of truth. † Moyses commanded a law in the pre∣ceptes [ 33] of iustices, and an inheritance to the house of Iacob, and the promises to Israel. † He appointed to Dauid his ser∣uant [ 34] for to raise vp a king of him most strong, and sitting in the throne of honour :: 1.162 for euer. † Who filleth wisdom as [ 35] Phison, and as Tigris in the daies of new fruites. † Who [ 36]

replenisheth vnderstanding as Euphrates, who multiplieth it* 1.163 as Iordan in the time of haruest. † Who sendeth discipline as [ 37] the light, and assisting as Gehon in the day of vintage. † Who [ 38] first hath perfect knowledge of it, & a weaker shal not searche it out. † For her cogitation shal abound aboue the sea, and [ 39] her counsels aboue the greate depth. † I wisdom haue [ 40] powred out riuers. † I as a sluse of a mightie water out of the [ 41] riuer, I as the riuer Dioryx, & as a water coundite I came out of paradise. † I said: I wil water my garden of plantes, and [ 42] wil inebriate the fruite of my medow. † And hehold my [ 44] sluse was made aboundant, and my riuer came neere to a sea. † Because I illuminated doctrine to al as the morning light, [ 44] & I wil declare it far. † I wil penetrate al the inferiour partes [ 45] of the earth, and wil behold al that sleepe, and wil illuminate al that hope in our Lord. † I wil yet powre out doctrine as [ 46] prophecie, and wil leaue it to them that seeke wisdom, and wil not cease vnto their progenies euen to the holie age. † See [ 47] ye that I haue not laboured for myself only, but for al that seeke out the truth.

CHAP. XXV. Concord betwen bretheren, neighboures, and man and wife, much pleaseth God. 3. A poore man proud, a richman a lier, and an old man doting in carnal, or worldlie thinges, are very hateful. 9. He that seeth his children good; and his enemies ouerthrowne; hath a good wife; offendeth not in speach; consenteth not to sinne; hath a true freind; teacheth good doctrine; hath sacred; and humane knowlege: hath vndoubtedly nine happie thinges: but to feare God conteyneth 14. and excelleth al. 17. A wicked woman (heresie) is very detestable, 30. and most vntolerable, if she haue supreme dominion.

IN three thinges my spirit is pleased, which are approued [ 1] before God, and men: † :: 1.164 The concord of bretheren, and [ 2] the loue of neighboures, and man and wife wel agreeing together. † Three sortes my soule hateth, and I am greatly [ 3] greeued at their life; † :: 1.165 A poore man proud: & a rich man a [ 4] lyer: an old man a foole, and doting. † The thinges that thou [ 5] hast not gathered in thy youth, how shalt thou find them in thy old age? † How beautiful is iudgement for a grey head, [ 6] and for ancientes to know counsel! † How beautiful is [ 7] wisdom for the aged, & vnderstanding glorious, and counsel! † Much cunning is the croune of old men, and the feare of [ 8]

God is their glorie. † :: 1.166 Nine thinges not to be imagined of [ 9] the hart haue I magnified, and the tenth I wil tel vnto men with my tongue: † A man that hath ioy in his children; liuing [ 10] and seeing the subuersion of his enemies. † Blessed is he that [ 11] * 1.167 dwelleth with a wise woman; & that hath not offended with his tongue; and that hath not serued such as are vnworthie of him. † Blessed is he that findeth a true freind; and that decla∣reth [ 12] iustice to an eare that heareth: † How great is he, that [ 13] findeth wisdom; and knowlege; but he is not aboue him :: 1.168 that feareth our Lord. † The feare of God hath set it self aboue al [ 14] thinges: † blessed is the man, to whom is geuen to haue the [ 15] feare of God: he that holdeth it, to whom shal he be re∣sembled? † The feare of God is the beginning of his loue: [ 16] and the beginning of faith is to be fast ioyned vnto it. † The [ 17] heauines of the hart is al plague: & al malice, :: 1.169 the wickednes of a woman. † And he wil see al plague, and not the plague of [ 18] the hart: † & al wickednes, & not the wickednes of a woman: [ 19] † and al obduction, and not the obduction of them that hate [ 20] him: † and al reuenge, and not the reuenge of the enemies. [ 21] † There is no head worse then the head of a serpent: † and [ 22] there is no anger aboue the anger of woman. It shal be more [ 23] * 1.170 pleasant to abide with a lyon and dragon, then to dwel with a wicked woman. † The wickednes of a woman changeth her [ 24] face: and darkeneth her countenace as a beare: and wil shew it as a sacke. In the middes of her neighbours, † her husband [ 25] groned, and hearing he sighed a litle. † Al malice is short to [ 26] the malice of a woman, the lot of sinners fal vpon her. † As [ 27] the goeing vp a grauelie way in the feete of the aged, so a woman ful of tongue to a quiet man. † Looke not vpon a [ 28] womans beautie, and desire not a woman for beautie. † A [ 29] womans anger, and impudencie, and confusion is great. † A [ 30] woman :: 1.171 if she haue superioritie, is contrarie to her husband. † An humbled hart, and heauie countenance, and plague of [ 31] hart, is a wicked woman. † Feeble handes, and disiointed [ 32] knees, a woman that doth not make her husband happie. † From woman came the beginning of sinne, and by her we [ 33] doe al die. † Geue not issue to thy water, no not a litle: nor [ 34] to a wicked woman leaue, to goe forth. † If she walke not [ 35] at thine hand, she wil confound thee in the sight of thyn enemies. † Cut her of from thy flesh, lest she alwaies abuse [ 36] ••hee.

CHAP. XXVI. The praises of a good woman. 5. The betraying of a citie, mutenie of people, and fal••e accusation are terrible, but a ielous woman is more greuou••. 10. Diuers il qualities of a bad woman. 16. More commendations of a good woman. 25. A doleful thing to see a valiant warier wanting liuelihood, a wiseman not regarded, and greatest griefe to see a iust man become wicked. 28. A man ful of busines hardly careth for his soule: and a•••• Inns keper often sinneth in wordes.

THE husband of a good wife is happie: for the number of [ 1] his yeares is :: 1.172 duble. † A strong woman delighteth her [ 2] husband, and shal accomplish the yeares of his life in peace. † A good woman is a good portion, in the good portion of [ 3] them that feare God shal she be geuen to a man for good deedes: † And the hart of rich and poore is good, at al time [ 4] their countenance is merie. † Of three thinges my hart hath [ 5] bene▪ afraid, and at the fourth my face hath trembled: † The [ 6] betraying of a citie, and a gethering together of the people: † false calumnie, al more greuous then death. † A ielous [ 7 8] woman, is the sorow and moorning of the hart. † In a ielous [ 9] woman is a scourge of the tongue, communicating with al. † As :: 1.173 a yoke of oxen, that is moued, so also a wicked woman: [ 10] he that holdeth her, is as he that taketh hold of a scorpion. † A woman geuen to drunkennes is great anger: & her con∣tumelie [ 11] and turpitude shal not be hid. † The fornication of a [ 12] woman shal be knowen in the lifting vp of her eies, and in her eieliddes. † On thy daughter that turneth not away her [ 13] self, set sure watche: lest occasion found she abuse herself. † Take heede of the impudencie of her eies, and meruel not [ 14] if she contemne thee. † As a wayfaring man that thirsteth, [ 15] wil she open her mouth to the fountaine, and wil drinke of euerie water that is next, and wil sit against euerie hedge, and open her quiuer against euerie arrow, vntil she faile. † :: 1.174 The [ 16] grace of a diligent woman shal delight her husband, and shal farte his bones. † Her discipline is the gift of God. † A wise [ 17 18] and stil woman, there is no exchange for a soule instructed. † A holie and shamefast woman, is grace vpon grace. † And [ 19 20] al weight is not worthie a continent soule. † As the sunne [ 21] rysing to the world in the highest places of God, so is the beautie of a good woman for an ornament of her house. [ 22]

† A lampe shyning vpon the holie candlesticke, & the beautie [ 22] of the face vpon stayed age. † Pillars of gold vpon feete of [ 23] siluer, and stable feete vpon the soules of a stayed woman. [ 24] † Eternal fundations vpon a sound rocke, and the command∣ments of God in the hart of a holie woman. † At two thinges [ 25] my hart is greeued, and at the third anger is come vpon me: † A man of warre decaying by pouertie: and a wise man con∣temned: [ 26] † and he that transgresseth from iustice to sinne, [ 27] God hath prepared him to the sword. † Two sortes haue [ 28] appeared vnto me hard and dangerous, a merchant is hardly rid of negligence: and :: 1.175 a viteler shal not be iustified from the sinnes of the lippes.

CHAP. XXVII. For want, and desire of riches, manie committe sinne. 4. from which the feare of God preserueth. 6. Tentation proueth, who is iust, 12. constant, and modest. 17. Freindes are bond to secresie, 25. and fidelitie.

THROVGH pouertie manie haue offended: and he that [ 1] * 1.176 seeketh to be made rich, turneth away his eie. † As a [ 2] stake is fastened in the middes of stones compact together, so also in the middes of selling and buying, sinne shal be strayt∣ened. † Sinne shal be destroyed with the sinner. † If thou [ 3] hold not thyselfinstantly in the feare of our Lord, :: 1.177 thy house [ 4] shal quickly be subuerted. † As in the shaking of a sieue the [ 5] dust wil remaine: so :: 1.178 the perplexitie of a man in his cogita∣tion. † The fornace tryeth the potters vessels, and the tenta∣tion [ 6] * 1.179 of tribulation iust men. † As the husbandrie about a tree [ 7] sheweth the fruite thereof, so a word out of the thought of the hart of man. † Prayse not a man before ful discourse, for [ 8] this is the trial of men. † If thou folow iustice, thou shalt [ 9] apprehend it: and shalt put it on as a long to be of honour, and thou shalt dwel with it: and it shal protect thee for euer, and in the day of knowleging thou shalt finde stedfastnes. † The [ 10] foules flocke together to their like: and truth shal returne to them, that worke it. † The lion alwayes lyeth in wayte for a [ 11] pray: so sinnes for them that worke iniquities. † A holie man [ 12] continueth in wisdom :: as the sunne: for a foole is changed* 1.180 as :: the moone. † In the middes of the vnwise keepe the word [ 13] til his time: but in the middes of deepe considerers be conti∣nually. † The narration of sinners is odious, & their laugther [ 14] is in the deligthes of sinne. † Speach that sweareth much [ 15]

shal make the heare of the head to stand vpright: and his lacke of reuerence is the stopping of the eares. † Sheding of [ 16] bloud is in the brawling of the proud: and their cursing is a greeuous hearing. † He that discloseth the secrete of a freind, [ 17] loseth credite, and he shal not finde a freind to his minde. * 1.181 † Loue thy neighhour, and be ioyned with him in fidelitie. [ 18] † But if thou discouer his secrets, thou shalt not pursew after [ 19] him. † For as a man that loseth his freind, so also he that [ 20] loseth the freindshipe of his neigbbour. † And as he that [ 21] letteth a bird goe out of his hand, so hast thou leaft thy neighbour, & shalt not take him. † Folow him not, because [ 22] he is far absent, for he is fled, as a doe out of the snare: because his soule is wounded. † Thou canst no more blinde him, and [ 23] of a curse there is reconciliation: † but to disclose the secrets [ 24] of a freind, is the desperation of an vnhappie soule. † He that [ 25] * 1.182 winketh with the eie, forgeth wicked thinges, and no man wil cast him of: † in the sight of thyne eyes he wil sweete his [ 26] mouth, and wil be in admiration vpon thy wordes: but at the last he wil peruert his mouth, and in thy wordes he wil lay a scandal. † I haue heard manie thinges, & haue not esteemed [ 27] them equal to him, and our Lord wil hate him. † He that [ 28] :: 1.183 casteth a stone on high, it wil fal vpon his head: and :: 1.184 the deceitful stroke wil diuide the woundes of the deceitful. † He [ 29] that diggeth a pit, shal fal into it: and he that setteth a stone for* 1.185 his neighbour, shal stumble on it: & he that layeth a snare for * 1.186 an other, shal perish in it. † To a man that doth most wicked [ 30] counsel, it shal be turned vpon himself, and he shal not know from whence it cometh to him. † Derision & reproch of the [ 31] proud, and vengeance as a lyon shal lie in waite for him. † They shal perish in a snare that are delighted with the fal of [ 32] the iust: and sorow shal consume them before they die. † Anger and furie, both are execrable, and the sinful man shal [ 33] be subiect to them.

CHAP. XXVIII. Abstaine from reuenge, 8. and strife, 15. from making debate, 28. from hearing, and speaking euil.

HE :: 1.187 that wil be reuenged, shal finde reuenge of our [ 1] Lord, and keepeing he wil keepe his sinne. † :: Forgeue [ 2] * 1.188 thy neighbour hurting thee: & then shal thy sinnes be loosed * 1.189

to thee when thou prayest. † Man to man reserueth anger, [ 3] and doth he seeke remedie of God? † He hath not mercie on [ 4] a man like vnto himself, and doth he intreate for his owne sinnes? † Himself whereas he is flesh, reserueth anger, and [ 5] doth he aske propitiation of God? Who by prayer shal obteyne for his sinne? † Remember the last thinges, & cease [ 6] * 1.190 to be at enmitie: † for consumption and death are imminent [ 7] in his commandmentes. † Remember the feare of God, and [ 8] be not angrie with thy neighbour. † Remember the testa∣ment [ 9] of the High, & contemne the ignorance of thy neigbour. † Refraine thyself from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy [ 10] sinnes: † for an angrie man kindleth strife, and a sinful man [ 11] wil truble his freindes, and in the middes of them that are at peace he wil cast in enmitie. † For according to the wood of [ 12] * 1.191 the forest, so the fire burneth: and according to the power of a man, so shal his anger be, and according to his substance he wil increase his anger. † Hastie contention kindleth a fire: [ 13] and hastie strife shedeth bloud: and an il testifying tongue bringeth death. † If thou blow vpon a sparck, it wil burne as [ 14] a fire: and if thou spitte thereon, it shal be quenched: both procede out of the mouth. † The whisperer & duble tounged [ 15] is accurst: for he hath trubled manie that were at peace. † A [ 16] :: 1.192 third tongue hath moued manie, and dispersed them from nation into nation. † It hath destroyed the walled citie of the [ 17] rich, and hath digged downe the houses of great men. † It [ 18] hath cut the forces of peoples, and vndone strong nations. † A third tongue hath cast out manlie wemen, and depriued [ 19] them of their labours. † He that regardeth it, shal not haue rest, [ 20] neither shal he haue a freind in whom he may repose. † The [ 21] stroke of a whippe maketh a blew marke: but the stroke of the tongue wil breake the bones. † Manie haue fallen by [ 22] the edge of the sword, but not so as they that haue perished by their tongue. † Blessed is he that is couered from a wicked [ 23] tongue, that hath not passed into the anger therof, and that hath not drawen the yoke therof, and hath not bene tyed in the bandes therof: † for the yoke of it, is a yoke of yron: and [ 24] the band of it is a band of brasse. † The death of it, is a most [ 25] wicked death: and hel is more profitable then it. † The conti∣nuance [ 26] of it shal not be permanent, but it shal obteyne the waies of the vniust: and it shal not burne the iust in the flame therof. † They that forsake God, shal fal into it, and it shal [ 27]

burne in them, and shal not be quenched, and it shal be sent in vpon them as a lion, and as a leopard it shal hurt them. † :: 1.193 Hedge thine eares with thornes, and heare not a wicked [ 28] tongue, and make doores to thy mouth, and locks. † Lay [ 29] together thy siluer, and make balance to thy wordes, and right bridles to thy mouth: † and take heede lest perhaps thou [ 30] slippe in thy tongue, & fal in the sight of the enemies, that lie in wayte for thee, and thy fal be vncurable vnto death.

CHAP. XXIX. Lend charitably, 3. and restore faithfully. 10. For the fault of il debters, omitte not to helpe the honest. 12. rather geue almes where nede is. 19. Be thankful for suretiship, 28. Liue frugally. 32. Goe not a ghestning for delicate chere.

HE that :: 1.194 lendeth to his neighbour, doth mercie: and [ 1] he that preuayleth with hand, keepeth the command∣ments. † Lend to thy neighbour in the time of his necessitie, [ 2] and :: againe repay thy neighbour in his time. † Confirme [ 3] thy word, and doe faithfully with him: & thou shalt finde at al time, that which is necessarie for thee. † Manie haue esteemed [ 4] a thing lent as a thing found, and haue geuen molestation to them that did helpe them. † Til they receiue, they kisse the [ 5] handes of the lender, and in promises they humble their voice: † and in the time of repaying they wil aske a time, and [ 6] wil speake wordes of tediousnes and murmurings, and wil make the time an excuse: † and if he be able to pay, he wil [ 7] resist, he wil pay scarse halfe of the whole, and wil account it as a thing found: † but if not, he wil defraude him of his [ 8] money, and possesse him an enemie without cause: † and wil [ 9] repay him reproches and curses, and for honour and benefite wil repay him contumelie. † Manie haue not lent, not [ 10] because of wickednes, but they were afraid to be defrauded without cause. † But yet vpon the humble be stronger of [ 11] minde, & for almes differre him not. † Because of the com∣mandment* 1.195 [ 12] receiue the poore: and because of his pouertie,* 1.196 send him not away emptie. † Lose money for thy brother and [ 13] thy freind: and hide it not vnder a stone vnto perdition. † Put* 1.197 [ 14] thy treasure in the precepts of the Highest, :: 1.198 & it shal profite thee more then gold. † Shut vp almes in the hart of the poore, [ 15] and the same shal obteyne for thee against al euil. † Aboue the [ 16] shilde of the mightie, & aboue the speare, it shal fight against [ 17]

tnyne enemie. † A good man becometh suretie for his [ 18] neighbour : and he that hath lost shame, wil leaue him to himself. † Forget not the kindnes of a suertie: for he hath [ 19] geuen his life for thee. † The sinner and vncleane person [ 20] fleeth from his suretie. † A sinner counteth the goodes of [ 21] his suretie to himself: and vnthankful in minde wil forsake him that deliuered him. † A man is suretie for his neighbour: [ 22] and when he hath lost shame, he shal be forsaken of him. † Naughtie suretieshippe hath vndone manie, that were [ 23] In good case, and hath tossed them as a waue of the sea. † Whurling round about, it hath made mightie men to re∣moue, [ 24] and they haue wandred in strange nations. † A sinner [ 25] that trangresseth the commandment of our Lord, shal fal into naughtie suretieshippe: and he that endeuoureth to doe manie thinges, shal fal into iudgement. † Recouer thy [ 26] neighbour according to thy power, and :: 1.199 take heed to thy self that thou fal not. † The beginning of mans life water & [ 27] bread, and garment, and house couering his turpitude. † Better is the poore mans fayre vnder a roofe of bordes, then [ 28] sumptuous cheere in a strange place without a house. † Let [ 29] the least thing please thee in steede of a great, and thou shalt not heare the reproach of peregrination. † It is a naughtie [ 30] life to change lodging from house to house : and where he shal lodge, he shal not deale boldely, nor open his mouth. † He shal lodge, and feede, and make the vnthanckful [ 31] drinke, and beside these thinges he shal heare bitter wordes. † Passe thou stranger, & furnish the table, & with the thinges [ 32] thou hast in thy hand, feede the rest. † Depart from the [ 33] presence of the honour of my freindes: for the necessitie of my house my brother is to be lodged with me. † These thinges [ 34] be greuous to a man that hath vnderstanding: rebuke for the house, and the reproch of the lender.

CHAP. XXX. Chastisment of children is necessarie, and indulgence very dangerous. 14. Health is better then riches. 17. A trublesome life is worse then death. 22. Be not pensiue but chereful in mind.

HE that loueth his soune, doth accustome him to stripes, [ 1] * 1.200 that he may reioyce in his later end, and not grope after the doores of his neighboures. † He that teacheth his sonne, [ 2] shal be praised in him, & in the middes of them of his houshold he shal glorie in him. † He that teacheth his sonne, doth cast [ 3]

the enemie into emulation, and in the middes of his freindes he shal glorie in him. † His father is dead, & he is as it were [ 4] * 1.201 not dead: for he hath left behind him the like to himself. † In his life he sawe and reioyced in him: in his death he was [ 5] not made sorie, neither was he confounded before the ene∣mies. † For he left a defender of his house against the enemies, [ 6] & one that should render thanck to his freindes. † :: 1.202 For the [ 7] soules of his sonnes he wil binde vp his woundes, & at euerie voice his bowels shal be trubled. † An vntamed horse be∣cometh [ 8] stubburne, and a dissolute childe wil become headie. † Pamper thy sonne, and he wil make thee afraid: play with [ 9] him, and he wil make thee sorowful. † Laugh not with him, [ 10] lest thou be sorie, and at the last :: 1.203 thy teeth shal be on edge. † Geue him not power in his youth, and contemne not his [ 11] cogitations. † Curbe his necke in youth, and knock his [ 12] sides whiles he is a childe, lest perhaps he be hardned, and beleeue thee not, and he shal be sorow of minde to thee. † Teach thy sonne, and worke in him, that thou offend not [ 13] in his dishonestie. † Better is a poore man whole, and strong [ 14] of force, then a rich man weake and scourged with miserie. † The :: 1.204 health of the soule in holines of iustice, is better [ 15] then al gold and siluer: and a sound bodie, then infinite re∣uenewes. † There is no riches aboue the riches of the health [ 16] of the bodie: and there is noe delight aboue the ioy of the hart. † Better is death then a bitter life: and euerlasting rest, [ 17] then continual sicknes. † Good thinges hid in a mouth that [ 18] is shut, are as messes of meates set about a graue. † What shal [ 19] sacrifice profite an idol? for neither shal he eate, nor smel: † so he that is chased away of our Lord, beareth the rewardes [ 20] * 1.205 of iniquitie: † seing with his eies, & groning, as an eunuch [ 21] embracing a virgin and sighing. † :: 1.206 Geue not heuines to thy [ 22] * 1.207 soule, & afflict not thyself in thy counsel. † Ioyfulnes of the [ 23] hart, this is the life of a man, and a treasure without defect of holines: and the ioy of a man is long life. † Haue mercie on [ 24] thine owne soule, :: 1.208 pleasing God, and refraine: and comfort thy hart in his holines : and expel sorow far from thee. † For [ 25] sorow hath killed manie, and there is noe profite in it. † Enuie and anger diminish the daies, and thought wil bring [ 26] old age before the time. † A magnifical hart, is good in [ 27] bankettes: for his bankettes are made diligently.

CHAP. XXXI. By seeking vertue, and laboring for necessaries, the flesh is subdued to the spirite. 8. Moderate riches are best, 12. with temperance in diette, 30. especially in drinking.

VVATCHING :: 1.209 after honestie shal pine the flesh, & [ 1] the thought thereof :: 1.210 taketh away sleepe. † The [ 2] thought of foreknowlege turneth away the vnderstanding, & greuous infirmitie maketh a sober soule. † The riche man [ 3] hath laboured in gathering of substance together, & in his rest he shal be replenished with his goodes. † The poore man [ 4] hath laboured in the diminishing of his liuing, and in the end he is made poore. † He that loueth gold shal not be iustified: [ 5] & he that foloweth after corruption, shal be replenished of it. † Manie haue bene geuen into falles for gold, and their perdi∣tion [ 6] hath come by the beautie thereof. † The gold of them [ 7] that sacrifice is a wood of offence: wo to them, that folow after it, and euerie vnwise man shal perish in it. † Blessed is [ 8] the rich man that is found without spot: and that hath not gone after gold, nor hoped in money and treasures. † Who is [ 9] this, & we wil praise him, for he hath done meruelous thinges in his life. † Who is proued therin, & perfect, shal haue eternal [ 10] glorie. He that :: 1.211 could transgress••e, and hath not transgressed: and doe euils, and hath not done: † therfore are his good [ 11] thinges stablished in our Lord, & al the church of saintes shal declare his almes. † Art thou set at a great table? open not thy [ 12] iawe therevpon first. † Say not this: There be manie thinges [ 13] which are vpon it. † Remember that a naughtie eie is euil. [ 14] † What is created worse then the eie? therefore shal it weepe [ 15] at euerie face. When it shal see, † stretch not out thy hand first, [ 16] and so contaminated with enuie thou be ashamed. † Be not [ 17] oppressed in a feast. † Vnderstand by thyself what thy neigh∣bours [ 18] thinges are. † Vse as a frugal man those thinges, that [ 19] are set before thee: lest thou be hated when thou eatest much.* 1.212 † Leaue of first, for maners sake, and exceede not, lest thou [ 20] perhaps offend. † And if thou be set in the middes of manie, [ 21] stretch not forth thy hand before them: neither doe thou first aske to drinke. † How sufficient is a little wine for a man wel [ 22] taught, and in sleeping thou shalt not be pained with it, and thou shalt feele no griefe. † Watching, & choler, & torment to [ 23] an vnsatiable man: † sleepe of health is in a man of spare diet: [ 24]

he shal sleepe vntil morning, and his soule with him shal be deligted. † And if thou hast bene forced with eating much, [ 25] rise from the middes, and vomite, and it shal refresh thee, and thou shalt not bring infirmitie to thy bodie. † Heare me my [ 26] sonne, and despise me not: and in the end thou shalt finde my wordes. † In al thy workes be quicke, and al infirmitie shal [ 27] not chance vnto thee. † The lippes of manie shal blesse him [ 28] that is magnifical in breads, and the testimonie of his truth is* 1.213 faithful. † In :: 1.214 naughtie bread the cittie wil murmur, and the [ 29] testimonie of the naughtines thereof is true. † Prouoke not [ 30] them that loue wine: for wine hath destroyed very manie. † Fire tryeth hard yron: so wine dronken in drunkennes [ 31] shal rebuke the hartes of the proud. † Equal life to al men, [ 32] wine in sobrietie: if thou drinke it moderatly, thou shalt be sober. † What is the life that is diminished with wine? † What [ 33 34] defraudeth life? death. † Wine was created for ioyfulnes, and [ 35] not for drunkēnes from the beginning. † Wine drunken mo∣derately [ 36] * 1.215 is the ioy of the soule, and the hart. † Sober drink∣ing [ 37] * 1.216 is health to soule and bodie. † Much wine drunken ma∣keth [ 38] prouocation, & wrath, & manie ruines. † Much wine [ 39] drunken is bitternes of the soule. † The couragiousnes of [ 40] drunkennes, is offence of the vnwise, lessening the strength, and making woundes. † In a banquet of wine rebuke not [ 41] thy neighbour: and despise him not in his mirth. † Speake not to him wordes of repoch: and presse him not in demanding [ 42] againe.

CHAP. XXXII. Superiors must rule with mekenes, 4. teaching those wisdom that are capable thereof. 7. Be moderate in musike, and in wine. 9. Let yongmen be dili∣gent to heare, and sparing to speake. 13. especially before their betters. 1••. Be alwayes wel occupied. 17. Serue, and feare God. 21. admitte correction. 24. do nothing without counsel.

HAVE they made thee Ruler? :: 1.217 be not extolled: be [ 1] among them as one of them. † Haue care of them, and [ 2] so sitte thou stil, and al thy care being dispatched, repose. † That thou maist reioyce for their sakes, & receiue a crowne [ 3] as an ornament of grace, and obteyne the dignitie of the con∣tribution. † Speake thou that art elder: for it becometh thee, [ 4] † the first word to him that loueth with knowlege, & hinder [ 5] not musike. † Where there is no hearing, power not out [ 6] * 1.218

speache, and extol not thyself out of time in thy wisdom. † A litle pearle of the carbuncle in an ornament of gold, and [ 7] the comparison of musicians in a banket of wine. † As a [ 8] signet of the emerauld is in the working of gold: so the melo∣die of musike in ioyful and moderate wine. † Heare holding [ 9] thy peace, & for thy reuerence good grace shal come to thee. † Yong man speake in thine owne cause scarsely. † If thou [ 10 11] be asked twise, let thyne answer hauean head. † In manie [ 12] thinges be as it were ignorant, and heare holding thy peace and withal asking. † In the middes of greate men presume [ 13] not: and where ancients are, speake not much. † Before [ 14] haile there shal goe lightning: & grace shal goe before sham∣fastnes, & for thy reuerence good grace shal come to thee. † And at the houre of rysing slacke not thyself: but runne [ 15] before first into thy house, and there withdraw thyself, and there play, † and doe thy conceites, and not in sinnes and [ 16] proud word. † And aboue al these thinges blesse our Lord, [ 17] that made thee, & that doth replenish thee with al his goodes. † He that feareth our Lord, shal receiue his doctrine: and [ 18] they that wil watch after him, shal finde blessing. † He that [ 19] seeketh the law, shal be replenished with it: and he that doth deceitfully, shal be scandalized by it. † They that [ 20] feare our Lord, shal finde iust iudgement, and shal kindle iustices as light. † A sinful man wil flee reprehension, and [ 21] according to his wil, wil finde excuse. † A man of counsel [ 22] wil not destroy vnderstanding, an aliene and proud man wil not dread feare: † Yea after he hath done with feare without [ 23] counsel, he shal be controwled euen by his owne pursuites. † Sonne :: 1.219 doe nothing without counsel, and after the fact [ 24] thou shalt not repent. † Goe not in the way of ruine, and [ 25] thou shalt not stumble at stones: commite not thyself to a laborious way, lest thou set a scandal to thy soule. † And [ 26] beware of thy children, and take heede of them of thy house∣hold. † In al thy worke beleue thy soule :: 1.220 by faith: for this is [ 27] the keeping of the commandmentes. † He that beleueth God, [ 28] attendeth to the commandmentes: and he that trusteth in him, shal not be lessened.

CHAP. XXXIII. Feare of God defendeth from al aduersaries. 5. Follie is vnconstant. 8. God disposeth al to the best. 13. Man is in Gods hand, as clay in the po••ters. 20. Superiors must keepe their auctoritie: and their subiectes in discipline.

TO him that feareth our Lord euils shal not happen, but [ 1] in tentation God wil keepe him, and deliuer him from euils. † A wise man hateth not the commandments and [ 2] iustices, and he shal not be shaken as a shippe in a storme. † A man of vnderstanding beleueth the law of God, and the [ 3] law is sure to him. † He that repeteth an interrogation, [ 4] shal better prepare his answer, and so shal be heard, and shal keepe discipline. † :: 1.221 The hart of a foole is as a wheele [ 5] of a carte: & his cogitation as a turning axeltree. † A stalion [ 6] horse neyeth vnder euerie one that sitteth vpon him, so a freind that is a scorner. † Why doth one day excel an other, [ 7] and one light an other, and one yeare an other yeare of the sunne? † By the knowlege of our Lord they were sepe∣rated, [ 8] the sunne being made, and keeping the precept. † And [ 9] he changed times, and the festiual daies thereof, and in the same they celebrated the festiual daies at an houre. † Of [ 10] them God exalted and magnified, and of them he put into the number of daies. And al men are of the ground, and of the earth, from whence Adam was created. † In the multitude [ 11] of the discipline of our Lord he separated them, and changed their waies † Of them he blessed, and exalted: and of them [ 12] he sanctified, and applied to himself: and of them he cursed and humbled, and conuerted them from their separation. † As potters clay is in his hand, to fashion and dispose it. [ 13] * 1.222 † Al his wayes according to his disposition: so man in the [ 14] hand of him, and he wil render to him according to his iudge∣ment. † Against euil is good, and against death life: so also [ 15] against a iust man a sinner. † And so looke vpon al the workes of the Highest. Two against two, and one against one. † And [ 16] I awaked last, and as he that gathereth bearies after the grape gatherers. † In the blessing of God I also haue hoped: and as [ 17] he that gathereth grapes, haue I filled the wine presse. † See [ 18] that I haue not laboured for myself only, but for al that seeke out discipline. † Heare me ye great men, and al peoples, and [ 19] ye rulers of the Church karken with your eares. † To sonne [ 20] and wife, brother and freind, geue not power ouer ther in thy life: and geue not thy possession to an other: lest perhaps thou repent thee, and thou entreate for them. † Whiles thou [ 21] art yet aliue and takest breath, al flesh shal not change thee. † For it is better that thy children aske of thee, then that thou [ 22] looke toward the hands of thy children. † In al thy workes [ 23]

be exquisite. † Geue no staine to thy glorie. In the day of the [ 24] consummation of the dayes of thy life, and in the time of thy decease distribute thine inheritance. † Fodder, and wande, [ 25] and burden for an asse: bread, and discipline, and worke for a seruant. † He worketh in discipline, and seeketh to rest: [ 26] release him his handes, and he seeketh libertie. † The yoke [ 27] and the reyne bend a stiff necke, and continual workes do bowe a seruant. † For a malicious seruant torment & fetters, [ 28] send him into worke, that he be not idle. † For idlenes hath [ 29] taught much naughtines. † Set him to worke: for so it be∣cometh [ 30] him. And if he be not obedient, bow him with fet∣ters, and exceede not ouer al flesh: but without iudgement doe no greuous thing. † If thou haue a faithful seruant, let [ 31] him be vnto thee as thy soule: as a brother so entreate him: be∣cause in the bloud of thy soule thou hast gotten him. † If [ 32] thou hurt him vniustly, he wil runne away: † if rising vp he [ 33] depart: thou knowest not whom to aske, and what way to seeke him.

CHAP. XXXIIII. Trust not vaine dreames, southsayinges, nor lies. 9. Much good is got by experience: 14. and more by fearing God. 21. God reiecteth the oblation, of the wicked. 24. Defrauding the poore is like to manslaughter. 28. Destroy not that an other buildeth. 30. Repentance without amendment is nothing worth.

VAINE hope, & lying is to a foolish man: & :: 1.223 dreames [ 1] extol the vnwise. † As he that apprehendeth a shadow, [ 2] and pursueth the winde: so is he also that attendeth to lying visions. † According to this is the vision of dreames: as a [ 3] mans similitude before the face of a man. † Of the vncleane [ 4] what shal be made cleane? and of a lyer what truth shal be said? † Diuination of errour, and lying southsayinges, and the [ 5] dreames of them that do euil, are vanitie. † And as a woman [ 6] that traueleth thy hart suffereth phantasies: vnlesse it be a vision sent forth from the Highest, set not thy hart vpon them. † For dreames haue made manie to erre, and they that hoped [ 7] in them haue failed. † :: 1.224 The word of the law shal be fulfilled [ 8] without lying, and :: 1.225 wisedom in the mouth of the faithful shal be made plaine. † He that hath not bene proued, what [ 9] knoweth he? A man expert in manie thinges, shal thinck manie thinges: and he that hath lerned manie thinges, shal declare vnderstanding. † He that is not tryed, knoweth [ 10]

few thinges: and he that hath bene in manie things, multi∣plyeth wickednes. † He that hath not bene proued, what [ 11] maner of thinges knoweth he? He that is deceiued, shal abound with wickednes. † I haue seene manie thinges in [ 12] wandring to and fro, and very manie fashions of words. † Some times I haue bene in danger vnto death for these [ 13] thinges, and I was deliuered by the grace of God. † The spirit [ 14] of them that feare God is sought, & at his sight shal be blessed. † For their hope is on him that saueth them, and the eies of [ 15] God vpon them that loue him. † He that feareth our Lord [ 16] shal tremble at nothing, and shal not dread: because he is his [ 17] hope. † His soule is blessed that feareth our Lord. † To [ 18] whom doth he looke, and who is his strength? † The eies of [ 19] our Lord are vpon them that feare him, a protectour of might,* 1.226 a stay of strength, a couer from the heate, and shadow for the noone time, † a sauing from offence, and helpe from falling, [ 20] exalting the soule, and illuminating the eies, geuing health, and life, and blessing. † The oblation of him that immolateth [ 21] * 1.227 of an vniust thing is spotted, and the scorninges of the vniust are not acceptable. † Our Lord is onlie theirs that expect him [ 22] in the way of truth and iustice. † The Highest alloweth not [ 23] * 1.228 the giftes of the wicked: neither hath he regard to the obla∣tions of the vniust, neither wil he be made propitious for sinnes by the multitude of their sacrifices. † He that offereth [ 24] sacrifice of poore mens substance, is as he that sacrificeth the sonne in the presence of his father. The bread of the needie, is [ 25] the life of the poore: he that defraudeth it, is a man of bloud. † He that taketh away bread in swet, is as he that killeth [ 26] his neighbour. † He that sheddeth bloud, and that defraudeth [ 27] * 1.229 the hired man, are bretheren. † :: 1.230 One building, and an other [ 28] destroing: what profite haue they but the labour? † One [ 29] praying, and an other cursing: whethers voice wil God heare? † He that is washed from the dead, :: 1.231 and toucheth him [ 30] againe, what doth his washing profit? † so a man that [ 31] fasteth in his sinnes: and doing the same againe, what doth he profite in humbling himself? who wil heare his prayer?

CHAP. XXXV. Obseruation of the commandments, 4. and sacrifice of the iust please God, 12. not the sacrifice of the wicked. 14. God protecteth the poore and desolate, 19. heareth the prayer of the humble, and rendereth to alas they deserue.

HE :: 1.232 that keepeth the law, multiplieth oblation. † It is [ 1] * 1.233 an holsome sacrifice to attend to the commandments, [ 2] and to depart from al iniquitie. † To depart from iniquitie [ 3] is a thing that pleaseth our Lord wel: and to depart from in∣iustice is an intreating for sinnes. † :: 1.234 Thou shalt not appeare [ 4] * 1.235 before the sight of our Lord emptie. † For al these thinges [ 5] * 1.236 are done because of the commandment of God. † The obla∣tion [ 6] of the iust maketh a fatte altar, and is an odour of sweetenes in the sight of the Highest. † The sacrifice of the [ 7] iust is acceptable, and our Lord wil not forget the memorie thereof. † Render glorie to God with a good minde: and [ 8] diminish not the first fruites of thine handes. † In euerie gift [ 9] * 1.237 make thy countenance chereful, and in ioyfulnes sanctifie thy tithes. † Geue to the Highest according to his gift, and with [ 10] a good eie, doe according to the abilitie of thine handes: † because our Lord is a rewarder, and wil repay thee :: 1.238 seuen [ 11] times so much. † Offer not wicked giftes, for he wil not [ 12] * 1.239 receiue them. † And looke not vpon an vniust sacrifice, [ 13] because our Lord is iudge, and there is not with him the glorie of person. † Our Lord wil not accept person against [ 14] * 1.240 the poore, and he wil heare the prayer of him that is hurt. † He wil not despise the prayers of the pupil: nor the widow, [ 15] * 1.241 if she power out speach of mourning. † Do not the widows [ 16] teares runne downe to the cheeke, & her exclamation vpon him that causeth them to runne? † For from the cheeke they [ 17] goe vp euen to heauen, and our Lord the hearer wil not be delighted in them. † He that adoreth God in delectation, shal [ 18] be receiued, & his petition shal approch euen to the cloudes. † The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shal penetrate [ 19] the cloudes: and til it approch he wil not be comforted: and he wil not depart til the Highest behold. † And our Lord wil [ 20] not be long, but wil iudge the iust, and wil do iudgement: and the strongest wil not haue patience in them, that he may crush their backe: † and he wil repay vengeance to the Gentiles, til [ 21] he take away the multitude of the proude: & breake the scep∣ters of the vniust, † til he reward men according to their do∣ings: [ 22] and according to the workes of man, and according to his presumption, † til he iudge the iudgement of his people, [ 23] and shal delight the iust with his mercie: † The mercie of God [ 24] is beautiful in the time of tribulation, as a cloude of raine in the time of drught.

CHAP. XXXVI. A prayer for conuersion of al nations: 14. and for conseruation of the Isra∣elites. 20. Discretion is necessarie in al actions, and desires.

HAVE mercie vpon vs ô God of al, and respect vs, and [ 1] shew vs the light of thy mercies: † and send in thy feare [ 2] vpon :: 1.242 the nations, that haue not sought after thee, that they may know that there is no God but thou, and that they may shewforth thy glorious thinges. † Lift vp thy hand ouer the [ 3] strange Nations, that they may see thy might. † For as in [ 4] their sight thou art sanctified in vs, so in our sight thou shalt be magnified in them, † that they may know thee, as we [ 5] also haue knowen, that there is no God beside thee ô Lord. [ 6] † Renewe signes, and change meruels. † Glorifie thy hand, [ 7] and thy right arme. † Raise vp furie, and power out wrath. [ 8] † Take away the aduersarie, and afflict the enemie. † Hasten [ 9] the time, and remember the end, that they may declare thy [ 10] meruels. † Let him that is saued be deuoured in the wrath of [ 11] flame: and let them that euil intreate thy people, finde perdi∣tion. † Breake the head of princes of the enemies, that saie: [ 12] There is none other beside vs. † Gather together al the tribes [ 13] of Iacob: and let them know that there is no God but thou, that they may declare thy great workes: & thou shalt inherite them as from the beginning. † Haue mercie on thy people, [ 14] vpon which thy name is inuocated: and vpon Israel, whom* 1.243 thou hast made equal to thy first begotten. † Haue mercie on [ 15] the citie of thy sanctification Ierusalem, the citie of thy rest. † Replenish Sion with thy wordes that can not be vttered, [ 16] & thy people with thy glorie. † Geue the testimonie to them, [ 17] that are thy creatures from the beginning, and raise vp the prophecies, which the former prophets spake in thy name. † Geue reward to them that patiently expect thee, that thy [ 18] prophets may be found faithful: and heare the prayers of thy seruants, † according to Aarons benediction of thy people, [ 19] and direct vs into the way of iustice, and let al knowe that* 1.244 inhabite the earth, that thou art God the beholder of the worldes. † The :: 1.245 bellie wil eate al meate, and one meate is [ 20] better then an other meate. † The iawes taist venison, & :: the [ 21] wise hart lying wordes, † A peruerse hart wil geue sorow, and [ 22] a cunning man wil resist it. † Some woman wil receiue euerie [ 23] man: and one daughter is better then an other daughter.

† The beautie of a woman chereth the face of her husband, [ 24] and increaseth the desire aboue al mans concupiscence. † If [ 25] there be a tongue of curing, there is also of mitigating and of mercie: her husband is not according to the sonnes of men. † He that possesseth a good woman, beginneth riches: she [ 26] is an helpe like vnto him, & a piller as :: 1.246 rest. † Where there is [ 27] no hedge, the possession shal be spoiled: and where there is no wife, he mourneth wanting. Who doth credite him that hath no nest, and turning aside wheresoeuer it waxeth darke, as a robber girded, leaping from citie to citie.

CHAP. XXXVII. Beware of a feaned, & loue à sure freind, 7. consult with the wise, trustie, 15. and vertuous, 19. especially relying vpon God. 21. The tongue is cause of much good, or much euil. 30. Be temperate in diet.

EVERIE freind wil say: I also haue ioyned freindshipe: [ 1] :: 1.247 but there is a freind, in name only a freind. Doth there not sorow remaine euen to death? † But a companion and [ 2] freind wil be turned to enmitie. † O most wicked presump∣tion, [ 3] whence wast thou created to couer the drie land with ma∣lice, and with the deceitfulnes thereof? † A companion is [ 4] pleasant with his freind in delectations, and in the time of tri∣bulation he wil be an aduersarie. † A companion is sorie with [ 5] his freind for his bellies sake, and he wil take a shield against the enemie. † Forgete not thy freind in thy minde, and be [ 6] not vnmindeful of him in thy riches. † Consult not with him [ 7] which betraieth, and hide thy counsel from them that enuie thee. † Euerie counseler vttereth counsel, but there is a coun∣seler [ 8] in him selfe. † From such a counseler keepe thy soule. [ 9] First know what his necessitie is: for he wil deuise to his owne minde: † lest perhaps he thrust a sharpe stake into the ground [ 10] and say to thee: † Thy way is good; and stand ouer against [ 11] thee to see what wil befal thee. † With an irreligious man [ 12] treate not of holines, and with the vniust of iustice, and with a woman of the thing whereof she is ielous: with a feareful man of warre, with a marchant of traficke, with a byer of selling, with an enuious man of geuing thankes, † with the [ 13] impious of pietie, with the vnhonest of honestie, with the field labourer of al worke, † with him that worketh by the [ 14] yeare of the ending of the yeare, with a slothful seruant of much working: attend not to these in al counsel. † But be [ 15]

continual with a holie man, whomsoeuer thou shalt know to obserue the feare of God, † whose soule is according to thine [ 16] owne soule: and who when thou shalt stumble in the darke, wil be sorie for thee. † And establish with thy self an hart of [ 17] good counsel: for there is none other thing more worth to thee then it. † The soule of a holie man vttereth sometime [ 18] true thinges, more then seuen watchmen that sitte in a high place to watch. † And in al these :: 1.248 beseech the Highest, that [ 19] he direct thy way in truth. † Before al workes let a true word [ 20] goe before thee, and stable counsel before euerie act. † A [ 21] wicked word shal change the hart: out of which rise foure partes, good, and euil, life, and death: and the tongue is a con∣tinual ruler of them. There is a subtile man teacher of manie, and to his owne soule he is vnprofitable. † A cunning man [ 22] hath taught manie, and is swete to his owne soule. † He that [ 23] speaketh sophistically, is odious: in euerie thing he shal be defrauded. † Grace is not geuen him of our Lord: for he is [ 24] defrauded of al wisdom. † There is a wise man, wise to his [ 25] owne soule: and the fruite of his vnderstanding is laudable. † A wise man teacheth his people, and the fruites of his [ 26] vnderstanding are faithful. † A wise man shal be filled with [ 27] blessinges, and they that see wil praise him. † The life of a man [ 28] is in the number of dayes: but the dayes :: 1.249 of Israel are in∣numerable. † A wise man in the people shal inherite honour, [ 29] and his name shal liue for euer. † Sonne in thy life :: 1.250 proue [ 30] thy soule: & if it be wicked, geue it not power: † for al thinges [ 31] * 1.251 are not expedient for al, and euerie kinde pleaseth not euerie soule. † Be not greedie in al feasting, and power not out thy [ 32] self vpon al meate: † for in manie meates there shal be infir∣mitie, [ 33] and greedines shal approch euen to choler. † Because [ 34] of surfet manie haue died: but he that is abstinent, shal adde life.

CHAP. XXXVIII. God hath ordained corporal, 9. and spiritual medicines. 16. Ʋse moderate, not excessiue sorow for the dead. 26. Tradesmen and artificers are ne∣cessarie, much more spiritual pastors.

HONOVR the phisition :: 1.252 for necessitie: for the Highest [ 1] hath created him. † For al medicine is of God, & it shal [ 2] receiue gift of the king. † The knowlege of the phisition shal [ 3] exalt his head, and in the sight of great men he shal be praised.

† The Highest hath created medicines of the earth, and a wise [ 4] man wil not abhorre them. † Was not bitter water made [ 5] * 1.253 sweete by wood? † The vertue of these thinges is come to [ 6] the knowlege of men, and the Highest hath geuen knowlege to men, for to be honoured in his meruelous thinges. † Curing with these thinges he shal mitigate paine, and the [ 7] apothecarie shal make confections of swetenes, and shal make ointments of health, and his workes shal not be con∣summated. † For the peace of God is vpon the face of the [ 8] * 1.254 earth. † Sonne in thine infirmitie contemne not thy self, [ 9] * 1.255 but pray our Lord, and he wil cure thee. † Turne away from [ 10] sinne, and direct thy handes, and from al offence cleanse thy hart. † Geue sweetenes and a memorial of fine floure, and [ 11] make a fat oblation, and geue place to the phisition. † For [ 12] our Lord created him: and let him not depart from thee, because his workes be necessarie. † For there is a time when [ 13] thou maist fal into their handes: † and they shal beseech our [ 14] Lord, that he direct their rest, and healing; for their conuersa∣tion. † He that sinneth in his sight, that made him, shal fal [ 15] into the handes of the phisition. † Sonne vpon the dead [ 16] shed teares, and beginne to weepe as hauing suffered doleful thinges, and according to iudgement couer his bodie, and neglect not his burial. † But :: 1.256 for detraction beare bitterly [ 17] the mourning of him one day, and be comforted for the* 1.257 heauines, † and make mourning according to his desert one [ 18] day, or two, because of detraction. † For by heauines death [ 19] hasteneth, and it couereth the strength, and sorow of the hart boweth the necke. † In abstraction sorow is permanent: and [ 20] the substance of the poore is according to his hart. † Geue [ 21] not thine hart into heauines, but expel it from thee: and re∣member the latter endes, † and forget not: for neither is [ 21] there returne, and him thou shalt profit nothing, and thou shalt hurt thy self. † Be mindful of my iudgement: for thine [ 23] also must be so: to me yesterday, and to thee to day. † In the [ 24] repose of the dead make the memorie of him to rest, and com∣fort* 1.258 him in the departing of his spirit. † :: 1.259 The wisdom of [ 25] a scribe in the time of vacance: and he that is lesse in action, shal receiue wisdom. † With what wisdom shal he be reple∣nished, [ 26] that holdeth the plough, and glorieth in the goade, driueth oxen with the prickle, and conuerseth in their workes, and his talke is in the breede of bulles? † He wil [ 27]

geue his hart to turne vp furrowes, and his watching in the feeding of kine. † So euerie craftsman and workemaster that [ 18] passeth the night as the day, that maketh grauen seales, and his continual diligence varieth the picture: he wil geue his hart to the similitude of the picture, and his watching wil perfect the worke. † So the yronsmith sitting by the anuil and [ 29] considering the worke of yron. The vapour of the fire wil parche his flesh, and he striueth in the heate of the fournace: † The noyse of the hammer reneweth his eare, and his eye is [ 30] against the similitude of the vessel. † He wil geue his hart to [ 31] the finishing of the workes, and his watching wil polish to perfection. † So the potter sitting at his worke, turning the [ 32] wheele with his feete, who is alwayes set in carefulnes for his worke, and al his working is in number: † With his arme [ 33] he wil fashion the clay, and before his feete he wil bend his strength: † He wil geue his hart to finish the vernishing [ 34] thereof, and his watching wil make cleane the fournace. † Al [ 35] these haue hoped in their handes, and euerie one is wise in his owne art. † Without these a citie is not built. † And they [ 36] shal not inhabite, nor walke therein, and they shal not leape [ 37] high into the congregation. † Vpon the iudges seate they [ 38] shal not sitte, and the ordinance of iudgement they shal not vnderstand, neither shal they declare discipline and iudge∣ment, and in parables they shal not be found: † but they [ 39] shal confirme the creature of the world, and their prayer shal be in the worke of their art, applying their soule, & searching in the law of the Highest.

CHAP. XXXIX. Goldie knowlege, 16. puritie of soule, 20. humble conceipt of our selues, 27. and consideration of eternal reward, are good dispositions to spiritual contemplation.

THE :: 1.260 wise man wil search out the wisdom of al the [ 1] ancientes, and wil be occupied in the prophetes. † He [ 2] wil keepe the narration of famous men, and wil enter withal into the subtilities of parables. † He wil search out the hidden [ 3] senses of prouerbes, and wil conuerse in the secretes of para∣bles. † In the middes of great men he wil minister, and in the [ 4] sight of the president he shal appeare. † He shal passe into the [ 5] land of strange nations: for he shal trie good and euil in men. † He wil geue his hart to watch early vnto our Lord, that [ 6]

made him, and he wil pray in the sight of the Highest. † He [ 7] Wil open his mouth in prayer, and wil entreate for his sinnes. † For if it shal please our great Lord, he wil fil him with :: the [ 8] * 1.261 spirit of vnderstanding: † and he wil power forth the wordes [ 9] * 1.262 of his wisdom as showres, and in prayer wil confesse to our Lord. † And he wil direct his counsel, and discipline, and in [ 10] his secretes he wil consult. † He wil open the discipline of [ 11] his doctrine, and wil glorie in the law of the testament of our Lord. † Manie wil praise his wisdom, and it shal not be [ 12] abolished for euer. † The memorie of him shal not depart, [ 13] and his name shal be required from generation to generation. † Nations shal declare his wisdom, and the church wil shew [ 14] forth his praise. † If he continew, he shal leaue a name more [ 15] then a thousand: and if he rest, it shal profite him. † I wil yet [ 16] consult that I may declare: For as with furie I am replenished. † In voice he saith: Heare me ye diuine fruites, and as the [ 17] * 1.263 rose planted vpon the riuers of waters fructifie ye. † As Li∣banus [ 18] :: 1.264 haue ye the odours of sweetnes. † Florish ye [ 19] flowres, as the lilie, and geue forth an odour, and bring forth leaues in grace, and praise with songue, and blesse our Lord in his workes. † :: 1.265 Geue magnificence to his name, and confesse [ 20] * 1.266 vnto him in the voice of your lippes, and in songues of the lippes, and harpes, & thus shal ye say in confession: † Al the [ 21] * 1.267 workes of our Lord are exceeding good. † At this word the [ 22] water stood as an heape: and at the word of his mouth as it* 1.268 were receptacles of waters: † because in his commandment [ 23] placabilitie is made, and there is no diminishing of his salua∣tion. † The workes of al flesh are before him, and there is [ 24] nothing hid from his eyes. † From world to world he behol∣deth, [ 25] and nothing is meruelous in his sight. † It is not to be [ 26] saied: What is this, or what is that? for al thinges shal be sought in their time. † :: 1.269 His blessing hath ouerflowed as a [ 27] * 1.270 streame. † And as a flood hath watered the drie land, so his [ 28] * 1.271 wrath shal inherite the nations, that haue not sought him: † euen as he turned waters into drught, and the earth was [ 29] made drie: and his waies are direct to the waies of them: so to sinners stumbling blockes in his wrath. † Good thinges were [ 30] created for the good from the beginning, so for the wicked, good thinges and euil. † :: 1.272 The beginning of the thing ne∣cessarie [ 31] for the life of men, water, fire, and yron, salt, milke, and bread of flower, and honie, and the cluster of grape, and

oyle, & clothing. † Al these shal be conuerted to saintes into [ 32] good, so also to the impious and to sinners into euil. † There [ 33] are spirites, that were created :: 1.273 for vengeance, and in their furie they haue confirmed their tormentes: † in the time of [ 34] consummation they shal power our strength: and they shal accomplish the furie of him, that made them. † Fire, haile, [ 35] famine, and death, al these were created for vengeance: † the [ 36] teeth of beastes, and scorpions, and serpentes, and sword re∣uenging the impious vnto destruction. † In his command∣mentes [ 37] they shal make merrie, and on the earth they shal be prepared when nede is, and in their times they shal not pre∣termitte a word. † Therefore from the beginning I was con∣firmed, [ 38] and I haue consulted, and thought, and leaft written. † Al the workes of our Lord are good, & he wil geue euerie [ 39] worke in his houre. † It is not to be said: This is worse then [ 40] that: for al shal be approued in their time. † And now with [ 41] al hart and mouth praise ye, and blesse the name of our Lord.

CHAP. XL. The first matter of spiritual meditation may be mans miserie, contracted by original sinne, 4. and increased by actual, 17. reliued by God grace: 22. which geueth manie benefites, 27. man adding his voluntarie cooperation.

GREAT trauel is created to al men, and an heauie yoke [ 1] vpon the children of Adam, from :: 1.274 the day of their coming forth of their mothers wombe, vntil the day of their burying, into the mother of al. † Their cogitations, and [ 2] feares of the hart, imagination of thinges to come, and the day of their ending: † from him that sitteth vpon the glo∣rious [ 3] seate, vnto him that is humbled in earth & ashes. † From [ 4] him that weareth hyacinth, and beareth the crowne, euen to him, that is couered with rude linen: furie, enuie, tumult, wauering, and the feare of death, anger perseuering, and contention, † and in the time of repose in bed, the sleepe [ 5] of night changeth his knowlege. † A litle is as nothing [ 6] in rest, and afterward in sleepe, as in the day of watch••. [ 7] † He is trubled in the vision of his hart, as he that hath escaped in the day of battel. In the time of his safetie he rose vp, and merueleth at noe feare: † With al flesh, from man euen to [ 8] beast, and vpon sinners seuenfold. † Beside these thinges, [ 9] death, bloud, contention, and sword, oppressions, famine,

and contrition, and scourges: † for the wicked al these were [ 10] * 1.275 created, and for them the floud was made. † Al thinges that [ 11] * 1.276 are of the earth, shal turne into the earth, and al waters shal returne into the sea. † Al bribing, and iniquitie shal be cleane [ 12] taken away, and fidelitie shal stand for euer. † The riches of [ 13] the vniust shal be dried vp as a riuer, and they shal sound as great thunder in rayne. † In opening his handes he shal re∣ioyce: [ 14] so transgressors shal pine away in consumption. † The [ 15] nephewes of the impious shal not multiplie boughes, nor vn∣cleane rootes sound vpon the toppe of a rocke. † Ouer al water [ 16] grennes, and at the brincke of the riuer it shal be plucked vp before al grasse. † Grace is as paradise in blessinges, and mercie [ 17] remayneth for euer. † The life of a workeman that is suffi∣cient [ 18] for himself shal be sweete, and in it thou shalt finde a treasure. † Children, and building of a citie shal confirme the [ 19] name, and an vnspotted woman shal be counted aboue this. † Wine and musicke make a ioyful hart: and the loue of wise∣dom [ 20] is aboue both. † Shalmes, and Psalterie make sweete [ 21] melodie, and a sweete tongue is aboue both. † Thine eye wil [ 22] desire grace and beautie, and :: 1.277 greene sowen fieldes are a∣boue this. † A freind and companion meeting together in [ 23] time, and aboue them both is a woman with her husband. † Bretheren are an helpe in the time of tribulation, and mercie [ 24] shal deliuer more then they. † Gold and siluer are the establi∣shing [ 25] of the feete: and counsel is wel accepted aboue them both. † Riches and strength exalt the hart, and aboue these is [ 26] the feare of our Lord. † There is no diminution in the feare [ 27] of our Lord, and in it there is no neede to seeke for helpe. † The feare of our Lord is as a paradise of blessing, and they [ 28] haue couered it aboue al glorie. † Sonne in thy life time :: 1.278 want [ 29] not: for it is better to die then to want. † A man that looketh [ 30] toward an other mans table, his life is as no life, thinking how to liue, for he feedeth his soule with an other mans meates. † But a man nurtered, and taught wil looke to him selfe. [ 31] † Pouertie wil be sweete in the mouth of the vnwise, and in [ 32] his bellie a fire wil burne.

CHAP. XLI. An other matter of meditation is death, 8. wherof sinne is the cause. 1••. Care of a good fame is necessarie. 19. Let shamfastnes be a bridle to auoide fornication, 22. iniquitie, 24. theft, and other sinnes.

O DEATH how bitter is thy memorie to a man that hath [ 1] peace in his riches: † to a man that is at rest, and whose [ 2] wayes are prosperous in al thinges, and that is yet able to take meate! † O death, thy iudgement is good to a needy man, and [ 3] him that is diminished in strength, † and fayleth in age, and [ 4] that is careful of al thinges, and to the incredulous, that loseth patience! † Feare not the iudgement of death. Remember [ 5] what thinges haue bene before thee, and what come after thee: this is the iudgement from our Lord to al flesh: † and [ 6] what shal come vpon thee by the good pleasure of the Highest? whether it be ten, or an hundred, or a thousand yeares. † For in hel there is no :: 1.279 accusing of life. † The [ 7] children of sinners be come children of abominations, and [ 8] they that conuerse neere the houses of the impious. † The [ 9] inheritance of the children of sinners shal perish, and with their seede shal be continuance of reproch. † The children [ 10] complaine of an impious father, because for him they are in reproch. † Woe to you ye impious men, which haue forsaken [ 11] the law of our Lord the Highest. † And if ye be borne, ye [ 12] shal be borne in malediction: and if ye die, in malediction shal be your portion. † Al thinges that are of the earth, shal [ 13] returne into the earth: so the impious from malediction to perdition. † The moorning of men is in their bodie, but the [ 14] name of the impious shal be cleane wyped out. † Haue care [ 15] of a good name: for this shal be more permanent to thee, then a thousand treasures precious and great. † There is a [ 16] number of the daies of a good life: but a good name shal con∣tinew for euer. † Children, keepe ye discipline in peace. For [ 17] wisdom hid, and treasure not seene, what profite is there in them both? † Better is the man that hideth his follie, then [ 18] the man that hideth his wisdom. † But yet :: 1.280 haue reue∣rence [ 19] to these thinges, which proceede from my mouth. † For it is not good to obserue al shamfastnes: & :: 1.281 al thinges [ 20] do not please al men in opinion. † Be ashamed before father & [ 21] before mother, of fornication: and before the president and before the mightie, of lying: † before the prince, and before [ 22] the iudge, of offence: before the sinagogue and the people, of iniquitie: before companion and freind, of iniustice: and [ 23] before the place where thou dwellest, † of theft, of the [ 24] truth of God, and his testament: of leaning on the bread, and of reproofe for the thing geuen and taken: † before them that [ 25]

salute thee, of silence: of beholding a woman that is an harlot: and of turning away thy countenance from thy kinsman. † Turne not away thy face from thy neighbour, & of taking [ 26] away part and not restoring. † Behold not an other mans [ 27] * 1.282 wife, and search not his handmayde, neither stand by her bed. † Before freindes of opprobrious wordes: and when thou [ 28] hast geuen, vpbrayde not.

CHAP. XLII. Further admonition to auoide sinnes in wordes, and deedes. 6. with care that others offend not by our negligence. 15. An other matter of medita∣tion is Gods excellencie, appearing in his workes.

REPEATE notthe word :: 1.283 which thou hast heard, neither [ 1] reueale thou of a secret word, & thou shalt in deede be without confusion, and shalt finde grace in the sight of al men: be not ashamed for al these thinges, and accept not per∣son therby to sinne. † Of the law of the Highest, and his [ 2] * 1.284 testament, and of iudgement to iustifie the impious, † of the [ 3] word of companions and wayfaring men, and of the geuing of the inheritance of freindes, † of the equalitie of balance [ 4] and weightes, of the getting of manie thinges and few, † of [ 5] the corruption of bying, and of marchantes, and of much discipline of thy children, and to make bloudie the side of a wicked seruant. † Ouer a naughtie woman a seale is good. [ 6] † Where there are manie handes, shutvp, and what soeuer [ 7] thou shalt deliuer, number, and weight it: and write euerie thing geuen and receiued. † Of the discipline of the vnwise [ 8] and foolish, and of ancientes, that are iudged of young men: and thou shalt be wel instructed in al thinges, and approued in the sight of al the liuing. † A daughter is the secret watch of [ 9] the father, and the care of her taketh away sleepe, lest perhaps in her youth she become past age, & abiding with an husband she become odious: † lest at anie time she be corrupted in [ 10] her virginitie, and in her fathers house she be found with childe: lest perhaps abyding with her husband she transgresse, or at the least become barren. † Ouer a dissolute daughter [ 11] keepe sure watch: lest at anie time she make thee come into reprooche with thine enemies, because of detraction in the citie, and the obiection of the people, and she confound thee in the multitude of the people. † Looke not on euerie bodie [ 12]

for beautie sake▪ & among wemen tarie not. † For out of gar∣ments [ 13] cometh forth the moth, and from a woman the iniqui∣tie of a man. † For :: 1.285 better is the iniquitie of a man, then a [ 14] woman doing a good turne, and a woman shaming vnto reproche. † I therefore wil be mindeful of the workes of our [ 15] Lord, and I wil shew forth which I haue seene. By the words of our Lord are his workes. † The sunne illuminating hath [ 16] looked through out al, and ful of the glorie of our Lord is his worke. † Hath not our Lord made the sainctes to declare al [ 17] his meruelous thinges, which our Lord the omnipotent con∣firmed to be established in his glorie? † He hath searched out [ 18] the depth, and the hart of men: and in their subtilitie he hath considered. † For our Lord hath knowen al knowlege, and [ 19] hath beheld the signe of age, declaring what thinges are past, and what are to come, reueling :: 1.286 the tokens of secret thinges. † No cogitation escapeth him, and no word hideth [ 20] it self from him. † The glorious workes of his wisdom he [ 21] hath beautified: who is before the world and world without end, neither is there added, † nor diminised, and he needeth [ 22] not anie mans counsel. † How are al his workes to be desi∣red, [ 23] and which is as it were a sparke to consider! † Al these [ 24] liue, and remaine for euer, and in al necessitie al thinges obey him. † Al thinges duble, one against one, and he hath made [ 25] nothing to want. † He hath confirmed the good thinges of [ 26] euerie one. And who shal be filled seeing his glorie?

CHAP. XLIII. Gods incomparable excellencie appeareth in the heauens; 2. in the sunne, 6. moone, 9. other starres, 12. rainebow, 14. snow, 15. cloudes, 16. hayle, 17. winde, 18. thunder, 21. frost, 22. christal, 24. dew, 26. the sea, and innumerable thinges therin. 29. No man is able to praise God sufficiently.

THE firmament of height is his beautie, the beautie of [ 1] heauen is in the vision of glorie. † The :: 1.287 sunne in sight [ 2] declaring at his coming forth, a meruelous instrument, the worke of the Highest. † At noone it burneth the earth, and [ 3] who can abide in the presence of the heate thereof: kepeing a fornace in the workes of heate: † the sunne three times so [ 4] much burning the mountaines, casting out fyrie beames, and shining with his beames blindeth the eyes. † Great is our [ 5]

Lord that made it, and by his wordes it hath hastened his course. † And the moone in al in her time, is the shewing of [ 6] season and the signe of age. † By the moone is the signe of a [ 7] festiual day, a light that diminisheth in consummation. † The [ 8] moneth is according to her name, increasing meruelously in consummation. † An instrument of the campe on high, [ 9] shining gloriously in the firmament of heauen. † The glorie [ 10] of the starres is the beautie of heauen, our Lord illuminating the world on high. † In the words of the holie one they shal [ 11] stand to iudgement, and shal not faile in their watches. † See [ 12] the bow, and blesse him that made it: it is very beautiful in his brightnes. † It hath compassed heauen in the circuite of his [ 13] glorie, the handes of the Highest haue opened it. † But by [ 14] his commandement he hath hastened snow, & he hasteth to send forth the lightninges of his iudgement. † Therefore are [ 15] the treasures opened, and the cloudes flie forth as birdes. † By [ 16] his greatnes he hath set the cloudes, and the hailestones are broken. † In his sight the mountaines shal be moued, and at [ 17] his wil the south winde hath blowen. † The noyse of his [ 18] thunder shal beate the earth, the tempest of the northwind, and the gathering together of wind: † and as the bird lighting [ 19] downe to sitte, he scatereth snow, and the falling thereof, is as the locust dyuing downeward. † The eye shal admire the [ 20] beautie of the whitenes thereof, and the hart quaketh at the shower thereof. † He shal power out frost vpon the earth as [ 21] salt: and when it freeseth, it shal be made as the toppes of a thistle. † The cold north winde blewe, & of water there frose [ 22] chrystal, vpon al gathering together of waters it shal rest, & as a* 1.288 brest plate it shal put it self vpon the waters. † And it shal de∣uoure [ 23] the mountaines, & burne the desert, & extinguish that which is grene as fire. † The remedie of al is in the hastie co∣ming [ 24] of a cloude, and a dew meeting it by the heate that co∣meth, shal make it quaile. † At his word the wind was stil, and [ 25] with his thought he appeased the depth, and our Lord planted Ilandes therein. † They that saile on the sea, tel the perils ther [ 26] of: & hearing with our eares we shal meruel. † There are [ 27] goodly workes, & meruelous: diuers kindes of beastes, & of al cattel, & the creature of mightie beastes. † Through him is the [ 28] end of their iourney confirmed, and by his word al thinges are set in order. † We shal say manie thinges, & shal faile in wor∣des; [ 29] but the summe of our wordes is, he is in al. † Glorifying [ 30]

him how far shal we be able? for the omnipotent himself is aboue al his workes. † Our Lord is terrible, & exceeding great, [ 31] & his might is meruelous. † Glorifying our Lord as much as [ 32] euer you can, he shal yet surpasse, and his magnificence is meruelous. † Blessing our Lord, exalt him as much as you [ 33] can: for he is greater then al praise. † Exalting him be ye re∣plenished [ 34] with strength. Labour not: for you shal not com∣prehend. † Who shal see him, and shal declare him? and who [ 35] shal magnifie him as he is from the beginning? † Manie [ 36] thinges hid are greater then these: for we haue seene few of his workes. † But our Lord made al thinges, and to them that [ 37] liue piously he hath geuen wisdom.

CHAP. XLIIII. Praises of holie fathers in general: 16. and in particular of Enoch, 17. Noe,* 1.289 20. Ahraham, 24. Isaac, and Iacob.

LET vs praise glorious men, and our fathers in their gene∣ration. [ 1] † Much glorie hath our Lord made by his magni∣ficence [ 2] from the beginning of the world. † Ruling in their [ 3] :: 1.290 dominions, men great for force, and endued with their wisdom, declaring in the prophetes the dignitie of prophetes, † and ruling in the people that was present, and by the vertue [ 4] of wisdom most holie wordes to the peoples. † In their kil [ 5] seeking out musical melodies, & vttering songnes of scriptures. † Rich men in force studying beautifulnes: liuing at peace in [ 6] their houses. † Al these in the generations of their nation [ 7] haue obteyned glorie, and in their daies are praised. † They [ 8] that were borne of them haue leaft a name to tel their praises: † and there are some of whom there is no memorie: they are [ 9] perished, as they that neuer were; & are borne, as not borne at al, & their children with them. † But they are men of mercie, [ 10] whose godlie deedes haue not failed: † good thinges con∣tinew [ 11] with their seede, † their nephewes are an holie inheri∣tance, [ 12] and their seede hath stoode in the testamentes: † and [ 13] their children because of them abide for euer: their seede and their glorie shal not be forsaken. † Their bodies are buried [ 14] in peace, and their name liueth vnto generation and genera∣tion. † :: 1.291 Let peoples tel their wisdom, and the Church de∣clare [ 15] their praise. † Henoch pleased God, and was translated [ 16] * 1.292 into paradise, that he may :: geue repentance to the nations.

† Noe was found :: 1.293 perfect, iust, and in the time of wrath he [ 17] * 1.294 was made a reconciliation. † Therefore was there a remnant [ 18] least to the earth, when the flood was made. † The testaments [ 19] of the world were made with him, that al flesh should no more be destroyed with the flood. † Abraham the great [ 20] * 1.295 :: 1.296 father of the multitude of the nations, and there was not found the like to him in glorie, who kept the law of the Highest, and was in couenant with him. † In his flesh he [ 21] * 1.297 made the couenant to stand, and in tentation he was found faithful. † Therefore by an oath he gaue him glorie in his [ 22] nation, that he should encrease as an heape of earth, † and [ 23] that he would exalt his seede as the starres, and they should inherite from sea to sea, and from the riuer to the endes of the earth. † And he did in like manner in Isaac for Abraham his [ 24] father. † Our Lord gaue him the :: 1.298 blessing of al nations, and [ 25] confirmed his couenant vpon the head of Iacob. † He knew [ 26] him in his blessinges, and gaue him an inheritance, & diuided him his portion in twelue tribes. † And he preserued vnto [ 27] him men of mercie, and found grace in the eies of al flesh.

CHAP. XLV. Praises of Moyses, 7. Aaron, 16. and his priestlie progenie. 22. Against whom Chore with his complices rebelling, were destroyed.

MOYSES beloued of God, and men: whose memorie is [ 1] * 1.299 in benediction. † He made him like in the glorie of [ 2] saintes, and magnified him in the feare of his enemies. And with his wordes he appeased monsters. † He glorified him in [ 3] the sight of kinges, and gaue him commandment before his people, & shewed him his glorie. † In his faith and meekenes [ 4] * 1.300 he made him holie, and chose him of al flesh. † For he heard [ 5] him, and his voice, and brought him into a cloude. † And [ 6] he gaue him precepts :: 1.301 face to face, and a law of life and disci∣pline, to teach Iacob his testament, and Israel his iudgements. † He exalted Aaron his brother high, and like to himself of the [ 7] tribe of Leui. † He established vnto him :: 1.302 an euerlasting [ 8] * 1.303 testament, and gaue him the priesthood of the nation, and made him blessed in glorie, † and he girded him about with a [ 9] girdle, and put vpon him a robe of glorie, and crowned him in furniture of power. † Garments to the feete, and breches, [ 10] and an Ephod he put vpon him, and compassed him with litle

belles of gold very manie round about, † to geue a sound in [ 11] his going, to make sound heard in the temple for a memorie to the children of his nation. † An holie robe, of gold, and [ 12] hyacinthe, and purple, a wouen worke, of a wiseman, indued with iudgement and truth: † Of twisted scarlet the [ 13] worke of an artificer, with precious stones figured in the clo∣sure of gold, and grauen by the worke of a lapidarie for a me∣morial, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. † A [ 14] crowne of gold vpon his miter grauen with a seale of holines, and the glorie of honour: a worke of power, and the adorned desires of the eies. † There were none such so faire before [ 15] him, euen from the beginning. † No stranger was clothed [ 16] with them, but only his children alone, and his nephewes for euer. † His sacrifices were consumed with fire euerie day. [ 17] * 1.304 † Moyses filled his handes, & anoynted him with holie oile. [ 18] † It was made vnto him for an euerlasting testament, and to [ 19] his seede as the daies of heauen, to doe the function of priesthood, and to haue praise and to glorifie his people in his name. † He chose him of al that liued, to offer sacrifice to [ 20] God, incense, and good odour, for a memorial to pacifie for his people: † and he gaue them power in his preceptes, in the [ 21] testaments of his iudgementes, to teach Iacob his testimo∣nies, and in his law to geue light to Israel. † Because strangers [ 22] * 1.305 stood against him, and for enuie men compassed him about in the desert, they that were with Dathan and Abiron, and the congregation of Core in anger. † Our Lord God saw, and it [ 23] pleased him not, and they were consumed in the violence of wrath. † He did prodigious thinges vnto them, and consu∣med [ 24] them in flame of fire. † And he added glorie to Aaron, [ 25] and gaue him an inheritance, and diuided vnto him the first fruites of the increase of the earth. † He prepared them [ 26] bread in the first vnto satietie: for the sacrifices also of our Lord they shal eate, which he gaue to him, and to his seede. † But :: 1.306 he shal not inherite the nations in the land, and he [ 27] hath no part in the nation: for himself is his portion & inhe∣ritance. † Phinees the sonne of Eleazar is the third in glorie, [ 28] * 1.307 in imitating him in the feare of our Lord: † and to stand in [ 29] the reuerence of the nation: in the goodnes and alacritie of his soule he pacified God for Israel. † Therefore did he esta∣blish [ 30] vnto him a couenant of peace, to be the prince of the holies, and of his nation, that the dignitie of priesthood should

be to him and to his seede for euer. † And the testament to [ 31] :: 1.308 Dauid king, the sonne of Iesse of the tribe of Iuda, and inhe∣ritance to him and to his seede, that he might geue wisdom into our hart to iudge his nation in iustice, that their good thinges might not be abolished, & their glorie in their nation he made euerlasting.

CHAP. XLVI. Praises of Iosue, 9. Caleb, 13. the Iudges of Israel, 16. Namely of Samuel Iudge and Prophet.

STRONG in battel was Iesus the sonne of Naue, :: 1.309 succes∣sour [ 1] of Moyses among the prophets, who was great accor∣ding to his name, † most great in the saluation of Gods elect, [ 2] to ouerthrow the enemies rising vp, that he might get the in∣heritan•• of Israel. † What glorie obteyned he in lifting vp his [ 3] handes, and casting swordes against the cities? † Who before [ 4] him did so resist? ••or our Lord himself brought the enemies. † Whether was not the sunne hindered in his anger, and one [ 5] * 1.310 day was made as two? † He inuocated the mightie soueraine [ 6] in assaulting of the enemies on euerie side, and the great and holie God heard him in haile stones of exceeding great force. † He made violent assault against the nation of his enemies, [ 7] and in the goeing downe he destroyed the aduersaries, † that [ 8] the nations might know his might, that it is not easie to fight against God. And he folowed at the back of the mightie. † And in the daies of Moyses did mercie, and Caleb the sonne [ 9] * 1.311 * 1.312 of Iephone, did stand against the enemie, and stayed the nation from sinnes, and appeased the murmuring of malice. † And [ 10] they two being appointed, were deliuered out of danger from among the number of six hundred thousand footemen, to bring them into their inheritance, into the land that yeldeth milke and honie. † And our Lord gaue strength to Caleb himself, [ 11] * 1.313 and his strength continued euen vntil old age, so that he went vp into the high place of the land, & his seede obteyned inhe∣ritance. † That al the children of Israel might see, that it is [ 12] good to obey the holie God. † And :: 1.314 al the iudges by their [ 13] name, whose hart was not corrupted: which were not turned away from our Lord, † that their memorie might be blessed, [ 14] * 1.315 and their bones spring out of their place, † and their name [ 15] continew for euer, the glorie of the holie men remayning vnto their children. † The beloued of our Lord his God [ 16]

Samuel the prophet of our Lord, renewed the empire, and :: 1.316 anoynted princes in his nation. † By the law of our Lord [ 17] he iudged the congregation, and the God of Iacob saw, and in his fidelitie was proued a prophet. † And he was knowen [ 18] faithful in his wordes, because he saw the God of light: † and [ 19] inuocated our Lord omnipotent, in assaulting the enemies besetting him on euerie side, in the oblation of an immaculate lambe. † And our Lord thundered from heauen, and in great [ 20] * 1.317 sound he made his voice heard, † and he descomfited the [ 21] princes of the Tyrians, and al the dukes of the Philisthiims: † and before the time of the end of his life, and the world, he [ 22] * 1.318 gaue testimonie before our Lord, and his Christ, money and what soeuer besides vnto the verie shoes he tooke not of al flesh, and no man accused him. † And after this he slept, and [ 23] :: 1.319 he notified to the king, and shewed him the end of his* 1.320 life, and he exalted his voice out of the earth in prophecie to take cleane away the impietie of the nation.

CHAP. XLVII. Praises of Nathan, 2. Dauid, 14. and Salomon; in whose progenie (21. not∣withstanding his fal) 27. the royal scepter remained for Dauids sake, though for his and the peoples sinnes, tenne tribes were cut of, and fel into schisme.

AFTER these thinges arose Nathan the Prophet in the [ 1] * 1.321 daies of Dauid. † And as the fatte separated from the [ 2] flesh, so was Dauid from the children of Israel. † He plaied [ 3] * 1.322 with lyons as it were with lambes: and with beares he did in like maner as with lambes of sheepe in his youth. † Did not [ 4] * 1.323 he kil the giant, and tooke away reproch from his nation? † In lifting vp his hand, with a stone of the sling he ouerthrew [ 5] the boasting of Goliah: for he inuocated our Lord the omni∣potent, [ 6] and he gaue in his right hand, to take away the man strong in battel, and to exalt the horne of his nation. † So [ 7] * 1.324 in ten thousand did he glorifie him, and praised him in the blessinges of our Lord, in offering to him a crowne of glorie: † for he destroyed the enemies on euerie side, and rooted out [ 8] the Philisthijms the aduersaries euen vntil this present day: he brake their horne for euer. † In euerie worke he gaue [ 9] confession to the Holie one, and to the Highest, in the word of glorie. † From :: 1.325 al his hart he praised our Lord, & loued [ 10]

God that made him: and gaue him might against his enemies: † and he made singers to stand before the altar, and by their [ 11] * 1.326 sound he made sweete tunes. † And in the solennities he gaue [ 12] honour, and adorned the times euen to the end of his life, that they should praise the holie name of our Lord, and magnifie the holines of God in the morning. † Our Lord purged his [ 13] * 1.327 sinnes, and exalted his horne for euer: and he gaue him a testa∣ment of the kingdom, and the seate of glorie in Israel. † After [ 14] him arose a wise sonne, and for :: 1.328 him did he ouerthrowe al the might of the enemies. † Salomon reigned in dayes of [ 15] * 1.329 peace, to whom God subdewed al his enemies, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare holines for euer: as :: 1.330 thou art instructed in thy youth. † And thou art replenished [ 16] * 1.331 as a riuer with wisdom, and thy soule discouered the earth. † And thou didst multiplie darke sayinges in comparisons: [ 17] thy name was bruited to the ilandes far of, and thou wast beloued in thy peace. † The landes merueled at the songes [ 18] and prouerbes, and comparisons, and interprerations, † and [ 19] at the name of our Lord God, whose name is, God of Israel. † Thou didst gather gold as copper, and filledst siluer as lead, [ 20] * 1.332 † and bowdest thy thighes to wemen: thou hast had power [ 21] on thy bodie, † thou :: 1.333 hast made a blotte in thy glorie, and [ 22] * 1.334 profaned thy seede to bring wrath to thy children, and thy follie to be kindled, † to make the kingdom diuided, and a [ 23] stubburne kingdom to reigne of Ephraim. † But God wil not [ 24] * 1.335 leaue his mercie, and he wil not corrupt, no•• abolish his owne workes, neither wil he destroy from the stocke the nephewes of his elect: and he wil not corrupt the seede of him, that loueth our Lord. † But he gaue a remnant to Iacob, [ 25] and to Dauid of the same stocke. † And Salomon had an end [ 26] with his fathers. † And he leaft after him of his seede, the follie [ 27] of the nation, † and Roboam hauing litle wisedom, who [ 28] * 1.336 turned away the nation by his counsel, † and Ieroboam the [ 29] sonne of Nabat, who made Israel to sinne, and made a way of sinning to Ephraim, and their sinnes did abound very manie. † They remoued them away from their land very far. [ 30] † And he sought al iniquities, til there came defense vnto [ 31] them, and he ••id them from al sinnes.

CHAP. XLVIII. Praises of Elias, 13. Eliseus, 19. Ezechias, 23. and Isaias.

AND there arose Elias the prophet, as it were fire, and [ 1] * 1.337 his word burnt as a litle torche. † Who brought famine [ 2] vpon them, and they prouoking him in their enuie, were made fewe. for they could not abide the preceptes of our Lord. † By the word of our Lord he stayed heauen, and he [ 3] brought downe fire from heauen :: 1.338 thrise. † So was Elias magnified in his meruelous workes. And who can so glo∣rie [ 4] like vnto thee? † Who didst rayse vp the dead from hel, [ 5] from the lotte of death, in the word of our Lord God. † Who didst cast downe kinges to destruction, and didst [ 6] easily breake their might, and the glorious from their bed. † Who hearest iudgement in Sina, and in Horeb iudgementes [ 7] of defence. † Who anoyntest kinges to repentance, and [ 8] * 1.339 makest prophetes successoures after thee. † Who wast re∣ceiued [ 9] in a whirlewind of fire, in a chariot of fierie horses. † “ Who art written in the iudgements of times, to appeale [ 10] the wrath of our Lord, to reconcile the hart of the father to the sonne, and to restore the tribes of Iacob. † Blessed are [ 11] they, that saw thee, and were honored in thy freindshipe. † For we liue by life only, but after death our name shal not [ 12] be such. † Elias was in dede hid in the whirlewind, & his spirit [ 13] was complete in Eliseus: in his daies he feared not the prince, and no man ouercame him by might. † Neither did any word [ 14] ouercome him, and his bodie :: 1.340 prophecied being dead. † In [ 15] * 1.341 his life he did wonders, and in death he wrought meruelous thinges. † In al these thinges the people repented not, and [ 16] they departed not from their sinnes, til they were cast out of their land, and were dispersed into al the earth. † And there [ 17] was leaft a verie smal nation, and a prince in the house of Dauid. † Some of them did that which pleased God: but [ 18] others committed manie sinnes. † Ezechias fenced his citie, [ 19] and brough in water into the middes thereof, and digged a rocke with yron, and built a wel for water. † In his daies [ 20] * 1.342 came vp Sennacherib, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted vp his hand against them, and put forth his hand vpon Sion, and became proude by his mightines. † Then were their harts, [ 21] and hands moued: and they were in sorow as trauailing wemen. † And they inuocated our merciful Lord, and spred∣ding [ 22] their handes, they lifted them vp to heauen: and the holie Lord God :: 1.343 quickly heard their voice. † He was not [ 23] mindful of their sinnes, neither did he geue them to their

enemies, but purged them by the hand of Isaie the holie pro∣phete. † He ouerthrew the campe of the Assirians, and the [ 24] * 1.344 Angel of our Lord destroyed them. † For Ezechias did that [ 25] which pleased God, and went strongly in the way of Dauid his father, which Isaie commanded him, the great prophet, and faithful in the sight of God. † In his daies the sunne returned [ 26] * 1.345 backward, & added life to the king. † By a great spirite he saw [ 27] the last thinges, and comforted the mourners in Sion. † For [ 28] euer he shewed the thinges to come, & secret thinges before they came to passe.

ANNOTATIONS. CHAP. XLVIII.

10 VVho art vvritten:] Amongst other quarels, Protestantes except against* 1.346 the authentical auctoritie of this booke, because the auctor saith, that Enoch and Elias shal come againe, to appease the wrath of our Lord, to reconcile the father to the sonne, and to restore the tribes of Iacob. But that this is no iust exception, is clere by other holie Scriptures, where the same vniforme doctrin of the whole Church, is no lesse euident, then in this booke. For God himself saith the same also by the mouth of his prophet Malachie: Behold I wil send* 1.347 you Elias the prophet, before the day of our Lord come, the great and dreadful. Christ also sayth: Elias in deede shal come, and restore al thinges. VVherupon* 1.348 S. Chrysostom, after he hath shewed how terrible Antichrist shal be, by reason of his temporal powre, crueltie, and wicked lawes, he addeth: Feare thou not; He shal only haue force in the reprobate, that perish. For then also Elias shal come, to fortifie the faithful. Likewise the wordes in the Apocalips, I wil* 1.349 geue to my two witnesses, & they shal prophecie a thousand two hundred and three score dayes, were euer inuariably vnderstood by tradition, from the first preachers of Christ (as the ancient writer Aretas testifieth) that Enoch and Elias shal come, & admonish al, not to geue credite to the deceiptful wonders of Antichrist: and that they shal trauel in this testimonie the space of three yeares and a half. For 1260. dayes come very nere to that space of time.

CHAP. XLIX. Praises of Iosias, who (like to Dauid, and Ezechias) tooke away occasions of idolatrie. 8. Praises of Ieremie, 10. Ezechiel, 12. and the twelue Pro∣phetes. 13. Also of Zorobabel, Iesus the sonne of Iosedech, Nehemias, Enoch, Ioseph, Seth, Sem, and Adam.

THE memorie of Iosias is according to the confection of [ 1] * 1.350 perfume made by the worke of an apothecarie. † His [ 2] remembrance shal be sweete as honie in euerie mouth, and as musick in banket of wine. † He was directed by God into the [ 3] * 1.351 repentance of the nation, and he tooke away the abomina∣tions of impietie. † And he gouerned his hart toward our [ 4] * 1.352 Lord, and in the daies of sinners he strengthened pietie.

† Except Dauid, and Ezechias, and Iosias, :: 1.353 al committed [ 5] sinne. † For the kinges of Iuda forsooke the law of the [ 6] Highest, and contemned the feare of God. † For they gaue [ 7] their kingdom to others, and their glorie to a strange nation. † They burnt the chosen citie of holines, and made the [ 8] * 1.354 waies thereof desolate in the hand of Ieremie. † For they euil [ 9] intreated him, who was consecrated a prophet from his mo∣thers wombe, to ouerthrow, and pluck vp, and destroy, and to build againe, and renewe. † Ezechiel who saw the sight [ 10] * 1.355 of glorie, which he shewed him in the chariote of Cherubs. † For he made mention of the enemies in rayne, to doe good [ 11] vnto them, that haue shewed right waies. † And the bones [ 12] of the twelue prophets wel may they spring out of their place: for they haue strengthened Iacob, and haue redeemed themselues in the fidelitie of power. † How may we ma∣gnifie [ 13] * 1.356 Zorobabel, for he also was as a signet on the right hand, † and so Iesus the sonne of Iosedec? who in their daies [ 14] built the house, and erected the holie temple to our Lord, prepared to euerlasting glorie. † And Nehemias in the me∣morie [ 15] of much time, who erected vs our walles ouerthrowen, and set vp the gates and lockes, who built our houses. † No [ 16] man hath bene borne in the earth like to Henoch: for :: 1.357 he also was taken vp from the earth. † Neither as Ioseph who was [ 17] a man borne prince of his bretheren, the stay of the nation, the ruler of his bretheren, the stay of the people: † and his bones [ 18] were visited, and after death :: 1.358 they prophecied. † Seth, and [ 19] Sem obteyned glorie with men: and aboue euerie soule, in the beginning Adam.

CHAP. L. Praises of Simon the High Priest. 27. Detestation of certaine persecuting aduersaries. 29. With conclusion that the obseruers of this doctrine shal be wise and happie,

SIMON :: 1.359 the sonne of Onias, the high priest, who in his life [ 1] held vp the house, and in his daies strengthned the temple. † The height also of the temple was founded by him, the [ 2] * 1.360 duble building and high walles of the temple. † In his daies [ 3] the welles of waters flowed out, and they were filled as the* 1.361 sea aboue measure. † Who had care of his nation, and deliue∣red [ 4] it from perdition. † Who preuailed to amplifie the citie, [ 5]

who obteyned glorie in conuersing with the nation: and amplified the entrance of the house, and the court. † As the [ 6] morning starre in the middes of a cloude, and as the ful moone he shineth in his dayes. † And as the sunne shining, so did [ 7] he shine in the temple of God. † As the rainbow that shineth [ 8] among the cloudes of glorie, and as a flower of roses in the daies of the spring, and as the lilies that are in the passage of water, and as frankensence smelling in summer daies. † As [ 9] fire glistering, and frankensence burning in the fire. † As [ 10] a massie vessel of gold, adorned with euerie precious stone. † As an oliue tree budding, and a cypresse tree aduancing it [ 11] self on high, when he tooke the robe of glorie, and was re∣uested to the consummation of strength. † In going vp to the [ 12] holie altar, he made the vesture of holines, glorie. † And in [ 13] receiuing the portions out of the hand of the priestes, himself also standing by the altar. About him was the ring of his bretheren: and as the ceder plant in mount Libanus, † so [ 14] stoode they about him as boughes of the palme tree, & al the children of Aaron in their glorie. † And the oblation of our [ 15] Lord in their handes, before al the synagogue of Israel: and executing the consummation on the altar, to amplifie the oblation of the high king, † he stretched forth his hand [ 16] in * 1.362 oblation of moist sacrifice, and offered of the blood of the grape. † He powred out on the fundation of the altar a [ 17] diuine odour to the high prince. † Then cried out the chil∣dren [ 18] of Aaron, they sounded with beaten trumpets, and made a great voice to be heard for a remembrance before God. † Then al the people together made hast, and fel on their face [ 19] vpon the earth, to adore our Lord their God, and to make prayers to God omnipotent the Highest. † And the singers [ 20] amplified in their voices, and in the great house the sound was* 1.363 encreased ful of sweetenes. † And the people in prayer desired [ 21] our Lord the Highest, vntil the honour of our Lord was per∣fected,* 1.364 and they finished their office. † Then coming downe, [ 22] he lifted vp his handes ouer al the congregation of the chil∣dren of Israel, to geue glorie to God from his lippes, and to glorie in his name, † and he repeated his prayer, willing to [ 23] shew the power of God. † And now pray ye the God of al, [ 24] who hath done great thinges in al the land, who hath encrea∣sed our daies from our mothers wombe, and hath done with vs according to his mercie: † geue he vnto vs ioyfulnes of [ 25]

euerlasting: † that Israel may beleue that the mercie of God [ 26] is with vs, to deliuer vs in his dayes. † Two nations my soule [ 27] hateth: and the third is :: 1.365 no nation, which I hate: † they that [ 28] sitte in mount Seit, and the Philisthijms, and the :: foolish people that dwel in Sichem. † Iesus the sonne of Sirach, a [ 29] man of Ierusalem, wrote the doctrine of wisdom and disci∣pline in this booke, who renewed wisdom from his hart. † Blessed is he, that conuerseth in these good thinges: and [ 30] he that layeth them in his hart, shal be wise always. † For [ 31] if he doe them, he shal be able to doe al thinges: because his steppes are in the light of God.

CHAP. LI. The auctor rendereth praises and thankes to God; 18. and inuiteth others to do the same, by his owne example, 31. and by earnest exhortation.

THE prayer of Iesus the sonne of Sirach. :: 1.366 I wil confesse [ 1] to thee ô Lord king, and wil praise thee God my sauiour. † I wil confesse to thy name: because thou art become my [ 2] helper and protectour, † and hast deliuered my bodie from [ 3] perdition, from the snare of an vniust tongue, and from the lippes of them that worke lying, and in the sight of them that stoode vp thou art become my helper. † And thou hast deli∣uered [ 4] me according to the multitude of the mercie of thy name from them that did roare, prepared to deuoure, † out [ 5] of the handes of them that seeke my soule, and from the gates of tribulations which haue compassed me: † from the op∣pression [ 6] of the flame, which hath compassed me, and in the middes of fire I was not burnt. † From the depth of the bellie [ 7] of hel, and from a defiled tongue, and from the word of lying, from a wicked king, and from an vniust tongue: † my soule [ 8] shal praise our Lord euen to death, † and my life was appro∣ching [ 9] to hel beneth. † They haue compassed me on euerie [ 10] side, & there was none that would helpe. I looked toward the helpe of men, & there was none. † I remembred thy mercie [ 11] ô Lord, and thy operation, which are from the beginning of the world. † Because thou deliuerest them that patiently [ 12] expect thee ô Lord, and sauest them out of the handes of the nations. † Thou hast exalted my habitation vpon the earth, [ 13] and I haue prayed for death to passe away. † I haue inuocated [ 14] our Lord the father of my Lord, that he leaue me not in the

day of my tribulation, and in the time of the proude without helpe. † I wil praise thy name continually, and wil collaude [ 15] it in confession, and my prayer was heard. † And thou hast [ 16] deliuered me from perdition, and hast rescued me from the wicked time. † Therfore wil I confesse, & say praise to thee, [ 17] and blesse the name of our Lord. † When I was yet :: 1.367 young, [ 18] before I erred, I sought for wisdom openly in my prayer. † Before the temple I prayed for it, and vnto the later end I [ 19] wil se••ke after it, and it shal flourish as the grape timely ripe, † my hart hath reioyced in it, my foote hath walked the right [ 20] way, from my youth I searched after it. † I bowed mine eare [ 21] a litle, and receiued it. † I found much wisdom in myself, & [ 22] I haue much profited therein. † To him that geueth me [ 23] wisdom, wil I geue glorie. † For I haue consulted to doe it: [ 24] I haue had a zele to good, and shal not be confounded. † My [ 25] soule hath wrestled in it, and in doing it I was confirmed. † I [ 26] stretched forth my handes on high, & I lamented foolishnes. † I directed my soule to wisdom, and in knowlege I found [ 27] it. † I possessed with it an hart from the beginning: for this [ 28] cause I shal not be forsaken. † My bellie was trubled in see∣king [ 29] it: therefore shal I possesse a good possession. † Our [ 30] Lord hath geuen me a tongue for my reward: and with the same I wil praise him. † Approch vnto me ye vnlerned, and [ 31] gather yourselues together into the house of discipline. † Why [ 32] slacke ye yet? and what say you herein? your soules are excee∣ding thirstie. † I haue opened my mouth, and haue spoken: [ 33] Bye it for you without siluer, † and submit your necke to the [ 34] yoke, and let your soule receiue discipline: for it is very neere to finde it. † See with your eyes that I haue laboured a litle, [ 35] and haue found much rest to myself. † Take ye discipline :: 1.368 in [ 36] a great summe of siluer, and possesse abundance of gold in it. † Let your soule reioyce in his mercie, and you shal not be [ 37] confounded in praise. † Worke your worke :: 1.369 before the [ 39] time, and he wil geue you your reward in his time.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The 1. part. Praises and preceptes of vvisdom.
• :: 1.2

  Mans vvis∣dom is not able to com∣prehend the vvorkes of God.
• :: 1.3

  Eternal glo∣rie is the fruicte of the feare of our Lord: not that this one ver∣tue sufficeth, but it is the beginning, grounded in true faith, and bringeth forth other vertues, diuine giftes vvith the frui∣tes of the Ho∣lie Ghost, & a ioyful crowne in the end.
• * 1.4

  Prou. 1. & 9.
• :: 1.5

  Men drow∣ned in sinne thincke the seruice of God a most ted••ous & loathsome thing.
• :: 1.6

  Desire not to dye, that thou maist therby be co∣uered from vvorldl••e mi∣series, for that is a desperate desire, but haue patience in this l••fe that thou maist fi••de rest in God.
• * 1.7

  Co••••∣••ing.
• :: 1.8

  As vertues are to be re∣vvarded: so al sinnes shal be punished. Namely exter∣nal pretence of holines, vvith secrete euil intention. Distrust in God. Impa∣tience, and the like.
• :: 1.9

  The proge∣nie of Gods children bring forth the fruite of obedience and loue.
• :: 1.10

  Honour and estimation of parents is the chiefest obli∣gation that man hath to∣wardes his neighbour, & the first after his dutie to God.
• * 1.11

  Exo. 20. Deut. 5.
• * 1.12

  Gen. 27. &. 49.
• :: 1.13

  Almes ge∣uen, or prayer made, or sacri∣fice offered for parents, doth merite re¦ward at Gods hand.
• :: 1.14

  Al greatnes in men proce∣ding from God, bindeth them so much the more to humilitie. VVhich ver∣tue God most specially lo∣ueth, that so they may shew gratitude for his benefites.
• * 1.15

  Philip. 2.
• * 1.16

  Pro. ••••. v. ••.
• :: 1.17

  Those that dare liue in sinful state, tempting God euen to the last houre, commonly pe∣rish therin.
• * 1.18

  Dan 4. v. 24.
• :: 1.19

  Geue not occasion by thy hard dea∣ling with the poore, that they curse thee.
• :: 1.20

  For if thou geue cause, God who is their prote∣ctor, wil re∣uenge them against thee.
• :: 1.21

  They that folow wisdom shal be safe.
• :: 1.22

  Through shamfastnes to yeld vnto sinne: or not to reproue sinne, is vi∣cious.
• :: 1.23

  But to be ashamed, and to abhorre sinne is very good and ne∣cessarie.
• :: 1.24

  Al men are bonde to say the truth at conuenient times, v 23. And euer bond to auoide vn∣truthes.
• :: 1.25

  Euerie one is bond ••ather to lose his l••fe, then to do a¦gainst iustice, o•• to denie the truth.
• * 1.26

  Though thou be so potent, that no man can hinder thy euil de sign∣ment; yet do it not because God wil pu∣nish it.
• :: 1.27

  After that sinne is for∣geuen there remaineth of∣••e•• times pu∣nishment for satisfaction.
• * 1.28

  Coue∣ring, or death.
• * 1.29

  Prou 10. v. 4.
• :: 1.30

  Constancie in good pur∣pose, meriteth
• :: 1.31

  the promised peace, and iust reward.
• :: 1.32

  So Gedeon pacified the Ephraimites, that were in∣censed against him. Iudic. 8
• :: 1.33

  Manie pre∣ferre lerning before pietie, which S. Au∣gustin repro∣ueth, prefer∣ring the godlie before the lerned that are lesse ver∣tuous: The vnlerned rise (sayth he) and take the king∣dom of hea∣uen, and we with our ler∣nings without halt, loe how we tumble in the durt. li. 8. c. 8. Consess.
• :: 1.34

  what soeuer anie soweth that he shal reape, and the wicked shal eate the frui∣tes of his owne workes
• * 1.35

  Iob. 9.
• * 1.36

  Psal. 142
• * 1.37

  Eccle. 7.
• :: 1.38

  Great pru∣dence and sor∣titude are re∣quired in al Iudges spiri∣tual and tem∣poral.
• :: 1.39

  In hel are two punish∣ments: fire burning, and the worme of conscience vering the soule, & both are eternal.
• * 1.40

  Leuit. ••••.
• * 1.41

  T••b. ••.
• * 1.42

  Deut. 1••.
• * 1.43

  Leuit. ••.
• * 1.44

  Num ••••.
• :: 1.45

  VVorkes of mercie are also profitable to the dead, as prayer, almes, and sacrifice for soules in purgatorie.
• * 1.46

  Rom 1••, v. 15.
• :: 1.47

  A most espe∣cial preserua∣tiue from sinne.
• :: 1.48

  Briberie sometimes corrupteth kinges much more other in∣ferior Iudges. And therfore it is better to suffer damage then to con∣tend by law against the rich.
• * 1.49

  Gal 6.
• * 1.50

  Prou. 26.
• * 1.51

  Prou. 22. v. 24.
• :: 1.52

  In al consul∣tations con∣ferre with the skilful; for the blinde can not iudge of co∣lours, the dease of mu∣sike, the sicke of taist: nor worldlie m••n of spiritual thinges.
• :: 1.53

  Seing ielo∣sie betwen man & wife is dangerous, much more vnnecessarie conuersation betwen other men and we∣men, especi∣ally probable occasions of sinne must be auoided.
• * 1.54

  Prou. ••.
• :: 1.55

  Constancie in good thinges name∣ly in freind∣shippe is very necessarie.
• :: 1.56

  A sinner that prospereth is like to a somer floure in the filde, that is quickly cut downe, and withereth,
• :: 1.57

  Example of rulers is of greate efficacie.
• * 1.58

  Prou. 29.
• * 1.59

  Dan. 4.
• :: 1.60

  The causes of translating kingdomes, & dominions.
• :: 1.61

  Couetuosnes is the roote of al euiles, 1. Tim. 6. in that for lucie manie fal into al sor∣tes of sinnes, euen into schisme and heresie, erring from the faith. ibidem. v. 1••.
• :: 1.62

  Neuertheles pride is the beginning of al sinne, as this text expresly testifieth, and the reason is, for that mans inordinate self loue is the cause of de∣clining from Gods com∣mandments. & they which runne on in that course, cast themsel∣ues headlong into the depth of al mischief, and of eternal miserie.
• * 1.63

  Prou. 17.
• * 1.64

  Prou. 1••.
• :: 1.65

  A wisman humbling himself by penance as Daniel did, or being vniustly humbled by others, as Io∣seph was shal be exalted by God.
• :: 1.66

  Expect the end of an other mans speach, before you beginne to answer.
• :: 1.67

  Expect also if anie that is elder, or bet∣ter able wil answer first.
• * 1.68

  Deut. 13.
• * 1.69

  Iob. 42.
• :: 1.70

  One punish∣ment of sinne is blindnes of hart. Especi∣ally where is no remorse of conscience.
• :: 1.71

  In prosperi∣tie is feare, and in aduersi∣tie hope of change.
• :: 1.72

  It is rather crueltie then mercie to nou∣rish a wicked man persisting in sinne: for so he runneth stil into more wickednes, and into eter∣nal damna∣tion,
• :: 1.73

  but the penitent is to be comforted and assisted.
• :: 1.74

  Euerie one is bond to loue his ene∣mie of chari∣tie; but in pru∣dence it be houeth not to credite him. According to our Sauiours rule: Be wise as serpents; and simple as dooues. Mat. 10
• * 1.75

  Deut. 7.
• :: 1.76

  He that con∣uerseth with a greater man then himself (except it be with vertuous) is forced often to suffer much and to yeld to manie incon∣ueniences.
• :: 1.77

  Pusill animi∣tie in a supe∣rior maketh him omite his dutie, & com∣mitte errors, fearing to do that pertey∣neth to his of∣fice, & which his auctoritie requireth.
• :: 1.78

  Acception of persous hin∣dereth manie good counsels: & promoteth manie euil thinges.
• * 1.79

  Iac. 3.
• :: 1.80

  He that can not afforde nourishment to his owne bodie by such meanes as he hath, sinneth against God, abusing his benefites, a∣gainst himself whom he vn∣iustly afflicteth and against his neighbour whom he scandalizeth.
• * 1.81

  Prou. 27. v. ••0.
• :: 1.82

  In the old testament al descended into some part of hel.
• * 1.83

  Isa. 40. v. 7.
• :: 1.84

  There shal be particular reward of euerie good worke.
• :: 1.85

  VVho so euer shal resolue with himself to liue iustly, shal be sure to haue grace, for God pre∣uenteth our weakenes and so continueth to helpe al that acccept his grace.
• :: 1.86

  He doth in∣iurie to God, & to his word, that prea∣cheth wel and liueth euil.
• :: 1.87

  Beza sayeth, God ordained Adams fall, but to a good end: and that God iustly decreed that which men vniustly haue done. in refut. 2. calumnae, ad Castel. But this holie Scrip∣ture teacheth the contrarie, that God gaue man both freewil, and sufficient grace, that he might if he would haue kept his pre∣ceps. The same is also clerely taught. Deut 7. 11. 30. and other places.
• * 1.88

  Gen. 2.
• * 1.89

  Mat. 19. v. 17.
• * 1.90

  Ier. 2. v. 8.
• :: 1.91

  Fire of con∣cupiscence, if it be not ouer∣come in this life, wil pro∣cure the fire of Gods wrath, which shal ne∣uer be extin∣guished.
• * 1.92

  Gen. 6.
• * 1.93

  Num. 26.
• * 1.94

  Rom. 2. v. 6.
• :: 1.95

  Euen a dish of colde water geuen in almes shal be rewar∣ded. Mat. 10.
• :: 1.96

  Reasonable soules (if they folow reason) and al sensible soules doe (in their maner) praise the pro∣uidence of God, in vsing al creatures to that end for which they were treated.
• :: 1.97

  Man at first recemed ori∣ginal iustice, by losing wherof we al fel into origi∣nal sinne.
• :: 1.98

  God gaue a precept to man to be ob∣serued for ex∣ercise of his obedience & so to be re∣warded, and vnder paine of punishment if he trans∣greded. ••en. 2.
• * 1.99

  Rom. 13.
• :: 1.100

  Perseueran∣ce in vertue to the end is ne∣cessarie which none can me∣rite:
• :: 1.101

  But must stil pray for it.
• :: 1.102

  Al creatures according to their substan∣tial forme in general, were created toge∣ther, though they were afterwards formed in particular kindes, as they are distinctly recited in Ge∣nesis, with the order & orna∣ments of the world. S. Aug. li. 4. c. 33 & 34. de Gen. ad litter. VVhere he ex∣presly affir∣meth that this Scripture was written by inspiration of the same spi∣rite of truth, wherby Ge∣nesis was written.
• * 1.103

  Psal. 89. v. 10.
• * 1.104

  1. Cor. 11.
• :: 1.105

  They pray alwayes that pray at cer∣taine conue∣nient times. And stil haue intention so to frequent the same exer∣cise al their life. S. Aug. Epist. 121. c. 9. ad Probam.
• * 1.106

  Luc. 18. 1.
• * 1.107

  1. Thes. 5.
• :: 1.108

  The best re∣medie against great sinnes is to auoide smal ones, and not to contemne the least, but diligently to amend al.
• * 1.109

  3. Reg. 11.
• * 1.110

  Ios. 22.
• :: 1.111

  That this document perteyneth to common con∣uersation with worldie men, appea∣reth by the next verse. But to reuele se∣crete sinnes to a spiritual father, in sa∣cramental confession, is necessarie vvholesome and secure. It is al••o very commendable and most law∣ful in holie religious So∣cieties, vvhere they willingly for their owne spiritual good submitte themselues to such a godlie rule.
• * 1.112

  L••uit. 1••.
• * 1.113

  Mat. 15.
• * 1.114

  Iac. 3.
• :: 1.115

  False pre∣tence of pietie is hypocrisie.
• :: 1.116

  And in a Su∣perior, to oppen his ovvne secrete fault to his subiects is pusillanimitie.
• :: 1.117

  Discretion auoideth both: by concealing and reueling faultes as rea∣son directeth and iustice re∣quireth.
• * 1.118

  Eccle. ••.
• :: 1.119

  He that ta∣keth reptchen¦sion in good part when he is faulty meri∣teth pardon, and when he is not faultie he satifieth for his other sin∣nes and meri∣teth reward.
• :: 1.120

  His inten∣tion is ful of guile that flat∣tereth by shew of loue and of praise, but he wil detract so much the more, & in the end reproch thee when he may gette pro∣bable aduan∣tage against thee.
• * 1.121

  Prou. 12.
• * 1.122

  Exo 23.
• * 1.123

  Deut▪ 16.
• :: 1.124

  VVisdom is to be shewed in vvordes and deedes vvhen it may profite others.
• :: 1.125

  To conceale faultes, so they be amended, is most conue∣nient.
• :: 1.126

  As a serpent deceiptfully approcheth & stingeth the bodie, so al sinnes inuegle and hurt the soule.
• :: 1.127

  It is a signe that he is guil∣tie, who con∣temneth frein∣dly admoni∣tion.
• :: 1.128

  He that truly feareth God wil diligently examine his ovvne actes, & defectes when he is vvarned.
• :: 1.129

  As walles of stone built in the frost, so riches or good name vniustly gotten wil not cōtinue long
• :: 1.130

  Senseles, or bad talke is tedious to al good men.
• :: 1.131

  VVordes that may edi∣fie are gratful to al godlie eares.
• :: 1.132

  VVicked men condem∣ning the diuel or anie other wicked, do in dede condeme them selues. And to them agreeth that sentence: of our Sauiour. By thyne owne mouth I iudge thee, naughtie ser∣uant. Luc. 19.
• :: 1.133

  Contempt & ignominie is the worldlie punishment of the slouth∣ful, besides his eternal dam∣nation at the day of iudge∣ment. Mat. 25▪ ••. 30▪
• :: 1.134

  In this and o∣ther places is not vnder∣stood a foole that by defect of natural vvitte is igno∣rant, or an i∣deote, but he that is voide of grace, ful of malice, and wickednes. For the wic∣ked life of such a one is worse then his death. v. 12.
• * 1.135

  Gen 50.
• * 1.136

  Prou. ••3.
• * 1.137

  Prou▪ ••••.
• :: 1.138

  A true freind wil not be lost for tem¦poral damage no•• danger.
• :: 1.139

  But the vices of derision, re∣proch, and the like violate al freindshipe with wise and good m••n▪
• * 1.140

  Ps. 140.
• :: 1.141

  Man being weake and the enimie suttle & strong, he is not able to re∣sist tentations without Gods special grace, for which the vvisman ther∣fore prayeth, instructing al by his example to do the same.
• :: 1.142

  Precepts how to go∣uerne the mouth, and tongue.
• :: 1.143

  Against rash, vntrue, & vn∣lawful swea∣ring. Iere. 4.
• * 1.144

  Mat. 5.
• :: 1.145

  In oathes God is called to witnes as he that can not lie, but b••a••phemie attributeth th••t to God which pertey∣neth not him, or attributeth to some crea∣ture that which only belongeth to God, and so is a contrarie sinne to vnlaw¦ful swearing.
• :: 1.146

  Both are mortal sinnes.
• :: 1.147

  Admonition against sinnes, of the tongue.
• :: 1.148

  Reproch to parents, and other neigh∣boures.
• :: 1.149

  Against co∣uetousnes.
• :: 1.150

  Fornication.
• :: 1.151

  Adultrie.
• * 1.152

  Isa. 29.
• :: 1.153

  Seing earnal adultrie shal be seuerely punished, much more spiritual: as schisme here∣sie, and apo∣stasie from Catholique Religion.
• * 1.154

  Leui 20.
• * 1.155

  Deut. 22.
• :: 1.156

  Diuine wis∣dom the Se∣cond Person of the B. Tri∣nitie begotten not created praiseth it self. According to the phrase of speach Iere. 51. v. 14. The Lord of hostes hath svvorne by his soule, that is, by himself.
• :: 1.157

  God offereth his grace, but forceth not anie to accept it.
• :: 1.158

  Creation is not here taken in the strict signification, but for diuine production, in that God the Father by vn∣derstanding begetteth God the Sonne. As likewise the Father and the Sonne by loue produce the Holie Ghost.
• :: 1.159

  in the Church only is effe∣ctual grace.
• * 1.160

  Psa. ••••••
• :: 1.161

  The more grace any hath the more he desireth and receiueth.
• :: 1.162

  In Dauids progenie God preserued the kinglie state til the captiui∣tie: and the estimation of the royal bloud vnto Christ But in al this Dauid was a figure of Christ. VVho sitteth in the Throne of honour abso∣lutly for eu••••.
• * 1.163

  Ios••. 3.
• :: 1.164

  Three very commendable thinges.
• :: 1.165

  Other three detestable.
• :: 1.166

  Nine happie thinges in this life.
• * 1.167

  Iac. 3.
• :: 1.168

  Al happines in this life is grounded in the feare of God.
• :: 1.169

  The de∣scription of heresie vnder the figure of a wicked wo∣man: whose malice is secretly co∣uered vnder pretence of truth and ••••••∣••••••.
• * 1.170

  Prou▪ ••••.
• :: 1.171

  Layhead∣shi••e in spiri∣tual causes is so vnreaso∣nab le and absurde, that ••••w heretikes 〈…〉〈…〉ure it.
• :: 1.172

  An vnqu•••••• life dep••iu••th a man of much comforth: and therfore con∣tinual peace •••• as a duble life.
• :: 1.173

  As whe•• o••••n mo••e▪ the yoke o•• their necke•• doth moue withal: so a wicked wo∣man (to witt•• heresie) can not rest, nor let others rest, quiet.
• :: 1.174

  The Catho∣lique faith is the ground al al vertues.
• :: 1.175

  Those that kepe innes or ailehouses are alwayes talking, as willing to please al, but in much talke wanteth not sinne. Prou. 10. v. 19.
• * 1.176

  1. Tim 6.
• :: 1.177

  The soule is kept in good state by fea∣ring God.
• :: 1.178

  After that sinne is purged there remaine reliques in the soule, as dust in a siene, vvhen the chaffe is cast out, til it be more purged or washed Psal. 50. v. 4.
• * 1.179

  Prou. 27.
• * 1.180

  VVhether the sunne shineth forth or not, it is alvvayes light: so is a vvisman al∣vvayes ver∣tuous, vvhe∣therit appea•••• outvvardly or no.
• * 1.181

  A foole, or vvicked man, hath no light of vertue in himself (like the moone) butsometimes semeth to haue more light, some∣times lesse, sometimes none at al. S. Bernard.
• * 1.182

  Prou. 10.
• :: 1.183

  He that expresly doth iniurie to an other is iuitly punished also in this vvorld.
• :: 1.184

  Hovv se∣cretly soeuer anie hutteth an other, he vvoundeth his ovvne con∣science, and can not escape Gods iudge∣ment.
• * 1.185

  Prou. 26.
• * 1.186

  Eccle. 10.
• :: 1.187

  He that seeketh re∣uenge contra∣rie to the course of iu∣stice, or of euil intention, or of rancor of mind, sinneth gre∣uously.
• * 1.188

  ••ut. 6.
• * 1.189

  R••m. 11.
• * 1.190

  :: Charitie requireth that we remitte iniuries with three condi∣tions, if the offender be truly penitent, if the remis∣sion of punish∣ment be not against iustice, nor against necessarie discipline.
• * 1.191

  〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ ••••▪
• :: 1.192

  Vndiscrete reporte to one what an other hath saide, is often cause of much discontent∣ment, and of dissention.
• :: 1.193

  To heare detraction is as bad as to speake it.
• :: 1.194

  Lending is a worke of mer∣cie, & a kinde of almes. To repay that is borowed is a worke of iu∣stice, wittingly not to restore is as bad as theft.
• * 1.195

  Exo. 22.
• * 1.196

  Deut. 14.
• * 1.197

  T••b. 4.
• :: 1.198

  Great fruite of workes of mercie.
• :: 1.199

  Prudence requireth that by helping an other, thou doest not ouerthrovv thyself.
• * 1.200

  Pr••••. 1••. &. 2••.
• * 1.201

  Deut. 6.
• :: 1.202

  The eldest sonne being heire to his father, is to haue ••pecial case of the o∣ther children, euen to the ad¦uenturing of his owne hurt for their liues.
• :: 1.203

  Teeth on edge o•• g••a∣shing of teeth, is a part of hel paines. ••••••. 8. & 1•• & some∣times begin∣neth in this life.
• :: 1.204

  〈…〉〈…〉 is a∣boue al riche••, and honour.
• * 1.205

  Deut. 14.
• :: 1.206

  Suffer not vnnecessarie pensiuenes to afflict thy mind, through pusillanimitie.
• * 1.207

  Prau. 12. 15. & 17.
• :: 1.208

  ••••ut relie wholly •••••••• Gods ••••l and prouidence. resigning thy wil ••••to his▪
• :: 1.209

  They that imploy al their studie to getre vertues, shal be more free from ten∣tations of the flesh.
• :: 1.210

  And from drawsines of mind: where∣upon S Ierom admonisheth: Loue the studies of holie Scrip∣tures, and thou vvilt not loue the vices of the fresh. Epist ad Rusticum Mo∣nach.
• :: 1.211

  It is in mans freewil to transgresse, & therfore they are happie, that through Gods grace do not breake his command¦ments.
• * 1.212

  Prou. ••••.
• * 1.213

  Prou. 22.
• :: 1.214

  As bread is the chiefe su∣stenāce of the bodie, so do∣ctrine is of the minde, which being good nourisheth, & if it be bad corrupteth them that re∣ceiue it.
• * 1.215

  Psa. 103.
• * 1.216

  Prou 31.
• :: 1.217

  Humilitie is necessarie in al, but most especially in men of aucto∣ritie. The grea¦test art in this life is to con∣temne vaine glorie in height of au∣ctoritie. S Greg. de cura pastorali
• * 1.218

  Eccle. 3.
• :: 1.219

  God di••e∣cteth mens re∣solutions, and actions, when they vse the meanes of con¦sultation, as he hath appoin∣ted▪ for vvhen two or three are gathered in his name, he is in middes of them. Mat. 18.
• :: 1.220

  Do not a¦gainst thy cō∣ference.
• :: 1.221

  Men ledde with passions runne from one vice into an other with∣out ceasing. Especially he∣retikes runne into manie er∣rors. Against which S Paul prescribeth this rule. It is best that the hart be establi∣shed with grace. Heb. 13. v. 9.
• * 1.222

  Rom. ••.
• :: 1.223

  Vaine drea∣mes are not to be regarded: but some are good, & from God. Gen 37. 40. 41. Dan. 2. 4. Mat. 1.
• :: 1.224

  Vvhatsoeuer is written in holy Scripture is vndoubtedly true: and no ••ote of the law shal perish.
• :: 1.225

  God also prouideth that alwayes there be some which truly explicate his lavv.
• * 1.226

  Psa. 32.
• * 1.227

  Prou. 21. v. 27.
• * 1.228

  Prou. 15. v. 8.
• * 1.229

  Leuit. 19.
• :: 1.230

  He that de∣stroyeth that an other buil∣deth bringeth tvvo mens la∣bours to no∣thing.
• :: 1.231

  R••cidiuati∣on into sinne maketh the ••o••••er repen∣tāce frustrate. Mat. 18. v. 33.
• :: 1.232

  Sacrifices of penance, Psal ••••▪ of iustice Psal. •• and of praise, ••••a. 4••. 〈…〉〈…〉 then 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.233

  1. Reg. 15▪ v. 22. Iere. 7.
• :: 1.234

  Neuertheles 〈…〉〈…〉 is also ne∣cessarie
• * 1.235

  Exo. ••••.
• * 1.236

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••4. D•••••• ••••.
• * 1.237

  2 Cor. ••. •••••• ••.
• :: 1.238

  Often times so much. A•• Prou. 24. Seuen times shal the iust fal, & shal •••••• againe.
• * 1.239

  Leuit. 22. Deut. 1••.
• * 1.240

  2 P••••••••. 19.
• * 1.241

  Rom. 2. Act. 10.
• :: 1.242

  This prayer implieth also a prophecie of the con∣uersion of the Gentiles, as the like very often in the Psalmes. 58. 6••. 65. &c.
• * 1.243

  Exo. 4.
• * 1.244

  Num. 6.
• :: 1.245

  As there i•• difference of meates▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so there ought to be discre∣t on in wor∣des, in choo∣sing a wi••e & in al actions, and desires.
• :: 1.246

  In concord smal thinges increase, by discord al thinges goe to hauocke.
• :: 1.247

  As freind∣shippe is a most necessa∣rie thing in humane life; so fained frēd∣shippe is most dangerous.
• :: 1.248

  Man is bond to vse al pru∣••lentendeuour & withal most especially to pray for Gods direction.
• :: 1.249

  The dayes of the Blessed in heauen, who see God, are eternal.
• :: 1.250

  The same which S. Paul admonisheth (1. Cor 11.) let euerie one proue him self, by ex∣amining & re∣ctifying his conscience.
• * 1.251

  1. Cor. 6.
• :: 1.252

  Mans bodie naturally nee∣deth sustenāce & sometimes phisike, and so doth his soule; which as it is more excel∣lent, so it ought to be more regar∣ded.
• * 1.253

  Exo. 25.
• * 1.254

  Isa. 38.
• * 1.255

  Spiritual in∣firmitie requi∣reth spiritual phisike.
• :: 1.256

  To auoide euil speach, shew that thou art truly sorie for the death of thy freind. But moderate thy sorow, lest it hurt thy self.
• * 1.257

  Prou. ••5. & 17.
• * 1.258

  2. Reg. 12
• :: 1.259

  VVhen pa∣stores haue ley sure from pre∣aching they may then pro∣fite others by writing. So S. Paul, not only preached, but also writte. So likewise the Doctors of the Church and o∣ther holie fa∣thers.
• :: 1.260

  Besides a∣ctiue life com∣mended in the former chap. it is necessarie that vertuous men vse also meditation, & cōtemplation. Vnto which foure disposi∣tions are requi¦site, described in this chapt.
• * 1.261

  1.
• * 1.262

  True know∣lege of holie My••••eries: without the▪ which medi∣tation wil be erronious.
• * 1.263

  2.
• :: 1.264

  Puritie of soule free frō greuous sin∣nes, and en∣dowed vvith vertues.
• :: 1.265

  Humilitie is especially re∣quired in con∣templatiue persons.
• * 1.266

  3.
• * 1.267

  Gen. 1.
• * 1.268

  Exo. 1.
• :: 1.269

  Hope of e∣ternal reward comforteth, & encoregeth the seruants of God.
• * 1.270

  4.
• * 1.271

  Gen. ••.
• :: 1.272

  In the meane time God ge¦ueth necessa∣ries for this life. VVhich the good vse rightly to their merite & the wicked vse euil to their damnation.
• :: 1.273

  Diuels were created in state of grace, and of their owne wil fel from God, & consequently are eternally punished.
• :: 1.274

  The penal∣ties which al men euen new borne infants suffer, do shew that al in ge∣neral are guil∣tie of original sinne, for if they were not guiltie then punishment were not iust. That Christ also would be subiect to the same penalties was for the sinnes of o∣thers. And though his •• mother vvas preserued from this sinne yet she vvas not exempted from the ge¦neral penaltie of al man∣kinde.
• * 1.275

  Gen. 7.
• * 1.276

  Eccle. 1.
• :: 1.277

  The societie of Christs Church flori∣shing in al ver¦tues excelleth the benefites of the old Te∣stament.
• :: 1.278

  Euerie one is bound to la∣bour that he want not ne∣cessaries.
• :: 1.279

  It is to no purpose after death to ac∣cuse the short∣nes, or length of life, preten∣ding the same to haue bene cause of sinne. For God doth al iustly, yea and for the best, if men would so vse his benefites.
• :: 1.280

  It behoueth children, and scholars to esteme that which their elders teach:
• :: 1.281

  though the same doth not seme reaso∣nable in their owne opinion.
• * 1.282

  Mat 5. v. 28.
• :: 1.283

  It is not lawful to re∣ueale that, which we iustly promise to conceale.
• * 1.284

  Leuit 19. Deu. 1▪ 16 Prou. 24. Iacob. ••▪
• :: 1.285

  There is lesse danger in conuersing familiarly with a wicked man, then with a freind∣lie woman. In which con∣uersarion, much pru∣dence is re∣quired, as is before admo∣nished. chap. ••.
• :: 1.286

  The excel∣lencie of God, which can not be sene with mortal eye (Exo. 33.) is proposed to our medita∣tion in his workes. The like in, Iob. 38. 39. 40. 41. and in manie places of holie Scripture.
• :: 1.287

  Of al sensles creatures, yea & of sensible also, that haue not reason, the sunne is most excellent. Of which al cor∣poral ••rea∣tures receiue their light: & by whose in∣fluence al ge∣neration of creatures pro∣cedeth: wher∣of is this Maxime in Philosophie, that the sunne and man begette a man, And Aristotel cal∣leth the sunne the father of men and of goddes. li. 2. de anima But the faithful know it is a creature in∣ferior to man, in respect of his reasonable soule, and in them both & in al other creatures, acknowlege superexcel∣lent & infinite Maiestic in God.
• * 1.288

  VVhich al∣so appeareth euen in the least creatures whose natural substances & qualities, with other acci∣dents, the more anie man conside∣reth the more he shal ad∣mire God, the onlie Creator of al.
• * 1.289

  The 2. part. Examples and praises of holie men: with praise & thankes to God.
• :: 1.290

  Vertuous men are rightly called Lordes, and Princes; so the children of Heth sayde to Abraham. My Lord, the•••• art a prince of God among v••. Gen. 23.
• :: 1.291

  Enoch shal preach pe¦nance in the time of Anti∣christ.
• * 1.292

  Gen 5. Gen. 6.
• :: 1.293

  Noe was perfect.
• * 1.294

  Gen. 9.
• * 1.295

  Gen. 12.
• :: 1.296

  Abraham father of al the beleuers in Christ.
• * 1.297

  Gen. 22. Heb. 11.
• :: 1.298

  Isaac, and Iacob were blessed in A∣braham.
• * 1.299

  Exo. 3.
• * 1.300

  Num. 12.
• :: 1.301

  Moyses saw Gods workes more clerely then other Prophets, yet saw not his substances, as is noted. Exo. 33.
• :: 1.302

  Aarons priesthood continued so long as Moy∣ses law: that was til Christ. And now the priesthood ac∣cording to the order of Melchisedech continueth to the end of the world.
• * 1.303

  Exo. 28.
• * 1.304

  Leuit. 8.
• * 1.305

  Num. 16.
• :: 1.306

  The tribe of Leui had not a portion of in∣heritance se∣parate from the iest, but had tithes, first fruites, and oblations for their tempo∣ral prouision
• * 1.307

  Num. 25.
• :: 1.308

  King Dauid gaue special assistance to the Priestes, and greatly aduanced Gods seruice 1. Paral 23. •••• ••.
• :: 1.309

  Iosue succe∣ded in the temporal go∣uernment: for the spiritual perteyned to the successors of Aaron. Num. 27.
• * 1.310

  Iosu. 10.
• * 1.311

  :: Only Iosue and Caleb re∣mained of those which came out of Aegypt, al the rest dyed in the desert, and their children entered into Chanaan.
• * 1.312

  Num. 14••
• * 1.313

  Iosu. 14.
• :: 1.314

  Though some of the Iudges were sometimes great sinners, yet they were finally iust & for their good actes much renowmed.
• * 1.315

  1. Reg 17
• :: 1.316

  Samuel an∣nointed Saul. and Dauid kinges.
• * 1.317

  1. Reg 7.
• * 1.318

  •• Reg. 12
• :: 1.319

  If Samuel himself had not appeared, (but some o∣ther spitite) it could not haue bene no∣ted in his praises. See. 1. Reg. 28.
• * 1.320

  1 Reg. 28
• * 1.321

  2. Reg 11
• * 1.322

  1. Reg. 17
• * 1.323

  Ibidem.
• * 1.324

  1. Reg 18
• :: 1.325

  Amongst al the renoumed actes of Dauid his pure and sincere hart most pleased God.
• * 1.326

  1. Par. 25
• * 1.327

  2. Reg 12
• :: 1.328

  For Dauids sake God gaue wisdom to Salomon, and peace in his kingdom.
• * 1.329

  3. Reg. 3.
• :: 1.330

  By Apostro∣phe the auctor turneth his speach to Sa∣lomon.
• * 1.331

  3. Reg 4.
• * 1.332

  3. Reg. 10
• :: 1.333

  Salomons sinnes were punished, but Gods mercie continued in conseruing his posteritie. Psal. 88.
• * 1.334

  3 Reg. 11
• * 1.335

  Psal. 88. v. 34.
• * 1.336

  3 Reg. 1••
• * 1.337

  3. Reg 17
• :: 1.338

  Elias procu∣red fire from heauen to burne his sa∣crifice, 3. Reg. 18 and ••w••e more to burne an hundred men which persecuted him. 4. Reg. 1.
• * 1.339

  3. Reg. 19 4. Reg. 2.
• :: 1.340

  The miracle wrought by his dead bodie shewed that he was an holie prophet. 4. Reg. 13. See the mira∣cles of Elias, and Eliseus. To. 1. pag. 940.
• * 1.341

  4 Reg 13
• * 1.342

  4. Reg. 20 4. Reg. 18
• :: 1.343

  Prayer pre∣uailed, when forces were not sufficient. Sec, 4. Reg. 19.
• * 1.344

  4 Reg. 19 Isa. 37.
• * 1.345

  4. Reg 2•• Isa. 38.
• * 1.346

  Not only this booke but also other holie scriptures witnes that Elias shal re∣turne and preach before the end of the world. S. Chrysostom Aretas, and other Doctors testifie the same. See. Annot. Gen. 5.
• * 1.347

  Mal. 4.
• * 1.348

  Mat. 17. In 2. Thes 2.
• * 1.349

  Apoc. 11.
• * 1.350

  4. Reg. 22
• * 1.351

  2. Par 34
• * 1.352

  4. Reg. 23
• :: 1.353

  Manie other kinges of Iuda refrained alwayes from committing idolatrie, but these three destroyed al places of idolatrie in their king∣dom, which the others did not.
• * 1.354

  4. Reg. 25 Iere. 1.
• * 1.355

  Ezech. 1.
• * 1.356

  Agge. 2. 1. Esd. 3. 3. Esd. 5. Zach. 3. 2. Esd. 2. Gen. 5. Gen. 39. 40. &c.
• :: 1.357

  See the An∣notation. ch. 38 v. 10.
• :: 1.358

  Ioseph pro∣phecying that the people should depart from Aegypt, willed them to carie his bones with them. Gen. 50. So by carying his bones they professed, that he had truly prophecied.
• :: 1.359

  This Simon called Iustus, and Priscus, was high priest when this booke was written (in the time of Ptolomie the first, king of Aegypt) a very holie man, and dead before it was translated into Greke. about the time of Ptolo∣mie the third called Euer∣getes, nere 300. yeares before Christ.
• * 1.360

  Iosephus li. 12.
• * 1.361

  Antiqui
• * 1.362

  Liba∣tion••.
• * 1.363

  Three na∣tions; the Idu∣means, Phi∣listijmes, and Samaritanes, did most per∣secute the Isralites: the Samaritanes were not one pure nation, but mixt of Assirians and Iewes: and so here called no nation.
• * 1.364

  Num. 6. v. 23.
• :: 1.365

  They are also called a foolish people, because they knowing true religion, mixed idola∣trie therwith, according to diuers sectes. as appeareth 4. Reg. 17. v. 29.
• :: 1.366

  VVhere we are not able to render re∣compence to benefactors; especially to God, we are the more bond to acknow∣lege his manie great benefi∣tes, altogether vndeserued by vs.
• :: 1.367

  VVhen sen∣ses are most ripe, and the soule most free from great sinnes, is the aptest time to serue God, & to get al ver∣tues, and true knowlege. Eccle. 12.
• :: 1.368

  In stead of riches labour to get wisdom for it is much better then al gold & siluer.
• :: 1.369

  Merite is in this life, and reward in the next.