AN ABSTRACT OF THE Lives, Precepts, and Sayings, OF THE Ancient Fathers, WHICH Immediately succeeded Christ, and his Apostles.  
Faithfully Collected, and Published; as well for Instruction and Admonishion to all people: as for the Encouragement of all such as Suffer for the Testimony of Truth, and a Good Conscience.  
By a Fellow Sufferer with them, J. W.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Howkins, in George-yard, in Lombard-Street, 1684.   

AN ABSTRACT, OF THE Lives, Precepts, and Saying, of the Ancient Fathers, &c.  
I. I Gnatius,( who saw Christ in the Flesh, and also, after his Resurrection, being Twelve years old at his Crucifixion; and is supposed to be one of those Little Ones, which Christ took and set in the midst of them to teach his Disciples Humility.) He was Pastor of the Church at Antioch, next after the Apostle Peter, and Suffered Martyrdom for the Christian Faith, under Trajan the Emperor; Anno Christ. III. being torn to pieces by Wild Beasts, at Rome; for Refusing, to Sacrifice to Idols: saying, after his Apprehension, Now do I begin to be a Disciple of Christ, I weigh or Regard, neither things Visible, or Invisible, so I may win Christ: Let Fire, across, breaking of my Bones, cuartering of my Members, crushing my Body, and all the Torments that Man, or the Devil can Invent, fall upon me, so I may enjoy my Lord Jesus Christ, &c. His usual saying was, My Love is Crucified: meaning either Christ or his Affections to the World; heused to say, That there is nothing better, than the Peace of a good Conscience. That Good, and Wicked men, are like true, and counterfeit Money; the one seems to be good, and is not, the other seems and is good. Other Graces are but parts of a Christians armor, as the Shield of Faith, the Sword of the Spirit, &c. but Patience is the Panoply, or whole armor of the Man of God; the Enemy foyls us without it, but, we foil him by it. Grace flowing from the blessed Spirit of God, makes the Soul like a Fountain, whose Water is pure, wholesome and clear; for Grace beautifies, cleanseth, and so saveth the whole Man. He Writ many Epistles.  
II. Polycarpus, who was Disciple to St. John, and Bishop of Smyrna; being taken, and brought into the Theatre, the Pro-Consul urged him, to Blaspheme, and defy Christ; he said, Fourscore and six years have I served Christ, neither hath he ever offended me in any thing, and how then can I Revile my Lord and King, that hath thus kept me; and when the Pro-Consul urged him to Swear, he refused, saying, I am a Christian: saying likewise, We are Commanded of God, to give unto Governors, and Powers, whom he hath Ordained, the Honour and Obedience, which is due unto them, and not hurtful unto us. He was Burned at a Stake in Smyrna for the Faith of Christ;( as he fore saw in a Vision,) being Replenished from Above; insomuch, that the Fire refused to take hold of him: they ran him through with a Spear, so quenching the Fire, and Sealing his Testimony with his Blood:( A faithful, and constant Witness to the Truth. Anno Christ. 170. He differed with Anicetus Bishop of Rome, about the keeping of Easter, and other trivial things; by which they weakened one another: This I do not mention to Reflect upon either; believing, as one saith, There was much good in them both: but as a Caution to others, to beware of such things, and according to the Apostles Doctrine to Love one another.  
III. Dionysius the Areopagite, Born at Athens, where he was Converted by St. Paul, when he Preached there: as mentioned Acts the 17. Where he also Preached himself, and afterwards went into France to Preach the Gospel, where he was Apprehended at Paris, and after divers Torments, Beheaded; for Refusing to deny Christ: saying, Come Life, come Death I will Worship none but the God of Heaven, and Earth. He, used to say, That he desired these Two things of God; First, That he might know the Truth himself: And Secondly, That he might Preach it as he ought unto others. He suffered Martyrdom under Adrian: Anno Christi 96.  
IV. Justin Martyr,( so called of his martyrdom;) Born at Neopolis in Palestine, at first a Philosopher, but being Converted, by the christians Sufferings, he became a courageous Defender of the Truth against its opposers; for which he was much hated by the Heathen Philosophers, falsely so called, who procured his Death, as he foretold; suffering Martyrdom for the Faith, being Beheaded under Verus, or Adrian the Emperors; Anno 189.( Saying, that Persecutors could kill, but could not hurt. He used to say, That which the Soul is in the Body, that are Christians in the World; for as the Soul is in, but not of the Body: so Christians are in, but not of the World. Also, it is best of all, not to Sin; and next to that, to amend upon the Punishment. Again, that it is the greatest slavery in the World, to be subject to ones own Passions. He wrote Apologies for the Christians, taxing their Persecutors for Injustice, and Cruelty in Condemning them unheard, and without Cause; which moved Antoninus pus to favour the Christians.  
V. Irenaeus,( which signifies, A lover of Peace, his nature answering to his name:) Born in Asia, of Greek Parents, and afterwards Bishop of lions in France, where he suffered Martyrdom, with many others, for the Christian Profession, in the Fifth Persecution under Severus; being carried between Two Hills, and put to their choice, to go either to a across on one hand and die, or to an Idol on the other and Live? but they choosing the across, was all put to Death, Anno 182. Irenaeus being Sixty, or as some say, Ninety Years of Age: He used to compare the heretics and schismatics of his time, to Esop's Dog, That lost the Substance of Religion whilst they gaped too earnestly afterthe Shadow. Considering the Vanity of all Earthly things, he said, What profit is there in that Honour which is so short lived, as that perchance it was not Yesterday, neither will be to Morrow; and such men as labour so much for it, are but like Froth, which though it be uppermost, yet is unprofitablest. He sharply reproved Victor, Bishop of Rome, for Excommunicating all the Eastern Bishops for differing from him about the keeping of Easter, Miracles, and the Gift of prophesying, continued in his time.  
VI. Tertullian, and African, Born at Carthage; a Man of great Learning, and well known in the Civil Law; after his Conversion, said, I now perceive, that we are not Born, but Made Christians. His usual Sayings were, If thou beest backward in thoughts of Repentance, be forward in the thoughts of Hell, the burning Flames whereof, onely the Tears of a Penitent Eye can Extinguish. If the Devils, without Christ's leave had no Power over the Gadarens Swine, much less have they Power over God's own Sheep. We should nottry Mens Faith, by their Persons; but their Persons, by their Faith. It's in vain to come to the God of Peace, without Peace; or to pray for the Remission of our own Sins, without forgiving others: we must not come ot make an Atonement with God, at his Altar, before we have made Atonement with our Brother in our Hearts, &c. He wrote many excellent things, especially, his apology in Defence of the Christians; clearing them of the Accusations laid to their Charge: and showing, the more they were cut down, the more they increased; the Blood of the Christians proving the Seed of the Church: which dissuaded the Emperor Severus from Persecuting them. It is Reported, that at last through emulation, or strife between him, and the Roman Clergy: he fell into the Error of Montanus; but it is not probable: however, Let him that standeth, take heed lest he fall. He flourished under Severus, and dyed in Peace; Anno Christi 202. Aged 63.  
VII. Clemens Alexandrinus Flourished about the Year of Christ, 196. Though his Country, Parentage and Education is uncertain, some think, he was Born at Athens, and lived at Alexandria whence he was so called: He used to say, That such as adorn themselves with Gold, and think themselves bettered thereby, are worse than Gold, and not Lords of it; as all that have it, ought to be: out of the depth, and bowels of the Earth, hath God discovered, and shewed Gold unto men; and they have made it the occasion of all Mischief and Wickedness: Gold to many men is much dearer, than their Faith and Honesty, and the love of it makes many so Covetous, as if they were to live here for ever: Avarice is not the 'vice of Gold, but of Men which use it wickedly. He complained, of the want of Zeal, and Power of Godliness in his time. The time, and manner of his Death is also uncertain.  
VIII. Origen of Alexandria, Born of Christian Parents, Anno 189. and Scholar to Clements: A Man famous for Piety and Learning, even from his Childhood; the first that Writ Commentaries on the Scriptures, and taking them too Literally Erred in many thing He used to say, That God's Providence hath Ordained all things, for some end and purpose: he made not Malice, and though he can Restrain it, yet he will not; for if Malice were not, virtue should not have a contrary, and so could not shine so Clear; for the Malice of Josephs Brethren, was the means whereby God brought about many admirable Works of his Providence, as the story sheweth: He suffered great, and grievous Persecutions, and Afflictions for Christ's sake, in the reign of Decius, viz. Bands and Torments in his Body; Rackings, with Bars of Iron; Dungeons, with terrible threats of Death, and Burning; and divers other Torments; all which he manfully endured for the Gospel sake: He had a desire of Martyrdom from his Infancy, and would have Suffered with his Father at Seventeen Years old, had he not been Restrained; he used much to encourage such as was to Suffer; whereby he often brought himself into danger, sometimes hardly escaping: at length, going to encourage and strengthen some that was carried to an Idol Temple to Sacrifice, they caught hold of him, and induced him to Sacrifice; so that through seat, he consented, and so fell from the Faith, of which, he afterwards made Great: and doleful Lamentation, and through deep Contrition, was again Restored; and at last, dyed in Peace: under Gallus and Volusian, Anno 220. Aged 69. It is said of him, That as he Taught, so he Lived; and as he Lived so he Taught.  
IX. Cyprian, an African born at Carthage, and afterwards Bishop thereof, wherein he behaved himself as a good Example of Humility to others; and foresaw in a Vision the approaching Persecution of the Christians, and that their unfaithfulness was the fore-runner thereof, which soon after followed. In which Persecution he was apprehended, and Sentenced to be Beheaded for refusing to Sacrifice, which he cheerfully yielded to, suffering Martyrdom for the Faith of Christ under Valerian and Gallien, Anno 259. He had many excellent Sayings, whereof these are some, Let not that sleep in thy Treasury that may be profitable to the Poor; he that gives an Alms to the Poor, offers a sweet smelling sacrifice to God. That which a man must necessary sometime part with, it's wisdom for him to distribute it, so that God may everlastingly reward him. Women that pride themselves in putting on Silk and Purple, cannot lightly put on the Lord Jesus Christ. They which colour their Locks with Yellow and read, begin betimes to prognosticate of what colour their hair shall be in Hell; they which love to paint themselves in this world otherwise than God Created them, may justly fear that at the Resurrection their Creator will not know them.— All injury of evils present is to be neglected for the hope of good things to come. To set out virtue in words, and by Deeds to destroy the same, is nothing worth.— And in another Book he mentions twelve absurdities in the life of Man, viz. A wise man without good Works, An old man without Religion, A young man without obedience, A rich man without Alms, A woman without shamefaceness, A Guide without virtue, A contentious Christian, A poor man that is proud, A King that is unjust, A Bishop that is negligent, People without Discipline, and Subjects without Law. He was much addicted to Reading, especially Tertullian, saying, when he called for him, Give me my Master.  
X. Arnobius of Sicca in Africa used to say, that Persecution brings Death in one hand and Life in the other, for while it kills the body, it crowns the Soul; He flourished under Dioclesian between the year 300 and 330.  
XI. Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea in Pallestina, who was very studious in the holy Scriptures, and with Pamphilus a diligent searcher of the Divine Library, he refused to leave the little bishopric of Caesarea for the great one of Antioch, for which Constantine the Emperour commended him, and used to say that he was worthy to be Bishop not of one City only but of the whole World, for his familiarity with Pamphilus the Martyr; he was called Eusebius Pamphilus he used to say, that Moses wrote the old Law in dead Tables of ston, but Christ did writ the perfect documents of the New Testament in Living Souls. He wrote the Ecclesiastical History of the first Three Hundred years from Christ to Constantine, and divers other Books. He was Reputed an Arian by some, but it was not really so, for he professed( saith Scultetus) the Eternity of Christ, though his Co-equality with the Father he did not absolutely believe; He flourished under Constantine the Great, and died 340.  
XII. Lactantius an Italian by birth, and scholar to Arnobius, used to say, That Godliness always enriches the possessor; he flourished under Dioclesian,( being preserved in the Persecutions) Anno 300.  
XIII. Athanasius born at Alexandria in Egypt, and after Alexander Bishop thereof, but being much envied for his uprightness; he suffered great persecutions and reproaches by the Arians, under Constantius. In the midst of his troubles he used to say, Though an Army should encamp about me, yet would I not fear. After many banishments and sufferings many ways, being preserved in many dangers, he at last( notwithstanding all their envy) returned, and died in peace in his own City, Anno Chr. 375. It's said he stood firm against all the world.  
XIV. Hilary Bishop of poitiers in France, nobly descended and of excellent Gifts, flourished Anno Christi 355. and died in peace under Valentinian and valemce.  
XV. cyril Bishop of Jerusalem, at first an Arian, but after his Reformation constant in the Faith, used to say, Some come to the Church to see Fashions, others to meet their Friends, yet it's better to come so than not at all: In the mean time the Net is cast out, and they which intended nothing less are drawn into Christ, who catches them not to destroy them, but that being dead he may bring them to Life Eternal; he died Anno Chr. 365.  
XVI. Ephremsyrus born in Nisilea, of a Holy life and Charitable Disposion, used to say that the resolute traveller knows that his Journey is long and the way dirty; yet goes on in hope to come to his House. So let a Christian( though the way to Heaven be narrow, though it be set with Troubles and Persecutions) yet let him go on till he hath finished his Course with joy, for Heaven is his home: And again, he that feasts his Body, and starves his Soul, is like him that feasts his Slave, and starves his Wife. He died under Valens. Anno Chr. 404.  
XVII. Basil( called the Great, from his great parts) born in Pontus, afterwards Bishop of caesarea in Cappadocia, of a strict and holy life, as many of the Fathers was, used to say, To know thyself is very difficult, for as the eye can see all things but itself, so some can discern all Faults but their own.— And again, Divine Love is a never-failing Treasure, he that hath it is Rich, and he that wanteth it is poor. He was courageous and Constant in all his Sufferings, under Valens the Arrian Emperour, using excellent Speeches to his Persecutors. He flourished about the year, 370. and dyed in peace.  
XVIII. Gregory Nazianzen( so called from the place in Cappadocia where he was Bishop) sometime contemporary with Basil, used to say, That in a great multitude of people of several Ages and Conditions, who are like a Harp with many strings, it is hard to give every one such a touch in Preaching, as may please all, and offend none. It's said, That what his Doctrine was, such was his Life. He loved Solitude, and had a desire of Martyrdom, yet died in peace, for what we find. He flourished under Theodosius, Anno Chr. 370.  
XIX. Epiphanius born in Palestine, and Bishop of Salamine in Cyprus, who flourished, Anno 370. much esteemed for Piety and holiness of lice: of whom it is said, That his Doctrine approved his Life, and his Life defended his Doctrine. He used to say, That he never let his adversary sleep,( not that he disturbed him in his sleep, but) because he agreed with him presently, and would not let the Sun go down upon his wrath: Yet there was great Difference between him and Chrysostom, about the Books of Origen, which did them much hurt. The more is the pity, that such eminent men should bend their strength, in contending one with another. When in his return from Constantinople he was sick, nigh unto Death, he called his Friends, and said to them, God bless you, my Children, for Epiphanius shall fee your faces no more in this life, and so dyed on the Sea, much lamented, aged 115. years.  
XX. Ambrose, a Prefects son in France, first Lieutenant, and then made Bishop of milan, where he ruled with great Authority( too much like a Lordly Bishop) excommunicating Theodosius the Emperour, and keeping him out till he submitted. He used to say, When Gold is offered thee, thou usest not to say, I will come again to morrow and take it, but art glad of the present possession; but Salvation being offered to our Souls, few men hast to embrace it: And again, It is not so much to be inquired, how much thou givest, as with what heart. It's not Liberality, when thou tak'st by Oppression from one, and giv'st to another. And again, A clear Conscience should not regard slanderous Speeches, nor think that they have more power to condemn him, than his own Conscience hath to clear him. And again, Death is the burial of all Vices, for it is the Progress and Accomplishment of the full Mortification of all our Earthly Members, wherein that filthy flux of fin is dried up in an instant: it is a voluntary sacrificing of the whole Man, Soul and Body to the Lord, the greatest and highest Service we can do him upon Earth. He dyed Anno Chr. 397.  
XXI. Gregory surnamed Nissen, from the City where he was Bishop in Cappadocia, where he was born, and said to be Brother to Basil; Bishop of caesarea aforesaid, though it agrees not with the time they lived in. He compared the Usurer to a man giving water to one in a burning fever, which doth him no good, but a great deal of mischief; so the Usurer, though he seem for the present to relieve his Brothers want, yet afterwards he doth greatly torment him. He gave this Character of an Usurer, He loves no Labour but a sedentary Life, the Pen is his Plough, Parchment his Field, Ink his seed, time is the Rain to ripen his greedy Desires, his Sickle is calling in of Forfeitures, his House the Barn where he winnows the Fortunes of his Clients: He follows his Debtors as Eagles and Vultures do Armies, to prey upon the dead Corps. And again, Men come to Usurers as Birds to an heap of Corn, they desire the Corn, but are destroyed in the Nets. And again, There is no excuse for Hardheartedness, for where can a rich man cast his Eyes, but he may behold Objects of his Charity? He flourished, Anno Chr. 480. and dyed under Valentinian.  
XXII. Theodoret( which signifies the Gift of God) was born at Antioch, and Bishop of Cyrus,( who wrote, in like manner as Socrates did, the Ecclesiastical History after Eusebius) he used to say, That the Delights of the Soul are, To know her Maker, to consider his Works, and to know her own Estate. He flourished, Anno Chr. 420. and dyed under Theodosius junior.  
XXIII. Hierom( commonly called St. Jerome) born at Seridon in the Confines of Dalmatia and Panonia, Anno Chr. 331. of godly Parents, who educated him after the best manner, as he grew in years he traveled into divers Countries, getting acquaintance with the Chiefest men then in being, and went through many Difficulties and Troubles from the adverse party, for the Truths sake. He used this excellent Saying, If my Father stood weeping on his knees before me, and my Mother hanging on my neck behind me, and all my Brethren and Sisters, Children and Kinsfolks, howling on every side, to retain me in a sinful Life, I would fling my Mother to the ground, run over my Father, despise all my Kindred, and tread them under my feet, that I might run to Christ.— He used to say, Dead flesh is to be cut off for fear of a gangrene.— And again, You must be a Dove, and a Serpent; one not to do hurt to others, the other not to be hurt by others. And again, That woman is truly chased, that hath Liberty and Opportunity to sin, and will not. And again, All virtues are so linked together, that he that hath one hath all, and he that wants one wants all. Whatever he did, he still thought that Voice was in his ears, Arise ye dead, and come to judgement. His usual Prayer was, Lord, let me know myself, that I may the better know thee the Saviour of the World. He translated the Bible out of the Originals into latin, which goes under his name to this day. He dyed under Honorius, Anno Christi 422. Aged 91.  
24. John Chrysostom, so called of his Golden-stile, born at Antioch in Syria, of the race of the Senators, Disciple to Libaneus or Eusebius and Bishop of Constantinople, a bold and resolute man, & of free speech, who feared not to tell any their faults to their faces be it King or Queen, whereupon the Empress was so offended with him that she procured his banishment: As he went out of the City he said, none of these things trouble me. The Earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof, &c. He used to say, as a great shower of rain extinguisheth the force of fire, so meditation on Gods Word puts out the fire of Lust in the Soul, and as a Boat over-laden sinks, so, much Wealth drowns men in perdition, and, A bulwark of Adamant is not more impregnable, than the Love of Bretheren, and, as a Rock though Winds and Waves beat against it, is immovable, so, Faith grounded on the Rock Christ holds out in all temptations and Spiritual Combats. And the Devils first assault is violent, resist that, and his second will be weaker, and that being resisted, he proves a Coward. He flourished Anno Ch. 400. And died in exile according to Epiphanius's desire, as hedyed on the Sea according to Chrysostom's desire, so having their wishes one of another, for at their last parting, Epiphanus  told John Crysostom, that he hoped he would never die a Bishop, and John  told him again that he hoped he would never come a live into his own country, both which came to pass as is beforesaid. I only mention it as a caution to all to be ware of such wishes one by another, least God suffer it to take effect: He was of an Austere Life, contemning Riches, and was much beloved in his place. It's said of him that he never  told a lie, cursed any, or spoken any scurrilous matter.  
25. Augustine, by Birth an African Born at Thagasta and Bishop of Hippo in Africa. In his youthful daies of vicious manners, and erroneous judgement, but after his Conversion of a Godly, Chast and Exemplary Life, of whom its written that after his Conversion having chastised himself much by Fasting, Watching, &c. To overcome his inward corruptions, and finding it ineffectual, as he was meditating what to do, he heard a voice saying In te stas & non stas, which he rightly interpreting found that what he had striven to do in his own will and strength was only the work of Gods Grace, &c. lamenting himself in his confessions to Godsaying, I sought theewithout and thou wast within, &c. He used to say, that holy marriage is better than proud Virginity, and again, prayer that is pure and holy, pierceth Heaven, and returns not empty, it's a shelter to the Soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to the Devil, and again, there is nothing that more abateth sin then the frequent meditations of death. He cannot die ill that liveth well, and seldom doth he die well that lived ill, A Christian at home in his house must think himself a stranger, And again, if men want wealth, it is not to be unjustly Gotten. If they have it, they ought by Good Works to lay it up in Heaven, He that hath tasted of the sweetness of divine Love, will not care for temporal sweetness. The Reasonable soul made in the likeness of God, may find much careful distraction, but no full satisfaction, for it being capable of God can be satisfied with nothing but God, not to be without affliction but to overcome affliction is blessedness, Love is strong as death, for as death hills the body, so love of Eternal life kills Worldy desires and affections, He called ingratitude the Devils sponge, wherewith he wipes out all the favours of the Almighty, He Praised one who when he was sick said, I have not lived so, that I am ashamed to live longer, nor do I fear to die, having so good a Master to go to, His usual wish was, that Christ when he came might find him either praying or preaching, His prayer was, Lord give first what thou requirest, and then require of me what thou wilt, And, he that prays well cannot choose but live well, when some upbraided him with the impieties of his former life, look( said he) how much they blame my former faults, by so much the more I commend my Physician. He would not admit any Woman to live in his house, to prevent suspicion and scandal nor speak with any alone to avoid temtptation, He lived mean in apparel, furniture and diet, and dyed in peace not long after the Goths and Vandals broken outof Spain and made such havoc in Africa,( Especially Manritania burning of Citys, depopulating Towns and Villages, deflowering Virgins, and filling all places with Rapine and spoil.) A little before they took Hippo, according to his desire, in the third Month of the siege, Anno Ch. 430. Aged 76. He made no Will, having nothing to bestow but Books, He wrote many Books of great esteem, especially that, of the City of God, and his Confessions, which have greatly delighted me, having many serious and sensible things in it, He seems to me to be the chiefest of the Fathers, and was certainly a man famous many ways in his day, and I believe knew the power of God to salvation, yet he held some errors, as Origen, and some others also did, which ought to be attributed to that night of darkness that was coming over all, and began in their daies to eclipse the Glory of the Christian Churches, He was called the hammer against heretics.  
26. Cyril Bishop of Alexandria, by Birth a graecian who flourished Anno Ch. 430. He used to say, it's the best way for a Rich man to make the bellies of the poor his barn, to succour the Fatherless and needy and thereby to lay up treasure in Heaven, that he may be received into Everlasting Habitations. And, where the Scriptures wants a tongue of expression, we need not lend an ear of attention, we may safely knock at the Council door of Gods Secrets, but if we go further we may be more bold than welcome: And again, the Devil Runs with open mouth upons Gods Children to devour them, they manfully Resist him, he thinks to weaken their Faith, and they by his Assaults are made the stronger, he Fights against them but they get ground upon him and so what he intended for their Destruction, full sore against his Will, makes for their Advantage, he dyed Anno Christi, 448.  
27. Petrus Chrysologus( so called of his great Eloquence) born at Imola in France, and Bishop of Ravenna, used to say, Let not thy Care be to have thy hands full whilst the Poors are empty, for the only way to have full Barns is to have Charitable Hands, And, God had rather men should love him than fear him, to be called father then master, he wins by mercy that he may not punish by justice, if thou wilt be like thy Father, do likewise: And neither in the Flint alone, nor in the Steel alone, any fire is to be seen, nor extracted but by conjunction and collusion, so nor by Faith alone, nor by Good Works alone, is Salvation attained, but by joining them both together, And as the Clouds darken Heaven, so intemperate banqueting the mind, as the violence of Winds and Waves sinks a ship, so drunkenness and gluttony our Souls and Bodies in the depth of Hell, and virtues separated are anihillated, Equity without Goodness is Severity, and Justice without Piety, is cruelty, &c. He lived long, and dyed Anno Ch. 500.  
28. Prosper, Born in Aquitane and Bishop of Rhegium in France, scholar to Augustine, famous for Piety and Learning, he used to say, thou shalt neither hate the man for his 'vice nor love the 'vice for the mans sake, And thou boasts of thy Wealth, Honour, Strength, Beauty, &c. Consider what thou art by sin, and shalt be in the grave, And they plumes will fall for every proud man forgets himself. And as the Soul is the life of the Body, so the life of the Soul is God, when the Soul departs the Body dyes, and when God departs the Soul dyes, And those things which God would have preached into are not to be neglected, but those which God would have hidden, are not to be preached into, by the Latter we become unlawfully curious, and by the neglect of the Former damnably ingrateful, And the envious man hath so many tortures, as the envied hath praisers, it's the Justice of envy to kill and torment the envious, And the Life to come is blessed Eternity, and Eternal blessedness, there is certain security, secure Quietness, Quiet Joyfulness, Happy Eternity, Eternal felicity. He dyed in peace, Anno Ch. 466.  
29. Fulgentius, descended of the race of the Senators of the ancient City of Carthage, who in his youth forsook the Glory of the World to led a private Life, and afterwards chosen Bishop of Ruspa in Africa, he used to say, Christ dyed for Men and Angels, for Men that they might rise from sin, and for Angels that they might not fall into sin. If they go to hell that do not Feed the hungry, Cloath the naked, &c. what will become of them that take away Bread from the hungry, clothes from the naked, &c. If want of Charity be tormented in hell, what will become of the covetous, he suffered much by the Arians, even beatings and banishments, and in the midst of his greatest sufferings he used to say, we must suffer more than this for Christ, he dyed in peace( though in troublesone times) Anno Ch. 529. Aged 65.  
30. Gregory the great Born at Rome of noble parentage( his Father being a Senator yet most noble for their piety) by some accounted the first Pope, or else the last Bishop thereof he lightly esteemed of his Greatness, saying, that all Earthly Glory was miserable, if the owner of it did seek after the Glory of God, and was very strict in spending his time, saying he was to give account of it to God. On a time seeing some English Boys in the Market at Rome to be sold he took such a liking to them that he would have come into Britian himself to convert the English Saxons, but being prevented he afterwards( when he was Bishop sent Austin the Monk into England to preach the Gospel( such as it was) there, He used to say, he is poor whose soul is voided of Grace, not whose Coffers are empty of money, Contented Poverty is true Riches, and again God is never absent, though the Wicked have him not in their thoughts, where he is not by favour, he is by punishment and terror, He could never red these Words Son Remember in thy life time thou receivedst good things, without horror and astonishment, least having such Honours and dignities as he had, he should be excluded from his portion in Heaven, It is said of him that he was the worst Roman Bishop of all that were before him, and the best of all that followed him( still growing worse and worse) He severely reprehended the Bishop of Constantinople for desiring to be called Universal, Calling it that name of blasphemy, and yet soon after excepted of it themselves, for Phocas killing his Master Mauritius to be Emperor, to gratify the Bishop of Rome gave him the title of Pope or Universal Bishop over all others. He lived under the Emperor Mauritius and dyed the second year of Phocas, Anno Ch. 605.  
31. Isidoris, by Birth a Spaniard and Bishop of sevil, of great famed for his Life and Learning, He used to say knowledge and a good life are both profitable, yet if both cannot be obtained, a good life is to be sought rather than much knowledge, and, as the Viper is killed by the young ones in her belly, so are we betrayed and killed by our own thoughts, nourished in our bosoms, which consume and poison the Soul, all things may be shunned, but a mans own heart, a man cannot run from himself, a guilty Conscience will not forsake him, wheresoever he goes, and he that begins to grow better, let him beware least he grow proud, least vain glory give him a greater overthrow then his former vices. He dyed in the reign of Heraclius the Emperor, about the year 675.  
32. Bedae,( called venerable) an English Saxon born near the monastery called Peters and Pauls in Wyramundas where he was brought up, he used to say, he is a sluggard that would reign with God, and not Labour for God, in the promised reward he takes delight, but the commanded Combats do affright him, And, anger doth Languish, by suppressing, but flames higher by expressing, He was Studious and Religious, and it's said a terror to such as was proud and wicked. He dyed about 735. Aged, 70.  
33. John Damascen born at Damascus a Learned man flourished under lo, Anno Ch. 730. And dyed in peace.  
34. Theophilact Born in Constantinople, and afterwards Bishop of the same, used to say, be not troubled if this man lives in tranquillity, and thou in tribulation, God will have it so, he puts thee into the Combat, thou must therefore sweat hard before thou comest off with Victory, whereas he that comes forward in the World, goes back in Grace, his Estate is miserable that goes laughing to destruction, as a fool to the stocks for correction, he flourished Anno Ch. 880.  
35. Anselm born at Aosta or Angusta, at the foot of the Alps in Italy. afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury about the time of William Rufus between whom there was much difference( like as was between Becket and Henry the Second for adhering to the Pope more then to him) he used to say, that if he should see the shane of sin on the one hand, and the pains of Hell on the other, and must of necessity choose one, he would rather be thrust into hell without sin, than go into Heaven with sin, and again, O hard hap what did man lose? What did he find? He lost the blessedness to which he was made to, and found death to which he was not made. He flourished Anno Ch. 1080.  
Nicephorus, who flourished Anno Ch. 1110. Said God beholds and moderates all our actions, using the scourge of affliction for our castigation, and conversion, and after due correction, shows his fatherly affection, to those that trust in him for Salvation, and Christ asked Peter three times if he loved him, not for his own information, but that by his threefold profession he might help and heal his threefold negation, It is said he was a great light when the World was in great darkness by his Life and doctrine illuminating many.  
37. Bernard Born at Fountane in Burgandie who contemned Worldly things for Christ sake, shunned company, and affencted retirement giving himself to meditations and lived very strictly for the Love of virtue moderating his youthly affections by abstinence and rigour to nature in which he was exemplary, persuading some of his brothers to leave the World and go live with him in a monastery( which in those days was rather used for Religion sake than an idle life) as they was going they saw their Younger Brother at play, to whom the Elder said farewell Brother, we leave you all our Earthly possessions, to whom he answered, you take Heaven and leave me the Earth, this is not Equal, and so joined with them in that course of life, living after a very strict and Religious manner, he used to say ambition is a guilded misery a secret poison, a hidden plague, the engineer of deceit, Mother of hypocrisy, the parent of envy, the original of vices, the moth of holiness, the blinder of hearts, turning medicines into maladies, and remedies into diseases when ever he came to the Church door( so called) He used to say to himself stay here all my Worldly thoughts & all vanity that I may entertain Heavenly meditations, he was a good and pious man in many things, yet he was blamed for being too jealous and credulous of false reports, whereby he many times opposed better men than himself, he differed from the Church of Rome, in many things, Complaining that Popes and Bishops were the greatest persecutors of Christ, &c. He dyed Anno Ch. 1153. Aged 63.  
38. Peter Lombard, born at Navaria, and afterwards Bishop of Paris, used to say, there can no good dwell in us, that cannot will good, nor can wee perfect good, that cannot desire good, there are in us evil concupicenses and desires, which are the devils weapons, whereby when God forsakes us, he overthrows us, and gives our Souls a deadly wound. God condemns none before he sins, nor Crowns any before he overcomes, Let none glory in the Gifts of preachers, in that they edify more by them, for they are not Authors of Grace, but Ministers, the instruction of words is not so powerful as the exhortation( or example) of works, for if they that teach well neglect to live well, they shall hardly profit their audience, he was contemporary with Gratian and dyed, Anno Ch. 1164.  
39. Alexander of Hales in Gloucestershire( reputed the founder of the Un●versities) traveling into other connteries red divinity at Paris, his sayings were, a soul patient when wrongs are offered, is like a man with a sword in one hand and salue in the other, Could wound but will heal. What the eye is to the body, faith is to the Soul, it's good for direction if it be kept well, and as flies hurts the eye, so little sins and ill thoughts the Soul. Covetousness deserves the hatred of all for six reasons. 1. It's a sin against nature making the Soul terrene, which should be celestial. 2. For the many curses against it, wo to them that join house to house, &c. 3. For the many evils it subjects us to, it's the root of all evil. 4. It makes a man a fool, O fool this night, &c. 5. It causes strifes, from whence are strifes, &c. 6. It brings men into snares which drown in perdition. Every lie is odious, but that most which is against points of faith; as to say Christ was not born of the Virgin, &c. Faith must be defended not opposed; an humble man is like a good three the more full of fruits the branches are the lower they bend themselves. He dyed Anno Ch. 1245.  
40. Thomas Aquinas, Born near Naples in Italy, who with Bonaventure( as good a man, tho' perhaps not so Learned as himself) was scholar to Alexander Hales, and taught the Sciences at Paris, Rome, &c. It's said he was always at his book, disputations or meditations, and was called Doctor Angelicus, he used to say that a day will come when fair dealing shall be found a Jewel, when a good Conscience shall be better than a good purse, for then the Judge will not be put off with fair words, nor drawn aside with hope of reward. And make much of time, especially in that weighty matter of Salvation, O how much would he that now lies frying in hell, rejoice if he might have but the least moment of time wherein he might get Gods favour! and the young man hath death at his back, the old man before his eyes, and that's the more dangerous Enemy, that pursues thee then that which marches up toward thy face. Remember that tho' God promise forgiveness to repentant sinners, yet he hath not promised that they shall have to morrow to repent in. He died as he was going to the Council at lions, Anno Ch. 1274.  
So ends the Fathers and their Sayings, I have a Second sheet or two of the Chiefest of the first Reformers, and Protestant Martyrs, to be published hereafter if this find acceptance.   

BOOKS Printed and Sold by Thomas Howkins.  

FIsher's Works, Folio, Price 12 s.  
Howgill's Works, Fol. 10 s  
Pennington's Works, Fol. 12 s.  
George Fox's Firebrands quenched, Quarto, 3 s. 6 d.  
Dr. Everard's Works, Octavo, 6 s.  
No across, no Crown, by William Pen, 8vo, 2 s,  
Divine Immediate Revelations, in 4to, 1 s. 2 d.  
George Keith's Way cast up, 8vo, 1 s.  
— His Truths Defence, 8vo, 1 s.  
— His Rector Corrected, 8vo, 1 s.  
Accusers Brethren, 8vo. 1 d.  
Narrow Path of Divine Truth, or the Sayings of Matthew Weyer, 120, 1 s. 6 d.  
Cabalistical Dialogues, in Answer to the Opinion of a Learned Doctor in philosophy and Theology, That the World was made of Nothing, 4to, 4d.  
George Fox's tithes, Offerings, and First-fruits, 4to, 1 d.  
— Cause why Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise, and the Jews out of their own Land of Canaan, 4to, 1 d.  
— Trying of Spirits in our Ages now, as in the Apostles Days, by the Spirit of Christ anointing within 4to, 2 d.  
— Word of Admonition, to all such as wander, 4to, 1 d. ½.  
Thomas Ellwood's Caution to Constables, 4to, 1 d. ½.  
— A Seasonable dissuasive from Persecution, 4to, 1 d.  
— A Discourse concerning Riots, 4to, 1 d.  
Mather's Manual: the second Edition, with large Additions, 12o, 2 s.  
John Heywood's Friendly Persuasion and Christian Exhortation to all who profess the Guidance of the Spirit of Christ and Christianity, a large Broad-side, 1 d.  
William Stoveg's Epistle to Friends, being an Exhortation to Friends to continue Faithful in their Testimony in this Trying Time, a Broad side, ½.  
Artless Midnight Thoughts of a Gentleman at Court, 12o, 2 s.   
School-Books of all sorts, Bibles of all sorts, Stationary Ware, ( viz.) Paper, Paper-Books, Journals and Ledgers, Wax, Wafers, Inkhorns, Blank Bonds of various sorts.