Kaina kai palaia Things new and old, or, A store-house of similies, sentences, allegories, apophthegms, adagies, apologues, divine, morall, politicall, &c. : with their severall applications / collected and observed from the writings and sayings of the learned in all ages to this present by John Spencer ...

Unhappy Prosperity, happy Adversity. [ 1176]

IT is a Philosophical observation of Turtle Doves and some other birds,* 1.1 that use to take their flights into other parts beyond the Seas, that if the South∣wind blow, they will be sure of a good guide to direct them; but if the wind be Northward, then they venture of themselues, without any conduct at all: This may note unto us the unhappy Prosperity of the Wicked,* 1.2 and the happy Adversity of the Godl••; He that spreads his sailes before the Southwind of Pro∣sperity, blowing honours, riches, and preferment into his lap, had need of a good Pilot, the special Counsel of God to lead him, and the extraordinary mercies

of God to support him,* 1.3 if ever he intend to arrive at the port of eternall blisse: Whereas he that sets out whilest the North-wind of Adversity and trouble beats fiercely upon him, minds his way, rides through the storm, well knowing that the way to Heaven is by the gates of Hell, and that by many tribulations he must and shall at last enter into happinesse.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Pet. Berchorii Re••. moral.
• * 1.2

  Luxuriant ani∣mi rebus ple∣run{que} secundis▪ Ovid. 2 Art.
• * 1.3

  Omnis qui ad Paradisum re∣dire desiderat, ••p••rtet tran∣••••re per ignem et aquam, &c. Aug. in Serm. ad Lippium.