The Worlds Deceitfulnesse and Treachery. [ 1367]
IT is said of the City of Athens,* 1.1 that it was a goodly place for a Philosopher to passe through, for there he should see and hear many things that might bet∣ter his understanding, (it being as it were the Nurse and Mother of all Learn∣ing) but it was not good for him to stay there, because he could hardly live in safety: So may it well be said of this World, that if a Man do but onely passe through it,* 1.2 he may behold many admirable works of God to better his knowledg; but if he take up his abode here, then he is in jeopardy of his life; For the World salutes Passengers after a friendly manner, and bids them welcome, but with that Proviso to his Servants, which Iudas gave to his Complices, Whomsoever I shall kisse, that is he, hold him fast;* 1.3 treacherously kissing and killing them, en∣tertaining them with a Smile, but sending them home not by Chearing-, but by weeping-crosse: It gives them for a while the liberty of the house, to call for what they list, they may have all the deadly sins at their service; but they shall have a cutting reckoning in the end:* 1.4 Conscience keeps the barre, and will make them pay with a Witnesse: For in the very height of their Contentments, they shall be arrested upon an action of Riot,* 1.5 and (if Gods great mercy prevent not) be cost into Hell without bayl or mainprize, for ever.