CHAP. XXVII.
SEekest thou for faith, a thing so peaceable amidst the passions of the mind, that are most restlesse? If the true image of our life were presented before thine eyes, thou wouldest suppose that thou sawest the pillage of a great Citie taken by assault, wherein with∣out respect of shame or any iustice, the enemie in stead of counsaile vseth force and violence, as if by publique proclamation he were permitted to exercise at his pleasure all kinde of outrage. Neyther fire nor sword is spared, murthers and mischiefes are not punished: Religion it selfe, which hath often∣times amongst the armed enemies saued their liues, who humbled themselues at her feete, cannot now containe those men that are set vpon pillage: the one forcibly defaceth the goods of a priuate house, another of a publique: that man stealeth prophane things, and that man sacred; the one breakes vp, the other passeth ouer. This man being discontented with the straightnesse of the pas∣sage, ouerthroweth that which stoppeth his way, and makes his profite of this ruine. This man spoyleth without slaughter, that man beareth his bootie in a bloudie hand: there is no man but catcheth something from another. Amidst this greedinesse of mankind, I feare me thou art too much forgetful of our com∣mon fortune, who seekest to finde a gratefull man amongst so many robbers. If thou art agrieued that there are vngratefull men, be sorie that there are some luxurious men, be vexed because there are couetous men, be displeased because there are impudent men, be angrie that there are deformed, sicke and pale olde men. This vice I confesse is grieuous and intollerable, that breaketh the society of men, that deuideth and destroyeth that concord whereby our weakenesse is supported; yet so common is it, that he himselfe who complaineth against it cannot auoyd it.