Mixt contemplations in better times by Thomas Fuller ...

IV. At last.

A Ladie of quality formerly for∣ward to promote our Civil Warres, and whose well-intending Zeal had sent in all her Plate to Guild∣hall, was earnestly discoursing with a Divine concerning these Times a little before Dinner; Her face respe∣cting the Cup-bord in the Room▪ which was furnished with plenty of pure Venice Glasses: Now (said she) I plainly perceive, that I and many of my Iudgement have been abused with the specious Pretences of Liberty and Religion, 'till in the undiscreet pursu∣ance thereof we are almost fallen into Slavery and Atheisme.

To whom the other betwixt jest and earnest replyed; Madam, it is no wonder, that now your eyes are ope∣ned: for so long as this cup-bord was full of thick and massie Plate, you could

perceive nothing through them; but now so many clear and transparent Glasses are substituted in their room, all things are become obvious to your In∣tuition.

The possessing of superfluous Wealth, sometimes doth hinder our clear apprehensions of matters; like a Pearl in the eye of the Soul, preju∣dicing the sight thereof; whilest po∣verty may prove a good Collyrium, or Eye salve unto us, to make a true dis∣covery of those things we know not before.