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PLutarch in the life of Alexander the Great, writes of a Woman brought to a Serpentine and poy∣sonous natur••, by feeding ordinarily on Serpents. This hath so••e r••s••mblance with this tale, whose Morall is•• that man should carefully, guard himselfe from others, and from himselfe: From others, because though we come neere sin, with a purpose to punish it; yet being full of contagion, the effect is hazardous:
much more when wee conuerse with it daily; as they witnesse, who keeping company with pro∣phane, dissolute, and blasphemou•• persons, doe often come out such themselues, seldome otherwise. Be∣ware therefor•• of euill company, and euill custome. To walke in the counseil of the wicked, leads you to stand in the way of sinners, and caus••th you to sit in the seate of scorners. To conuerse with Hereticks vnder whatsoeuer pretence is dangerous. Thus there∣fore guard your selfe from outward inuasion, from others; but keepe one eye to looke inward. The worst company is at home, within a mans selfe. His senses stirred vp to pleasure, are so many Serpents in his bo∣some, seeking his destruction: neither will they easily bee charmed. The sting of sinne is sweet, but deadly•• Set your vnsanctified app••tite and will to gouerne these, and you are vndone. The flesh will let in the world and the deuill, in stead of God and Heauen. But let your sanctified Reason bee your gouernour, and you are safe at home and abroad. Mortifie there∣fore your members which are on the earth; fornication, vncleannesse, the inordinate aff••ction, euill concupiscence, and couetousnesse, which is Idolatry, &c. The place of greatest danger where your foe may land and enter, is the Cinque-ports, the fiue senses: watch therefore ouer these, and ouer our affections, and you are safe.
ut. in vit•• ex•• mag.
Psal. 1
p Colo c•• 3. v.