CAP. I.

THE Omnipotent in the begin∣ning, created all things for Man; and untill all things were made fit and convenient for him, he was not made: But, when they had received their Ornaments, then was brought forth this admirable creature, (the Image of his Creator,) Page  2 who was so excellently com∣posed, that his Maker had not onely given him [Os sublime,] a face upward: but [mentem in∣ternam,] a mind inward, to be∣hold the Heavens, and all un∣der them: Homo ad contem∣plandum Creatorem suum creatus est, saith Gregorie.* Certainly, one would think, that to the making of so Divine a crea∣ture, some extraordinary mat∣ter, collected out of the Quintessences of the celestiall spheares, ought to be prepa∣red. One would scarcely be∣leeve, (but that it is written, where is no falshood▪) that the base earth were his best ap∣parell; nay worse, not earth, but Dust, (the very contempti∣ble Dust,) which the least wind blowes away.

Page  3 But, when we behold his dayly carriage, his pride and haughtinesse; with what dis∣daine, he not onely contemnes inferiour creatures; but such as were created equall with him; we may judge him, ei∣ther to be made of better stuffe then we have heard of: or, that he very much forgets his beginning.

He was not made of Hea∣ven, nor in Heaven; but in earth, and of Dust, amongst (his fel∣low creatures) the beasts of the field: of the same mettle, in the same place, and in the same day with them.

What should make him so proud, as to Despise, and, with so many sought-for words con∣temn Woman (his other self?) Doubtles, it proceeds from Page  4 his ignorance or forgetfulnesse: in that he knowes not, or will not remember his lowe begin∣ning, (even out of the Dust:) and, had need to heare this sentence again from Heaven, oftner then raine upon him, Nosce teipsum: otherwise, he would not esteem so unworthi∣ly of Woman, which is his o∣ther half, and part of his own bodily substance. It shewes, as if a man should love his head; and hate his braines: Is not she, he? Examine, and you will find small Difference.

[ 1] As, first; for name: though (for necessary distinction sake,) they were created male and female, and two bodies: yet all (in one Word) makes but [Hom••] one Man.* Which ve∣ry Word Cicero, (the most Page  5 eloquent of his time,) thought no barbarisme, to be∣stow upon a Woman, and a ver∣tuous Ladie; when (remem∣bring his commendations to her, in an Epistle to her hus∣band,) he calls her Homo Sin∣gular is pudicitiae ac pietatis.

In the sexe, is all the diffe∣rence; which is but onely in the body. For, she hath the same reasonable soule; and, in that, there is neither hees, nor shees; neither excellencie, nor superiority: she hath the same soule; the same mind; the same understanding; and tends to the same end of eternall salvation that he Doth. In which, there is no exception of sexe, persons, or nation: But (in the resurre∣ction) she shall, (without excep∣tion of sexe) obtaine like body Page  6 with him; according to the si∣militude of Angels: For, they were bought at the same price, and shall dwell in the same glory.

[ 2] She hath not onely the same name with him; but, they are both of one figure; made by one workman; of one substance; in one place; in one day; so that, there is no such generall diffe∣rence between them, that can give excuse to man to esteem basely and meanly of her, but that he must needs (therein) touch himself: since she was made so equall with him, and so like him. Notwithstanding, there may be observed some rice differences between them in their creation: but indeed, they are such, as rather much increase her praise, then detract Page  7 the least scruple from her worth and excellencie.

As For example: First, [ 1] though she were created with him, in the same and one day; yet, not at one time.

Secondly, though in one ge∣nerall [ 2] place, yet not in one parti∣cular place.

Thirdly, though of one sub∣stance, [ 3] yet not of one matter.

Fourthly, though of one work∣man, [ 4] yet not in one manner.

Fiftly, though of one figure; [ 5] yet not of one form.

Sixtly, though of one gene∣rall [ 6] name; yet not of one par∣ticular name.

These things, (though they seem never so slight and trivi∣all,) make much for her excel∣lencie and honour. Therefore, to the end I may keep some Page  8 order in what I intend, I will First shew what I have obser∣ved upon these six former Differences; of Time, Place, Mat∣ter, Manner, Form and Name, (which I intend, shall be the principall heads of this my Dis∣course.)