The first part of youths errors. Written by Thomas Bushel, the superlatiue prodigall

To the Honourable and right vertuous, THOMAS, Lord Windsor, my very good Lord.

Excellent Peere,

LIttle did I ima∣gine, or your Lorship ex∣pect, to see my name come vnder the Presse;

which as yet is to me a won∣der, so likewise it must needs bee to your Honour a mira∣cle, that knowes both my life and breeding, to haue nei∣ther language, Latine tongue, nor, vpon my salua∣tion, the helpe of any co-ad∣iutor; but as it is written those things which appear vnpossible to mans appre∣hension, * 1.1 are nothing to God vnsearchable wisedome. O∣therwise your Lordshi•• might suspect the Authour for I mistrusted my selfe, vn∣till

I had reade the saying, that God is able to make the dumbe to speake, * 1.2 the blind to see, and the lame to goe; wherein he hath shewed the splendor of his diuine proui∣dence on me base and vn∣worthy creature, to see more clearely through my match∣lesse offences; for that now I constantly beleeue, there is no forgiuenesse without true repentance, nor no true re∣pentance without confessi∣on, contrition, satisfaction, and amendment; which

made me presume to patro∣nize the first fruits of my re∣tirednesse vnder your Lord∣ships name; as a legasie of my loyall dutie to your ho∣nour, preuention of others, and in my obedience to that good God, * 1.3 who requires an open confession, for a pub∣lique transgression. VVhere∣in if I shall verifie our Saui∣ours words to giue Caesar his due, * 1.4 I must acknowledge vnder God your noble rela∣tion of a monasticke life, was the greatest inducement I re∣ceiued

from mortalist to∣wards my regeneration. So that if I haue mounted too high in sheltring my weake ••aboures vnder your Lord∣ships vertues; let me beg a fauourable censure, and attri∣bute rather forgetfulnesse to ••ngratitude, than my for∣wardnesse to presumption: for beleeue me (honoured Lord) had I not fortunately ••ist your faire hand before departure, my zealous fide∣••itie was so mixt with the ••regs of mortalitie; that cer∣tainly

vpon my companion reuolt, * 1.5 I had fallen like a do•• to his vomit and ruinated my owne soule. But thanks b•• to the diuine prouidence, by a shorter cut I haue met with contentment, ended my tra∣uels, discarded my pleasures and circled the earth. Fo•• Christ knowes my ambitio•• was neuer higher then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 poore remote Caue or de∣sert Cell, where if these illit∣terate-deiected lines should reflect a likeing in you Lordships iudicious rea∣ding;

I am confident by Gods assistance, future en∣••eauours might edifie o∣••••ers: especially when my ••eregrination shall vnder∣••tand of your religious ap∣••robation, whose honoura∣••le opinion I esteeme more ••en mortall creature; not for ••••at your noble apprehensi∣••n exceedes all men; but by ••eason your internall fidelitie ••quals the best of men; which ••ccording to my simple ••udgement carries a greater ••enediction and clearer re∣uelation

of Gods fauou•• then all other vertues: how soeuer if the tributary praie•• of a sinfull Beadsman ca•••• encrease your Lordships im∣mortall glory. I am confi∣dent God multiplies you honours daily.

Your obliged and de∣uoted seruant THO. BVSHEL

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mar 10.27.
• * 1.2

  Luk. 7.22.
• * 1.3

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 5.16.
• * 1.4

  ••at. 22.21.
• * 1.5

  Pro. 26.11.