Logoi eukairoi, essayes and observations theologicall & morall. Wherein many of the humours and diseases of the age are discovered, and characteriz'd: divers cautions and directions præscribed for the avoidance of their infection, and the promotion of their cure. Together with some meditations & prayers adjoyn'd, serving to the same purpose. / By a student in theologie.

Of Vanity in Society and Discourse.

* 1.1 I Have wondered much at some mens choise of their company (and the same Christians, and as they think, good ones too.) How many of them are unequally yoaked together (in respect of elected so∣ciety) with (I say not Infidells, yet) unbelievers in a true sense? To omit the assembly of scoffers, to whō with David I would not have my soule joyned; I cannot choose my companions and friends, as do some (who yet thinke not them∣selves of that Tribe:) nor can I thinke any man unworthy my acquaintance, because hee wants wit; nay rather I feare some that have it, & that not out of any inca∣pacity of being pleased with their society, but out of an Experience of not being profited. I value much

acutenesse in discourse, but I would not have my meat seaso∣ned with poysoned salt: and when things are admirable for the sub∣stance, I cannot deride them for their dresse. Neither can I discerne any thing I dare laugh at in such a saying as this; One graine of grace is more worth then a pound of wit.

I know, some men feare it would bee a Disparagement to their parts, to converse with one of weaker than themselves: but (come what will of it) I hold it my duty, when opportunity pre∣sents mee with one such, and I do it with delight. I can thanke God, who hath made me differ from another, without any arrogant insultation over him: and doe not tell him, I pitty his ignorance, but earnestly indea∣vour to redresse it. I can receive

his discourse without exploding the weaknesse of i••▪ and am not provoked to upbraid him, if he ap∣apprehend not mine; yea rather, correct the error my selfe, and fit my future speech to his capaci∣ty

But, alas! How much beside their purpose (and, I would That were all) are most Christians whole society and discourse? I shall not here mention correpti∣ons, advices, private exhortations and incouragements (those maine businesses of society) to all which Christians are as much oblieged, as they doe neglect them: How many seeme to thinke all rationa∣lity to consist in risibility, and the imployment of their time to ap∣prehend or make matter whereon to exercise that faculty? How many hope for high esteeme by setting at nought a weak brother; or,

it may bee, by making him ap∣peare so, who is stronger than themselves? I tremble to thinke how some can talke to the griefe of those, whom God hath wounded: and many who doe not so them∣selves, yet without scruple give their assent, and sometimes their applause too, to those that doe. I reduce my thoughts from this sad subject: only I am confident, if So∣lomon himselfe (who so much com∣mended cheerfulnesse) were now on earth, and S^t Paul (who bade us alwaies rejoyce) what men now a∣dayes delight in as facetious dis∣course, they would with joynt votes condemne for mad, if not devilish mirth.

Caution.

LEast my reader should thinke some things in this too arrogant

for me to spake of my selfe: I shall not oblige him to believe that I am every whit as I there described, but that I passionately desire it. I begge of his charity also to apply this Caution to what other expression else where in my Booke, hee may thinke needs it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Obs: 10.