Advice of a father, or, Counsel to a child directing him to demean himself in the most important passages of this life.

CENT. II. (Book 2)

I.

WHen Pride makes thy plumes rise, con∣sider what thou wert in thy birth, and what thou shalt be; uncleanness in the womb, and rottenness in the tomb▪ filthy in concep∣tion, and filth in thy dissolution; what art thou between these, but weakness and wild∣ness? Consider but the pollutions of thy na∣ture, the prevarications of thy life, the dirt of death, and then be proud if thou canst.

II.

Be angry, but sin not; let not the Sun go down upon thy wrath, shew thy self willing to be reconciled; be not passionate, but soon pa∣cified;

if anger boyle within thy breast, seal up thy lips; the fire that wants vent, will suppress it self; words like blows, often blow a spark into a flame; if any hath injured thee, think whom thou hast wronged, and bear with others, as God bears with thee.

III.

Do not covet what thou hast not, but con∣tent thy self with what thou hast; he is rich, that is satisfied; want lies in desire. Cove∣tousness is a thing the most contradictory to it self, and causes what it pretends to cure; like drinking in a feaver, which does not quench the thirst, but make it the more violent; the desire does not cease, though thou hast what thou dost desire; happiness lies in the use, not in the principle; a man may starve with Bills and Bonds about him; it were a madness to ab∣stain from meat, because thou art hungry; or from any thing, because thou lovest it; thou hast but what thou dost enjoy; what lies by is liker to be anothers than thine.

IV.

Receive what God gives thankfully, and return what he requires chearfully; take all in good part that he does; look not to the mes∣senger so much as to him that sent him; bid him welcom, if not for his own sake, yet for his Masters; think nothing too hard to suffer, nor too dear to part with for a Father; filial affection will carry thee far; slaves serve for hire, but love in a son is the only motive to duty.

V.

Let Gods glory be thy aim, and the end of every action; he made thee, and thou wert made for him; that in thee, and by thee, he might glorifie himself; in his honour consists thy happiness; he might have been happy without thee, but thou without him canst not be happy; to serve him, is the way to enjoy him; those which honour him, he will honour; his glory will be thine; do that for his sake, which thou wouldst for thine own.

VI.

Love the World as about to leave it; look upon thy self as departing, and things as pas∣sing by; how canst thou fix thine eye, where the motion is perpetual, and thou canst not make a minutes stop or stay? Thou seest thy comforts but as thou art sailing, they will soon be out of sight; thou art launching forth in∣to an Ocean of Eternity, where thou canst not see Land; a little while, and all thy delights are gone; the Curtain will be drawn, and the Play done.

VII.

Be not contented to be good thy self, un∣less thou canst be an instrument to make o∣thers good; there is comfort in company; who would go to Heaven alone? it is a grief to a Christians heart, to see the path to Zion over∣grown, and that so few follow; fain he would that the dust did flee, that Troops went up to∣gether; it is pity friends should part to meet no more; my bowels yearn over them I love, lest any should miscarry.

VIII.

Say nothing but what thou wilt stand to; why should the Truth suffer, or thy own Re∣putation? be neither the first, nor forward in any strange Report, lest thy Credit be called in question, though the Report be true; if it be so to day, it will be so to morrow; and more certain, if not in it self, yet to others, and to thee; when ever I tell what I hear, I will tell who told it me, at least when I find it startle; let the Author bear the blame, why should I?

IX.

In the morning think what thou hast to do, and at night ask thy self what thou hast done; so spend every day, that thou may'st delight to review thy actions; why shouldest thou con∣clude with a sigh, or a tear? if possible pre∣vent Repentance. Do nothing that may need a pardon; yet wherein thou hast prevaricated, let confession follow upon commission; fear not to see thy score, but to encrease it; call thy self to account, and chide thy self.

X.

Commend no man to his face, and behind his back do not discommend him; to do either, argues a base spirit; if thou knowest any good of him, let others know it; if any ill, tell it to himself; of the dead and absent if thou canst, speak well; if not, say nothing; ac∣cuse none that cannot answer for themselves; what credit to conquer, where there is none to oppose thee! to talk high, is the property of a Coward, especially when his enemy is absent; I will scorn to take advantage of any; to come behind is dishonourable; I shall likewise fear him that flatters, lest while he smiles, he smite me.

XI.

It matters not how long thou livest, but how well; to crowd a great deal of work into a little room, bespeaks thy diligence; I shall not measure my life by dayes, but by doing; not by my stay, but by my service. I would live to labour, and when my Master hath no more to do, I am content to be no more, that time and task may end together; there is no such mi∣sery as to be buried alive.

XII.

Whatever thou dost, have an eye at death; do nothing now, which thou wouldst not then have done, and still suppose the next act to be the last; look upon thy self as dying, and reckon upon a time of reckoning; believe thou art before the Judge, and the Jaylors be∣hind thee; this will make thee not dare to do, in doing of which thou dar'st not dye.

XIII.

Better is the man without money, than money without the man; I never thought any the better for his Bags; an Ass may be laden with gold; I have seen fools advanced, and wise men wait, and what more unseemly sight? how little proportion appears in providence, when fools have fortune, and wise men chance!

XIV.

Friendship makes prosperity brighter, and burdens lighter; I am not more my own, than my friends in every estate; I enjoy my self in

him; he is my solace in the Sun, and shelter from the storm.

XV.

Besides sin there is nothing dreadful; the punishment is less than the crime; I will fear nothing but to offend, and will choose rather to suffer, than to sin.

XVI.

A common misery is less a misery; there is comfort in company, though in trouble; a general grief is not grievous, none can re∣pine when all suffer; a personal affliction is most affecting; this is the sting of sorrow, to suppose our state without a parallel; a burden is better born by many, than by a single shoulder; why should I complain, where the case is common? if others suffer, why not I?

XVII.

Whatever befalls me without my fault, I will bear with an undaunted mind; it is my fate, not my folly; and why should I make that worse, which I could not make better?

I will not fear what I cannot fore-see; but slight what I cannot shun: I can bear where I am not too blame, and where my weakness did not marr, it will be my wisdom to mend.

XVIII.

There is nothing more Noble than to deserve well of ones Countrey; we are not born for our selves, and what reason to return our lives where we had them! it hath been the brave resolution of many bad men, to sa∣crifice themselves for a common good; in this they have excelled themselves; what care have Heathens had of their Countrey, for which it was sweet (they said) to dye! and they did what they said.

XIX.

A sure friend is best known in an adverse state; we know not whom to trust, till after tryal; there are some that will keep me com∣pany while it is clear and fair, which will be gone when the clouds gather; that is the on∣ly friendship, which is stronger than death, and those the friends whose fortunes are embar∣qued

in the same bottom; who are resolved to sink, and swim together.

XX.

My friend is as it were my self; there is but one soul in two bodies, neither am I more my own, than my friends; I have nothing but what is his; what I have, he hath; if he will, he may command both me and mine.

XXI.

Whatever thou dost, do quickly; it may be too late to tarry for leasure; want of a power, follows want of will; delayes are dan∣gerous; what thou art unfit for to day, per∣chance to morrow thou wilt be more unfit; besides, who can call another moment his? I will dispatch what I have to do, lest something be left undone; I had rather want work, than time; and finish too soon, than be surprized.

XXII.

There are many not worthy of light, on whom the Sun shines; prosperity is oft-times

the portion of the basest of men; there is no judging by appearance; all is not gold that glisters; a Dunghil will stink still; let me be a flower, though I grow in the shade; Provi∣dence appoints the place; what is good for o∣thers, may be bad for me.

XXIII.

Necessity is no friend to freedom; there is no liberty where there is no remedy; I will come under the least obligation possible, and act by choice, not constraint; what is forced, is not thank-worthy; that which is free, is only kindly; I will have my hand observe my heart; then shall I do what I will, while I will but what I do.

XXIV.

As the Furnace tryes the Gold, so misery proves the man; his suffering shews his strength, troubles are the only tryals; the re∣solution is known by the opposition, the pati∣ence by the pain.

XXV.

I never thought him happy, who thought himself miserable; the mind is the man; if another hath what I can be without, what is he the better, or I the worse, while he wants more, and I less? he is not happy that enjoyes, but that doth not desire. Satisfaction lies not in Addition, but Substraction. A Monarch may be miserable; but content is more than a Kingdom; I can be what I will, while I will be what I can.

XXVI.

Socrates passing through the Market, cryes out, How much is here I do not need? Nature is content with little, Grace with less: Poverty lies in opinion; what is need∣ful is soon provided, and enough is as good as a Feast; I am worth what I do not want; my occasions being supplied, what would I do with more?

XXVII.

The fear of Death is worse than Death it self; it is better to be dead, than alwayes dy∣ing; give me the man that dares to dye, that opens his breast boldly, and bids to Death de∣fiance; that can welcom the King of Terrors, and look him in the face with a smile. I will account my last enemy, my best friend, who shews me my Crown when almost spent, and helps me to what I fought for.

XXVIII.

They may kill, but cannot hurt: 'Twas the saying of Seneca, when doomed to dye, and it argued a brave Heroick spirit, Whom need a Christian fear, whose life is hid with Christ! he is out of Gun-shot, the reach of men and Devils; whatever happens, no∣thing harms him; to kill him is the greatest kindness; you send him but to Heaven the sooner.

XXIX.

I have read of a Phylosopher, that being pounded in a Morter, bid his Tormentors in derision beat on the Sack of Anaxarchus; he looked on the body, but as the bag, and knew the treasure was secure; it matters not what becomes of the Casket, when the Jewel's safe; and what though the shell be crack't, when the kernel is whole and untoucht? it were below me to shrink, or look pale at any thing, when Heathens can bear torments with a smooth brow; if they can be so valiant, it were a shame for a Christian to be a Coward.

XXX.

He fights with a shadow, that fights with a Saint; who can neither be hit, nor hurt; a Christian walks invisible, and is invulnerable; you strike at you know not what; the stone falls short, it never comes near him.

XXXI.

In living as in swimming, the lesser luggage the better; why should I then repine to be eased of what doth hinder? perchance if I had not lost, I had been lost; it is a mercy in a shipwrack to escape naked; what I lament, might have drowned me.

XXXII.

Opportunity comes neither often, nor con∣tinues long; it is good striking while the Iron is hot; to lose the occasion, is the loss of all. I will endeavour to take the fittest time for every action, lest I should slip the season; I cannot promise my self any other opportuni∣ty, than the present; I will hoise Sail while the wind is fair.

XXXIII.

Fortune does often favour the most daring; Nothing venture, nothing have; desperate designs many times succeed, and things be¦yond hope happen; I have known strange re∣sults

of a resolution; while some have sought death, they have found both life and glory; I will look before I leap; then leap at all; he is a Coward that will shun the Combat, where the Crown countervails the Conquest.

XXXIV.

It is uncertain how the Evening proves; who knows whether the Sun will shine at set∣ting; it sometimes goes down clear, and sometimes in a cloud; there is no depending on what is doubtful; since I cannot foresee what may fall out, I will provide for that I can∣not prevent, that I may bring my mind to my condition, when I cannot my condition to my mind.

XXXV.

Divine wrath proceeds to punish by de∣grees, but makes amends for its slowness, with its severity; the longer the blow is fetching, the sorer is the stroke; abused patience turns to fu∣ry; forbearance is no acquittance; I had rather fear before I feel, than feel before I fear.

XXXVI.

He hath every thing that desires nothing; a contented mind is richer than Croesus, or then the Indies; this turns all we touch to gold, and is the only pearle of price, more worth than a World. He is the happy man, that can see and scorn, who does not covet, but contemns, and hath at home, what others seek abroad; what doth he not enjoy, who enjoyes himself?

XXXVII.

Satisfaction lies in proportion, and in pro∣priety; without both there can be no content; what is not fit, or not our own, will never make us happy; that serves best that sutes best, is most comfortable, and most comely; I will shape my Last to my foot; a Shooe too big is uneasie, and too little pinches; what matches the mind, must likewise be the mans, or all is nothing; I may starve for famine, while another hath food to spare; what is that to me, which is not mine?

XXXVIII.

That which is ill-gotten, is usually ill-spent; a covetous Father hath commonly a prodigal son; what the one rakes, the other scatters; he that knows not how to get, knows not how to keep; lightly come, will lightly go; what is gained by ill means, is spent in an ill manner; besides what comes in an unwarrantable way, is not blest, but blasted; how have I seen wealth to waste like butter against the Sun? I have known a curse accompany an Estate, till the canker hath consumed it.

XXXIX.

The Pilot governs the Ship with wisdom, not with violence; not by force, but dexteri∣ty; I will endeavour to do by prudence, what I cannot do by power; where the Lyons skin is too short, the Foxes may serve to piece it; that what the hand could not act, the head may effect; yet will not I separate the Serpent from the Dove.

XL.

A wise man is moderate in prosperity, and in adversity valiant; a great mind is not easi∣ly moved; it is the shrub, not the Cedar, that is shaken with every blast; I like that man, who is the same in a storm, and in a calm; who stands firm in spite of wind and weather; whatever alters, it is alike with him; he changes not with changes.

XLI.

It is more noble to refuse, than to receive; he that accepts, loseth his liberty, and be∣comes a debtor; where I do not need, I had rather deny, than desire; every courtesie is obliging; why should I be bound, when I may be free? yet if I must receive a kindness, I will mind not more what it is, than from whom it comes; I shall not love the Present, where I do not like the Person.

XLII.

Hope the best, think of the hardest, and bear whatever happens; let not thy spirit sink; keep thy head above water, and no danger of drowning; the heart is the fort, which unless surrendred, cannot be taken; I will prepare for a Siege, resolving not to give up whilst I can hold out; and it is in my choice whether I will be Conqueror or conquered; I will not give way to grief; I am not gone till grief gets in; suppose my Cup be sowre, why should I make it more tart with my tears?

XLIII.

Sleep is the image of death, its picture and resemblance: Sleep is but a breathing death, and death a breathless sleep; the greatest dif∣ference is in their age, sleep being the elder brother; why should I fear the one, that with the other am so familiar? I will go to my bed as to my grave, and to my grave as to my bed; it matters not, dust or down, when asleep; I am sure to rise at break a day, and what would I do up sooner?

XLIV.

Every man hath his lot; nothing can be∣fall us, but what was before designed; there is no such thing as chance; our Father hath ap∣pointed his children their several portions, why then am not I satisfied with what comes to my share? what serves others, might serve me; shall I be more dainty, and less dutiful? be∣sides, it is decreed, nor can I change my fate, what was determined, must be done in spite of what opposes.

XLV.

He that knows most, knows little to what he does not know; our knowledge is but in part; a Pismire may puzzle the profoundest wit. I admire at the pride, and impudence of those persons, who think to lade the Ocean with a Cockle-shell, yet are gravelled in a fellow-creature! how may those eyes look against the Sun, which a Candle dazles: I will not pry within the vail, nor search into what is se∣cret; it was therefore hid, that I might not know it; I will wait till it be revealed; in the mean while adore what I cannot comprehend.

XLVI.

It hath much startled me, and wiser men, to see the good fare ill, and the bad fare best; that vertue is neglected, and vice rewarded; but why should I wonder, when bones are thrown to Dogs? were those things good, good men should have them; slaves are paid off with these; my wages will be more, the longer it runs on, and my pay-day will come; I shall soon see how all things have been working for the best, that every River tended to its Ocean, and each Circumference to its Center; that it was the end of every Providence to do me good; it is imperfect what I take asunder; but when all parts are put together, it will ap∣pear beautiful; when what is in the myste∣ry, shall be in the history; and what is now a forming, shall be brought to open view.

XLVII.

Bread and water sufficeth nature; none to these are poor; what is necessary is at hand; every field will afford us food; hunger is not dainty, there needs no sauce to a good stomack;

I will eat to live, not live to eat; to be a slave to my belly, nothing were more below me, or more base; I never thought it worth my study to have my palate pleased; water will quench my thirst, and Wine can do no more.

XLVIII.

In the same vein may be gold and poyson; there are motes in the Sun, and a sting where there is honey; there is nothing pure and un∣compounded; there is a dark side, as well as a bright; conveniencies have their inconvenien∣cies, and comforts their contraries; Roses have their prickles; the sweetest state is but bitter sweet; my happiness lies in my self, I am not the worse for what I want; neither do I think had I more, I should be the more happy.

XLIX.

Leisure without learning is death, and idle∣ness the grave of a living man; it vvas a brave saying of Scipio (and every Scholar can say it) That he vvas never less alone, than vvhen alone. I pity those vvho spend themselves, and mispend their time, in doing nothing, or

vvorse than nothing; vvho are alvvayes ei∣ther idle, or ill employed; I am resolved no day shall pass vvithout a line; let me converse vvith the dead; I desire no better company; Books are the best Companions; I vvill live to learn, and learn to live.

L.

There is none but thinks he must sometime dye, yet vvhen the time comes, he turns his back, and trembles; it is strange that in so long a space vve cannot prepare for so short a vvork, and of so much vveight; this is the last cast, and all lies at stake; it is not so much hovv vve live, as hovv vve dye; he acts vvell, that comes off the stage vvith applause; I vvill endeavour so to perform my part, that at my Exit the Spectators may clap their hands.

LI.

None can grieve much, and grieve long; ex∣tremities are not lasting; the sharpest sorrovv is the soonest spent; vvhat is violent, is not permanent; it vvasts its self, and is quickly gone: What though my sufferings be sharp,

vvhen they are but short! a constant pain is vvorst; a little little vvhile, and all my qualms vvill be over; the other puffe, and then a calm; storms vvill be spent, or else be past.

LII.

That vvhich vvas hard to endure, may be svveet to remember; to repeat a pain is a plea∣sure; vvith vvhat delight vvill a Souldier relate his Conquest? and the poor Mariner vvhen he comes to his Port, vvill please him∣self in recounting his past toyle; vvhat plea∣sure vvill it be to me to see the Sea from the shoar, vvhen I have finished my Voyage, and am landed?

LIII.

There is the most content in a mean condi∣tion; a great Estate is a great burden; vvhat care does it cost in keeping? and he that hath most, hath no more than he enjoyes, besides the trouble; I am of his mind, vvho desired neither riches, nor poverty; betvveen both is best; there is more tranquillity, more security; I vvould not be soo lovv, lest I am trod

on; nor too high, lest I fall; let me not be exposed to contempt, nor vvant content till I envy others.

LIV.

Do not depend upon prosperity, nor yet despair vvhen things go cross; he that sails vvith a fresh and fair gale, cannot tell but the vvind may turn; here is nothing constant but inconstancy; suppose it be not overcast, some∣times it rains, and the Sun shines; yet a man may be so provided, as not to fear a shovvre; vvhatever the Weather is, I vvill keep my Coat about me; if it be vvell novv, it may be vvorse; and if it is not so vvell as it vvas, it may be better than it is.

LV.

Hast thou an ill-hand dealt, mend it by thy play; he hath no reason to complain, that vvins the game; a little stock vvell-husband∣ed, may amount to a great Sum; and vvhat matter, vvhere thou hast it, vvhether it vvere given or gotten; vvhere Providence hath not provided, a man is his ovvn purvior; and if

he please, may please himself. I have known a smoke blown to a flame, and seen the fire go out; some have brought their pence to pounds, and others a Noble to nine pence.

LVI.

The low Cottage stands surer, than the lofty Turrets, less liable to wind and weather; Riches have been a snare to many, who have lost for them, themselves; a fair Estate is but the fairer mark; the bigger Butt to shoot at; the tall Cedar may come down, when the shrub keeps its station; I have seen the surly Oak fall, while the Reed stands.

LVII.

Steer not by the stars; though they may govern thee, yet God governs them; it is true, the heavenly have an influence upon the earthly bodies, and the effect does naturally follow the cause; from such a principle, such a product; yet there is no rule without excepti∣on, and things are oft-times diverted by over∣ruling power; the stream does not alwayes keep its course, and channel••; much must be

allowed to emergencies, and contingencies; I wonder at the boldness of some men, who dare to pry into secrets, and take upon them to dis∣cover Decrees, as if they knew the mind of God, and were of his Cabinet-counsel; they tell you they have their tydings from the stars, as if the stars told tales.

LVIII.

There are none so insolent, as those who are advanced from nothing; set a Beggar on Horse-back, and he will ride; he domineers most, who rises from the Dunghill; his con∣dition being in the extream, his mind cannot keep a mean; and he can never rule right, who cannot rule himself; there is no slavery so in∣tolerable, as to be subject to a vile person; I do not like the Thistle should sway the Scepter.

LIX.

He cannot be proud, that thinks either what he was, or will be; whatever may raise us up, yet dust will keep us down, and dust we are in composition, and shall be in dissolution; the best is but refined earth, but earth at best;

beauty is but skin-deep, within is filth, and pu∣trefaction; a fair outside but fill'd with ashes; the most despised creature is of the same clay with me; if I am put to a nobler use, it is the Potters pleasure; the mettal is the same; though I be better burnished, we are alike in the lump, and shall be when we are broken; if I look but to my feet, the Peacock will let fall his Plumes; I will endeavour to learn what I am, and to remember what I learn; let me never forget my Maker, nor my self.

LX.

The Bee sucks honey out of a stinking Weed, and the Chymist will extract gold out of a baser mettal; a wise man will gain by every thing; his enemies Weapon shall save his life; the Physitian makes a potion of a Vi∣pers; it is not impossible to get good out of evil, neither is the good the worse; why should I value the pearle the less, for being in a Toads head?

LXI.

Rather sin thy self, than cause another to sin; of two evils choose the least; he is the

greatest Traytor, that engageth others in the Treason; the guilt is aggravated, where the crime is compounded; to sin alone, is less a sin; it is a treble offence where I force it; sin∣gle in the person I compell, but double in my self; it is a bad bargain where both are losers.

LXII.

It is a saying more common, than commen∣dable, He knows not how to live, that knows not how to dissemble; though there are few so impudent to plead for it, many by their practice approve it; how is cheating grown a custom? to flatter is to be in the fashion; who can tell the heart by the hand or tongue? most men row one way, and look another. I do not condemn discretion; nor think I am bound to speak the truth at all times, nor all the truth; but my intention must be good, it is the end that mends, or marrs the action; and though plain dealing should dye a Beggar, yet honesty will at last be found the best policy.

LXIII.

Alwayes be doing something, be never idle, rather do and undo, than do nothing; it is bet∣ter to pick straws, than to blow thy fingers; but none can want work, but they who want will; I fear those whose time is now a burden, will have too much cause to call back time; I will not lose a day, lest I want what I lose.

LXIV.

It is in living, as in sailing, whether I sit, or walk, wake or sleep, I still make some way towards my Harbour; my Glass is running, my Taper burning, whether to work by, or to waste; my time spends, how∣ever I spend my time.

LXV.

What uncertainties are poor creatures at, who are sure of nothing, not of themselves; we and ours are still in motion, tending to a center and conclusion; whatever hath a be∣ing, either decayes or dyes; but this is worst

of all, we sometimes lose our comforts before we leave them, they are taken, and we are left to lament their loss; who can tell what a day may bring forth? what alterations have I seen in a lesser space? I have seen it clear, and in an instant overcast; the Wind may soon come about, and the Tyde as soon turn; the World rings changes; it is a poor content which is plac'd in what is perishing, and subject to casu∣alty or corruption; Lord, let me love what I can neither lose, nor over-love.

LXVI.

It is decreed all must dye; some are gone, we are going, and the rest must go; there is no repealing this sentence, nor from it any ap∣peal; neither is the Executioner to be bribed, he scorns Crowns and Scepters; when the Warrant is signed, thou art a dead man, neither tears nor prayers will serve thy turn; Death spares not sexes, sorts nor sizes, all are a∣like to him, who dispatches all; what though my Cottage be convenient, I must turn out; why then should I fix my affection, where I cannot fix my habitation?

LXVII.

Did not my Conscience convince me, I might wonder what need Philip had of a Mo∣nitor, with his Memento mori; it is strange that we living among Tombs, should forget to dye; every creature may serve for a remem∣brancer to mind us of what we are made of, be∣sides those sad spectacles still in view, which are more lively emblems of mortality; me∣thinks we may hear them say, as you are, so were we; as we are, you must be.

LXVIII.

What a bustle do some men make, who are snatched away of a sudden in the midst of their pride and folly? the stir they keep upon the stage, and in an instant the Curtains drawn, and their part is done; the Prince must put off his Robes, and he who thought a World too little, hath but his length of ground.

LXIX.

I have observed those are nearest their end, who have obtained their ends; when what was proposed, is performed, and men begin to please themselves, then Death steps in, and divides stakes; it is best to sit loose from eve∣ry thing, to be indifferent in what we do enjoy; why should we promise, and expect to be dis∣appointed?

LXX.

How does experience disprove the Proverb, That stollen goods are sweet; the little satis∣faction to be found in an unlawful pleasure, in the fruition there is a reflection, which takes off the edge of our appetite, and blunts our joy; what content can there be in that for which Conscience smites? I will reckon with∣in the Hive there are stings, as well as honey, sin will end in sorrow; Lord, when I am tem∣pted to that which is not warrantable, let me consider the cost, and see whether the account will bear it; shall I delight in that which con∣cludes in grief and groans? why should I buy Repentance at so dear a rate?

LXXI.

As the Tree falls, so it lies; as Death leaves us, so judgment finds us; how should we gird up our selves, when at the end of the Race is either Heaven or Hell, and there is no setting out again; should we miscarry novv, vve are lost for ever, it vvill be too late to mend? that had need to be vvell, vvhich is but once done; I do not think there is another space to live our lives over; I vvill therefore act as for Eterni∣ty, as one that hath but a cast for all; I pity those vvho put their Repentance to hazard of a Purgatory, supposing there vvere such a place, it vvere better to pay our debts, than to go to Prison.

LXXII.

It vvas a smart saying of the Pirate to Alex∣ander, I am accounted a Thief, because vvith one Vessel I rob a sevv, vvhilst you that with your Army vvaste all, are called by another name; that is theft in a private person, vvhich makes a Prince a Conqueror; the one comes to the Gallovvs by the same means, the other gets glory; not but he vvhose thefts are great∣est,

must needs be the greatest thief; neither is he less deserving punishment that steals by day, than he that steals by night; this is the rea∣son the revvard is not the same, vvhere there is no lavv, there is no transgression.

LXXIII.

By much laughter thou mayst knovv a fool; it deforms the face, and no less the mind; a great spirit is not easily moved, nor a solid sub∣stance soon stirred; it is the unballasted Ves∣sel that mounts with every wave, to be sudden∣ly affected argues a frothy spirit; it shews lit∣tle discretion, sometimes to express our joyes. I have known some, whose wit hath exceeded their wisdom, so tickled with their own con∣ceits, that while they would in a Jest be count∣ed witty, have given occasion to be in earnest taxed of folly.

LXXIV.

More than enough is poyson, nature is soon satisfied; too much meat does but clog, and oppress the stomack; what is not necessary to keep alive, does but hurt and destroy; a million more dyes of surfet, than of hunger; more by

food, than famine; as the Troculus serves the Crocodile, so death serves us; it usually goes in at our mouths that kills us.

LXXV.

Drink not to intemperancy, too much liquor will put out the fire; besides other ef∣fects of drunkenness, which is both a sin and shame; what will he not do, who knows not what he does; and how much is it below a man to unman himself? what more unseemly sight, than to see a beast in humane shape? nay, a beast is not so unreasonable.

LXXVI.

The abuse does not hinder the use of any thing in its self lawful; the best may be abu∣sed, and the best corrupted proves worst; as the sweetest Wine makes the sowrest Vineger; there is nothing good but in its season; I will look to the time, as much as to the thing; as that may be bad to another, which is not so to me, so neither may it be alwayes bad.

LXXVII.

In things indifferent it is good to deny our selves; all that is lawful, may not be expedi∣ent; it is more safe not to make use (some∣times) of our liberty, than to go to the last link; none but a fool will come as near danger as he can; a wise man will keep at a distance; who knows the force of a temptation? it is hard to turn in a narrow Room; he that will do all he may, will soon do more; besides, I verily believe most men lose themselves in lawful things, and are undone, in doing that which may be done; it is not enough a thing is good, if not good for me; a circumstance may alter the case, and make an action sinful.

LXXVIII.

He that lies upon the ground can fall no lower; this is the security of a mean conditi∣on, it is without fear of changes; it may be better, but cannot well be worse; the shrub cannot fall far; happen what will, he that is poor is safe; he shrowds himself under his own obscurity, and is guarded by his poverty; let

Wind, or Tyde, or both turn, it cannot injure him.

LXXIX.

The punishment thou deservest bear pati∣ently; it were injustice to repine, if justly pu∣nished; blame none but the crime, and thy self; thou hast thy due, what wouldest thou then desire? there is no reason thou shouldst have either less or more; the penalty bearing proportion with the offence, what fault can the offender find?

LXXX.

If thy suffering be undeserved, be not on∣ly patient, but chearful; kiss the Rod, and bid the affliction welcom; scorn to flinch; when thou seest the blow, it were a shame to stir or startle; if thou dost suffer for well-doing, do not grieve, but glory; it is matter of joy and triumph; consider but from whom it comes, for what, and for whom; I will take all in good part, that comes from my Father, as it comes to me in love; why should I be troubled at that which is for my good, or what I endure for him? I know my Cross will prove my Crown, I will therefore smart, and smile.

LXXXI.

He that spends more than he needs, may need what he spends. Prodigality is the greatest folly; no wonder if he that wasts, wants; he is the wise man, who in plenty pro∣vides for a day of scarcity, and layes up for a wet day; that lives within himself; saving is the best way of getting, all is sure gain; it is good walking with a Horse in ones hand; what is the end of profuseness, but a Prison, or a Halter?

LXXXII.

To be over frugal, argues a poor and mean spirit; such are good to none, not to others, nor to themselves; a man hath but what he enjoyes; for any thing more, he is not much the better; what we make use of, is only ours, the rest signifies little, and is little less anothers; as I would not be lavish, so neither will I live so much below my fortunes, as to be their slave; I abhor what is base and beggerly, and scorn more a person of a poor spirit, than the poorest person.

LXXXIII.

That falls out sometimes in a day, which never fell out before; it does not follow what never was, shall never be; unlikely things are brought to pass, and who can tell what may happen? what alterations have I seen? such as no ear (till now) hath heard of; who could imagine the changes which of late have been? it is not mine only, but the Worlds wonder; what hath been, may be? I will not then presume, here is nothing constant, neither can I be certain of any thing.

LXXXIV.

Avoid sloath, if thou wouldst avoid scorn; shame is the reward of a sluggard; idleness will bring thee to want and beggary; there is nothing of price and value, but what is pur∣chased by sweat and pains; they are pebbles, not pearls, which are to be had for stooping; gold is not got by gaping, nor honour without toyle and hazard; it is working earns the wages, and running wins the race; fighting makes way for conquest, and conquest for the

triumph; without striving, is got neither gold, nor glory.

LXXXV.

As you season the Vessel, so it smells; bend the Twig while it is young, the soft Wax will take any impression, but delay may make that difficult, which was at first easie; it is better dealing with a child, than with custom; let the seed be good thou sowest, or Weeds will be all thy Crop; the ground will bring forth Wheat or Tares, upon thy husbandry very much de∣pends thy harvest.

LXXXVI.

It is as unreasonable as dangerous to defer a∣mendment, till we can sin no more; no thanks then, sin leaves us, not we sin; shall we spend the day in the Devils drudgery, and put off God with the evening? shall Satan have the flower, and God have the bran; he that de∣serves all, surely deserves best; we need not fear to begin too soon, that cannot do too much; I never heard of any good too young, or too good.

LXXXVII.

It is as ridiculous, as unreasonable, to put off Repentance to old age; what a folly is it to leave the hardest work to the weakest time? we shall find it work enough then to grapple with our distempers & disease; enough to do to dye; besides, though true Repentance is never too late, yet late Repentance is seldom true.

LXXXVIII.

He that will divulge his own secrets, never trust with thine; how can he that is false to himself, be true to thee? neither is any fit to make a friend, who hath not this retentive fa∣culty; it were folly in any to make such a choice, and the greatest treachery to betray, wherein there is imposed confidence; I think no wrack can force me to commit this unpardonable sinne; I will not know what I may not keep, but will keep what I know.

LXXXIX.

There is nothing I more abhor, than a back∣biter; this is the very worst of Vermine; these the incendiaries and fire-brands of a Na∣tion; the Salamanders that live in the flames; it is a cowardly part to come behind, and be∣low a man of mettal; I will scorn to take any advantage of my greatest enemy, he shall see the blow when I strike it, and before he feels it; neither will I make a party against a single per∣son, it is childish to complain; what hath ano∣ther to do with my wrong? besides the in∣justice to condemn without witness, or at least confession; evidence cannot be taken, but face to face; he that passeth any other sentence, is a Murderer, not a Judge.

XC.

Blame not another wherein thou art blame-worthy; thou canst not accuse him, but thou dost shame thy self; in his fault, thou mayst see thy own; the same Glass will discover both thy face and his; you are cast by your own confession, and condemned out of your

own mouth; should I reprove, and be guilty, my Conscience would check me no less for hy∣pocrisie, than for the Crime I enveigh against; neither is a party a competent Witness.

XCI.

I have read of those that have laughed till they have dyed; but have seen some laugh till they have cryed; hence I conclude, that mirth in its extream is madness; I pity those who go merrily to execution, and dye laughing; give me that joy which ends not in tears, that joy which hath no end; why should I drink of puddle water, when I may follow the stream to the Ocean.

XCII.

Hast thou a breathing time, it is to fit thee for the next encounter; do not think thy foes though they flee, are fovled; Satan hath his stratagems, it is his craft to conceal his cou∣rage; he is not routed when he retreats; his flying is but in order to a further fighting, and goes back only that he may return with greater force; I will still stand upon my guard, lest I

should be surprized, an enemy is not to be trusted.

XCIII.

Do not depend too much upon prosperity; Clouds may return, the Sun may be eclipsed, and the day overcast; suppose the wind be now fair, it may come cross, and the gale against thee; I have known some blown back to Sea, when within sight of shore; and others arri∣ved at the Haven of a supposed happiness, and mored at Anchor, have I seen shipwrackt in the Harbour.

XCIV.

Conveniencies have their inconveniencies, and comforts their crosses; thousands have found sorrow from whence they looked for satisfaction; and proportionable to the expecta∣tion, is the disappointment; the fear of losing what we have, takes off much from the delight in enjoying; besides creatures cannot perform as they promise us, or we our selves; why should I catch at a shadow, or set my heart up∣on that which is not; a Glass is not a Diamond, it may cut, but cannot content.

XCV.

Prepare for the worst, the best will help it self; if what thou fearest fall not out, thou art made amends for thy lost labour; fewer words cannot imply more folly, than to say I never thought; it were better to see and shun, than to feel the stroak, rather prevent than repent. I will have my Armour ready, though I do not use it, lest I enter the lists naked; I will expect, and I shall the better withstand the shock; what though the Sea be smooth, the wind may rise of a sudden? a Calm is the fit∣test time to get my tackling ready against en∣suing storms.

XCVI.

It is a comfort in misery to have a compani∣on; good company makes foul way fair; be∣sides, the stream being divided, is the less vio∣lent; a burden is better born by two, than by a single shoulder; yet would I not desire ano∣thers misery, though it make me the less mise∣rable; I had rather suffer alone, than have a partner in sin and suffering.

XCVII.

Ask forgiveness where thou hast offended; it is more base to do an injury, than to beg par∣don; it is ingenuity to acknowledge, but to persist argues a froward spirit, and makes the crime double; it were a shame should the wronged party seek for peace; the fault I have committed, I will not think it below me to confess; why should I engage in a bad cause? there is no necessity I must be a Coward, or not a Christian.

XCVIII.

Where the wrong is mutual, and both too blame, let each condescend to other, and meet half way; set injury against injury, and the account is balanced; and if so, it were as good to give a general discharge, as to receive and pay; why should there be a difference, when the fault is equal? it is a folly to fall out for nothing; there needs no more but to shake hands, and friends; blowing will not quench the fire; when the enmity is over▪ what mat∣ter who strikes sail first? if one must, why not I? why should I be conquered by courte∣sie,

and let another prove himself the better man?

XCIX.

It is natural to erre, but to persist therein Devilish; we have our dark side, as well as our bright; our night, as well as day; the clearest-sighted may be mistaken, the worst is when the mistake is maintained. I have known some convinced of their sin, yet will not confess for shame; Conscience must give way to credit; if I am out of my way, it were better I went back than go on wrong. I had rather be ac∣counted a fool by others, than find I had fool∣ed my self; I may be weak, I will not be wil∣ful.

C.

A publick offence requires a publick ac∣knowledgment; others must be satisfied as well as thy self; I have seen how some can leap from one extream to another, with the greatest ease, and without the least regret; as if what∣ever cause they undertook, must be therefore good; I will not think much to recant, when I have cause to repent; he that escapes the pe∣nalty, may well undergo the pennance.