Cheap Riches, OR A Pocket-Companion, Made of Five hundred Proverbial Aphorisms, etc. as the next ensuing page will more particularly notify. Prov. 20 14. Naught; Naught, saith the Buyer: but when he is gone away, than he boasts. Chap. 3 14. For the Merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of Silver, and the Gain thereof than fine Gold. By nathanael Church. London, Printed by S. G. to be sold at the Bear and Fountain in Cheapside, 1657. The Contents of the Book. 200 Golden say by Henery Church. 300 Silver sayings, and the Conscionable Politician, by nathanael Church. To the Honourable, William Pen, Vice-admiral to the English Navy, whom God preserve and prosper. Honoured Sir, YOur favourable Expressions of tender Charity to me, have neither been few nor small; the Commemoration whereof might well command your unworthy Servant into a better and larger Testimony of your noble Generosity, & my humble Acknowledgement. But I must act now not according to your meritorious Worth, but my slender Ability. 'Tis pity that should lose any thing, but what is not worth a Keeping: much less than should well-do●… pass thankless on Earth, which goes not rewardlesse in Heaven. Sir, I cannot crowd your Beneficence into an Epistle, nor Gods miraculous Memorials into the most voluminous Folio. 'Tis not unknown what a anguishing Distemper persecuted me from Country to City; banished me from shore, and almost from myself; gave me many Months Chase at Sea, emptied me of comfort, & filled me with Complaints: In so much as a Pining Body and a repining Soul (the Lord forgive me) were mine inseparable Companions for a long time. But I will be discontented at nothing but my own Discontent. Ever since I was your Honour's Weak and Worthless Chaplain in the Lion, Centurion, Fairfax, Triumph, and the James, I wanted nothing but Thankfulness; nor could I complain of any thing but my ownVnbeliefe. I was among you in fear, & weakness, and much trembling, that I may borrow Paul's words 1 Cor. 2.3. though I cannot utter them in that more spiritual sense, that He doth. But I may well sing to God, Psal. 103.1,2,3,4,5. verses, and I pray God make my Life (which he hath graciously lengthened) a Comment upon the whole Psalm. When I think of my Restoratives for Soul and Body, that Counsel, Encouragement and Comfort, which your prudent Head, your tender Eye, your honest heart, your liberal Hand, your faithful Tongue administered unto me, I say (from the soul of a Nathanael) For my Life I cannot thank you too much, nor GOD enough And indeed, while I am telling you stories of your own kind-heartedness, methinks I hear you reply on this poor crooked Stoper, look up higher to the LIVING GOD, & say to that the same CELESTIAL EXCELLENTISSIMO, What shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men! Job 7.20. What shall I render to the Lord for All his benefits towards me? Ps. 116. ●…. I have tried many helps for my Recovery, but all to no purpose. Now I feel, and find that the Lords way is in the Sea, and his Path in the mighty waters, and his footsteps are not known, Psal. 77. ●…. To this good and great God (from whose Ocean you borrow your streams of Bounty) I recommend your Honour, and all yours, both by Sea and Land, humbly desiring him to bind up your Soul in the Bundle of Life, to let the Blessing of Him that was ready to perish come upon you (as Job 9.3.) The LORD Register you into the Number of those whose Bowels yearn to the distressed, whose Hands open to the Afflicted, and whom None is able to reward, but He, who hath Most and deserves All, yet is contented with a little in sincerity; in whom I rest, Your Honours often engaged And still indebted, Nathanael Church. Prevention to the Reader. FRiends, do not think that these brief Sentences were drawn out of those Texts of Scripture quoted after them. For the Say were written some Years before any Quotations were made. And those places of Scripture were only set down to show how near these rational Maxims come to divine Verity, and how nigh Kin Faith and Reason are. I Call my Father's Golden say, and my own Silver, because his have the Priority, not only of Time, but also of Estimate: and besides mine Excel his in Nothing but Number, as Children do the Parents, and as Stars do the Sun and Moon. As for my own Sentences, they have little or nothing in them that I have begged, or borrowed. Nay I fear, it will be said, that they have too much of myself in them. But though they are like the Cobweb, spun out of my own Bowels, yet some of them well applied may stench a bleeding Conscience. They are (most of them) common Notions, but never the worse for that: For the Sun, the Day, the Air, the Fire, the Water, the Earth, and the Gospel are not the worse for being common, but the better. Boni proprium est esse common, 'tis proper to that which is good, to be common: And that which does good to many, is more excell●… and more divine, (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as Aristot.) then that, that does good to one only. They are Trilineals, or three lines a piece (most of them) and so more portable for the Memory. They are Pentad's, or just five in a Page: so that a man, (though straightened in Time, notwithstanding) may read to a Period presently, & carry a Theme to think on with him, as an Antidote against worse thoughts. The very blank Spaces between them will prove advantageous to one that has any Good-husbandry, for there he may interscribe any other compendious Apothegme, at Pleasure and Leisure. As for my failings, I hope they will prove either but ordinary, or but few. But I could wish this were the worst use I had made of my Pen, I hope 'tis not the best. And he that every day doth mend, Shall sure be perfect in the end Much good may they do thee, Who ever thou art, Friend or Foe: so says He, who is (in his Prayers to God for thee,) Thine, (whether thou wilt or no) N. C. To the Reader. READER, The hast here a little Cabinet, Or Jewels rare: a precious Ring be set With richest Stones: a Nosegay that doth yield A sweet and fragrant Smell. Each common Field Hath not such Flowers as these. To tell thee true, Here's nothing doth accost thee, but what's new. These are not Foreign Proverbs Englished: N● sure: they are all Britain's born and breed. READER, thou'lt say, having read th' Adages The Author's MASTER OF THE SENTENCES. Edw: Hicks M.A. utriusque Academiae. To the Reader. REeader, thoust here a birth, which as I gather, For it's conception owes to Son and Father: An Issue which for'ts Mid wifery doth stand mixedly indebted both to Sea and Land. A lawful Prize. But o the Devil of Gain! One Pocket now two Churches can contain! Well. Yet beware thou, how thy Censure blots The Author: there's no Church without its spots. He's a Nathanael, credit me, and I'll Avouch, when he wrote these, there was no guile. Possessed his heart. Come, show thyself to be A Friend to Church, and I'll be so to thee. But if thou hast a place for wonder fit, Give it the CHURCH and COMMON WEALTH of WIT. C. F. M.A. Authoris Amicus ad Lectorem. MUch Profit, Wisdom, Learning, in Few Words, Small, this Cheap, this Useful Tract affords. On any Page vouchsafe to cast thine Eye: And if thou canst not like it, cast it by. How e'er despise not this Sententi●… School; Lest thou be sentenced a Censorious Foole. Reader , if thou honest be: It merits to keep Company with thee. Will. Bodham. To his Ingenious Friend Mr. Nathanael Church on his Pocket-Companion. Whilst thou was tossed upon the waving Main, Methought noah's Ark was floating once again. Thy Friends on Land were troubled much for thee, To prove their Church's visibility. Now if I want thy good society, Thy book mean while shall my Companion be. Where whiles thy Hand speaks to mine Eye: so here. Mine eye becomes thy Hands Interpreter. If great Books be great evils, thou ha●… sh●wn A remedy: Thine's but a little one. Since Coyn's grown scant, 'twas wisely done by thee, To keep our Pockets from vacuity. Tho. Ford. Author ad Patrem jam 17. annos defunctum. WEll, I'll drop one Encomiasticke, rather Than by a Clownish silence rob my Father. Jest. if by me that name be vilified, I'm named sacrilegious parricide, Though Him to praise, there needs no Pains, or Skill. Of whom his very Foes could not speak ill. Here needs no Flourishes, go, cunning Pates, Go, sleep: His own works praise him in the Gates. Nay all the Rhetoric I can devise, Is but to multiply Tautologies. His Theologick Miscellanies can Him studious prove, to know both GOD and MAN. His Coffer long ago is dead and rotten: The Good man's Treasure must not be forgotten. His Christian letters most eleborate, Now out of print, I'd buy at any Rate. Mean while I will be thankful, not repine, My Father's Gold and Silver both are Mine. N. C. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 H. C. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Pocket-cOmpanion. 1. THings unkown we neither desire, nor fear 2. 'Tis extraordinary Wickedness, to think Nothing to be wicked. 3. Some Hearers are like the Air, only hot, when the Sun shineth. See Mat. 13. four sorts of hearers. 4. Short Time hath long Wings, and flies away swiftly. 5. We may well spare our Thoughts from things impossible and unprofitable. 6. That Soul that is most watchful, it least sinful, Matth. 26.41. Rev. 16.15. 7. We can fathom from a Giant's Heart to his Mouth; not a Dissemblers, see Jer. 12.2. 8. God's Mercies are as the Fountain, not as the Land-flood, viz. constant, not uncertain, and beneficial not prejudicial. 9 Milk not drawn, putrifies; Riches not used, rust. See James 5.2,3. see Matth. 6.19,20. 10. We are like the Air, dark of our selves, Grace make us light, see 2 Cor. 4 6. 11. Profane Teachers like Mercurial statues, direct Others, not Themselves, Rom. 2. v. 1. and v. 17. to 24. 12. This little Time is between too vast Eternity's, consider Psal. 90. and Psal. 102.24. to the end. 13. If two whistle, the Dog still comes to Him that hath the Bone, note saul's words, 1 Sam. 22.7. 14. The Hawk flies highest, but the Hen is the better dish, see Prov. 15.33. Taste the next Aphorism. 15. The Wicked have often the greatest preferment, but the Godly are always most profitable, Hest. 6. and 7. Chapters. 16. The shadow of Fame is sometimes long, sometimes short. As in Joseph, Job, Jacob, Nebnehadnezer, Dan. 4. 17. Much Grace makes a little Heaven here: truth of Grace makes sure of Heaven hereafter. 18. A Dispensation to sin is nothing so good as a Disposition against sin. Compare Saul with Paul. Study Rom. 7.14. to the end. 19 The more the Church suffers here, the Enemy shall suffer hereafter, Micah. 7,8,9,10. Prov. 24.15.16,17,18. 20. I'm escaped drowing by Water, yet was drowned in sin, Gen. 9.18. to 28. 21. Distempered Affections make our Griefs exceed our Crosses, Gen. 30.1. Matth. 2.18. Jonah. 4.9. 22. That which is a Burden within, is like to be a Blemish without, Psalm 38.4,11. Rom. 6.21. 23. Sin often prevails against the godly, but their Resolution still revives, Psalm 39.1. Psalm 17.3. 24. Heaviness and Fear very much hinder good duties, Psalms 69 3. Prov. 29.25. 1 Sam. 26.19. Psalm 40.12. 25. In out distempers, or ill company, or solitariness, Satan watches; see Aphorism 278. 26. Diabolical thoughts are as dust blown; the fault is not in the Eyes, 2 Cor. 12.7,8,9. Rom. 7.17. 27. What Satan suggests that Melancholy keeps. As in the despair of Cain, Saul, Judas, etc. 28. They never prosper, whom God's Children do pray against, Exo. 17.11. Isa. 54.17. 29. GOD washes with blood, We with tears, Luke 7.38. Revel. 1.5. Zach. 13.1. 30. None do believe, because they are worthy to believe, Ephes. 28. Heb. 12.2. 31. 'Tis better to bear Scoffs, than to dissemble Holiness, Mark 8.38. Rom. 1.16. Jer: 20.7,8,9. Heb. 11.36. 32. We have more comfort of what we give, than of what we get, Psal. 39.6. Eccles. 2.18,19. Psalm 41.1,2,3,4. Acts 20.35. 33. Men are ashamed to make satisfaction, who shamed not to sin, Job. 31.33. 1 Sam. 15.9,11,15,30. 34. A true Convert pursueth Sin to Victory, 2. Tim. 4.7. Rom. 12.21. 1 John 5.4. 35. The World is unstable, being round; the New-Jerusalem is firm, being foure-square, Revel. 21.16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 36. We call that chance (or mischance) which comes between the Purpose and the End. 37. We are secure amongst Friends, But watchful amongst Enemies, Psal. 30.6. Neh. 7.3. 38. Breath is not the life, yet we live with it: works save not, yet we are saved with them. 39 Christ obeyed for satisfaction, we obey for Gratulation, Rom. 5.19. 1 Thes. 5 18. 40. Our ways are direct and straight, when both Ends agree with the Middle. 41. There is a thirst of Emptiness, and another of Desire: the first God's people have no more but in this life. 42. Secret sins are seeds that will sprout, if they be not timely nipped, Psal. 19.12,13. See Aph. 281. 43. To look to ourselves, AND to our Enemies, is the only way to be safe, 1 Pet. 5.8. 44. A well-contented low estate is the best Preferment. See Prov. 15.33. and Chapter 30 7,8,9. 45. A large Conscience all the life ●ime, will prove an heavy Conscience on the deathbed. 46. Condemn not in General for one fault, nor yet justify the Particular. Prov. 24.16. Matth. 18,15,16,17. Levit. 19.17. 47. We are commanded to take up the Cross, not by base courses to shun it, Math. 16.24. 48. A man by wisdom gets an Estate, but cannot leave wisdom with his Estate, Eccles. 2.18.19. 49. If God break our Ships, and give us boards, we may swim to shore, Acts 24.47. see Job 1.21. and Chap. 42.11. 50. The end of the wicked is Hell; not the end of their aim, but of their course, Prov. 14,12. and 16,25. 51. Every Lust streigthens us, the removal gives us liberty. Rom. 6.12.14,16 and Chap. 8 2. 52. Those which be ever drinking without Thirst, shall ever thirst without Drinking, Isa. 65.11. to the 15. 53. GOD judges certainly a priore, Man charitably a posteriore, Prov. 16.1,2. Psal. 139, all 2 Sam. 12.18. and 1 Kings 3.26,27. 54. We may be weak & wise both at once, as the Coney, the Pismire, and Chicken, see Psal. 104.18 Prov. 6.6,7,8 Ch. 30.25,26. Read and do Matth. 23.37. 55. The wicked are like a wheel, unstable, creaking, and at last burned, Psal. 83.13. 56. Beasts have a bodily presence to eat: Christians to edify, Psal. 104.14 28. Psal. 145.15,16. Col. 4.6, 1 Tim. 1.4. Eph. 4.29 30. 57 Christ refused the World's Preferment, and then Angels came unto him, Matth. 4 8,9,10,11. 58. The more we subdue the Canaanites, out lusts, the more we enjoy Canaan our rest, see Judg. 2.22,23. and so of the Gibeonites, Josh. 9.27. 59 The deceitful Tradesman works on the ignorance or Need of the Buyer, Docet experientia rerum, 60. To do good to the godly (and (and ungodly) is not only a Courtesy, but a bounded Duty, Matth. 5.44. Gal. 6.10. Rom. 12. End so. 61. In things indifferent (or doubtful) we are to look what is meet to be done, and then to do it 62. Those Gifts do bind us most, that come from a free Giver, Hos. 14.4 8. Psal. 116.7,8,12. 63. If Injuries be our Enemies, let Forgiveness be our Weapon, Rom. 12.21, Matth. 6.14,15. 64. It is well, when the End of our Passion is the Beginning of our Repentance, 2 Kings 5.11,12,13,14. Naaman's case, and Peter's, Mark 14.71,72. 65. The Favours that Forgetfulness doth hid, Thankfulness lays open to Review, Psal. 103.2,34,5,6,7. 66. Violent Affections to Gain, bring violent Afflictions at the loss. See Matth. 19.22. James 5.1,2,3,4,5. Prov. 38. 1 Tim. 6.9,10. 67. Hell tormeneth only the bad, the Usurer torments the good, Rev. 21.8. and Chap. 22.15. Psalm 15.5. Neh. 5.9 10. see Prov. 28.8. Read Ezeck. 8. 68 An ill-favoured Snake is a better Companion than a well-favoured Harlot, For an Harlot is the Eve of a Serpent. 69 'Tis not comely to step from the Cradle of ignorance to the Chair of censure, Job 32.6,7. 70. 'tis better to be uncomfortably conscionable, than unconscionably comfortable, Psal. 37.16. Prov. 15.15,16,17. Chap. 16.8. 71. We should pray that Ministers may have life in their Doctrine, and Doctrine in their life, Ephes. 6.18 19 1 Cor. 2,4,5. 1 Tim. 3.1. to the 8. verse. 72. The Hand by feeding the Body gives nourishment unto it self. 1 Cor. 12.14. to 27. verse, Epes. 4 28. and Aph. 438. 73. 'Tis an happy Wed lock to marry in Dispositions, as well as in Bodies, 2 Cor. 6.14. 74. Our corrupt nature desires not so much good things, as new things Athenean like, Acts 17.19. to 22. 75. GOD lays the Reins on Nature's neck, but pulls not the Bit out of her mouth, Eccles. 1,2,3,11,12. compared, with verse 1. 76. We read often that the Devil is a Liar, but seldom that he is a Swearer. We are too apt to believe the Devil will out an Oath, says one. 77. We should always set God before us, and ourselves always before him: see Psalm. 16.8. and Psal. 139 all. Isa. 29.15. 78. 'Tis an heavy loss to lose our Prayers, either the Act, or Event, Prov. 15.8. Psal 109.7. 79. God will not in trouble shelter the profane man under his wings, Psalm 32.6,7,10,11. 80. The falls of Professors bring grief to the godly, and scorn to the wicked, Exod. 32.21. 81. In Slanders we should be moved more for the sin against God, then for our own hurt, and so in all other mischiefs. 82. God's Favour makes us set light by the world's Frowns, see Psal. 109.28. John 16.33. 83. 'Tis devilish to be evil in good company; 'tis gracious to be good in evil company, Isa. 26.10. 1. Pet. 2.7,8. Phil. 2.15. 84. An humble heart & contempt of the world are hardly gotten in Prosperity, Job 21.7. to 16. Prov. 1.32 85. A feigned Obedience in Life, brings but a feigned Comfort in Death, Job 8.13. and Chap. 20.5. 86. Those which can be content to be wicked, shall to their Discontent be counted wicked, Gen. 4.12.14. 87. Men may sin in Jest, yet at last be punished in Earnest, Prov. 10.23. Chap. 26.18,19. with Chap. 16.25. 88 We should never forget God's Water-works in 88 nor the Devil's Fireworks, Nou. 5. 89. He that willingly defames me, unwillingly adds to my Reward, Mat. 5.11,12. Heb. 11.26. 90. The Crane winds up heavy things; the Power of GOD raises up gross sinners, Acts 9 all. 91. Our Wives may be less fair or Witty than others: yet we love them better, because they are our own. 92. A cursed person using a cursed means; cannot always prevail, As in Haman, Saul, Achitophel. 93. Our wealth is but a pass, to keep us from begging (vagrant-like) in our journey, see Gen 28.20, etc. 94. The last end of our thoughts should be thoughts of our last end, Deut. 32.29. Psalm. 394. 95. 'Tis better humbly to confess Evils, than proudly to boast of our Goodness, Math. 23.12. Luke 18.10. ●o 14. 96. What the broken heart seeks that the merciful heart finds, and that is Mercy, Psal. 51.1.17. Matth. 57 97. When God is our object, than the world is our abject, 1 john 2.15,16,17. Matth. 6.33. 98. Sinful pleasures will come to nothing, whether they have a being or not See Heb. 11.25. 99 There is more pleasure to subdue our lusts, than to fulfil them. See Rom. 8.1,2,7,8. 100 Those that speak so much of Luck and Fortune, have not been instructed in God's providence. 101. We observe Injuries, let us observe ourselves how we bear the ●ame, Prov. 16.32. Chap. 24.29. Ro. 12.18, etc. 102. I will look on others Virtues, when I the more hate mine own Vices, Phil. 2,3,4. 1 Pet. 3,3,4,5,6. 103. An heart full of Goodness is worth many heads full of knowledge 1 Cor. 8.1. Chap. 13. all. james 4.17. 104. The being of sin in us brings Death, the reigning of sin in us brings ●he second death, Rom. 5.12,21. 105. I like that Policy, that studies more to grow good than great. See Prov. 11.23. jer. 45.5. 106. I am miserable without a Friend, and know not my Friend without misery, Job 16.2. Prov. 17.17. 107. Wicked men are so preserve● from Evils, as they are reserved for Evils, Jer. 12.1,2,3. Job 21.30. 108. First, let us make Conscience, and then let us make Prayers, Psalm. 66.18. job 11.13,14,15. 109. The desire of Grace, is Grac● to desire; see Prov. 11.23. Mat. 5.6. Isa. 26.8,9. 110. Bad Company, that have n● grace, hurts the good, that have som● corruption to work unpon. 111. To do no good works; or else to trust in works done, are our Rocks to split us: See Aporisme 293. 112. Because our Life is so miserable, 'tis a comfort we are mortal. see Job 14.1. Gen. 47.9. 113. If Matrimony be a matter of money, the Conclusion is, the Issue may be naught, see 1 Tim. 6.9,10. 114. ALL the sorrow of a godly man is not godly sorrow, As in Jacob, Gen. 37.35. and David, 2 Sam. 18. 33. but compared with Chap. 19 the 7. ●irst Verses. 115. Our indisposition should trouble us as much as our ill disposition, Prov. 7.19. to the 25. 116. The Stars appear not in the Day; and Patience is not seen in Prosperity, Rom. 15.3. Chap. 12.12. with Psal. 30.6. and Eccles. 7.14. 117. The End is first in Intention, and last in Execution, Arist. 118. Young Controversers like children turn to the end of their Book, not having learned the beginning, se● Heb. 5.12. 119. 'Tis madness to practise first and then take advice, see Eccles. Cha● 5. the 7. first Verses, Prov. 20.25. 120. If God's Word be our Counsellor all day, it will be our Comfort●… at night, Psalm 1.2. Psalm 11● 24. 121. Our times have more liberty for Conference than most of us do make use of, see Eccles. 116,7. Chap. 9 12. 122. God hears our prayer according to our good, not our Wills, Psal. 34.10. James 43. 1 John 5.14. 123. Our Care cannot alter things, let our Patience bear them, Psal. 37.1 to Verse 8. 124. 'Tis to have our Minds fitted to our Estates, than our Estates to our Minds Read. Mr. Burroughes Jewel, and Mr. watson's Charter. 125. A man of solid Understanding prefers an inch of Profit before an ell of Pleasure. Isaiah. 44.9. Eccles. ●. 1, etc. 126. Those that know much, may miss of Holiness: those that strive to Obey, shall not miss of Happiness. 127. The Aggravation of a great sin, is not the Approbation of a small one, Luke 12.47,48. 128. Much Hearing makes a learned Head: much Prayer makes a gracious Heart, see Isa. 55.3.6. 129 False Friends may prove true Enemies, 1 Kings 13.18. Prov. 27.5,6. and Chap. 28.23. and Chap. 23.6,7,8. 130. My Conscience hath to do with my Sin before Commission, with my Person after Commission. 131. Wicked men be Fools: were they wise, they would endeavour to be godly-wise, Rom. 1.22. Chap. 1.16.9. 132. Earth is the place, where many enjoy and yet lose Happiness. Job 20.5,15. Chap. 21.7. to the 19 Psal. 17.14. Psal. 37.35,36. Psal. 73.12.19. 133. My Prayers make me Love, and reverence God, and the Disposition endures afterward. 134. The Sun stood still for Joshuah, whereas Covetousness was busy in Achan, Josh. 7.21. Chap., 10.13. 135. Our life is as a Day; the Night is Death; our Beds are as our Graves; our Arising is as the Resurrection. 136. We should not rashly run into secret things, nor let slip known truths: see Deut. 29.29. 137. The Birth of the Brain is striven for more than the Birth of the Body. Read and Ponder Eccles. 12.12. 138. Their ways are sinful, that were a Mantle of non-imployment, Matth. 26.7. see Chap. 25.24. to 31. and beware idle Excuses, as Prov. 22.13 139. Our best actions are Sergeant or Corrupt: see Job 14.4. Jer. 17.9. Isa. 64.6. 140. 'Tis fearful to continue in sin, and hard to get out of it: see Ap. 350. compare Prov. 29.1. with Jerem. 13.23. 141. Our thoughts of GOD are, what he will do with us, for us, by us, Rom. 11.36. Rev. 4.11. Prov. 16.4. 142. 'Tis better for us to be humbled for our wickedness, than proudly to boast of our holiness, Luke 18.10.11,12,13,14. 143. That Charity which gins at home, must not end at home. Mat 7.12. Chap. 22. verse 39 144. A seasonable reproof may serve as a Rudder to alter a man's Course a better way: see Prov. 6.23. 145. We are loaden with light Conceits and heavy Cares: with lead and feathers the back is broke. 146. The wicked think the godly to be Fools: but the godly know the wicked to be Fools experimentally. 147. In our Indispositions, Faintings and Afflictions let us look to the Reward, 2 Cor. 4.16,17,18. Heb. 12.1,2. 148. The giving of the Law was terrible: oh what shall the Day of accounts be? Exod. 19.18. and 20,18,19. 2 Thes. 7,8,9. 149. Profane men are vicious both in Mirth and Anger; still foolish or frantic, Prov. 29 9 150. Afflictions are as Sampsons' Lion, they afford the honey of instruction see Psal. 119.71. Heb. 12,10,11. 151. Cheerfulness is like Oil, it makes us prompt and ready to good duties, Heb. 8.10. 152. Babes are nourished at the Mouth, but newborn Babes at the Ear, Job 12.11. Chapter 34.3 with 1 Pet. 2.2. 153. Afflicting sorrow bewails sin; but affecting sorrow forsakes sin; see Matthew 27.3,4. and Psalm 51.2,10,11. 154. Distraction cures not Distraction: Yielding never conquers; Believe not thy own unbelief. 155. Beauty is like an Almanac; 'tis very soon out of date, Isa. 40.6,7. with Prov. 31.30. 156. Order is pleasant in Conceit, plain in Demonstration, sure in Imitation; see 1 Cor. 14.40. 157. Consolations are for the well-being of the Soul: Faith and Repentance prove the being of grace. 158 Deliberation and Determination are the wise man's Oars, Luke 14. verse. 28. to the 34. learn Forecast and Resolution. 159. Carnal Reason, and Self-love are the very vitals of the old man. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, are the Devil's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 160. Boldness makes many go before their time, beyond their strength, Acts 19 verse 13. and 16. 1 Kings 20.11. 161. Error in practice is maintained with shame; Error in judgement with pride. 162. Enemy's may cross us, and hinder us on Earth, and yet further us to Heaven, 2 Cor. 4.17,18. 163. Death is welcome when he sindes us in Labour and Peace, not in Sin and Security, Rev. 14.13. Matth. 24.45. to the end. 164. Faith and Works are as the Ship and wares; Both are lost, or saved, James 2.14. to the end. 165. Discontent makes wants where none are, and increases evils that be. 166. A flictions are like a shower of Rain: they make much noise, but hurt us not; they wet, but not wound. 167. Infants do suck but weakly though there be Milk enough; we are straightened only in our selves; see 2 Cor. 6.12. 168. Action is the Crown of Virtue, and Perseverance is the Crown of Action; see Aphor. 185. 169. GOD works in us, for us, by us, blessed be his glorious Name, Isa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13. 170. The falls of Professors bring grief to the godly, and scorn to the wicked, see 2 Sam. 12.14. 171. Grace is but little increased in those, who envy grace in others: (and indeed grace is too good for that vice.) 172. Contemplation to the soul is like Mirth and Recreation to the Body, Prov. 2.10. Chap. 17.22. and 18.1. 173. Mortification is in us indeed, but not of us, Rom. 8.13. Ephes. 2.1,25. Phil. 2.13. 174. Grace works in us Contrition for our own sins, and compassion for others sins, Zach. 12.10. Psal. 119.136. 175. Hypocrisy is the worst sin for GOD to judge, and the last sin for Man to judge, Jer. 17.9 10. 176. Man's Life is like a Bottle of wine; Moderation makes it last long, Probatum est. 177. We must, like Mariners look up, the better to order our Course below; see Prov. 3,5,6. 178. Love is a Grace, which doth most, and distrusts leasts, 1 Cor. 13.4,5. etc. 1 John 3.16. Chap. 4,9,10. 179. Love is a debt that must be so paid, that still it is daily owing; see Rom. 13.8. and Heb. 13.1. 180. Pride makes us, like swollen members, to do little and suffer less. 181. Reason is like the Sun; it shows all under it, nothing above it. So Solomon oft hints in his Ecclesiastes. 182. Patience suffers evils present, and waits for good to come, Rom. 12.12. compared with Psalm 37.7. and James 5.7,11. 183. There is nothing terrible in Death, but that our life hath made it so. O never forget that! 184. Reproof is very grievous where Grace is wanting, see Psalm. 141.5. and Prov. 9.8. and 13.1. 185. Perseverance adds a Lustre to our Graces, as Varnish does to the colours. 186. Persecutions, Prosperity, and Errors discover Hypocrites. Mat. 13.21. Job 21.7. to 16. Palm 40.4. 187, Old love being rooted still revivies upon fresh Occasions; as in Boaz, Ruth 2.11. and Jonathan, 1 Sam. 20.17. 188. Thankfulness is bred of Blessings, and preserves that which bred it, Psalm. 67.5 7. Psalm 50. last. 189 Thankfulness is a Sacrifice most acceptable to GOD and least painful to Man, Psal. 50 8 to the 15. 190. Things witty and pretty are not always wise and pithy. The Tulip has rich Colours, but a beggarly Savour. 191. Ambition is the danger of the higher, Contention of the lower sort of people. 192. Time is like a Serpent with his tail in his mouth, we see not the end of it, Eccles. 3.22. and Chap. 10.24. 193. Time is always passing: Eternity is always standing still. Time is a River: Eternity the Sea. 194. All our labour must be used with Prayer, but Prayer must not be all our labour, Ephes. 6.13. to the 19 195. Affliction is but our Shepherd's dog; he comes not to devour us, but reduce us to the fold. 196. The sins of GOD'S people are a surprisal not a contrival (for the most part) 197. No power, but that which at first did form us, is able to reform us also, Psal. 51.10. 198. Natural light is of it self enough to damn us, but not enough to save us, Rom. 2.12. to 16. with Chap 1.20. 199. They that would have comfort in the day of the LORD, must make conscience of the LORDS Day. 200. Thy portion in Heaven is perfect, let me hasten to a perfect fitness Amen. Silver Sayings, or A Pocket-companion The second part, by N.C. 201. The whole Creation is full of labour and noise: only in the Creator's Bosom is rest and quietness; see Psa. 73.25. 202. Greediness of pleasure makes men take much pains here, to suffer more hereafter. 203. Take heed of an Agrippa, or a Not-quiete: Almost was never saved, Acts 26.28. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 204. One honest Practitioner will out-ballance a throng of busie-brained Skepticques 205. He who loses All for Christ, shall lose nothing by Christ, but find all again in Christ, Mat. 19.29. 206. If the Mercies of God lead us, to Repentance, Repentance will lead us to the God of Mercies, Rom. 2.4. Isa. 55.7. 207. We read that GOD had too many to fight his Battles, but never that he had too few, Judg. 7.2. 208. The Curse of Meroz doth not prove God's defect, but only chides Man's neglect, Judg. 5.23. and 1 Sam. 14.6. 209. We should pray and endeavour that our sorrow for sin may drown all our sinful sorrow, 2 Cor. 7.10. 210. Thy will be done, is the be●… Prayer for Us to utter, or God to answer, Matth. 26.39. 211. Commonly where presumption leads the vann, there Desperation brings up the rear. 212. The worse the world is, the letter let Us be; and the harder the Times, the softer let our Hearts be. 213. It argues little Wit, and less Grace to prefer an uncertainty before a Certainty, Prov. 17.16. 214. Those who add affliction to affliction, God will superadd iniquity to their iniquity, Psal. 79.26.27. 315. A little Dirt and Air, and a great deal of Sin, this is that proud thing called, MAN. 216. If my sins die, while my Body lives, when my Body dies my Soul shall live, Col. 3.3,4,5. 217. Those who are troubled most for sin, shall be troubled least with sin, Psal. 32.3,4,5. 218. Those that have mortal war with sin, shall have immortal peace with God, Isa. 33.15,16,17. 219. We may read a man's true Conversion in his faithful Conversation. The Life is from the Heart. 220. An Hypocrite is not himself unless he be mistaken for another. 221. Commonly there is but small correspondency betwixt a Leveller and an Impropriator; The one would have all himself: the other, every man a share. Both good alike. 222. God never unsheaths the Sword of his Justice; till our flinty Hearts turn the edge of his Mercy. 223. Our Saviour is a Lion for Power and Might; yet a Lamb for Patience and Meekness, Isa. 53.7. with Revel. 5.5,12. and Chapter 6.15,16,17. 224. Build not upon futurity. Health is better than Physic, Prevention sweeter than a Cure. 225. Sinful Craft is a shelter for Fools; what is offensive to God, cannot be defensive to Man. 226. In Prayer we should not so much affect Expression, as express Affection, Prov. 23.26. Psalm 25. 1● Isa. 29.13. 227. God accepteth our poorest Endeavours, yet we undervalue his richest Favours, 2 Cor. 8.12. Rom. 2.4. 228. Lay not thy head to Rest until thou hast got an Interest in everlasting Rest. See 403. 229. One sinful thought make Forfeiture of the Body to the worm●… and the Soul to the Devils, Gal. 3.10 230. A gracious heart is ashamed of nothing but Sin, and proud of nothing but his Saviour. 231. A prayerless wretch is dead in sin; for what Air is to the Body, Prayer is to the Soul. 232. The Devil supplants us in the first Adam, but God transplants us into the second. 33. No Sin, or Mercy can be termed small in itself, and properly, but comparatively it may. 234. Some Giants are Dwarses in respect of Others, and some Dwarves are Giants compared with Others. 235. Those Eyes that have bee● the In-le s to sweet Lust, should be th● outlets of salt Tears, Luke 7.37 38. 236. A good man in ill Compan● is like a green stick among dry ones▪ they may fire Him, not He quen●… them. 237. What ever we work for God▪ God works first in us: so there is n● plea for Man's pride, but much fo● God's praise. Esa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13. 238. A bad man would feign be worse, but a good man chides himself for being no better. Compare Isa. 1. 5● with Jer. 13.19. 239. Bathsheba's Bathing proves david's Defilement; but David's Defilement becomes his own Washing. 2 Sam. 2.11. Psal. 51. 240 A beggarly reward james Diligence, but a bounteous Recompense will set it on its Feet again. 241. 'Tis abundantly better to prevent the Malady, then to invent the Remedy. Principiis obsta, etc. 242 Gods Care of us, and our Meditations of Him are sweeter than the Droppings of the Virgin Honeycomb. 243 Our own Miscarriages teach us, better buy Wisdom dear, then die a Fool. See Aph. 146. 244 A wicked Wretch may be in a good Mood, and a good Soul may be in an ill Temper. 245 As there is no good Motion, but is from God, so there is no true Rest, but si in God. 246 It argues much light to see little sins; but it argues much life to see the same, Psal. 19.8.12. 247 Oh that we did but spend as much Time, and take as much pains with our Hearts, as our Heads, 1 Pet. 3.3,4,5. 248 The best men may read their own Principles in the worst men's practices, Eph. 2.3. 1 Cor. 6.9.10,11. 249 Those that will not pray till they are Saints, will not go into the Water till they can swim. 250 To make to the Creature for shelter against God's wrath, is to run into the River to escape Rain. 251 Spiritual Endowments are the better for use, and never the worse for wearing, Mat. 6.20. Luk. 12.23. 252 We must not value things by the greatness of the Quantity, but by the goodness of the Quality Gen. 4.7. 2 Cor. 8.12. 253 Serious Matter stuffed with light Flashes is like a grave Matron in a whorish dress. Note 1 Thess. 5.22, and Eph. 5.3. 254 We are very inclinable to accuse Others, that we may excuse ourselves. Gen. 3.12,13. 255 They that walk most conscientiously, lie down most comfortably, Psal. 37.37. Esa. 57.2. Gal. 6.16. 256 'Tis but a starveling Patience, that cannot outlive the other odd vexation, Jams 1.4.12. Chap. 5.7.10.11. 257 To excuse the default by Drunkenness is no Extenuation of the guilt, but Agravation. 258 'Tis an uncharitable Ignorance to censure that for a love of Error, which was but an error of Love, 1 Sam. 17.28.29. 259 To tempt a man to Evil, and then afterwards to accuse and condemn him is Devilish. 260 We should rather forget to eat when we are an hungry, then to bless God when we are full. 261 We must neither dote on our own self-sufficiency nor doubt of God's All-sucfficiencie, Gen. 17.1 2 Cor. 3.5. compare John 15.5. with Phil. 4 13. 262 Give the LORD of HOTS his due: Man fights, but GOD alone conquers, 1 Sam. 17.47. Eph. 6.10. Rom. 16.20. 263 For the most part we discern Benefits and Favours better absent then present, Hos. 5.15. Psalm 78.34. Isa. 26.16. 264 'Tis a good wind blows no man hurt, but a better that blows all men good, such is Mercy, Psal. 145.9. 265 'Tis more feasable to be well, then to know it, and easier to have happiness, then to find it, Luk. 19.42. Prov. 17.16. 266 Gods word is a Fire, which turns all where it fastens into its own nature and quality, Jer. 5.14. and ch. 23.29. and ch. 20.9. 267 Those who do what becomes them, never need fear what becomes of them, Acts 24.16. 2 Cor. 1.12. 268 A souls union with Christ is easily demonstrable by its thirsting desire of Communion with him, see Psal. 86.11. Cant. 1.4. 269 Nature is a Law, Custom is a Tyrant, but Obstinacy is a full grown Devil: see Jer. 13.23. and Zach. 7.11. ●… 270 A disturbed Mind is like troubled Waters, the worst Looking glass that can be for self reflections, I say 57.20.21. 271 A good Bruit is better than a wicked Man, and Children had better have been still born, then live and die stubborn. 272 They that are cruel to a man because he is a Minister, stab Christ in the Eye. Beware your thoughts, see, Zach. 2.8. 273 'Tis more tolerable to imitate the Worst in the best things, than the Best in the worst things, 1 Cor. 11.1. 274 Look how much we arrogate unto our own applause, so much we derogate from God's praise. 275 Terrestrial Joys are trifling Toys: Time takes them from Us, or Death takes us from them. 276. The Slug-a-bed wakes, but his Heart sleeps; the Good-husband sleeps, but his Heart wakes. 277. A good conversation is the conservation of the good. Love, and Live, 1 Thes. 5.11. ch. 4.18. 1 Cor. 14.26. 278 Where there is great solitariness, there had need be no small self-wariness, Gen. 2.18. Eccl. 4.10. 279. Sinful pleasures will not quit the cost and pains we are at for the procurement of them, Eccles 1.2,8. 280 'Tis a beggarly blaze that hath not warmth enough to pay for its blowing, see Isa. 50. to the end. 281. Nip sin in the Budd. It is easier blowing out a Candle, than an House on fire. See the 42. saying. 282. Spiritual Prudence is like Salt of little Bulk, but of exceeding great Efficacy, see Col. 4.6. and Eph. 4.29. 283 By practising one Sermon, we prepare ourselves the better to hear another, John 7.17. 284 Some go to Sea to learn to pray; and instead thereof, I think, learn to swear. 285 'Tis an heavy thing to fall out of the throne of Ambition into the pit of Perdition, Isay 14.12,13, etc. 286 They that will go to Heaven, must look to be wet by the way; but though wet, they must not be weary. Psal. 84.6. 287 He that points at Earth with one finger, had need look up to heaven with both eyes, see Col. 3.1.2. 288 Use your Will: But bitter Physic is fare more desirable, then sweet poison. Probatum est. 289 This life is our seed time, the valley of Tears is our transitory to the Mountain of Glorification. Psal. 84 6. Judg. 2.1,4,5. 290 Sweet Lust is like the Bee with honey in the mouth, but a sting in the tail; see Prov. 23.32. 291 If the End can be had without the Means, we may expect that our Bread should grow ready baked. see James 5.7. 292 Christ sets not the best side outward like man, but reserves the best wine till the last, John 2.10. 293 To neglect the means, or to make them our bottom for confidence are a like atheistical, see Aphor. 111. 294 The Corruption of the best is the worst: the amendment of the worst is the best of all, 2 Pet. 32.20 etc. Heb. 6.4,5,6. 1 Tim. 1.12.13. 295 What a snailes-pace the Soul moves Heaven-ward, while she groans under this bodily shell! 297 The same Truth speaks Consolation to the humble Soul, and Desolation to the proud Spirit, as Jerem. 17.10. 297 Many times internal Depressions of Heart nonplus all external Expressions of Hand or Tongue. Pro. 14.10. 298 The Body sometimes bleeds, though the Eyes weep not: and why may not the Soul do the like? 299. Now and then we may read the Heart in the Face, and the Sin in the judgement, Judg. 1.7. 1 Sam. 15.33 300 The smallest Blessing we have is undescrved à Priori, and Irrequitatable à Posteriori. 301 To be afraid of doing evil is a very noble and honourable kind of cowardliness, Gen. 29. Prov. 3.7. 302 Good Inclinations and Abilities are both from GOD alone: he wills the work, and works the will, Phil. 2.12. 2 Cor. 3.5. 303. 'Tis the Devil's May-game, to set a man's Judgement and Practice together by the Ears. See 2 Tim. 2.26. and Jam. 4.17. 304 There is no place too holy for God, but there is a place too high for him, the proud heart, see Isa. 66.1.2. and ch. 57.15. with Psal. 138.6. 305 Sweet Rarities are difficults: Roses are armed with Prickles, Honey is engarisoned with Bees. 306 One Grain of real Honesty will outballance many Mountains of shifting Subtlety. 307 Those are the best Books that do not bribe us from, but send us to the Scriptures, Isa. 8.20. 308 As God loves a cheerful giver, so he Himself loves to give cheerfully, Ja. 1.5. with 2 Cor. 9.7. 309 Many are rich without Money, and merry without Laughter, and honourable without Applause, James 2.5. Prov. 14.13. 2 Cor. 5.12. Rom. 2.29. 310 As too much Learning makes a man mad, so too little makes him a Fool. Ponder that, Acts 26.24. with Prov. 1.5. 311 A drop of God's Blood is enough to sweeten an whole Ocean of sin and sorrow, 1 John 1.7. Rev. 1.5. Heb. 9.13,14. 312 He makes a good market of a bad Commodity, who vanquishes discourtesies with kindness, Matth. 5. end. Luke 6.35,36,37. 313 To recollect stolen in juries, and bear in mind sour Grudges, is devilish childish, see Pro. 19.11. & ch. 24.29. 314 The least glimpse of God's Fvaour casts a thick darkness upon all terristriall glory, Psal. 4. Hab. end. 315 How often can we do that in the face of God, which he would blush to speak of to a fellow-sinner, Psal. 90.8. Psal. 69.5. Psal. 56.8. 316 The bedrid Patient is God's Prisoner: the covetous Tarry at home the Devils in golden Fetters. 317 An ill Conscience beats the Hypocrite with sandbags, mortally, but yet imperceptibly. 318 An Infant is in affect rasa tabula, a blanck-book, you may as yet write in it, what you please, Gen. 18.19. Deut. 6 7. Prov. 22.6. 319 'Tis more tolerable to be a lavish Prodigal, then to be a slavish Pinch-paunch Eccles. 5. the 3 last and ch. 6. the 2 first. 320 We cannot always tell what's a clock in a man's Breast, by the Dial of his Face. Fronti nulla Fides, Jer. 17.9.10 1 Sam. 16 7. 321 'Tis miraculous for the Dead to Live again, but much more for the Life of the world to die. 322. What our prudence cannot cunningly forgo, our patience must quietly undergo. 323. Show me the man that is faururable to Others, and severe to Himself, and if I do not love Him, hate Me. 324 Both are a like absurd, words out of season, and works out of Reason, Eccl. 3.1.7.10. 325 Those that open the Eyes of the blind, must hid Themselves, that the Sun of Righteousness may be seen 326 He who takes Reproof most willingly, lest deserves it of any man; see Prov. 98. & 28.23. 327 Where Folly is the seed, shame is the fruit; and where Lust is the work, sorrow is the wages, Rom. 6.21,23. 328 When Peter looks upon the Sun of Righteousness, it makes his Eyes water abundantly, Luk. 22.61.62. 329 Our least sins outvie our greatest sufferings: Gods lest Mercies excel our greatest Praises. 330 Gods Word makes Children like the Aged, and keeps the Aged from being like Children, see Psalm 119.99.100. 331 Humane Learning, Moon-like, hath its blemishes, its changes; and shines but with a borrowed lights 1 Cor. 4.7. 332 Till Conversion our hearts are but mere blotting paper, and our Thoughts but wild scribble. 333 He that feeds the Wolf, kills the Sheep, say the Jews: and he that spares a Lust stabs a Soul, may we say. 334 God is the Heart-maker, Heart-searcher, Heart-mender, Heart-keeper, and Heart-satisfier, Psal. 51.10. Jer. 17.10. Ps. 4.6. 335 Many are so extreme peevish against humane learning, that they have unlearnt all humanity. 336 The unbeliever dies of constraint, as a pressed man: the Believers dies of choice like a true Volunteer. 337 The world is full of Promises: but those Promises are empty per formances. 338 We must not adventure to put off Repentance till we put on Immortality: see 2 Cor. 6.2. 339 Our Memories are mere Sives, they will neither retain the Flower, nor yet part with the Bran. 340 The blind man eats many a Fly: Go to then, Blunderers beware Belzebub, 2 Cor. 4.4. 341 They that will not submissively bow to CHRIST, shall irrecoverably be broken by Him. 342 They that will not see the KING of Kings golden Sceptre, shall surely feel his Iron Rod, Psalm. 2. all. 343 The Art of prevention is every way better and safer, than the Art of invention. See Aph. 241. 344 'Tis not the going into the Fornance, but the coming out, which demonstrates the Mettle. 345 Where the Remedy is worse than the Disease, questionless there the Physician is a FOOL. 346 Where the Remedy is worse than the Disease, it is better being sick, then well, 2 King. 1.6. 347 Choke Lust in the Embryo: Better stamp upon an Egg, then look upon a reigning Basilisk. 348 'Tis but a merciless compassion to preserve that, which will utterly destroy our selves. 349 Remember Time past, consider Time present, and forestall Time future, Rev. 2.5. 350 If we make Mercy fuel for Lust: certainly Lust will make Vs ●ewel for Hell, Rom. 2.4,5. 351 There are many that have ●reat parts, and yet are very Fools ●or want of good Hearts. 352 He who robs God of his first ●…uits, forfeits the whole Crop to the ●evil, Mal. 1.14. and ch. 3.10. 353 Do nothing without Fore●…ght or Forecast. A little wariness ●…events much weariness. 354 Backward, nor forward are some good. A Churl is a Lurch, and a Nabal is a Laban. 355 They who do good again●… their Will, doubtless would as fai●… do Evil with their Will. 356 A good Handmaid makes a good Housewife, and a good Manservant makes a good Master. 357 He had need be extraordinary Patient, who has the Devil for hi● Doctor: see 2 Reg, 1.1,2, etc. 358 Many Heathens by education prove Christians by conversation: an● many Christians by education prov● Heathens by conversation. 359 Men would be mute concerning their ability, if they did but consider their mutability. 360 Life is a puff, God is our Paymaster: Let us do good according to our own Ability, and our Neighbour's Necessity, Gal. 6.10. 361 One Default makes a thing imperfect, but all good Circumstances go to make it perfect. 362 To forbear doing ill, for want of Skill, and not of Will, is the Innocence of a Fool. 363 Many a sufficient Workman is well given, and yet his Labour and Pains is ill taken. 364 To do no ill makes not a perfect good Man; but to do no good makes an absolute evil Man. 365. If we show Mercy when we can best spare it, God will return it when we most need it, Gal. 6.9,10. 366. Believe not thy own Unbelief. 'Tis an ill Disease, where the Physician is a Murderer. Read 2 Kings 1.2. to the 7. Verse. 367. He that hath never so much earnest business, must be at leisure to Die prepared, or unprepared. Luke 12.18,19,20. 368. The loss of Evil is great gain. The Mortification of the Old men, is the Fortification of the New. Rom. 8.13. 369. Pray and Prosper; Ask and receive; Beg and speed; but Nothing crave, Nothing have, Matth. 7.7. Jam. 4.2. 370. The Supremacy of Reason must not be counter-byassed by the Popularity of the Senses. 371. If poor sinners would but be more dutiful, assuredly they would be less doubtful, 2 Cor. 9.7. Chap. 8.12. 372. Where the water is parcelled out into so many Rivulets, the Main current starves. See Luke 10.41,42. Psal. 37.4. Psal. 73.25. 373. They that rage against the ways of GOD'S Providence, do but throw scalding Water to Windeward, See Job 9.4. Cham 33.13. 1 Cor. 10.22. 374 Self-love is the quench coal of Brotherly-love, and Self-will is the break neck of Self-denial, Phil. 2.4,21 Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3.2,3,4. 375 Tart Reprehension from a kind Friend, is like Limmon and Sugar, sharp and sweet, see Prov. 27.5,6. Psal. 141.5. 376 Patiently hear Admonition. Many that have lived Fearless, have died Earless. 377 The Conquest of one Bosom Foe is worth many Tears, and much Time and Labour. 378. Dispatch, Dispatch, make what haste we can possible, Night will bring us home. 1 Cor. 7.29, etc. 379 'Tis a merciful Tyranny to wrack sin, and show no favour to a Destroyer. 380 Two hungry meals make the third a Glutton, two gluttonous meals make the third a starveling. 381 When we fight against God with his Own Mercies, we beat ourselves with our Own Sins. 382 Our land is like Gydeons Fleece, Judg. 6.38. and yet our hearts (quite contrary) are like gideon's Fleece, verse 40. 383 The poor man is thus fare happy beyond others, in that he hath nothing to lose: See Job 1.21. 1 Tim. 9.7. 314. From Creatures we must neither beg nor buy Commendation, nor yet fear Condemnation. 385. Good drink makes good blood. I but how? Just as good Water, makes good Pottage. 386. The Devil commonly cousin's us, by persuading us we cousin him. 387. A good man's Tongue many time sh●edly sets an ill Dogs Teeth of work, ex inopinato. 388. He who is both prudent and innocent, shall neither deceive, nor be deceived, See Mat. 10.16. 389 The Highest, greatest, and richest, are but God's Beggars; we all do live by his love. 390. We must learn to promise with Understanding and Discretion, & to perform with Love and Affection. 391. Weeping Eyes are not to be winked at, nor yet to be looked upon with dry Eyes; See Luke 7.38. Chap. 22.62. 392. The World is the Book of the Creature: The Word is the Book of the Creator too; see Psalm 19.1.7. 393. 'Tis humane to suffer ill, Divine to do good. Patience and Love will go through both. 394 A Scholar of great Reading and small Parts, lives upon Collections and Exhibitions from Friends. 395 He who makes great Promises and small Performances, must expect great shame and small Thanks▪ 396 Many abuse good will, and turn a sacred Privilege into a privy Sacrilege. 397 Better do well and far ill, then do ill, and far worse. Did not I tell you so before? 398 This World is for labour and appetite; the Next is for rest and satisfaction: Be patiented then a while. 399 Teach without Envy, Learn without Shame; then thou art both wise and humble. 400 Where Love hath ingress, Thanks hath egress: and where Grace hath progress, Sin hath regress. 401 Affection without Knowledge, is Heat without Light, like a close hot Oven. 402 Knowledge without Affection, is Light without Heat, like a frosty Moon shine. 403 Let it be thy firm Resolution to get thy full Absolution, before thy final Dissolution, Mat. 5.25. see 228. 404 Up and be doing, and prosper. More die of the Lazies, then of Labour and Travail: See 1 Chr. 22.16. 405 A Brow of Brass, and a Neck of Iron, procures an Heaven of Brass, and an Earth of Iron, Jer. 3.3. 406. Others Falls are not our Foot-stools, or stumbling-blocks, but rather our Looking glasses. 407. Say not, God hath thrown such an one by as an useless potsherd: for, The Lord knoweth who are his, 2 Tim. 2.19. 408. Despise none for their Weakness, despair of none for their Wickedness: Our times are in God's hand, Psal. 31.15. 409. God will not endure to see Pride stamp on Peace, Violence kick Mercy, nor Rigour overmaster Love. 410. To bid carnal Security still Conscience, is but to set a Sleeper to Rock the Cradle. 411. Undervalue not the Poor: we cannot want the Dust-man, the Dunghill raker, the Chimney-sweeper, nor the Gold-finder. 412. He that acts merely from a principle of Power, Policy, and Self-will, shall surely fall by his own Contrivances, Job 5.12,13. 413. It does me more good than my Victuals, to see but the Devil miss of his Aim and befool himself, Job 5.12,13,14,15. 414 We should not think so much upon what others do, as upon what ourselves ought to do, John 21.21,22. 415. Brass and Steel have slain their thousands of Bodies; but Gold and Silver their ten thousands of Souls. 416 Bad men (indeed I confess) have some good thoughts: I, but good men have more bad thoughts. 417 Many hold forth so long, that at last, I fear they will hardly hold out to the last. 418 They say, Deeds are male, and Words female: but I am sure, Thoughts are doubtful. 419 That, whereon we lay out much (unless we are complete fools) we lay up safe, Mat. 13.44. 420 Ply well the Twig while it is green. If Youth be sick of the Will-nots, Old-age will die of the Cannots. 421 Fiery Fury, and key-cold Charity opens the doors to a Lukewarm Christianity. 422 I have told you often enough of it, That The poor in purse are for Community: The poor in spirit are for Unity. 423 One Union in Heaven is worth more than all the Gems, Pearls, Diamonds and Diadems on Earth. 424 Fellow-members mutually sympathise; but the whole Body condoles the sick Heart. 425 Brotherly-love is no loser. The Head is beholding to the Feet, and the Belly is the Hands best Paymaster: see the 72. Aph. 426. Man's Performances must learn to borrow strength of God's Promises, John 16.23. James 1.5. 427. 'Tis more tolerable and safe to suffer the greatest Injury, then to do the least, 2 Thes. 1.6,7. 428. Let us be thankful for what we have, and we shall the better obtain of God what we have not. 429. The Lord will bless that Basket, and that Store, out of the which we do relieve the Poor, Luke 6.38. Eccles. 11.1,2. 430. Wealthy I would be; for Live I may: but Honest I will be, for Die I must, Jer. 17.9,10,11. 431. When we want Comforts, than we are mad for Anger: but when we have them, than we are mad for Joy. 432. Neither Creator, nor creature would hurt us, if we would but be true to our own Souls, 1 Pet. 3.13. 433. We can never part with too much for Him, who parted with All that ever he had for Us, Phil. 2.7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. He emptied or Evacuated Himself. 434 Say not in thy heart, God is merciful, therefore I may be sinful; but God is merciful, therefore I must be thankful. 435. A little that is good, is as much as I desire, and more than I deserve: or else I am a very liar, to say so. See Prov. 30.8. Psal. 37.16. Gen 32.10. 436 God will not beat his Children for nothing, much less will he beat them to nothing, Psalm 107.17. and Jer. 10.24. 437 We are greedy of Benefits when we want them, and yet we are ungrateful, when we have obtained them, see 456. 438 As those that will not work, must not eat, so those that may not eat, cannot work, Prov. 16.25. and a Thes, 3.10. see Aph. 72. 339 The young Stork nourishes the old one, and Children should not altogether die in the Parent's debt. 440 Many times as the Cat serves the Mouse, even so the greater Thief leads the less to execution. 441 The melancholy Soul fights with shadows, and beats himself with his own weapons. 442 That which breaks out in the Body or Skin, commonly went in first at the Head, Docet experientia rerum. 443 True Riches by distribution feel no diminution, but by Communication get an Augmentation. 444 'Tis an ill Disease that hides itself, and a soar beaten Child, that dares not Cry. Get that without book. 445 To fast and watch and pray, and then relapse again, is to wash our Hands, and snuff the Candle. 446. One Calling is enough at once, The deepest Engineers are not always the richest Men. 447. One would think the Head should lay to heart, what the Hand lays out of the Storehouse, Luke 14.28. 448. There is no Patience in Hell; but we may be sure, that there is an Hell in Impatience, Ephes. 4.26,27. 449. The whole world is full of God's glory; And yet our Wicked Hearts are empty of his grace. 450 Commit thy way to GOD, and submit thy Will, and he will compose thy Affections, and dispose thy Actions, Psal. 37.3. Prov. 16.3. 451. What an Heaven would it be to our Souls, if we were but half so unwilling to sin, as God is to punish? Lam. 3.33. 452. So gross is our folly, that We take more pains to be miserable, than we need to do to be happy, Isa. 55.1,2. 453. Except Sin be separate from our Souls, it will separate our Souls from our Bodies, and both from God, Isa. 59.2. Ezek. 18.4. 454. What loads of Offences and Provocations does the Lord bear, long before ever he complains! Isa. 43.24. Amos 2.13. 455. We are naturally more taken, with a grain of seeming Pleasure, than a mountain of real Profit. 456 We do contemptuously under value Mercies in the enjoyment: but highly prise them at the removal, see the 437. 457 Instead of conquering evil with goodness, we repay evil for good unto God himself, Isa. 1.2. Deut. 32.5,6. 458 God will assuredly answer our Prayers graciously, if our lives and conversations answer them so. 459 Christ's Excellency is exalted farther above the Heavens, than it is hence to the Heavens. 460 The worst thinks himself better than he is, and the best is worse than he thinks himself. 461 The best work that ever we can perform in thought, word and work, is to reform All, Isa. 1.11.16. etc. 462 Our most enlarged Prayers and Professions can no more satisfy GOD themselves, than Thoughts and Words can pay Debts. 463 In God, not only We, but also our Graces, Comforts, and Virtues, do live, move, and exist, joh. 15.5. 464 We should shun such profits as purchase God's displeasure, and hate such pleasures as procure our Souls disprofit. 465 GOD needs nothing that we have, to felicitate Him, no more than the Sun needs a Candle to see Day by. 466. Never be weary of the godly Man's company: In good society there should be no satiety, Psal. 16.3. 467. The Lord Jesus hath more Compassion in store, than all the World can make use of, or stand in need of. 468. The Soul is a Tree, the Faculties are Branches, the Thoughts are Buds, the words are Leaves, the Actions are Fruit. 469. That same Traveller that takes most heed to his Ways, makes best speed to his End, Prov. 4.23,26. 470. We cannot think too bad of ourselves, nor speak good enough of God: Yet he prizes us, we slight Him. 471. The Lord is not only a God hearing Prayers; but also (Isa. 65.24.) preventing prayers. 472. The Godly man's down-fall, is his uprising, the Wicked man's uprising is his down-fall, Psal. 37.23,24. Psal. 73.18,19. 473. Most men walk in the broad Way, and yet every man thinks to enter in at the straight Gate, Mat. 7.13. Prov. 16.25. 474. There is no man living so Young, that he should presume, nor any so Old, that he should despair of Mercy. 475. I must pray for the Church's persecutors, and so I do: Lord, forgive their sins, and give, them less Power, and us more Patience. 476 He that cheats Himself is a foolish Knave: he that cheats the Devil is an honest Knave. 477 Where is real sincerity in the Life, there will be unwearied perseverance till Death, Gal. 6.9. 1 Cor. 15. last. 478 That Eye will never endure to look the Sun in the face, to which a Torch is tedious, see Jer. 12.5. and Aph. next. 479 How shall any behold a Consuming fire, who cannot endure the sight of a Saint? Psal. 1.5. Heb. 12. last see John 5.35. 480 'Tis a royal shame, when that vice is in a King that is intolerable in a Kingdom, Deut. 18.10,11. 1 Sam. 28.7. 481. Magistrates and Ministers too oft (like the Sea) can tame others, but not themselves, Rom. 2.17. to 25. with verse, 1,2,3. 482. 'Tis an unconceivable Advantage, to let slip the Occasion of doing evil, 1 Tim. 5.14. 1 Thes. 5.22. 483. Be our Voyage long, or short, swift, or slow, prosperous or adverse, We all anchor in the Earth. See Job. ●… 26. 484. Take but out the Water, and ye shall find the Sea a Grave to bury thousands among Fish-Wormes. 485. The Devil promises like a Merchant, but he performs like a Man of War, Matth. 4. Eph. 2.2. 486. Those in high dignities, like men upon perilous Precipices, are more pittyable, then envyable. 487. A Venice glass may, through careful usage, out last a piece of Silver Plate unlooked unto. 488. A small Boat many times outlives a Tempest, when an able Bottom makes an hole in the Sea. 489. Many small Leaks may sink the Ship: and many small Sins may drown the Soul in Perdition. 460. All carnal delights are Wine in the morning: Beer at noon, and Vinegar at night. 491. Incendiaries want not Woe, but Wit: When the House is on fire, pray where's the bellows? see Aphorism, 495. 492. No sooner can any man get public Approbation, but base Envy fly-blows his Reputation. See to Eccl. 10.1. 493. Every Fool can make a Fool; but he is cunning indeed, that can make a wise man. 494. Where the Heart is of a sound Constitution within, there the life will be of a sweet Complexion without. 495. Mischief-mongers are like Fireships: while they martyr others they bespeak but an hot bargain for themselves. 496. Unruly Rulers are like Ninepins, advanced one by one, to be thrown down by six and seven. 497. Covetous men are like the salt Sea; though they drink many Rivers, yet they are still unsatified. See Eccles. 17. 498. Wicked men ply their Prayers, as the Sailors their Pump, only in a Tempest, and for fear of sinking, see Hos. 5.15. Jona. 1. 499. He that will not sweat must weep; he that will not labour, must be belaboured. See Prov. 20.4. 500 A Wise man can learn fare more from a Fool, than a Fool can from a Wise Man, Prov. 24.30,31,32. Postscript to the READERS. THis Book of late was out of Print (my Friends) This half year last: but now, to make Amends. I mended and (since that in hand I had it) Three hundred Scripture Texts I superadded, And more. But if no Captious Critic Brother, Do Carp thereat: I fear not any other. For 'tis a Benefit and none Offence, If some Quotations prove by Consequence, Or but Illustrate: A Judicious Mind, Therein shall (no small) pleasant Profit find, Then Chide me not: but rather giv● me Thank, For inter-scribing how to fill a Blank. Expect if this cheap Wealth be no● refused, A third Part, called, Little wit we●… used. If God give Life and Leave: but thi● will be, Scarce long before the next Festivity. Mean while pick out, peruse and practise well, Such Truths, wherein most Weight and Worth do dwell: Bless God for what is best and most divine, And so will I, and say the rest are mine. Yet all are thine, and I once more in fine N. C. Aug. 1 1656. Mercurius Desideratus. THE WISE DOVE, OR TAME SERPENT; viz. The Conscionable Politician Compendiously characterised in Prose & Verse. By Nathanael Church. Matth. 10.16. Behold I send you forth as Sheep in the midst of Wolves: be ye therefore prudent as Serpents, and sincere as Doves. Prudens Simplicitas — Martial. Printed in the Year, 1657. The wise Dove, or Tame Serpent. HAppy is the Man's whose Meditation, are pure, whose Discourses are savoury, & whose lise is holy: who speaks as he thinks, & doth as he speaks. Who is a coward in Sin, but bold in Godliness. 1. The man is blest, who dares be good From Surface to the Centre: Who feels no Courage in his blood On sin to make Adventure. 2. Whom neither Sight can entice, nor Might enforce to do Evil: But he doth Good, and speaks Truth even gratis, & is peremptorily resolved to be honest in spite of Earth and Hell. 2. Who can endure to be a Saint Amids the Devil's Traps: Who is not honest by Constraint; Nor speaks Truth by mere Haps. 3. Whose Promises never outrun his Performances for want of Forecast, or after-Care. Whose Designs may be naked, & yet not ashamed. Who is not sad at glad-tydings, nor coins Impostures to sing his own party into a Fools-dream. 3. Who doth his Words with Deeds relieve Whose Plots need no Disguise; Who at Good news doth never Grieve, Nor Lull himself with Lies. 4. Who bends his Mind to shoot at Perfection, though the Arrows of his Endeavour fall short. Who loves not to plead Ignorance. Who conquers his Enemies by Patience, and murders Injuries with Courtesies. 4. Who would be better than he can: who sees no need of Blindness. Who turns his Foes Physician, and kills Revenge with Kindness. 5. Who desires, to be both to GOD and Man a sincere Nathanael, a true Church-Member, in Faith and Affection, without Malice, though not without Evil. Whose Humanity and Humility can never be Bankrupt. 5. Who is upright to God above, Down right to Man below: Who still pays All the debt of Love, And yet the same doth Owe. 6. Whose well doing wearies out all his bad Paymasters. Who sweats out the malignancy of Idleness. Who is free hearted, and public Spirited, and robs not Others of Himself. 6. Who can do well spite of Illwill; WVho slayeth sloth with Labour: Who lives as lent Himself until, But given to his Neighbour. 7. Who never prides himself in temporary trifles, or future uncertainties. Who is not mad, but modest. Who scorns impudently to swagger with what his Master lent him. 7. Who boasteth not of Muck & Rags; Nor vaunteth of To morrow; Whose Head is tame, who never brags Of what he did but borrow. 8. Who furbushes his virtuous Habits by frequent Acts, and lets not his Time, nor Thoughts run at waist. Who thinks himself less than the least Mercy; and yet the whole world is not enough to fill his Inside. 8. Who never lets his Grace's rust, Nor Time away be hurled; Who counts himself more vile than Dust yet better than the world. 9 Who doth not invisibly wound his Brother's good name with Words worse than Blows. Who is more Conscionable than most men desire to be, and yet is angry with himself for being no better. 9 Who whets not's Tongue upon his spleen to cut an absent Friend. Who is as good as e'er was seen; And yet he still doth mend, 10. Who whines not after his Neighbours glittering dust; nor is toy-sicke, like an bard to be pleased, Changeling, or incorrigible Self-humourist; who cares not so much for Liberty, as for Conscience. 10. Who never fondling like doth cry For others Lands, or House: Who in his Christian Liberty Is Conscientious. 11. Who aspires not to a fair Place by foul Play: who is not beggared by Plenty, nor made a Miser through Prosperity: who strives not to make the golden MINE a Possessive, nor poor men's GETTINGS A Participle. 11. Who grows not great without Gods Whom Riches cannot Pine: Who at vast Gold heaps looks a-skew, leave And, but in jest, says, MINE. 12. Who magnifies the Creator, and parvifies the Creatures: who sets his Face towards the Sun of Righteousness, and by turning his back upon transitory Delights, makes them shadowlike flock after him. 12. Who feels the Brightness of God's love Strike all Earth's glory dim: Who mainly seeks the things Above, And things below seek Him. 13. Who is not cunning enough to deceive Himself, nor foolish enough to let others deceive him. Who is of a Serpentine prudence, lest Another should hurt Him, and of a Columbine sincerity, lest He should hurt Another. 13 Who Christ's true way of Life doth tread, Uniting Grace with Art Who is a Serpent in his Head, A Turtle in his Heart. 14. Whose Thoughts are like deep, though clear Waters, that may be seen into unto the middle, but not through to the bottom. Who is able to give, and willing to take good Advice. 14 Who is Profound, yet plain in speech To those that can't discern: Who is both wise enough to Teach, And humble enough to Learn. 15. Who studies not to cheat his own Soul, nor wearies himself with Frivolous Impertinencies, neglecting the one thing necessary. But being sensible of his own nothingness, esteems Christ All in All. 15 Who is not stuffed with foolish craft His own soul to deseate: Who is imperfect, but well graft, In him who is Complete. 16. Who is wise to do Good, bu● to do Mischief has no Knowledge▪ Who by his prudential Innocency befools the profound Politician, and confutes the grand Impostor. 16. Who is in God a knowing man, A very Child in evil: Who silly-simple is, yet can Out wit both Man and Devil. 17. Who the older he grows, the newer he is daily; and the more decrepit and crocked his Body is, the more strait and upright is his Mind. Who is both inferior to the Worms; and yet superior to the Angels. 17 Who grows Young by Antiquity, And lives when he is dead: Who is but wormsmeat: yet more high than Angels rears his Head. 18 Who by Faith and Love disbosomes himself of all Self-interest: improves all he has for God's glory, who turns all to his good. Who, when we have seen & heard the best of him, still is far better within doors. Such a ones company Angels long for. 18. Who reckons not himself his own; But all things else are his: Who lives as unto God well known, That man is ripe for Bliss. Postscript Quibuslibet. FRiends, there was an error, or Vice, in the Title of the Dedication hereof, through the Remoteness of the Author, from the Press: And the late Advancement of the Patron. Wherefore 'tis thought good, to leave out the Epistle Dedicatory to prevent a General Mistake 1. Neighbour's, lay aside Partiality, or the Book, which you please, it will not hurt you unless you will. 2. That Reader who is over critical, I am sure is Hypocritical. 3. ' The selfsame thing; if this man did it, it is too too Conceited; if another, 'tis Ingenious. 4. Nothing can be so bad, but some like it; nothing so good, but some dislike it. 5. 'tis as hard to gratify Every man, as to please ones Own fickle humour. 6. When I do well, I am envied: when ill, I am upbraided: Countrymen, what ail ye? 7. Friends, Ye are many: But were ye more; do but agree among yourselves, and I'll give you all satisfaction. 8. True, My Garden has Weeds, as well as Herbs; my Field Tares, as well as Wheat; my Bush Prickles, as well as Roses. 9 The Spider draws deadly poison from the cordial Slips; the Bee sucks honey from the heartless Weed. 10. My Apples have some soundness, lick not the rotten: My Sieve some Flower, eat not the Bran. 11. The sincerest Israelites may be, not without his Gild, yet without his Guile. 12. The truest NATHANIEL may have his Errata, and the purest CHURCH its Imperfections here. FINIS. Imprimatur, Edmund Calamie.