An introduction to pietie and humanitie containing, first, a short catechisme for vnderstanding the grounds of religion: secondly, certaine briefe and effectuall rules for life and conuersation. Penned specially for the vse of the poore children of Christ's Hospitall in London: but generallie may serue for any other that would be instructed therein. By Gregorie Brovvne.

OF BEHAVIOVR ABROAD in seruice.

VVHEN thou art abroad in seruice remember and practise diligently the counsell of God, which saith, Seruants, be obedient and subiect vnto them that are your masters, and please them in all things good and lawfull (for otherwise, better it is to obey God then man) not with eie-seruice, as men pleasers, but in singlenes of hart fearing God; and whatsoeuer you do, do it hartily as to the Lord, and not vnto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receaue the reward.

Therefore, saith he, be not answerers a∣gaine, nor saucy, be not pickers nor purloy∣ners, but shew all good faithfulnes, & faith∣full diligence as vnto thy father, yea as vnto the Lord himselfe, who serued for vs, a ser∣uant to all, that hee might wi••ne all from slauery, and seruice of sin & Sathan. Remem∣ber among many, the duties of thy calling, as thou art a seruant; these foure especiallie are required of thee. First, faithfulnes voide of fraud, and filthy flattery; Secondly, dili∣gence void of sloth and grudging; Thirdly, to seeke and procure their profit and good, before thine own profit or pleasure; Fourth∣ly, to be silent and secret, not answering a∣gaine rudely and saucily, nor reuealing their secrets abroad; therefore it is wittily said by one, that a good seruant should haue the back of an Asse to beare patiently; the snout of a Swine to feed homely; the tongue of a sheepe to keepe silence gently. Or thus, To haue large eares to heare readilie, a short tongue, speaking seldome; and truly light feete, swift in seruice and message; & cleane hands void of pilfering and cousenage.

Take pains in youth while strength dost last, Then rest in age when health is past.

Be loath to offen, be diligent to please, Be willing to amend, of sufferance comes ease. Good paine•• breedeth honor, true ••ertue getteth fame, Sloth bringeth miserie, and vice ••ternall shame. A youth void of industrie, An age void of honestie. Where vice in youth doth beare the sway, There vertues will in age decay. A youth well instructed, Makes an age wel•• disposed. H•• that in youth, by reas•••• guides his daies, In age shall keepe his footsteps from decayes.

Notes

• Col. 3. 22.
• T••••. 2. 9.