[ 784] Profit, is the great god 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the World.
IT was the usuall demand,* 1.1 of one of the wisest amongst the Roman▪ Judges, Cossius (sirnamed the Severe) in all causes of doubt, in matters of fact, about the person of the Delinquent, Cui bono? who gained by the bargain? on whose side lay the advantage? assuring himself, that no man of understanding, would put himself into any dishonest, or dangerous action, without hopes of reaping some fruit by it: As also, that there can be no enterprise, so beset with difficulties and dangers, which some men, for apparent hope of great gain and profit, would not go through with. And it is very true, no arguments conclude so necessarily, in the opinion of the greater part of men,* 1.2 as that which is drawn, ab utili; Profit is the great god of the world: Haec omnia tibi dabo, was the Topick place the devill made use of, above all other, when he tempted our Saviour. Profit is a bait, that all bite at. Hence is that Maxim of the Parthians,* 1.3 Nulla sides, nisi prout expedit, No faith or keeping touch with any thing, but as it maketh for advantage. Iustice and honesty, religion and conscience, may be pretended; but that which turneth the ballance, and carryeth the greatest sway in all concernments, is the matter of profit and emolument.