MORAL VII.
FOrtitude is a Cardinal Vertve, And Virtus in medio posita. Vertue has her habitation, and being in the Mean, where∣fore to consider Fortitude as she is passive here, she is that Vertue that moderateth Grief, whereby a Man undantedly undergoes difficulties, and bears things that are averse to his naturall Disposition with a patient mind, and a preparation or Fortification to That, and Active Fortitude is called Reso∣lution. The excesse of Fortitude is Rashnesse and too much Boldnesse; The defect thereof, is Timiditie, and too much Softnesse. Perfect Fortitude is conversant with terrible things with an unshaken mind for honestie's sake, for a good Cause: That which is imperfect Fortitude is either Irrationall, by which he runs into Dangers at unawars, not Knowing the greatnesse of their mischief, so unexperienc't men are Soul∣diers; Or Civil, as he that is bred in the Lawes for the maintenance of the same, and for Reward defends Coun∣trey Rights; Or Experimentall, by which a man goes into and frequenteth dangers, that he hath often past through and overcome with the paralogisme of a hope, that he shall still escape, he shall still have the better on't; Or Irascible, by which a man burning with desire of Revenge leaps into Perill. Or Fiduciary, whereby a man assists, or rescues ano∣ther; Or Mercenary, whereby a man acteth stoutly for a Reward; Or Feminine, by which a man is as couragious, as A Lion in defending his Own, and as hardy as a Cock in de∣fending Anothers. The most of these are Imperfect. That onely is perfect Fortitude, which expresseth Valour in a good Cause; The witnesse in that Cause is the Conscience; The Law is Reason, whose maxime and Principles are from Reli∣gion. How can that be without Religion, which adapteth to it. No Religion without Faith. Faith then is not onely the