§. Sect. 1 That the end of euery thing is to be prefer∣red before the meanes which are destinated vnto it.
ACcording to the rules of reason, wee e∣steeme the end of al things to be the best, and to be preferred before the things which are destinated to the atchieuing of it; and euery thing as it doth more of lesse conduce hereunto, so doth it gaine or lose a higher place in the worke of ex∣cellency; because that which aduanceth the end, most furthereth that which is most to be desired, namely, perfection and fruition. Thus the end of Physicke is health, and therefore, that Physicke is to be esteemed best, which most soundly and surely confirmeth or re∣couereth it. The end of Lawe is Iustice, that euery man may quietly inioy his owne, and therefore, that Law and practice of it, is to be chiefely estee∣med (not which through the helpe of Sophisticall wit and audacious skill, filleth the Lawyers purse, by protracting suites, and hindering or de∣laying the course of Iustice, but) which best helpeth the Clyent to the spee∣diest and surest recouery of his right. The end of Warre is Peace, and therefore, that warre to be preferred, which being iust, alwaies endeth in such a peace as is sure, secure and permanent. Thus man, being the end of all vnreasonable creatures in the heauens and earth, they being made for his vse and benefit, is in this regard to be aduanced in excellency aboue them all; and euery creature to be esteemed more or lesse good; as they more or lesse tend to mans benefit and blessednesse. And finally, because Almighty God is the supreme end, he is also the chiefe Good, and all creatures to be esteemed in worth and excellency, as they most serue for the magnifying of their Lord and Creator, and the aduancement of his glory for which end they haue their being.