M 
 
 1 
 
* rtft «* Uve ******* St*- 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
 Collection of Puritan Literature. 
 
 Division 
 
 Section 
 
 Number 
 
 y/3 
 
^6 
 
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 h 
 
 ft 
 
 
 L 
 
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 cC 
 
I 
 

 A VERY EXCEL 
 
 LENT AND LEAR- 
 
 ^dED <D I SCOV^SS, 
 touching the c tranquilitie and Con- 
 tent at ion oft he minde : 
 
 CONTEINING 
 
 SVNDRY NOTABLE IN- 
 
 STRFCTIONS, tAND FIRME 
 Conizations, mod neccffariefor all fortes 
 fe °y ^£ ofaffitBei per fins in thefe 
 
 latter dajes,. 
 
 Diftinguifficdinto feyen Booker, 
 
 i. AgainftCovctoufncs.pr f# Agaioft Plcafure, 
 x. Againft Ambition. () 6t Agf ^ ft Curiofuic. 
 
 * ^ §41 . n £ *"&"* A/7. Againft Fcarc. 
 4. Againft Envic. J C 
 
 WRITTEN IN FRENCH BY THE FA- 
 mous and learned M. L D e l' E s p i n e, andncw- 
 ^ V" ^Jy trd* fitted into Endtfo by Si. Smyth 
 
 'Printed by john Legate, 'Printer to the 
 
 Vniverfitie of Cambridge. 1502. 
 
 i/itt& Are tobefoldeat thefjgnt of the Simuem P<uilet 
 Church-) ttrde in London*, 
 
TO THE RIGHT 
 
 Francis Hjnd,Kjvight>andM.Tho- 
 
 ma Wendy yEfqu'ue; two ofherMaieitiesIufticcs of peace 
 w her Comtie of Cambridge, EDWARD SMITH 
 wifhcthall increafe oftrue woifliippe in this vvorlde, and 
 theffi!laccomplt[hmentofall neceffane blejfwgs forthevtorld 
 
 to come. 
 
 T hath bene nofmallcontroverfiein former 
 ages,(Right worfhipful)arid that among the 
 greateft Clarks,as may evidently appcare by 
 meir large volumes and long difcourfes/what 
 (riould bethcreadieft way and moft effectu- 
 al! meanes to bring man) who is fubiecft to fo 
 many miferable and fearefullaccidents)to a 
 firmcand ftable efhte, and place him in fuchaperfeftioiij as 
 that even in this life hemightattaineanaflarcdreftandaioy- 
 full contentation. The confederation whereof, nsit was alwayes Vktoincon- 
 verie common amongthofe of greateft giftes, andfuch as were vlV!0t 
 moft plentifully endued with many and fundrie excellent gra- 
 ces, fo was it the principall drift of the wiferforte,whome na- 
 ture hath garnifhed with thebeftconceites, to employ their 
 whole ftudies and indeavours in the fearching out of Co invalu- Ecclus.3 o. 
 able a Iewel, as the ioy of the heart, which (as the Wifeman 16. 
 faith) is accounted as the life ofman, and the meanes to prolong Proii.ij.i$« 
 his dayes. Having thus refolved with them felves , and being 
 fully perfwaded that by their owne devife and induftric they 
 were able to buildefuch an impregnable fortrciTe,and that with 
 the morter of their owne inventions, againft the fierce aflaultes 
 of frowarde fortune, that nothing (hould be of fufficientforce, 
 cither to incumbertheirmindes,ordi{turbe the peaceable eftate 
 
 A 2 of 
 
THE EPISTLE 
 
 of their pretended happineffc, everyone according to his fancie 
 hauelaid his foundations, and finifhed the reft of the building 
 with fuch matter as was moft agreeable to his owne liking. The 
 l.Cor.i. diverfitie oftheir workes doc evidently declare their diflenting 
 20.& 3,19. humours, and their frivolous realbns doe apparantly prove, that 
 the wifedomeofthe worldeis meere fooIifhneiTe. To let pane 
 the fimpler fortc,whofe writings hauc bene of leaft waight, and 
 to come vnto the Ringleaders of the reft, whole memoriall re- 
 mainethatthis day in higheft price, and is but too greatly reve- 
 renced of fuch^asare fomewhat too zealoufly ad dieted to hea- 
 then fanlies, we fhall finde that though they were as confident 
 in their opinions as ever was that boafting <JMeno y (of whome 
 Thto'm Tlato maketh mention ) yet a wife and Chriftian Socrates 
 Mtnone. would eafely convince them, and makethem confefle with the 
 16 iT 7 ' w ^ e King,that wifdome is farre from them,and thatthey know 
 x.Cor.8.a. nothing as they ought to know. 
 
 And no marvaile though they could not direct others vnto 
 th at happieeftate, which they them felvesfoearneftFy affected, 
 feeing that befides the darkenciTe cf their owne vnderllanding, 
 which was wonderfully obfeured with thefbggie mills of clou- 
 die ignorance, they were for the moft part wholy directed by 
 Tlatoin the thofe fame two noyfome neighbours, and vnadvifed Counfei- 
 firft booty of lours Pleafure and Paine \ whole devi fes were accounted as ora- 
 ha laws. cles,&theirfuggeftionsfufficient to fway every a£tion.Whcrc- 
 upon lbme, though fuch indeed as had but flendei iudgements, 
 being terriryedwith the frowning countenance of tormenting 
 Smtci. forrow e,embraccd the counfel of Elettra to her brother Oreftes, 
 imagining that the beft meanes to compafle a quiet life, was to 
 fequefterthem felvesfrom all publike affaires; and like Tymon 
 cic'm his or ~ Athens carefully to avoyd all focictic, left perad venture they 
 firfi booty of fhould heare or feethat,which might brecde their vnquietnes. 
 tjjiccs. Which do£trine,though it were plaufible ynough to the flouth- 
 fuller fort, who are wiferin their owne conceits, then feven men 
 Prov.Tcij, t ^ at can ren j cr a reafon, yet arc they too blame to forget that 
 TlHtecb worm y Taying offage foto, that in doing ofnothing they learnc 
 to do cuill. Befides that they value their reft at too high a rate, 
 buying their eafe with idlenes the mother offo many mifchiefs, 
 notremembring(like vnskilfull furgcons)that whileft they covet 
 
 to 
 
DEDICATORIE. 
 
 to heale fbme particular member, they deftroy the whole bo- 
 dic; and labouring to purge the minde from griefc, they wholy 
 bereaveit of vnderftanding, making it fluggifn,forgetfulI, and 
 vncapableofany excellent conccite. 
 
 Others of as bafe a iudgement and of a more brutifh pra- TbeEfi* 
 6tife, doe notthinkeit fufficientfor their owne contentation Ckm ' 
 to abftaine from all good, vnleffe withall they bee wholy given 
 over to a fenfuall life, wallowing in the filth of their owne 
 concupifcences , defiring with Fhiloxenm to haue neckes as sAnp. inths 
 long as Cranes, the more to delight their intemperate ibootyof 
 throtes.Thus indeavouringbya fuppofed felicitic confiding in J? et » l ^H u 
 the full fruition of their owne licentious appetites, to become \ 
 more happie then earthly men, through the filchie pollution of 
 their fwinifh affedtions they become mGre miferable then the C/r.fo Cato, 
 brutifh beaftes. mawf ' 
 
 Such as fuppofed thisineftirnablc pearlethc enioying of a Zenoandthe 
 bletTed ellate and a quiet life, to confift in the want of aftc- nflofthe 
 6tions A had faydefomewhat, if fenfclefnefle were a venue, or t0lGk £ s * 
 if it were poflible to become a skilfull artifan, and never take 
 delight in an occupation, which is contrarie to that com- 
 mon rule among philofophers : Vmcutctm operation* eft pro- jlrifljnhh 
 pria qtitdam vo/upcM. And therefore not without good caufe t-bofhfof 
 is this fenceleiTc affertion reprooved by tAnflotle^ and iufl- 1, l * 1 *' 
 Iy condemned of all that are wife, for that without allregarde y t opoYtct 9 
 of circumftance it doeth whollie bereave vsof all inclination, ejuando opor- 
 and maintainethfeontrarie to the opinion of Tfato, who ac- tet - 
 counted ioyc and forowe as the roapes, where with wee are ** * &. 
 drawen to the embracing or avoyding of every action) /Jj^ 
 that we may attain a perfection withoutaffedting of any thing. 
 
 Which out of queftion was alwayes accounted a paradoxc 
 among the ambitious forte, and the greatefl wittes coulde 
 never away with fuch dodlrine. For becing perfwaded that 
 the onely way to purchafe a peaceable eftate, was to inter- 
 meddle in worldly affaires, to employ their wittes with Lycur- 
 gtuio make lawes, to (tudie with i)*/^/tominifteriuftice,and Kerodit:m 
 with Alexander to bend their whole forces to cenquere king- c ' ' . 
 domes,& as though the earth were toolitle for one man, would viuta/ch in 
 needs command over fea and land, and like Monarches rule all : buliva. 
 
 A 3 not 
 
THE EPISTLE 
 
 not oncly lamenting with C*/4r ,that they haue not conquered 
 fo much as Alexander: but alfo if they happen tohearc fome 
 foofifli Anaxarchm maintaiyne that there are innumerable 
 
 VluUrcQ. ^oiklcs, they 3re readie to vveepc that they hauc not allofthem 
 vnder their fubicclion, and every mans head vnder their girdle. 
 Theft men, if they would haue bene ruled by reafon, without 
 paflingtheboundes ofmodeft ambition, might peradventure 
 in the light of worldlings haue bene thought happie. But fuch 
 is the nature of flcfhlyconceites, that the more we tender them, 
 the more they torment vs : the more wecherifhthem, the more 
 they chooke vs.- the more we take pleafure in them, the more 
 
 Ecclcs.2. theypaincvs.Sothat we may truely confefle with the wife man, 
 that theybreede nothing in vs but forowe and vexation, and 
 through thefenfible feeling ofourowne miferable efrate,crie 
 
 Herodit. out with Crafa y and confefle the faying of Solon to bee verie 
 true: 
 
 »■■ ■- Vltimafemper 
 Sxpeclanda dies homim y dtcife beatas 
 Ante cbitum xcmoyfuprema^fttnera debet, 
 
 U the fit Which opinion though it be highly difgraced by sArittotle, 
 b*°k?°fb& \ n ca jli n g j t an abfurd aflertion, yet it is of greater waight then 
 CbJpX' ^ ,ec t00 ^' e lt > anc * commeth neerer the trueth then he imagi- 
 ned. But whilcft hee woulde difcent from all others, making 
 felicitie like a galli-maufrey, in compounding it of an Oww- 
 gaiherurn, of the vertues of the minde, the giftes of the bodie, 
 and the favours of fortune, he quite forgate that hee did repug- 
 Cbap.6. riant ta loqui y framing his Fxlix like a Cawcehon, to day happie,to 
 morro we miferable. 
 
 The devine and heavenly PhilofopherTY*^, though hee 
 were more excellent in this argument then all the rcit , pla- 
 cing his greateft happinefle in a fcrious contemplation of an 
 Idea, which was notwithstanding hee knewe not whzt, yet 
 ( whileft hee feemeth to make mans reafon a rule to attaine 
 to perfection, and attnbuteth too much to Philofophie, cal- 
 . , ling it No/^^ut ofay, the pure golde and precious pearlc, for the 
 YertulM ' attaining whereof wee fhoulde fell all that we haue, and ac- 
 Ib.dtanima. count it the onely mcanes tocompafleaquiet life) hath gone 
 
 aitray 
 
DEDICATORIE. 
 
 aftrayafwellas the reft, andleft fmallhopeofhcavenly health 
 to be procured by his heathenifh receiptes. 
 
 And yet furely a wife reader may picke out excellent prepa- 
 ratives, as well out of his workes, asoutofotherphilofophicall 
 difcourfes, and compounde a potion fitte for the purging of 
 our mindesof muchvnquietnefTe, though hce fliall never bee 
 able to attaine that perfection of ioy andblifle, which is here 
 fpoken of. 
 
 For it is not all one to bee a morall wife man, and to bee a 
 good Chriftian; to bee a great proficient in humaine know- 
 ledge, and a profounde Clarke in heavenly vnderltanding; to 
 bee skilflill in the writings of men, and to bee cunning in the 
 bookeofGod.Forthefe differ more in deede then they doe in 
 £hewe; and more in fubftance then in apparance. And there- 
 fore in feeking to repofe our (elves in humane difcourfes, wee 
 may feekc for quiemefTe,but we fliall never be at red; wee fliall 
 hunger, and never be iatisfyed ; we (lull drinke, and yet never Iohn 4.3. 
 tafteofthat water which fhali be {iifficient to quench our third: 
 for the deuice of mans braine is too fliallow,and his reafon pol- 
 luted with too many fikhie frainesof his owne corruption, to 
 finde out fo heavenly a blcffing , andfo vnfpeakeable a be- 
 nerite. 
 
 And therefore fuch ashaue bene craynedvpin the fchoole 
 of Chiifiianitie, andtruely taught bycheSpirite of God,have 
 learned to avoyde thofefandie foundations, and to builde vpon 
 fore rockesj the death and merites of Chr& lefm : and to looke 
 for all happinefle and tranquillitie both of minde and confer- 
 ence, in the allured perfwafion of the forgiveneffe of their finnes: P/aI.3 1,1. 
 which ftrong foundation neither the ftormie tempeftes of j^^ 
 carnall motions, nor the blufteringwindesof divelifli iuggefti- 
 ons fliall ever be able to fhake. 
 
 Confidering then that this peace and contentation of mind 
 ought to be the defired haven, wherein everie one flioulde har- 
 bour him felfe from the tempeltuous rage of his owne distempe- 
 red humours, and that among all the violent paflions where- 
 with we are tofTcd,as it were,too and fro, not any are more dan- 
 gerous then thofe that are tainted with Covet ouftejfe, Amb;tion y 
 Anger 'yEnvie^PleafHrefitmofitteyFeare^yxQ^Xikz'^Q^aAlo^ 
 
 A 4 goulfes 
 
THE EPISTLE 
 
 goulfes whereof are continually readie tofwallovv vp the (hip of 
 every tnans fafetie, were it not guided by the direction offome 
 skilfull Pilot: I could not but commend this excellent difcourfe 
 ofCMJ.del* Efpitse, directly tending to the comparing ofa qui- 
 et minde, wherein he hath not onely laid downe the reafons that 
 may be moft cffe&uall to drawe men to moderate their vehe- 
 ment pa(Iions ) but alfo moft notably difcovered thofe imminent 
 dangers, which doe vfually accompanie vnruly motions, and 
 furnifhed this whole difcourfe with luch infallible proofes, apte 
 iimilitudcs, fictc comparifons,fage layings, andworthieexam- 
 ples,as well out ofdivine as humane ftories,as maybefufficierK 
 to drawe on the liking ofall fucb, as are not wholly compoun- 
 ded of vnruly affections. And though I feared at the firft to com- 
 mit any tranflation thereoftotheprelTe, being moft vnwilling 
 to lay open mineowne infufficiencie in the tongue to the viewe 
 oftheskilful!Reader,but tovfe itratherasan exerciie for mine 
 owneparticuler : yet being perfwaded to thecontrariebycon- 
 fideringthe correfpondencie that ought to bee among Chrifti- 
 ans, and the good that fonecelTarie aworkemaydoeimhefe 
 dayeSj wherein mens mindes through the pollicie of Sathan and 
 the corruption oftheir owne natures, feeme to be but too full of 
 paffionate humours, I was the rather enduced to venture neerc 
 home like a young merchant, and to make tryallhowethefe 
 precious French wares will be vttered among ourEnglifh nati- 
 on atthis prefenr, who haue (I am fure heretofore) bene buttoo 
 much delighted with their baler commodities. 
 
 Being growen tothisrefolution, I began to call to remem- 
 brance ho we deepely lam indebted vnto your Worships, and 
 my wantof abilitie in any fmall meafure to requite fo many dc- 
 fertes,other wife then by this or the like tellimonicofmy thanke- 
 full heart and duetiful affection : as alfo how corrclpondent the 
 title of this booke is vnto the wife & peaceable carriage of your 
 f elves in your greateft a£tions,(b farrefrom theleaftfufpitioofal 
 diftepered affedtions,as that youmay feeme to put in continuall 
 pra&ife thofe excellent preceptes, which the authourof this 
 worke hath moft notably defcribed in his moft ferious contem- 
 plations.- which moovedme(IconfelTe) toofferthis tranflati- 
 on vnto your worftiips, fecking herein to countenance my felfe 
 
 vndct 
 
dedicatorie. 
 
 vndcr your patronage, thereby the morercadelie to ftoppe the 
 mouthesof fundric carpers, who either cannot or will not doc 
 any thing themfclues, and yet are fro ward enough toreproouc 
 other mens labours, and (harply tocenfurc their honcft endea- 
 uours; crauing withall a fauourable acceptance of my good 
 meaning>and curteous entertainment of this new come gefle, 
 who though he be butplainlieattired,yet I truft hisdifcrcctbe- 
 hauiour will procure him friendes, and make others, through 
 your goods words,countenance him, though it be for nothing, 
 but for that he is a (banger. 
 
 The AlmightieGod,who hath enriched your worfhips with 
 fomany worldly bleflings, and adorned your mindes withfuch / 
 excellent graces, as that you may iuitly be faid to haue attained 
 no fmail portion of his heauenly benedictions, increaie in you 
 all bleflings necelTarie for the attaining of all contentation in this 
 life,and the full fruition of all happines in the life to come. 
 
 Tour Worfhips to command ^ 
 Edward Smyth. 
 
mAD ACADEMI- 
 
 
 cam Iuventutem par am/is . 
 
 Hry(ippuse£* Diogenes, detrattavtilitate, ne 
 digttum qnidem vtrtutti caufa attottere volue- 
 rnnt. Qubdfi * ornatiffimus tile docUffimuf^ vir> 
 qui in ifto effbdiendo thefauro fummos labor es 
 ex ant Unit } pari fuiffet erga liter arum deem vo- 
 tuntatejie fummo {quod dicitur) digit o pracla- 
 rum hoc opus attigtffetjn iflu etenim tenebris & 
 quafi parietinis bonarum artium,ea eft Scholafticorum vita emmbtts 
 non ornament umodb , Jed& emolument is etiam fpcltata, vtvtlhct 
 quam Philofophi, aratorx quam oratoris potior fit conditio^ nemo 
 fere fit, fipr<tmhrnm d'dcedine rapiatur y qui non malit hi trattandis 
 raftris^quaminconfeendendts roftrisjnacuendis hgonibm, quam in 
 euoluendis libris occupari: Adeb vt^tamet ft qwA^iam ( ji fieri pcf 
 fetjfubtilitate Ly/iam^cvmine Hyperidem, tnexhauftalegendt aut- 
 dttAteCatonemfupsraret y &vereqtieatcum Heleo FJippiaghriari, 
 nihil ejfe vlla in Arte rerum omnium ■, quodnefciret: m fit amen cum 
 eodem poffit & pallium , quo amiblta, &foccos y qutbus indutw fit, 
 propria conficere manu,vtx aut ne vix quidem y miferam hanc vitam 
 fuftinueritJn ore hubent omnes erudition^ elegant tarn , Thilofoph'ta 
 ftlendorem admirantur, hanc in luce ac celebrttate confitutam cu- 
 p'tunt : qutbus tamen erudttos inter ea neghgenttbus nee immerith 
 pojptmus illud 9/fnaxagora ad Per idem occtnere ti tS Kvyvx j^hum 
 revise \\ettov 2h)tf*7iv. Huiufce tgitur liter at tjfimiviri induftrta eo 
 matorem laudem commerctur, quo iniftu lucubraciombus non pri- 
 uatam altquam vttlitatem, fed pubic urn fibt commodumprofofuerit. 
 
 Ea 
 
Ea autem eft huiufce dttatis ftue fegmtiesinertijftma.ftuefaftidium 
 delicatijfimum y vt huiufmodi labores vel ofcitanter pratereautur, 
 veltanquaminvtiles contemnantttr. Excitanda itaj^ eft noftri fem 
 cult inventus, & harum fctentiarum ardore inflammandfl. Hand 
 exigum efi eorum numcruSy qui otio torpentes, genio indulgentes, in 
 impuriffmo voluptatis cotno volutantes, porci verius quamfludtofi, 
 *ventris animalia,quam mentis coloniappellariqueant. Hi, ft reltfta 
 Epicuri hara, adfacrofanttum Platonis* <±Ariftotelis, Plutarchi a- 
 ram ft reciperent, facile fepaterenturevolvptatis quafi tyrannide e- 
 reptosin veram ac genuinam 'Philofopbu libertatem vindicari, Ex- 
 cntite igitur torpor ern (adolefcentes) &kv'iw itev&itw non ejfe cum 
 Remoac Romulo indicate , ne vos Ubidimbtu conftringendos detis, 
 Syracufanas menfas d PUtone grauiter reprebenpu, & Sardanapali 
 Spigramma ab Ariflotele explofum cogitate, Noliteputare hoc ejfe 
 tyicademici,letlulo affixum adbarefcere , togatum dtfcurrere per 
 plateas, pro oppidanorum foribtu confidere, per forum cur (it are otto* 
 fam 3 fub veneris vexittomilitare,ipfum Falcidium bibendo&pocu- 
 lorum magnitudine fuperare : fed ant eiuc anas Demofthenis imitari 
 vigilias, in LMuf&um abdicum Acefema, Acciumaffdua intention 
 neanimi y & ardor e ft udij ( [i fieripoteft)tpfnmvincere ^Archime- 
 dem.Cum Iulianus lmperator(vt ecclefiafttca tradtt hi ft or ia) Philo- 
 fophos pr<z reliquis fuo fauorecomplextu effet,ftatimad aulamvn- 
 di^confiuebant,qui la 7$ s%fiHAJo( (xetfaov,*) Ut f 7&j.<hia4$iKo<jv$Qi i£hk» 
 vvvlo. Et vtinameandem hodte nonltceret vfurpare querelam, in A- 
 cademiarum reperiri gremio, qui, vtad ^Academidt tandem obre- 
 pant honor eSyfefe pottus ftudent ^Academ'tcis gradtbus tanquam-> 
 leonina pelle wduere y quam mentemfuam perpetua leUione omnium 
 dtfciplinarum effcere bibliothecam, Qjtod ft feme! ignauU foluti 
 vinculis e voluptatis qua(i cuftodia euolauerint, non Catonis insiar 
 in LMuftis fedent Stoicorum aut Peripateticorum circumfuft It- 
 bris , fed ingenuas ex f ana dotlrina cbleclationes ignorant es , circu- 
 los aliquos & femictrculos confettantur. Turn ft potuertnt velprece 
 velpr&mio ss4ngltcanat quafdam legendas comparare, ftue de Ar- 
 thur o Principe, Hugone de Burdeaux , Bevtfo Southhamptovienft, 
 Valentino ac Orfono 3 portentofa* nefcio qua* c onfi bias fab ulas : hue 
 comment a arr'tpimtur auide, mantbus teruntur ajfidue, nunquam 
 pojfunt pHitddt ift<z delicia adolefcentum ftomacho naufeam commo- 
 here: Romano, lingua i vtpote fupernitiofa^afUrif^contemnitur : ad 
 
 gracam 
 
gr&cam "tioiattinet, h&c vna vocula fuffciet y gr&cum efl y nonpotefi 
 legi\ heb && liter a inexiguum Tbeologorum gjrum compinguntHt* 
 Sola r efl.it ^Anglic ana lingua, qua omni labore y (udore y curaprocu- 
 denda e&* Eupbuesigitnr y Cftiammilla y Tenelopes tela, triumpbtu 
 temporis Jamentationes Amyntt y ?bilautiu y Anglia 'Palmcrinw, 
 f lunatic* pbantafl<e y pttl* cbartuU y (firc&a nefcto qux Metamor- 
 pboflsjnnlierum byperapiftes, Thar bonis e pur gat or to prorumpentis 
 nouafiantuarienfis futor calcearins y reltqu£qj Arnatori& ineptu, me- 
 retrtciu pro, fe ferentesnitorem y in ft urn hbtdtnis calorem accenden- 
 tes y palatominficearrident % a quibus <e%re fe dtvelltpattuntur. Cum 
 videret Cafar dmites quofdam peregrinos canum& fimiarum catu- 
 losfecum in gremiis circumferre y lepide interrogates eft y num apud 
 ipfos mulieres nonpar erent liber oi, St nonne ab tflis adolefcentulis in- 
 eptos huiufmodi codices exofculanttbus aque liceret petere y vtrum 
 mater i/£cademta, Platonis y Xenopbontis y ffocrat is y Seneca opera 
 tanquam germanos liber os nonpar sat ? Calcei Sicyonij fat is ad pedes 
 apti erant: cjuos tamenfapiens tile re fpuebat y quia vtrtles non erant. 
 Etslliforfitaridtculttraftatttsfatis apti&coctnnipro (ubtetta mate* 
 ria videri poffunt: quia tamen viros prafirtim Academic os minim e 
 decent y qmrupettora variaru rerufalut art fcientia oner andafunt,ad 
 fcemtnas{ftvlUbi cofflediinveniat loca)re\egetur. Ver e pro fell o\v e- 
 redi£iHefl;cucft'7redJk)V padfia&f o-vv^dvao-i rf \v%a. In aborts dc- 
 lettu^qniainvnum quap corpus nobtfcumcoale[cunt y admociu curio f 
 ejfe folcmtii:& in animipabulo dtfcernendo nullum iudicium y nullam 
 Jagacitatem y nullamcuramadhibebtmiu ? Si vernacult fermonU pu- 
 ritatem amplettimurjuitu defiderio magr.opere videmur cofagrare, 
 plurimifefe offerunt ltbeHr y e quibus taquam cxfontibus augufitjfmis 
 vnacumfermonis elegant iapracepta ettam advitam informanda ac- 
 commodata haurire licet. Hac non gu fata modh y fedpotata etiam de- 
 Icttabunt-.nonattres duntaxat inani fir epitudemulce bunt fed & am- 
 inos veraperfundent voluptatc. Vt Gallic a Academia y Academic is 
 inprimis digniffima t pratermitta ex omniomniu quaffcicntiarii nar- 
 tb<£cio dtpr opt a jrcliquofytaccaetus farina libra s-praf ens ifle tr atta- 
 ins tanqua ex Gallicis tenebris in Anglic ana luce t optimi virifudore 
 ac vtgiliis vindicatus y adehUtulat4tuq 3 inuenibns offer tconv%viu y vt 
 in eonequaquapigeat ab ouo(quod aiunt)admalu confedife. H tenon 
 vt in Cleat his tabula voluptatevtdebut veluti reginafuo m (olio col- 
 locatam y virtuteffc omnes quafi ancilltiUs ei mintflrantesyfed tanqua 
 
 tn 
 
in ffeculo contemp1abunt,&pu/cbram vtrtuiis 'jfgiem 3 cams am 9* 
 re capiantur y & deformemvitij imagwem, quampra, horrore vtx*- 
 quis intuebuntur oculis. N*% b<tc t/fgatbarei ahcuiuspenicillo 7 [ed 
 ip(i:u lApellis atfa Polyclett admirabilt depiEla arttficio. Nam qua 
 [mead virtutum dignitatem iRuftrandam^ue ad vitiorumnaturam 
 expticandam in quibufvis fere author thus facrts ac propbanis reper't^ 
 untur y ea omnia in btinc quaft cumulum conge fta,vnopene intuitu afk 
 pic ere he eat. Ad boc aduoUtetanquam apes aluearium, ex omnibus 
 poribus mellifluum delibatefuccum :tn hoc curfu vere Obymptaco ad 
 met am vffepergite: bum fee vos curricuhnunquampoenitebit* Au- 
 rc&htc fulgent Philofopbu gemma fluibus a tergopofitisjte cumgal* 
 lo tllo Efopico in foetido inept or um codicum fterqutliniocommoremi- 
 ni,IncompArabiliter(vt quidam loquttur)pulcbrior eft Veritas Cbri- 
 ftianorumtfuam Helena CJracorum. Merit debentfacra liter* nos 
 quafipenitm abforberejn his die nolieq^ defudandum eftjnterim ca- 
 vendum tamen y neficut quidam imperiti philofopbi, cum afenfibus 
 profetti maiora qmdam ac diuiniora vidtffentjenfus omnmo relique- 
 runt: it a &nospr<stextu ThcologU Philofophiamprorftts defiramus. 
 Quamcuncfe tandem art em profit ebere, nunquamad tllius afcendef 
 faftigium, ntfigradtbns quibufdamphilofopbU. Placet nc itbi Galeni 
 atfc Hippocratis officinal tritumeft^fedverumeft : vbi definit phi- 
 lofophusjbiincipit medtcus. AdTheolcgtiftatutfti confugere caftra} 
 omnium artium attfc linguarum panoplia inftritttus accedas oporteU 
 Mtraculum vifum eft Hieronymo cuntiam Gnecorum btbltothecam 
 a lofepho facris in Uteris enutrito euolutam ejje. In Bajilio ac Na- 
 z,ianz*enonefcias quidprimum admirer e y crudttionemfeculi y ac fci- 
 entiam fcripturarum. ^yinatolins infignis Theologm in Arithmetic 
 cafieometrta y Aftronomia,Dmlettica % Theoria, Phyfica & rhetor i- 
 cis difciplinis hs tyw peruenit . OHeletim Alexandria Epifcopusjiv „ ., 
 
 TO '[MM J Oil IMS oMKHV,T$Iy<p nana KoydV hiKet Titeitofcfl®- erat.Crt- . - , ! ?"J 
 
 tictPhilonem Iudmm alter um Platonempronunciarunt • Ipfe Per- l 
 
 phjriitt (in bo(?e enim virtus laudemhabet)Originemnondubitabat 7* c, 3 2# 
 quafi Phtlofophict corona infignire* Quern pro bat urn author em non 
 perlegit Erafmus , qui ® Thomam Scholafiicorxm antepgnanum 
 propter admirabilem in aAriftotele peritiam <tfwnMK.ZT<flw ap- 
 pellant. StdomefticosexfpcttamuA ftimulos, qmbtu ad Pbitofopho- 
 rum ftudium excitemur 9 Theologos in medtum producer e Uceret 
 omnium artium cboroftipatot. Nome infinitaprope Poctarum/FbU 
 lof. Htfiorhgraphorum peragrarunt vohtmina lntllva Spifc. Sarifi 
 
 bwienpSi 
 
 cc- 
 
burienjijy Vulco ftrenuijfimtu in Papiftarum profigandis cop/is <>A- 
 chilUsJVhttakcrtit Cantabr'/gtcnfv i & 7{ainoldw Ox omen [is t Ne 
 igitur pudeat ex pb/lofophtco armamentarto tela pet ere, qu/bus ipfi 
 ettam Philofopbt (ft optujit)confojjiiaceant. Id emm verttm eft ca. 
 pit alts Qorifttanorum hofits Iultanw, qui /deb gent/liumfcbolas ne a 
 Tneodor. limine eoruml/beros falutarevoluit , ivctixnjnqu/t, oxeW <z£lif>w @ct\- 
 I.3 .C.8. ^^3*. Hie eft GolUgladius (vt pulchre Hieron.) quo ipfe Goliab 
 iugulandtu eft ; h&c Her culls clam, qua rab/dt inter ethntcos canes 
 rcpercutiendifunt. ssfppollonij igitur veftigiis inf/ftentes vbiq^ m- 
 vemamttSyquoddifcamMiVtfemperprofktenteSifempernob/frnettpfis 
 reddamtirmeliores. 
 
 Vejiri jludiofiffimm 
 
 ?■?■ 
 
iJ©iJ§S§<§ 
 
 IF fuch as toylefome trauayle take to Indie farrc for gold, 
 And pafle along the (urging feas,amids the bluftering cold, 
 Deferue fuch guerdon for their hyre, fuch prayfes for their paine, 
 <* Though they bring naught but worldly wealth,to maintaine priuate gaine, 
 Which with great danger gotten is, and foftered with fuchfearc, 
 As clogs the minde with peniuic thoughts, with griefes and carkingcarc: 
 Then great is his defert by duc,who with his painfull toyle, 
 Hath vndergone this trauaile great,and brought from forrainc fbyle, 
 Such pearles of price, fuch choice receipts , as plcnrie here we finde, 
 To comfort foule and bodie both, and purge the troubled minde 
 From noyfbmc humours,\vhichdoe breede fuch paflionsinthc heart 
 Of thofe, who therewith poifoned are : and doth the fame impart 
 To each man freely for his good ; enereafing thus the wealth 
 Of them, who wi(h for quiet rcft,and thirft for hcauenly health. 
 Thcfe fruitfull labours then of thine,thc vertuous will commend, 
 And with their tongues will thankefull be ; and fo adue my Friend* 
 
 q*.T.W. 
 

A COMPENDI-- 
 
 om and fiort jumme of this -whole 
 
 difcourfe touching the contcntation ofthemind : 
 difiinguifhedinto feuen bookes* 
 
 Verie man naturally endeuoureth by all means . „ , 
 
 rrti t- ■ , , s- i r ■ 11 Allmcndc. 
 pojjible to hue quietly, & feeketh continually to £ rc co j JUC 
 
 fettle himfelfe in that eft ate, which he imagi- happely. 
 neth to be molfto his liking and content at ton: 
 and to this end tendeth all his labour, conn- 
 jells, deliberations, thoughtes, attions , imagi- 
 nations, and enterprifes whatfoeuer. Which 
 though it be mo ft true , yet doe they not take one, & the felfe fame 
 courfe to attaine vnto their wifoedend: for feme thinking feltcttie 
 to confi/I in riches , doe feeke for nothing elfe as long as they liue^ut 
 tog it her wealth : others hunt after honour, and promotion, and feme 
 after pleafure, and delight: this man is beflpleafedwtth goodly and 
 finely buildwgs ,and that other with trauelltng tntofarre Countries: 
 and* euerfe oneapplieth himfelfe vnto that, which fit teth his humour 
 and agreeth with his liking . But there is no man fo fortunate as to 
 find that which he feeketh, neither is there any but complaincth of his 
 owne estate and condition: and that infuchfert , as wee may evi- 
 dently perceiue his vnquietnes, and dtfeontentment . The reafon 
 whereof is thisx They fee^e for that in this worldwhtch cannot pojfib- 
 ly be found: for this tranqutllitieandrepofeofthemindeislaidevp in 
 heauen , and in the kingdome of Cjod , and is bellowed onely vpon 
 them ,whohope to attaine vnto it by the meanes ofChrifi I e fits : for 
 the contentatton,whereof wee nowfpeake, is nothing elfe, but that 
 blejfed, and happie efiate, which he hathynrchafedvntovs by his 
 obedience , which he refer ued for vs, vntillfuch time, as he appearing 
 
 B vnto 
 
vntoall the worlde in his glorie,fha(lmakeit manifefl vntoall men. 
 sAndyet 1 will not fay , but that it may appear e in fome fort ,and be 
 attained into eve in this life:& that true & vnfained fort]} tans, be- 
 ing illummatedandregenerated,perceiuing the vamtie oft his world, 
 and the corruption of all t hinges therein, mayfo It ft vp their hearts 
 and m'mdes vnto God , and by a c on f deration of hi* goodneffe and 
 bountte,findefuch quiet andajfured reft, as they could neucr before 
 attame vnto. \Andto the ende that men may the better come vn- 
 to this quiet and peaceable eft ate, I haueinthefe feuen bookesfet 
 downe the meanes that bringeth them thereto: to the end that they, 
 by reading and ende atior ing to follow thofe rules which are deltuered, 
 may inproceffe of time by the grace of Godobtaine their deftre. And 
 though the endbe long anddifjicult, yet is it very excellent, pie afant, 
 and profitable, andfo greatl] tobedeftred, thatwe ought to ffare no 
 trauell orlabonr what foe uer ,to attame it. For it is fo preciotu a lew- 
 ell, astheleaft part and peece thereof, is fufficient torecompenfe all 
 our trauels, andpaines* 
 
 Now, that we may the better vnderftand wherein the contesta- 
 tion of the minde especially conftfleth, wee muft fir ft fearch out 
 thofe things, which doe mofl trouble and difquiet it. For as in corto- 
 ralldifeafes, it is veryrequiftteto know the caufeswhereof they pro- 
 ceed, to theendwemay the fooner cure them -• fo is it conuewent, 
 the better to apyeafe the trouble fome pajfions of the minde, toknowc 
 what thofe things are that haue ingendred them. 
 
 Ofthefe,fomeare ex t email: aspouertie,difbonour,lojfe,iniurte t 
 enmitte, andfuch like: andfome internal . And of thefe there are two 
 forts : forfome haue relation onelj to the hodie,as hurts, and dtfeafes : 
 Andfome to the minde, as paffions, and affections, which are theprin- 
 cipall,andcarrie the great eft fway in themou'wgof 'our ffirits . For 
 as we fee the power of the windes in the motion and ft irring oft he 
 aire, the waters , and the trees efpecially to preuai/e, for that their bo- 
 dies are moueable, andfubteft to euerte motion : fo Itkewifetherea- 
 fon why euerie accident all, and cafuall chance doe trouble , and mo- 
 le ft vs, is , for that our minde s are incombred with vn ft able, andwa- 
 tseringpaffions : and therefore it is verie expedient, that in the begin- 
 ning ofthistreatife we fet downe the meanes that may purge vs of 
 thefe paffionate humours. 
 
 *But firft of all it is to be vnderftood^ that that which fhalbe sjo- 
 
 ken 
 
kenagainU thefe trouble fomepaffions of the m'tnde, will not make toy A Z* 1 ™* ™ e 
 thingf or the proof e , and approbation of that Stoicatl opinion , which t ^ c spikes 
 mamtaineth a fenfeleffe and blockifb nature , votde of allhumanttie, which ma* 
 and vnderflanding : for affetlions are as neceffar'te for the maintc- keth men 
 nance of humane [octet ie,and prefer nation ofmutuall concord among vnfcnublc. 
 Wf», as bread and drinke are conuenient for their vfi. *y4nd there- 
 fore as sk*lfull Phifitians, who ta\e vpon them to heale a dtfeafe, doe 
 not purge thebodte of all mo i slur e, but onely of that which is corrupt 
 andputnfied , andfeeketo reduce the reft to a good and conuenient 
 temperature: fo likewife we mufl not labour to extinguifb all ajfetli- 
 ons in our nature, buttoweedefas out ofa gar den)thofe onely } which 
 are euill: andmanure andhufbandthe reftjo the end they may bring 
 for thfome good and wholfome finite* 
 
 Secondly, we mufl note, that there are no remedies more fit and A remedic 
 conuenient to heale the di/eafis of the mind, then words, reafons^r- a §j^ n c % 
 guments ,dtfcourfes and demonftrations , which doehuelyandnatu- J^ m j n< j # 
 rally fetfoorth both vice andvertue , in fiewing the beautie of the 
 one, to the end to make vs in hue with it, and contrariwife in declaring 
 the det eft able and foule euill fanonrednes of the other : tlyerebythe 
 more tomakevs hate andloathit .We muft obferue then, that Vhi~ 
 ficke is not good , vnlejfe tt be forfuch as take tt y and for thofe whofe 
 natures are well prepared before to receiue the operation titer of: and 
 therefore if the reader will obtaine any profit e hereby, he muft reade 
 diligently , and carefully lay vp in his mtnde thofe reafons which 
 fhalbe ailedged, and earneftly craue at the handes of (jod, that thefe 
 things may be effe5luallto his good: for it is he alone that mufl giue 
 the encreafe to thefe our Ubours , which otherwise will be altogither 
 unprofitable and vnfiuitfulL We are like vnto them, whofheweand 
 teach other theway they Jbouldtrauell in i they tell them right, and 
 where they ought toturne: but if they fall lame , or wax e wear ie by 
 the way, they can not giue them newlegges orfuffcient flregth to tra* 
 uellout their iourney. Wherefore feeing all dependeth vpon the grace 
 ofCjod,both the knowledge of them whoinflmtt others, and the wil- 
 hngneffe of thofe who are t aught, toput in pr acl if e, and to execute the 
 counfels of them who teach themdet vs commend our fe lues vntohim 
 ejr humbly befeech him to giue vs grace that we may both vnderflad, 
 and fludte earneftly to doe our diligence and endcttour. 
 
 B a THE 
 
THE SVMME OF 
 
 the fir ft booke, touching the con- 
 
 tentation of the minde. 
 *A g AIN ST COVE. 
 
 TOVSNES. 
 
 T feemeth that we line in that age, where. 
 m nothing is accountedvtcious.but word* : 
 for as for the thinges themfelues thej are 
 currant , andrecetueable among vs:asfor 
 example, (fouetoufneffe is not condemned, 
 but onely in regard of the name . For as 
 foritfe/fe, all fortes of people , and all 
 vocations -whatfoeuer are miferablj in- 
 fetted therewith . Goodmen y being wrapped vp , and as tt were fna- 
 red in the nets hereof \ are often ttmes beguiled with the vamfhtng 
 Sun-fhine of this world\& ther fore the Poet Simonides being asked 
 whether wealth or wifdomewere mofl to be de fired , anfwered y that 
 hee could not tell y for that heefawe oftentimes the wife to ft and cap 
 in hand to the wealthie : which thing make many topaffe on a refolute 
 courfe to gather riches , vntillthey haue sntredinto the fchoole of 
 heauenly trueth and veritie , which prefently inftruBeth them tn a 
 better way „ Nowe as concerning the hue ofthefe corruptible and 
 tranfttorte goods , commonly called Covetoufnefle , very fitly 
 in my opinion hath tt beene called by wife men in former ages, the 
 ^Metropolitan or mother Citie of all mifchiefe : and the jpirite of 
 ^od hath named it the roote ofaRemll, <*sfnd of this the authour 
 difcourfeth in this fir ft books , and fheweth that it is verie fitly 
 branded with thismarke, as being the worfte of all other : andt here- 
 fore hke afurgeonfeeketh to heale that dtfeafe , wherewith heefeeth 
 his patient tobemoft troubled, t^Andhauing laid this as a foundation, 
 that Couetoufneffe is the moft violent paffion of all the reft, hee labou- 
 
 reth 
 
reth toproue it by particular reafons y [hewing that it debarreth vs of 
 the vfe of all things, and will not fuffer eyther ourfelues or any other 
 to entoy them, Next vnto this he paint eth out a covetous man in 
 his ortent and lively colours, and maketh him the vildeslftave in 
 the whole world, the great efl Idolatour y theife y murtherer y Infidell, 
 Athetft y & damnable creature that is :t he author ofalleutl y the mo/l 
 miferable andabietl villaine y thepooreftJeaneftMindeft y andmoft vn- 
 happie man that can be imagined: and contrariwife y that a mode ft 
 and a vertuopi* fimp!tcitie y is a mofl excellent venue: and that there 
 isnofinnethat Chrtftians ought more carefully to avoyde y then cove- 
 toufnes : and that good men y wholtve contendedwith the grace of 
 Cjod y are mosl happie. And this is declared in the firjt 'part of this 
 booke. 
 
 In thefecondpart, hee [heweththe remedies again/l covet oufnes, 
 theprincipaflwhereofis the knowledge and feare of God- consequent- 
 ly he fetteth downealltherefi y to the endthat every onemay conjider 
 of them : as for example ; fir ft that nature ps content with a little: 
 that covet oufnes can not helpe them y who follow it, from the leasl em 11 
 that may be: and that there is no danger fo great but covet oufnes 
 and riches may bring vs into it : that i/4varice was never in 
 eflimation with any y but with the enemies of knowledge , 
 and vertue : that it draweth after it all confufion : that 
 wee haue infinite examples of fuch as haue liberally and ho- 
 neftly employed their goods in fuch fort as was convenient: that wee 
 mufi fir ft feekethekingdome of heaven y and commit the dtffofmg of 
 our affaires vnto God: that fivet oufnes is the more det eft able if 
 we compare it with other vices y which are oppofite vnto it : and in a 
 word, that there is no contentation of the mind in the hue and hhing 
 of worldly riches: then followeth the application of this dotlrine vn- 
 to particular perfbns^and especially vnto Kings and Trine es. 
 
 In the third place , he dtfeourfeth of the right vfe ofriches y and 
 /heweththe fruits that proceede of char it ie and liber alitie towards 
 t he poor e> by arguments drawn e from the nature ofCjod : oft he great 
 profit we reape by almes giving: of the a/fur edpromtfes of our hea- 
 venly father : of the fo'lie of the covetous man : of the nature of 
 true charitie : of the malediBions and curfes denounced againH 
 thoft which are not pit i full : of the vnexcu fable crueltie of avari- 
 tiowmen* And in conclusion an fweretb tothevains obteel ions of fuch 
 
 B 3 as 
 
a are covetous, nho % toexcufe themfelves from bee i»gkber all, d- 
 
 ledge the fear e they hone leafi they Jhou/d want, and that theyhaue 
 
 not fttfficient togtuefo mtny almes ; andfo concltideth in the endthat 
 
 torcpofeourtruft in Godspromifes, is fuffctcnt toexttn- 
 
 gtti/hCovetotifoejfe, and to fettle our 
 
 mindestnapeaceable and 
 
 quiet ejlate. 
 
 
 THE 
 
THE FI%ST "BOOEiE. 
 
 Agalnjl Covet oufnejfe. 
 
 MONG the manifold and fundric 
 vexations of the minde, there is not Couuoufnc: 
 any (in my opinion) more furious or th ? m $fj*-. 
 more violent, then agrcedicand Coue- i en tpafm 
 tousdefire, which ingendereth; and,as of all others. 
 it were, hatcheth exceeding troubles 
 in whom foe uer itrcmaineth. For as 
 we fee fome men, which naturally are 
 fo cnclined to mifchicfe, fo feditious, fo contrary to peace and 
 tranquillity ,that they are no foonerentred into a houfe or Com- 
 mon wealth, but prefently they fowe difcordeanddiflention, 
 troubling the common-quietnes and peaceable eftate which 
 was before: fo alfo this cur fed defire is no fooner entredinto 
 our heart, but that forthwith weperceiuea great confufion of 
 tumultuous and diflentious appetites to boyleand rife vp with- 
 in vs, which (\oc llraightwaies entangle vs in the nettes 
 and fnares of the Deuill,and at the length bring vs to milerable 
 death and deitruclion. He which will diligently confiderjthe rfltyMfm* 
 ftate of an auaritious man, fhall euidently fee that he hath no 
 more reft, then hath the tree that is planted on the toppeof a 
 high hill , which is continually toffed with the windes: there is 
 noendenormeafure of his cares, fearcdiftruft, defiireand def- 
 pake.* all which doe fo pricke and difquiet him Co often as he 
 would fleepe, that it fecmeth helyeth among thornes and bry- 
 ars. There was neuer fo cruell a Tyrant as Couetoufnes : for Hie 
 maflacreth all men with care and trauell, which are vnder her 
 dominion : fhee haileth and draweth them through fieldes, 
 through woodes, throughiea and land, in winter and fommer, 
 
 B 4 day 
 
 I 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 day and night, wetteanddry, without giuing them fo much 
 as an houre torell and repole them : fhe leaueth them naked, 
 or elfe in their fhirteswithfbmefewcragges aboutthem,and 
 feedeth them with courfe bread, with drcgges,onyons, nuttcs, 
 orskallions. And to conclude, if there be any tormented with 
 this paflion, there is none but will abhorrc and deteft him. 
 Furthermore to fhewe this her wonderfull crueltie , and that 
 in asliuely and oryent colours as may be : if we haue riches, fhe 
 leaueth vs but the fight of them, and taketh away the vfe and 
 plcafurewefhouldhaueof them: fhe friuttethourhandes,and 
 ftoppeth our mouthes, fo that we may neither tafte, nor touch 
 them : whereupon thc^oets haue likened a Couetous man to 
 Tantalw, who is euen readie to die with hunger and third, 
 though he haue both apples and water iuftat his mouth; and 
 Lmtan compareth himto adogge couched in the hay,who can 
 eate nothing himfelfe, neither yet will fufTer any othertotakc 
 thereof, without barking and brawling at them. 
 
 Fu rthermore , fhe wholly depriueth vsof all the blcfllngs of 
 depriuetbvs ^°^* ^ or he hath created the world and all that is therein, for 
 ofihezfiof theprofite, vfe, and benefit of man : fothatifhauingthofe his 
 Cods bkf- creatures, we doc not vfe them for our neceflltie, they are vnpro- 
 f tn l u fitable^nd can not be called good inrefpeel ofvs, who rccciuc 
 
 nocommoditicofthem. Which things the auncient Cjrccians 
 did very wel vnderlland and declare, calling all temporal goods 
 by a word,fignifying the vfe of things : fhewing thereby that 
 we may not rightly termethat our good, whereofwe make no 
 vfe, or commoditie: by which occafion Efop (''who was a plea- 
 fant conceited fellow, and full of wittic deuifesj feeing a man 
 very fore troubled, for that one had (tollen away his treafure 
 which he had hidden in the ground, aduifedhimtotakeaftone 
 of the like quantitic and waight, and to lay that in the fame 
 place, where before he had hidhistieafour,andwithali to ima- 
 gine that it was his money, and all was well ynough: giuing 
 thereby to vnderftand , that thisfhould ferue his turne as well 
 astheother,andthat filuer and gold are not otherwife to bee 
 accounted goods, vnleffe it beofthem, who make an vfe of 
 them: asforthofe who vfe them not, they are onely profitable 
 
 in 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. a 
 
 in opinion and conceit. 
 
 U^y^alfojafter the defcription of thofe things which God 
 had"createcl in the beginning, rcciteth that particularly and 
 generally they were good : that is to fay, well and wifely ordei- 
 nedforthecommoditie, pleafure, and proflte of men. There is 
 nothing then more comrade to the ordinance of God, his 
 bountie and deuine wifdome,then Couetoufnes, which maketh 
 that vnpiofuable and vnfruitfull, which God hath created for 
 the vfe and benefiteofman. 
 
 S. Chryfoftomc fpeaking of the hatred and enuie which the Jcouetaut 
 Couetous man bearethagainlhheprofperitie of his neighbour, ^r ei % e ^ 
 and of thegricfc he hath when hee fceth him v(e that which ot fa rs a if , 
 he hath, with thankefgiuing, faith, that ifit were pofTible hee 
 would fell the funne : that is to fay, his brightnes and heate, if it 
 were in his power r and fo would they deale with theayreand 
 the water, and fuch like, which God hath created common for 
 all, in fuch forte as no man may appropriate them to him felfe. 
 It may be further faid , that if they were lordes of other thinges, 
 as they are of their golde and filuer, that notwithstanding they 
 would be afraidetomakeany vfeof that which they haue, not 
 confidering (like vnfenfible creatures) that there is nothing that 
 durethforeuerbutonelyGod, and that according to the lawe 
 and vnevitablc necefiitie, whereby the continuance of all things 
 isdetcrmined and appointed, they muftpafle away and haue 
 their ende, and are confumed either by wearing, or by wormes, 
 or by ruft and rottenneffe,or at the leaft by time, which wafteth 
 and confumeth whatfoeuer efcapeth or faueth it felfe from the 
 other deuourers. Seeing then that ofneceflTitie they come to an 
 ende one way or other, is it not much more reafonable that 
 man fhould make vfe and proflte of them, feeing it is the plea- 
 fure of God, who is acknowledged, Ioued, and honoured by 
 thismearies in the vfe of his creatures, rather then tolcauethem 
 to be confumed of wormes without any commoditie? 
 
 I demand of the Couetous man, how he would like of thofe 
 truants and hirelings, who by their negligence and carelefhes 
 hauefuffered his houfes to fall into mine, and haue left his lands 
 andvineyardesvntiIled,crfeeingfomemanormaideferuancin 
 his houfe, which ferueth him to no purpofe, how he would be 
 
 pleafed 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 pleafcd with them ? why doeth he then make no vfe for the mod 
 pare of his riches and treafures, but keepe them altogether vn- 
 prorltably ? why doeth he not thinke alio that he is theferuant 
 of God, holding of him whatfoeucr he hach,with commaunde- 
 ment to make vfe ofthem, and that he is countable for the dom- 
 mages and loiTe which happeneth by his wantoftraffickc, that 
 is to fay, for that he hath not yfed them as the Lorde hath com- 
 manded. 
 -Mrfr.15.j4. It is certen that Chrift Iefus in the parable ofthe Talents, fig. 
 nifiethno otherthing, but that whofoeucrhath receiued any 
 grace or girt of God, of what kinde, qualitie, or price fo cuerit 
 be, if that he doe not Co employ it as that there may be made 
 fomeprofitethereof,i1ialbepunifhedandcaft intovtterdarke- 
 neiTe, becaufe of hisidlenclTe : yea though he hath kept that 
 which hath benegiucn him fowell, that 4t be neither loft nor 
 diminifhed,while he had it in his hands, 
 j And is not this a wonderful! punifliment^that a man fhould 
 
 firftybema* be made a ilaue vino that, whereof he fhould be matter? For 
 hetb himfelfe which hath more authoritie,he which fuffereth and endureth all 
 *th*wh lmn g s ^ or n * s g°°ds, t0 theendc he may keepcand encreafe 
 fhould be bis tnem > or thofe things which are vnprofitable and doe nothing 
 flaxe. f° r him?ifthey were turned into men, and that one fhould enter 
 
 into an houfe where this order is, he could neuer iudge who 
 were matter. Ifthenwedoefteeme that man to beinmiferable 
 eftate and condicion,whohauing bene a lord and m after, is by 
 fbme mifchance become fubiedt to his vaiTaile and feruaunr, 
 though he be a man, and by his vertue and wiledome aduanced 
 to lome degree : what fhall we fay of him, who willingly ma* 
 keth him felfe a flaue, and that to madde and fenfeleite crea- 
 tures, yea,and that which is worfe,to finne and to the deuill?For 
 z who fb euer is couetous,is an Idolatour : for thatthe loue and 
 Secondly be confidence which he ought to haue in God, heerepofeth all in 
 is an idola- the creature, which by this meanes is,as it werc,deified by pla- 
 im% cingitin his heart, which isthefaireft and mott excellent place 
 
 in all the Temple of God, andthevery feate which he hath es- 
 pecially chofen and referued to fit in, as in his throne, there to 
 dwell continually by his holyfpirit. And if fobethatoneonely 
 figne which we make before an Idole, astolift vpthe hands, to 
 
 bowe 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 3 
 
 bowe the head, and bende the knee, be a fuflficicnt argument 
 toprooue that we are Idoiatours : whatfhall it be accounted, 
 when we fet our whole hearts and afTe&ions vpon a creature, 
 repofing our truft therein, thinking of nothing elfc day not- 
 night ? 
 
 Furthermore,amanthatis couetous,is athiefe and awrong- 3 
 full dealer, notgiuing to euerymanhisowne. For wee are not Thirdly he 
 thelordes,butthe miniftcrsof thofe goods which we haue, as U&tbiefk. 
 alfo of all the other giftes and graces of God , for toaide and 
 hclpeour neighbours, and not to keepe them locked vp in our 
 cheftes. The ouerplus then ofthat which is requifite for the 
 neceflarie vfe ofvs and of our families, appertained vnto them 
 who are in pouertie, and we robbe and fpoilethc n,if we re- 
 taine any thing from them, and we deferue as great rebuke as 
 doeththe Princes Amner,if he referuc parteofthe money which , 
 is giuen him todiftribute to the poorc: which thing the heathen 
 did well vnderft a n d. 
 
 Elian reciteth the hiflorieof a certaine Lacedemonian, ^.14. 
 ( called Ttmandridai) who taking a long iourney, before he de- cap.$z. 
 parted left the charge and gouernment of his houfe to one ofhis 
 fonnes.Long after, at his returne finding his riches to be greatly 
 encreafed, and that in hisabfence his wealth was fo augmen- 
 ted by the frugallide and painefulncffe of his lonne; iniicadc 
 of commending and praihnghim, (harpely rebuked him,faying, 
 that it appeared euidently that he had bcene a wrongful! and 
 an vniuft dealer, and that he had done iniurie to the immortall 
 gods,to his neighbours, andthepoore, towhome we ought to 
 giue whatfoeuer we haue,more then for our owne neceiTary ufe. 
 For which caufe U^/?/commaunded the Iudges, whome hec 
 had appointed to heare and determine the controverfies of the 
 people, that they fhould efpeciallytakeheedeofcovetoufnes, 
 for that it is theruine and vtter fubverfion of Juftice. 
 
 ^ He is alfo amurtherer,not for that hekilleth his neighbourby . 
 violence, though this his covetous andgriedie defire be the tteinlfi* 
 principall and chiefe caufe of all warres, oppreflions, robberies, mutthtxtx* 
 fpoyles and defolations which followe : but fomemayexcufe 
 this matter, in faying that thefe defolations and miferies do not 
 alwayes accompanic greedie minded men: notwithftanding, 
 
 it 
 

 6 
 
 THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 it can not be denied but that they be manquellers, though there 
 were no other reafon but this, that they will giue nothing vnto 
 their neighbours to relieve and nourifh them : for even as the 
 fire is extinguifhed and quenched,not onely by throwing on of 
 water,but alfo by taking away of the wood and other matter 
 whereby it is fedde and nourished : fo alfo may one deftroy and 
 take away the life of a man,not onely by offering him violence, 
 but alfo in refufing to give that vnto him,which is neceffarie tor 
 his prefctvation. Moreover, he is very vnthankefull; for who 
 hath beftowed vpon him all that which he hath ? Isjt not Chrift 
 Iefus^br whole fake God his father hath given them? and this 
 is the very fame, whofc members he fuffcreth to perifh with 
 colde and hunger, not vouchsafing to give them bread and wa- 
 ter to nourifh them, or any cotirfe and vile ragge to cover them. 
 . * But this is not all;, them oft daungerous and pernicious mif- 
 
 Jnfideli and cn iefeis, that he is alio an infidellandmifcreant. Fqrcpyetouf- 
 profhneptr- ne fie hindereth vs from hearing of the worde of God, which is 
 fon. the foundation ofour faith, orelfe ifwedoehearejttotheende 
 
 to lay it vp in our heart, it profiteth vs nothing, for that it is cho- 
 ked roorthwith in fuch forte, that it can not fpring foorth : even 
 as the feede that is fo wen among the thornes. Which thing one 
 may eafily perceive in all fortes of covetous and avaritious per- 
 fons, which docnotconfider that the nourifhment, and prefer- 
 vation of all thinges doeth depend of the providence of God. 
 Propound vnto them the promifes which God hath made, and 
 they make no account of them; nay, they doe efteeme more of 
 ten crownes which they haue in their coffers, then of all the fay- 
 ings and examples of the whole Scriptures. 
 
 Jfyou thinketofearc them with the threatnings which God 
 hath breathed foorth againft them, who repofe their confi- 
 dence in riches, which are not content withtheir nourifhment 
 andcloathing, who heipe not their neighbours, fhe wing vnto 
 them that in fo doing, they fhall both loofe them ferves and the 
 kingdome ofheaven : you fhall not fee them Co much mooved, 
 as if they had loft fixe pence.Is there then more fai thlefle people 
 then thofe which diftruft the providence of God, which doubt 
 ofhispromi(es,3nd hauenofeareof his threatnings ? and ho we 
 ftiould theybeleeveinGod whome they knowexiot? It may 
 
 be 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 4 
 
 be they haue fome flight conceit of him which quickely pafteth 
 ! away; but this is no true and found knowledge: for if they did 
 knowe him as he doeth (h ewe and make manifefthimfeJfevnto 
 vs,as he is the fountaine and fpring of our life,reft, and quietnes, 
 and that all thinges are vaine,and he alone the foveraigne good , 
 which is able to fatisfie and fill our defiresjwould they not leaue 
 all their great and exceflive cares which they are encombred 
 with in this worlde, for to reft and repofe them felves wholly in 
 him? 
 
 By this we may alfo gather, that the covetous man hath no 7 
 faith,and that he careth neither for God nor his lawe.For it mud *** !i an f 
 needesbe fas S. Iohn faith) that wemufthauecharitie, if we \^i\^ 0H/U 
 will haue God dwell with vs,who is nothing elfe but aneternall I# i h n $. & 
 firc,burning and glowing with charitie; without the which we 4. chapters, 
 are neither the members nor the difci pies ofChrift Iefus: and 
 this is that principall vertue which doeth evidently declare, that 
 we are regenerated, and thatwehauehisfpiritc dwcliinginvs. 
 howe can hethen haueGod with him, who hath no alliance 
 with Chrift Iefus,without whomc the Father availeth nothing? 
 by the fame reafon it may appeare that there is not his lawe in 
 him,forthatis all comprehended in this worde charitie : what 
 religion then hath he, who is without faith, without God and 
 without lawe? whereinjftffereth he then from the Atheiftes, 
 who thinkc and teach that there is no God,and that the worlde 
 is not governed by his providence? furely in nothing, vnlefleit 
 be in that he is fomewhat more fearefull and more bafhrull , as 
 havingfome fuperftitious opinion of God, which the other alto- 
 getherwanteth. 
 
 All this being confidcred, friall we marvaile if Chrift Iefus Matup.*?. 
 faid,thatit is a very difficult andhardmatterforarich man to 
 enter into the kingdome of heaven? and no wonder is it that 
 S.Paul doeth foearneftly exhort vs toflie covetoufnelTe, in fay- i.rim.&?. 
 ing that it is the roote of all miichiefc, and that they that will be 
 rich fall into tentation and fn ares, and into many fbolifh and 
 noyfome luftes,which dro wne men in perdition and deftru6ti- 
 on. One faith that in time paft poverty was a vertue that did in- 
 ftru& and teach it felfe, becaufe it made man capable of all 
 good and laudable artes. But contrariwife we fee that riches 
 
 ordinarily 
 
Tlutarcb in 
 the life of 
 Tbochn. 
 
 
 THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 ordinarily make men idle and fluggifh to follow vcrtuc: and if 
 pcradventure they haue learned Something, theyarereadieto 
 forget it, and prompt to leauetheftudic andexercife thereof; 
 tJb.z.cap. 8, ^Artflotlc faith in his Polnickesjhzt all vice proceedeth from co- 
 9AO* vetoufnes and from ambition, asfromtheoriginallfountaineSj 
 
 and that thefe as the feedes from whence fpring treafon , re- 
 bellion,wrong,robberies 5 thefts,tyrannies,opprcilions,fuperflu- 
 ities, fubverfions, warres,diffcntions,andin conclufion, allmif- 
 chiefe what fo ever. 
 
 By reafon whereof Crates had fome probable caufe to caft 
 his goods into the fea, defiring rather fas he faide) to drowne 
 them, then tobe drowned himfelfc by them: a nd/^ c/g galfot o 
 refufe that great fome of money which ^Alexander fent him, 
 beeing mooved thereunto by the great fame that was ipreade 
 abroadofhis excellent vertucs, and of a princely magnanimitie 
 and heroicall defire he had to remunerate and honour a man 
 endued with fuchand fomany furpalTing qualities. Andjetvs 
 note that prudent anfwer he made to his EmbalTadours.- for be- 
 ing defirous to knowe the caufe which had enduced the King 
 their matter to honour him with fuch a prefent, they anfwered, 
 that k was the report he had heard of his rare vertues, I befeech 
 him then (Taith he) tofuffer me to remaine as I am. Infinuating 
 thereby that it was a very difficult thing, to holdvertue and ri- 
 ches both together. 
 
 At fuch time as in Rome and Lacedemonia povertie was not 
 ct/*defpifed , and that men were contented onely with neceflarie 
 things,they were wife,con(tant,iufr,temperate,doing right vn- 
 to all with whome they converfed : and very carerull that in the 
 time of peace the lawes might be publikely obferved among 
 the Citizens, their children wifely inltrucled, and all cftates 
 marfhalled vnder a fevere and ftraight difcipline : in warre, 
 they were vigilant,laborious,patient, coUragious,prudent,vali- 
 ant,and invincible , not onely againll their enemies,but alio a- 
 gainft all calamities and miferies: yea againft blowcs,ftripes, 
 and death itfelfe. But when as thofe who fucceededthemjft cg- 
 letting the example of their ance(tours)begannetocontemne 
 povenie, and to delight in the glittering fhe we of wealth and 
 riches , defiring rather to fill their cities, their temples and hou- 
 
 fes 
 
 
 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 5 
 
 fes with the gold and wealth of their enemies, then with their 
 fathers to bewtifie them with their armes and weapons,greedie 
 defire having once poflefled their he arts, forthwith the love and 
 liking of vertue was clcanc extinguifhed, andr ichesentringin- 
 to their Church, expelled religion, and chafed difciplineout o f 
 their houfes and cities , and brought in pleafure, banketting, 
 plaics,prodigalitie,iuglers andtumb!ers,cookes,and clawbacks, 
 and in a word, all perfons and fports which were fit to weaken 
 and effeminate their minds. And perceiving at length that they 
 hadnotfufficienttomaintaine fuch exceflive charges, in ftead 
 of acknowledging their faultes, and returning to liueas their 
 predeceflburs had done, they augmented their follies •* forjak 
 ter they had not wherewithal! to maintaine their licentious li- 
 ving, they beganne to prie into the eftate of their fellowe-citi- 
 zens, forging crimes and other finiftermeanes, thereby to get 
 that which they had. Whereby it happened that God who is 
 the protedlour of innocents, and the revenger of wrongs and 
 oppreflions which are done vntothem, hath permitted thatim- 
 mediately after this their corruption in manours, they fliould 
 alfofallbytheirambitiousdefiresinto feds and factions, andfo 
 at length into civill warrcs, which was the meanes that in the 
 ende their whole eftate was fubverted and overthrowne. And; jvwkethe 
 who can denie but that this is alfo the caufe of the great confufi- caufeofthe 
 on and diforder in the Church , \ yhich to our vnfpcakeable confufionin 
 griefe we behlod in thefe daies ? for in the ti me that the Church the ci3Urc ^ % 
 waspoore, and that the Apoftles and Pattors thereof had nei- 
 ther gold nor filver, they florifhed in all kinde of vertucs. The rfiy/ff^ 
 Bifliops were learned, modeft, wife/ober^painrulljvigilantjgen- 
 tle,peaceable, andihining lights in the middes among the peo- 
 ple , living in fo great charitie that they accounted that which 
 they had not their owne, but made it common to all ^ ,i,X4 ' 
 men. 
 
 Thofe which had pofTeflions and goods folde them, 
 and brought the price, and hide it downe at the A- 
 poftles feete, who parted it to all men as every one had 
 neede. Furthermore, they continued with one heart in pray- 
 er and fupplication, and did eate their meate together 
 
 with 
 

 Xcnophon'm 
 hn difcourfe 
 ofnstdble 
 ftyings. 
 
 THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 with gladnes and finglenes of heart, praifing and lauding God 
 for all things: and as concerning their faith, it was fogreat,that 
 they could not be turned from the profeflion of Chrift Iefus,nei- 
 ther by threatcs, nor any torments that were offered them.For 
 millions of them fuffered martyrdome, and fatisfied with the 
 emifion of their bloode, thecrucltieandrageofthe Tyrants, 
 which was otherwifevnfatiablc, who waxed fooner wearie 
 with murthering, then the Chriftians withfuffering. But after 
 the inconfiderate zealcof fome Princes hadincreafed them in 
 wealth andponeflions, prefently (asfaith S.Ierome) they began 
 by little and little to deminilli and to decay in godlines , vntill 
 at length they haue fallen into that miferable eixate wherein 
 wenowfeethem, whichjsfuch, that itis a difficult matterto 
 iudge who are moft vicious, the pafture or the people, ftriuing to 
 exceedeeach other in impietie and vngodlines. Which if we 
 confider, we muft needes approoue and allow that memorable 
 fentence of S. Ambrose , fpoken in the Conned of i/4qut\a\ that 
 pouertie is no leffc glorious in Gods minifters, then profitable 
 for his Church: and that which 5. Paul faith, that godlineffe is 
 great gaine,it* a man be content with that he hath. 
 
 The Covetous man when he ioyneth houfe to houfe,and land 
 tolande,vntilltherebeeno placeleft, thinkethhegainethvery 
 much : but thefe fencelefle creatures doe not confider in the 
 meane time,the lofle they haue on the otherfide of the graces of 
 God,ofthekingdomeofheauen, the quiet of their minds,and of 
 all godlines .• the leaft of which things cannot be recompenfed 
 with all the goods of fea and lande. T hey feemc to fifl:(as Au- 
 X HflHdC &far faid) with a golden hooke,fbr that which they loofe 
 farre furmounteth that which they get. They are like vnto 
 them who are fwolne with the dropfie,who a farre off feeme fat 
 and to be in good liking,by reafon of the abundanceof the hu- 
 mours in their bodies , though thatfor this caufe they be foare 
 anddangerouflydifeafed : fodoe weiudgebytheoutwarde ap- 
 pearance that riches are very pleafant, andfuch aslouethem 
 very happie, though thatfor the mofr parte, there be nothing 
 more vile and filthie in their houfcs. then them fellies : as Socra- 
 tes "faide to ArcbeUus , who hauing builded a goodly and 
 fumptuous houfe, which he had furmfhed with coltly mooue- 
 
 ables, 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 6 
 
 ables,and all fortes of antiquities that could be found : nowe as 
 many ranne thither to fee the rare things which were there, 
 Socrates tookcoccafion vpon a time to fay vntohim : Alaspoore 
 man doeft not thou coniiderthatamongfogreatamultitudc 
 which repaire daily vntothy houfe, there is not one of them 
 that defireth to fee thee ? declaring thereby vnto him, tha t 
 there was nothing in his houfe, but was better accounted off 
 then him felfe. Ttto ^enes ta unted another man after the fame 
 forte: forentring into his houfe which was adorned with riche 
 hangings of tapiftrie,he fpate in the owners face,faying it was 
 the hlthyeftplace he coulde fee. It is then the fottifh, and foo- 
 lifh opinion ofmen, or elfe the malice of fuch as flatter them, 
 thatmakcththem tobeefteemedfo happie: for as that is not 
 alwayes a good horfe which hath his bridle and faddle adorned 
 with golde; fo alfo may not that man bee accounted bleffed, 
 who hath rich attire, fumptuous buildinges, andcoftly move- 
 ables. 
 
 HtffomAchm (as Plutarch writcth) hearing a man commen- lnhutrea 
 dedfor that he was of a huge and mightieftature, as ifio bee for ttyofwt 
 that caufe he had bene a likely man to whine the honour and 0U J ne v et 
 the viclorie*at gainings and mafteries of price ; yea marrie, 
 (faith he) if the frowne were hanged in a high place, and that 
 one fhould reach it with his handes. So likewife fbould rich 
 men haue a great advantage over other men, if that felicitie 
 mightbe folde,or confined in golde,lllver,or revenues. 
 
 But all this can not fatisfie our mindes, whereas contrari wife 
 povcrtie hindereth not the reft and quietneffe thereof, eipeci- 
 ally among wife men. The Apoftles were verypoore v andfpr- 
 fooke all they had to followe Chrift Iefus; and yet cfteemed 
 them felves as rich,as ifthey hadpoflefled all the worlde. Telhtt <pi utarc h 
 the Athenian having but a little hou fc in thefieldes, with fm all thetifiof 
 fubftancetonourifh him felfe and his children, was contented Solon. 
 with that little he had, and palled away his time in great reft 
 and quietnefle. Contrari wife.Crcefa t hought it not fufficientto 
 bekingof£^//>, highly honoured and obeyed of his fubieCtcs; 
 who willingly gaue vnto him whatfoeuer he defired : which 
 Solon perceiving, accounted him lefle happie then Tellus the 
 Athenian: wherein he was no whit deceived, for in the ende 
 
 C his 
 
 m 
 
 c 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 hisdefireto waxc great, andtoenlarge his Empire, provoked 
 and ftirred him vp very vnwifcly to enter into wane with Cy- 
 rus, who vanquifhed him, and bereaved him of his kingdome, 
 his wealth and libertie, and efcaped hardly with his life, fer- 
 ving for an example to all poltcritie, and efpecially to great 
 princes, who ought to looke weil about them, and to conjider, 
 howe fmally wealth availeth to make a man happie, to tRe enci 
 they may be content with their eftate, and learne fas the aunci- 
 ent Greekes were wont to fay) that the halfe ordinarily is bet- 
 ter and fafer then the whole, becaufe thatfuch as are not con- 
 tented, but with an vnbrideleddelire, oftentimes by this means 
 looic both, as experience daily fhewetb. Anttochus the g reat, 
 lufl.lib. 31. who was the moft puifant and mightie King in all Afia'm his 
 Tlutarcb hi time,loirall that he had, becaufe he was not content with that 
 Schi "which was fufficient, but would augment and enlarge his do- 
 
 minions: andtothisendcentred into warre with the Romanes, 
 who vanquifhedhim, andtooke from him whatfoever he held 
 on this fide the mountaine Taurtu. ^«/?4»/iW£theelde(tfonne 
 of him that was named the great, not contenting him felfe with 
 his parte, though he had Italie, and the better halfeof the ^0- 
 mzne Empirc,yet ?qi\ out with his brother £onftans j:oi\\q ende to 
 fpoyle him of that he had, and to make him felfe lorde thereof- 
 but the contrarie happened; for he wasflaine, and loft both his 
 kingdoms and hislife. And oflatc memorie hath not that migh- 
 tie houfe of T>HYgondy fallen intoextreemcruine and defolati- 
 on, through the ambition and griediedefireofDuke Charles, 
 who was neuer contented before he bad procured his ownc 
 ovenhrowe? 
 
 It fareth with covetous men as it did with <s£fopes dogge, 
 who having a piece of meate in his mouth, and efpying the Hi a- 
 dowe thereofin the water, thinking ithad bene another piece 
 offlefh, ihatched at it, and through his griedicdefireloft that 
 which before he had. Even fo rich men, who might peaceably 
 and quietly enioy the goods they have, andeate with pleafurc 
 thefruites of their labours, by this their covetous humour they 
 deprive them felves wholly thereof, and fetting before their 
 eyes a fraudulent hope ofthinges that feemeto begood,for- 
 get for the moft parte thofe thinges that are good indeede. 
 
 Which 
 
 C<m%nJ\b,i> 
 
 'Pbitip it 
 Communes. 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 7 
 
 Which thing Cynexs did very excellently and wifeJy declare . , 
 vnto King Pyrrhit*, feeing him readie to enter into warre; with - nthe ^ » 
 the Romanes , what meaneyou, faith he? towhometheKing virrbtH* 
 anfwered, I purpofe to conquer Italie : and what will you doe 
 thenyfaidfyneas ? from thence I intend to goeinto France,znd 
 backe againc into Spawe, and fo into Afnfkf, .andinmy.rc* 
 turneto get Sicilia , that in the ende after thefe happie and for- 
 tunate conqueftes, I may returne homein triumphing wife, and 
 repofe myfelfe allthereftofmydayes in honour, glorie, and 
 great profperitie ; whereto Cyneat anfwered, what neede you 
 take fo long and fo daungerous a courfe to come to quictnefle? 
 live you not now in tranquilitie with leffe danger and trouble? 
 We may fee by this that (as Salomon faid) fooles have nothing 
 but vexation with their goods.* and that Sam Qhr'y foft omc had 
 great reafon to compare them withfavage beaftes, which coll 
 great labour and travell to take them, and beeing taken, 
 aske as muchor more paines tokeep them that they hurt vs not. 
 
 It were the lefleharme, if after they have defired, and with ^^ m r e 
 greatlabour attained vnto wealth, their defire were quenched, men more 
 as hunger and thirft is fatisfied with drinking and eating. But covetou, 
 they ferve but to augment and increafe their defire, which be- *! h £ reM mo .~ 
 commeth more greedic; eve n as the fire w hich is not quenched, ^^11^ 
 but more & more kindled with the wood that is put to it. When \ y m d mth 
 wefeeamanthatdrinketh continuaily,andyetcan not flake his contenmion. 
 thirft,we conjecture foorthwith that he i s dif tempered, and that 
 he hath more neede to be purged, andhisbodietobecleanfed 
 from corrupt humours,then to give him moredrinke: fo alio this 
 great defire which alwayeseateth, which hath fo monffrousa 
 bellie,and vnfatiablc like vnto the grave, doethit not evidently 
 declare that the mind is very ficke,& therefore to recover itfelfe, 
 it muft be firft purged &clenfed of the paflion thattormenteth 
 it?thist>eingdonc,thedifeafe would incontinently ceafe, &the 
 patient fliould forthwith eate,drinke, & fleepe athispleafure, as 
 wel asthefhephcrds & laboring me,who ate merry al day in the 
 fields,& at night fleepe moft foudly in their poore cabbins : they 
 alwayes eat their meat with a good ftomacke, & after come to 
 their labours cheerefully,for that their mindes arc not troubled 
 with this paiTioa A man w r ould fometirne give all that he hath 
 
 C 2 to 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 to be dcliuered from death, or from Tome daungerousdifcafe, 
 fo fhould a covetous man purchafe feven with all that he hath,) 
 thisquietnefleandcontentationof minde,and ifhewillnot,let 
 him not be ouermuch offended with the ravenous fouldier, or 
 the thiefe that fpoyleth him of his riches : for by this meanes 
 he is delivered of that, which was his hinderance to come to 
 quietneffe. 
 h' no ^^^^.rernembring the example of a ccrtaine philofbpher 
 difcourfetou- tizmcdAnacreon, (to whome the tyrant Toly crates having gi- 
 ch'mgweahk ven five talents, which amounteth to the fumme of about three 
 povtriie,and thoufandcrownes) faith, thathe feeingfo great a heape, was 
 covctoufies. mar veilou(ly troubled in his mindein deviling howe he might 
 beftoweit, and for that he was in continuall feare, thinking of 
 nothing elfc but of his money; in the night in fteade of taking 
 his quiet reft as he was wont, he could doe nothing but thinke 
 of his crownes, and dreame there was fome thiefe picking his 
 coffers, or at his gates comming to cut his throate for his mo- 
 ney, which he perceiving, and feeing that his care continually 
 encreafed, he tooke foorthwith all his money, and teftored it a- 
 gaineto Policy -ates, faying, that in foureorfivedayes which he 
 had kept his money inhishoufe,he had puthim to morepaine 
 Vlutarchh tnen cver ne cou ^ ^oc himpleafure. Zenon having loft all his 
 bistreatife goods vpon the fea in atempeft, faving athredde-barecloake 
 of the quiet- which he had about him,greatlyrcioyced and thanked fortune, 
 nes of the tnat fa e had taken away his goods, whereby fhe had delivered 
 his minde from captivitie, andmadeitfitte to receive the ex- 
 cellent treafures ofphilofophie, whereto hereafter he meant to 
 betake him felfe. Demetrius Phalerius, who had long time 
 bene a marchant, entred vpon a timeintothe fchoole where 
 , , CVvz/meadpublikely; and after he had heard him difpute of 
 Ibefae '* vertuc an nourc or tvJO > w ^ tn g reat admiration cryed out .• mife- 
 place. ra ^ e manthatlam, that have bene fo long time in ignorance, 
 
 and haue fo little efteemed thefe goods which are fo precious, 
 and may be fo eafily attained, for to purchafe with great tra- 
 vaile and hazzard fuch things as aremoft fraile andtranfitorie. 
 * We fee then the exceeding fbrro we thefe grcatperfbnageshad, 
 in having employed their time to gather fuchgoods,as at the 
 firft fmacke they haue at philofophie and the knowledge of 
 
 vertue, 
 
 i 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 3 
 
 vertue, begin foorrhwith to repent them felves, and to rcclaime 
 their mindes,yeclding their whole confentto purchafe aconfe- 
 deracie and aliancc with true vnderftanding and knowe- 
 ledge. 
 
 Riches might the better be borne, if this villanous defire had 12 ^ ^ * 
 not bewitched them, and wholly bereaved men of all fence, ^ 
 
 whereof indeede they mull needes be wholly deftitute, feeing 
 they fuffer them felves to be ruled by a filchie (trumpet common 
 to all the worlde, both to the matter and the man, poore and 
 rich, labourers and artificers, ( for all are in love with riches ) 
 and to betake them felves wholly tothisvneonftant houfe- wife, 
 they tbrfake the love ofvertue, which is the mott beautifull and 
 noble princes of the world,deiiended from the grace and good- 
 ncfleof the immortali god. Is there any b efides the covetous 
 perfon, and fuch as are blinded with their owneaffeclions, fo 
 bafe minded, that can abide fo great a difgrace ? and though 
 they bee Kinges and Empcrours, can wee eftcenie them of a 
 gentle and noble minde, who iuffer themfejuestobeburiedin 
 fuch a (linking fcpulchre ? It_ is written thatino lde time, when 
 there was a queition mooved among a great companie, 
 what was the greateft thing in the world, fome fa ide honour, 
 fome health, fome riches, and fome bevvtic : others iudgedo- 
 ther things, as they were diverfly arTeclcd. After every one had 
 given his verdit,and the reafons he had to defend his aflertions, 
 one among the reft faid,yet there is one thing which is greater- 
 then all thefeyouhauefpokenofT, and that is the minde of him 
 which maketh no account of thefe thinges, which you doe fo 
 gready admire and cttceme. And although this be true, yet 
 knowewe not howctomake the worlde beleeve thus : which 
 inhisoldeagefb exceedingly doteth. So\x\eThe*{ytes in thefe 
 dayes (hall be greatly honoured for his riches^ when as fo tie 
 other vertuous and wife man fhall hardly be knowen of his 
 neighbours. 
 
 If there were any jn thefe dayes that would re fufe fuch a Heb.1r.14. 
 -Idngcbmeast^^r,asdidvJ^y/^.f5 or his burthen of golde, ^ afer - #M» 
 -as'dtd F*briciu4\ or would difdaine and fcorne at the great Ch f'*\ • 
 --pornpc of fome Alexander, as did Diogenes, they fliould bee tbe^U&of™ 
 -icoxned at, and made the common by-worde of every mans jilexander. 
 
 C 3 mouth, 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 mouth, which thing we fee by experience in the people offlra- 
 .r/> it -i >**>. *2 /?/'*, whotne we repute rude and barbarous, for that they recken 
 Jfl, y.irU/itd" of nothing butofthat whichisnecclTarie,e(Teem"ingmoreor a 
 knife,abill,aboweand arrowes,whercofthey may make fomc 
 vfe, thenofgoldeandfilver, and all other fuperfluous thinges 
 that are brought them. This was alfo the life of the Patrtarkes y 
 .K wherein alfo sx^i^w had pafled his time in the gardenof Eden, 
 
 ifhc had continued in his innocencie, obferving the commaun- 
 dement which God had prefcribed him. This was alfo the ma- 
 ncr of life of the Sonne of God, who being made man, and 
 walking here vpon earth, was contented with bread and wa- 
 ter, and fomctimes fbme little fifh fbrhis nourifhment, and a 
 fhip,orthetoppeoffome mountainefor his lodging. What 
 abfurditic is ic then to glorie in feeking for thofe thinges, which 
 all vertuous and good men haue defpiied ? 
 # r r :.Sam ro. £W,whowas the firit King that God gave vnto the children 
 23.8: i i.j. of Ifrae/y though he had bene annointedby Samuel in the pre- 
 £&r»U/frr£ fence of all the tribes, who with their cries and acclamations 
 approoved and liked of the ordinance of God, notwithstan- 
 ding after all thefe ceremonies and honours, dcfifted nottogoe 
 into the fieldes after his accuftomed manner to kecpe his fa- 
 thers cattell, not (hewing any figne that his heart was any 
 more lifted vp, or that he was proude of that dignitie wherein 
 God had placed him. Though ^Abraham were a great Lorde, 
 c "- x 4- rich in goIde,infilver,andhada great familie, loved and rcve- 
 ' "• rencedofKingsofthecountrey where he dwelled; and more- 
 over fo mightie and puiflant, that withhisfervantshehaddik 
 comfited foureKinges, who were returned in victorious man- 
 ner from Sodotnei notwithstanding he never in all his life had 
 any otherhoufcjorcaftcllforto lodge in, then a poorc tent, nor 
 ordinarily at his table any thing faving bread, beare, andmilkc 
 for his nourifhment. If he made any feaft, fyea though it were 
 to Angels) he added but cakes in fteade of other delicates,and 
 fbmetime a piece ofthefatteftandtendereftveale he coulde 
 choofc among his whole flockc; which did not proceede of a 
 niggardlinefle, andadefirehe hadtofpare, and toincrcafe his 
 wealth.- forhewasfolibcrall, thatitfufficed him not to keepe ., 
 open houfc toall the worlde, and to fende his Servants abroade 
 
 to 
 
 if- 
 
AGAINST COVETOV5NE5'. 9 ■ 
 
 to invite the poore, and fuch as were travellers vnto his table, 
 but heehim felfe would watchc for them, and with great im- 
 portuniticentreatc them to enter into his houfe. And did hee 
 not fhewe great magnificence after hehad overthrovven thofc 
 fourc Kinges, and gained all the bootie andfpoyles they had 
 gotten, when as lifting vp his handes to heaven, he fwarc to the 
 King of Sodome y that hee woulde take nothing, no not fo Gcne.14.1j 
 much as athrcadeor fhooe latchet ? The caufc then why hee 
 vfed fuch frugalitic, and fb (lender an ordinarie, was not be- 
 caufe he was a pinch -pen nie, but becaufe he abhorred thefe 
 vaine and fuperfluous delicatcs, without the which no man is 
 novve efteemed of the vaine people of the worlde, by reafon 
 they confider not the excellencie and ncblencfle of our nature, 
 and the ende whereunto we were firft created, and after regene- 
 rated by the grace of God. : .^nfrjo' 1* 
 
 IfaKing,a Prince,or meane gentleman wouldjn thefe_da_yes ft e fa mt b 
 vfe the trade of marchandife, and negotiate in matters of fm all byjlmili- 
 importancc, hefhould be accounted a man of a bafe minde .So tudes y ttfli- 
 fiiould every man, that notconfidering he is created after the monks^nd 
 image of God, and that the better and more excellent part \J^^l m 
 wheveofhe is made,hath his beginning from heaven, doeth fo creationtbat 
 abafeandobfeurehim felfe. VVc are of the raceand lineage of chiflians 
 God, fas S.Paul faith) and therefore it is a grc at lha me for v s & JJ'$ be fr ct 
 adifhonourtoGod that we livelomiferably, and that we have ^fa^' 
 alwayes our heartcs in our bagges, or counting houfes, or elfe in Afts.i7.18. 
 fome golden mine. The Cpectans call a man (Ambropos) thatis jZ yyttc** 
 tofay,lookingvpwardjtogivehimtovnderftand by his name, / 
 that as his countenance is lifted vpward,and his eyes looking tefc. / 
 wardes heaven: foalfb fhouldhe continually beholde it, and 
 withall,him,whogoverneth and ruleth therein. And though 
 his body be travailing on earth, yet mult his minde be alwayes 
 walking in heaven, in the pallace and goodly galleries of his 
 God,and feede him felfe with the fight of thofe goodly pictures 
 and furpafling excellencies which he fecth there. * 
 
 Of althe parts of mas bod y js not the head,in which the mind of YW#* 
 ~-af man hath his principall operation,the furtheit from the earth? 
 —which thing god hath very wifely ordained,to give vs to vnder- 
 — itad,that we ought not to defile it with any worldly cogitations, 
 
 C 4 but 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE." 
 
 but diligently to prefcrve itastheSan&uarie of God, wherein 
 nothing ought to enter that is filthie or polluted. The Temple 
 which Salomon builded, was within covered with fine golde. 
 So like wife fhould the heart of the faithfull,wherein I E S V S 
 CHRIST hath builtcatemplevntoGodhis Father, bee 
 inwardly garnifhed with all celeftiall and divine meditations 
 and affections. 
 The bl'mdnes We are then very vnhappie, and wee have a beggarly heart, 
 oftbofe in making the houfe of God a place of marchandile r we ought 
 which are fo much to love fanclitie and holineffe, and to be fo careful! 
 covetout. herein, that even our feete.sthatis to fay, the fenfuall and bruti/h 
 parte of our mindesbealwayesneate and cleanly; and for that 
 naturally it is filthie and ftinking, and furthermore it walketh 
 with the worlde, which is altogether corrupt: It is almoft al- 
 together impolTible, but that by thefe divers occafions it fbould 
 gathermuch corruption and filthinefle Wherefore Chrift Iefus 
 expreltely commaundeth vs continually to wafh it, to keepc it 
 Iohn 13.10. cleane and pure. What ftiall we fay then, iftherebeduft, not 
 onely in our feete, but al/b in our eyes, and that our foulcs 
 which are immortal!, and called to the participation of Jife 
 cternall, have (even like fwine) no care of any thing, but of 
 the bodie, and ofthat which is fitte for the clothing and feeding 
 thereof ? We are n o more ft rangers and forrenners,but citizens 
 Ephef.x.!?. withtheSaintesandofthehoulholdeofGod. Our converfati- 
 Thil.i.io. oniS i ntne heavens, and we fellowes with the Prophets, Apo- 
 flies, and with the Angels; fhall we iuffer then, (thorowean 
 avaritiousandmifchievousdefire) our eftate to be fo abafed, 
 and our felvesto be made like vnto the ferpent, eating the dufl, 
 and creeping all dayes of our lives vpon our bellies ? we doe evi- 
 dently declare that weknowenotwhatthc kingdome of hea- 
 ven is, neither yet life everlafting, nor the glorieof the children 
 of God, nor their hope, in that we haue our heattes fo fixed and 
 fattened vpon the earth. 
 
 The Apoftles and Martyrs havin^aijed^ thejpirit of God» 
 -^vhatthisKingdom is,havc afterward bin even prodigal! ofthcir 
 
 - goods, libcrtie, eafe, yea, of their blood, and of their lives: 
 
 - and helde nothing fo deare, which they did not foorthwith 
 -Jcave and forfake,thefooncrto attaine this heavenly kingdom. 
 
 So 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 10 
 
 So fhould we doe, if we would cake a little paine to learnc thrs 
 goodlielefTon,which God gaue to Abraham and hts children, Gejm _ 
 that is to fay : that he was there buckler and there exceeding 
 grcatreward. Let vs heare what great profit and contentment 
 David received, after hee had tfudied this leflbn a while, and pf a j tI 6,j & 
 what a fonghemadeinthepraifeofthemofthigheft, for that it 
 hadpleafedhim to teach him this by his holy fpint: faying, 
 
 The Lord my God the portion is 
 
 of mine inheritance: 
 i/fnd thou art hee that dofl main taint 
 
 my rent , my lot , my chance. 
 
 The place wherein mj lot dtdfall, 
 
 in beawtie dtd excell : 
 KjMyne heritage ajftgned tome 
 
 doth pleafe me wondrous well. 
 
 S. Paul likcwife (whoknewe what an excellent thing it was 
 to enioy the grace of God, writing to the Corinthians^ farth : a Cor.tf.ia. 
 Wee arc as poore, and yet we make many rich, as having no- 
 thing , and yet potfefTe all things. Having learned (faith he, in 
 another place) in whateflatefoeverlam, therewith to be con- p hiljp.4.ix. 
 tent. 
 
 Good husbands doe highly efteemeofthofepaftirres ando- There isno 
 therlands, which are not fubiefltomany inconveniences,and contentment 
 beare great andgood (tore of commodities without any great fj nthe r 
 chargesor expences. Andifwemuft haue this confederation in God which 
 worldly matters , i s there a more exc ellent good then yettac, teachethvs 
 then the knowledge andloue of God, and the alliance that by w *voidet9» 
 this meanes wee haue with him ? for this cannot be robbed v * m t n *** 
 or ftollen away. He which hath gathered fuch treafurcs,feareth 
 not to loofcrhem, neither by fire nor water, neither that the 
 ruft Should confume them, nor the moathes eate them, 
 ortime any whit empaire them. Befides all this, he is content, 
 which is the moft principall point in riches: for hedefirethno 
 more,he hath no more neede: he thinketh his wealth is fu file U 
 cnt to ferue him in all neceifities; what man is there 
 
 oT 
 
Aa,8.x3, 
 to. 
 
 THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 of any iudgement , that doth not more eftecme of Lazarus 
 Luc.itf.x?, alTKuiigrie and naked ashe was, with his patience and vcrtuc, 
 l0t then he chat refuted to giue him his almes withal his richesPwho 
 
 is there iikewife that will not more highly commend the conti- 
 nencie of Saint Peter , which refufed the money that Stmon 
 LMigm offered him, then all the riches, rents, and revenewes 
 of that forcerer? We muft then coudude_ 3 thai; there is no good- 
 lier poffelTion then vcrtue, nor greater revcnewes.nor more con- 
 tinuall, then not to be covetous. And it is great fbllie among 
 men to take fo much paines, to fill their garners with corne, 
 their fellers with wines, and their coffers with crownes,feeing 
 they make fo (mall reckoning to replenifh their hearts with 
 venue, the atchieving whereof is fo certaine, and the pofleflion 
 fo glorious and honourable. 
 
 Stratomtcw reprehending the Rhodians for their great and ex . 
 
 cefliveexpenfes in their banqueTs7andbuildrn^'s,tai3^at they 
 
 Tiutdrcbbt made them houfes as though they were immortal), and ban- 
 
 hudifcourfe q Ue ted, as though they fliould die forthwith. On e may fay fo 
 
 of covetous raen,that they gather goods, as though theyftiould 
 
 neuddie. For if their lives were fixe times fo long as they may 
 
 -be, by thcvnevitable lawes of nature, yet the one halfe of tha t 
 
 -theyhave were fuflicienttomaintaine them honefily and well. 
 
 —Why doe they then confume the day in fuch labour and tra veil, 
 
 - and the night in fuch vnreafonablc care, and all their daies in an 
 , rvnfatiable defire, which never fuftereth them to be in qui- 
 
 - et ? Co greatly are they in feare leaft they fliould be 
 
 - poorc . 
 
 Thtfi!} - The auncient writers faidc , that a manfliould ngyexbec 
 medfagainft foovt , if hee would liue according to nature. Forwha tjsjt 
 covetoufnefli that fhee defireth f a little bread and water, a rayfon,or two or 
 vs> to confider three figges, a peare, an apple, or anony on. Was there euer any 
 man , that to fufficc nature, hath bcene conftrained to fell his 
 land, or to borrow monievpon intereft? why fliould men then 
 be afraid leaft they fliould haue too Iitle? It is reported o fM.Cu- 
 rtns , that hee having commiffion of the people ofRome, to de- 
 vide certaine landes among thepoore citizen? : fome of them 
 complained that they had too little : to whom he gently anfwe- 
 red (as he was a very curteous andfaire fpoken man) fay not 
 
 (my 
 
 oftovetouf- 
 nefe 
 
 that nature 
 h content 
 with a little. 
 PJiiilil. 
 cap.38. 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 11 
 
 (my friend) chat he v\ hie h hath ynough, hath bu; a little. 
 
 Chtlcnihz Lacedemonian, whole reputation and glorie was Apotheg. 
 fo great, that at his burial! hisbodie was accompanied to the rvp&> w l&S 
 jravc with all Greece, in his life time vfed many notable and ^ tl <5iH<f>»<rt«< 
 worthie layings: among which there were three accounted ofr 
 as Oracles, confecrated in the Temple of *s4pollo, and written in 
 letters of gold. Thefirii was: that their was no knowledge lb 
 excellent as to know ones felfe. Thefecond: that the end of all 
 flrife and dilTention , was miferic. The third was : that a man 
 fhould not be covetous, but content him felfe with fufficient, 
 which cofteth but a little, becing marfhalled with the lawesof 
 nature, and not according to our vnfatiable and greedie defires. 
 For one can never giue them fomuch as will fuffice them: but 
 contrariwife, nature hath not fo little, but that fl:e is fulliefatif- 
 fied therewith. . _^- 
 
 U^.C*r//#(of whom wcfpakeberbre)onatimew3S drek Plutarc. A* jJ^h 
 ilng of rape rootes for his fupper. Nowe for that he was the pocheg. f"* 
 Lievetcnant generall of the people ofRome, in the wars which n *^ c c- • 
 they had againft the Samnttes, and for that they feared him, for VaJ.Max. 
 his great vertues and noble conduct which he vfed in all his en- Jib.4.cap.5. 
 terprifes, they devifed how to corrupt him, fending EmbafTa- 
 dours fecretly to offer him a great fumme of gold and filver. 
 Whereat he began to fmile, and fhewing them his little potte, 
 faid, he which can content himfelfe with fofmall a fupper as is 
 therc ; hath no neede of great riches. 
 
 ]£ Captaines and governours in thefe daies, would acquaint rhtfeconde od*&f 
 
 themfelves with fuch abftinence, we friould not haue fo many *&«£#» 'fo* it*** * c 
 
 treafonsandmifchiefesaswehaue. For there is no fuch Orator c , ovetot y t S' t 
 
 toperfwade them,as is defire,or that doth more forceably draw fa gym* £4 
 
 andentife them to hazard themfelues in difficult and dangerous cannot btlpe 
 
 enterprifes. Philip the father of Alexander the great, faidej_ Th at thofewhkb 
 
 euery citie is in hazard to be wonne, if an afle loaden withgolde **htrfl*vet 
 
 may once get in at the gat" es. This is often found true by expe- *\u'£™ " 
 
 nence, and that men,, after theybeoncegiuentocovetoufnes, Apotheg. 
 
 haue no regard ofhonour or any thing elfe. Timothetts(*$ Elian 
 
 reporteth)talking with one,named Ariftophortfaid that nothing 
 
 feemed difhoneft to a covetous man. 
 
 Many thinke not of this , but they arc afraide if they 
 __ 1I - uld 
 
of* \**i 
 
 THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 fliould fall into danger, they fliould never get out if they were 
 
 not rich. Ojjiejoljicjind madneffe of mej to thinke fas faith 
 
 the Prophet) chat gold and filvcrmay deliver them fromaffli- 
 
 Pfal.4$. 8,9. $i ons ^ w hen it plcafcth God to fend them. Howe many Kings 
 
 &$ hauc fallen into the handes of their enemies with all their 
 
 treafurcs? how many haue becne hanged for all their riches ? 
 
 how many die ordinarily leaving in their coffers plcntie ofgold 
 
 & filvcr,which yet canotprolong their lives half an hourcPwhat, 
 
 doc I fay die? nayjiow many having but the gout in their little 
 
 finger, and knowenot howe to attaine any eafe with all their 
 
 wealth ? 
 
 The third And riches are fo farrc from preferving vs from adverfitie, 
 
 thingU, that that ordinarily there is nothing that drawcth vs foonerintoit, 
 
 * ** *** * * f° tbeathey. And when we are in, what doth make vs continue fo 
 
 Mtmiv ^ on g m ^t as *b e y doc? Theifes,falfewitnefles, promoters, for 
 
 that often whome doe they laie their nets ? is it for the poore and beggar- 
 
 timesthey ly fort? Among a flockeof fhcepe, thewolfechufcthoutal. 
 
 drav vsinto waies the beft and the fatteft : and doth not the Eagle like wife 
 
 **"'*"" take the fatteft goofe in the ficldc ? even fo doc thofe men that 
 
 - Hue of ravine and fpoyle, when as they are minded to forrage 
 
 for themfelues, doe they not fearch out the befthoufes, and 
 
 thofe fieldes wherein there is greateft ftore ofcorne ? It would 
 
 be anendlefle ftorie to gather all the examples of them, whofc 
 
 S;oods haue bene an occafion of the loffe of their liues. Princes 
 bmetimes dcale with their officers and treafurers.as we doe 
 with fponges, which we fqucafe with our hands to makethem 
 ye'M vs that water, which they haue before foked vp. fo alio after 
 they haue giuen them the mcanes to waxe wealthie, and that 
 they haue taken great paine to enrich them felues by a little at 
 once, then afore they be aware vpon the fodaine, they laic 
 boide vpon them, and fpoile them of that they hauc gathe- 
 red. 
 Apothcg. - Tttogenes fwho in vcmiousiirej wifedomc, and worthic fay- 
 cy^c/AU ings, was nextvnto Socrates the prince of allthephibfophers) 
 ]^\nii^\^i^ being on a time demaunded, why golde had fopalcacolour? 
 ^*v^*^V* with great wifedome anfwered : it was becaufc there werefb 
 ^ cyi^^/h^ many that fought after it^to lay handes on it. We alfo by rcafon 
 
 of 
 bit 
 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 12 
 
 ofour goods, are little allured from daungers, but are as a poore 
 man that is followed often or twelve fargeants, every one ha- 
 ving commifllon to take him. Furthermore if riches deliver a 
 man fromdaunger,howefalIeth itoutthatrich men are alwayes 
 fofearefull? they buildetheir houfes with lime and (tone, with ?^?j£ 
 bridges and ditches round about .- they fet porters at their gates, gth the mi j~ m 
 and their che'ftes haue double lockes : they entertaine nofer- Y nofmbes. 
 vants,but fuch as put them in good aiTurance for their good be- 
 haviour: they haueathoufand troubles to keepe in with them, 
 who are rulers in the countrey : fo manyprefents, fomany cur- 
 tefies,fo many good morrowes 5 fb many good nightes, fomany 
 faire countenances to get their favours,and withall this to keepe 
 a little wealth which they haue gotten with great painejwherof 
 proceedethalthis,if not offeare they haue to loofe, or atthe left 
 to be troubled for their pofTeffions Pwhcrofalfocommeth it,that 
 they miftruft all the world,if in walking through the fieldes they 
 be not well accompanied ? they meete no man with a fworde, 
 but they tremble and ft and in feare of him : if they be a ileepe in 
 thenightintheirchambers,theftirring ofeuerymoufe isreadic 
 to awaken them : doeth not this feare and miftruftfulnelTe plain- 
 ly declare, that they thinke they be alwayes in daunger by rea- 
 fon of their wealth? 
 
 There are fome other, who feeing the poore defpifed, and to 
 be nothing efteemed, defire to be wealthiebecaufe they would 4 
 be reverenced. I mult need^s confefle, that in this miferable { ^^ t f, a6 
 worlde,wifedomc and knowledge are aslittle efteemed,as they fi r to attaint 
 are loued and honoured,and thatfbme Clarke in an office, with the true vn~ 
 halfe adozzen ofgolde buttons on his jacket, ftialbe more ho- demanding 
 noured then themoft vertuousandwifemaninawholecoun- u (f n £/ n we 
 trey : but it is not fufficient to be praifedj but we muft alio note covetou f neSi 
 why and wherefore. Firft, this is mod plaine, that a man may fo greatly 
 not be commended, or difpraifed for thole thin ges which are efteemed of 
 meerely cafuall. For fortune hath no regarde or choife in the di- Jjf e " r e ? f " 
 ftribution of her goods, which For themoft part, (he beftoweth Jdvndn- 
 on fuch as are altogether vnworthie; as we may fee in the ex - jlanding. 
 amples of Nabal$obna#n& the covetous rich man. Moreover, s . . 
 ifweftiould commend men for their ftrength,beautie, and fuch Efay.22.1y! 
 like, by the fame reafonalfo weftiouldpraifethe beaftes, who Luc.1tf.19! 
 
 fur- 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 furpaflethem in all thefe, and yet notwithftandingthey are no 
 
 more capable of praife and difpraife, then they be of vice and 
 
 vertue. 
 
 ^ Befldes all this,their muft be alfo an other confederation, and 
 
 Totyepevt that is, ho we he which hath riches doth beftow and distribute 
 
 from cove* them. Ifhee keepethcm without helping of his neighbours,!] ee 
 
 md^abtie ^^ ^ e no otnerwi ^ e accounted and eftcemed off, then as 
 
 vemiffl re-' a villaine,a miier,and an vfurer. .And if he fpende them prodi- 
 
 nounceri- gallie without any difcretion or wifedome,then (hall hee be ex- 
 
 ches.whkh tolled of flatterers and dawbacks,of fooles,and bauds, which 
 
 make them ma ke recourfe vnto him,and cal him Mafter Co long as his filver 
 
 sobeeuiifpOm A , ° 
 
 hfnoftbat endureth. 
 
 fogeffh the. But as we fee thatflyes will ftaie no longer in akkchen,then 
 there is greacetonourifhthem : foalfo this goodly companic, 
 which are vfually in the houfes of a prodigal man,as foone as his 
 wealth begins todiminifh, and that he waxeth poore, they will 
 then ftraightway give him over : yea, if he be cuill fpoken of in 
 their companies, the fame men, as well as other, will greaclie 
 blame him, for that he hath wafted his goods fo foolifhhe: and 
 in a worde, they deale with him as men doe withfpringes, 
 which fo long as they ycelde water, fo long they are haunted, 
 but when they be once drie there is no further reckoning made 
 of them. Marke then who they be that commend thefe prodi- 
 gall men, braineleite perfons,whofe tongues are as light as their 
 mindes: fuch asfbramorfell of breade,will praife or difpraife 
 whome you will. But every wife man, and fuch as haue right 
 iudgements , doe greatlie blame them. 
 
 (/rates compared them to figgc trees planted on the top of a 
 mountain, where they bring forth no fruit,but for the crowes : fo 
 the goods of prodigail men are befto wed vpon none but flatte- 
 rers,and fuch as hunt after other menstables. If they ghie any 
 thing to an honeftman, they arc afraid ftraight fas Horace faith 
 
 Libj.Sar.t. of T^///^)Ieafithcy ftaould be accounted evill husbandes,and 
 becaufc they will not be fcene and accounted penie- 
 fathers,they will fpend all they haue in feafting and fporting. 
 Papmiatt the Civilian , (who for his great knowledge and rare 
 iudgement, was info high account with the Emperour Caraca- 
 la) feeing vpon atimc aman as hepaffed by him,recle,and flag- 
 gy 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 13 
 
 gerto and fro,was matvelouilie angric : Goe thy way (faith he) 
 with a mifchiefe; arc not thou afhamed to proftitute fas though 
 they were common (trumpets) the graces of God, vshich arc fa- 
 ced virgins, & ought to be Co warelie kept,to beitow them vpon 
 fome honeft husbands who would honor them,and know how rt 
 
 tovfethem? ^/phonfaKingof dragon, had in his retinue \j$J*7ftf 
 a fouldionr, who after hee had ipenc all in riotoufhefle, kj£ty£ : f^ J 
 was contained to borowe money, and to take a little for great JL^jt*^^ 
 intereft. It happened not long after that his creditours feeing r^Ttf/ 
 hee was not able topaie, defired that (according to the 
 Lawes of the landc) hee might bee laide in prifon : by 
 reafon whereof his friends were conftrained to be hum- 
 ble interceflburs to the King, and to defire his favour, 
 that in regarde of his former fervices , it might pleafe his 
 highnefle to exempt him from the rigour of the lavves, 
 and that his bodie might not be arretted.* but for all 
 this the King refufed , laying ; that willingly hee would 
 haue graunted their requeues, if hee, whome they were 
 filters for, had expended his goods in the fervice of his 
 Prince', or defence of his countries but feeing it was 
 for his pleafures, it was requifite that his bodie which 
 had committed the fault, fhould likewifc beare the 
 fmarte. We may by this conjecture, in what account the 
 prodigall fort haue beene among all men of ynderilan- 
 ding. 
 
 As for thofe, who haue riches , and after they haue laide vp £ 
 fufficientlie to maintaine their eftate, doe liberallie difpende rbeficttbig 
 their overplus; wifelie giving vnto thofe who haue neede, and ^/L^ 
 are worthie ( asdid s/lbraham, Lot > lob, Sptrtdtott a Biflioppc bimfelfeto 
 in Ap* 9 Titm the Emperour, CMoecenas, Pomfonius Atticns, tbojewbkb 
 Ctmon the Athenian , and many others^ as they be ve- ^aue bin rich 
 ryrare, fo doe they merit eternall praife, and their memoriall ^ ver(ft0f ^ 
 never to perifh among vertuous men • But all this muft 
 bee attributed not to their goods, but to their wife- 
 dome that hath taught them to vfe them well, and to 
 their vertue, which was the caufe they haue fo well di- 
 fpenccd them: without the which Demofthenes&d nootherwifc 
 efteemeof a rich man, then of a flieepe with a golden fleece, 
 
 ot 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 or an image curioufly trimmed and richlie painted with fine 
 gold and be wtifull colours. 
 £/ vy Efop in his fables telleth a tale, thac a foxe vpon a time com- 
 7 rning into onesfhoppe that was a carver of Images, taking vp a 
 menmb Imnsnca d, that was excellently wrought in Ivorie,afcer he had 
 nothatefucb diligently confidered the workemanfhippe both without and 
 as haue not within,as though he had purpofed to haue bought it, faid in the 
 vnderftan* end with great admiration ; O bewtifull head howe excellentlie 
 **& art thou made ? and yet thou lackefi: the principall thing, for 
 
 thouhaft no witte.The like we may fay to all rich men,that are 
 evill brought vp: trieybe gallantly apparelled,wellodged,rich, 
 & haue great ftore of horfe, & men to wait of them,and as tou- 
 ching the reft , fo little wit, that they would notfurfer the lead 
 fervant they haue in their houfes, if he were like them felves. 
 Wherein they plainliefhewwhat account they makeof them 
 felves. It is then great follie topurchafe riches,thinking thereby 
 to liue in greater honour among men,fbr as we haue faid before, 
 astrue felicitie dependethofvertue,fo doth alfo the praife and 
 3 commendationofit. 
 
 That There are others, who thinke their Covetoufnes may be the 
 
 firflwemufi better excufed in faying, theygatherfor their children, to the 
 fiefa the ende, thatafter their death they may haue fomewhat to liue vp- 
 
 Cod &leaue on : as tnou o n tne y na< ^ ^ e ^ e w ^ c tnen tne bruit Dea ^ s > who be- 
 a U things elfi n, g kft at their libertic, find fufiicient wherewithal! to nourifli 
 to bis prov'h them felves. Butjfthey be rocarefull_rorjheircjiildren (fecing 
 dence. t hat life ismiferable, if it be not vertuous an3 goocT) why are 
 
 they not as carefull of their good education, to the end they 
 may live well, as they are painfull to provide for them that they 
 may live eafilie? for if they liue vertu ouflie, th eir life is devi ne 
 andangelicall, butlFtheyliueidelie,inlibertie,and care for no- 
 thing but their eafe^heyliuefilthilie^ndfwinifhly.Furthermore 
 Atf.10.3 ?. (if as Chrift faidejit be a bleffcd thingto giue, rather then to re- 
 ceive, why doe they not rather teach them to giue of their 
 goods which they leaue them vnto the poore, thentokeepe 
 
 Gen,\%.i9* and augment them/ God in comm en ding Abraham a s a goo 
 father of his familie, faith not, that Ke taught his children to en- 
 creaie the pence hee left them intotefters, nor the tetters into 
 crownes,butto walkeinthewaiesofthe Lord, and to doe iu- 
 
 fticc 
 
AGAINST CCVETOVSNES. i 4 
 
 flice and iudgement. Whereby he admonifheth all parents that 
 
 this the firft thing he would hauc them to Iooke vnto, and that if 
 
 their children fcare God,thcy fhall notfailebut hauegoodse- 
 
 nough to content them, andthathe will powre his blefllngs 
 
 plentifully downe vpon them, vpontheir labours, andvpon 
 
 their grounds,without the which a man attaineth noc vntoany 
 
 thingthatmay bring him either profit or contentment. And. 
 
 though their children bepoore and in need all their hues, yet 
 
 being thus inftru&ed, they are more happie and more wealthy, 
 
 then ifthey were kings. Salomon ^faith, that better isapoore and Eccl. 14.15. 
 
 wife child, then an old and foolifli king, which will no more' 
 
 beadmonifhed. Foritcommeth topalTe, that fome come 
 
 outof prilon toa kingdotne, and fome that are bornekings 
 
 come to beggerie . Demaund of the rich men, whether ifthey 
 
 thought that their children would fpend their goods which 
 
 they leaue them, in fportes and piayes,and in fuch like prodigall 
 
 m an er, they would fo macerate and torment their minds and 
 
 bodiestogatherthemasthey do ? I t is then in hop e their chil- 
 
 dren vvillkeepe them and lay them vp in fpaiing manner, that 
 
 they take fuch trauel,&furTerfo much toile in gathering for the. 
 
 But whether is the couctous,or the prodigal man the naugh- The 9. thing 
 tieft pcrfon? ifthcre were choice atnog fins,there are manie rea- **> that in to- 
 fons to induce vs to choofc the one rather then the other, as the P ari *& cove ' 
 better and the leiTe hurtfulb&we i£eJev^r^jgaH_men, which w>l/i/;V, 
 are not defended of good houfes andrTaue not fome fparkes of cwetoufneflc 
 vertue, which increasing with the time, and commingto ripe- is the worfe. 
 neiTe would bring foorth goodly fruit, ifin the beginning they 
 had bene well husbanded and wifely handled : whereas con- 
 trariwife, couetoufnelTerootethitfelfe in fuch as are of bafe,and 
 feruilefpirit; whofe mindes may hardly be lift vp from the earth. 
 Byth is we may gather whether fathers hauefo great reafon (o 
 greedily to gather wealth for their children , and to leaue their 
 heires fuch abundance : and whether on the one fide their chil- 
 dren be much bound vnro them,for that they receiued their bo- 
 dily Hues of them, feeing that by their wicked edi.cation andin- Laertius ii. 
 ftrutfion, they afterward kill their bodie and ibule.w hich God * «j|«wli $**p 
 hath giuen thcm.P/'g gwf /rep rehending the Megwiensjotxhat |"r c of cove- 
 (by reafon of their couetoulnelTe) theytooke no core to bring touihes. 
 
 D vp 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 vp their children well and vertuoufly, faide in pleafant manner: 
 thatif he were put in choice whether hcwouldbeoneof their 
 fheepeoronc of their children, hee had rather beone of their 
 fheepe feeing they were focarefull to keepe them well, and To 
 carelciTe to bring vp their children vertuoufly , without the 
 which mans lire is miierable . See here the caufes which do par- 
 ticularly moue men to be covetous. 
 The io thing b uc there is one thing which is common to all, and that is, 
 af \ Jllt/T' tnattnc y no P e j (having attained that which theydefirej they 
 there is no ^ a ^ nue at their eafe, and with contentment, wherein they are 
 contentment deceiued: for when they thinke they haue gotten great reft, 
 in the goods they find they haue gotten as many forowes as they haue got- 
 oftbhworld. tencrownes: and they finde by experience thatwhich is truly 
 faidofthePhilofopher<?pr^^,that nothing may fuffice them. 
 They may well fill their coffers, their boxes,and their purfes, 
 buttfreyfhalincuerfatisfie their owne defire which is vnfatia* 
 ble. It neuer regardeth that which it hath, andtherewkhtobee 
 contented: but it alwayes coveteth that which it hath not, that 
 it may be the more tormented . It is like to a fire , which ifitbe . 
 not quickly quenched burneth on euerie fide, encreafing conti- 
 nuallie according to the quantitie of the matter wherewith it is 
 nouriflied.OrJik^vn to a flood , which at the beginning being 
 but a little riuer, by little and little, (as it runneth) encrcafeth in 
 fuch fort,thatin the end it beareth with it whatfoeuer refifleth. 
 Ifacouet ousman haue once gotten a hundred crownes,hee 
 ftraightwaies defireth two hundred, from two hundred hee 
 •commeth to a thoufand, from at houfand to a million, and from 
 millions to an infinite fummc . They are like vnto them that 
 clime vp a ladder, whovfe the firftTteppc as ameanesto come 
 tothe fecond,and thefecondtocome to the third , continually 
 climing vntill they come to the toppe. And there is no diffe - 
 rencc betweenethem, but that the one findeth an end of their 
 ladder, the other findeth none at all, neither of his care and for- 
 rowes which necelTarily follow riches, neither yet of his ear- 
 ned defires in the attaining and keeping of them. O poore 
 man (faith Saint ^//lamenting the miferable eftate oftheco- 
 uetous^) which takeft no pity of thyfelfe , feeing thon endured 
 
 io 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 15 
 
 fo much for the goods thou haft, and fo much or more for thofe 
 thou defireft and coueteft. Theieare not thjcfruites which the ^(^ 
 earth yeeldeth, buttheforowe?, griefes, and vexations which fjufaft, 
 thine ownc intemperate humour procurcth. This is nothing 
 but the torment and traucllofthy minde, thou complaineit 
 continually, andfaielt, whatftiall Idoe? thy forrowcsfhewe 
 thy mifchiefc, andthy defire the meanes which bringeth 
 thereto. Thy defire pro miieth_ thee ioy andquietneffc, and in 
 the ende bringeth nothing but griefe and fadnefle. O cruelj 
 andftrangepalTton, and little differing from madnefle.- for a yyu £b sfax*** 
 madde man defireth nothing fo much as water, by reafon of 
 his itrange alteration: and there is nothing which doeth more 
 tonuenthim: forthe fight thereof is fiimcient to vexcaud 
 trouble him. Who is there thenthatconlideringthefe things 
 will not commend Socrates faying? that a man fhall neuer be 
 fo well pleafed with his defire, as if hee would not defire at 
 all . G od alfo in h is lawe letting downe the manner of a 
 happie life , prohibiteth vs to defire any thing that is our 
 neighbours, that is to fay, nothing but what it fhall pleaie 
 himtobeitowvpon vs for our maintenance : and whofoeuer 
 after this fort feeketh to fatisfie himfelfe,attaineth vnto his de- 
 fire. Epcurm faide, thathauing alittlerice pottage he woulde 
 difpute with lttpiter % and maintains that hee was as happie 
 as he. 
 
 Euerie man may now euidently perceiue whether the i nt y a ^. 
 couetousforthaue any great reafon to maintaine that which cation of that 
 they doe, and to excufethemfelues, and to couer their immo- which bath 
 derate defires, which all men ought to feare as a fire, and to flic kinffiok** '« 
 from as a plague, especially Kings, Princes, and great Lordes, p^r^hce 
 for that they are more odious in them, then in the common (beweththat 
 fort, and they bring foorth greater mifchiefes then any thing cuerJe man 
 elfe whatfoeuer. For as they are great, lb are alfo their defires ought to/hun 
 great, and fmall matters will notfuflice them . They ieekenot ^#*S? 
 afterafarme, ameddowe,oramill,but aftercafties^barronies, j^igsand 
 and counties, andhauing authorise equall with their defire great flates. 
 itisadifficultmattertorefiltthemjandthatincontentingthem, 
 there benot many impoueri(hed,fome by calumnious &flande- 
 erous accufations, others by faife compacts & vniuft donations, 
 
 D a and 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 and the greater part by open violence and tyrannic And to 
 fpeake bncfcly ; it muft needcs fall out, that if the treafure of the 
 Prince encreaicth, the wealth of the fubie&s diminifhcth : and 
 itcommethtopatfe (as fa/tan th e Emperourfaid) asitdoe th 
 with the fplenein amansbodic,which can not eincreaie or waxe 
 greater, but the other members muihiecdes decreafe and be- 
 come leffer. Wherefore for the enlarging and quiet estate of the 
 commonwealth, there is nothing more expedient, then to bid 
 defire adue,and that all forts, of whateitateor condition foe- 
 Mauh.&io. uer,fhouId learne to follow the exhortation of Cbrift Ufa, and 
 i.Tim.6.17, layvptheirtreafurein heauen, where goods are farre more ex- 
 cellent and morelurely kept, then they can be in the earth. Let 
 notrichmen then puife vp themfelucs, andtruftin things 
 which are (o vnccrten, but be readie to giue & diitnbute to the 
 poore, and that freely ofthe goods which they hauc, laying vp 
 in More for themfelucs a good foundation againft the time, that 
 they may attaineeternali life, and make themielues friends 
 
 with theriches of iniquitie, that when they fhall want % thev 
 Lukc 1 6. 9. , . n i n- t i_- • 3 
 
 may receiue them into euerlalting habitations. 
 
 S ndbibat The go ds (faith ^Pythagoras) hauegiuen nothing more cx- 
 tbt b'e(i c client vnto man, nor any thing that may make him morehap- 
 mcanesto pie, then firftto make him vnderliand the truth of things , and 
 efchewetbife next V ntothat,to haue wherewithal!, and to be willing to helpe 
 troubleysto tne p 0orC; f or thefearcthe vertues which make vs the more 
 towards the referable them. Th* a tr ue and proper nature of God is. to bee 
 poore^and readie to pardon : for this caufe alio is hee the refuge of all that 
 thereupon he call vpon him, that he may giuc them their meatc in duefea- 
 difcourfeth { on ^ 2n d open his hand, and iatisfie them; who fendeth foorth 
 •!ir wlds ^ ls ^ r ' tanc ^ ereateth them, andrenueth the face of the earth 
 ofebaritie. f as ™h tne Prophet David,) Godefpccia lly and abouc a ll 
 Pfal.104.17 other is not onelyliberall, buteuenprodigall towards men, for 
 &M5 ij. hauinggiuenhisbleiTingsandhis kingdome, and furmountcd 
 ~k*f (I all creatures in bountie and liberalise, he will needcs exceede 
 lament is " bimfelfe alfo, and (for to take away ail mcanes hereafter to bee 
 JratPnofrom more liberal!) hath giucn them h is holy Spirit, his onely Sonne, 
 the incompre and his ownc felfe, without refcrving any thing, but a foue- 
 htnftble cha- r aigncic, which may not be communicated with them._If 
 uty of God. t ^ cn wce c j e ^ re lQ rc f cm ble him , who hath created vs, 
 
 we 
 
AGAINST C0VET0V5NES. 16 
 
 wemuftlikewife be liberall of that weehaue,and beereadle 
 tohelpe obrpoore neighbours, and that more cheerefuliy if 
 jtbepo(Tible,then they be readie to recciue. Q what goodly 
 and beautifull garners are the bellies of the poorer the pro- 
 vifion which is there laide vp lafteth for euer without decaying. 
 Happy is the man (Tai th David ) that giuethtothepoorejhis Pfal. 112.9. 
 righteoufneileremaineth for euer •• that is , his degree, eftate, 
 anddignitie fhalbe exalted with great glory. Defircand coue- 
 toufneffe itfelfe fhould moue vs hereto : for whofocuer giueth 
 vntothepoore, lendethvnto the Lord, who hath promifedto 
 giuean hundred for one, and withall lifeeuerlafting. Is there a *• . 
 better paymafterthen he ?is there any furerof his worde? can J^LfS 
 there be greater profit then this he offereth ? I n thofe bargaines ajm^abnes. 
 and contracts which men make , the principall is euer far grea- 
 ter then the intereft: forthey of athoufand gaine a hundred. 
 But this is conrrary , for the interefl is farre greater then the 
 principall: for wereceiue a hundred for one , and for a pot of 
 water, the kingdome of heauen , and life euerlafting,which is 
 ineftimable and cannot be valued. We are not afraid to call 
 our feed into the earth, and, as it were,,to lend it to the ground 
 vponvfury.* which thing w r cdoe with agreatdefireand very 
 carefully, being the bolder for the hope of the commodity we 
 reape thereby, although it be doubtfull, and that by reafonof 
 fundry cafualties,w r emaybedeceiued . why then (houlde wee 
 fearctogiue our goods vnto our God, hauing his promife for 
 our aiTurance, aud'withall life euerlafting ? If he be readie and 
 willing to giue, is it poffible he fhould] be flow to reftore ? and 
 ifwithoutourinduftryandpaineshemaketh vsrich , by his on- 
 ly goodneffe, is it likely that beeing bound vntovs by his word, 
 he willfufrer vstoremaine in pouertie ? Wevfe to fay fomtime ( 
 of a rich man, and one that we thinke fare of his word; I would 
 he ought me ahundrethcrownes, for Ifhoulde bee certentobe 
 well paid, though we haue no other aiTurance of him then fuch 
 as a mortall and variable man may make . Shall notourdefires of the fitly of 
 then haue a more excellent foundation if we truft in God,who couetoufnejje 
 is almighty, immortall, and immutable ? Shall marchants truft 
 oneanother in their rayres and markets fbrathoulandcrow r nes 
 worth ofmarchandife^in hope offome fmall profit,and vvilnot 
 
 D 3 we 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 wegiue credit vnto our God, what offer iocuerhc makethvs? 
 we had rather lockcvp our gold and tilucr, andto,keepe itvn- 
 profitably in a pot, thentolay itouttoourownegaine,andthe 
 commodity ofothers.We would be gricued to haue any mem- 
 ber of our bodies that Should feme vs for no vfe ; why then arc 
 our goods priuiledged by keeping them ten or twelue yeeres in 
 ourcofTers ; & neuervfethe m. If water be long kept in a place, it 
 ? flinketh and becommeth vnholfom:io alfo riches careuHlyTaid 
 
 Tbenature ^ are y dangerous. Charity (Yaith one of the ancient fathers) 
 tie ftt fbrtb knowethnot wnatitisto keepe goldeand nluer, neitheryet 
 intbe exam- prouifion of corneand wine. Wejnuit iniitatc wife & painfull 
 plesofmanie husbandmen, who often referue raine water in their ditches, 
 manynoubk yvherwith afterward, they water & moilten their diieit grounds. 
 erjomgts.^ fro did /a/fo^ in Egypt, who locked vp th e grame thattheieuen 
 >ofl ' plentifull yeeres brought forth, to the ende, that in the time of 
 dearth and fcarfitie, he might haue where withall to feede the 
 Sozom. lib. people ofthe land & the neighbour countries. So did that good 
 jj.c3p.ii. biuhopSpindionof whom mention is made inihqccclefialticall 
 ' t^J&irfo-f hiftorie, who gaue vnto the poore the keyes of his gainers, thac 
 there they might; take as much corneas wasfurhcient tonou- 
 ^J? m Plutarch in rifhthem & their families. It is report ed of Ctmon t he Athenian, 
 ^t , the life of that he would neuer indole his grounds eitKer with ditch or 
 JfjfvK-Cymon. hedge, that the poore might without any let or impeachment, 
 gather herbs for their nourishment. Shall not this heathen man 
 rife vp at the latter day to condene all thpfe rich men.who with- 
 out any pity or remorfe/eethe nece(ilties,& hearethepitirul cries 
 ofthepoore, who lie &diefor hunger at their gates? fhall not 
 their riches accufe them at the latter dav before the eternal gjd? 
 '^f Chap J.i. Go tonowye rich mcnfatihS. lames,) weep &houIeforyour 
 
 \y*£? *r!i r miferies that ilul come vpon you ryourriches are corrupt , and 
 * Of the curies i r ' ji«'/*i' • iio 
 
 , c v pronounced yW;gafrnents are moth-eaten .- your gold & hluer is cankred,& 
 
 %\&*>*?> ain ft them thfejwtt ofthem fnalbeawitnesagainltyouj&rhaleatyourflefli 
 
 &cA w l }0arenot fts.it were fire, ye haue heaped vptreafure for the laftdaiesrbe- 
 
 yiys^ 1*f^* holdthe hire of the labourers which haue reaped your Rcldzs 
 
 (which is of you kept back by fraud) crieth,& the cries of them 
 
 which haue reaped,arecntred into the eares ofthe lord of hoils. 
 
 Why^joewc^hai {'euen; againft our nature) dnue from vs our 
 
 ftiends?If we haue a ieruant,whom wc fufped to be aprater,& a 
 
 bufie 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. 17 
 
 bufic toiigued fellow, we feeke meanes forthwith to be rid of 
 him,efpecially if we think he will vtter any thing that may pre- 
 iudice vs; & fhal we not dofo then with theie iiches,which wil- 
 lingly ^not bejng rcquired,do reltifie againft vs before God 3 pur- 
 fuing vs, tor that we haueib long kept them in captiuky^andin 
 prifon, without fuffringthem to fee either funne or moone, conl 
 trade to the wil of God who hath created them that rhey might 
 paffe fro one to another, to fcrue men in their neceffities. When 
 as we heare die commandement that God hath giuen, that wee 
 fhould giue vnto him that asketh,icdoth moue vsvery much:& 
 yet we are notaftonifhed at thefe hisfeareful djreamiogKtliatis 
 tofay,ifwe wil not hearethe cries of the poore,whe as they beg 
 ofvs, & refufe to giue vnto them according.to our ability ,that in 
 the time ofneceifity he wil alforefufe to hearethe praiers which 
 yvc make vnto him. Shall nott,|ii$ laftday, this* countenance of 
 Chriftlefiu, (p angry &irefull * this voice & dreadfulLfoicnce 
 greatly moouevs, with the which to their eiterlaffcqg Oram call Mar,aj. 
 thofe are call out ofhiscopany,& fent intoheH^rt^hich haue 
 not inthisworldacare.tofeed&tocloath, to comfort & to vific 7 . 
 their poore brethren. We garniih out hals & chambers with rich 1 OfthtmtU 
 tapemy,pur beds are coueied aodcuttaincl with filkejor els with s« inexat* 
 iome thing whichis more coftly, .cHjrhowfcajregaikritly ador-^ If If 
 ned,& in the meantime while we are Co buik& curious in thcfe>^ covetous 
 fuperfluous things, we omit & let paiTe things ofgreater impor- 
 tance,hauing many of our neighbours & brethren al naked,not 
 bellowing (o much as anell of cloth tocouerthem. And what 
 istliis buttheesjefyfif apian fliould takeaway the apparelfrom 
 him that paflethby th« way, he is accounted a theefe^and fliail 
 nothe be fo efteemed,whofocuerhe be , that feeth himnakect 
 and hath fufficient to cloath him & will'not ? for in fuch acafe^ 
 the gold,the filuer, and apparell which we haue more then wee 
 need,oughttobebeftowedvponthem. L Yeamary wiltheco- j„ an fo er to 
 uetousmanfay, akhpughatthisprefentlcanfpareacoat, yet I covetous me 
 am vncerten whether Uhal haue need ofk hereafter. VVhydoft tbaiobiea 
 thou not fay alfofnhy. frie nd)that if thou doeft nobgwe i> thou art fffffife 
 furetobepunimed:&that (according to the ancient prouerb) " 
 thou (bouldft not leauea thing certe for vncerte. Mofeouer,thou 
 deft not cofider thsit thy life as well as other mes is fo vncerten, 
 that thou kno weft not whether thou fhalt Hue yntil to morow: 
 
 D 4 If 
 
 come. 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 If thou fhonldeftgiueit vnto an earthly King, wouldeftthoure- 
 iped whether hee were indebted to thee or not? whatdoefl 
 thou then in conclusion thinke of thy Cod ? hath not he power 
 toreftore it? or doeft thou thinke him vnthankefiill, or that hee 
 doeth forget thee, or that he is vnwilling to recompenfe thee? 
 let vs be careful! for the time prefent and apply our felucs vnto 
 it : as the times are deuidedfo ought alfo our cares and cogita- 
 tions to be fevered. Anditistobe accounted great rafhnefie, 
 to take counfellof a thing that is not, neither yet know whether 
 itfhallbee. This great and excefliue care which weehaueof 
 things to come, proceedeth of nothing els, but of a diirruftwe 
 haue in the prouidence of God .• fecondly,ofa vaine hope wee 
 propound vnto ourfelues,and alfoforthat we confidernot the 
 tnutabilitieandfudden alteration in this life. 
 
 Some other willfay, that he knoweth not howco fufficefo 
 many,and that his ability is not fufficientto giue to fuch a num* 
 ber: no verily if he faileinthegiuing.But it is clcanecontrarie, 
 for by thismeanes he augmenceth & encreafeth his (tot c /D avid 
 faiths I haue binyong& now am old,yet neuer did I fee the iuft 
 
 Pfal.37. rorfaken,orhisfeed begging their bread but he iseuermercirull, 
 andlendetii.&hisfeedenioyeththebleiTin^. Wehaueanotabl e 
 Za/vforfnj£ example of this in thevvidovv Z%repbatb y wh6 in the great & ex- 
 ceeding dearth that was in Ifrael, hauing but a handful of mealc 
 iaabarrellanda little oile in a crufe , yet for all that gaue vnto 
 
 x.kin.17.1^. the Prophet of that litle which fhehad: which was an occafion 
 that fo long as the famine endured, her prouifion neuer dimini- 
 
 V fhedjthoughfhe daily made cakes thereof for her felfe and her 
 
 A ffW 1 *** {bnne. Thelike hath bi n rc^^ of whom menti- 
 
 dnis m$debcfoce,thatin a time of fcarfitie, fetting open his gar- 
 ners for all the poorc which came vntohira , totake and carie 
 away as much corn as might fuffice for them and their families: 
 yethisheape decreafed .not, but was as great in the end as it 
 was in the beginning.God hath permitted ofcentimes,mat fuch 
 
 Sozom.lib. things fhould fall out , and that his prouidence (hould be fen fi- 
 
 i.cap.i 1. bly perceiued > thereby to (he w vnto vs what he doeth inurfibly. 
 
 2,Cor. 8.1 3 . Moreoucr fU ]\tul retting downe a ruU how we fhould giue our 
 almes, required! not that other men fhould be eaied and wee 
 grieued, neither that wee fhouldfallinto necelTitie torelieue 
 
 them, 
 
AGAINST COVETOVSNES. ,8 
 
 them, but th atwefl iouldhelpe one another^jhat js to fay" (zs a i t-g&T *** m * r 
 
 litle after he expoundetbj that he which hath much might haue 
 
 nothingouer,and that he which had but a litle might not wanr. 
 
 But ifour liberalise be fo great that itdraweth outwhatfoeuer 
 
 wee haue in our ftorehoufes, and that in fteadofall our goods, 
 
 we haue nothing left but the promifeofGod, with a fure and cer 
 
 ten hope to bcrecompenfed of him, wemuft not account our ^ » 
 
 felues in beggar lyeftate. fpfc*>vvfytm»> 4 
 
 Itis reported that ^Alexander the great at his departure from The eonfi^(^^^ 
 tJMacedome being ready to take his voyage againft the Perfi- dence wee h* 
 ans,oz\xz away all that euer he had to his friends and feruants: ¥" e J n . God 
 which when Parmenh pevce'med, feeing he had left him Cdfe "qS!^ 
 nothing, refufed the gift that Alexander offered him, faying, If co uetoM de* 
 I fhould take this, what haue you for your felfe.-Ihaue left my fire* 
 felfe Hope (Taith Alexander) which fiifficeth me. Now if this 
 King was thought to haue fuflficient, hauing nothing but a bare 
 and vncerten hope , whofe foundation and ground was in the 
 valiant hearts and loyall mindes of his fouldiers,fhall we be a- 
 fraidtofall intopouertie hauing our confidence in the immor- 
 talland omnipotent God, whoneuerdeceiued, noreuer for- 
 foke him that trufted in him? wemuft not t hen excufeou r 
 felues but follow the commandement of Chriftlefus ingiuing 
 vnto him that asketh, fo that we know him to be inneceflitie, 
 though notjasfomedo,fuch things asneitherthey nor we haue 
 need of. Fotfome there are, which thinkethemfeluesjcharita- 
 ble enough towords the poore members of Chrift Iefus,ifthey 
 make them a dinner oftheir feruants leauings . Which com- 
 meth to paffe, for that they confider not the quality and condi- 
 tion ofthem, who offer themfelues to berelieued. If they did, 
 it were likely they would be as carefull and as diligent aswas 
 Abrahamznd Z^rtoinuite them , to feruethem, and to cheere 
 rhemwith the beft welcome, andmoft delicate difhes that 
 might be. 
 
 Butbecaufeitisnot mypurpofeatthis prefenttoentreateof 
 Almes deedes,vvhereof hereafter God willing I mind to make a Thg . m 
 particular difcourfe, / will pafle it ouer, and returnc to our for- f on f t fa 
 mer matter and draw towards an end. In a word therefore we booty. 
 muftnot frame our felues like vnto fome man, who being 
 
 tranfported 
 
THE FIRST BOOKE 
 
 tranfported with fome fond andfoolifhloue , the more effectu- 
 ally that he is diffwaded, the more earneftly heloueth: butra- 
 therlet vs obferue and keepe in memorie , whathath bin fpo- 
 ken againft this curfed couetoufhes, to the end that ( as S. 7W 
 writethj our hearts, our Hues, and maners, maybe cleane pur- 
 ged, and that we be content with the prefentc(tate,remembrin<* 
 what God hath promifedto fofhw, and allthofe who truft in 
 him: that is to fay, that he willneuer abandon orrorfakc them. 
 Which word is fufficient to content vs , if wee beleeuein him 
 andalwaycstokeepe ourmindesin quietnefle in what eftate 
 or condition foeuer we liue. Andthus much touching the firft 
 paiTion that troubleth and molefteth our mindes. 
 
THE SECOND 
 
 bookg> touching the quietnefje and 
 
 conten cation of the minde. 
 
 tAGAINST tAMBlTlON. 
 
 The Contents of the Booke. 
 
 (Derates on a time bearing Alcibiades make 
 great brags of bis worldly pojfe/fions, defiredhim 
 towalke wit b him into a gallery tn thecttieof 
 Athens y wherein there was a LMap contai- 
 ning thedsfcriptton of the whole earth Whither 
 when they were come y Socrates requefiedhtm \ 
 tofinde out ssftttca, which when sAlctbiades 
 haddone y Socrates defiredhim Itkewife to /hewehim his lands and 
 pojfejfionszwbercto z/4lctbtades avfweredy that there was no mentis 
 on of them: why then ( fatd Socrates) doeft thou vaunt of "that \ which 
 makethfofinallajben ? We mayfiy the h\e vnto the. Ambitions fort , 
 andpschasconcetue a great opinion of t hemfelues y that they [boulde 
 [hew vswhere they were ahundretbyeeres agoe ,andwbere they (hall 
 be a hundred yeeres hence : And to what ende thefe vanities ferue 
 them that make them fo prefumptuous ? 'But becaufe that in this 
 booke following they [hall find their procejfe ready drawne, if they a- 
 wend not , it is not convenient thatwefhould m this place makeany- 
 IcKgdifcourfe thereof But let vsconfider the order of the autbour^ 
 and tbeprincipalparts of his dtfeourfe. Having then in the beginning 
 /hewed what ambition island the diver fit ie thereof he forthwith dip 
 couereth the particular effetlsofthis dtfeaffywhich principally are in 
 number fev en ; beeing accompanied with many and notable examples 
 gathered out offundn hftortes: which beeingdone, heeentreth into 
 the dtfeourfe of the knowledge ofourfelueSy which is thefirftreme- 
 die-againfl *y4mbitian, vpon which occaficn hee entreat eth of the 
 miferte of man fine e fin came into the world y wkich is thedeftmftio of 
 him without the grace of Cjodiln like matter of the mtfehiefes which 
 faring of pride y& why the good & vert nous men are fo many wayes 
 humbled, while they hue in this vporld^wbere tn the mean while they 
 
 daily 
 
 *p 
 
ia'tly receiue new-gifts andprefents : contrar'twife the proud are ffoi* 
 ted of fuck things a* the fufferance ofC/odhatb permittedthemto 
 entity. For thattnftead of giuing glory to God y they rob him oftt y and 
 w:tb great vngr at efulneffe and vntollerable oftentation, attribute 
 it to i hi mfelues : not cohfidering, that if they will be vertuom they 
 mufi neuerbe ouer come of ambition Jmt alwatesbe ready to acknow- 
 ledge ancle onfeffe their owne weakeneffe: whereto the holy Cjhoft in- 
 viteth vs y condemning all vaineglorte y whichgood men hauealwaies 
 detefledandabhorted, knowing that pride corruptethgood workes: 
 which proceedeth of nothing y but of want of knowledge of our owne 
 f elites, and of the grace of God. Which thin^ is verified by the tefti- 
 mony of an excellent dottor^and a most notable inftruttion how toglo- 
 rifie God. 
 
 This difcourfe betngfimfhed y hepropoundeth afecondreafon, full 
 of force & effcaciei that is to fay, the example of the Sonne of God, 
 who being LordofmenandangeU, notwithstanding during his abode 
 here vpon earth y was a per fit example of humility, and oft he contempt 
 of worldly glory. To this are added fundry examples of the mofl nota- 
 ble & famom men that euer were . Then enfueth the third remedie, 
 which confifleth in the confideratwn of the manifold dangers which 
 accompany proffer it ie: in which difcourfe true &feyned humility are 
 liuely defcribed, Andlaftofallis declared howwe Jballattaine to the 
 knowledge of our felues, and by tonfequent to true humility, which is 
 a mortallenemie to ambition. And this is by reading and diligent me- 
 ditation of the holyfcripturejby comparing our eft ate with other cre- 
 turet, by a due examination ofourfelues,(frofourac1ions:byaconfi* 
 deration of that which we hauenot y in cotnpanfon of that we haue, by 
 comparing our condition wherein we now are, with that wherein our 
 father Adam liued before his fall: regardingwho they are that com- 
 mendvs ordtffraife vs: An din conclupon, a liuely apprehevfton of 
 the iudiciallfeat of God, to the end that by the example of the imper- 
 fections heretofore, we may learne tofeeke the quiet of the mind in the 
 humiiit'te of the heart, remembrtng what the mofl excellent devtnes 
 t haue written, how that nothing is fo highly exalted as true humilttie, 
 
 \yct"l viky Jp y- and that as the tree which we dejirefhouldincreafe&grow in height, 
 * Z{/ m . tnuH take deepe rooting in the earth y fo he which ha th not his mwde 
 
 | ^ *■*"" tf tffi^f* frft ofallfurely rooted iu true humilitie y the higher heliftethvp him 
 •■ hitr • felfcfhe nearer he approcheth to his owne deftruttion. 
 
20 
 
 THE SeCO^JD $°°KE. 
 
 ^Agahift ^Ambition. 
 
 Ext vnto this avaricious and covetous 
 defire, followeth Ambition, w'hich is 
 another vnquietnes of the mind .-and 
 this is nothing but a defirc we haueto 
 make a (hew and to be exalted aboue 
 other men. This defirc is not in al alike, Ambition 
 but is in greater meafure in one then in pterin 
 another, according to the diuerfitie of ^A^' 
 their humours and atfecYions.Forthofe 
 whohaue excellent wits andhautie courages , readie to enter- 
 priie and take in hand great matters , are moft fubie& to this 
 pafllon.Such aone was T^/w//?^/^j,vvhofaid,thatthe monu- 
 ments, that is to fay , the glorie and great fame of Afiltiadef pj utarc h \ Q 
 would not fufferhtm to take his reft, by reafon of the exceeding hisliues. 
 defire he had to imitate him in vertue, that fo he might alfo at- 4 
 
 taine vnto the like honour. Such an o ther w as Alex ander , who cA l^^cn* 
 neuer reioiced at the victories andconquefts of his father, 
 fearing there would be nothing left for him wherein to fhewe 
 his valour, and to win renowme, whereof hce was moftdefi- f.'jxrY* /3U 
 rous . The like is reported of '/uhus Cdjar , who b ei n g treafurer j *&* h c y 
 for the Romanes inSpaine,feeingon atimc the image of Alex- 
 ander in the Temple of Hercules fighed , a nd being greatlie dis- 
 contented with himfelfe , blamed his flothfull and cowardlic 
 life, for that he had done nothing worthie of memorie atthirtic 
 yeres old, at which yeres Alexander had conquered the grea- 
 teft part of the world. Thefe thre^ were the molt ambitious 
 creatures char wereadeofj which hauc evidently fhewedboth * 
 inworde and deede their hautieftomacke : for they neuer Th ffi r fl^P 
 could abide either fuperiour orcquall. ibemislocles could ^//^^J^j 
 notenduretoliue with Arislides, nor Cefar with Powpej: and it can neither 
 Alexander refufed tomarrie with the daughter of Darnts , and endure an e- 
 
 to be a partner in the OrientaR Empire', faying, that there might q^or gfa* 
 
 £ ot p«w. 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 notbctwoSunnesin theworldc, wherein we fee that them oft 
 generous and noble perfonages, and fuch as hauc excellent 
 wittes, arc moft addicted and enclined to this defire. The like 
 appearethinthewood, which the more fine and excellent it is, 
 the more it is fubicclto the worme and to corruption. By rea- 
 son whereof, this is the fpcciall vice (as faith S&int Auguftine) 
 which the mod notable men ought carefully to take heede 
 of. 
 2 Notwithftanding, it is not my purpofe to reproove or con- 
 
 lthumttb demne the defire which all men ought to have to live, while 
 cfterfalfe they are hcre,in good credite and reputation, which is asrequi- 
 €&°lefTeof " c towar des our neighbour for his inirrudlion, as faith is to- 
 tnteehrk. w *rdes God for to fcrve and honour him : but oncly the difor- 
 dinate affection which we have to be matters, and to have the 
 higheftroumesin affemblies,taking apleafure,aswe paflein the 
 ftreetes, to be pointed at with the finger, that fome man may 
 fay,Thisishe. And we care not oftentimes, whether we be ac- 
 counted of for vertue or for vice, among wile men or fooles, for 
 good workesor for bad. For the immoderate defire of gloric 
 is alw ayes naught, and when as to fatisfiethis affection we take 
 naughtie matters in hand, then is it worft of all. Iknow r eitis a 
 difficulte thing to beate this into thofe mens heades, who are 
 Oftrueho- pcrfwaded they ought toholde nothing fo deare as honour. If 
 mm. they take honour (as 1 have faidej for a good and laudable te- 
 
 flimonie, which we ought to purchafe among men, and to take 
 heede we fall not into obloquie and rcproch, nor into the fnares 
 i Tim z 7 °f tne Devill (as Saint Taultixth) fpeaking of a Bifhop, I will 
 eafily condifcende vnto them. For whofoevcr hath this re- 
 garde, is not mooved orledde by ambition, but of a religi- 
 ous feare that all true Chriftians ought to have to offende 
 their neighbours, not onely by evill example, but alio by 
 any fufpition or appearaunce of evill. I call it a holye and re- 
 ligious feare, and if I had a more honourable title, I woulde 
 vie it. And if it were poflible to plant and eftablifh this in our 
 heartes, wee fhouldeiee in a fliorte time an ende of all fcan- 
 dales among men, and that it woulde bee of more force to rc- 
 fourme the corruption and diforderofthis miferable life, then 
 
 ever 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 21 
 
 ever was any lawe, power, or punifhment, or whatfocuer hath 
 beene invented fincc the beginning of the worlde hetherto. 
 -Wherefore wee cannot fufiiciently praifcit, nor vfe too great 
 commendations of it.But the honour which they fpeakeof,and 
 which is vfuallie vnderlloodof them, rather it is vaineglorie O ffi'icbo- 
 purchafed by meanes partly vnlawful^and partlie ridiculous: or 
 ellc it is a temporall honour, which is attributed vnto fuch 
 things as haue alwaies bccne,andyct are,through a falfe opini- 
 on accounted of and admired among men,orfome fhewcof 
 knowledge and goodncs, which they rather pretend outward- 
 ly and infheWjthen in deede andveritie. 
 
 This is that which Ipurpofeto fpeake again ft, in this dik 3 
 courfe following* The firtt reaibnis this : t here is nothin g Hcofpfetb 
 in the worlde that more difpleafcth God, or that more •JqJ 
 provokcth him to anger, then this ambition, Forasheeisthe derogating 
 author of all the good gifts and graces in vs, or whatfoeuer elfe from \m ho. 
 we haucworthie commendation, fo "\\ill healfo havevsgiue nour,andat* 
 him all the praife, without defrauding him of any iotte thereof.* ? j?3L« 
 other wile, he is forthwith llirrcd vp with the anger of iealoufie, ' ° m * e F* 
 when he teeth the loue which is due vnto him > tranfported to 
 another. We may plainly perceiue,hciw greatly God is difplea- 
 fed with this ambitious deiire, ifwe confider how grieuoufly he 
 hath punifhed proud and arrogant perfons. T his was theca ufe . 
 
 that i44&d(whato he had created in lingular perfe£tion i & TEacl j^am, 
 beawtified and enabled with Co many excellent graces , with 
 intention farther to enrich him, if he had perfeveredj fell, and 
 with him allhispofteritie, into fo great mifchiefs, and was,ask Gcn f 
 were, fpoilcd of all thofe excellent gifts and gracesjboth of bo- 
 die and mind,whcre with he was fo abundantly enriched? was it J\i> »~> v 
 not this curfed amb ition, which made him discontented with 
 his eftate,and to belord^as it were 3 ofall creatures, and therefore 
 beeing tickled with a deiire to bcequaIlwithGod,wasas well 
 for his audacious enterprife, as alfo for his villanous ingratitude 
 throvvne downe into fuch bafe eftate, and likewife hischil- 
 dren, that they muft needes nowe confefle them felves 
 to be but men. Why did Cain his eldeft fonnc , in whome . 
 both hee, and Eve had conceived great hope, that hee Gen.* 
 was the promifed k$dc that fliould bruife the ferpentes 
 
 head, 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 head, bcarc fo great a hatred and mallicc againft his brother, 
 that co fatisfie his minde, he feared not to kill him , without re- 
 gard of the iudgement of God, orconfanguinitic, norrefpe- 
 dting the offence of his parents, nor the dishonour hcfhould 
 incurreof all pofteritie bybeeinga parricide, neither yet of 
 the punifhment which he might evidently perceiue to be prepa- 
 red for him, hauinghis fathers example before hiseies, who a 
 litie before had bin driuen out of the garden of Paradife, and 
 e(hanged from the prefence ofGod , and fo confequendy from 
 all true happineffe , for difobeyingthe commandement of his 
 God, and committing afault which feemed muchlefle, then 
 that he intended? why alfo was he no more (orowfull when 
 God (hewed him his fault? why alfb did he fo little efteeme to 
 be driuen from the prefence of his father, and toforgoe the fight 
 and louing countenance of the Lorde, was it not for that hee 
 hadaproudc and fuperbious minde , by reafon of his elder- 
 fliippe, and therefore coulde not endure that his brother 
 fliould any waies be preferred before him? Wherefore God 
 curfed him, and caft him out of his prefence, more detefting 
 this his pride then his rnurthcr , though it were a moft mfa- 
 jMjhodT' nious, and execrable fa6t . The principall caufe of chat great 
 deluge, andouerflowingofthe whole world, andthatcaufed 
 Godeuen againft his nature to forget his mercie, and to take 
 awayeuery liuing creature from off the face of the earth, 
 
 Gen. 6.z,4. was j t noctne p r id c an d arrogancie of the Tyrants, which 
 
 proudly oppreffed thepoore, taking away by violence their 
 
 goods,their daughters, and whatfoeuer elfe they liked in their 
 
 houfes? The occa fion likewife why sA^ar with her fonne, 
 
 " r# was twife drawne out of Abrahams houfe, God liking and 
 
 Gcn.i*4)?' approouing the rigour that Sara {hewed her, was it not pride, 
 for that not confidering her felfe and her fcrvile eftate , and the 
 fauour which had beene (hewed her, in that fliec was made 
 free and euen married vnto ^Abraham} fhec therefore with 
 great vngratefulnefle feeing her felfe fo highly exalted, 
 
 Efau. wouldc needes compare and bee check-mate with her 
 
 Gcn.17.41. miftreiTe. This was the caufe alfb that Efan conceiued fo 
 great ahatred againft his brother Jacob , thathce confpired 
 his death after his fathers deceafe:for he could not endure that 
 
 Jacob 
 
 The vnlntr* 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 22 
 
 facet (hould be preferred before him, and that he, who as well 
 byGods ordinance as by the will and tcftament of his rather 
 was the elder, and therefore his fupcriour,fhouId rule ouer him. 
 The Tatriarkes likewife being ftirred vp with this ambition, The Tani- 
 without regarde of their owne credite orthehonourofGod, arty. 
 who had chofen them to be as it were the foundation of his 
 people 3 & without any regard oftheir fathers grief by bereaving Gen.37, 
 him of his principall comfort, refolved with them felvestokiil 4,i?« 
 their brother fofeph who came tovifite them, and after long 
 confutation foldehimtothe tfmaehtes, and their crueltiew as fo 
 outragious towarde him, that they would not bemooued with 
 al the pitiful cryes and lamentations that he made in entreating 
 them j and all was , for that he had dreamed he fhould be grea- 
 ter then they, and that they all fhould honour him. This wa s 
 that which mooved Aron and UWtriam. to grudge againfl Aaron and 
 Mofes. And not long after, firabyTtatban, and Afaramfol- Mmam. 
 lowingtheircxample, gaeheredthem felves again (1 Mopes >&£- vatban. 
 fwadtqgthe people from their obedience, for that they coulde Abiram. 
 not abide that he fhould be in fuch authoritic over them ; and Nom. 11.1. 
 therefore they couetedtobeequall with him,though in vertue, 
 in zcale, in painefulnelte,in iudgement, and in knowledge they 
 werefarrebehindehim. iSVWperfecutedhisfonnein lavve Da* Sauit 
 videven to the death, being ftirredvp by an ambitious defire 
 and griefehe conceived, for that after the death of CjolUh, and 
 theoverthrowc of the Pbi/tslwesfhe daughters of Ifrael in their I#Sanu 7* 
 fbngeshad given him the greateftpraife, and for that God had 
 ordained himtofuccecde him in hiskingdome. 
 
 There is neither lawe nor duetie that this curfed arTcfh'on 
 maketh vs not to forget. Bebolde sAbfalom y who was fo vio- 
 lendy caryed therewith, that hee caufed the people to mutine b i alom - 
 and rebel! againfl: his father, after that hee had ^without all *• Sam. 15. 
 ihame) defiled his bed, and that in thefaceofallthe worldc, l *|MWA 
 purfuing his father as ifhehad bene his enemie, and fighting a P tcrs * 
 with his fervants tothevttermofr, (hewing allthelignes and 
 examplesof a man without God, without lawe andallhuma- 
 nitie. This maketh men oftentimes alio to baode againft God, Sa/o 
 zsdid Salomon, who for that he vnderftoode that feroboam after ijcing.' 
 his deceafc fhould raigne over ten tribes, fought allthemeanes 11.40. 
 
 E 1 he 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 £ he could to put him to death,and by al his indeavour to impeach 
 
 ,1^^^*^ and hinder the counfell of the Alrnightie. Rabfaces and Ntbn* 
 
 fW^ ^arprocee dedfur ther, for both of them being lifted vp, 
 
 alilTasitwerefwollen with their pro fperitic and former vi&o- 
 
 i.kmg, ries^prefumed to open their mouthes,and to blafpheme againft 
 
 Dan .2.1 ?. tne ^*°d of heaven, fay ing that he was not able to reiift them, 
 
 nor to deliver his fcrvants out of their handes. 
 Examplesout This hath bene the c au je ofthefe great vv arres, which have 
 of profane ^ fas it were by continuall fucceffion) continued even from the 
 hiftones both beginning of the world,andthat ca-ufed Alexanders put all A- 
 Lut'me a P a co ^ re anc ^ fw or d, & Cyrus to fpoyle Ionian the Lacedemonians 
 to be in continuall brawles with the Athenians \ or elfe with the 
 Thebans ;t\ie Athenians with the iJHegarianspxthe forinthians; 
 the farthagwians againft the Romanes , and the Romanes againft 
 all nations; and when they had overcome others, that feme a- 
 mong themdrewe out their fwordesagainft their owne native 
 countrey,andthruftthemasit were into the heart oftheir own 
 cities,or elfe caufingfuchcruellprofcriptions, that the bare nar- 
 ration ofthem which yetremaineth in hiftories,doeth even afto- 
 nifli the readers. For there we fhall findc that the children folde 
 the lives oftheir fathers, the women the lives oftheir husbands; 
 brethren, the lives one of another, and the flave betrayed his lord 
 and matter.- and in a word,there wasnolawe,trueth,nor huma- 
 nitie,which was not violated by this ambitious defirc to rule and 
 r5/v>v** v 6 **** i^^raigne over others. This being crept into the Church, hath bred 
 £f ? m r£ / yv * rr <L tnere a ^ no ^ e c o n ^^ on > fo f vvno ls tn€re inat can reraem* 
 berthe mifchiefes thathave enfued thereof, without great and 
 exceeding forow and griefe? Hath not the ambition of zAniw ^ 
 of'ukfaili- D 0f t* tf u>znd Novatus cauled them to iet abroach their here- 
 callbijio* fies, which not long after through the negligence ofthePaftors 
 ties. and Princes,havc opened the gate for the *sflcor'ahy~&thc blaf- 
 
 Tbe^rch* phemiesof 4/^0.wf,which,alas,have prevailed over the two 
 "^ principall parts ofthe world, and at this prefentpoflcne Ierufa- 
 lem y Alexandria, Anttoch, and Conftaminople, which heretofore 
 have bene the moft beautifull houfes belonging to the heritage 
 ofChrift Ie(us,who at this time is exiled fro thofe places, where 
 fometimehehadhisEmperiallfeate. ? Ipafleoverthe turmoyles 
 andpaines which Athanaftmfihryfofcm, tAmbrofe, and other 
 
 good 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. a 3 
 
 good Paftors have iiirrrcd through the ambition of their Collegi- s 
 ats ; as alio the inrc#ivcs,reprochesJnjuries, calumniations, & 
 flanderous libels prefented to princes to defame one another :_&, 
 l ikewifethe great conten tion and itrife, which hath benebe- 
 tweenetheBii'hop ofRome, & ofConftantrncp/e, touching their 
 preheminenccSjthe fecret fuits & priviepra&ifes in their SecSli- 
 ons,the murthers committed ofeitherparr, thefchifmes & divi- 
 fionsofallChnftcndcme; all which have happened (asappea- 
 rcth in thehiftories) by reafon ofthe ambition of fuch as fhould 
 have bene the principall and chiefe fervants ofChrift Iefus, and 
 of his Church. And the greatcft mifchiefe is, that this which hath 
 binthecaufeoffuchaiforderAilhindrethareformationjthough 
 even they thefelves who are the caufes hereof, can not but con- 
 fefle that there is need thereof. But ambition fo blindeth the m & 
 kcepeth them backe,thatthcy can not abide thatany ma fliouid 
 fpeake a word thereof. This afte&ion ther efore being fo dange- 
 rous^ the caufe of fo many mifchiefs,ought not every onecare- 
 fully to take heed thereof, and by all poinble means to beware 
 leaf! his heart be infected therewith ? 
 
 The confederation ofthe manifolde mifchiefes befalling 4# 
 fuch as have bene ambitious,ougbt greatly tomoovevs.Forhe That men do 
 that will begin with Saibjv, & run through out all the hiftories, notconftdet 
 fhal find that God never fuffred ambition vnpuniilied, buthath ™ hatha tj> 
 alwayes debafed all fuch as have fought to exalt thefelves. jm-_ t0 L 0U( i c 
 mediatly after the Deuil began to beambitious,& to make him- pcrfins. 
 fetfe equal with God^ did he not fal down fro heave with a moft Examples 
 fearful noife.as if it had bin lightning & thuder? Into what mife- s * tan ' 
 ry hath Adam thrown himfeif & his po(teritie,for that he would Gcne \ ,~ 
 exalt himfclftoohie? Wasnot^//r^w the fifte rof Moft s ftroke Miriam. 
 with leprofie,forthat (he had proudly lift vplrer felf againfther Nom.u.io 
 brother ? Were not forah . Dathatt, & Abira with all their fa mi- Q 0Ya ] u 
 lieSjthrough their pride cV arrogancy^while they would be equal pathan. 
 with Mofes, fwallo.Wed vpof the earth alive, & that in the light Abiram. 
 of all the people? what was the end of that vaunting and proude Nom * ! 6 31 * 
 (j(?//^/;?VVas,notDavidlikewife,whohadovcrthrowenhimby J °^f' 
 the onely confidence which he had in the Lord, which was the Tuvid. ' 
 c hi ereft armour he vied againft him, very feverely punithed, whe i.Saro.14. 
 as through a foolifh pride againft the comandement of God-, & 
 thecouniel ofIoab,feeking to divert him from that his purpofe, 
 
 E 2 he 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 he made a generallmufter of the people of his lande, thereby to 
 vnderftandthe greatnerTe of his forces, was not he, I fay, pre- 
 fently punifhed with a fudden peftilence, which in the fpaceof 
 Roboam. one day deftroyed feventie thoufand men ? %oboxm (who by 
 i King.n. gentle and milde wordes might have fatisfied and contented his 
 i4, I<5 » iubie&esj through his audacious and braving fpeaches loft the 
 ^ Ovm. better halfeofhis kingdome. Ozias king of luda not content 
 
 i.Chron. with his dignity, incenfed with an ambitious defire, woulde 
 26.19. needes meddle with the Prieftes office, but as he had the incenfe 
 
 in his hand to burne it,the Lorde fmote him with leprofie, and 
 fo he continued to his death. 
 Upas. Iofta*, otherwife a vertuous prince, and zealous of the Lawe 
 
 i.chon. and fervice ofGod, who by a moft commendable and glorious 
 3 ? i0 » enterprife, had even in the beginning of his reigne reftored true 
 religion, (almoft wholly corrupted and polluted) enterprifed 
 notwithstanding very rafhly the wanes with Tharao Necbo King 
 Sennacherib, of Sgypt , where he wasflaine. And was not Sennacherib over- 
 Efay36.37. throwen by the Angel of the Lord, with a hundred fourefcore 
 and five thoufand men the night (blowing, that he had vomited 
 out by the mouth of Rabfacbes , his horrible blafphemies a- 
 gainft God, and being as it were blinded with exceeding pride, 
 had lift vp him felfe againift the Almightie, defying him to his 
 face? Was not that proude Aman hanged on the gallowes 
 fcftcr.7.10. which he had made for Mar doc be y becaufe he would not wor- 
 , fhip him, as others had done } Nebuchadnezzar after greatprof- 
 ?mvir a peritie,and fundrie victories obtained againft his enemies, fee- 
 Dan 4.27. inghim felfein peace, and that he was feared of his neighbours, 
 having his pallacefumptuoufly adorned with the fpoyles of o- 
 ther nations againft whome he had warred, forgetting him felfe 
 to b« a man, provoked God to punifh his pride, taking away 
 his vnderftanding and authoritie, and making him like to one 
 of the beaftsof the flelde,vntil by his humilitie he had acknow- 
 Hcrol ledged his fault. Was not Herod fmitten by an Angel, and ca- 
 Ads.11.23.ten with wormes, for that hehad not given theglorietoGod, 
 but boafting of his eloquence before the Tyritns&Stdoniansjn 
 accepting the honour which clawbacks and flatterers had given 
 S.Tcter. himin their acclamations as vnto a god? S. PerertruRingmhis 
 Mau,2tf.34.ownflrcngth, and preferring him felfe before all his compani- 
 ons 
 
AGAINST AMBITION, 24 
 
 before allhis companions,through a conceit he had ofhis ownc 
 conftancie 5 didhenotfall into daunger ofhis life, and withall, 
 of the grace of God, and fo by consequent, of the hope of all 
 true felicitie ? when as Chrift Icfus foretelling the mifcrie pre- 
 pared for Capernaum ^fab, Thou Capernaum, which haft bene 
 lifted vp to heaven ,fhalt be thro wen downe to hell, did he not 
 fhe we thercby,that the principall caufeof the overthrow thcrc- 
 of,was her pride, which ingendredinfidelitie and the contempt 
 ofhis word ? when alfo fhall weexpeel theruine and overthrow 
 of Anttchrift and o^ r Babylon i if not then, when they are come to 
 the height of their pride, and the top of their impietie I we may 
 no we plainely fee by thefe facred biftories,what hath bene the 
 ende of thefe proudeperfons.Which thing may alfo be obferved 
 in the government of the mightieft common wealthes, in the Examples of 
 lives otKtnges and Emperours, which have bene at large decla- pfofkne mi- 
 redinthe writings ofthe hiftoriographers.Butfor that we ihould ters ' 
 enter into too large a field, & might feeme over-tedious in reci- 
 ting all the examples which they have fct downe, we will pafle 
 over the grcateft number, and oncly touch fuch as aremoft 
 notable. 
 
 The pride of Xerxes was fuch, thathethreatnedthemoun- Xerxes. 
 taines, the fea,andthe gods them (elves when he marched with Haodit. 
 his armie tokibdueCjreece, thinking that even the Elementes 
 oughtto give way, and to make him roume.- but God (whore- 
 fifteth theproude, and hath fliewed him fclfe evermore to bee 
 their enemiej did fo bruife and crufh his puiiTance, that the fe^or^^/hy * 
 moft memorablethingofthathis enterpriie,was hisoverthrow, !}\ l£2e/an* i "* 
 his flight, and dishonour. As 1 o n g as Alex ander^, gre at c on - Alexander. 
 tinuedin humilitie,he was al wayes fortunate, never finding his Vlutarch 
 equal! in courage, in valour, in counfell, in diligence, in libera- inbis lives. 
 litie, nor in any other militarie vertue: but after that he was 
 partelyabufed by flatterers, and partelybyhis continu'all prof- 
 peritie, then beganne he to be vncloathed of his former ver- 
 tucs, andto p ut on the Perfian robe, and withall the pride and 
 arrogancie ofthe countrey, imagining that he was defcended 
 ofthe race ofthe gods, and therefore would needes be wor- 
 fliipped ; wherefore God turned away his favour from him, and 
 fo he died not long after iu the flower ofhis age, when as hee 
 
 E 3 iliould 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 *novv fliould haue cnioycd the fruit of his labours, and left his empire, 
 ,. which yet was very doubtfull, to his children. There was no* 
 
 Tlutarcb in thing th at foh alie ned Cefars death, northat more inccnicdthc 
 hk iives. conlpiraciesagainiff him, then his ambition: but after that he h 
 farre exceeded, that he fuftercd a crowne and the name of king 
 to be giuen him,and for that he had dcpoled the tribunes for this 
 only caufe that they were again!} it, and that he fate in a chaire 
 of gold among the fenatours, then began they to wait oppor- 
 tunity to kill him .-which peraduenturcthey had not done, ifv- 
 fing a popular gouernmenc, feafoned as it were with mildcand 
 modett behauiour , he had acquainted them by litle and little 
 <j.i>Hinohf to endure fervitude , and to forget the name of libertie. Wh at 
 
 Tompey. m^ w^ta wife thinke of Pompey his enemie and of the lamen- 
 Tlutarch hi table change ofhiseitate, was not his pride, and contempt of 
 bislifi. his enemie the principallcaufes thereof? forhcewasnotafha- 
 med to fay to f ome of his friendes who rcprooucd him for his 
 carelefhefle, in the preparation of the warres, that with the 
 ftampe of his foote if neede were, he could fill all Italie with ar- 
 med men. Such among theEmperoursas contemning their e- 
 ftate, and thinking fcorne to be taken for mortall men , woulde 
 CaUvula and nee des be accounted gods,and haue their mbieclshonourthem 
 other*. with Images,voues,temples,& a!tars,as Caligula, Domttian^nd 
 Heliogabalwyhzue alwaieshad moftmiferableends. 
 &-nr£**? Thegreatelt lodes and overthrowes which haue happened 
 
 ±^J^ T\k Trench to ourownecuntiy.wereefpecially caufedby our great piefum- 
 nation. ption : and nothing hath aduantaged our enemies fo much as 
 the contempt we bauehad of them f and contrariwife the great 
 opinion we haue had inourowneitrength,, though often;imes 
 it hath deceiucdvs. Witnes hereof, the battell of A ?/*/rar again ft 
 the Flemings, thebattell of Poitiers againftthe Englifi , that of 
 lnberob againftthe Portugalls, and that otNtcopolis againftthe 
 Tttrkes.^ox there is no finne thatGod dothlerTedirTcmblc then 
 this pride & arrogatnes,nor that he letTe endurethormorefpee- 
 tf * dilypunillieth.- whic h is moft notably declared in that memo - 
 
 v twl ep^ rable hiftory that Prf/*//** Emilim reporteth in the ^Annales of 
 
 ^'jtnA^A France, of a certaine gentleman of Florence named Cjjrardef, 
 
 \ a i,v}rr'W i r* who had liued in great profperitie a long feafon . It happened 
 ^ y on a time, that bceing drunken, and as it were glutted with 
 
 his profperous eftate , in a banquet he made to his friendes, 
 
 asked 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 25 
 
 asked them ifthey thought there was fohappie a man in all Ira- 
 lie as him felfe, and whether he wanted any thing that might 
 make him more fortunate .whereto one or the company wiidy 
 anfwered j thattheprincipall thing was yet wanting, that is to 
 fay, Modefti'e and Hurnilitie to keepe him in the favour of 
 God, without the which there is no true happinefle; and that 
 the wrath and iudgement of God could not be farre from him 
 and his houfc,confideringhisprefumptuous and proude minde; 
 which thing this wretched man not long after by wofull experi- 
 ence prooved to be true. For fuch as by his means had bin banU 
 Hied the citie,fecretly returning in a night,tooke him,hiswife,& 
 children put them in priibn,and there molt cruelly fterved them 
 to death in the fight of ail the people, being wonderfully aito- 
 nifhed and moved with companion at fo fhrange an alteration. 
 
 Thefe example s,and a thoufand fuch like to be found in hiito- * 
 rieSjdofum'ciendyprove t he 1 ayi n^ of Chiton the Lacedemonian , Heetbwlivb ^f^Un 
 who being demanded whatGoddidinheave,anfwered,thathe ™°L" S '**&»*&* 
 debafed the proud,& exalted the lowly. The Virgin M.irjinher f t f, e $ov>r' yyui * Hi 
 fong applying this vnto men; God (faith ilie) hath ilie wed the of God* 
 ftrengthofhis arme,&hach exalted the humble,&ovcrchrowen 
 the proud in theimaginationofcheir own harts. Efopehzth de- &/&*£ f*^^ *f [ 
 clared this thing very well,& that there is nothin g better forma f^rff/i 
 thenModeftie, in his fable of the Tort eife, who being not con- 
 teted to creep on the groud,would needs (lie in the aire with the 
 birds, & therefore defired the Egle to carie her vp on hie, which 
 at firft was refufed, fhewing the danger which was like to iniuc 
 in flying without wings : notwith Handing overtaken with im- 
 portunitie,tooke hervpinherfeet ; & caryingheralofta while,at 
 the length the 7V/w/f, either for that, feeing her {d?c ib hie,fhe 
 thought no more on the ground belovv,or for that the Eagle was 
 weary,& wouldno longer hold her, tell down & brake al to pie- 
 cesiteachingmenby her death,that it is better for metocotainc 
 thefelves within the bounds of their vocation ; & to be conteted 
 with a mean e(rate,having the grace & favour of God,the in of- 
 fending him by their immeafurable pride, ro clime vp toheave, 
 fas thole who builde.d the tower of Babel) k^king to purchafe 
 thefelves greater ad vancemet.Thc Poets, w ho orte rimes in their 
 fifti6svvindvp&eover,aswithacl^ 
 fable of learns i who defiringto flie widi waxe wings 3 fel into the 
 
 E 4 fca, 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 lea: and that ofTbaeton, who for that he coveted to rule the 
 
 horfes and chariot of the Sunne, wasftroken with thunder,pur- 
 
 pofed no other thin g, but to fhewe that the ende of all ambition 
 
 is evennore miferablc. For God (as I haue faide) can in no wife 
 
 &n*rt£o/9 abide a pro ude and arrogant perfon. 
 
 \J\ 6 The day of the Lord of holies (faith Sfav)\s\von all the proud 
 
 Httrembkth and haifgh"tie7"and vponalTthat isexaltcd, and it (half be made 
 
 not at the lo we ,and vpon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and ex- 
 
 tf'odT'mf} alted > and v P on a11 the 0kes °?B«P>a*fr vpon all the hie moun- 
 
 tbe 'proud, caines , and vpon all the hils that are lifted vp, and vpon every hie 
 
 Efayi.i*, tower, and vpon every llrong wall. This is a manner of (peach 
 
 by the which he givethvsto vndcrftand, matallthofe, wfio 
 
 glorie in their greatnefle, their noblenefle, their ftrength, and 
 
 their riches, fh all at length be throwen downe with the wrath 
 
 . r r of God, which fhall fall vpon them as a thunderclapp e. God 
 
 n rP&* . ?' c fo ca k' n n to tfi e Idnmeans , and foretelling them by his Prophet 
 
 ic ^ r v^ t ***£*' *AbdiM$\z plagues he had provided to punifh and abate their 
 
 £mH>a**£ pride, faith, I will make thee contemptible to all nations: the 
 
 pride ofthy heart hath deceived thee, nowe that thou art in the 
 
 ftrong holdes which thou haft builded in the tops of the moun- 
 
 taines, thou thinkeft thyfelfe inexpugnable, and thatnoman 
 
 can come at thee, and fay eft, Who can pull me from hence? If 
 
 thou fhouldeft flie as high in the ay re as the Eagle,and fliouldeft 
 
 make thy neft among the ftarres, I will pull thee from thence, 
 
 faith the Lordc. David in the 3 7 . Pfojmejaitjhj I have feenethe 
 
 wickedftrong, and ipreading him lelfe like a grcene baytree, 
 
 yet he pafled away, and loe, he was gone, and I fought him, but 
 
 he could not be found. 
 
 There are many other threatnings of Godinthe Scripture 
 The prouds againftthe proud,but even as this curfed ambition doth fo blind 
 man never vs,that we can notperceive the mifchiefesthatproceed thereof, 
 remembretb nor tne dangers wherein it plungeth vs, fo alfo doeth it ftop our 
 
 eftaT™ earcs a S a * n ^ a ^ tne words & reproofs which God vfeth, & that 
 whichismore,itbereavethvsofall knowledge &feelingofour 
 own efel ves.For what man is there that hath wcl confidercd his 
 own cftate,that ever gloried & bragged theroftlt is to be thought 
 that if thefe hauty & proud minded perfons,which take fo great 
 pleafure & contentmet in them felves, would but a litle coniider 
 I : their 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 26 
 
 their ownc cftatc , and the imperfections and vices of ourna- 
 tures,as the ignorance, the luft,thc feare^thc di(truft,the forrovrc 
 and difcontentment ofour minds : and on the otherilde,the po- 
 vertie,thedifcafes,the weakenes,theageand death which wee 
 are fubieft to, by reafon of finne; Is it likely they would not re- 
 member, that thisproceeded from thei1avcrieofiinne,ofthcde- 
 villjof the anger and difplcafureofGod, of the loiTc of his I- 
 magewhercuntowc were created, of the contradiction of the 
 flefli to his fpiritc: and inaworde,ofthatwondetrulldiforder, 
 which is in our hearts and vnderftandings ? 
 
 The ancicnj^iXofophers exhorted menalwaiestoremem- J /f°^ e 
 ber their ends,thinking that the remembrance thereof, was fuffi- (^ S mS^'' 
 cientto humble them, and to make them care full to doe well: fei^andof 
 and in deede the proudeft, with the confederation thereof are a- true humility 
 (tonifhed. Alexand er the g reat,having opened Cjrtu tombe, £l$bctt*>+ im>r {& it 
 and finding his bones mouldie and halfe confumed, confidering ypj&>& cpJty%& 
 the fragilitie andinconftancieof all humane things, wept bit-^gw^ Ar>**** c 
 terly ; ib did XerxeSj beholdin g his armi e from the top of an x^S^jfc^fefp 
 hill, for that within 1 00. yeeres after, both hee and they fhould C^ v ^ v\* *£tff 
 be forgotten. Pkdig of Maccdonie being fallen into a tandepir, 
 andconfidering after he was out>themeafure of his body which cptfcpcj" 
 was there imprinted, detefted the ambition anddefire of men, Jy^txt&v**' 
 who coveted fo much , themfelves in length and breadth con- 
 tain ingfo little. 
 
 Nowe if the bare confederation ofour ende, is of fuch 
 great force to abate our pride, howe available is it to confider, 
 what God hath done to our flrft parents, as alfo to remember 
 what we are, and from whence we come ? Thou art dull (faith G 
 God) out of the earth thou waft taken, and to the earth thou 
 (halt returne.So our beginning,our being,and our end is al earth- 
 ly.Isnotthis a great matter to glorie in,and to braggeof, that we 
 are made of the groiTeft element, and of the fame matter and 
 fubftance,whercofall other beafts are formed? oftbtmlff 
 
 It may be that fome, (the better to defend mans excellencie, ritofman '^r ,7l4a ^ l m 
 and to proove that hee may iuftlie preferre him felfe before Jtruebh fill.(£^& [ 
 all other creatures of the world) will fay: that though our bo- (>£ ****?£** 
 
 diesbeearthly,yetour foules are heavenly, and doe in fome fort ^^^ 
 
 participate of the glorie of God. This may be cafilie graunted, 
 
 if 
 
The beajles 
 gre more ex- 
 cellent then 
 man, <u bee 
 is left in hi* 
 corruption* 
 
 Man excee* 
 detb the 
 bea-les In 
 mallice& 
 corruption. 
 
 
 i 
 
 THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 if we confider the eftate wherein man firft wascreated : and 
 chat if bee had continued in the integritie and perfection, 
 wherewith God had ennobled and honoured him in the be- 
 ginning, hce might then iufthe haue accounted himfelfe the 
 moil excellent, and as ic were, the Pri nee of all other creatures. 
 But becing fo imperfect as we arc,] knowe not ho we wee can 
 without biufhing, acknowledge our Creator. Which be- 
 ing graunted, wee may not boaft, that in refpeft of our 
 nature, wee are any wayes more excellent then the 
 bruite beaftes , if without afreclion wee will rightly wey 
 the trueth, and that, as reafon and experience teach- 
 eth vs. 
 
 Nay wee muft needes confeffe, that they furpafle vs in ma- 
 ny things: as the Doveinilmplicitiejtheemmateininduftlie, 
 the ftorke in humanitie, the dogge in love and fidclicie, the 
 oxe and the aiTe in memorie, the lambe in meekenefTe, the Ly- 
 on in magnanimitie, the cocke in vigilancie, the ferpent in fub- 
 tikie,andallin generall, in contentment and fobrietie. And as 
 the beaftes arc more excellent then man in n atu rail good neile 
 
 and vertuc. 
 
 fo doetb hce exceede them in mallice and 
 corruption. For hee is more crueil and more treachc~ 
 rous, then the woolfe, mote craftie then the foxe, prou- 
 der then the peacocke, more voluptuous and vnthanke- 
 full then theiwine, and more daungerous then the afpe. 
 Moreover, thofe evills(I vfe this word, for fault of abetter) 
 that are in diners bealtes, and that naturallie are inherent 
 in them, without any deliberation or election, are whol- 
 ly & fully complete inoneman,whoendevoureth by all means 
 poflible, to poflefle them in their higheft degree. And yet 
 wee bragge and boaft of our vnderltanding, which is al- 
 together blindenefle, and of our libettie or rather of our Ji- 
 ccmioufneiTe, and want of freewill : of our eyes fo loftely 
 placed in our heads , to difcerne afarre off, & greedilie to looke 
 after the vanities of this world: of ourtongues, which ferve 
 vs to lie, to (launder, and blafpheme : of our hands, which are 
 inftruments to fight, andto filch : of our feete, which arc fwift 
 to docevill,andina wordc,of all the parts ofour bodies, which 
 (as&z/*tf- Fah\ faith) fecmc to bp the wages of iniqui tie, and to 
 
 worke 
 
n 
 
 AGAINST AMBITION. 17 
 
 worke it with greedinefle. 
 
 God forbid, notwithflanding chat this which I haue faid, Goduwt 
 fhould any waies found to the difhonour of the Creator, who tbeauthor 
 (as cs^rifiotkmoft notablie declareth, and likewife Galen) f thi l ev f'., 
 hath with excellent skill, and lingular cunning, framed and ^ndman^ 
 fitted every part of this our building. But the more ex- 
 cellent and fumptuous this building is , the more lamen- 
 table are the ruines, and wee the more blameable, who 
 haue fo miferablic ruinated them , vfing them for that vile 
 fervice of ilnne and concupifcence, which haue beene gi- 
 ven vs for the honour of God, andexercife of vertue. The 
 Jewes feeing t he_rujnes pjjhcir Temple, curfed the GentilcsT 
 whcThad fo prbphaned that holy place; the name of Erofiratus 
 likewife was moft odious to the Grecians, for that hce had fee 
 Dianaes temple in Ephefus on fire, through an execrable defire 
 lie had to eternize his name. Howe greatly then ought weetfr V 
 bedifpleafed with our fclves, which haue p olluted the San&u* 
 arie of our God, and fpoiled it of all thofe precious velTels which 
 were in it, to dedicate them to the fervice ofthc devil,the wo rld> 
 andoffinne. i / ^ A x t ttt> 
 
 Ifthen, that the Image of God appeared in ys by the light 4 V<£ ° <*^r^t 
 
 of our mindes, and by the finceritie of our afteclions, wee **. Vt v^ / 
 fhould have fome occafion to glorie in him: nowe that 
 thorough our fault it is defaced , or at the leafi obfeured, 
 fo that wee may hardly finde out the traces thereof ihavb 
 wee not as great, yea greater cauic, to humble our iilres$ 
 feeing that in the place thereof, the image ©f .the. devill 
 fucceedeth , who Seeing a munherer y and the father of 
 lies , hath nothing in this worlde more like him . felfe 
 then man, who naturallie is cruell, proude, and a Iy- 
 er . ? 
 
 And to fpeaketruely, there js nothing but thegrace of God, Mtm ^ 
 that maketh vs differ from him. For of Our felves fas faith damned 
 Saint <is4fignttt»e) wee are verie deuills: and if fo bee without the. 
 diat after nslbam had tranfgrefled the commaundement IP"ialfi- 
 of GOD, God had left him without promife. if™*^* 
 CHRIST IESVS his Sonne, to raife him vp againe, 
 would not haue taken his nature vpon him, thepoore man 
 
 with 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 with all his poftcritic (hould hauc bene without al! hope, like 
 vnto the Devils. Seeing then, that all the fclicitic and excellen- 
 ce that we hauc aboue the dcvils 3 is comprifed in hopc,and hope 
 is founded in the promifes, and the mere favour of God; if this 
 were taken from vs , what fhould ttc hauctoglorie of, more 
 then they ? contrariwife they ihould haue great advantage over 
 vs; for they (hould be our lords, and fhould furmount vs in many 
 things,as in quicknes of fpirit,in knowledge of arts,in ftrength, 
 in agilitie, and that they are of an immortal! and impaffible na- 
 ture. 
 
 I demand then, if man,beeingthusdeftituteof the gifts of 
 God, hath any thing whereof he may boaft: andifforthis his 
 vainegiorie,he benotworthie great hatred, and that the angels, 
 and other creatures fhould agree toreproove him of hisarro- 
 gancie? what fhould we (ay, if a beggar, which hath notaragge 
 to cover him, willnotwithftandingbragge thatheisthegrea- 
 teftman,andthericheftofallthecountrey, andinallalTemblies 
 wherefoeuer,is not afhamed to take the hieft place ? would not 
 cuery maniudge fuch a fellow worthieto be whipt t like wife if 
 there were a thicfe,who being convicted ofmany great crim es, 
 notwhhftanding would be fo fhameleffe, and fo ftately, that he 
 would not humble himfelfc before his iudge,nor any other man, 
 doth not he deferve without any pitie,tobepunilhed with all 
 feveritie? If man in like manner, dilTembling his beggerly e- 
 ftate,his vice and ignorance, will prefume that he is wife, rich, 
 and vertuous, doeth hee not by this meanes make himfelfe vn- 
 worthieofGodsmercie,whereof he fhould participate, if by an 
 humble confeffion of hismiferie, hee would feeke for it. Wee 
 .. g hauc a moll memorable example of this, in the? h&refte and the 
 * Publican .-the one of them beeing more iuft and more pleafing 
 in the fight of God with conferring his finne, then the other boa- 
 ln bU cmGf- mD g °f his righteoufnes. For manfas faith S.ssfftgt/ftm) by hu- 
 ftotuantlfa. mihtieniakcth God to forget his finne, audcaufethhim by his 
 presumption, to forger all his vertues and good deedes. Though 
 to fpeake properly where there is no humilitie, there is no faith, 
 and where there is no faith,thcre is no good works. 
 
 Behold the profit we haue of our pride ) which is, that firft of 
 all we kindle the anger ofGodagainftvs: ittaketh away from 
 
 vs 
 
AGAINST AMBITION.:! 28 
 
 vs the hope offorgivenes, which we might purchafe through 
 hismercie. Secondly, it bereavethvs of faith, with all the bene- 
 fits of Chrift lefus. For the fpirit of God whic h infpircthour 
 hearts,and which maketh vs totafte tnefwcetnesofhisGofpel, 
 is not given but to the humble ; thefe are thofe whom God fil- 
 leth with good things, as faith the Virgin Marie, in her fong, Luk.i.f 3. 
 Chrift lefus attributed the infidelitic of thelcwcs to nothing To 
 much, as to their prefumptton.How canyon beleeve in me(faith Iohn j. 44. 
 he)which rcceiue honour one of another, and feeke not the ho* 
 nour which commeth of God alone ? t his is alio the caufe 
 that ( correcting the ambition of his Difciplcs) hce let before Math. 18.3. 
 them a little infant,and faid vnto them , thatifin modeftie and 
 fimplicitieofheartjthcy would not refcmblc thatlitle inrant>they 
 fhould not enter intothe kingdome of God. For God (the better 
 to declare the grcatnes of his wifdome;) doetlvallhis workes a- 
 gainft the opinion and iudgemcntof men • By fooliflincfle hee 
 confounded* the counfell,and the w r ifcdome of the worldc : by 
 wcakencs he breaketh their force; by c ontempt he obfc ureth 
 their glorie: by death heeraifethvp, and turnethcurfing into 
 blefllng : fo alfo by the crofTeand by humilitie, hee hath lifted 
 vp Chriftlclus into his glorie, and after him by the famemeanes 
 exaltethallrus members. The devill contrariwife, by honours, 
 pleafurcs,riches,andkilenes, doth thro we downeheadelong all 
 fuch as are his. 
 
 But what ii the reafon, that after that he hath adopted vs, and Go * dot ^ 
 regenerated vs for his children, heleaveth vsflill intheworlde y?j m 
 vntill we die,fecingthat we now are burgeiTcsof heaven,and as a ace \ m 
 it were, his domefticall fcrvants: and therefore our mindes,our vponthe 
 heartes, and all our cogitations and affections, fhould be hea- earthin their 
 venly ? why will hee that our bodies fhould be more converfant ™frmitUsj(> 
 here, then our hearts f is it not becaufe hee would hauevs al- andtl^mokt 
 waiescomemplate,and remember the earth from whence wee % \ )tm moY ^ 
 were taken,that by this means we may be humbled,and he glo- ft fir the 
 rifled, who hath taken vs out of the mire, and lifted vs vpto the participation 
 heavens, whereiby hope he hath placed vs in honour with his °f b " &<*(* 
 Sonne,his angels,and the Patriarkes? Why alfo is it his pleafure mb(avm 
 that we fhould live here alwaies vnderahardandfeveredifci- 
 pline,and that we fhould be continually exercifed by povertic, 
 
 dif- 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 difeafes,warrcs,impritbnrnentsand banifhments, and fiich like 
 affli&ions , which give vs no more iibcrtic then feverc maftcr* 
 doe their fchollers ? Is this the abundance of reft and quietnes 
 which was promifed, and that wefliillfindeinhiskingdorrje? 
 we may eafilie fee, that all thisisdoncbythe wifecounfellof 
 ourGod,whoby thismcaneskeepeth vs in hu!riilitie,and bride- 
 lech vs 3 that by the cnioying of our goods (ifperad venture he gt, 
 vethvs any before we knowe how to rule thernjwe fhould not 
 giue our felves to all filthifies. For the fame purpofe he willeeb, 
 chat,after we be fanclified and received into his Church, we are 
 not wholly exempted from iinne,buthath leftour flefh with the 
 lufts thereof, which ceafe not to trouble and moleftourmindes, 
 tothisendjthatwecontinuaUyteelingourinfirmitiesandimper- 
 fe&ions,fhould haue alwaies fomewhat to humble vs,and to a- 
 bate the naturall pride of our hearts . We fee then that God by 
 allmeanes procureth our health, and provideththat we fliould 
 not by a vainc confidence, and preemption of our vertues, bin- 
 der his graces which arc not given buttothefmaI,andto fuchas 
 are lowly minded. 
 Thegracei Wefee(Taith S. tAugufline) that vfu ally the v allies are more 
 ofGodfhl fertile then the hils, for that the fatnes of the earth is more eafily 
 vpon the caried thither by raines andihowers:fo mu(t it be with vs, if A'e 
 bumb*. w jjj ^ c gjj ec j ^j^ t ^ c grares anc | benedictions of our God, wee 
 mud be lowe and plaine as the vallies. And further, that having 
 received them, we be not more vngratefull, then is the good 
 earth, which multiplied! the fecde which it hath received, 
 and dothtruely repay the fruits thereof vnto themafter. If we 
 have received one tallent, lecvsfodemeaneourfelves,that we 
 make two thereof, and that two may encrcafeto fowrc, and 
 then let vs give all theglorietoGod,that is to fayjfirft of the 
 good, «hen of the will and induftnc, whereby wee haue en- 
 creafed ir. Thirdly , for the profperitie and /UcceiTe, which hee 
 hath given it .• andla(tIy,ofthe reward andcrowne wfrkh wee 
 lookefor . For otherwife, wee may allure our CcUcs, hee will 
 withdraw his grace, and the profperitie which lie hath given vs, 
 if wee be vnthankrull , or carelefle to acknowledge him, and t« 
 givehimthcglorieof whaxfoeiieris gcodandcommendable in 
 our felves. 
 
 Mvf 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 20 
 
 Siimt e^/£tf#/#£ faith, that God,by reafon of thegreat Joue 
 he bearethvs, is content as it were to traffick with vs, and to *t^ Q od 
 mingle his goods with ouretiils. Butifwcw'ili afterwards cha u /a ta j^ awa y 
 fcnge them,& in ftead ofthaks for the vfeofthcm, which hehath thofe graces 
 moft liberally giuen vs,clefraud him pfthe property & take it to hehath giuen 
 our felues as thofc men did^to whom he had let out his vineyard, vsar,dt0 ' )t ' 
 then will he part with vs,& take fro vs that which is his,the bet-;^ Qt ^ tu% 
 tertofhewvs what is ours. The flaue that hath (tollcn from his 
 Lord & matter, and will acknowledge no duty, no rent, nor any 
 feruice wherin he is bound vnto him, doth he not deferue to lofe 
 ailfuch lands ash^holdeth oFhis matters? In like manerifGod 
 whorequireth nothing ofvs but a confeflion and an acknow- 
 ledgement ofthe good hee hath done for vs , feeing vs to rerufe 
 this, doeth he not deale iuitly with vs, if he fhut vp his liberality 
 from vs. Though that men be naturally cnclined to vice, and' 
 therefore that which is naught,as beeing the Hkelieft and moff 
 agreeable to their natures, is more pleafing in their fight then is 
 the good: yet euery one abhorreth ingratitude, condemning it, 
 and accounting it cleane loft, whatloeuer is donetoanvn- 
 thankefullperfon . What reckeningthcn fhall wethinke that 
 God maketh of it, who being perfect and abfolutely good,de- 
 tefteth all kinde ofeuili whatfoeuer, holding nothing fo deere 
 ashisglorie, to the which all vngratefull and ambitiousmen 
 are vtter enemies? for the more they exalt and lift '■ vp them- 
 fclues,the more doe they deprelTeand tread vnder foote the 
 glorieofGod. 
 
 If agreatlorde fhould receiue fome poore man into his Aft frit* 
 houfe,giuingliim nothing, but wherewithall hee might enter- tu «*d*d* m 
 taine himfelfe in meane eftate , and fhould perceiue that within codcannot 
 twoorthree yeeres after, hee purchafed lands, put money to abidelbc 
 vfurie, kept a great port, and to be at other exccmue charges, proud. 
 {houlde he not haue iuftoccafion to thinke he were a theere,» 
 feeing that,as isalreadie faide,hetooke him into feruice hauing 
 nothing? In like maner considering howpoore we are by na- 
 ture,and that wee came intothe houfe of our god all naked, 
 laden (as it were) and couered with filth andbeggerie.if 
 beeing there, wee will vaunt our felues, muft it not be of that 
 
 glorie 
 
 -cwi 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE, 
 
 Slorie which we haue robbed God of ? good God, what riches 
 have we gotten whereof we may braggc ? was not our father(as 
 taith the Prophetjan Amorrhit y wi& our mother an Hcthitc ?the 
 inheritance they haue left vs,was it not finne,maledi£tion,mife- 
 ric,and death ? and what friends haue they alfo gotten vs, but 
 our flefh with her lufts,and the world with his pleasures? If God 
 then would difputc with the ambitious, and demaunde of him, 
 why he doth fo much gloric in himfelfe : what anfwer would 
 he make,wherby it (hould appcare he had nctplaied the diiefe r 
 i.Tim.x.17 jf zs(S.PaulCanh) all honour appcrtainethtohim,it mull needs 
 be,thatfooftcnas we gloric andboaft of our felues, we necef- 
 fanly inferreonc ofthefetwo thinges : either that wee woulde 
 make our felues cquall with hi m, or elfe robbe and ftcale from 
 him like thiefes,that which may in no wife be alienated fromhis 
 crowne and dignitie . For as concerning his vcrtues, he may 
 communicate them with others: he impartethofhiswifedome 
 to his Prophets, and minifters of his Church: of his might and 
 authoritie to Princes; of hisiu(ticc,to Iudges: and toallfuchas 
 are friendly and charitable,of his mcrcie and bountie. But this is 
 with a refervation of all the glprie due vnto fuch venues, 
 „.. whereof the creature whatfoeverhebe. may in nowifepartici- 
 
 / ^ , Letnotthewife manffaifii he, by his Prophet Iercmiejglo- 
 
 onely °apper- " e * n n * s W'ifedome^nor the rich man in hisgoods,nor the migh- 
 tainetb to tie man in his ftrength: b ut whofoeuer wi ll glorie,letit be of the 
 God^ndfo knowledge he hath ofme,andofmy name. We mult then iFwc 
 by confer will obey the commandement of God, ling with the Prophet 
 rf</ * David.- Lord, thou art myglorie, andmyhonour. For thereis 
 Ier.^t^ noting in vs,whereof we fhould make ellimatejbut onely this, 
 Pfal^io* that we are in the nomberofthofe,who call vpon hisname,and 
 fuchasbyhismerciehauehopeandpartof his kingdome. I ac^ 
 PhiLi S count all glorie and honour (faith S. Paul) to be dongue. And 
 ? ' Salomon faith : That I have diligently confidered all things 
 that men doe ad m i r e, an d for the which they would be honou- 
 red and etleemed in this world, and haue feene in the endethey 
 are but vanitie, andth^tnoncbutfoolcsdoebullethcm felves 
 about them . 
 J* /U**vT Ihjs ls a ft^nge thing,that time,which is fowi(c,and which 
 
 revea- 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 30 
 
 rcveale th all things , nor exp erience c annot pcrcciuc this, and 
 trTatour judgement is To corrupted, that we fearch not for honor 
 but in vaine things, as in banquets , buildings, in goodly 
 moueables, apparell, horfe and great traines, and fuch like 
 mockeries of fortune . If wee would ieekc honour by vertue, 
 our ambition were more tollerable, T>ut wee haue no reafon 
 to defire io much honour, and to make To fm all account of 
 things that deferue better. 
 
 And yet my meaning is not, that if wee haue any good 
 thing in vs, tnatwee fhould bee proud of it, F or we alwayes 
 ought to giue the glory vnto God , and to yeeld him all the 
 praife.-as wee fee that veflels of gold and filuer, receiuingthe 
 light of the beamesof the funne , yeeld asit were part thereof 
 backe againc by reflection : fojmu(Vwe i ifW thinke we haue 
 done any thing which is good,conrefle (with Satnt Taut) that 
 it is not wee,but the grace of God which is in vs. If a man graffe cfl /?»* ^ 
 in his garden, or orchard, and atwo or three yeres after his gar- 
 dener bring him of the fruit, faying, thisof the tree he grafted, 
 hereioyceththereimfoGod takcth great pleafure, if we,hauing 
 any good in vs, yeeld him the praife thereof. Forthis is no 
 fmall honour vnto him to haue fo well husbandedvs, that 
 beeing fruitelefle and barren grounde , and as it were olde 
 Irockes dead and rotten, now by his meanes wee fliouldc 
 bring foorth good finite. And it is out of doubt , that in fee- 
 ing vsfru&ific and profper, hee taketh greater pleafure then 
 doe th the husbandman , when his corne profpereth on the 
 earth: efpecially if in acknowledging oeir fertilkie wee freely 
 conrcfle, thatitproceedethnotof our nature and induftrie. 
 and what can we doe lefle? fork is as if acreditour,to whomc 
 wee are indebted as much as wee haue , fliould require no- 
 thing of vs, but a bare acknowledgement of the debt wee 
 owe him. fhouldc this grieuevs? t here is nothing that the lL^lT cAi 
 
 people of Ifrael were fo reprooucd for, nor wherewith God Af*j?*^ • 
 was more grieucd, then withtheir ingratitude, and that they j-/lrii(^ 
 had forgotten, or elfe diflimuled the good they had receiued 
 of him? I haue (faith hee in Sfty) enriched and exalted them, 
 ancjaflboncasthcy faw themfelues become great, they haue Efa.1.1. 
 
 F forgotten, 
 

 n^cvi-f efihew ingra 
 titiids ando- 
 fi ent at ion ni- 
 ce s common 
 jo si the am- 
 bitions forte, 
 ttfhicb are 
 herefet down 
 by four e fine 
 Qm&tudes, 
 
 militude. 
 
 k 
 
 ^Tbefecond^ 
 
 Tfo third. 
 
 THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 forgotten and fo rfaken mc. Contrariwife there was nothing 
 more commended intbevirginc UMane ihen her humilitie, 
 whereby fhee acknowledging her felfe vnworthie of thofc 
 great graces that God hadbeltowed vpon her, hath in a no- 
 table long tettified vnto all the worlde , that the onely thing 
 that mooued God to refpeft her humilitie, in choofing her 
 to be the mother and nource ofhis Sonne, was his graceand 
 bountie. 
 
 Let vs follow then his example, and not be like vnto young 
 cokes, which being become great, doeaswellkicke andftnkc 
 their dames, who haue brought them foorth and nourifhed 
 them , as other horfes. This was in former timc_obieCt ed t o 
 ^Anflotle by reafon of his ingratitude towards his matter 
 Plato, detracting from him whatfoeuer hee might both 
 in his bookes and readings, not acknowledging that the 
 moil excellent part of his knowledge was taken from him. 
 But this is much more befeeming vs, feeing that the goods 
 and graces which God hath beltowed vpon vs, are innu- 
 merable, and that wee haue nothing, but thatwe haue re- 
 ceiued of him: if then we diflemble the place from whence 
 they come, and concealc his name, who hath fb liberally 
 dealt withvs, and attribute all whollie to our felues, were 
 we not exceedingly to be blamed? Asthefimne being di- 
 rectly oucr vs, our bodies haue the leiTe fhadowc, as wee 
 may perceiue at noone, and a little before or after : fo alfo 
 the morevertue and goodnefleis in rs, theleffe oftemation 
 fliould we haue. Contrariwife, as this is a figne of the going 
 downcofthefunneand his departure fromvs, when as our 
 fliadowes become great :fb alfo this is an argument to prooue 
 thatvertuediminifhethin vs, when pride and prefumption in- 
 creafcth . The veffcls that are fulieft make leaft none, and 
 we iudge thememptie or elfcthat there is little in them, when 
 as being touched they make any great noifc or found.- fo alfo 
 there is nothing that m ore_E?anife(teth the wants of vertue, 
 then braggfng and boaftine. When as theeares ofcorne bend 
 downctheir heads,the husbandmen reioyce for this fheweth 
 they are laden, and that they haue plentie of grain* : fg alfowc 
 
 may 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 31 
 
 may conicc"ture that thofe men arc well furnifhed withvertuc, 
 and vnderftanding, whentheyaremodeftinworde and coun- Thtfimtk ft* 
 tenance. The pedlars, who haue nothing but their packes, 
 fhewe fortKwith all their wares.- but contrariwife , the great 
 marchants kecpe only litle bagges in their (hops of euery par- 
 ticular marchandife, the better to (hew what ftore they haue 
 in their ware houfes . The like we may feeamongmen, that or- 
 dinarily thofe who make the greateft fliewc, haLie~tKeleaTFm 
 deede, and that none are more ambitious and defirousof com- 
 mendation,then thofe who leaft deferue it. For wife men (as 
 Tullie. faith) repofe their fclicitic not in the opinion andpraifes 
 of men, but in doing fuch things as deferue it. But co n t rari- 
 wifcfooles doe little efteeme of vertue indeed a"n3 the effects 
 thcreofj fo that they may be reputed vertuous: and contrary to 
 the counfell of Socrates, they rather deiircto feerne to heathen 
 to be indeed. Which is a ftrange thing, for it is as ifthey defired 
 the name ratherofa king, then the authoritie,power,andking- 
 domeof a prince :orto ipeake more properly: It is as though 
 they defired to be accounted hcaIthfome,and yet care not for 
 health at all. 
 
 We muft then, if we will be accounted ver tuous in deedc, ^l^^i 
 purge and clenfe our hearts of all ambition, cuen as tofill a mu p mt S 
 veflcll full of good liquor, wee muft firft ftoppe out the ambit win. 
 winde. There is nothing (as Greprie fayeth ) thatfo much 
 fhutteth out vertue, and nindereth the entrance thereof 
 into our mindes, as when we are full of vaine glory. And 
 t his is that which Saint Taut teacheth the Corinthians ,ThatT 
 to be wife, they muft become fooles: which is not fpoken i.Cor.j.xS. 
 darkelyas itfeemeth to be at the firft fight, but to humble 
 thofe among them, who were puffed vp with a vaine perfwa- 
 fion of their wifdome, andtofiiewvntothem, that fo long 
 asthey hclde this falfe opinion of themfelues, they were not 
 capable of the holy ghoft, neither of the true knowledge of 
 God : that is to fay, of his fecrets which haue alwaies bene hid- 
 den from the great ones , and are not reuealed, but to the hum- 
 He and lowly. 
 
 - Stewe* fo aunciei it timcy was, by -thft Oracle of tsfpdk 
 
 F 2 accoun- 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 accounted the wifeft man of all Greece in that he faid he knew 
 nothing, andindeedc it is nofmall knowledge, to acknow- 
 ledge our ignorance: lo alio it is notoneofthefmalleftverrdcs 
 in vs, to acknowledge our faults and imperfections. The ap- 
 pearance of a thing (as faith the fame Cjregortc) takcthaway 
 andcuttcthofrthegreateft parte of the thing indeede : that is, 
 man is fo much the more foolifh as hee thinketh himfelfc 
 wife. Wee mult then make a generallrule of that which 
 Mar.£.;, Chrtft lefw faieth, fpeaking of alraes giuing, that the left 
 hande fhoulde not knowe what the right hande docth; and 
 Wretch this fpeach toother kindes of vermes which may be 
 in vs, and generally to all fortes of good workes, which wee 
 doe, which wee ought not onely to diilcmble, but alfo to be 
 ignorant of and to forget them whenrhey are done, content 
 ting our felues with this , that God knoweth them , and hath 
 written them in his booke,to the endtokeepthem in perpetual 
 memory, andtorecompence them at the latter day, when hee 
 fliall examine the doings of men and angels. 
 
 Why are we compared in the fcriptures to fheepe rather 
 
 The werdiof then to lions or horfes, which are proud beaftcs?is it not to giue 
 
 tbebo'ygbofl vs tovnderftand, that wee muftbehaue our felues modeitly, 
 
 m tbt crip- pi a j n |y an( j Hrnplyin all our actions? The Similitudes of the 
 
 vitobumtU" vine and the hggetree, io often propounded vntovs in the olde 
 
 tie and en- and newe Teftament, to figure theltate and condition of the 
 
 dmncib all children of God, tend they not to the fame purpofe? For the 
 
 ptde. vineneuer growethfo high as the cheile-nut or the cedar 
 
 trees, but alwaies runneth low by the ground . The figge tree 
 
 growethfomewhat higher, but in this thcyagree, thatbothof 
 
 them haue great and broad leaues , wherewith they couer their 
 
 fruiteinfuchfortthatitcannotbefecne, vnlefle you come ve- 
 
 rieneere them . S o likewife. though Chriftians ftiquld be rich 
 
 and plentifull in all good workes , toglorifie God in their 
 
 hues, and to edifie their neighbours by their goodexam- 
 
 ples- yet muft they carefully take heede, that they make 
 
 no fhe we thereof, aspainters doe of their painted tables, 
 
 or like vino women which loue to fet foorth themfelues, 
 
 that eucrie one may fee their beautie and goodly attire, 
 
 which 
 
AGAINST AMBITION, 32 
 
 Which thing Chrift reprooued in the Pharijes in his time : You 
 doe all your worKes (UichTic) to be Teene of men , i f you giuc % a [ g * '*" 
 almes you blow a trumpet: if you pray, it is in the fynagogues 
 andthemoft apparant and frequented places : ifjou falt » you 
 looke fower,and disfigure your countenances, as fad and morti- 
 fied perfons, to the end you may befeenc of all men, thereby 
 to winyoupraifc:butwoe be vntoyou, whom, men decciucd 
 by your hipocrifie account blelTed and happie. Who is there 
 that confidering thefe threatnings of God, would not forthwith 
 deteftand abhorre allvaineglorie? 
 
 Men in former time thought [taj>leafant thing to heare their G , 
 ownepraifes and commendations, and pleafant it is (till to are rather 
 fuchas are carnally minded. Butthofc who haue receiuedthe delighted 
 fpirit of God, and are regenerated, take no lefle fhame & griefe »*** reproofs 
 to be praifed, then they conceiue pleafure and liking to be re- thmmth 
 prooued and corrected . For they kno we ve ry wel l , confidering {JJ^w 
 the manifold imperfections that are~lirtFem , and their daily dealcontrary 
 tranfgreflions, that one can neuer be plcntifull enough in fin- 
 ding rault with them: and contrariwife that the fpeech vied in 
 their praifes and commendations, can not be fo compendious, 
 but that it mud needs containc manyvntruthes.- and with all 
 thatamong all other things that appertainevnto God, and are 
 raoft deere vntohim , there is nothing that he more eiteemeth 
 then his glory, and that without the profanation thereof, and 
 (hewing themfelues to be facrilegiouspcrfons, they may in no 
 wife take that which is giuen them . Iaddethisibrthatitisnot 
 fufficient(as£.^#£»/fc* faith)that we be not defirous of honor, 
 and that we take it patiently, when it is denied vs: but wemuft 
 refufe it, and not take pleafure in it , when it is offered vs . To 
 t his purpo fe Phtlon the Iewe applied the prohibition which 
 CJodin olclcime made to the children of Ifrael, that they 
 fliould eate no lcauened bread atthefeaft of Eafter, faying,thac 
 theleauen which hath this propertie to fowcr and to puffevp 
 the dow, was forbidden, thereby to teach them , that they 
 fhouldalwaies auoid vainglory, which fwelleth and pufreth vp 
 the heart: and efpccially at that time, when as they flioulde 
 fcrueGodmoft deuoutly, for .chat then itcreepcth into mens 
 mindes more fpeedily, and that it is a hard matter for men 
 
 F $ which 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 which doe well, not to conceiuefome great opinion ofthem- 
 fellies, and highly to cftceme of their actions, and delight to be 
 cfteemed ofothcts. Which is not fpoken, but tothcend wee 
 fhould not make fuch eftimation of the vermes & good things 
 which are in vs. 
 
 We fee that a little wormewood will quickly marrc a whole 
 tpnJe h e °li veflell of wine; in like maner, when as our life is molt perfect 
 ourtood and godly 3 yearn oft dcuine and angelicall , theleaft pride that 
 worlds, maybe will wholly corrupt it, and make it worfe and more 
 impctfeft then cuer it was good . The reafon is,for that we 
 can doe nothing ofourfelues , wherein we haue not fome 
 confidence : and if we tru ftjnour felues we diftruft in God , if 
 wediftruft in God, God forfakcth vs.* and if he doth feparate 
 himfelfcfrom vs, feeing he is the fountaine and well-fpring 
 of our life, and of eueiy good thing we haue, fhall there any 
 thing remaine for vs, butmiferie, hnne, and malediction? It 
 l&xnti? ji fit fmili- were a lamentable thing to fee a marchant after a longancT 
 tude. profperous nauigation , luffer fhippewracke in the haucn, 
 
 and lofle of all in that place where he hoped torepofe him- 
 felfe, andenioythe ftuite of his former labours. In like man- 
 ner is it when a man (like vnto the Pharifte) hathJiued well in 
 this world, carefully obferuingthe commandements of God, 
 and wifely and politikely carried himfelfe among men, and 
 in the end through a preemption and pride in himfelfe or con- 
 tempt ofhis neighbour,he vtterly cafteth himfelfe away , recei- 
 uing nothing at the hands of God , but fhame , confufion, and 
 condemnation, in ftead of recompence and rewardes which 
 were prepared for h/'m, if he would haue kept himfelfe within 
 x the bounds offeare and humility. 
 
 / yyvvk&fa+t When as we are on the top of an hill or of fome high place, 
 
 wetake good heede to ourfeete, and we walke warily for 
 feareof Aumbling : in like manner muft they bchaue them- 
 felues, whom God hath exalted aboue others, either in autho- 
 rity, knowledge, vertue, or wealth, or any other grace whatfo- 
 euerithathplcafed him to beftowvpon them in particular ma- 
 ner, confidering that the meanes to be prefei ued and continued 
 in thatcftate wherein they are, is to truftin him,and continually 
 tocleaue vnto him, to the end that they alwaicsmay Hue in his 
 
 fcarc, 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 33 
 
 fearc,and in humble manerretaine and kecpc their minds in his 
 obedience, in remembrance and confederation of his goodnes. 
 This would hinder and dole vpall the pafTages of pride and 
 arrogancie, which proceed of nothing fomuch asofthewant *****?**"*• 
 of knowledge of our miferable eftate wherein naturally we t li m fameh /&2*'Q 
 are placed, andofthc forge cfulneflc of the graces and good as of the ^at^*^/ 
 blelTings of our God. T hcj>eacockc beho lding hisgay^and of the k nom * c ^f. 
 goodly feathers waxeth forthwith very proucTtrYereoF, But as ls *& °f ou? 
 iboneashecafteth downehiseies, andlooketh vpon his feete, % w ' 
 which are fane different in beautie, his pride is quickly abated: 
 likewife,if in refp eft of fqme prerogatiucs and preeminences 
 whScTTGod hath giuenvsaboue other men, we find ourfelues 
 to be follicited by our flefh, or cntifed by the deuill to become , ff fl 
 proud, let vs conhder (as did Abraham, David, lob, and Daniel) m J£ £ t9 
 the better toreprcfTe this pride, the du(t, corruption, vanity, reprejfe prist* 
 yea and the nothing whereof we are made^and which we 
 can not (hake of For the badges and tokens are fo apparant 
 ineucrypartof our nature, thathee is worfe then blind that The fecond. 
 can not fee it. Let vs alfo confideron th e other fide , that ail the 
 feathers whereof we bragge are borrowed, as thole of £/S/?r 
 crow were, and that in appropriating (hem vnto our fclues, \vc 
 minifter iult occafion to God to take them from vs . Would 
 we not laugh at a beggar, who hautng borrowed princely ap- Maptfmi- 
 parellto play the part of fomeking vpon aftage, will needes &*■& 
 afterward retaine his appavell fhll, glorioufly behauinghim- 
 felre inthem, as if they were his owne ? If in likemaner arich 
 man would glory in his wealth, a Philofopher in hisknow- 
 ledgc, altrongman in his force, a march ant in his wealth, a 
 woman in her beautie, or an hipocritein hisvertue, doe they 
 not all deferuc to be laughed at ? For this world is as it were. a 
 Theater, andallthe honours and dignities which menhauc 
 therein, are as it were feuerali attires, which God hath diftri- 
 butedand giuento cuery one, as is mofl requifite to play his 
 part in, which is not to this end, to attribute them vnto him- 
 felfe,orto glory inthem: but contrariwife to honour him who 
 gauethem, and to help their neighbours. 
 
 Which thing jS. ^ftjrfifline hath notably declare d in the 
 
 F 4 bcoke 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 ji notable te- bookehe wrote againft the two epiftles of the Pelagians % which 
 flimonfofs. is here tjcited word for worde, to the end that eucryone may 
 jiuguiiinfbr fully vnderftand it. Lcttheg raccof G od (faith he) beacknow - 
 ^Jfr^'f* ledged, that vvhofoeuer will glorie may glorie in God, from 
 °[!.liZ<l+ the beginning of his conuerfion vnto the ende of his life. 
 hnbefore. Foras without tne helpe or God no man can once beginne 
 to doe well: fb without him can hee not continue nor perfect 
 any good thing. And therefore is it , that all the faintes, euen 
 from righteous es4behv\io Iobn Baptift, and after him, the 
 Apoftles vnto vs, and from vsvnto the ends of the world muft 
 bee commended not for any thing in themfelues, but for 
 thofe graces that hauc proceeded from the Lord. For this is 
 the confeflion of thofe, wholiued vnder the lawe.- In God 
 my foulefhalbeprai fed. And thole who haucliued fincechem 
 in the time of the gofpell haue faide, By the grace of God I am 
 that I am . So that in generall, that which is written appertai- 
 ned! to all: if any one glorie,let him glory in the Lord, 
 Now when as Satm ^Pml exhorteth vs to re Joyce in God, he 
 How wee ^ octn not rneane that it is fufficient to acknowledge that all 
 ought togh- the good things wc haue proceede from him, and therefore 
 ruin the that weought to yeeid himpraife and thankes for them (forfo 
 Lord. didthePharifie who notwithftandingisreprcouedandconclem^ 
 
 i r.1.31. nedin the Gofpell) but we muft proceed further, and attribute 
 nothing vnto our felues of any good thing thatisinvs,asalfo 
 that thofe gifts that are bellowed on vs 3 benotanoccafionthat 
 we defpife out brethren and neighbours, nortothinke thatfor 
 thofe good things we haue receiued of God , webebetter,or 
 more excellent then they. And to conclude, that the confedera- 
 tion of the fauours andgracesthatithath pleafed God to be- 
 fro wvpon vs, benooccafion to plucke out of our mindes the 
 remembrance,and acknowledgement of the vices 3 and imper- 
 fections in our nature, which we ought continually to remem- 
 ber the more to humble vs. For the grace of God isfoconioy- 
 ned with the confeflion of our fihnes, thatifwehauenofeeling 
 hereof, &arenotgrieued and vexed with forow r e and anguifh 
 which the memorieof them engendreth in our confciences,wc 
 can not feelce for this his fauour,with all our heartf,ribr afliired- 
 Iy trufl: in his mercy, nor yet praife him as we ought. 
 
 Wherefore 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 34 
 
 Whereforcitisnotfufficientthat kings and other great per- How princes 
 fonages whonTGod hath bleflcd in more abundantfort,doac- ought to tie- £ rVVi j j 
 knowledge that they receiuethefe graces of God, n orthat t hey ? Ifj^L '*£ 
 thinke that in To doing they haue dilcharged themfelucsof that ca a 
 honour &praife due vnto him, orofthat humility which is re- 
 quired of them: if they proceed not fo far, as to do thofe things 
 aboue metioned. And it is moft requifite that their counfellers, 
 elpecially they , who haue the charge of their foulcs doe often 
 exhort them thereto,as well for the good oftheir fubie&s,as for 
 the aiTurance & amplification oftheir authorities . And it is out 
 ofdoubt that they wil do fo,if as good and faithful feruants they 
 be careful of the wclfare,honour and profperity oftheir matters: 
 fbrtherc is nothing that isfo neceffary for the prefcruation of 
 their kingdoms as toknow themfelues, and lb to humble them- 
 felues as hath bene faid before : a nd contrar i wife nothing more 
 dangerous,then for want of fuch admonition to fall into a mif- 
 takingof themfclues & of God, without whole grace their e- 
 (tates can neither be durable nor profperous, asmayeafilybee 
 feene in readingof hiftorics. For euen from the beginning hath 
 God alwaics (hewed notable examples of his wrath & anger a- 
 gainft ambitious & proud princes,either by the commotions & 
 rebellions oftheir fubie6ts,or by the confpiracies oftheir friends 
 & feruants, or by the lofTeanddepriuation of their dignities, or 
 by fome other greater calamkies,to the end, that by thefe mife- 
 nes,fom other cofidering their harms {hould take the better heed 
 
 But there are fewe that confider this,or that waxe wife by the 
 miferte of othersrandwhatis the reafon hereof? partly their go- 
 vernors are content to keepe them in this ignorance, the better T fj g m \f„^ 
 to lead them as blind men, whetherit plealeththem : and partly of great men, 
 they them felves love to be flattered, andtobeperfwa3ecTthat *bf ■** ^P**£r 
 they are gods, or demigods, vntill that death and the iudge- thtir ^^ ^*** 
 mentsofGod teach them by wo full experience, that they are t fj em f e iuej 
 but mortall men , as well as others . But it is too late to knqwe and their 
 them , when as their knowledge doth profit them nothing, and fubkttu 
 that it bringeth nothing with it, but an extreme forrowe and a 
 gnafhing of the tceth,with a long and vnprofitablc repentance. 
 Wherefore it behoov eth both them and vs,in time to provide to 
 purchafe that which is beft for vs , and fo to humble and caft 
 downe our felves , as wee may be the more readie, heartily and 
 
 carneftly 
 
tomouevst* 
 
 bumititif. 
 
 PhiU.6. 
 
 THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 eameflly to defirc the mercy of God , and he the more prone 
 cfSfv+fr' tocondifcendvntoourrequefts. 
 
 The example A ndtor et urne to our for mer fpe ech there is yet one fpeciall 
 of the Sonne reafon to mooue vs to humility , ifwe confider it, and that is 
 ofGodougbt the example of the Sonne of God, who (as Saint Taul wri- 
 "tethtothe r PbtltpDixm) being cquallto God the Father in all 
 things,inpower,ingreatnefle, in glory and maieltie, notwith- 
 standing did fofarre humble himiclre, astotakevpon him the 
 fbrmeofafcruant, wherin after he had tatted of all the mt- 
 fcries of our nature, and Iiued here fomtime in fhame and 
 opprobrie among raoft cruell and vngratefull men, who 
 did nothing regard him, would needs id the end be con- 
 demned to die, and that the moft fhamefull death of the 
 crofle, abandoning as it were both his life and his repu- 
 tation for our good • What^Emperourj King , o r Prince 
 is there, carrying him felfe neuerfb high, which confide* 
 ring this, will not humble him felfe , remembring withall 
 from what degree of honour the Lord of heauen and earth 
 was content to fall, yea from the moll higheft eftateasit 
 were to the lowed pit and goulfc of all ignominie and 
 fliamc ? If he_withqut any occafion would debafe andhum- 
 blehimfelfe voluntarily onely for the loueof vs, what ought 
 wetodo, whohauealwaies fufficient matter and argument in 
 bsUttvlhrurff *£* our felues to caufe vs to abate our pride , and to account our 
 \*»J5h*** 7* felues among the bafeft of all creatures? 
 vh w^l?2**JUb After that the Frenc h had conquered t he kingdom of/ erufkle, 
 and gotten it frortuhe Smmemt % the Princes there aflembled, 
 knowing the great wifdom and valour of Cjodftey of 'Bullojne, 
 would needs make him King therof: but he like awife prince 
 fetting before his eies the exaple & humility of the Son ofGod, 
 would in no wife accept the name and title of King, butonly of 
 gouernour of the cuntry, faying, thatit was an v nieemly thing 
 for him to weare a crowneor goldinthat place where his Sa- 
 uiourhadworne acrowneof thomes. Which was notdoncin 
 hypocrifie and diflimulation , as did Tiberttu> when the Senate 
 ottered him the Empire.; butofatrue (lmplicitie and finceritic 
 of heart, which he (hewed afterward in effe£t. For the (pace of 
 a yere,in which time he hadthegoucrnment, hevfedasgreat 
 
 moderation 
 
 *+&tl#n<f 
 
 V^** l A%otable 
 *£cv^ example of 
 o^v *w modeflit in 
 ^S^cfacbriftian 
 ?4»^^ tr frince* 
 
 
 
 
AGAINST AMBITION, 35 
 
 moderation as any Licuetenaucs doe in their Prouinces. 
 Orofia reported, that *A**»ftm C ,r>r about the In earn a- /Jj£& 
 tion or Chrtft Iejm forbad that any man fhould call him pincc. <yin>/bb 
 Lorde, euidently declaring thereby vnto all the world, that r^-Spoor* '/>w v 
 itisnofitte title for a mortall man whofocuer he be, rich or 
 ftrong, mightie or puifTant: as though through a fecrctc in- 
 flin&ofthcholy Ghoft, he was constrained (as was Caiayhas) 
 toconfefle, that this worde properly might not be attributed 
 to any, but to him that fhould be borne. Per he aboueis moft 
 mightie, moft holy and puhTant, and onely Lorde, as the 
 Church teftifieth in her Song. N ow if this heathen man , 
 who had no knowledge or vnder(Tanding of true religion, 
 didfb humble himfelfe , and yeelde luch homage vnto the 
 Sonne of God, that heiudged and elleemed him alone wor- 
 thy the name and dignitie of Lorde; what fhall all other Prin- 
 ces doc afterhim, elpecialiy fuch as tcarme themfclues Chri- 
 ftians? and likewife their fubie&s, and, whofoeuer be in au- 
 thoritie vnder them? % 
 
 .S/TV/grhauingin miraculous maner healed the lamefwher- O "*"***^ 
 of mention is madeirTthe AJtcs ofthe Ayottles) and that all fa^i^Li 
 the people were aflonifhed, and wondred at both him and Iohn %ing&Lord 
 as though they had bin the workers thereof, began to rebuke ofmenandof 
 them & (ay,Why do you loo k on vs & m aruel^aLvs^s though by Mgels t & )U 
 our own power andnolines wehadmadehim go?rather thinkc jjjfj? ve ^ n 
 that this istheGodof^r^4w,of//^^ &/i^,theGodofour ^ bmilitie, 
 fathers,who by this mesns willhaue his Son glonfied,by whofe 
 name, this man whom you fee* is healed . I tappearethby this 
 place & by many other places of fcripture, that thepurpole and 
 will of the Father is, that his Sonne fhould not only be honou- 
 red of all men as well as himfelfe , but alfo adored of all his an* 
 gcls,& acknowledged ofall for their King and fbueraigne lord t 
 and yet notwithstanding itappeareth by the whole ftoric of 
 his life how litle he defircd this honour, & that he did no further 
 require it, or accepted of it, butfofarrefborth as concerned the 
 faluation of man, wherewith it was infeparably vnited and 
 conioyned . When they w o uld haue made him a king, hee 
 hid himfelfe: fpeaking of his doclrine , hee attributed all to !<*•*• **• 
 his Father : to him that called him good, hee anlwered there M - U * x 7* 
 
 was 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 was none good,butGod:though he were the naturdll and one- 
 ly Sonne of God,hcchofc rather to be calledthcfonneofman« 
 Andtocondude, in the laft article of the prayer, he taught his 
 Difciplesto give all praife, glorie, and dominion vntoGod his 
 rather. Who dare then defire tha t glone, wh ich Chrift Iefus dc- 
 fpifcd,orpurchafe it,feeing he reieSed it,or accept it, feeing hee 
 rcfufcdit? 
 
 Letvs then, following this example and inftrudtion, attribute 
 vnto him,whatfbeuer is laudable in vs,or in the world: that is to 
 fay, in heaven or earth, or whatfoever is comprehended in 
 them . Letvs thinkc in ourhcarts,and confefTe with our mouthes 
 , .rjwith David, that all honour and glorie belongeth not vnto vs, 
 
 L^P^AmMB ^ Ut vnco ^ S namc * WhenasQrw £^ e _S rcat Kingof ,/v/k, 
 
 c3 ] admonition ^ ac ^ conc J u cred the EmpirecT3ieBaBylonians/& overthrowne 
 ^x7V} o iQ n g san d their King Balthafiir by the iult iudgementof God , who had 
 Tfinca. fo determined long before, thereby to punifh his pride and wic- 
 kednes, feeing himfeife peaceably and quietly to enioy his king- 
 dome, before all other things,he would ycelde humble thanks 
 vnto God, as it is written in Efdras , and in acknowledgin g that 
 all profperitie and victories proceedeth from his grace &good- 
 nefte,he commanded to write letters to deliver the children of 
 I(rael,who were then detained captives in Caldea,andtofurTcr 
 them toreturne to Ierufalem, to build vp the Temple of the 
 Lord,which long befbie had bcene deftroicd by Nebuchadne^ . 
 zar,to the ende they (hould there afleroblc thetrffelves, arid re* 
 eftablifh their auncient religion,praifcs, & Sacrifices, and all the 
 fervice of God, which had beeneneglecled, during the time of 
 their exile. O that all Chriflian Princes would imitate this ex. 
 amp!e,andconfider that all their greatncs,glorie,andpuiffancc 
 commeth from above from the father of lights, and therefore 
 . would employ themfelues in the building vp of his fan6tuaric, 
 and defence of his Church, which isthe true Temple where hee 
 will be ferved and worihlpped,carefully regarding that his word 
 may be faithfullie preached/uperflitions and fcandals abolifh- 
 cd,dilciplinc and good manours rcftored, and to be (hort,that, 
 that order and forme which he hath prefcribed in his word,may 
 be entirely ob ferved, without fwarving either to theright hand 
 or to the left, which is a principall peccc of that duetie they 
 
 owe 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 36 
 
 owe vnto God : for they are in his houfe and among his chil- 
 dren as rulers, who hauethe gouernment of his hou/e andfa- 
 milie, and therefore muft carefullie take heede, that fuch or- 
 der as at the fir it hechath fee downe by his Apoflles be kepc 
 and obferued of all, as long fince among the Iewcs did Da- 
 vid, Salomon, lAfa, Iofaphat, Ez,eckias , 2ofiaa 9 Iudas 9 {JMachn* 
 ^/aiand among the Romanes, Conftantwe, Iovmian, Falex- 
 tinian, Theodofe , CMarc tan: and amongthe French, the great 
 King Clonis^harUmatne, Lewis the gentle ,king Robert, and 
 Sam Lewis . All which did euidently declare in their liues the 
 great zeale theyhadoftheglorieor God in reftoringthofe 
 things that had bene corruptcdin his Church , totheir aunci- 
 entdignitie, and therefore they were rewarded accordingly. 
 For feeing that they were readie and willing to humble them* 
 klues before him and to obey his worde, he hath exalted them 
 jnfuch fort that the memoriall, name and fame of their noble 
 acles (hall endure for eucr here on earth : and they themfelues 
 fhall fhine continually in heauen as pearlesand ftarres among 
 the happy and blefled faintes. And can their fucceflburs doe 
 better then imitate their vertuesaud examples, that in the end 
 they may participate of their bleflings? Ifthey will not thus do, 
 it is no more expedient they fhould be kings, then it is for thpfc 
 of their fubiefts to beare office vndcr them , who are altogether 
 ignorant how togouerne. 
 
 Nicephortu reporteth, that when Iheoiofipu made choife of wortbfc 
 of a ma fterfor hi s two young fbnnes Arcadttu and HonoritUi to ****#* °f 
 bringthem yp in the feare ofGod,good learning,andeiuility of Tr \ 
 maoers,he vied thefe words vnto them, My fonn es I h aue chofe ^£^tfiL&<vvi. 
 
 ?ou the moftgrauc and vertuous fcholemalTertJut istTiisdayta*'? J\ • / ^ 
 c found in all our dominions , whom I command and charge i^j^^T o 
 here in your prefence to teach and inftrqdt you in fuch things as Ub<is/*M> 
 are requifite for the education of a Prince , and to furnijfti yoii 
 with all kind of good and vertuous precepts.- to the end, that if 
 hereafter I fee you haueendeuoured tolearne them, andtogo. 
 verneyourfelucsaccording tothofe rules and precepts which 
 haue bin giuenyou, I may leaue you inheriters ofmy goods and 
 Empire. Otherwife /may notdo it, nay /ought nottodo it,as 
 well forourowne honour as thegoodof omfubie&s. We may 
 
 learne 
 
THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 lcarne by the words of this wife and godly Emperour, what we 
 Jfitjmlt* aretothinkeoF a prince euil brought vp, and in what danger his 
 tod** eftate is, when he wanteth wifdom to manage his affaires , and 
 
 to bridle his affections, as occafions are offered : for it is, as ifa 
 childfhouldbefetvponanvnruly horfe without a bridle : or as 
 ifa pilot fhould take in hand togouerne a (hip without a fterne. 
 Which^/^w^wifely remembring at fuch time as God offred 
 i. King. 39. togiuThlm whatibeucr he delired, whether it were honour, 
 (Wav*+^ riches,might, health, or long life, reie&ing allthofe things as 
 lefle neceffary , he only defired fufficient wifdom to gouerne 
 the kingdom, which God had giuenhim : thereto adminifter 
 iufticc indifferently to all his fubiecls. Wherewith God was fo 
 well pleafed, that he forthwith graunted his reque(t,giuing him 
 withall fo much honour & riches, that he was the moft magni- 
 ficent & mightieft king that euer was before or after him, 
 . , ^.B^/faith,thatitisascu'fficultamattertobridleouraffe£ti- 
 
 YeaCon to b&* onsm p r °fperitythatthey fwellnot, asitis tokeepe them that 
 blev$> is to they be notthrowne downe in aduerfity. And this is true. Nay it 
 tonftder that is more hard as Abdolomm anfwered Alexander the great, when 
 * wofreroHt h c mac J e him king of his cuntry. Q^Curttm reporteth the ftory , 
 t tUmer S o™& which I wUl recite briefly,for that it is moft notablcThis^^- 
 flipperie. lonim was a poore labouring man,with whom Epbefiton Alex* 
 Lib.4. intbt andersgxtzt friend had much conuerfed , as taking great plea- 
 beginning furein the company and communication of this good man, ad- 
 miring his wifdom in the gouernment of his family , and all o- 
 1 9 invtvi && his domefticali actions. No w whe n Alexander had conque- 
 "^(c,.-^ red the city and all the cuntry ,Tiee demanded one day among 
 ^,J7 •t his friends & counfellers, whom they thought meeteft to make 
 jYpja*'**" n king thereof, and to gouerne it in his abfencc: whereto Epbcfti* 
 x^tft- ^^ ^ en anfwered, that in his opinion none was more meete then his 
 I *. A v^ <^^^hofte^^/<?ww.The kinginrc^ friend, and for the 
 
 ■ \ l good report he haJ heard of BTm, prefcritly ieriFfor him , put- 
 
 ting vpon him princely robes, and giuing him the gouernment 
 of tile country . The poore man though aftonifhed with this 
 fodaineaduenture,yet notwithftanding humbly thanked the 
 king, and with fo an aflured countenance, graue modefty , and 
 fuch wifdome, that the king had him in great admiration • Af- 
 rer many words pafled betweencthem , in the end Alexander 
 
 demanded 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 37 
 
 demanded of him how he had maintained himfelfe, and in 
 what maner he had indured his pouertie. Much better (faith 
 he) then I feare me I iliall endure my profperity. This iislhe 
 point of thettorie which I would apply to this my purpofe,to 
 prooue th at it is a more difficul t thing to conteine ones felfc in 
 profperitie , then in poore eftate and miferic: for that thefe- 
 licitie ofthisworldis,asit were, a fat and foule ground, where 
 the waiesare moredurty and (lippcrie then are the barren and 
 fandie grounds. Wherefore it is requifite that princes, and 
 fuchasGod hath placed in higher eftate then others, (Kouldc 
 often meditate hereof, and of whatfoeuer elfe may humble 
 them , and that they fliould furni/h them lelues with wif- 
 dome and difcretion , the better to withftand the fine flat- 
 teries, and colourable treafons of their flefh , and fond for- 
 tune. 
 
 Humility (as faicth Saint Chryfottotnc) is not onely the of true and 
 foundation of Chriflian religion, but alfbofall trucrelicitie. filfebumiUty 
 And to this purpofe may that be applyed,which that great ora- 
 tour Demofthenes fometime fpake of pronunciation, who be^. 
 ing demanded what was thefitft,fecQnd, and third efpeciall 
 point of rhetoricke, anfwered alwaics Aclion: fo may we like- 
 wife fay oftrue humilitie,that it is the pr in cipall part of Chrifti- 
 anitie, and as it were all in all , yea the life and foule thereof, fo 
 that it be true, entire, and vnfeigned. For there are fome that 
 are counterfeits, whohaue .nothing but the colour andfhewe 
 of this vertue, & as i t were the skin, wherwith oftentimes is co- 
 uered great and wondeifull ambition. Saint Gregorte the de- 
 uine in that funerall fermon he made at the buriall of histV 
 ther, fetteth downe certaine markes whereby it may bee 
 knowne, forthatinhis time there were many philofophers, 
 yea and fome of the miniftcrs of the Church, who by their 
 bypocrifie abufed many men. There are fome (faith hec) j 
 
 who hauc a fuperficiall and outward humilitie, wherewith '^^^ - a^^ 1 
 they are couered, thereby to appeare the more holy, iroita- criVw^T'ft'^^n^ 
 ting herein foolifh women, who for that they want beau- Uj 
 
 tic, colour their facet with paintings, one would iudge 
 by rheir countenances that they are but counterfaitcs ? they 
 writhe the nccke,thcy hangdowntheir heads,theyipeakIow f 
 
 they 
 
THB SECOND BOQKE. 
 riiey lookc to the ground, they clippe the haire of their heades, 
 they go flowly and eafily: but Chriftian humility confifteth not 
 intnis,butinthe fpiritand mind of man, when as we prefume 
 not of our owne fclues , and that we rather defire and long after 
 the truth in deed more then the apparance, and outward fhc w 
 thereof. 
 
 Wemayieeat this day more then euer heretofore, that this, 
 Jgamfttbe which this learned do&or wrote , ismoft true, & that there are 
 fimcdkHmi* none more ambitious then fuch as make a (hew and profctfion 
 time and ofhumility • I will not fpeake much of itjeaft I {hould feeme to 
 wherein coth teach that which euery manknoweth, but my defire is, and I 
 fifctb true belceue verily that all liich as haue the feare ofGod doe fo, that 
 bmilttie. euery one fhould thinke that truehumilitielieth not intheout- 
 wardfhewofapparell, nor in the countenance and vifageofa 
 man, but in the mortification of our affections.* & amongother 
 ofthis deadly and damnable pride,which fpringing and increa- 
 sing with vs, fo bewitcheth vs, that there is no man in the world 
 which hath not feme kindeof liking of himfelfe , The Philofo- 
 phers could fay, that true humility confifteth not in mens out- 
 ward (hewes.lt is reported that Socrates feeing ssfntitthenes the 
 
 ctoikfd hu* fymcke Philofbpher bragging of his old cloake which hee did 
 mtUtte plea- u ' \, . rr . . • °n. • l l i i_ 
 fmtUmteL wearc,fhewing with avaineoitentation,thenoIetnat was in it, 
 
 . ~ as if thereby his humility fl.ould appeare the greater in not dif- 
 
 1 V$%? * ^ -darning to weare fo bad a garment, and taxing therewithal the 
 
 **J* t*P~\ *pride of other men, who were fumptuoufly apparelled : I fee 
 
 ^rZ^X ( &l ^ Spates) the pride of *A»ttftkenes through the hoTe^f 
 
 '<**r& ^~ &* s cloake, Ifaelik eis repor ted of Tlato r who w as as air i ous & 
 
 Xoictfo tC *££L. neate in his apparell,ascarefullto haue euery thing in fineft ma- 
 
 %\^ft^^° ner about his chamber, into the which when as vpon a time that 
 
 dogged Diogenes entred, and feeing his bed trimly and exqui- 
 
 fitely made, hee forthwith wallowed vpon it , faying, that hee 
 
 would Gamp Ttatos pride vnderhisfeetc: Y ea (faith Plato) th at 
 
 you wiH,with an other pride far greater • Whereby wee may e- 
 
 videntlie fee, that humilitie confifteth not in the contempt of 
 
 ciuilitic and good maners, much lefle in an affecting of rude- 
 
 nefleand clownifhnefle, but rather in a diflikeand diipleafure 
 
 we take at our felues,procceding of the acknowledgement,*!*! 
 
 liuely feeling of our poore and miferable cftates. 
 
 Now 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. ^ 
 
 Nowc forafmuch as there is nothing more hard and difficult Befire the 
 thcntoknoweourfelvcs,asfome ofthcolde writers havetrucly t*d oftbu 
 faid,and that the inordinate love,that many bcarc towards them ffiwgM* 
 felves, doth fo dazell their eyes, that they doe not perceive their Itemmd 6 
 ownc imperfections and blemifhes : and confidering withall, \ }0we t0 
 that of all other ftudies we are leaft carcfull to learnc this; ra- know our 
 thcr delighting toheareourfelves flattered, then to be truly and fihc*>Mdby 
 fyncerely admoniftied: it is requisite before the endc and con- con ^ uent > 
 clufion of thisdifcourfe,that we fetdowne fome fhort and com- t0 trueim- 
 pendious way howc to come to the knowledge of our felves, militic. 
 without the which it is impoflible that ever we fhould attaine 
 to true humilitie. 
 
 The firft and theprincipall meanes (in my opinion) is dili- r ^^« 
 gently to readethe Scripture, and carefully to note thole places mea n€s. 
 which doe touch the corruption we have naturally in vs .• as. 
 that in (^encfls^ that all the cogitations and thoughtes of our Chap 6. 
 hearts areevill. And tha t vthkhDa ytd &it h ; th at the children of p ^^?- 
 men are lighter then vanitie : as atto that which hremie faith, Chap. 17.9. 
 the heart is decekfull and wicked above all thinges, who can 
 knoweit. And lob faith, that man drinkethiniquitielike water. Chap.ij.i6 
 And that whidh£hrjft le&s himjclreiaith, that which is borne j i nit ^ 
 of flefti is flefli.- which is as much as ifhe fhould fay,nothing but 
 filth and corruption. Andlikewife that which &f/»* TWfaith, Rom.5.10. 
 (alleaging many fay ings of the Prophets) The re is none r igh- 
 teous,no notonej there is none that vnder(tandeth,there is none 
 that feeketh God. They have all gone out of the way : they have 
 bene made altogether vnprofltable, there is none that docth 
 good,no not one : b ut contrar i wife, their throate is an openfe- 
 pulchre, they have vfed their tongue to deceite, the pcifon of 
 afpes is vnder their lippes, their mouth is fullof curling and bit- 
 temefle, their feete are fwiftto fhed blood. Deftru&ion and ca- 
 lamine are in their wayes, the way of peace they have not 
 knowen. ThefeareofGod is not before their eyes. 
 
 Man muft therefore fthebetterto knowe hisowne nature,) 
 obferve thefe and the like fentencesin reading of the fcriptures, 
 and diligently to ponder them in his minde,not for a day or two, 
 but all his life long, and to make them ferve as as aglaiTe to be- 
 holde the face of his ownefoule, and that as curioufly to vie we 
 
 G 1 him 
 

 Thefeewd 
 meants* 
 
 The third 
 meatus. 
 
 Efay 64.6. 
 
 Iere.14-7* 
 Dan.9 ?. 
 PfaU.i?. 
 31.37. 
 
 Tbsfiurtb 
 munes. 
 
 THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 him felie in this glalTe,as women in attiring themfclves do lookc 
 in their .gUtles; if he doc thus,he will not long be in love with his 
 owncbeautie .• for the more he beholdcthhim felfc, the more 
 wrinkles he fhall fee in his owne forhead,and fliallevery day fee 
 him felfe more foule then other. 
 
 Secondly he mult compare him felfc with other creatures of 
 the world, whome he fhall perceive even to the lead of them, to 
 obferye and kcepe that order which God hath prefcribed them 
 in their creation, and that among all the other creatures which 
 fingpraifestoGod in their kinde, man onely isalwaycsoutof 
 tunc. Wherefore if he will boaft and exalt him felfe above the 
 other creatures of God whofoever they be, he flic weth therein 
 as much vvifedome as did that foolifh Jherfytes, who preferred 
 him felfc before &Achtlles 9 & all the other great lords of Cjrctce. 
 Or asifacreeple would take vpon him torunnc with afwiftand 
 light lackey or footeman. 
 
 Thirdly he muftkeepeanEphemcridcs, or a daily account 
 how he docth fpend his life,and following the counfell of Cleo~ 
 bulwfci downc in the morning ho we he will fpend the time till 
 night, and in the evening take a reekening of his dayes worke, 
 that fokeepinga true account of his thoughts, counfekjWorke, 
 deliberations, and afTcftions, he may the better fee howe farre 
 his evill decdes furmount the number of his good works; which 
 ifhe do, he (hall alwayesfinde him feife indebted to his lord and 
 matter ten thoufand talents attheleaft. For iftbatiuft man/o£ 
 after he had made his account,faid,that he could not anfwerone 
 forathoufand; \i£fay 3 kreniif i and D^/Jacknowlcdgedthat 
 their fumes, and the ftnnes of their fathers were innumerable: If 
 David^mzn afterGods own heart faid,thathis finnes wcrein* 
 finite.whatflial other thinke? hath man therefore whois over*, 
 whelmed and furcharged with fo many and great debtcs,any 
 caufe to vaunt and bragge of him felfe? 
 
 Fourthly,if he be clothed with any graces & gifts ofGod,that 
 he put the ofF& behold him felfall naked as he is by nature, Fot 
 therearemanythatdeceivethemfelvesin this, &thatthinking 
 that they havefomefmackeofwifdome,iuilice,liberalitie, and 
 tepcrancy,do forthwith waxeproud & glory therein .-as though 
 by their own induftrie& labor they had atchieYed thefe vermes, 
 
 and 
 
AGAINST AMBITION, 39 
 
 & yet indeed whatsoever any ma hath,it is given him fro above, 
 & that wifdo with ai the other ornamets of the mind,as ftregth, 
 beauty ,& comlines ofbody,are moveables & jewels which god 
 hath liberally lent the,to the end that his fervancs being (o beau* 
 tifully apparellcd,might do him the greater honour. Ifthen man 
 hath nothing ofhimfelfe which deferveth cornendation,whereof 
 wil he glory?nay,ifthe beft things he hath deferve reproofe, why 
 fhould he not demeane him felfe in more humbl e manner ? 
 
 This alfois very availcablc to teach vs to know our feives,& 7n *fift 
 todifcemc whether there be any thing in vs worthy comenda- mMC '- 
 tion,if we would confidcr what we ought to be.For as long as we 
 make our cop ariibn with others whoare worfcthenour (elves} 
 we think highly of our felves,& comend our own vertues. For as 
 (the proverbe faith,) he that is pore-blinde may go for a king a- 
 mongfuchasare ftarksblinde. But ifwe wil examine our citate 
 with ouroriginal,which is the image &femblanceofGod,and 
 compare man as he now is with the firft projecY,& as he was, we 
 fhall quickly conferTethattobctrueof all men,which£/*)-fpea- Efay5.i. 
 kethofthevine(thatis J ofIfrael&IudathechofeofG , od)thatthe 
 firft plant was very good & fruitful,btttnow it is become wild ; & 
 like vnto the brcmbles and briars,nay we may fay more/&that 
 truely)that it is like a wood full of briars and thornes. 
 
 VVe ought alfotoconfider by who men arepraifcd,rorif fuch The fat 
 as praife them be not wife & honcH,theirprailcis nothing but a ***&**• 
 diff>raite.^*/i£0*f (after thedeath o£Zcuon)wa& wot to fay, that vluwtbin 
 his Rage was throwen down,meaning thereby, that he was the bk afotbefr 
 only man whom he thought meeteft to iudgc ofhis a&ions,and 
 by whofefble and only approbation they might be allowed or 
 difliked. Phocion having made an eloquentoration before the 
 people of ^/^»/,perceiving that the multitude did highly com- 
 mendhim for it,demaundedoffuch as (rood next him, it he had 
 vtteredanyabfurdorfoolifh thing: giving vs thereby to vndcr- 
 fland, that we ought alwayes to lulpeCt the applaufe of the peo- 
 p3e,notonely for that they can hardly difcernc bet weene vice & 
 vertue,but alfobecaufe their affc&ions are focorrupt,that often 
 times they embrace the evill rather then the good, and yet not- 
 wirManding thefe are they by whome the ambitious fort of 
 men doc fo greediiy feckc toie commended, which may be ea- 
 fiiy perceived by the examples of the Grecians and Romanes: 
 
 G z for 
 

 7 
 
 The 7 -and 
 
 prmcipali 
 
 meanetto 
 
 krtoweour 
 
 Jelves* 
 
 
 THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 for whatbanquets,fportes,playes,triumphes,and other prodigal 
 andexceffiveexpenies made the great princesofthofe nations, 
 towinnethc good willesofalight and brainficke multitude? 
 and doe not many Devines, Phifitions, Captaines, and iuch as 
 are accounted wife men, by whole commendation other mens 
 a&ionsfhould either (land orfall,run in the fame path? where- 
 in we doe notably bewray our folly. For we would fcorne that 
 man, that would bring a blinde man to iudge of colours; and 
 yet we confider not, when we ende vour in this ambitious m an- 
 ner to get the favour o f the ignorant fort, that we commit the 
 cenfuringofourlifetoawitleiTe multitude, andfuchascan noc 
 difcernc betweene good and bad. 
 
 Thclaft and principall thing which we ought to doe, is to 
 confider our felves intheiudgementofGod. For as the inno* 
 cencieofa man is never throughly tryed, vnlcfle it be well exa- 
 mined before a wife and fevere iudge : folikewifedoe we not 
 knowe who we are, if we be not tryed before God, that great 
 Judge,who feeth and knoweth all thinges, and who hath all the 
 informations and procelTc of our lives, and vndcritandeth the 
 very thoughtes and counfels of our heartes, according to the 
 whichwenwft either be acquitted or condemned. For he being 
 without al afTe&ion,by reafon ofthe purenefle and fynceritieof 
 his ellence,can no wayes be corrupted in his iudgement , and 
 therefore moft meete to iudge the whole worlde. Wherefore it 
 is convenient, that every one committing hiscaufe vntohim, 
 fiiouldnotthinke his actions iuft and lowable, vntill they bee fo 
 approoved by his fentencejin thus doing,no quefiion but k will, 
 quickcly abate our pride. For if we beaft aide of mortall iudges, 
 who may be abufed and corrupted, and that there is no man be 
 he never (b innocent, feeing his proceiTe dra wen,and his reputa- 
 tion in hazzard oftheiriudgement,but imagineth that his jnno- 
 cencie can not be fo great, if all his doing be well examined, 
 but that he fhall be found faultie in many pointes. What /hall 
 we thendo considering the jufticeof our God,who by reafon of 
 his infinite wifedome can not be ignorant of the (ecret thoughts 
 of our heartes, nor yet will diffemble them considering his im- 
 mutable will, by reafon whereof he will m no wife decline from 
 thetructh? Snail w r erK>tconfefle then (fetting before our eyes 
 
 fiich 
 
 
AGAINST AMBITION. 40 
 
 filch a judgement as this) that we are but duft and allies, as did 
 Abraham I fhall we not hide our felvcs before his face as did 
 Helios ? fhall we ftande before him feeing hb was throwen 
 downe r (hall not we defire him, with 'David, not to examine 
 our offences, but for his mercic fake to forget them, and to bury 
 them in the grave with his fonne Chrift? Yes furely , and to 
 moove him to be the more gratious vnto.vs, with thefe our 
 humble petitions we wouldput on fackecloth and allies, as did 
 'Daniel in Babylon, and in fo doing we would fbone (Lake off 
 the former opinion of our owne vcrtues, confidering we mult 
 appeare in the prefence of ourGod, before whomc fconfidering 
 our ma nifolde imperfections) we can not ftande, but we mutt 
 needes be as much amamed,as any difeafed and ragged beggar 
 would be in the prefence of a great and mightie prince. 
 
 THE 
 
&i THE THIRD 
 
 <BOOKE. 
 
 Of the tranqui litte and content a- 
 twnof theminde. 
 
 AGAINST ANGER. 
 
 The Contents of the Booke. 
 
 S themorall Phtlofoyhers have bene very paine- 
 f ull and induftrtous tn defer thing the other dtfor- 
 deredandvnruly affeEltons of themtndei fohave 
 they bene exceeding plentifull in thevnfoidtngof 
 the mantfolde mifchiefes and vexations, which 
 are infeparably annexed vnto this difiempered 
 humour, at may evtdently appear e by thofe /ear* 
 ned difcomfes which 5eneca WPIutarch have left bebinde them, 
 rvtih the which (efpecially that of 'PlutarchJ the Authour hath no- 
 tably furritfked his booke y and that in three cffectall pointes. In the 
 fir ft he dfecurfeth of thofe evils andtneonveniences ,which Anger 
 breedeth. In the fecondyofthe caufesn htc h produce and bring foorth 
 thefe evils* In the third, of the remedies and prcfirvattv'es aga'-nfi 
 fo furious andr aging a torment, which not without great difficult tets 
 affwagedy as faith Heraclitus, becaufe it sfareth not (no not with 
 the [pilling of blood, and loffeof life) to at t awe his de fired purpofe. 
 Ihefrflbraunchis devided into fixe principal! partes, wherein are 
 evidently demonflrated the fir ange and monftrotss effetles that An- 
 ger ' produce th : as that it extinguipoeth the light ofreafon,and berea- 
 vethvs of all vertuous aUions, cauftngfuch confufion and dtforder 
 as raigne tn every part a>id corner of the worlde, overthrowing and 
 diffigurtngboth body and foule, and being the principal! bellowes that 
 Sathan vfeth to blowe the fire offo many monfiroiu and foule abufes, 
 by transforming men into devils, and obfeunngwhatfoever is good 
 
 and 
 
and godly , tyrannising and of pr effing in moslfearefull manner by 
 thr earning and rebuking with rigorous wordes and fiarpe pun fo- 
 ments, the well order edmotions of 'a quiet minde, as may appear e by 
 the oppofttion and contradtElion of the nature thereof, and the go- 
 vernment which God hath commaunded*Andthe effetles oftkispaf- 
 fion are fo ham o us and execrable, that wee cannot but condemn e 
 themin another, though we be wholly poffeffedwith them ourfelves. 
 The morefecrete and covert that it is, the more danngerous it is. It 
 mallet hour tongues to runne note, andcaufethvsto commit moft 
 gricvousfaultes. It is a very hell and torment to thofe who are infla- 
 med therewith ,and the plague and dcSlruttion of the whole worlde. 
 It maketh man to forget htmfelfe, neither permttteth him tofollowe 
 good coun fell [having tlluftrated thefe ftverall partes with notable ex- 
 amplcs,fittejimilitudes,worthtcfaytngs, andvnfalhble reafons draw- 
 en both from m or all and devine phtlofophie , {before he commeth to 
 thefecondparte) hefheweth that the great men of the world above all 
 other, ought to take efpeciall regarde, that they be not overcome with 
 this chollerickepaffion, annexing hereunto found and pit hie proofes 
 outofhifloriesythat Clemencieis a vertue moft befeeming princes & 
 great Perfonages, and therefore hegiveth them notable receiptes a- 
 gainslt this daungerouspovfon of anger, /hewing why Qemencie and 
 Mercie is meet er for them then Wrath and finger illluflrating 
 both by fever all } examples, with conclufion that tJWercic is the moft 
 notable vertue in Kings & great ft ate s, if fo be that it be wifely vfed. 
 ^fowe for the fecond point, he prooveth by divers examples that 
 pride is as it were the spring and principal caufe of anger; again ft 
 which heoppofeth mcdeftieasa count er-poyfon,alledging to thts pur- 
 pofe famous hislories,andanfwereth at laroe to thofe, who deride and 
 mock^ at the great patience offome particular men among the hea- 
 then,Thefecondcaufeofthis vnbrideled ajfeclion he noteth to bee 
 felfcAovc : and againft this he oppofeth the frugal! and [faring con- 
 ceipt of many notablemen, which is amplified by a deepe and mature 
 confideration oft he behaviour of fuch men, as have bene truely ver- 
 tuous,prooving(the better to adorneandbeautife this his difcourfe) 
 that anger is anvnfaHtbleproofe of tnconftancie, mfdelitie, impati- 
 encte, tmpietie t and of dt {fair e : thenkj the way heprofofeth andfet- 
 tethdowne a chrifttan and godly meditation of thofe finnes and offen- 
 ces , whereof we arc culpable before God by reafon of our pride, and 
 
 G 4 impati- 
 
 4» 
 
impat uncle, audio aggravate our condemnation he doeth Uvely re- 
 prefent vntovs the nature of God, which is full of mercie and com' 
 pajfion; and continuing his dtfcourfe Joe fheweth that overmuch curt' 
 ofitie andfuff>ition is the third caufe of this dtflempered ajfetlton : a- 
 gainft the which he oppofeth prudence, which diffimuleth andcove- 
 reth many faultes. The fourth caufe he noteth to be the mconflancte 
 and light nejfe oft he minde, which is carry edarvay with every report* 
 and flying tale: and this is flayed and governed by a wife and dip- 
 creete mddeneffe. Thefift caufehealledgethtobe our pride, which fo 
 farre transport eth vs,that we have noregarde in bearingwith the 
 infirmitie of our brethren ; andthcreforefettcthdownc the confide- 
 rations that mufl drawevs thereto, plentifully adormng them with 
 many notable and excellent compar/fens. Having difc our fed of theje 
 v. principallcaufes which produce & ingender anger \in the latter end 
 hefetteth downe the particular remedies of this dtfeafe, which are 4. 
 The fir ft, that we mufl floppe the beginnings of anger, Thefcconde, 
 that beingkmdled,we mufl forthwith feekehowe to quench it 1 and 
 anfwereth to thofe ruffler 'sjrho account thofe flout and valiant men 9 
 who wreke their anger with the fworde. The third remedte is pati- 
 ence, whichheproovethto be mofl neceffarie for ftriftians, K/fnd 
 laftly % he exhort eth andadmonifheth every one carefully and dili- 
 gently toprayvntoCj od y t ogive him his grace and ajfisiancc, that he 
 mayfollowetheferiileswhtch be hathfet downefor the avoydi?tg of 
 Anger. 
 
 THE 
 
4« 
 
 THS THfRp "BOOKE. 
 
 (tAgainjl Anger. 
 
 Hefe two former vnbridled affections of The or'tginaU 
 the minde, whereof we haue fpokenal- caufeofan- 
 readie; doe engender a third difordered & er * 
 patfion : and that is anger and wrath : 
 which of all other is molt fierce and ra^ 
 ging. For this doth not onelyvexe the 
 mindeof him in whomeitraineth,buc 
 it difquieteth thole who converfe, and 
 aiTociatethcmfelves with him: and that in fuch fort 3 that it fet- 
 teth at variance even fuch as are deereft friendes: as the father 
 and the fonne,thefervantandhis mafter^the wife and herhuf- 
 bande r the confederation whereof ought to moove all fuch as 
 love their owne and other mens quietnes, carefully to avoid this 
 vexation of the minde, and wifely to confider firft of all, the 
 mifchiefesthatitengendereth,and the euils that producethit: 
 and finally , the meanes and remedies to correct and bridle 
 it. 
 
 The mod dangerous and perilous mifchicfe, that this chol- * . 
 lcricke and wrathfull affection engendereth is, that it cleane ex- a^Jj^ 
 tinguiflieth the light of ournaturallreafbn, without the which u^tofndfo. 
 we can take no order nor counfell, for the managing of our af- 
 faires. And therefore it may very fitlie be compared to a tyrant, 
 which murdereth the nobilitie and wife cpunfellours of that 
 common wealth , which hee hath conquered 5 to the ende there 
 may be no man that may oppofe himfelfe againft his tyrannie, 
 or any waies hinder him, that hee may not raigne as helift. For 
 having deprived vs of all counfell and vndcrftanding , and, 
 as it were, taken*he governmentof our perfons into her owne 
 hands,thrufteth vs headlong forward in out a<5tions 3 artd drivcth 
 vson with greatandexceeding violence : as appeareth by ma- 
 fly and iundrie examples. 
 Stmeon and Lcvi t being in a great rage for theravifhrncntof 
 
 their 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 their filter 2)/Wr,dctermined (\vhat fo ever came of itjto put al 
 thecitie of Shechem to the fword,without refpeft or confidera- 
 tion in what daungcr they put them felves,their children, their 
 brethren,and the whole familie of their father, neitheryet pitty- 
 i.Sira.if. ing the innocent people of the citie . David vnderftanding by 
 xj,i*. his meflengers that Nabctl had refufedtofend himfuchpro- 
 vifionas he demanded for himfelfeand his fouldiours, deter- 
 mined in great rage to facke his houfc,and fpoile him of all he 
 had,and to put them to the fword, contrarie to al iuflice,and flat 
 againfthiswontedclemcncie.-forin the adminiftrationof his af- 
 faires, and tollcration of iniuries offered by his enemies, hec 
 was the mod patient and mild Prince that ever was. But there is 
 no vertue fo mightie, which is not vanquifhed by this diftempc- 
 red affection , if it once entreth and fetlcth it felfe in our 
 hearts. 
 Tbeoderet.1. Tbeodofius the Emperour, being advertifed that the Thejfalo- 
 booty of bti n i ans h ac } flaineone of .his fervants, fentforthwith hisfouldiors 
 Xlftn t0 P uttne wno ^ c c i t; i c t0 fi fe an ^ fword, and in this his wrathful! 
 i7.cbap. difpleafure ^without all kindeof iuftice) commanded to flay as 
 Sozom.7. well the innocent,as the orTendour.Who,but for this onely facSt, 
 booty. 14. was the moft prudent and wife governour of all the Romane 
 cbap. Emperours. 
 
 Thefe and the like examples, may teach vs the nature of this 
 paffion, and the force that it hath to matter our naturall reafon; 
 feeing that it hath caufed fb many excellent perfonages to com- 
 mit fo barbarous and flrange cruelties. And we may learn here- 
 by carefully to beware thereof, feeing that where it beareth 
 the fway, iuftice and iudgement are quickly driven out of the 
 i/j , t \ dores, 
 JUh 9 ^^^' (jy^r/V faith, that a patient man, and he that is flow to an- 
 (gf £1**^ ger,is moffcommonly wife : which is evidently prooved i n A- 
 Q uint ^^Icxanderthc great, who in hisyouth, and fblongasheekept 
 Tlutarcbin ' him felfe within the bounds of modeme,and the limits of that 
 bis Uvci. vcrtuous education wherein he had beene trayned vp aiwaies, 
 fhe wed him felfe the moft prudent and beft advifed of all his 
 counfel, though he were excellently rurnifhed with many expert 
 captaines, and fundrie grave counfellours for matters of eftate. 
 But when as (through his great profperitiej he became proude, 
 
 and 
 
 1 
 
AGAINST ANGER. ^ 
 
 and pride engendered wrath, impaciencie, impudencie, and 
 outrage - 3 then began heetofalltodronkcnncs, anddefpifethe 
 Macedonians,by whofevertueandvaliancichehad conquered 
 all Afia, difdainingto be called the fonne of Philip his father, 
 being a mortall man,and would needs be accounted a god.pro- 
 ceeding on forwards to the murdering of his friends, and com- 
 mitting many other outrages, which afterwardes ( though 
 too late)brought repentance , which is a thing incident to all 
 rafh and haftieperfons. The Athenians en a died al awe,chac 
 their Oratours and counfellours in pleading for their clyents, 
 fliouldnotlabourtomoovctheludgetopitieortocholerjeither 
 in the beginning or ende of his fpeach : meaning hereby that 
 there is nothing that more hindereth the vprightnefle of our 
 iudgement, then fuch perturbations and troubles of the minde. /)* 0- & 
 Which thing lulim C*fir like wife de clared ro the Senatours c/ 9 3;?***+ 
 of Rome, feeing them fopaflionate, a tTuch time as they were TC j v%nr 
 aflembled to takecounfell forrepreflingof C at time y and the 
 reft of the rebels ; as alfb toconfultof thepuniflimentoffuch 
 malcfa&ours as were alreadie in prifbn, attainted, and con vi fled 
 of hie treafon. 
 
 Thepaflions oftbeminde (faith he) and efpecially anger of 
 all other.fo darkeneth mens vnderftandings, that they can nei- 
 ther fee the equkie,nor truth ofthings. Seeing thcn.we haue no - 
 thing more excellent then our reafon and vnderftanding, which 
 makethefoleandonely difference bet ween vs and bruit beafts, 
 and chat they be fo fpoiled by this cholerieke paflfion, that they 
 will (tande vs in no fteade, (hall we not be very care full and cir- 
 cumfpeft to avoid it? 
 
 Of all other parts of our bodies, we are moft carefull to pre- Hm care fci 
 ierve our eyes from hurt, for that they are, as it were, the watch- we ought to 
 men for all the relt of our members: and lliallwenot likewife betoprefewe 
 be vigilant forthc prefeivation of our reafon, feeing without it mre *f on ' 
 we can neither doe,nor fpeake any thing arightbut are like vn- 
 to poore travellers wandring in a wilderneflc, not knowing 
 which way to take, but going forwards at all adventures ? was 
 not P 'oh fh emu with h:s great an dmonttrousbodie, in greater 
 miferie, after that Vlyffes had put out his cie/henhe was before? 
 in like manner all wicked men, and efpecially great and migh- 
 
 tic 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 tic Potentates,for that they are in the viewe of the whole world, 
 are in molt wofuleftate, having loft the vfe of reafon, either by 
 ignorance, flouth, or any paition what fo ever. We abhorre 
 drunkards for that fo long as they are drunken, they are with- 
 out fence and vnderilanding, differing nothing from bruite 
 beaftes but in fhape and portraiture onely . In like manner for 
 the fame caufe mull we flie from this cholerickc paiTion, which 
 like a whotc and fervent fever fotroublethour mindes, that 
 fo long as we are poffefled therewith, we cannot vnderftande, 
 much leflc fpeake anything that favoureth of reafon. If volup- 
 tuous and fenfuall pleafure have alwaies (and that moftiufthe) 
 beene blamed, for that it transformed! men into beaftes: fhall 
 not choler likewife be condemned, feeing there is no other dif- 
 ference bctweene them but this; that the one turneth men into 
 fwine,and the other into Lyons and tygers , & fuch like favage 
 and cruell beaftes. 
 How greatly Th ere is noth ing that we ought more to efteeme,thenthe 
 we ought to Image and hmilitude oTGod that is invs,the which confifteth 
 fcareattger. ] n t h c knowledge and vnderftandingof our hearts: and con- 
 trariwife,thereis nothing that ought to feareor difmay vsmore, 
 then the lolte of this knowledge, and the obfeurationof this 
 light which we have of our God, thorough the fmoakeof thefe 
 cloudie paiTions , engendered in our natures , as it were, briers 
 and brambles , through the malcdiclion of finne. And as ou t 
 of our hearts fpringeththe fountaine of our life, fo alfofromrea- 
 fon proceedeth the fpring of honeft and vertuous living, 
 which incontinently faileth and perifheth,asfoone as the fpring 
 decayeth, and therefore it isrequifitethat we imbrace venue, 
 and feeke toITve honeftly , and that we moft carefully provide 
 for the prefervation of the health of our reafbn,efchewing fo 
 neerc as we may,what foever maybe burtfull vnto it: as all vnru- 
 ly motions of the minde,andcholerefpecially,whichisanene- 
 rnic to patience and all moderate actions what fo, c- 
 x.Q»lere* ver. 
 
 tinguifbeth Seeing then,that anger takcth away the vfe ofrcafon,wc in- % 
 * a j°/i t fi l ferre thereof that it breedeththeruincof alivertue, andprinci- 
 fto 'fare of p a ^y °f a ll pictic andfeareofGod: feeing it provoketh vs to 
 Cod. ' blafphcme the name of the. Almightie: and wkhail feeing 
 
 that 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 44 
 
 that it cngcndercth hatred towardes our neighbours, and no 
 man hating them , can pray vnto God as he ought, or defire his 
 mcrciefor theremiflion of his finncs, feeing it is promifed with 
 this condition, that we ftiould forgiucourenemics their offen- 
 ces. If then the principall parts of true religion, be faith, prayer, 
 the feare and reverence of the namcofourGod, toall which, 
 this angrie humour is a mortall cnemie,itmuftneedesbe infer- 
 red, that if wefuffer it once to reft in vs, it forthwith drawethvs 
 to a contempt and miftruft of God. 
 
 And as this paffion is contrarie to the fcrvicc we owe vnto i.cbartix. 
 God, fo doth it directly oppofe it felfeagaintt charitie, which is 
 due to our neighbours, and by confequent, toallthe comman- 
 dements comprifed therein. And if the lawe be a wordeoflifc, 
 and that he which meditateth therein day and night be bleiTed,' 
 are not thefc vnhappie and dangerous paflions, which make vs 1 
 fo boldly to tranfgrefle this law ? Choler likewife is an cnemie 
 to iufttce, which cannot be adminiftred but byquict,moderate, *j u ofa 
 and temperate men: and therfbre r tullie£z\ih i i\\zt wh ere braulgg- r t. j^ 
 
 are, there lawes beare nofway; and *s4ntjgonus thus » anfwered & . '& £* £» 
 one, who made anexcellent and eloquent oration beforehim, ^^^5*^*^ 
 in the commendation ofluftice , athisentrieintos^^witha-' r^^--*^ ** 
 mightie armie .• a rt thou fovn wife (faithhc )to fpeake of Iuft icc-' ^ c^ 
 to a King, which hath his fword in hishand? LMarins likewife c 
 that great Captaine of Rome,who had becne feven times Con- 
 fulvnderiiandihg that fome blamed him for that he did many 
 things in the warres contrarie to the lawes and cuftomes of the 
 common wealth, faid he could not heare them for the noife& 
 clattering of the weapons: flgnifying hereby,th at where wrath .„ . n . 
 and anger raigneth, there is neither equine nor luftice . It like- 
 wife ouerthroweth all modeftie which is thefirftvertue achri- 
 ftian ought to Jearne in the fehoole oiChrifl Iefm , & the badge 
 aridtoken to know a regenerate childe , and him in whom the 
 fpiritofGodinhabiteth. 
 
 In like nianer it defhoyeth patience , which is a venue mofl j .Tdtienet 
 neceflarie for all Chriftians to retaine them in that hope they and humility 
 haucinGod: whereto they ought likewife toleane in their af- 
 faults and temptations, leaft they ftumble and fall. Likewife it 
 robbeth vs ofhumilkie, which (hould fo mortifie and bridle 
 
 our 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 our affections, that wcbc notmoovcd at anything that may be- 
 fall vs. 
 6. Temind It cxpcllcth the tranquilitie and peace of the minde , which 
 tbcioy$fsbt Chrift Iefus brought vs at his comming into the worlde , ani 
 left vs at his departure as the moftprecious thing he had : as al- 
 fo that fpirituall ioye and confolation , which enlightcneth 
 tbat darkcncfle which ordinalie affli&eth aCHRlSTI- 
 A N man, and many other rcliques of flnne, the pricks 
 and flings whereof hec often fceleth after his regenerati- 
 on. 
 y.Mdguw- It takcth away alfo that magnanimitie and courage, 
 witie, which doth not oncly confift in the refitting of the aflaults and 
 
 alarmcs of forraine enemies, but alfo in the beating downe 
 of thofe rebellious motions which would rife vp within vs, 
 if they were not brideled and ; kept in awe by rea- 
 fon. 
 %.Afj<xhil'itk. In like manner it taketh away that facilirie from vs, which 
 ftiOuld make vsfo affable vnto all men, that none fhouid feare 
 to convcrfe with vs, or fhculd not be grieyed to forfake vs. 
 9'Cmpatfion Moreover it bereaveth vs of all compa(Tion,which we ftiould 
 vie towards our neighbours to comfort them,and to begrieved 
 with them in their afflictions , to fuppdrrthem in their infirmi- 
 tics,to withdraw them for their errours, and to be forie for thofc 
 finnes which may happen either to bodie or foule . 
 tQiGravitk. And it tak*thawaygravitie,whichismoftvnplcafant,beeing 
 accompanied with choler, and fo maketh vs fir,cither to inftruc* 
 or correct fuch as are vnder vs, who mufi be taught their dueties 
 fticndelic^and exhorted to well doeing, rather byreafonthen 
 by rage. 
 + .Choi* is And in a word, there is nothing morccontrarieto that focie- 
 thecaufeof tie and humanitic, which (hould be among men, then this paflt- 
 thec9*fitftom on. .For it is as the rooteandfpringofthe greateftpartof the 
 and troubles tumu i tSiWarre s,partakings, brabbles, murthers^nd defolationt 
 tn thatareuuhe worlde. For ho we many mortaliand deadly bat- 
 
 tels have there beene for fmalltrifles?what troubles in the law? 
 what falling out among moftdeere friends? whatenimitie and 
 heart-burning haththisvnrulicaffc&ionbred? thegentleman 
 to revenge him felfe and Wreke his anger, felleth bngiveth away 
 
 his 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 45 
 
 his landcs, and often hazardcch bis honour, his life, and liber* 
 tic. The marchant Icaveth his trade, thehusbandemanfelleth 
 plough and cattell , the artificer bistooIes,andalltomaintaine 
 his fuitc a-gainft his enemie , and to fatisfie his owne angnc 
 minde. And the cafe is fo much the more lamentable, for that 
 iuch men arc accounted vertuous and of great courage; as 
 though CMoyfts, Davtd, and ChrM him felre, were leflc vertu- 
 ous then thefe men, or as thoughthcre were not greater com- 
 mendation in bearing wrong, then in an obftinatc defire of 
 revenge. And ijc is not fufficient for vs to love this vice, but 
 wee mud needes give it a good and vertuous name. Is 
 not E fay his prophecie verified in vs, that wee call c- 
 vill good, and good cvill? for wee live in thofe times 
 when as this fault is but too common ; for veritie a* 
 mong moft men is not regarded, and lyes and fables 
 are received as vnfallible truthes. Superftition is adored 
 in the greateft part of the worlde, and true religion 
 accounted as a late invention of ncwe vpftart wittcs. 
 And to come neare to our purpoie , milde and gende 
 behaviour is accounted faint-hearted cowardlinefie , and a 
 Revenging minde is honoured with the commendation of 
 a heroicall and noble fpirite. And if this were the errour 
 of the common forte, it might bee more patiently borne 
 witball: but the better fort (which is an exceeding fhame) 
 or to fpcake move fitlie,a defperate irapudencic,4oe approovc 
 it by their content. For if a man will endure the lie to be given. 
 him,as fearing the commaundemcntofGod, which fbrbiddech 
 revcnge,& therfore committcth his caufe vnto him,he is ftraighfe 
 noted with the brand e of infamic. If hec be a fouldiour, hee is 
 ftraight difgraced and thruft out as a cowardlic bcaft, 
 and one of no ftomacke or valour,, though in deccle therg 
 be none more valiant, then fuch as can yanquuTi their Owfic 
 affections , feeing they be the moft daungerous enemies yyc 
 have, and fo accuftomed to overrule vs , that they are al* 
 moft continually our maftcrs. I can but wonder tjiat among 
 fuch as carie the reputation of wife men , there fhould be a* 
 ny that woulde iudge the revenge of everie wrong, to 
 bee a noble and an heroicall aft ion. For (his U as if 
 
 on? 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 one fliould commend the difeafes of our bodies, or rhe brakes 
 
 xundrUfh andthiftlcs in our grounds. Buc the perturbations of themindc 
 
 militndti * are fo much the more dangcrous,by how much the remedies of 
 
 lainfl meg. them are more difficult . Would we not account him a madde 
 
 and furious man,that would fetfireon his owne houfe? and what 
 
 fhall we then thinke of him , that fetteth his owne heart on fire, 
 
 andburneth him feife ? S.zsfttguftwe fciththatas vinegerfpoy- 
 
 leth the veffell wherein it is kept , fo doeth cholcr marre him in 
 
 whome it aboundeth. 
 
 4. fooler dif Firft of all it troubieth his minde , and confoundeth all his 
 
 figuretbbody thoughts; next to this, itmaketh him ftammcr in hisfpeach, 
 
 andfoHlc. fometime fpeaking aloud/ometime low, with fuch hacking and 
 
 chopping ofwords, as his furious rage will not fuffcrhimtobe 
 
 vnderftood dike wife italterethand changeth his countenance, 
 
 it maketh him firowne, and his eyes flame in his head,rowling vp 
 
 and downe without ceafing, he biteth his lippes, he blufheth,he 
 
 waxeth pale,he ftriketh with his hand, he pulleth his garments, 
 
 and turneth his hatte fometime on this fide, fometime on that 
 
 fide, he goeth apace and forthwith ftandethftill,andftampeth 
 
 againft the grounde , every thing difple2feth,every thing often- 
 
 dethjhe goeth and commeth,and maketh as many countenan- 
 
 ccs,as doth the parafite on the ftage : but there is difference, for 
 
 the one is pleafant andgamefbme; the other as frowardeand 
 
 Matth.i.irf. ttoublefome: thefe men chafe at all they meete, without why 
 
 Nom.n! or wherefore. Herod in his anger murthercd the young infants; 
 
 27.19. Balaam fmote his afle, and wifhed a fword to kill her . Xerxes 
 
 TlutarchJH threatned feaandlande. /4\axtockz his fword to fight with a 
 
 ^^^flockeoffheepe. 
 
 SophecUs in And whome will they fpare , when as they will not llicke to 
 bistragedit fret and fume againft God, the time , and them felvcs , pulling 
 ofAkx* themfelves by the beards, who have not hurt them,! ike vnto dogs 
 which bite at the (tone that is throwne atthem,haying no pow- 
 er to hurt any thing elfe? They finite everyone they meete, and 
 fpare none , and there is no man which is not vtterly fpoiledby 
 this paflion. Everyone abhorrcth a wrangling and contentious 
 perfon; every one looketh carefully to fire,forfeareofharme: 
 arid/hall wc nottakeheedeofthischolerickepafTion,whichis 
 as dangerous as a flaming fire, wafting and confuming what Co 
 
 ever 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 4$ 
 
 fo ever it toucheth, and can not bec quenched but with 
 great difficultie, becing once but a litlc kindled. 
 
 And if fo bee the ruines and defolations of beautifull and 9 
 wcalthie cities, the dellroyingofcountreyes, the death of good ^boiler * as 
 men,the breach of lawe and juftice, the diforderand confufi- JLJJJJ! * 
 on of all thinges bemoftpitifuli and lamentable mifchiefes: therewith 
 whatlliall wecthinke of the caufeof alithefe? All our concu- Satan blow. 
 pifcences &luftes are as (hares for the devill to catch vs,& there ethvpfima* 
 is none of them more fitce thenCholler for toaccoplifhdivclifh n lM c ™fo 
 devifes, that is, tofovve difcorde, murthers, and (launders of 
 the trueth, and it is evident that tyrants and heretikes which 
 have bene the pillars of the fynagogue of Satan, and hisvice- 
 royes in his empire, have alwayes beeneveryechollcrickeper- 
 fons, peevidi, frowarde, felfe-willed, and fworne enemies to 
 all peace and quietnefle. Wherefore, if ( following the coun- 
 fell of Saint lames) wee will not fufferthis humour to dwell Iam^.ij, 
 in vs, wee muft walke in meekeneffe and gendeneffe. For as 
 the Devill is contrarie to light beeing the prince of Darkenefle, 
 andoppofethhim felfevnto the trueth beeing the father of lyes: 
 fo is patience and meekeneffe contrarie vnto him, being the 
 (pirite ofditTenfion and revenge. 
 
 We abhorre favage and cruell beaftes beeing afraide of 6 
 their homes, hoofes, and teeth : and there is nothing more ^wfetben ™ 
 fearefulltobeholdethena furious chollericke man, when hec w \idtU*flti 
 hath his harnefle on his backe, his fworde in his hande, his andtumeth 
 dagger by his fide, hisharquebuzeon his (houlder,who if he men into 
 were borne fo, as hee afterwarde maketh him felfe, he were the * mlu 
 ftraungeft and moft terrible moniler of all the worlde. Ought 
 Wee not then to efchewe this monftrous paffion, which doeth 
 not onely tranfrorme vs into beaftes, as Circes did Vlyffes com- 
 panions, but alfoturnethvs into devils? The Spirite of G O D 
 which hath regenerated vs, hath likewife tamed vs, and of 
 wolves hath made vs fheepe : contrariwife Anger reduceth 
 vs to our olde eftate, and of fheepe maketh vs wolves. Our 
 principall fcope, and the ende ofallour actions and counfels 
 fliouldetendetothe profite and benefite of our neighboures: 
 but Choller and immoderate anger tendeth wholly to their de- 
 ftru&ion. 
 
 H If 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 Ifchcn our a&ions be meafuredby their ende, ids impoflible 
 butthatwhatfoeverwc fpeakc or doe in choller, mould be out 
 of order; feeing it maketh vs decline and wander from a good 
 aide. A Chriltian therefore ought not tobeyrkefomcor trou- 
 blelomc, butplcafant and acccptablejfo applying him felfe to 
 the humours of fuch as he converfeth with, that his wordes and 
 actions may not give any iuft cauie of offence; otnerwiCe he fhal 
 neverknowe how to inftrudt, the ignorant, correct the offender, 
 comfort the comfortleiTe,or profite his brother in any fmal mea- 
 sure. For whatfoever proceedeth from afrowardemanisvery 
 bitter andvnpleafant,andasitwerefwcetemeat mingled with 
 bitter gall. Wherefore if we defire to fhew effectually that wee 
 are not borne for our felves onely, but like wife for the bencfite 
 of our neighbours, wee muftftrivcto be modeft and humble 
 minded, vimgallcurtcousand milde behaviour, whichismorc 
 forcible to perfwade,thenalkhe rigorousproceedingthatmay 
 be invented. Inaworde, we muft imitate our good (jod, with 
 whome(asDavidfaith / )isboth mercieandforgivenefTe. 
 is* pretty It is reported that the Sunac and the winde (landing at vari- 
 fibkfbev- a nce which oftheir forces were greateft, were in conclufion 
 
 / A O * 
 
 wg was ^ both contented to trie their might vpon apoorewayfairingma, 
 
 move avails an ^ having agreed, that he fhould be accounted mod puiflanc, 
 
 able then which could firft take away this travellers cloakc; the wind be- 
 
 thutbpmts. gan to puffeand blowe inmoftragingmanner,bearingdowne 
 
 treeSjhoufes.andGhurchcSjbut the poore man holding his cloak 
 
 with his hands, turning his batke to the wind,kept his garment 
 
 infpight of thefe raging blafts : which when the Sunne percci- 
 
 ved,ail*ayed an other way to winne the vittorie, and heating the 
 
 man by little & little with his hote beams, fo warmed this travcl- 
 
 ler,thatbyrcafonofhisgreatfweatinghewascontenttolaya- 
 
 fide his cloak.This is a fained tale. And yet vmlcr this,the oJd,wri- 
 
 tcrs would teach vs thus much;that the beft meanes to per/wade 
 
 Vbttarch in men is to be milde, gentle, andcurteous. PUto feeing the great 
 
 bUtnmfc of au ft er iti € f Xcnocrate$,&\& ofte exhorthim in the prelence of his 
 
 *^ fr * other fcholers to dofacrifice tothe£>vjr*/ 9 to the end they would 
 
 graunt him a more milde and cheercfull countenance, fearing 
 
 that his knowledge (houid bee altogether vn profitable, vn- 
 
 leffe his feveritie were mixed with fome moderate mikjetfc . 
 
 If 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 47 
 
 If then too much auftcrkie dothib hinder vs from bettering 
 and profiting other men by any knowledge that we have .• what 
 /hall wee fay of this waywarde andfrowarde affeclion which 
 whollie difgraceth all our actions, and as it were, quite fpoyleth 
 the completion of all thofe goodly and laudable vermes that 
 are in vs? for neither wifedome in counfelling, eloquence in 
 perfwading , nor zcale in reproovmg,can pleafe the humour of 
 the hearer, when as they are ferved with fiich angrie fauce . If 
 therefore we will have them pleafant, and fit for the edification 
 of ourneighbours,wemuftfeafon them with fweet and pleafanc 
 behaviour? and how fliouid wrath be acceptable in any man, 
 feeing in God him felfc it is molt fearefull ? Is not David 
 greatly afraide thereof when as he thuspraieth : OLordc, re- pfal.rf.r. 
 buke me not in thine anger, neither chaftife me in thy wrath. 38.1. 
 Andyet the anger and wrath of Godis al waies iuft, and there are 
 no affections in him, that may turne him eythcr to the right 
 handc or to the left, as are in men, who are never angrie for the 
 moft part , but are violently caried by affection, without rcaibn 
 or regarde . If then the anger of God be fo fearefull, though it 
 be mod iuft and reafbnable, how much more is ours to be avoy- 
 ded, which is alwaies corrupted and foured wkhthcleavinof 
 fome corrupt affection ? 
 
 We hate and abhorrc tyrannie, as the moft mifchievous and 8 
 daungerous evill that may bee ; and contrariwife, wee Co excee- ChoNcrisa 
 dingly love and efteeme libertie, that infinite thoufandes m P cru *N 
 of men have hazarded their lives, goods, wives and chil- 
 dren , to attaine and preferve it . Which if it be true , why doe 
 wee not as carefully me all thefe immoderate paflions , and 
 efpecially this , which tormenteth and crucifieth vs more 
 then all the reft? for wee have neither counfell, affeclion, 
 .worde, power, or part about vs, which it doth not imprifon, 
 and all to make vs wholly fubieft to her inordinate defires. 
 There arc many tyrants which vfe cunning reafons and coule- 
 rableperfwafions, to gayne that they would have of their fub- 
 jects , before they deale violently with them; but this tyrant 
 never vfeth other argument to perfwadc, but force and vio- 
 lence. 
 
 This cholet is as a mightietempeft, breaking themaftand 
 H 2 ftearnc 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 9 flearnc of our lives, leaving nothing to guide vs aright, and as 
 1th thegrea- it were a violent flood that beareth away all that withftandcth 
 ofaaofher^*' * tlszs ai ™g ntic thunder, a flaming hre, a double cannon, 
 For that*' anc * inaworde, as fitte a thing as the Devill coulde in- 
 there is a vcnt fince the creation of man, to bring all thinges to confu- 
 contrarietie (ion. If there were two beginnings of thinges, as Cfttancs the 
 
 iThof th J Chi °k ° f thc Manccnitcs have affirmed, the one good, the o- 
 md% tn erevill, this might well bec the feconde. Forthisistheprin- 
 cipall caufc of all diforder and confufion in the worlde, 
 and a veryc Antithefis or repugnauncic to everye good 
 thing, as maye eafely appearc by a companion ot the c£ 
 fe&es. 
 
 The propcrtic and nature of G O D is to create and pre- 
 serve; the nature of wrath is to fpoyle and deftroye. The 
 one gathereth together, the other fcattereth abroade: the one 
 comforteth, the other threatneth : the one healeth, the other 
 hurteth.- the one faveth, the other flayeth; and to bee fhorte, 
 there is as much difference betweene them, as is betweenc a 
 *ruell wolfe andacarefullftiepheard. Whereof it muft needes 
 followe, that if wee love God entirely as the Autour of our 
 lives, and of all whatfoeVer is requifite for the 'prefervation 
 of them, wee muft needes deteft Choller, as the greateft 
 enemie and principall caufe of mod of thefe mifchjefes 
 that may fhoitcn our dayes, and make them yrkefome vn- 
 tovs. 
 
 All thefe paflions and perturbations of the minde, as ambi- 
 tion, Covetoufnefle, pleafure, and choller, are very vnpleafant 
 vnto vs in another man, and wee care not howe little vvee con- 
 verfe with fuch as wee knowe are infected with them. Why 
 doc they not then difplcafe vs as much in our felves ? For as for 
 Povertie and corporall difeafes, wee fearc them more in our 
 felves then in our neighboures : but contrariwife the imper- 
 fections and perturbations of the fpirit, are more odious in them 
 then in our felves. If wee have but one childe, we are loath hee 
 fliould be governed by a foole, nor willingly would we com- 
 mit our carts to be driven by analTe-head, for feare he fliould o- 
 vcrthrow them; & (hall we notconfider that when we fuffer our 
 felves to betranfported by choller,wc comitour felves as it were 
 
 to 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 48 
 
 to be ruled by a furious perfon. And (as Saint 'j? Aftti faith) wee 
 feeme as diough we were troubled with a bre etc, and delight to 
 be galloping vp and dowhe we knowc not v\ hither. Ifrfpocratis 
 faith,that the difeafe is daungerous which changeth the coun- 
 tenance. What fhall we then fay ofthat which maketh fuch a 
 Metamorpholis of the whole bodie ? 
 
 Some may fay that all Choller is not alike, and that wife men x r 
 canfo cunningly diiTemble their anger, that it is a difficult mat- The more fe* 
 tertopeFceiveitjthis is true. But though it be covered, it is not cut that an* 
 quenched, no more then the fire that is raked vp in the afhes; & er u >* he 
 but contrariwi(e,it isfo much the more daungerous,and like vn- ™ ° r J lt ^' 
 to a difeafe that is fecret inthe bodie; for if it be reteined there a 
 while,ichatcfoethbatred,which by little and little (o con verteth 
 itfelfe into his fubltance, as in fhort time it becommeth vnfepa- 
 rable from his nature. And* hererore Saint /> Wcxhorteth vs not Ephef.4. 2 *. 
 to let the Sunnefetvpon our anger. When as ourenemieinva- 
 deth vs we feeketorepulfe him by allmeanespofnble,leaithee 
 friould let footing in our territories and neftle too neere vs; and 
 ifhe be entred,we are carefl'Jl To to impeach him, that he t'orti- 
 ficnothimfelfe. In like manner we mutt make fuchbulwarkes 
 about our hearts, that Gboller may no way enter: but if it happen lz 
 that it onceentreth, and lyeth fecretly in the corners of our Eecau f e } he 
 breattes, and thatitfurprife vsonthefudden,or maketh way ^nme^ 
 b) forCe,wemult foorthwith devife all the wayes we can to ex- inflrument 
 pell it asfoone as we may. Ifwc have eaten poyfbn, wee feeke inang&Jbe 
 foorthwith to vomiteitvpagainewithallfpeedej and if we be fiuetbtbis 
 faUenintoanydifeafe,wevieallthemeanes we canto provide do *™£ A 
 a remcdie : fhall we not likewifc if we feele any vnruly motions t \ mt „ c y- m ^ 
 of choller, and the fierie flames thereofto be once kindled in our bound toglo- 
 heartes,beascarerulltocoolethem, as we would be to quench rifiegodbotb 
 thefireonourhoufes? twdwht 
 
 The Chriltian man after his regeneration ought to betake Z* r m ,^ t \ it 
 
 him felfe wholly to the fervice of God, to glorifie him both in morecarefid- 
 
 bodieandmindc, fo much asispofTible.Ourfoulemuft comi- lyto confuUr 
 
 nuallypraife him with allthd power ithach, and our bodie with tho f e f aldtcs 
 
 all the partes thereof, efpecially our tongues and mouthes thlt * n p r 
 
 1 r i . • it- n J •!• . eaufetovs to 
 
 ought to bee principalhnlttuments particularly, as it were con- commu by 
 
 iterated and dedicatedtothe honour of God, whofegoodnelte ournrordc*. 
 
 H 2 we 
 

 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 vtcc ought to commcndc without ceaiing, and ciroll hi s 
 Name aloudc,as k were, with a trumpet: nothing ought to 
 procccde out of them but that which is holye and preci- 
 ous. For they are, as it were, the gates o£ Chriftian mens 
 heartes, which are the Temples and trcafures of GOD. 
 And therefore c Davtd fliewcth vs what is the duetic and of. 
 fice of a regenerate man in thefe wordes. Let the wordes 
 PfaLx^. 14. of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart bee accep- 
 table in thy fight. By $his and many other places wee may 
 gather, that the principal! vfc of our tongues confiiteth in 
 prayer and thankefgiving to, G O D .• and next to this, in 
 inftru&ing, in comforting, in confirming, and reprooving 
 our neighbours in all good manner that wee may. Plutarch 
 repOrtcrh, that Them^cles did cut off the head of a certainc 
 Grecian, who was fent of Embaifage from the great King 
 of Perfia, for that hee had taught the Barbarians his native 
 tongue , which might bee perverted to the harme of his 
 countrey. 
 
 What punifhment then doeth bcedeferve, who beeing 
 regenerated by the grace of God and made a newe creature, 
 (andtherefore ought tohonour him,andliVc according to his 
 wordc, (hewing all obedience both with heart and oodie^ 
 giveth his tongue (which the Holy Gho(t fhould have, to 
 make himfing out the praifes of God his Father) to fervethc 
 Devill, in blafpheming, lying, (laundering, reviling, fcoffing, 
 and fuch like thinges, whereto our anger provoketh vs ? This 
 onely reafon oughtto reu»oove all the gall and bjtterneflc O.ut 
 of our ftomackes, For what is there that wee ought to be fo 
 carefull of, as of the rtioft noble and excellent pane that is in 
 vs, and thai which GO D pnncipally requireth of vs? 
 whereby (hall men better knowe that wee are Chriftians, 
 then if wee be zealous of Chrises trueth? Are not thefc the 
 very true badgesand tokens of Chriftianitie, to fpeake of hea- 
 ven and heavenly thinges ? and as Chrift faith, to bieffe thofe 
 who curfe vs, and alwayesto fpeake of the praifes of our 
 6od?to meditate of him, and of his lawe, and to fet fuch a 
 watche before our mouthes, that no vile or filthie thing pro- 
 cecdc out of them, but fuch thinges as may tendc to the glo- 
 
 ric 
 
 . «< 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 49 
 
 rieof tfod, and edification of others as time and occafion 
 fcrvcth. 
 
 X>4^fetting out in his owne perfbn the duetieof a good ExmpUt of 
 man in this point, faith, I thought I will take heede to my godl/mctt y & 
 wayes that I finne not with my tongue , I will keepc my & cb & hal ? e 
 mouth bridcled while the wicked is in my fight. It is certen ^ in 
 that nothing fo evidently difcovereth the thoughtes of the pki.39. 
 heart, as the wordes of themouth. And therefore by them we 
 are either juftified or condemned. Ihcmtflocles in his banifh- Tlutdtcb i* 
 ment beeing with the King of Perfia, woulde never Ipeakc his bulifi. 
 opinion in the privie counfell, (whereto hec was often admit- 
 ted by reafon of his great wifedome and long experience, 
 both in matters of warre and peace) before hee had perfect- 
 ly learned the language of the countrey , faying that the 
 thoughtes and cogitations of amans heart are like vnto arracc 
 clothes folded vp together, whole pictures wee C3n not dif- 
 ccme, but as wee aretoldeby worde of mouth. Socram there- 
 fore thus anfvvered a woman who brought her childe vnto 
 him to knowe his opinion of her fonnes towardnes:let mec 
 heare(faich hee,) the childe fpeake : giving vs thereby to vn- 
 derftande, that the worde is the vcrie picture and rcprefen- 
 r«vsr\ of our thought, and that there is no better me anes 
 then this to knowe the very nature of the heart, and the con- 
 ditions of men,which hereby are tryed asracttallistryed in the 
 furnace. 
 
 What fhall wee then fay or judge of a chollerickc man,vn- ChoUernut* 
 derwhofe tongue Iurkcththepoyionof aipes, and from whofe k ethvs tobt 
 mouth as out of a grave procccdeth continually a wSk SScj 
 filthic and ftinking favour. Ifhccwhoin anger calleth his bro- a ^ mJit 
 therrbole, deferveth condemnation fas fl**ft him felfe tea- Matth.j.zi 
 chcth) what then deferve thefe frowarde fort of men, whofe 
 mouthes arc full ofbittcrnetfe and curfedfpeaking?Thc tongue 
 (faith S. lames) is but a litle member, butithath agreatpower. Chap.3.5,^. 
 It is a fire and a world of wickedncs: It defiicth the whole body, 
 &fetteth on fire the courfe of nature: It can not bee tamed: It is 
 anvnrulyevill & full of deadly poyfon. All which we muftvn- 
 derftand tobe true,when as the tongue is cvill governed; for if it 
 once plcaleth </od to rule and direct it by his fpirit,therc is no 
 
 H 4 member 
 
Vlutarcb m 
 his [fcatife 
 cf too much 
 [peaking. 
 
 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 member more apte to feruc him* Buc it is a very difficulte 
 matter for all men, and whollye impoffible for iuch as arc 
 enraged with furie and choller, foto bridle it, as it paffeth 
 not his boundes. It is reported in the Tripartite hillorie, that one 
 confeiTcd at his death, that with 37. yceresftudie he could ne- 
 ver learnc the firft verfe of the 3 9 Pfalmc, where T>4vtd faith, 
 that he will take heede that he offend not with his tongue, gi- 
 ving vs hereby to vndetltand, what a difficult matter it is to at. 
 taine to this vcrtue. Xenon likewife thinking nothing more ex- 
 cellent or more commendable then filence, thusanfwered the 
 Emb^fladours of Perfta> who demaunded what reporte they 
 would make of him at their retuine into their ownecountrey, for 
 that they had not heard him fpeake allfupper while, nothing 
 (faith hej but this, that you have feene an oldc Athenian keepe 
 filence at a great fea It, teaching vs hereby that it is no lefle diffi- 
 culty wifely to keepe filence, then to fpeake advifedly,and to at- 
 taine the one,we mull atchieve the other. 
 
 Choller knoweth not ho we to befilent, but is very rafh and 
 headie in every thing, whereby it happencththatthefehafhe 
 headdedperfonsrunne often into fuchdaunger as they never get 
 
 toaUten&of out " Abtmeiech being Captaine of the Ifraelites, having over- 
 
 mifchiefi. cometheSichemites laydc fiege vnto Tebez, which hec tooke; 
 
 Iudg.p. and feeing a great parte of his enemies had faved them felves 
 in a callell within the citie, in a great rage ranne thither to be- 
 fiege it, and comtuing very vnadvifedly too neere thegate to 
 fetiton fire, was molt dishonourably wounded by a woman, 
 who call a piece of a million e vpon his head, and fearing it 
 flioulde bee reported thata woman hadflainehim, caufed hrs 
 page to thrufthim through with his fworde, who might have 
 faved him felfe and vanquifaedhis enemies, if (with modera- 
 ting his wrath) hee had flayed a while, and left them to necefli- 
 tie, which woulde foonehave compelled them to render them 
 
 j.Mac.tf.43. (elves to his mercie. Eleazar the brother of Iudat jjltaccba- 
 bensy in the battell which was fought betweenethe lewes and 
 sAntiochtu Supator, perceiving that one of the Elephantes was 
 armed with royall harnelTe, and more excellent then all the 
 other beafles, fuppofing that the King fhouldc bee vpon him, 
 
 in 
 
 CboKericke 
 men runne 
 headlon 
 
 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 50 
 
 in. vy Inch conceit of his,and being violently caricd forward with 
 a defire of an immortal! name, rannc bouldly vnto him through 
 the midft of t he hoait 5 {laying on both fides till he c ame to the H- 
 lephants fcete, and then getting vnder him killed him with his 
 dagger,butthe Elephant fell downe vpon him, and there hedy- 
 cd, which was the lofTcof a molt goodly and glorious vidtoric 
 they might have attained, if their generall in a rage had not wil- 
 fully call away him (clf.Sbime/ perceiving in what great danger *'$* m * l 6>S' 
 David was, when Abfalom andthc people confpired againft 
 him , feeing him flee away in great feare and diforder, thinking 
 him to be vtterly caft downe, difcovered his mortal hatred long 
 before concealed in his heart,and to incrcafc the angttifh of his 
 minde , purfued him all along the mountaineof 'Bahurim with 
 curfedfpceches,throwing(iones andduft athim,asbeeingnot 
 ableotherwife tovexehira. But when as newes came that God 
 had given Davtd a great vicloric againilhis enemies, and that 
 he was returned with the lords and great men of his court; then 
 Shimei remembring his great offence, and the punifhmentdue 
 for the fame, imagined howe to purchafe his pardon,and thin- 
 king this to be the beft meanes,went and humbled himfclfe be- 
 fore the King,confefllng his fault , and craving pardon .- which 
 the King graunted vntill the day of his death,andthen charged 
 his fonne Salomon that he fhould not fuf&rthe gray beade of 
 Shimei to goe downe to the grave in peace: not to the intent he 
 woulde be revenged, but tofnowethe judgement of God to bee 
 rcadie tofalvpon allthofe,whoin a rage doe offer iniurie and 
 violence vnto other men. 
 
 Plentifull are the examples in profane hiftories,to proove the Sundrieex* 
 manifold dangers that men have thro wne them felves into , by am P les outo f 
 reafon of their headines.C///^ and CaUttbeues were the occa- ^j^ e bh 
 fion of theirowne dcitruc^ion,for that they had beene overbold <p\ U ra rc k i n 
 inrcprooving Alexander; whereas by modefi and humble ad- the lift of M 
 monition they might have reclaimed him, favedthem ielves, kxander. 
 and gotten the grace and favour oftheir lord and matter. C. Fla- -plutanh in 
 w/«/^andcJ^.cJ^f4r^//w,twoConfuIsofRome,both valiant thrVfiof 
 andhardie fouldiours, were notwithstanding in the ende both F*b*Max. 
 furprifed and overthrowne by Hanntbal y by reafon oftheir c- 
 vermuch fbtwardries and making too haf lie trial of their fortune. 
 
 Whereas 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 Whereas contrariwife Fabius Maximw 3 bc\noi more fober and 
 temperate captatne, never enterprifed anything but with great 
 advifednciTe, and with fuch deliberation confidered of the cir- 
 cumflances of each thing, that Hannibal could never entrappe 
 him in his ambufhes , though he placed them never fo cun- 
 Tbtarch in aingly. When Hteron King of Sicihe had murdered certaine of 
 bti trutift of nis friends, and the report thereof ran ne thorough the countrey, 
 tbedtjjerence Epicharmtu who vnderftoodc the matter, within a while after 
 gadtfntad. was bidden to fupper with the King, and by rcafon of his abun- 
 dance of choler he could not diffemble , but cried out as foone 
 ashefaw the King, and reprooved him for his infidelity and hor- 
 rible murthcr which he had committed,fayihg.' Why didft thou 
 not call me tothc facrifice thou madeft of thy friends ? Which 
 was thecaufc that he loft his owne life alfo, and by this meanes 
 made the tyrant more fierce and cruell then hee was be- 
 fore. 
 
 Plutarch alfo reporteth , that when TMonj/ifv the tyrant af- 
 ked the wife men of his court, which copper was the heft, *sin- 
 tipbon anfwered very rcadilie, that in his opinion that was the 
 mod excellent, whereofthe *At hentans h ad made th epi&ures 
 of the two tyrants, Harmoditu and *Arifttgiton* This was a 
 quicke anfweare and fpoken in anger, which notwithftanding 
 fo ftucke in the minde of the tyrant, that hee could never bee 
 appeafed but with the life of him thatvtteredit. Which vcrefi- 
 eth the faying of Quinttllian , concerning thefe bitter and cho- 
 lericke naturcs,that they had rather loofe their lives, then a bit- 
 ter gird. 
 
 The Phiiofopher Zenon beeing defired by the fameman,to 
 give him in marriage his two faire daughters; anfwered, that he 
 had rather fee them both deadc , then matched with a tyrant: 
 whereupon it enfued within a while after, hee beeing raooved 
 With the rcruiall,and thinking himfelfe injured in no fmall mea- 
 fure, commaunded to kill them both, and to carie their bodies 
 into their father houfc, to teach him to be more temperate in his 
 words, considering what raifchicfc may happen to a cholericke 
 man, and the daunger that enfucth of a worde fpoken at all ad- 
 ventures. 
 T/*riircfc in j^fa himfdfc, who by his wifdomc and prudent govern- 
 ■*V' me« 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 51 
 
 ment had faved Rome from the grcateft daunger that ever it 
 was in, was notwithstanding his owne deftru&ion, forthat hee 
 could not diflemblc his anger,but \\ould needs make trial] of his 
 eloquence, in afTayinghowe rhetorically hee could handle his 
 tongue, in making of invectives againft his enemies, and efpc- 
 cially againft *Antonie\ who in revenge , cut off his tongue 
 and handes, wherewith hee had written his rayling Orati- 
 ons. 
 
 Svguerrandde (JMarigny ,who had ruled Pb/Iip the ■ fajr eJRing Sxam^lemt 
 of France, and governed all the whole realme as he lifted, Co jp7' ww »* , - 
 Jong as the faid King lived ; after his deccafe, beeing demaun- ' 
 ded what was become of a certainefumme of money, which 
 was mifledjanfwered he had delivered it to Philip of VaJoys,thc 
 late Kings brother, which the young Prince denying,toldhimhe 
 lied : Enguerrand being a proud and choleric ke man, not refpe* 
 cling the greatneffe of the perion towhomehcipake,toldhihi 
 that it was he that lied: which word foilucke in the ftomacke 
 of this great Prince , that fromthat time forward he confpircd 
 his death, and never left him till hecaufedhimtobehanged at 
 t-Mountfancom % A moft notable example to make vs remera* 
 berinto whatdanger anger draweth vs, when as wee will needs 
 difcharge our ftomackes againft great ftates, who cannot abide 
 to be braved with words. 
 
 TheEarleofS.TW, ConftableofFrauncevnderL*#mhe Tbt€*le*f 
 xj. fas Philip de Comins reporteth) was the (boner brought to his S*TmL 
 ende, beeing apprehended by the King who beheaded him at 
 Parts , for that in his anger he had givewthe lie to a gentleman 
 of the Duke of Burgundies houfe, tor the which caule the faidc 
 gentleman never left him, till he had delivered him into the 
 Kings hands. 
 
 The Duke o(NemoHrs(yAidk memorie defervetk to be (bun- The 7>uiftf 
 dedwiththetrumpeof cternitie, after he had gained the riota>- *&Hm* 
 bit victories, and beaten downe the pride of the Spanyardes ac 
 the battel! of %avenna^ who were thought to be invincible^ 
 was mifcrablic flaine to the great and irreparable domage of 
 ihe French, who by his death loft thermite of fd goodlie a 
 
 y'l&o- 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 vi&oric, for that he followed too whotly fuch as fled fromthe 
 battelljeavingbehindc him an immortall fame of hi$ valiancie, 
 and withali an excellent admonition to all Generals, to carrie 
 them felves wifely and moderately , as welhnprofperitic as ad- 
 verfitie. 
 Afikel. Like wife Afahel(zs is mentioned in the fecond booke of Sa- 
 
 w^/Jwasflaine after thevi&orie, for that he followed the ene- 
 mie too whotly : which thing Lycwgiu did exprelTely forbid the 
 Lacedemonians. Shewing thereby that not onely in other mat- 
 ters,but alfo in warrelike affaires, the fureft and fafeft way was, 
 to be ruled rather by reafon, which is coole and moderate,then 
 by a flaming and furious paffion : which hath beene the occafi- 
 oncftheouerthrowofmightiearmies,asthofe of the Romanes, 
 rerent'm. which the Conful T'erenttu? had the leading of againft Hannibal 
 at (^awiai. Which thing hath in like manner dettroied moft no- 
 ble and auncient houfes in Italie, as appeareth by thofe factious 
 Guelphesand duTentionsof thcGuelpbes z.ndCjjbtltns y who majTacredoncan 
 Gibeltm. other by hundreds and by thouiands, without any other occafi- 
 on then being moovedtherto by this furious and obftin ate rage, 
 which the devill had filled them with,by thepcrmiilion of God, 
 who had given them over vnto him , to the endetopunifli thofe 
 vile and horrible finnes, wherewith their countrey was 
 polluted, 
 /y, / Yt \j e Who can remember all the great and be wtifull houfes, the 
 deflruSfion f a ' re an ^ ttately citties,the rich and fertile countries w hich have 
 of all things, beene overthrowne and turned topfeturve, with thiscurfed and 
 examples, abominable affection? zAbtmelech in his wrath having rafed 
 j.Kbimekcb t hecitie5/^w,wasnotcontenttherewith,but would low falc 
 u & 9A >' in all the territories thereof, to the ende to make it vnfruitfull for 
 z.rhofeof c ver - Gcdeon handled the inhabitants of Socoth and 'Thanuet, aU 
 Socoib,& moft after the fame manner : for that they refuted to give him 
 Tbawiel. and his armie bread , when he purfued Zda and lalmunna* In 
 Iud.8.16.,17. the time of thcEmperour Frederick^ Barbarojfa the citie of Mtl- 
 I'fMUlayne ^7» was wholly ddftroied, and pitifully confumed by fire, for 
 deftroiedby thatfome of the citizens in defpightof the Imperiail maieitie, 
 tbeEmoeror iiadcaufedxhe Empreffc to ride vponanoldemoylc, with her 
 Frederic^, face toward the taile, which fhe held in herhandinfteade of a 
 bridle, caryingher through the ftreets with great fcorne of the 
 
 behoU 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 52 
 
 beholders, vfing withall many irilolent and outragious wordes. 
 Which they paide for aftcrwardc with the deftruclion of their 
 whole Cittie, 
 
 The inhabitants ofthetowne of Dinan (which is a village fi- t^T^u 
 tuatedvponthe river of yl/^ 5 andvndertheiurifdiclionofthe ^LJ B l J m 
 Brfhop of Liege , tranfported with a deadly and mortall hatred g H „die t 
 they bare towards the Duke, made a picture as like him as was 
 poinble, dreflcd and adorned with his armes, and carried it to 
 Bovines which was not farre off,where in dcrifion of the forefaid 
 Prince, they drewe it through a moft filthie and (linking ditch : 
 and then laying it vpon a banke, faide to thofe of B&v'tnes with 
 great bitterne& of heart; Behold the throne of your drunken 
 Duke . Some of the wifer and more temperate fbrt,being great- 
 ly difpleafed herewith,fbrefeeing the great mifchiefe that might 
 enfiie,if they were not reconciled to the Duke,wrote vnto them 
 in moft loving manner,to exhort them thereto. Buttheybeeing 
 overcome with choler and extreme hatred,contrarie to all equi- 
 tie and reafon,killed the meiTenger, a thing not heard of among 
 the moft barbarous nations of the earth. Nay they proceeded 
 farther, for the citizensof Hovines considering that byreaibn of 
 their neighbeurhoode , the mifchiefes and calamities of warre 
 might fortune likewife to reach totheir citie,perfiftedftill in fbl- 
 liciting of them : and to this ende,fent a little childe vnto them 
 withlctters full of amiable and friendly perfwafions, to induce 
 them to reconcile them felves to the Duke ; but they tooke the 
 infantand like Lyons and woolfes enraged with furie, tare bhn 
 jnpieces. Whereby we may evidently fee,that the nature of this 
 patfion is to make men void of all humanitie, and to make them 
 mount, as it were, by degrees, from crueltie to cruekie, till they 
 come to the height of all impietie, and that God feeing thefiil- 
 >nefle of their finne, might make the blood they have ftied to be 
 powred on their heades. Which thing happened to thofe poore 
 rneaof 'Dwau, for the Duke caufed them to be thrown by cou- 
 ples into the river, then rafed and fpoyled their citie, that within % . The wb&- 
 threedaies after it Was fo defaced, that a man coulde hardly fay, bitantsof 
 that this was c Di»a». S23! *" 
 
 The condition arid eftatc of thofe of Arru y was not much j^LJ 
 better, who were befieged by King Lewes , for that during the vrmt*. 
 
 fiegc 
 
6Mrdeftx. 
 
 7.Jtexan~ 
 
 dria. 
 
 Z.Gavw. 
 
 - 
 
 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 ficge fome cholcricke and haftic pcrfons among them, in de- 
 fpight and mockagc of the French men, hanged their amies 
 vpona paire ofgallowes over the vvalles , where at the King,thc 
 Princcs,and the whole armie tooke fuch indignation, that after 
 the caking of the cittieand the execution of the principal! tc- 
 bek, thcyrafed tlicwalles thereof, drave out the inhabitants, 
 ,who were hanged in every corner of the land as rogues and run- 
 .nagates.' 
 
 bi And hath not the like happened to the citie oiBurdeux in 
 our age/or murthciing the Kings Licvetenant? was it not fac- 
 ked by the garrifons that were fent thither, their priviledgcs 
 and charters cancelled,their goods confifcate,their liberties fpoi- 
 led, and their fidelitie alwaies after greatly fufpected? And it 
 was ahappie turne for them , that the King was more moderate 
 in pun;fhing,then they were in offending. For there have beene 
 great and mightic cities facked and fpoiled for lefler offences 
 then this , as Ahxa»dria } w\\Qvc t he Emperour Caracalla caufed 
 the youth of the citie to be cut in pieces, for that fome of them 
 had fpoken evill of his comple<5tion and portraiture of bodic. 
 Howe often hath the citie of Guam beene deftroied,by rea- 
 fon of the haftic andfrovvard conditions of fome(by whom the 
 reft of the common fort who doe not confider things to come, 
 andlittleor nothing that which is prefent, and therefore areea- 
 illie drawne after) vnder pretext andcolourofakindeofzealc 
 they have to the common wealth, and a defire to defende the li- 
 berties and priviledgesof their countrie,oppofingthemfelves a- 
 gainft the difordinate and vnbridlcd arfe&ions of their Princes, 
 though in deede the authors of thefe rebellious tumults were 
 ftirrcd therevnto,through an ambitious defire of rule,and by this 
 meanes would have brought in a farre more infupportable ty- 
 rannic , then that they before reiccledPOne lames and Fbilip is 
 ArtevtRe two artificers , were the caufc of the deftru&ionof a- 
 bove 200000, as Fr^*^ reporteth, which thing as alfo many 
 other of like fort ought diligently to beobferved,to the end wee 
 may learn therby to efchew this dangerous &dreadfull paffion: 
 and may labourtopoiTefTe quiet and peaceable minds, confide- 
 ling thc ; rpifchicfes thatenfueof thefc tumultuous and trouble- 
 fome motions. 
 
 The 
 
 • 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 53 
 
 The fecond meditations of a mans heart, (according to the! it.cboler 
 old greeke proverbej are alwaies the belt and the founded. For *•'' notfuffer 
 time doth not ripen the fruits of the earth alone, but likewife aman ™*f* l r 
 our counfels and cogitations: and therefore as the fruit islong thatbeebutb 
 on the tree before it can be gathered, (b muft our deliberations todo.norwli 
 and counfels be in ourminds,beforc theybevtcered. Other wife, nptfistferbim 
 we mulhmnke ofthem,asofthe youngling that is borne before to f°^ ow ™} 
 the time: and fuch are the counfels vfually of a haftic headed) 500 
 man 5 and therefore David faith,th at fuch an one travcllcth with : Pfalmc 7. 
 wickednesxonceiveth mifchiefe, and bringeth forth a lie . And 
 that which is worft of all,they can neither ta kc good counfell of 
 them fclvesduringthe heat of thisfieriepaflficn, nor yet receive 
 any at other mens hands, forcholer ishkcawindcinthejjQciicv; 
 It puffetb vp a man and maketh him fo proud and arroganfc that 
 hethinkethnpdevife fo goodas hisowne. He is like Yntothoie: 
 whofecingtheirhoufes on fire, vnderftand not what is faidvn- 
 to them,by reafon of the noife about thcm,and the troublefome 
 cogitations oftheirowne minds. Where fore SSBafil compare; th 
 thefe angrie and pecvifh perfonsto fottifhdrunkardes, for that 
 both of them being void of reafon, arc not capable pf any good 
 inftru&ion. Speake vnto them gently, they doe not regard it.-.re- 
 proove them roughly, they are the more exafperated and be- 
 come more wilfull. Which wife men in former ages wifely o.b- 
 ferved,and therefore willed to let them alonc^vntil their furie was 
 pverpaflcd. For as many medicines do litle proflt,if they be not 
 applied after the flue be ended, fo can we not comprehend any 
 reafon, if with thefe tumultuous an4wubiefbmc motipps our 
 mindes be moleftcd and vexed. 
 
 Nowletvs confider what afearefulkhing it is,that wecannot ThtintoUe* 
 take good counfell when it is given vs. For it is as if a man were rablemifcbkf 
 readieto die for meat,& yet couldnpt cat* And we may cvictea£> * **^ r ' 
 ly fee that this abundance of \chpkr jejpjKflOt ©nejy bereave^s; 
 of our owne vndcritandirig ancliCounfcil^ut it will not fuffer y% 
 to take that which isoffered vsby others; and fo clofethour eyes 
 anddoppcth our cares., that wee can neither fee norheare that 
 which is profitable for vs. Thefe things becing well confidered, 
 every man ought carefully to take hecde and itudie diligently to 
 be fober & quietly minded^t efpecially princes 6c al other great 
 
 lords, 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 lords, whofe wrath and anger is fo much the more daungerous, 
 
 by howc much it is more mightie and more powerfully then the 
 
 furie of other men. 
 
 Who thofe i t - ls a d an g erous mifchiefe, faith an auncient Grecianjwhcn 
 
 wihtto be ** a inan tnatma y doe wnac ne will, will needs doc that which 
 
 mofl carefiill ii naught.For the wil & defireof man is like a foveraigne queen, 
 
 to avoid this which will be ferved and cbeied of all the parts of a mans bo- 
 
 fxfjmL di e |j anc j w m oni j t nothing that can be invented | to fatisfie her 
 
 luits and likings. What lamentable mifchiefe then will it breed, 
 
 if a Prince, who with the word of his mouth, ruleth his fubiccls 
 
 as pleafeth him,difpofcth of their goods, liberties,honours,and 
 
 livesashelifteth,withoutlet or contradi6tion,what lamentable 
 
 mifchiefe (fay I) will it breede, if fuch an one bepaflionateand 
 
 Pluearch. diftempered with choler. The Plahets,faith TIfttarch,ha\c their 
 
 motions fomuch the flower, by howc much the more they are 
 
 elevated in their fpheeres. In like manner, the greater and more 
 
 eminenttheauthoritieand dignitie of the Prince is,the more fo- 
 
 ber and temperate fhould be his affections. And in deede there 
 
 is nothing that lb bewtifieth and adometh authoritie,as mercie 
 
 and clemencie. 
 
 Tjtm the Romane Empcrour, beeing admonifihed by his 
 ftiendes that it was a diflionour vnto him , to promife to cveric 
 man (o lightly that demanded any thing of him, without confi- 
 deringfirft of the demand,and afterward of the meanes he had 
 to accomplifti his promife, made an anfwer worthie of everla- 
 fting commendation; and that was this : That no man ought to 
 be admitted to the prefence of the Prince, and fent away vnfa- 
 tisfied, no more then from the prefence of God,in the contem- 
 plation of whole goodncs confilteth all ioy and comfort. For 
 there is nothing wnerein he ought more to rcfemble God. For 
 God is full of mercie, patience, and long fuffering,and readic to 
 heare all that call vpon him faithfully; yea andthat,when as we 
 have moftgrievoufly offended him. And if he chaftife vs at any 
 time,it is done with greatmercie and clemencie. Forthoughhc 
 beangrie ycthc never forgettcth his mercie: fo like wife ought 
 Mercy amofi p t \ nccs to ^ oc wno re p r efent Gods perfon vpon earth, and 
 notable ver- . , . r .\ , r , . r , . . c r „ 
 
 are here as vilible gods, to be gracious and pitirull. 
 
 He muftneither have gallnorfting , but be like herein tothe 
 
 ma- 
 
 tue m a 
 prince. 
 
AGAINST ANGER. H 
 
 maftetBeev considering that (as the wife man faith ) there is 
 no ftronger bulwark eto defend his throne, and to maintaine his 
 authoritie,thcn iuitice and clemencie, Foritwas neuerfeene, 
 thatfubiefts were fo long kept in awe by rigorous and cruell 
 handling, as by milde and gentle dealing, which hauealwaies 
 gotten the hearts of the people. And by this m canes wife and 
 prudent princes haue made all their fubie&s a moft ftrong gard 
 to keepe their bodies. Yea, the very Tyranous themfelues haue 
 thought this to be the onely fafe and fure way to Hue in peace t.foofatf 
 andiecuritie. For Senee* reporttth that Nero refufed to figne pktic. 
 thefentence ofdeath, which the Senate hadgiuen againft a no- 
 torious offender, and that thrife together, and at laft feeing him 
 felfe lo inftantly vrged thereto, to the end he would be thought 
 a mercifull and pitirull prince, wifhed he had neuer learned to 
 write: knowing foil well , that clemencie isthe'principallverrue 
 which makethaking tobeloued and honoured : and if they 
 haue any vices and imperfections, bythismeanestheyarcin a 
 manner hidden and nothing at allperceiued, or at the leaft 
 moreeafily borne withall, as we may cafily fecin the ex- 
 amples of David and C d f AYX for vnder this cloake, themur- ^ w 
 ther of the one, and the ambitious defire ofthe other wasfb pi march in 
 couered, that notwithstanding both thefe faults, they were ac- his Hues, 
 counted the moft mercifull and gracious princes that euer were. 
 /«//*« the «^p0/?*ta played the fame part: for to the intent hee 2070m. lib. 
 would not be counted a perfecuting tyrant, he dealt more cun- j.cap.r^ 
 ninglythenhis predeceffours, whohad no more pity of Chri- if,i& 
 ftians,then butchers haue of their beafts. But though hehadas 
 deuilifhaftomackeasthereft, yethe wentclofely and craftily Ammlan. 
 to worke, (hewing a kind of mercy and clemencie: by which ^ arcc,lm f 
 mcanes neiodiiguiiedhis cruekie , that among many writers ot k crs< 
 heisplacedin therankeofmildand moderate princes. 
 
 When as Athcn&dortu that great Phdofofher and mafterco 
 a^mnflm Cefar would needs takehisleaueoftheCourt, and ^ ot t c [ n " 
 Diatne£,«fp^t?«radiew,totheend he might fpend the reft oi p r - mccs a . 
 his daies in quietnelTe( for that by reaibn of his extreame age galnfl cbolicr 
 he could no longer endure the labours and trauels ofthe Court) 
 the Empero:tr defired him that before his departure , he would 
 fet him downe fome (hortand compendious rules , fuch as hee 
 & I thought 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 thought might be profitable for him in the gouernment of his 
 Empire. To which requeft Athenodorut anfweredin this man- 
 ner , Doe nothing when you arc angry , and iflt happen at 
 anytime that you be mooucd, determine of nothing before 
 youhauefaidethe Greek* Alphabet onyour fingers ends, and 
 by that rime reafon (hall be able to teach you what to doe. 
 Whereby we are admonifhed, that temperance is the moft ex- 
 ^o^virf^T eelientvertue of all others. Tericles in like mancr beingready 
 to die , hearing his friends that were about Tiim, fpeake oThls 
 worthy and memorable : a£tes, fome remembring his notable 
 victories and great fpoiles gotten of his enemies, others his pru- 
 dence and dexterity in managing the affaires ofthe common 
 vveakh,fome his eloquence in peri wading or diflwading what- 
 foeuerheliked,othershismagnifical& fumptuous buildings,the 
 wife & difcrete gouernmet of his houfe, others alfo comending 
 other things: What?(£ajtMre) and fajryou nothing of this, that 
 I neuer caufed any man to weare any mourning garment by my 
 meanes? giuing vs thereby to vnderftand, that he neuer was an 
 occafionofanymans lbrowingalihis gouernment,& withali 
 that clemecie is the moil excellet vertue of all other in a prince. 
 S.Panl faith, that they be the minifters of God for the cofort 
 & good of his people : and if they caufe any to feare them, they 
 Rom. 13.4. ftoaldbefuchasareeuilandnorthegpod: and in no wifemufi 
 they refemble the barbarous and heathen Empcrours,whowill 
 not fuffer their fubiecls fomuch as to fee them, as though they 
 were Hafihfkft which kill as many as behold them . Itismoft 
 true that Salomon faith,that a wife king winketh at the offences 
 ofhisfiibie6ts,& by that meanes driucth away alldifloyalty that 
 is lodged in their brefts. Which fpeech is not contrary tq that 
 before (poke. For I fpeak only ofthem who are fo proud & hafty 
 headed, that they thinketotumc all topficturvie with the blaft 
 ofthcirmouthes,&takeapleariH:e(asdidkingD^w^/r;/«Jtobe 
 called deftroyers rather then builders oftownes&cities:& in a 
 word,thefe men arc fure to be hated, fo long as they are thus re- 
 doubted & feared. And yet there is no better way to keep me in 
 a we,thcn whe we vnite a modeft & temperate life , with a decet 
 & fecmly grauitie. For this ingendreth (hamefafinesinthe harts 
 ofthe fubie£ts,& fhamefaftnefle makcth them fearful! to offend. 
 Wherfore, as they feeke for nothing but to be honored/crued, 
 
I AGAINST ANGER. 5? 
 
 & obeyed ofthcir fubicc"tv,fo there is no better nor readier way 
 to attaine this their defire ,then to {"hew themleiues miid^gentle, 
 & mcrcifull ,euen in thofe pumfhments, which are due to offen- 
 ders: whercinthey mutt be like to skslfull furgeons , who when 
 they will (care or cut off any putrified or rotten member, vie to 
 dealc tenderly, gently,aqd in as mild maneras pofhblymay bcr 
 thereby tocotort their patient, & to diminish his painc.Soiike- 
 wifeaprincetomitigatctherharpnesofchcpb.in, which is often 
 due by rigorofLaw,muftmixtequity& moderation therewith: 
 /hewing both in his words & countenance a commiflcration 
 towards cheoffender, who riotwithftanding by reafonof his 
 cuill del crts by force ofhis Lawes mull needs be condemned. 
 
 Andamongotherthingshcmuftbeverycarcful,thatherjbl- Examples of 
 low notthefe tyrannical & cruell fpiritSjW'holoue nothing worf cruelnawres 
 thentobemouedtopuy& copaflion, zsPb-ilaris&. Alexander i* tyrants* 
 Pbereiis, who vnderftading that there fhouldbe tragedies plaid 
 beforethem, departed forth with from the 7/^/<r/,fearingthey 
 (Louldtake copai^on of thofe miferies which fhouldbe repre- 
 Tented by the aClorsrnor thofe alfo, who take a pleafure to inuet 
 new & exquifire punifh r*ets,as didC.Calgx/a, who put to death 
 his fenators & fuch as difplcafed him,by pricking the with fhaip 
 penkniucs,to the end (faidhe)they mayreele death. As alio AV- 
 ro.who reioyced to fee Rome on fire,& all things eh in the world 
 tobefpoiled. And likewife Vttelltns y who not long after the 
 battell that he had with Ot ho t (n\c\\ing the (linking fauor of the 
 dead bodies which were (lain in that fight/aid to his frends that 
 were about him,that the death of thole citizens was as a fweec 
 fmell inhis noftrcls . Wherein he (hewed himfelfrather to hauc 
 a wolvifh nature,who take pleafure in the right of dead carkafes 
 then of a man which is borne to be merciful & ful of humanity. 
 Scipiothc great(tbe paragon of al nobility inhis time)cariedan g^mplet 
 other mind . for anfwering one of his captaines who tolde him 
 that with the loite of 2 or 300 of his menhe might win the city 
 which he then beiieged^faid^c had rather faue one citi?en,the 
 deftroy a thoufad enemies. In like maner,itis the duty of a good 
 prince to defend,cherifli,prefcrue,keep,fupport&c6fort al pore 
 &defolateperfons , c^tobeaAitwereafandtuarytofuchasare 
 purfuedjwhertotney may retire without dager. One being defi- 
 roujtocoroend Phtiip king of M#*4tofiS$]n. at he haddeftroicd 
 
 I 2 the 
 

 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 the goodly city Oiinthia. What (aid a Lacedemonian that ftoode 
 by -And hath hee buildedfuch an other? giuingvs thereby to 
 vnderftand,that it was more honorable for a Prince to build vp, 
 then to deftroy . For who is there thatcan notdeface the moft 
 beautifull paltoce of the worlde , and fet fire in euery towne in a 
 whole kingdom? but there are but a few that can buildthem vp 
 againe. A tree that hath bene growing an hundreth yeresmay 
 be cut downe in two hourcs . Which thing ought to mooue 
 princes and great potentates, to get honour and immortalitie 
 by their well doings,rathcr then by the mine anddeltrudtion of 
 common wealthes. 
 
 It is furely a glorious thing to be accounted pitifull, as was 
 the Emperour ^ntonin, and Lewis the fonne of Charlemaine: 
 Or father of the people, as was Auguftwi and Lewis the 1 2 king 
 oiFrxttce: Ora preieruerofthe country, as was Herculesznd 7. 
 Flaminitis: Or good, as was Traian : or iuft, as was usirifhdcsi 
 or a peacemakers was Sahmon.Thcfe are the true titles,names 
 and commendations giuen to God,which he liketh,andtuch as 
 Plutarch in are as great as tmy be . StUa being c DtttatottY thought himfelfe 
 hisliaes. happic,thathehadpreferued the citieof Athens, although it 
 had refitted him, and would in no wife be reuenged of the re- 
 bellion it had made againlt him. ^Pompey after the death of 
 Sertoriw hauing the letters and aduertifements of his friends 
 in a cheft,wnich was fent vnto him during the warre,threw them 
 all into the fireand woulde notfufTer any man to read them, 
 fearing they would be an occafion (till to nourifh difceniion 
 in the citie. The like did lulms C e f Ar a ^ ter tne victory had at 
 P£4r/tf//rf,whenas his enemies letters were brought vnto him. 
 The like is reported of Lewis the 1 2. who vnderitandingofthe 
 death of Charles the 8. by reafon whereof (for that hee was 
 neercft of blood) he was to fucceede in the kingdome, forth- 
 with kneeled downe and humbly thanked God for fo great 
 mercy beitowedvpon him, andwithall defired threethingsof 
 God, the one of them was this, that he might neuer remem- 
 ber the iniuries ottered him by his enemies. Wherein both he 
 and the princes aforenamed deferue greater commendation, 
 then for any victory or conqueft obtained of their enimies. For 
 there is not a more noble or heroicall mind, then that which va- 
 liantly 
 I 
 
AGAINST ANGER, 56 
 
 liantlyouercommeth hisownepaflions& affe&ions, not more 
 beaucifull monuments, then fuch as weercc't ofourfelues, nor 
 more magnificall & fumptuous triumphes, then when wc caufe 
 ourflelhand concupifcences to be led before inchaines, ask 
 were,(lauesandcaptiucs. 
 
 L et vs conclude then,that there is n o vertue tha tmore mag- ^T ncjt '{p t 
 nifieth & exalteth the maietty of princes, then clemencie, being wtuein * 
 wifely difpenfed.For it mult not be waited & prodigally fpent, bngs&prin* 
 no more then our riches, but prudently & carefully forefeeneto cesfo that it 
 whom it be diitributed.For if magiftrates,to the end to feeme pi- be **fty W' 
 tifull, will tolerate theeues, murtherers, & feditious perfons in ^ e ' 
 the comon wealth,they fhalbe (indeed)molt cruell: feeing that 
 (as S. Auguffme faith)there is no greater or more dagerous cru- 
 eltiethen fuch kind of pity & clemencie. It is a miferable thing 
 (as faid the fenatour Frontus) to Hue vnder fuch a prince,which 
 will not fometimc remit the rigour of his lawes: foisit amore 
 wretched life to liue in that cuntry where all things are lawfull, 
 and where through apufillanimitie and carelefnefle ofminde, 
 things both againlt law and rcafon are eafily remitted. 
 
 Cljari/lw^J^edem^ co- r £ r ^(Cr>*J\ 
 
 paflion & pity towards all men : how (faith hej is it poflible he & lets******* 
 fhould be good, feeing he is mercifull to all ? Princes ought to ' 
 follow the cxaplc ofGod him felfe, & to gouern their fubie&s as 
 he ruleth his people: whofe goucrnment D^Whath notably 
 defcribedinthei8Pfalme: & thus fpeakethvnto God, With 
 the godly thou wilt /hew thy felfe godly with the vpright ma thou wilt 
 /hew thy felfe vpright: with the pure thou wilt [hew thy felfe pure , & 
 with the froward thou wilt /hew thy felfe froward: thou wilt faue the 
 poorepeople, & wilt cafl down the proud lookes. Being not withftan- 
 ding alwaies more enclined to pity then to feuerity & entiling 
 as it were men torefbrme their Hues by his long fufFering,rather 
 then to conftraine them by violence or by threatnings.For ma- 
 lion & fearing are alwaies the laft & extreame remedies which f\ 
 are vfed,& neuer pra&ifed but vpo neccflary & vrgent occafios. ^ notabte l ■££ 
 
 The ancict/tm/vfed a mod laudable fccomendablecultom S;{^'T^ 
 in their iudgemets.For if there were cotrouerlies of inhcritaces, wberof great Pr^^. 
 moueables,or any other temporall goods,they made an end of potentates 7 ^ 
 the matter forthwith aflbon as they had heard them:fo did they W"S* 
 like wife in criminal! caufes, when as it appeared bycuidence SP° dv fi % 
 
 I 3 that 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 that the party accufed was not gvulty: but if he were guilty ,then 
 would they delay the time 3 or4 daies before they wouldgiue 
 fentence, though the fault were apparat. Declaring ther by how 
 dearc mens hues ought to be vnto vs,& how forowful we ought 
 to be,when as by reafon of their wickednes,they conftrain vs to 
 cut them off, the better to prcferue the ftate an dquietnes of the 
 common wealth. I am not ignorant, that fome delight to fhew 
 themfelucs maruelous bote in reprouing other mens faults, and 
 wil.not only excufe this their heate,but alio comend it as a great 
 & noble vcrtue,attributingthcrto the name efzeale,& blaming 
 al inch as wil not proceed withiike bitternes.For that(fay they) 
 through theirdifTimulation,theydoasit were,flatterthe wicked 
 intheirnaugluines.VVhichfayingfeemethtocaryagoodfhew. 
 Notwithllandingitis certen,that vnder this colour many couer 
 (undry difordinateand lawleflearTe6tions:& the greatefl: num- 
 ber are more fevere cenfurours ofvicein others,thein thefelues. 
 We haue now plentifully difcourfed of the effects ofcholerjet 
 vs now fpeak of the principall caufes wherof it is engedred : for 
 thele being well vnderftood,itfhalbemoreea(ieto avoid ir. 
 Pride is the principall caufe & that which makethvsmoftof- 
 Thefecond ten to fall into this peeuifh and fro ward humour . For we neuer 
 fartdifcour- fee an angry man, but he is proud ,difdainfu!l, and very prone to 
 fiihoftbe frowardnes,avToone as we offend him:and the reafon is ; forthat 
 ^cau^sofan- ne tnm ^ cetn ne ^ s contemned,or notfo honoured as he defireth. 
 gerjbefirft What wasthe caufe that foincenfed Nabxchad>iez,z,ar 9 as that 
 whereof is in his rage he comanded to caft the 3 yong me into thefornacc, 
 pride. f or tnat tnev Fe f u fed to worfbip his image ? Was it not his proud 
 
 •Dan.3.13. andcrueihearf^hichde^^^exceffjuehonorjandareuerence 
 due vnto God himfelf, & could not indure to be denied thereof 
 Sophocl. in with any reafon whatfoeuer? In like mancr the ambitious & af- 
 Aiax. piring mind otAiax was the only caufe(as appeareth in his tra- 
 
 S neclib2 g ec ^ c ) that he fel into an extreme rage & deadly enuie,confide- 
 cap.36. ' ' r ^ n g that the Greekes\&& preferred Vljjfesbefoic him, &that 
 they hadgiuen him the armour of Achilles, as a reward of his 
 valour and notable wifdome. And that which foincenfed Ale. v- 
 rtzw&ragainfthis beft friends, proceeded of nothing els, but of a 
 prefumptuous and arrogant mind , againfl which theyoppofed 
 Lib.f.cap.?. themfeIues./^////> fimmiw vemebring the caufes that bred the 
 ouerthrow of Charles Duke of 'Burgundy fakh,that the principal 
 
 defire 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 57 
 
 defirehehad,wastobeequallin glory with the potentates of 
 old time.- which made him ready to fall out with his neighbors, 
 and to pick quarrels for light cauies , and that with thoie, who 
 
 knew better to manage their actions then he did. 
 
 If then it be fo, that anger is ingendred of pride , there is no rbe remedie 
 better way forto auoidit & toliue quietly with all men, then to again/! pride 
 be meeke and humble minded. Mofes hearing his brother,fifter, * tobe iow!h 
 and all the people reprooue him without c aufe, was not angry, 
 tor that he had a milde and temperate fpirit: whereas many ha- 
 iling fo great authority as he had, and withail a proud & hautie 
 heart,would forthwith haue bin incenfed and fought meanes to 
 be reueged. David was no whit moued with thofe great wrongs 
 that Sbttxet offered him, for that in great humility he acknow- ' &c . * 
 ledged that it was fo ordained ofGod to trie hispatiecc,though 
 that his men were angry therewith, &that Abijhai among o- 
 thers,wasfo incenfed, feeing fo great outrage ofrred totheking, 
 thathcdefired licenfe to goe and cake away the head from that 
 curfed traitour. Whereby we may clcrely fee,the difference be- 
 tween the humble andhauty minded,and howioone the one is 
 more ready to vexe & difquiet then the other. lob was fo patient chi»4,i ». 
 in all his troubles, that (hauing loft his goods, his children, the 
 health ofhis bodie,the company and confolation of his friends, 
 yea,and that which is more, mocked and (corned by themj was 
 no whit vexed with all this, but reafoneth with them, & anfwe- 
 reth all their calumnious &flandcrousfpeech without any chol- 
 ler,& as quietly as he was wont to do in his greater! profperity. 
 & there was nothing that perfwaded him to this mildnes, but a 
 lowly & humble minde, which made him confeffe & acknow- 
 Iedge,that he was nothing but 6ui\ and afhes.Wherofit procee- 
 ded alfo, that thrift Iefw himfelfe & his Apoftles folightly re- 
 garded the iniuries & wrongs offered them of their enemies: & 
 thatiiuingin fo great contempt in this world,being nothing but 
 a byword to the wicked, they were neuer moued with allthis stable ex- 
 difhonour, but accounted themfelues more happy and more amplesofmo- 
 reioyced in this,then did al their enemies in their greate ft glory, deftie among 
 And totheend that we fhould notthinkc that thefe were *ke heathen, 
 
 efpeciali and lingular graces eiuen alone of God vnto thofe c- tothe l"f™ e 
 1 n l • °r r » i ni i r andconMton 
 
 lcct& choice perlons , we.mayrind many amongthePhilolo- f man L\^ 
 
 phers, who being huble&modeft minded, had almoft as great fians. 
 
 I 4 patience. 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 Lacrtius in patience* Socrates never changed countenance for any wrong 
 the life of vvhat foever was offered him: in fuch fort that by feeing him,it 
 ocratcs. cou \d not b e difcerned whether he had occafion to be merric or 
 fad; in fo much as at home and abroad, in health and in ficknes, 
 inlibertieandinprifon, hewasalwaiesthe fame man without 
 Plutarch in alteration. "Diogenes being feoffed at for his rufticall and vncivil 
 km difcourfe behaviour : Say whatyou wilffaith he)it mooveth me not at all: 
 of anger. thereby fhewing with great gravitie, the vertue and conftancie 
 of hisminde,and that it is a difficult matter to make a true Phi- 
 lofopherangrie,who feeleth no more the iniuries offered him, 
 then a dead man feeleth the prickings ofalaunce or fword.For 
 the prefumptuous and hauty fpirit is dead in him,which maketh 
 men feele,and that foquicklie,e very litttle wrong that is offered 
 il.boofy. them. Elian reporteth that a certaine man being outragioufly 
 \uWmL mi hfed with contemptuous and rcprochfull fpecches, and that 
 in the prefence of a great many, carried notwithftanding fuch a 
 ioyful& affured countenance,that he was no more moved ther- 
 wich the a rock agaift which the waves of the fea beat cotinually 
 Plutarch in Pl*to endured many wrongs in the court of Dionyfuu thety- 
 the life of rant.as well of himfelfe (who having a barbarous fpirir, vfed of- 
 'Dionyfius. ten to infult over him with proud and arrogant fpeechcs)as alfo 
 of liis other Courtiers and flattering para(ites,who could not en- 
 dure the excellent knowledge and wonderfull graces that were 
 in this Philofopher , and yet wee cannot reade that ever he was 
 once mooved one iotte at all with them for it,nor yet was wca- 
 rieof his houfe, fo long as he had any hope to profit them in his 
 Laertius in wifdome. sAriftiyyus put vp greater wrong at this tyrants hand. 
 ^ z - bo fK e For he contrarying and oppofinghim felfc fometimes againft 
 Ariftip *" s vnbridled affections , feeking to rcpreffe them by fundrie 
 good andphilofophicallperfwafions, did the more incenfethis 
 Darbaroustyrant,whohke a yongcolt at the flrft handling refu- 
 sing both bit and bridle, or any meanes that may tame him,be- 
 gan to vfe him more extremely then before; which did notwith- 
 ftanding in no whit ftirre the philofopher,but with great mode- 
 ftic mildly anfweredhim in this manner: That if fifhers were 
 contented almofttodrownethemfelves, to catch little fi(lies$he 
 ought not to fticke to wcttchim felfeto catch great falmons. 
 I would to God,that wef who are Chn/itans^nd doe bragge 
 to our great fhame, of our knowledge of good and cvilJ,& vaunt 
 
 of 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 
 
 J8 
 
 of a better hope of the life to comc,the had thefe poorepaynims) 
 would imitate them in their vertuesjn the Jove,inthc ftudie and 
 pra£tife of thefe glorious actions which we fo greatly commend 
 in thcm,and fo often repeat to their great glorie,and no fmall in- 
 famie to our felves.How many fhall we find informer ages who 
 did mod notably refift the iniuries offered them ? But wee are fo 
 fro ward,that is to fay,fo bafe of heartland yet fo proudly concei- 
 ted and puffed vp with a vainc opinion of our felves,oftcn times 
 without caufe, and for the moft part for indiflerent things, as ri- 
 ches,ilrength,beautie,gcntrie,and reputationjwe prefume,I lay, 
 fo farre beyond meafure,for thefe and the like traniitorie things, 
 that we are not fo fooneftirred, but we will ftirre againft King 
 and Councell, high and lowe, and miniiterfufficient matter to 
 Poets to make nc we Tragedies, 
 
 But peradventure fome man wil fay , that the reafon why thefe 
 Philofophers did fo patiently beare thefe wrongs which were 
 offered them,was,forthat they wanted abilitie to revenge them 
 felves* Whereto I willnotanfwer, that by reafon of their great 
 knowledge and eloquence, they might have left thcmcmoriall 
 of their friends by their writings eternifed forever, and have de- 
 famed their enemies to all pofterities, which in my conceitis the 
 greateft revenge that may be. But I fay that not onely thefe pore 
 paynims w r ere lowly and patient , but even mightie Princes 
 have imitated or rather furpafled them, as Anttgonus who being 
 in his tent and hearing his fouldiours fpeakeevillofhim, went pi urarc j,^ 
 forth and bade them goe further off,that he might not heare the, fa Apoch. 
 We need not demand here what he might iuftly have done,nor 
 what they deferved, nor yet what many of our Captaines would 
 haue done in the like cafe;but rather let vs confider the example 
 of this mild Prince, & ftudie to follow him,and to reproove our 
 fcl ves as often as w« are prone to anger, & ready to revengecve- 
 ry wrong that is offered vs, feeing wc arefloweynough to reco- 
 pence anypleafare that isdonevntovs. The fame Zdntigontu 
 while he was befieging a citie,hard fome of the befieged mocke 
 him,forthat he had a deformed countenance: while for the pre- 
 fent he anfwered nothing but this: thatin his owncconceit hee 
 was faireynough. But not long aftcr,having gotten the citie,hee 
 tooke alfo the feoffors, and to chafHfe them for their faults hee 
 fold jhem as flayes, and advifedthem not to fcornehimany 
 
 more, 
 
Plutarch. 
 
 Plutarch. 
 
 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 more,if they did,he would tel their matters. Wherein he Chewed 
 a marveilous moderation as well at the prefent laughing attheir 
 pride,as alfo not long after in punifhing their fault. There was 
 alfo an auncient Grecian named Arai&ton, who fpake evill of 
 'Philip o£ Macedoniewhcrctocverhc became, which when the 
 Kings friendes vnderftood, theycounfelledtheKingto punifli 
 him feverely, to the example of all others. But this good Prince 
 (contrarie to thefafhion and cuftome of many in thefe daies) 
 was more milde in punifhing thefe indignities offered him. For 
 meeting on a time this common backbicer,fir(t fpake very gent- 
 ly vntohim, after conferred with him private!y,beeing departed 
 ftom him, fent him home great and riche giftes. A two or three 
 moncths after he enquired ofhis friendes,what Arcadwn faid of 
 him,who anfwered that they thought no man in the world fpake 
 more honourably of the King, then he did. Whereto the King 
 anfwered , that hee well perceived he was a better phifitian then 
 they all,andthat a difcreete and moderate mildnes,is often times 
 more fbrceable to correct mens corrupt manners, then haftie & 
 froward dealings. The fame King being advertifed(as there are 
 fome al waies about Princes that are more prone to incenfc them 
 to choler ,then to pacifie their anger jthat there were feme at the 
 Olympian games, that in their fports did often touch hisroyall 
 maieftie, and that very tauntingly, contrarie to their allegiance 
 and duetie/inrefpedt ofthe great benefits he had don vnto them, 
 and therefore they deferved fevere punifliment. What(faid the 
 King)if the Grecians having received fb great ayde and comfort 
 of mee , yet will fpeake evill of me; what would they doe,if I 
 fliould doe as youcounfell me? He that will wellconfider the 
 power and might that fo great a King had to revenge himfelfc, 
 and withall die occafion that was offered by the importunitie, 
 ingratitude,and weakens ofhis enemies,as alfo the counfell and 
 pcrfwafion ofhis friends, which incenfed him to be revenged .- 
 finally in refpedt ofhis honour and dignitie, which feemed to be 
 diminifhedindifTemblingfuch aniniurie,muitneedes confefFe 
 that his conftancie and mildnes was wonderfull, and worthie to 
 be remembred for ever of all great ftates. It is reported that the 
 comicall Poet Phdemon, having difgraced CMagus vpon the 
 flage,as it is an vfuall thing for players to do,who are ruled more 
 
 % by 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 59 
 
 by afreclionthenbyreafon; this honourable perfonagcfto the 
 ende that fuch rafh and headic dealings fbould not goe vnpuni- 
 fhed,and on the otherfide tc (hew the mildnes and gentlenes of 
 his mindyfirft fentone of his fouldiours to thepartie,willing him 
 that he fhould touch the edge of his fword : giving him thereby 
 to vndeiftande into what daunger he had cait himfelfe, by his 
 lewd tongue: and prefently after him fent another of his fer- 
 vants to carie him a toppe and afcourgc, (hewing him the fbllie 
 and childifhnes of his minde . 
 
 Pftj/oi^oneofthefucceflbursof Alexander > being difpo fed pi ut arch*» 
 to fcoffe at afchoolemaller, whome hee fuppofed to be very vn- bis treat ifcef 
 learned , asked him in ieft who was father to < Tekm i as wee vfe anger. 
 oftentimes to aske, who was the father of the foure fbnnes of 
 Aytnon. This fchoolema(rcr(who was not fuch adoltashewas 
 taken for)anfwered,that he would tell him,if it might pleafe him 
 firft to tell who was father to Lagus, covertly touching the bafe- 
 nefle of the houfe whereof the King wasdefcended. Whereat 
 many gentlemen which (toode by were fore offended,crying out 
 that fuch audacioufnefle was not tollerable . But the King(who 
 was milde,and knewe himfelfe in fault,for that he had given the 
 firix occafion ofiefHngjanfwered: thatifjtwerean vnfeemely 
 thingfor a King to bearc an iniurie, it was as evil a thing forhim 
 to offer a wrong. Tiberius Cafir beeing advertifed that many 
 things were fpoken in Rome,to the dishonour of the Emperour 
 Augnftm his father in lawe,tolde it to his faide father,and(tirred 
 him all that might be to give commaundement to fearch out 
 thofe backbiters, to the end they might be puniihed as they de- 
 ferved.But the good Emperour(who was nothing mooved with 
 fuch reports)anfwercd very mildely,that he would fuffer them 
 fo long as they did but fpeake evill : for infuchafreecitie as 
 Rome was,mens tongues fhould be atlibertie. 
 
 We may fee by thefe examples above mentioned, and fuch 
 likc,that a temperate and humble fpirit was a very familiar thing 
 in olde time, as well to the great Monarches, as to thepoorc 
 Philofophers, but it was farre more admirable in the one 
 then in the other; for that in the furieandheatof warre they 
 were fo milde, and alwaies ruled byreafon, though the 
 fworde were in their handes , vvhich furely proceeded 
 
 of 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 of a raaruclous modeftie which was in them oner there is in vs. 
 For though they furpaffed vs in wifdom,and in al kind of vertue, 
 notwithstanding we exceedethem in an opinion of our felues, 
 which is fbexceedingjthat we imagine there is no honour, dig- 
 nitie orreward, which in our conceit we hauenot welldefer- 
 ued. Whereof it proceedcth, that when we are not fo honored 
 as wc defirc,or when anydifcommend thatinvs which we e- 
 tteeme highly of, we fret and fume like a pedlar that heareth his 
 wares difprahed.And that this pride is the principall caufe, that 
 maketh vs fo froward,it euidently appeareth in that we are 
 fooneappeafedjifhe who hath offended vs, will once fubmit 
 himfelfe vnto vs, and excufe himfelfe, fhewing vs that he did it 
 not of any vnrevcrent regard he hadofvs, or of contempt : but 
 fbrwantofdifcretion,goodcounfell, through frailcneffe , oro- 
 therwife. And therefore I aduife thofe,whoare Co prone to 
 an g cr > (the better to repreffe their rage) tohaue alwaiesfuch 
 imaginations in theirheads, and to force themfelues to excufe 
 the faults which are committed againft them, attributing them 
 ( if they be enemies) to their want of difcretion, if they be ftends 
 to their familiaritie, if feruants to their rudenefle,and lo like wife 
 ofothcrs. For there is nothing (as I haue fa id before) that doth 
 morcvexevs, then when we imagine we arc contemned and 
 defpued ofothers. 
 Tbefaond ^ e foond caufe is felfc-loue, which is alwaies vnited and 
 occajion is tied to a vaine and delicate curiofitie . Which is euidently per- 
 felfi-kve. ceiuedinall thofewhoareouer curious in their attire, in their 
 meat, diet,and fuch like. For you fliall fee fuch men oftentimes 
 fall out with their wiues, their friends and fcruants,and be con- 
 tiuually chiding with one or other, cither for that his meat is not 
 well fcafoncd, or that fbme ftickeis fmoking in the chimney, or 
 for that there is no fait vpon the tabIe,or that his bread is not wel 
 bakcd,or thatthc candle is not well put out, or the napkins not 
 wellwaflicd, hiscioakenotcleanebrufhed, his horfe not well 
 curried, his glaflcs broken, orforlbme fuch light and (lender 
 occafion.For thefc delicate fclowes are as tender and as eafie to 
 hurt as he that istroblcd with the gout,which maketh them of- 
 tetimesto cry out before they be touched.Whcrby it falleth out 
 that they get fuchan angry habit,that through an ofteftirring& 
 
 concuflion 
 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. <$<> 
 
 concuflion of the lungs, they engender fuch a froWar d vlccr,as' 
 prooucth incurable. And (God knowes) they in the end be- 
 come fo vnfociable and fo vnfit for any acquaintance or familia- 
 ritic, that the moftpacient man aliue will thinke themintolle- 
 iable. 
 
 Toremedie this mifchiefe,it is very expedient tolearne to be jycmtdyfir 
 content with thofe things we hauc,andnottofeeke(asrr.any tbU firefaide 
 doe) after many fuperfluous and vnneceiTarie things . Adam mi( ^fL 
 wasneuerangryfbrthathismeatewaseuill baked, feeing hee g Xam pi (S , 
 was fed with hearbs, rootes, nuts,peares, and apples, and fuch 
 other like fruites . \J\keW\k y ^Abraham was not angry that his 
 houfe was not (lately builded, neatly contriued, fit & handibm 
 for his turnerfor he was pleafed withatent,which might be ea- 
 fily caried from one place to another, as occafionferued. Jacob 
 likewife was not difpleafed that his bed was not eafily made,or 
 the pillowes not well laid,or the bedfted not clean wiped:for he 
 was accuftomedtolieofce in the fields vpothe cold earth with- 
 out any other pillow, then a hard (tone to lay vnder his head. 5 TbeVt- 
 None of the Patriarches euer found fault with their wine,that it trtarc u 
 was not fweet enough: for they were cotent with a litle water to 
 quench their thir(t.£//<# neuercoplained that his horf went not 6€lias. 
 eafilyfor he vfed alwaies to trauell on foot.Neither yet S. Iobn y 
 that he was not clothed in filks & veluets richly trimmed with 
 gold lace: for though he were of a good houfe, yet was he con- 
 tent to go meanly apparelled ,andtocloath himielfe with a coat 
 made of camels haire. The Apoftter being fent to preach the rbe jp . 
 gofpell throughout all the world, neuerdifpraifed the diet they pig,, 
 found in any mans houfe that receiued them : for they had bene 
 \Ced to coorfe bread and broiled fifh , & were well acquainted 
 wimhungerandthirftX^/^himfelfe the onelySonneof 8Cfcr#ty" 
 God, and Lord of all creatures, liuing here in this world, was 
 neuer angry for that he was not curioufly ferued, or that his A* 
 pofi/es d'tdnot runne till they iweat to fetch him forthwiththat 
 he demanded, but with great humility debafed hfmfelfe fo low, 
 as to ferue them & to walh their feet, asmemoftinferiourpcr- 
 fon among them. 
 
 Thebeft meanes, then to correct thegreateft nomberof our 
 cholerickpaflions,is to giuc our felues toafrugall andfparing 
 
 life, 
 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 A mfirms- Krc 3 8ctodefirenothingbutthatwhichisholiomeforthchealth 
 
 U °b' b $bat °f° ur b 0< *ies,asdid thc L*cedemoni4ns i & thofc excellent Phi- 
 
 hfire fa*!}!* ^°^°P ners among che Grecians. It is reported of Socratesfiizt he 
 
 txampk of going into the market at Athens , & feeing the people buying 
 
 the heathen, fome one thing &fome an other, began to thankeGod,not for 
 
 efreciaU)t§i. thathe had enough of whatfoeuer was to be fold there , but for 
 
 lo'l'tbe l ^ at nc cou ^ wc ^ *P are c ^ at wmcn others fo egerly bought.If v\ e 
 
 hoekjbl.u*. nac * as contentedmindesashad this Philofopher,outofdoubc 
 
 humilitie would be far greater then itis,&we would be no more 
 
 moucd with the fcouldings of fome fco ward font tpp* tythen with 
 
 the noife of cackling hennes. 
 
 If we had once bidden thc world adue, & thatic were cruci- 
 
 Mm^lmd ficd Vnt ° VS ' ^ th al1 the § lorie & Iurts thcrof > ifour flefll vvith a11 
 remedies tne defires thereof, with the which we fo furiouflie fight again ft 
 gainfl anger, thefpirit were once mortified, if (foil owing the exhortation of 
 and worthte S. Pant) hauing all temporall bleilsngs we would as litle regard 
 to ^eonfide- them, as ifwe had them not: if alio following his example, we 
 T QMim wou ^ count al things as dung that our flefti wifticth cxdelirethr 
 ifasheandthereftofthe Apyftlesjut would indifferently learn 
 to beare travel &reft, pouettie & plentie: if all our conucrfation 
 were in the heauens vnni we be raifed vp with Cbrtft h[w , we 
 would not feek or wifh after any thing,but that which ishcaue- 
 ly.IfC&w7liuingmv$, & wc in him, we be clothed with inno- 
 cencic & lowly affe&ions, making no account ofourflclhly & 
 carnall defires, ifwehaue the bowels of copaffion, patience & 
 pity,if wecameftly renounce al impietie & foolifh atfe&ions of 
 this world,if by our baptifme we h3ue bin truly wafhed,& died 
 with Cbrtfi lefm , if we haue no other ddite but in his crofle, & 
 that in reioicing we confider that his vertuc hath healed our in- 
 firmities^ that trtbulatios breed patiece ,& patience the means 
 to make vs trie thegoodnes ofour god,&the great care he hath 
 ofvs,&thtsproofea moflltrong pillar toreftvpon,& to fuftairt 
 the" hope we al waies haue in him, if we be truhc regenerated & 
 gouerned by the fpirit ofGod, who is as it were a fountain of all 
 meeknes & clemencic : if being the difciples & true fchollersof 
 Cbrtfi lefusjNz haue learned this leflon of him to be mild & hu- 
 ble hearted, if God whois charitic itfeire dwelleth in vs,& we in 
 him; if as his true andnaturalifonnes, wee be peacemakers; if 
 
 wee 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 61 
 
 wee be as gentle as lambcs,and asreadie to imitate the dove in 
 fimplicitie, as the ferpentin fubtiltie.- if wee vnderftandwhat 
 it is to aske pardon of ourfimies and offences committed againft 
 God,vvho will not forgive vs vnleffe we forgive tliem,whohavc 
 offended vs, out of all queftion wee would not be halfe fo fro- 
 wardas ^eare. 
 
 We are like to a bowle, that is fit to be rouled every way, ac- Anger is a 
 cording as our afFe&ions lead vs,wheras in decde we fhouldfas noteofmcon- 
 e/^7/?<tfkfaith)beliketo afourefquare bodie,whichbyreafon V^f;|j£, 
 of his firme and iblid foundation , is not lightly turned vp and t i eme \ m ^ 
 downe. And who will ever beleeve that wee can have a fure etie,and di- 
 faith to vanquish the worlde, deatb,andthe deviil, with all the firufi. 
 powers ofhel],if we be Co eafily furred to anger, and that a word 
 peradventure mi(taken,isfunicient to make vs forget allreafonr* 
 can we thinke we fhall be able to endure fo great affaults, and 
 fuch violent temptations , as oftentimes Cbnfhans are affailed 
 with, feeing we will be mooved for fo fmall matters? Who will 
 beleeve that God dwelleth in vs by his fpirite,feeing the proper- 
 ties and effects thereof arenas S.PWfaithJto make a man pari- 
 ent,milde,gcmle,c urteous,lowly,meeke ? bcleeving and bearing 
 all things io farreasispoflible, to the which there is nothing 
 more comrade then anger? And to conclude, who will thinke 
 that we have an aflured confidence in God, and hope in his pro* 
 mifes? feeing they are vnfeparablyioyned with patience, and 
 that naturally they arme men againft all adverntie,and fbrtifieth 
 them not onely againft icofrers and mockers, butagainft all 
 thcengins and iubcill fleitsof the deviil and the world. 
 
 O Lord, how farre are we from the perfection that thourequi- A cbriflian 
 refr,beeing thy children and created after thy image and like- meditation 
 nefle, we ought to refemble thee in fome things; but betweene a ?jL true , e J! n l 
 vs and thee there is fo great difference, and we are fo degenera- H^^S 
 tedfrem the ftate wherein we were created, that weeannotbe mtnaxt cut- 
 difcerned that thou wert our father,for thou art merciful without pableofin 
 ende,&thygoodnesen<jurethforeverto fo many asfeare thee, tbefedaie* 
 asfaiththcProphct:&wearecruel,ficrce,vnmercirul,&morejra- h c fj m ^t 
 gingthe the wolfesinthc wildcrnes.Thypatiece is fo great that C ^ a ^nlf 
 it canot be va quiflied by the multitude of our trafgremos } & ours their m^ 
 foHtie,that the fmaleft trifle that is,maketJi vs tolofe alloiildncs. tknee. 
 
 Thou 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 Thou art Co bountifull ,that thou art concent to forgiue ten thou, 
 fand tallcnts to him that defireth thee but to haue patience > and 
 tobeare with him a little: and we arc fo miferable , that we will 
 rather make a man die in prifon,thatoweth vs but a hundreth 
 pencc,doe he neuer fo humbly intrcatvs 3 then abate any thing, 
 or giue any refpite for paiment. Thou arc flow to ang^r , and ea- 
 fie to be pacified, and thy wrath is ioone at end : but we contra- 
 riwifc are quickly angry, and fo hard to be pacified, that nofa- 
 tisfa&ion wilifuffice vs. Ifthy children,friends, or enemies haue 
 offended thee ten thoufand times, and will return evnto thee, 
 thou artrcadic toreceiue them , to embrace them , and to for- 
 get all that is paft, and that with fo great ioy,as thou docft any of 
 them,who haue ferued thee faithfully all daies of their liues.- but 
 we wil not looke at a man that hath once offended vs, nor meet 
 him anymore that hath hurtvsneucr fo little , but if we fee him 
 afar of in the frreete, we turne an other way forfeare we fhould 
 meetwith him. Thou defireft not the death of a (inner, but ra- 
 ther that he may repent and liue: buc wewifh alithe mifchiefe 
 that may be to fuchas haue offended vs. Thou forgetteftour 
 faulcswhen wee confeffe them , andcafteft them behindethy 
 backe thatthey neuer come forth to appeare before thee; but we 
 Co imprint the wrongs andiniuries in our hearts that are offered 
 vs, that we neuer forget them. We need but onceaske mercie 
 and forgiuenesac thy hands,and we fliall obtaine it : for as the 
 Prophet faith ..Thofe who feele the burthen of their finnes, and 
 are worne away by reafbn cf rheir tranfgreffions, thofe doefl 
 thou behold with the eies of pitic and companion, andputteft 
 all their wickednefTc farre out ofthy fight.Behold the great rea- 
 dineffe which thou vfclt in hearing the requefts of all thofe that 
 are afflicted, andthy mercy towards thofe who haue offended 
 thee,ifthey will humble themfelues before thee ! Thou makefl 
 them not to wait long vpon thee : thou art not deafe or afleepe: 
 we doe no fooner knocke, but thou openeft; nor fo foone feeke 
 thee, but thou art found ; nor fo foone defire thy helpe,but wee 
 obtaine it: but wefcuen the mod courteous and pitifull men a- 
 mong vs) fhe w a fowre countenance two or three yeres to him 
 that offendethvs, andkecpehim infufpence and in doubt of 
 our fauour ,till at the length by giftcs, entreaties, repentance, 
 
 kneelings, 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 6% 
 
 kncclings , and fuch fervilc adorations, with great inftancc and 
 importunitie hec obtaineth of vs a good raorowe, or a friendly 
 word, which oftentimes too wc fpeake rather for curtefies fake 
 then for any true affection wee bcare him . Thou makeft thy 
 funnc to (hine, and the raineto fall vpon the ground of the iuft 
 and vniuft, to make their lands fru&ifie and bring forth plcntic. 
 But we are fo perverfe & fro wardc, that having once conceived 
 evilofa man,we wil not fo much as furfer him to light his candle 
 at our fire. And the principall caufe of all this, is a flcfhly and 
 carnall love moilcurfed and wicked, which we bcare toward 
 our felves. For that which 5.7W vvritcth in the firitEpiitle to 
 the Corinthians \s molt true,that when as anger, malice, and ha- 
 tred dwellcth in vs,they arc infallible notes and marks, to prove 
 vs carnall and fldfhlie minded. 
 
 There is alio a third caufe of anger, which is a curious obfer- , 3. 
 vation of every thing, andadefireto knowe whatfoever either ^ m ^ ie . & 
 our wives, children, or fervants doe.- whereby it commethto ^JiL^J * 
 pa(Te,that weloiowingor fufpecting any fmall trifies, fuch as ei- caufiof an- 
 ther might be concealed from vs, or diflernbled by them with- ger. 
 out any great harme,we both vexe our felves and others very of- 
 ten and wndrie times about them. Now that which theEmpe- 
 rour Frederick* was wont to fay, and after him Lewes the xj. is 
 vcryavaileable againft thismifchiefe, andmuftberemembred. ^*fj?j¥j 
 Andthatis,that hethatknowethnot howtodiflemble 5 knovv- jJSK^ 
 ethnot ho we to live. For this is not expedient for Kings onely, 
 butfor all that are in authoritie, and have any charge whatfoever. 
 For if a matter of a familie will rule his children and lervants 
 well, and bee both beloved and feared of them, hee muft both 
 (but Jits eyes-and ftoppe his cares, fo that he neither hearenor 
 fee many youthfull parts which they play. Butfomeman will 
 fay; If you will have fathers fo careleiTe, and mailers to give 
 their fervants fo great libertie to fervants, many great inconveni- 
 ences willenfuethcreof . Which thing/ would eafilie graunt,if 
 they fhould winke at matters of importance , for then diflfimu- 
 lationwere very daungerous : as if they fhould live difordcrly Wh*t faults 
 and difiblu:cIy,polluring their bodies,and corrupting their man- *qi*** 
 aers; thenparenticannotbe too care full, or makers too watch- JSS^ 
 fiill . But there aretnany other things which may be concealed 
 
 K well 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 Well ynough. But let it be grauntcd that it is a fault to diffemble 
 them, yet it will neuerpreiudice vs fomuch,as the gricfes, fbr- 
 rowes,and vexations which will proceede of this narrowe fif- 
 ting ofthinges will difqtiict and torment vs. For fometimes fmall 
 trifles doe offend vs more then great matters, as in reading of a 
 (mall print we rather hurtourfight,thenin beholding the great 
 and Capitall: letters the reafon is, for that wee vewc the one 
 more neere and more earneftly then the other. There arefomc 
 thingeswhichamanmufUookevnto him ielfe, fome thinges 
 he may commit to his wife, and other thinges to his chil- 
 dren and fervaunts; as d\d iJWofes, who committed the deci- 
 ding offmall matters to fuch as he had chofen out among the 
 "people forth at purpofe, by the counfell and advice of his father 
 in La we lethro y rcierving matters ofgreateft confequence for 
 him felfe, which thing brought no fmall reft and quiet to his 
 minde. 
 
 There is another thing alio that maketh vs veryCholIericke 
 , 4 r and frowarde, and that is, that wee are readie to heare and 
 ofanoer is a bdeeve every reporte that is brought vs. For it is impoffible 
 light beliefs (as the Emperour Tra'tan was wont to fay) but rhat hee which 
 ofeveryttie hath long earcslliouldalfo have bloody handes^for that (as Da- 
 that is W faith) flaunderous and dcceitrull tongues areas the fliarpe 
 brougbt'vt. arro wes f a rnightie man, and as the coales of Iuniper, giving 
 ' vs thereby to vnderftand what fbrowe and vexation they bring 
 vnto as many as are content to hc3re them. And therefore if 
 wewill live peaceably, we muft in any wife avoyde all flaundo 
 rers and backebiters, imitating herein the example of this 
 good King, who writing of this matter, fheweth what order 
 Pfalra. 101. and governcment hee vkd in his houfe, faying, He that privi- 
 ly flaundereth his neighbour, will Idcilroy : him that hath a 
 proude looke and high heart, I can not fufrer. And a little after 
 in the fame Pfalme,Therelliall no deceitful perfon dwell with- 
 in my houfe, he that telleth lyes fhallnotremaine in my fight. 
 For there was never yet any Prince, but if he wouldc give eare 
 ' vnto lyers, he was ftraight a Tyrant, being induced to injurie 
 the wife ft and graved Counfellours about him, by rheanes of 
 their flatterie and deceitrull pradtifes, whereof we- haye fuffici- 
 cnt.eftimonie in the examples of T>yontfitu % Tiberm, folig*- 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 6; 
 
 U y NerO) e DomittAn > Qemmodws and many others, whofe mon* 
 ftrous cruelties are moft memorable. 
 
 There is alfo another re afon that makcth vs very prone to j 
 chollcr, and that is, that wee confider nothowe fubie£fc Tbe$.edi/fe 
 men are to Aiding, afwell thorovve the corruption of their °l e ^ tter " 
 natures, as alfo byreafonof many lewde and badde examples - ara - n9t t ht 
 which wee Tee: and likewife for that Sathan is verie paine- wfimitiesof 
 full and laborious to drawe men thereto : all which wee our wake 
 fhoulde remember, when as they commit any fault where-. bY * th,tnt $[ 
 by wee are vexed and difquieted. And wee ought to doe ' *^,* 
 herein as the Philofopher Pmetitu % vfing the example of ^nbthem, 
 tSfnax aborts, who vnderftanding of the fudden death of his and the 
 fonne, anfwered him who brought the newes without any jleigbta and 
 great vnquiecnelTe, that even from his beginning hee al- c( *™ fn &°J 
 wayes thought he fhoulde dye. In like manner, wee feeing T i utaY ' c j, m 
 our wives, children, fnendes, or fervantes fayle in their due- famatifecf 
 ties, wee (houlde foorthwith confider, (to the ende the bet- anger. 
 ter to reprefle this our Chollericke humour) that they are The c Y a Um 
 frayle by nature, weake, vnwife, and without vnderftan- m edy againfl 
 ding, and that there is nothing perfect but GOD alone. tUsmfckief. 
 
 Moreover it were expedientthat their faultesihouid inftrucl Thet.wne* 
 vs, and caufe vs to remember and confider our whole lives, as te ' 
 didP/ato, who feeing a man diilolutcly and lewdly difpofed, Tlutarcb in 
 would foorthwith examine himfelfe whether he were culpable ^ trCitl fi °f 
 in the like or not. For wefhallfee, if wee examine our felvcs <m ^ r% 
 \vell,thatwe arefaultie in as great or greater matters, as he with 
 whome we are angrie. And thus wefhall moderate and temper 
 our paflionatemindesfome what the better, and it will make vs 
 much more friendly and familiar with them, with whome we 
 Jive, and nothing fo rough and churhfh as are thofe men, who 
 ncverrefpedthe infirmitie oftheir neighbours, whenaswefee 
 any of our rriendes-or neighbours fallen into any malladie or 
 diieaic, though the difeaic vvherein they are, happeneththo- 
 rowe their owne folly, and by meanes of fome diforder they 
 have vfed,yet we are moved with companion and pitie towards 
 them: whatfliali we then doe, when asthroughtheoccafionof 
 their faultes and tranfgrefllons wee arc mooved to confider 
 and beholde that great 3nd horrible corruption of our owne 
 
 K z nature, 
 
The latter 
 fart of the 
 difcourfi, 
 wherein the 
 Anthour 
 
 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 nature, which having begunneinour firft parents, have fince 
 
 that time fpre ad itfelfcasamoft hit hie and contagious botch, 
 over all their pofteritie , and which even like a running fcabbe 
 hath perced intorhe marow and finewcsofourfoulcs,and that 
 in fuch fort, that wee arc become lame andvnableto doe any 
 good thing whaifoever ? 
 
 Itisgood alfofthe better to rcprefle our angerj that wedeale 
 with it,as we vfe to dealc with fire,which with great and earned 
 endevour we feeketo quench, when as it firft beginnethto kin- 
 dle, notexpe&ing till it hath taken the beames and rafters of 
 fheZ°tbfome tne nolJ f e > or am / otncr ^°^ c matter whereby it may be ftreng- 
 particuiar thencd > f°i* then * c *s too late to prevent it. In like manner wee 
 remedies a- mull not ftay till wee burne and flame with anger , but aflfoone 
 ga'mftcholer, as ever wee fecleourfelvcsdifpofedthercvnto, and that the 
 tvyereo/tbe pulfeofour hearts begins to beate more quicke then isconve- 
 U good to flop nicnt > tor a nghrand wholefomc temperature. Wncnfoever 
 it m the he- Socrates in talking with his friends, perceived him felfe mooved 
 gmn'mg.and with this pallionate affection overmuch, foorthwitb(as though 
 n - 0tt u • h r ^ e wou ^ ^ r * ve a g a mtt the ftreame) he forced and endevoured 
 be*un. bimfclrc tofhewe a fmiling countenance in his talke, and gene- 
 M example ra ^y a fingular mildenesin all hisadtions: and if ithappened at 
 of Socrates, any time,that he were much mooved,he would drawe a bucket 
 Tlu/archm of water and fet it by the welles fide a good while without 
 h anlZ atl ^ °^ ^ rin ^ in g °* ,t& D y this means bridled his defires, & acquainted 
 them by this manner of dealing (even as a goodfather doth his 
 childrenjpatientlyto endure, \% hen as theiethinges are denied 
 them that they require. In like manner when as we perceive 
 that this chollericke humour within,and many occafions with- 
 out,doe prick and fpurre vs forward to anger,we muftthen, as it 
 were,muller allour forces together, thebetterto derende our 
 fclves, and couragioufly refifV the violence that is offered vs. 
 Tlato having taken his man in a great fauh, was of a fbdain cx- 
 Tlfttarch in ceedingly mooved,and having gotten a cudgell as though hce 
 bis difcourfe, woulde have beaten him, notwithstanding defifted, and v- 
 wbjGod f ec j no fuf^c,. pun'rfhment . One of his ftiendes rtanding 
 by and feeing this thing, demaunded of him, whyheehad 
 fuch a cudgell r to whome hee anfweared that 
 
 anger. 
 
 Mother ex- 
 ample of 
 Tlato. 
 
 defirretb 
 tbepunifb- 
 mentoftbe 
 maUfhflors. 
 
 gotl 
 
 cudgell r 
 kee had provided it to correct and chaftife his owne anger, 
 
 which 
 
AGAINST ANGER. 04 
 
 which feemcd co rebel! againft him, and would no longer bee 
 ruled by rca Ton. In like manner fhould we doe,when as we are 
 troubled with this paflion, and get either a knife or a fvvorde to 
 cut the throateofk, when itbeginncthandisasit wercinhis 
 infancic : for we may eafily at the firft oppofe our lelves againft 
 it,as againft a tyrant,and notpermit it to haue rule over vs, but if 
 we fufferit to increafe and to fortifie it fclfc, it will by little and 
 little over-rule v$,and at length become invincible. 
 
 <±AttgHftni £dt(kr having made a lawe againft adultcrie, vn- Theficmd 
 dcrftoode that after the publication thereof, a certaine gentle- r ^ f ^'£ 
 man of Rome was over familiar with his daughter Iulta, which affoone m k 
 he tooke very grievoufly fas it is likely that a father and fuch an U begunne. 
 Emperourashe was,would doe) who for the hatred he bare vn- 'Piutarch in 
 to that finne, had very lately m a de a fharpe and rigorous lawe " K Jp ot » e & 
 againft it : and thereforcon a day he meeting this gentleman by 
 chaunce, ftroke him with his dagger vntill he cryedout, that 
 there was a lawe made whereby he ought to bee punifhed J 
 wherewith the Emperourwasfoafhamed andfomocved with 
 himfelfe,thathe was fo farre tranfportedwith Choller,thathee 
 would neither eate nor drinke all the day after. If we would thus 
 correct anger, and affoone as we perceive it withdraw our felves 
 from all company, as thofe doe who have the falling fickeneffe, 
 to the endethatothers fhould not fee them fall groveling and 
 lyefoming ac the mouth, fhewingamoft ftrangeand gaftfull 
 countenance, we fhotild not often doe thus,but we fhould eafily 
 tame this rurious paflion, and at length attame fuch a modera- 
 tion- and conftancie of minde,that it could not be altered with 
 any occafion whatfocver. The Ihebmnes thought at the firft that 
 the Lacedemtmians were invincible,& therfore durft not meddle 
 with them, but after that they had overcome them once or 
 twice, then they tboughi they were able to conquere them: 
 &tofpeaktruly,itwasveryeafyforthcmevcraftcr to overcome 
 them* and thatin fct battels. Inlike manner if wee once take 
 heart, andthinkethat we are able (beeing wdrarmed with f ca- 
 lon) to meetc anger in the fieklc, and overcome it, we ffiall wot 
 needc to encounter this encmie twife, for he will not be fo bar- 
 die as appeare the fecondtime, or if he doe, it will be to his vttcr 
 overthrow and confufion. 
 
 K 3 But 
 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 - 
 
 t./f noble- ^ ut f° me tncrc arc w ^° h°'d a contrary opinion, and thinke 
 Bim. it better and more manlike, to.vomite out fas it- were) and dis- 
 
 charge our angrie fto ma ekes. And fome alio there are who 
 vaunt them fclves, and chinke they are worthie great commen- 
 dation, forth at they will not keeps any ofthat hlthie and {lin- 
 king water in the rivers of their hearces, and in fo doing (fay 
 Jnan/wer. they J wee fhewc a generous and noble nature. But let mec 
 askc them this qucftion. Will they, after they bee once well 
 . chafed, and that thorowe injurious and outragious wordes 
 they have vngorged them folves, and (as it were) fpitteout all 
 their poifon, will they, /fay, then be quiet and peaceable all 
 the rc(t of their lives? it is cleanc contrarie: for they doe no- 
 thing but as it were bring oile to increafe the flame, audfme 
 matter to augment the fire, which is increafed with light trifles,' 
 drie and withered ftuffc, fuch as c holler is. 
 
 And therefore as wee fee that colde and' Heavie matter 
 thro weu vpon the fire doeth quickelie flake it and put it out: 
 fo likewife there is nothing that doeth fooner abate and af- 
 fwage an angrie and furious man, then to bee as colde as hee 
 is bote, as heavie ashe is light, as filcnc as he is bufle-tongued. 
 The difeafes The Phificions of the bodie prefcribe: bitter and fharpemedi- 
 cftbeminde cities to purge 3 chollericke humour, but there muft be ano- 
 arc otbmvifc incr kindc of purgation for the difeafes of the minde. For 
 'Vrtnbe c * ieir c ^°^ er vvmcn ls M#£J anc * haftic, is healed by a pleafant 
 bsdk. ' and patient receiptee and pleafure which is fweete, is healed 
 byiliarpeandfowre affiicSlions. Let vs conclude then againhV 
 thecommoiiopinion,thatitismuchbetter nottobce io eboi-' 
 lericke andhaiHe, and that this deadly poyion of ar.gerpPofi- 
 tethvsnothing, which foorth with wee vomiteout^with great 
 perill and daunger. For. it is not like vnto forrowe, which is 
 fomewhat mitigated by weeping and wayling, but rather 
 it is augmented and encrcafed, if by opprobrious and re- 
 prochefuU fpeeches-, thrcatnings., inveSivcs, revenges, and 
 fuch like meanes wee fe eke to manifeft it.'It.fcamcth .tfnto 
 vs at the firft, that if wee have once vttered our anger; our' 
 mincles are fatisfied : fo doeth the covetous man thinke, 
 that if he once obtaine chat hee defireth, hec will then reft con- 
 tented. But as the defireoftheone is nothing aflvvaged by the 
 
 poffeffion 
 
AGAINST : ANGER* • 6 5 
 
 poficflion and increafe of riches which hec defrcth, but ra- 
 ther augmented, more then ic was before : io likewife the 
 poyfoned ftomackc of the other is nothing eafc'd by outra- 
 gious and furious fpeeches , but rather they become more 
 frowardc and perverfc. For th2t rotten humour, that is to 
 fry, the paflion which ingendteth thefe difeafes, remafrietH 
 al waves in the fecrete comers of the heart, though the vche- 
 mencie thereof bee fornewhat'aflvv3ged, To that the oidejdiil 
 cafe is eafelie renewed, as wee fee it often happen in tertian or 
 quarcerne agues. 
 
 jh Bcfides the remedies above mentioned, there is another . 3 
 excellent prefervative acainft this frowardc inclination, and i„// " / 
 that is Patiencc.For the caufe why me are io ioonc angrie, im nmedie 
 is, that wee are verie impatient, and the skinneofourmindes againft anger 
 is fo tender andthinne, that every little jerkc with a twigge, 
 that is to fay, every triffling worde that difpleafeth vs, will 
 fetch blood. But rf we were as wee fhoulde bee, we would bee 
 like the fync golde, and fuffer our felves to bee fixe orfeven 
 times tryed in the furnace, and yet the heatc of the fire fhoulde 
 never chaunge our nature, no. nor yet our colour; and wee Apt and fine 
 woulde referable good come, firft to bee thrafhed with the finifoudn 
 flayle, and then winnowed in the winde, and yet bee neither '^^ 
 broken with the one, nor carryed away with the other c 
 
 We woulde endure both winter andfummcr like vntotrees 
 planted by running brookes, whomc the firfthurteth not by 
 his troftes & coLde, nor the fecond by his heate and drought, Sc 
 as iheepe that be fhorne every yeere, and M the en de be led de 
 to the (laughter, and fuffer our throates to bee cut without fay- 
 ing one woxdc: wee would bee like incenfe, and permit our 
 felves to be thro wen into the fire, the morecvidently to mairi- 
 fcfl the faith which God hath given vsrand to bee ground 
 as themuftarde feede, the better to fheweour goodnefle, 
 and fuffer the plowers to plowevpon our backes, and to make 
 longfurrowes, as the Prophet David fpeaketh. Wee woulde Pfal.up. 
 be like vnto a (hippe that is well made and fufficiently trim- 
 med, neither the mightie vvindes , raging waves , or fror- 
 mic tempeftcs fhouldmake vs leake, and like vnto the Palme 
 tree, which though it bee mightily loaden, never behdeth. 
 
 K 4 And 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 And to conclude, we would endure ('following the examplc-'of 
 thcauncicnt tfricersj to have our skins beaten, and ftretched as 
 drumme$,without breaking: and as our Saviour Chrtfi Iefus^o 
 bcwhipped,mocked, and crowned with thornes, yea and cru- 
 cified too , and yet pray for our enemies who have done vs all 
 thefc harmes. If we were once armed with this corflet ofproofe, 
 (I mcanepacience)notonely words &iniuries, which arc but as 
 the points oflitle thorn s,fhould not pcarce vs: but alfo the fharp 
 arro wsof Satha,his lances cV pikes fhould never be able to touch 
 vs to the quick.What is the the caufe that we are fo prone to an- 
 ger?is it not becaufe we are difarmed & ipoiled, as it were,of this 
 excellent anchorof patience ? which notwithstanding is molt 
 fit and fecmely forallChril-tians. For what faith, hope, or chari- 
 tic can we have without itPhowfhalwc Other wife endure temp- 
 tations, and be able to mortific the lulls of the flefh? What co- 
 herence (hall wee have with Chrift Icfus and the reft of his 
 Saints ? wh at markes and badges of a Chri(tian? what tefti mo- 
 nieof the Gofpell? how fhallwe be knownetobe members of 
 IefusChrift and children of his Church, or that his word hath 
 bcene received by vs,and laid vp in our hcarts,thcre to take fuch 
 dcepe roote,that it neede neither fearc the Sunne by day ; northe 
 Moone by nigh^as T>avid fpcakethPHow fhall wefjf we be fo 
 impatient)be knowne to be regenerated creatures, orthat wee 
 willrenouncc our felves to follow Christ Iefus,and to take vp his 
 croffe vpon our flioulders, and, as it were, to bee tied to it 
 fo long as it plcafeth him to furTer it for the confellion of 
 the trueth and the glorie of his holy name t who will 
 thinkethat we have beene converfant in the reading and me- 
 ditation of the holy Scriptures,if we be not patient ? feeing that 
 the end why they were given vntovs and revealed by the holy 
 Gholt,and gathered fo diligently by the Prophets and Apoftlcs 
 isto inftmdVvs, and to fet before oureyes the example of vertu- 
 ous men in former ages, at fuch time as God cried them with 
 great temptations which he fent them, and by fo many fairc 
 promifes which he ham made,to take vsinto hisproce#ion,and 
 to aflifr vs whenioeuer wee call vpon his holy name, to ftreng- 
 then vs, to comfort v$, and to accufbme vs to endure all 
 things. 
 
 It 
 
AGAINST ANiGER. ! 66 
 
 It is reported, that after Dicnyfiw the tyrant had loft his ^ con fir. 
 kingdome, and had withdrawen himfelre to Corwth, y% hoe he nation of 
 liued in bale and fcruile niancr,7»^»w meeringhim on a time thofe things 
 4 and according to his old fc offing maner, demanded what pro- ^ '£*'!* 
 fithehad now gotten by all his philofophie he had learned of pUio}fucb 
 P/rff0?Thinkeft thou (fanh'DioKjfipts) that it hath nqtdone me men as have 
 . great plcafure, in that it bath taught me patiently toinduretbis onelybeene 
 iodaine changc,of a great and mightie king,ro become a poore v"2fcj 
 andfimplcfchoolcmafter? and furely this was a wife andpiu- %\ u l„2m 
 dent anlwer.£//rf»alfo reported), that one ofZenoj fchollers the life of 
 hauing bene long at fchoole, and at length returning home to Tjmotion. 
 hisfriendsjhisfatherdiflikinghimfbr that he had not fbprofi- teibe?>boo{ 
 tedashedefired, andrcprooulng him both fortheloile of his °f huhi P wlt " 
 mony, and his ownetime: and not contented with wordes, at 
 laftfclltoblowes, cuer demanding him what he had learned, 
 at length after the youngman had bene well beaten, andhad 
 endured all the reprochfull and bitter words of his father,anfwc- 
 red, that he might well fee he had learned fomewhat, and that 
 he had not altogether loft his time, in that he had learned pati- 
 ently to endure fo many bio wes„ Now (hall not we be afhamed 
 and hangdowne our heads to fee thefc poore infidels, hauing 
 bene trained vp only in the fchoole of Philofophie, fomeekc 
 and patient , and our felues with all our diuinitte and Chriftia- 
 nitie,fo frowar&and chollericke? 4 
 
 Befidesthe mcanes remembred, there j*alfo an other remc- The fiurtb 
 die,and thatisharrel^robefeech the Lord to aid vs with his ho- remedies 
 ly fpirit, and to change our hard and ftony hearts,into fort and &**?**&* 
 fleftiic hearts: for without his alTiftance we can doe nothing of jJJ^JJJJT' 
 all that hath bene before fpoken, for that heis not only the au- fehesbmbly 
 thour of our faith, buralfoof our charitie , patience, and of all andearnefllj 
 other venues whatfoeuer. It is not fufiicicnt to make fruitfull vntoCod, 
 fields, to fow good feed*,but icis alforequifite , that the foile be 
 hearty,andthehusbandmdn.£xpeft and cunning in his manu- 
 ring of them. In like mancr his not fufficient thatwebeper- 
 fwaded by rcafons drawen out of Gods word and otherplaces, 
 to a mildnefle and meekenefle offpirit : but it muft alio be im- 
 printed and written in our hearts, which cannot be vnlefle the 
 hardnefle thereof be taken away. And there is nothing that can 
 
 cfFe& 
 
THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 erfeft this but the vvorkingof the holy Ghoit, who knoweth 
 bert how to husbandc v$, and to change and alter vs. Where- 
 fore to ende this difcourfe , wc will referre the reader vntohim, 
 totheende that by humble and eanicft praier,hcmayattaine 
 &**£ the handesof the Alvmghtie, which hath becne before 
 ^Ucrcd. 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 3 
 
 THE 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 -. 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 , 
 
THE FOVRTH s? 
 
 bookg of the content at ion and trdn- 
 
 rw\W\t\f* nf trxc minnp. 
 
 . quilitie of the mindc. 
 
 
 *A GtAI NST ENVIE. 
 
 ! 
 
 The Contents of the whole Booke. 
 
 ! 
 
 Nacharfis <i Scythian borne y t hough other* 
 wife a very nvfe and prudent man, beting on 
 i a time demandedwbat thereafenwas 3 why . 
 \fi many men arealwaies male- contents y an- 
 }fwered very fitly that the caufe was this : 
 they often vexe and difijuiet them fives 
 withfuppofcdiniuries y andenvie the profpc- 
 ' ritie of their neighbours -. This excellent 
 Philofopber wifely declared, that choller is the forwent our xf our 
 lives 9 andalwatesaccompOKiedwith €nv\c : and that in fitch fort,as 
 the one cannot well bee without the fetiowfli'tp of the other. And a* in . 
 efchewing evdl,wee follow e that which is good; and cent rari wife in 
 running after vice ,we flee fern vert He; fo hkewtfein eft ranging our 
 fehesfiompitieandclemencie^webyandhy faikc hands with anger, 
 which is alwajei atiendedon by Jpite andemie : and thatwhichone 
 doth with the hand, the other doth with the heart, as-appeareth by in* 
 finite examples out of fundrie hiftories* Which be eing con (idered by 
 the Authour of this difcourfe, he doth very aptly in the next place, 
 fhewe the coherence anddifference of thefe two perturbations of the 
 mtnde, and evidently [hew etb wherein this yaffion exceedeth all the 
 reft going before: this being done 9 he paint eth it out in his colours ; 
 fir ft in g?nefatt, in that envious men are enemies both to God and 
 manias appear eth in the examples of Cain, Saul, Tofephs brethren^ 
 and others of the Icwes* In particular he defer ibeth the bypocrifie 9 
 malice yfilthines and beaft lines ^into which an envious manplungeth 
 htmfelfe ; againft which he oppofeth the examples of many men, who 
 havebeene voide of all envie, and among other >t be example of our 
 Saviour Chrifl, with a brief e declaration of the profit and commodU 
 tie, which redoundeth of this confideration : then heeenlargethit 
 with the examples */ Alexander the great > and of Alexander 
 Severus : afterwardes ( as fome painters vfe to cover and 
 
 fhadow 
 
(hAAwthcirp'tttureSythe better tomtke them appeare with lively co- 
 lour s)befettetbdowne the examples of fome malicious and envious 
 Princes y and among 0f/w,Commodus the Roman e Emperour: and 
 continuing bis difcourfejje decipher etb the horriblenes of this paffion 
 in that y t hat be which ispoifonedwith this humour hat etb evethofe of 
 bis owne kinde: and that which is worfejoe grieveth attheprofperitie 
 of the, whom for their vertues he ought the more to reverence y whicb 
 is notably prooved: as alfo that the bruit beafts are not fo cruell avd 
 favage as is the envious man. zAnd this is that which is contained 
 in the fir/} part, beeing plentifully enriched with Jit companfons and 
 grave fentences. 
 
 In tbeftcond, hefetteth downe two remedies again/} Envic : the 
 firfi is, the contemplation of this life : in the other, that we ought to 
 vnderfiandytbat the graces & bleffings of our neighbours are in fuch 
 fort, by the bleffmgof Godmade proper vntothem, that others alfo 
 reape fingular commoditie by them : consequently he comfort etb 
 thofe who are frighted and enviedy and draw etb them tnto two fingu- 
 lar confederations, wbtch may breedein them a marvelous content- 
 ment; and in tbeende byamoftfittccomparifon, taken from a lawe 
 fometime tn force among the Athenians Jhefheweth what an excel* 
 lent count erpoyfon and prefervative Cjod drawetb out oftbis vene* 
 mom humour^ for tbeprefirvation of fuch asfearehim andltve vn- 
 itr his obedience* 
 
 
 THE 
 
 •> 
 
 
 ■ 
 
THE FOV%TH "BOOKS. 
 
 <iAgainft Snvte. 
 
 G^tg"^ H E fourth paflion and vexation of 
 ~9n5 the mindc, whereof wee have pur- 
 pofed to fpeake, is Envte: which we 
 will briefly and fumraarily handle, for 
 that it is a kindeof angrie and fro ward 
 humour, and therefore hath a great af- 
 finitie and coherence with the paflion 
 going before , as generally there isa- 
 mong all vices; which (as Plutarch foith,) are likevnto a great 
 number of hookes fo tied and hampered together, that it isim- in bistre** 
 potfibletopart them. Whereby it commeth to pafle,thatfuch as tifc of emit. 
 are prodigal,are alfo covetous; liich as are rafh & headic,are like- 
 wife fcarefull and cowardly, and that, when they fliould be va- 
 liant and hardie. Notwithstanding though anger and envte doe wberemen- 
 agree in many points, yet doe they alfo differ in many other gerandenvit 
 things; and the one is farreworfc then the other* For he that is fS^h ^ 
 angrie may have fome colour and (hew, and fomeTuftoccafion *$Jjit**^ 
 to moove nim thereto : as when we fee God dishonoured, bis {ufloctafiom 
 word defpifed,^//? Ieftu blafphemcd and perfecuted,charitie of anger. 
 neglc&ed ..Innocents opprefTed, youth lewdly inflru&ed, all e- 
 Itates corrupted, all Discipline and good order fuppreffed and 
 *bolhlied, ignorance cxaItcd,knowledge di(countcnanced,flat- 
 tercrs,covetous, and ambitious men honoured, and the vertuous 
 and well difpofed difgraced, and(as fooles and idiots)fent home 
 anddifcharged of their offices, lawes fubieel to force and vio- 
 Jence, & rtafon wb oily captivated by affection, thefireinGods 
 houfe,the woolfes in his fold,the bore in his vineyard, his fpoufe 
 in the ilcwes, and they who ought tolookctothefethings,ei- 
 ther fo dumme that they cannot,or fo careleflc that they wil not 
 looke for the rcdreiTc of fuch inconveniences. When as we fee 
 every thing thus confounded anddifordcred, and that vice hath 
 
 exalted 
 
THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 exalted her felfe ia fuch triumphant manner, placing her fclfe, as 
 it were,in a throne of maiefticand with great pride treadcth vcr- 
 cue vnder her feete, tugging and haling her by thchaire as a 
 poore capcive flave : fhall wee not then have iuft caufe to be an- 
 grie,and(as the Poet faith^to be madde with reafon ? 
 
 But it isnot fo with envt e* for that can not pretend any coule- 
 rableTriewe,but if we be envious,ic is at the happie and profpe- 
 rous cftate of an other, for which we fhould rather reioice and 
 praife God, And this is the reafon that Bion the Philofopher, 
 meeting on a time with an envious man, demaunded of him, 
 whether hee was vexed and tormented with theprofperitie or 
 adverfitie of his neighbour: giving vs thereby covnderftande, 
 chat the nature of this curfed and diabolical! patiion is, to repine 
 at the happie fuccefle of an other, and co forro we at hisioyes, 
 and(as the Poet faith)to pine away, when we fee our neighbors 
 children profper, his beaftes fatte,and his fieldes fruitcfull and 
 loaden with plentic of corne . Whereby wee may eafilie per- 
 ceive, ho we much more deteftable it is, then the other 
 paflions , which may pretende fbmefhew, though not altoge- 
 fv T&»?fi+% rr*w* ther to excufc them, yet in fome fort to cloake and colour them. 
 tr-fitP^^* 1 *** Covetjujhjs jllcdgcth thejhardnes and miferic offovertie, 
 Jc- *f*bepaJlions the multitude of children, the fmall chantie and reliefe among 
 
 ci/ftr mcn • thc difeafes and afmaions *' hich ordinariI y ha PP en a - 
 
 <+y'tof& mong them, without the hope and expectation to be fuccoured 
 
 ' by any other friend then by money. 
 
 => c -f> L' i $ ^Ambition yXttfes that men are in no account at this day, if 
 >/ ^^"no they be not in honour and credit, as alfo being able to pleafure 
 holwB &f+y*r£ and profit our friends, we purchafe vnto our felves love & good 
 liking of them, or in hurting our enemies, wc make our ielves 
 redoubted of them, by overthrowing their pra£tifes and endo- 
 (X^h/<rH*~ maging them (elves. 
 
 Cholcr fheweth rhe greatnes and indignitie of iniurie,the in- 
 gratitude and infidelitie of him that offered it, the fufpition, di- 
 ihonour, and difgrace that m ay enfuc by diflcmbling it, the ex- 
 ample of iutlice,and the feveritie which is requifite toreprefle irV 
 'Pi^lhJ^ iuries,and to bridle the outragious orTendours. 
 ^V>. Pica fur ezlkdgcthhis fweetncs,and that wee muft paffe one 
 
 V ^ y outh merilie, as alfo the feafon of the ycerc,the time,thc oppor* 
 
 tunitie 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 
 
 69 
 
 f k*6 ifln*~ 
 
 tunitic and the companie, which draweth vs on to recreate our 
 felves , aud that it is a very civill and gentlemanlike thing, to 
 fpende luftily at great meetings : and contrariwife that it is a 
 clownifhand mechanicall manner to be niggardly, and never 
 to come in companie. 
 
 Feare and cravinlineflc (heweth what daunger there is in 
 haftie and rafh proceeding, and that it is farre better to goe on 
 (lowly ,thereby,as it were,to ripen our bu{ines,then by thinking 
 to make halt,and by taking of itto foone,to makeitnaught,and 
 fhrinkc afterwards. 
 
 Andtobefhort, asour flefh is very fubtill and ingenious in every vice ^v^Ca: 
 that which appertained viuo it, To wc have no paffions but wee bath fome ^u> t/^Ct 
 have fome fophifticall and (lender reafons to maintaine and exevfifave 
 iuftifie them in fome fort, except it beenvte, which beeing ac- ^u^^he 
 cufed , hath nothing to lay for it felfe . And wee fee that many \™ m ^ 
 men that are fearcfull, given topleafure, covetous,or ambitious, more/t(ka-. 
 will confeiTefo much; but hee that is envious dare not difcover med which 
 him felfe, for that this paiTion is fo loathfomc and vnfaverie,that fJJJf^ 1 * 
 itoffendeth who fo ever fmelieth it. 
 
 with it. 
 
 And there is great rcafon,why it ftiould be fo : forali the o- Jcomparijbn 
 
 therproceedeof the corruption anddifeafeof our nature; but betweeneen* 
 
 this procecdeth of a malicious and perverfe difpoiition of our !JL- J2! 
 
 wills. The others are oftentimes fo greatly tempted, that though 
 
 they yeelde, yet they defervc fome pitie and commiferation. 
 
 But this errvie is not tempted, but with the blcflings and benefits 
 
 of God . For as thrift Iefiu fpeaketh in the parable , the eye of Matiuo.i % 
 
 the envious is evill,becaufe God is goodrand therefore he defer- 
 
 veth greater condemnation,then he that is impatient, when he 
 
 is in affliction , for that oftentimes he is fcourged by the heavic 
 
 hand of God,and that in very rigorous manner, in fuch fort that 
 
 it is hard,nay impoflible by reafon of the vchcmencie,orrathei 
 
 furie and rage of his affli£tions,to keepe his heart and bridle his 
 
 tongue,that the one doe not conceive,andthe other pronounce 
 
 great blafphemies. 
 
 Buj^what can an envious man allcdgc for him feife but T bt eur/td &**»' 
 ~this,that God is to good,to mercifulI,to liberall and to bountiful! a nd horrible 
 -*o wards.his creatures, in giving to one fo great llrength,to an o- obitSi of the 
 
 {her wv'wh* 
 
THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 - thcr fuch richcs,an other fuch heal t h,to an other fuch friends,to 
 an other fuch knowledge, to another fuch honour, to an other 
 -fuch favour and credit, and generally to all fufficient to be con- 
 sented therewith? for he refpeclcth nothing clfe to torment him 
 -felre withall: as alfo on the contratie w hen he reioyceth,it is for 
 fome lamentable andheavic matter, as when he feeth difcordc 
 among friends,iealoufie between man and wife,his neighbours 
 houfe on fire, his children licentioufly given, his fervants fteale 
 and run ne away, his time loft, his goods wafted in fuch fort that 
 al is (pent, & he brought to beggars ftate:in thefe & the like rr.U 
 fcries,the envious man reioyceth:he never laughe th har tely but 
 when he feeth others weepe,nor ever weepetnbut when he fee- 
 cth others laugh: he ishcaledbythedifeafesofhis neighbours, 
 and raifed vp by the death and dcftru&ion of other men. 
 bw(Ct Thnrnprn* Aswcfeeamongbeaft$fomefeedevponvcnim,andothers 
 fins fir this y p 0n carr j on .fo doth the envious man fatte himfelfe in the leffe, 
 ' . ' ' povertie,miferie,death,and deftruclionof his brother. S.Baftl'xn 
 one of his Homclies , docth very fitly compare them vnto Hies; 
 for as they leave the found parts of the body,and light vpon the 
 corrupted & putrified parts thereof and take fuch delight in the 
 matter & filth,that it is hard to keepe them from it:fo likewife an 
 ► envious man taketh no pleafure in all the otherparts of a mans 
 
 life,but onely in that which is difeafed and corrupted. 
 the enviom They are like vnto Timon of Athens, enemies to men, and 
 man is enemy vnto whatfocver appertained vnto their owne profperouse- 
 ttGodtni . ftate, and alfo haters of God and of his glorie. For whatibever 
 mm * he hath made in this world to manifeft his goodnes, and by this 
 
 meanes to allure and drawe his creatures to honour him, is moft 
 odious and difpleafing in their fight. Wherein they fhew them- 
 fclves tobe the children of the devill, and make manifeftthat 
 they are his heires and fucceffours, in the hatred which he hath 
 born from the beginnings well to the honor of God,as to the 
 health, wealth,and profperitieof men/which are the very notes 
 and tokens whereby they are knowne that are of his race and 
 famiiie. And who can fuflficiently cxprcflehowerarrc they arc 
 from all charitable affection, in that nothing grieveth them fo 
 much as to fee God honoured, and men profited, as to fee God 
 raine dowac the Manna of his heavenly benedfr&icns, and men 
 
 to 
 
AGAINST EN VY. 7 o 
 
 to gather itvpandenioyit. Vfoifaof &&>'&& 
 
 And to the ende, that this may the more liuely appeare, tbat „^ h Z^fim9 
 let vs confidcr a little what was the caufe of the hatred bath bene /xfJCTy*' 
 that Cain bare towardes his brother sAbel . God (fayeth fy'\enby <\++<ft & 
 Mofej,W2S pleafed with %Abcls offering: which his bro- examples. «**(& 
 ther perceiuing, was by and by pale , forrowfull, andfadde.- qJ^** 
 as if by his countenance, hee would difcouer his mallice and 
 hatred , which hee had inwardly conceiucd in his heart, 
 which was fo great, that hee coulde not bee fatisfied , but 
 with his brothers life, as hee had cuen ftom the begin* 
 ning refolued with him felfe . Bcholde what occasi- 
 on this poore innocent man had giuen vnto the other 
 to doc him lb great harme ? whereof was hee culpable? 
 furely of nothing , but onely this; that God loued and fa- 
 uoured him, and to declare vnto all men the fauour-hee 
 bare vnto him , hee had accepted of his prayers and facri- 
 fices . What was the reafo n thgtjthe hie Prie ftes, Scribes, i. Of the 
 and Pharifes bare fuch deadly hatred vnto Chrift lefus , Scribes and 
 which they (hewed during his life, by opprobrious wordes, ^ har r^V Q^ 
 iniurious deedes, and many outragious dealings: continu-2'^ Jf 
 ing themfo fiercely, and that after his death, that they en- ~*£j; 
 deavoured by all meanes to extinguifli the memory of his 
 name, and tobanifh fuch as fhoulde but mention it , or 
 that woulde in any manner or fort whatfoeuer fauour and 
 defend his honour? What had hee done that did fo offend 
 them , or might iuftly prouoke them to fuch anger ? Hc£. /vyW "ifp^/fe 
 made their blinde to fee, their deafe to heare, their lame to ^^S &r%r-/£*ri& 
 goe , hee healed fuch as were fickc of the pahie among ^**>^'^^S 
 fhem , hee cured fuch as were poffefled with wicked fpi- ^* |^/|^ 
 rites, hee raifed vp their dead, he found out that which was 7^ %* 2) 
 loft, that which was wcake hee comforted, hee healed 
 the broken, hee inftru&ed the ignorant, and called iinncrs 
 to repentance, to the ende that they, acknowledging their 
 faultes , might obtaine pardon : hee comforted the amifted, 
 and in a worde, he€ was thehauen and refuge of all fuch as 
 were tolTcd with the waues of miferie, and as it were, the 
 ftore-houfe of all the graces, fauours, and bleffrngsofGod, 
 which arc expofed indifferently vnto all men . Beholde 
 
 L now 
 

 $.Jh the. ex- 
 ample of 
 Saul. 
 
 THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 nowe the faultes hee committed, and the caufes whereby 
 they were fo eagerly bent againft him . Wherein we may c- 
 uidently fee, that there is nothing that more offendeThtfie 
 enuious, thentobegood, and that the greateft fault among 
 them is to be vertuous,to be in fauour with God, and to hauc 
 a good opinion among men . Whereupon Tbemtslocles was 
 wont to fay, that the reafon why no man enuied him, was, 
 for that he had done nothing worthy commendation . Dio- 
 genes in like manner, hearing one complaine that hee was 
 hated and fpked of others , counfellcd him, that ( to reuenge 
 himfelfej hefhould (till continue to be vertuous, as the beft 
 meanesone canhauetopunifh fuch enemies, whomc hee tor- 
 inentcth,and,asitwere, racketh more by his good conucrfati- 
 on, then by all other iniurieswhatfoeuer he can offer them. 
 
 It is a very ftraunge thing to confider the hatred and mal- 
 licc that the enuious manbcareth tovertue, andhowheeis 
 grieued when heefeeth it fhine, as it were, in his neighbours. 
 For albeit that it be profitable and commodious forhimfelfe, 
 and that hereape great fruite thereby : notwithftanding hee is 
 not contented therewith, but had rather lofe theprofitheen- 
 ioyeth by this meanes, then to fee the other enioy the praifes 
 and commendations which he deferueth . Which we may fee 
 by the Pharifees, who continually fpake malicioufly of the 
 doclrine and miracles of our Sauiour Chrift Iefus, notfbrthat 
 they were hurtfull or vnprofitable to them , but onely to dc- 
 priue him ofthe good opinion that the people had. ofhim, by 
 reafonof hisworkes, and to defraud him of the honour that 
 wasduevntohim. 
 
 Who r cape d jjjjhejcommoditie and v profit of the w ifdomc 
 and prudent "gouernment of David, of his valiantnefle , dili- 
 gence, and dexterity, of his victories, and generally of all the 
 happie fuccefie and profperous euents in all his enterprifes? 
 wasitnot&a*/? and yet for all that, he was fo difpleafed here- 
 with, that he had rather be ouercomehimfelfe, then yanquifll 
 others by his meanes : and that in fuch fort , that he was not fo 
 much grieued with thedomage and hurt that Cjoltah and his 
 other enemies had done in his countrey , nor with the reproch- 
 full wordes they vfed to wardes him felfe : as hee was tormen- 
 ted 
 
AGAINST ENVY- 
 
 7* 
 
 ted when he faw the daughters of/fraei fing fongs in his praife 
 fceinghim returne with (joltahs head vpon his fpeare . What + OfJofifbt 
 an exceeding commodity and profite was it for Iacob, his H rVU 
 children, and whole family, that God had purpofed to ad- 
 uance Iofefh to fuch honour and dignitie? for otherwife they 
 had beene in danger ( as in procefie of time it euidentlyap* 
 peared) mifcrably to haue died with hunger and famine. Not- 
 withstanding thcyfetting behinde them ail the pleaiurc and 
 commodity which they might participate of, by their bro- 
 thers aduancement, defired rather, (through an cnuious and 
 malicious ftomacke) to fee their brother die, yea, and them- 
 fclucstokill him, and thereby endaungcr them felues, their 
 children, and their good father, then that (through the good- 
 r.clTe and bountie ofGod) heftiould attaine vntofo high pre- 
 ferrcment. 
 
 By this, one may perceiue, that the enuiousman isnoleffc rbenature 
 grieucd at the fight ofvertuous and well difpofed men , then is eftheenvu 
 the Panther when he feeth the face of a man, which fas SMnt °^^ eiV 
 ^Bafil faith) isfo difpleafing in his fight, that hee no fooner M ocrJ! ' 
 feeth the picture thereof, but incontinently herageth and in- 
 deuoureth by all means to fpoile and teare it • It is true , thac 
 the envious man doth ncuer in fuch fort difcouerhimfelfe. But 
 indeauouring toobfeure the honour of other men,heevfeth 
 fome pretext and colour, and by all meanes fecketh to hide 
 his malicious ftomacke : as appeareth by the Iewes, wh oto 
 cloake the fpite and mallice they bare vnto Ohrift leftis, con- 
 uenting him before the iudge/omtime accufed him that he was 
 a blafphemer, ibmetimethat he was a fediticus fellowe , and a 
 moouer of tumults among the people , and fuch like accufati- 
 ons,bythis meanes the better to hide their owne cankred fto- 
 macke, to make him odiousamong the common fort, and to 
 prouokcthemagiftrate againfthim. Notwithstanding though 
 that the hatred and rancour, which the envious barctowarde 
 the vertuous, beefo coloured and disfigured, if it were grea- 
 ter then the enmitie which is bctweene Egles and Dragons, 
 or that betweene the Crowes and the Owles, the Cocke 
 and the Lyon , the Boare and the Elephant , betweene 
 
 L 2 whome 
 
 
Snvtecontt' 
 
 imttbal- 
 
 warn. 
 
 \* 
 
 THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 whome (it is reported) there is fuch difcord and hatred, that 
 euen when they are dead their bloods will in no wife bee 
 mingled together: fo likewife enuic and vcrtue can in no 
 wife agree . Hec that will be in fauour with the enuious 
 man inuft needes bee vicious. For fb long as God is good, 
 (which is and (halbe for euer and euer) anil that through his 
 great and exceeding mercie, hefhall beftow many and great 
 graces among his children, to enrich andbcautific them: and 
 as long alio as there {hall be any in this world, whodefire to 
 liue vertuoufly and honeftly , this paflion will alwayes rc- 
 maine in the deuill , and in the heart of all fuch , as are in fla- 
 uifheftate and condition vnder him, gnawing them continu- 
 ally, and feeding vpon them as an impoflume or filthy vlcer. 
 By reafon whereof the auncient Philofophers haue likened 
 y-*v*£& f eft rf - 1 vertue to thelunne. For as the heate thereof Tofteneth waxe, 
 r 2^1*4 and hardeneth the myre: fo likewife vertue reioyceth and 
 
 ^♦v^*******^ qomforteth the good, and grieueth the wicked, confuming 
 and wafting them by little and litdc, and fo at length pineth 
 them away with forrovve and gricfe, in-feeing good menflo- 
 ri(h in wealth and profperitie. 
 
 It is like vnto the moth in the garment, the wormeinthe 
 . tree, theruftonthe iron , which firft confume thofe things 
 finft™pnu] tnathauc ingendredit. And this is the reafon, why that AgU % 
 thaterrSie vnderftanding that in Sparta there were many* great and en- 
 confumetb uiousperfonages, anfwered, that hee was forieto fee them fo 
 itfelfi. voh^pie,3sthattheycould notreft contented with their own 
 forrowes and afflictions, but the moretovexe and torment 
 themfelues , they muft be grieued at the profperous and for- 
 tunate eftate of other men. 
 
 Enuiousmen (as theblde faying is) are not onely like vnto 
 vipers, in that they be alwaies fullof poyfon , but alio for that 
 neithertheoncnortheothercanbringfoorththeiryoungones 
 without killrngthemfelues: and they differ in nothing butin 
 this, that when as the young vipers are hatched, the old pre- 
 fently die , whereas malicious men confume by little and 
 litle , as jnen pyned in prifon, or wailed with a long fick- 
 acfle. 
 
 i Seeing 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 72 
 
 Seeingthcn, that this is fo dangerous and pernicious avice,^ cM * 
 weeoughtmoft caiefullic to take heedeof it, and to abandon J^ a ** xct 
 it, by all poffible meancs: imitating herein the examples of ientme y wha 
 magnanimious andheroicall mindes, whohaue by allmeanes hauebene 
 honoured and countenanced vertue and honeftie in whomfoe- voidofall 
 uer they found it. When as Eldad and Cteedad began to pro- JfJJ*' % 
 phecie in the hoft oflfrael, a certaine young man beeingiea- 
 lous of his matters credite, and fearing that his name fhould 
 be greatlie obfcured , came and tolde Mofes : and Iofhm x«Mofes. 
 counfelled Mofes to put them tofilence: but in ftcad of fol- 
 lowing Iofhuat counfell, heepraifed and magnified God, 
 and brake foorth into thefe fpeeches, O that all the peo- 
 ple dtdfo: giuing thereby to vnderftand, that wee cannot con- 
 ceiue in our mindes , much lelTe expreffe in wordes, howe 
 happie that lande fhould bee, whofe inhabitants are reple- 
 nifhed with the knowledge of God, and ftudie continuallic 
 to /et foorth his praifes. When as the difciples of lohn Bap- 
 tisl vnderftoodc that Chrifr alfo baptized, beeing mooued a -OfIohn 
 with a like affection, came vnto their matter, and tolde him ^P 11 "* 
 of it, and further, that many went after him tohearehis do- 
 ctrine, was hee angrie or malicious againft him forit? no: 
 but thereupon tooke an occafion to giue him thofe ample 
 and great tettimonies which are written in the EvangeliSles, Matc3.11. 
 that he was the lambe of God, which fhoulde take away the Mark. 1.7. 
 finnes of the worlde, that hee was the fpoufe, that hee \ u ^ tl f' 
 fhoulde baptize with fire, and with the holy Cjbott : that hee 
 was not worthie tovnlofe thelatchetof his fhoe, thathim 
 felfemutt decreafe, but hee muft increafe, to the ende, that 
 by this meanes his Difciples might vnderftand his authorise, 
 and learne wholly to depende vpon him. Were the Apo- ^^ - 
 fllesenvious, when they vnderftoode that Tml was called ftj cs- ^°" 
 vnto the fame dignity that they were? Was there any con- 
 tention among them when they met, for their place , for the 
 chaire,and fuch like preheminences,wherewith forne Cleargie 
 men are io bufied in their aflembhes, and that oftentimes 
 With fuchearneftnelTe and bitternefTc , that it hindreth their 
 conlultations, and that in fuch fort,that they neuer meddle wgh 
 that for which they aflembled ? though hee were the lefta- 
 
 L 3 mong 
 
THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 mong them , and as one borne out of feafon , yet did they 
 not thruft him downe to the loweft place , as wee vfe to doe 
 ordinarily thofe, who come Iaft, but acknowledging thegra- 
 ccsandgiftesof God in him, they friendly and courteoufly re- 
 ceyued him into their company commingto Ierufilcmy and 
 gaue him the right hands of fellowfiiippe , as it is in the Epiftle 
 4.S.Paul to the Cjatatians. Was he himfelfe alfo envious, for that God 
 thcApoftlc hadgiuen vnto others fo great faith , fuch knowledge , com- 
 panion, and many other lingular vertues? wee may fee as 
 well by the hittory that Saint Luke hath written of his life, 
 as by the Epiftles which he wrote vnto many Churches, the 
 great zealc and defire he had, that all other {houldbeequallin 
 Rom.9.3. giftcs and graces vnto him: andthathe was, as it wcre,fora- 
 uifhed with this affection which hee bare towardes his bre- 
 thren, that to faue them , he wifhed himfelfe accurfed. But 
 where (hall wee finde a more notable example, then that 
 which is propounded vnto vs in the perfon of thefonne of 
 God , who hath communicated vnto men all the giftcs 
 and graces,which hee hath receiued of his Father, and hath 
 dcuided with his brethren, his obedience, his iuftice, hisin- 
 nocencie, his life, his inheritance, and whatfoeuer hee had 
 befides, without referuing ought to him felre, fauing onely 
 the glory thereof and the paine to diftribute them? and fur- 
 ther, to make vs partakers of his honour, hee hath made vs 
 the children of God, Kinges ,Prieftcs, and Prophets as well 
 as himfelfe: he hath placed vs at the right hand of God his 
 Father, he hath fctvs at thctablein his kingdome, hee hath 
 made vs iudgesof the worlde, he hath made vs flefh of his 
 flefh, boneof his bones, one bodie and one minde with 
 him : and the better to fhewe how greatly he defireth to be 
 equall with vs, and how farre he is from all enuy and mal- 
 iice, hee hath not onely conformed himfelfe like vnto vs in 
 thoie things aboue mentioned, but alfo the better to refera- 
 ble vs, he hath participated of all our infirmities, except finne: 
 for he fuffeied hunger and thirft, cold andheate,yca and death 
 itlelfeas well as we. 
 
 What man is there, who confidering the great humili- 
 
 tie. 
 
 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 73 
 
 tie, charitie,and puritie of heart in our Lordc and Sauiour, The confide- 
 and that towardes all die world, deuidingas itwere^andthat ratt n n ^ff 
 fo liberally , fo great graces with other men, that can be iuft- ^^of 
 ly offended , if his neighbours and friendes be comparable cbriftlefut, 
 vnto himfclfc in many commendable vertues? Where is the and the duty 
 conformity wee fhould haue with the members of a mans wove vnto 
 body, among which there is iuch concord and agreement °u rmi ^l e 
 that it is wholly without any emulation or enuy ? for ver - ie coun . 
 though that the figure, place, difpofition, vfage, and dig- terpoyfonef 
 nitie,bcvery different, considering the partes, yet doe wee €nvie* 
 neuer fee them difagrce, and fpite one at another, either 
 forthe health, quietnefle, comclinefTe , or perfection of the 
 other, or that one reioyceth in the others imperfection. 
 Where is that vnitie of minde and heart, which hath beene 
 fo recommended vnto vs by the writings and bookes of our 
 aunceftours? or where is that readinefle and promptitude one 
 towardes another, according to the abilitie. that God 
 hath giucn vs, for the employing of fuch gifres as wee haue, 
 to the common vtility of the Church , if wee grieue at the 
 graces that God hath beftowed on vs? Where is thatblek 
 fing wee ought to giue vnto our neighbours , when they 
 are at their harueft, in faying, the Lorde profper you, 
 wee wifh you good lucke in the name of the Lordc? 
 Where is that Chriftian charitie, that fhould' bee with- 
 out mallice and enuie? Where is that faith that fhould 
 appeare and bee made manifeft by our tender affecti- 
 on, and the loue wee owe vnto our enemies , . feeing it 
 is Co little towardes our friendes, and yet that little is 
 corrupted and itayned, as it were, by a fecrete kindc 
 of ehuie, that wee beare towardes them, when we fee 
 them, profper, and that God hath aduanced them in 
 honour and dignitie aboue our felues ? Where is that 
 communitie , ( I doe not meane that confufed and 
 Platonicall participation of all thin ges ) but that holy 
 and Euangeiicall focietie which ought to bee in Gods 
 common wealth, which rtiould bee vnited and linked to- 
 gether with a mod. holy, a moft perfect, and a mod 
 
 L <j feme 
 
THE FOVRTH B O O K E. 
 
 firmeand abfolutc band of rriendfhippe ? and to conclude in a 
 worde,how fliould wcc haucany participation with God, or 
 with Chrift Icfus his fonnc , if they haue taken fo great paines, 
 and haue beene fo carefull to inftill vcrtuous motions into 
 mensmindes, andvveefpiteand grieueto fee them godly and 
 L n,_ Ycrtuoufly inclined? 
 
 ►wT E u*ih LycHYgm beholding th a (heafes ofcorneafter haruefteuen* 
 
 /£»-- "(hew bow ty Guided, tooke great delight to beholdTb gTeliF^uaTitiea- 
 tft c/1 fhnemanyof mong neighbours. What apleafure is it my friends (faith hee) 
 Txtyjt*^*bem were to fee the commodities of our countrey fo euenly diftributed, 
 t'fbi frommvK. asthough we were all brethren, deuiding ourfathers goods by 
 equall portions? What afhamc ought it tobevntovsat this 
 prefent, & what a condemnation will it be at the day of judge- 
 ment, to fee fuch amide and brotherly affection among hea- 
 then men, and in vs,whocarie the names ofChriftians, fuch ha- 
 tred &vncharitable dealing, which fheweththat we are wholy 
 poffeffedwith fpiteand enuie. 
 2.P«darc- Ptdaretus one o f the moft honourable and w orthy m en of 
 Sparta, labouring on a time to be chofen one of the nomber of 
 fc tV M£j three hundred, who were elected for the gouernment and rule 
 ' of thecitie, andbeing reie<5ted, returned home to his houfe 
 very merry: which the Epbores (who were the cenfours of the 
 city, and the reformers of vices in their common wealth) vn- 
 derftanding, fent for him, fuppofing indeed that he had deri- 
 ded and mocked their partialities in elections : and deman ding 
 of him why he laughed and fported himfelre in fuch manner, 
 feeing that hee fhould rather be fad , confidering the difgrace 
 that was offeredhim: he anfwered,that he could not but excee- 
 dingly reioyce, to confiderthat there were three hundredmen 
 in the citie better then himfelfe, and more meete to goucrne, 
 and be employed in the common wealth : giuing vs thereby to 
 Vnderftand notonlythathewasnotenuious, but alfo that hee 
 ^ wasexceeding ioyfull,that there were fomany men better and 
 
 n y. Mcxadcr more honourable then himfelre. 
 Ife th c great. ^Alexander the great,vnderftanding that there was a certain 
 f £ ^ is U " r r e C at jfc &ecian, who was an excellent runner, for thathe himfelfe was 
 ^^ f flauene verie nimble and a6tiue, greatly defiredto feehim,andtorunne 
 &fncd(hip. with him: butperceiuing that in the courfe, the other did not 
 
 ftreine 
 
 v ws. 
 
 %&ix4i**»1 
 
 IHV^- 
 
 Iky* 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 74 
 
 ftreinehimfelfe, but as it were voluntarily differed himfelfe to 
 beoutmnne,byrcafon herannewith fo greataperfonage.- he 
 was marveilous angry, and reproouing him for it, told him, that 
 he was none of that enuious and malicious brood, who are al- 
 waies difcontented if they may not ouercome ineuery thing, 
 Jknowing very well, that the immortall gods, who did liberally 
 beftow their giftes and bleflings at their pie afure, doenotcon- 
 ferreallvpononeman, but diuerfly enrich diuers men, vfing_ 
 therein a wonderfull wifdome andcounfell, bythismeanesto 
 bridle men,who naturally are fierce and proud,that they fhould 
 notcontemneaed defpife other men, but that rather through a 
 mutuall neceflitic and want the one hath of the other, that 
 they (hould one feeke for another, conferuing a fociety among 
 themfelues: the great ones to beferued by the fmall ones, and 
 thofe that arc in pouertie to be relieued by fuch as are in wealth 
 and profperitie. The fame prince beeing at another time pre - 
 fent, and fitting among many other great lords to determine 
 a controuerfie betweene Tbeffaliu and aAthenodorm^oxxzr 
 gicall poets, touching their excellence in the arte of poetry, 
 and to giue the honour and price vnto him to whom of right ic 
 didappertaine, gaue his voice wirh Thejfaltu: but perceiuing 
 that the other iudges were not of his opinion, but contrariwife 
 determined with Atbencdorus, faide , that he would willingly 
 hauegiuenhalfe hiskingdome, fothatthe party with whome 
 hehadgiuen his voice might haue had the victory, for that he 
 would not haue receiuedSich adifgrace, as to be thought he 
 hadiudgedof a matter he had no skill in . Notwithstanding it 
 was meetthatthe honour fhould remaine vnto him to whom 
 it was adiudged, and that it ought not to feeme ftrange vnto 
 Thejfzltu ,that he was not accounted the beft poet, nor to him- 
 felfe that he was not the wifeft among the Iudges, for thate- 
 uery one can not haue the firft place, and exceed in all vermes, 
 Confiderthe magnanimitie and heroicall mindeof this great 
 prince,andthe malicious hatred, not only of fome great perfb- 
 nages,but alfo ofmeane gentlemen at this day, if their feruants 
 or inferiours reprooue their iudgement andopinionpublikely 
 in any matter whatfoeuer, and we (hall fee a wonderfull diffe- 
 rence. 
 
 If 
 
•»" I 
 
 ^F^Cfiofiir^ THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 Wbcnofit I f (to proceed c further) we would know the caufes of this 
 frocceduh diuerfuie , wee fhall findc, that vice and imperfection is the 
 
 anfomZy c * u ^ °^* cnuie ! n tnc one > anc * tftac tne g reat vertue of the 
 tnviau men ocncr * s tne principall reafon which maketh them to cm- 
 intheworlde brace, commend and recompenfe, whatfoeucr they found 
 attbisday,& worthy of commendation in their times. In ^Alexanders 
 "nd Y**** t,mc tnerc was neither Phdofepher, Poet, Or at our, Mathema- 
 [omaonini- tlct(in > Carpenter, Painter, Carver, or any artifan whatfocuer 
 miota. that was excellent in his arte, whom he would not fee and talke 
 
 Plutarch in withall,whom he had not enriched and honored : yea he made 
 
 **f *A\^ f -A S ^° me °^ tnem in g reac anc ^ g°°dly pictures of bralTe , the better 
 o exa cr tom3m f e fl. j n w ^ at reputation he had their vertue, and to en- 
 p*»©*&L t courage others to imitate them in their excellency. It were a 
 
 U?£*> / /vt><'* * hard m atcer to iudge whether he vyere more prodigall to wards 
 them of his heart in louin g L the m , or ofhis rongucin praifing 
 them,or ofhis purfe in rjxompenfingjthem. For he fpared none 
 of all three.- to one he gaueten talents, to anotherhegaue fifty, 
 to an other an hundreth, to another a thoufand: in fo much, 
 that he had fooncr emptied Daritu coffers, which were full to 
 the toppc, then fatisfied his owne defires in giuing and re- 
 warding. In like manner , tothe captaines and valia nt men of 
 wane, of whom he might rather be fufpitious, and concciue 
 fomc fecret enuy again!! them ( for fuch is the natureof all men 
 forche mod part, who profefle armes) he wasibliberall, that 
 Done of them (all the time he was in thewarres)euerdid any 
 memorable and famous a<5t, but hec was worthily recom- 
 penced. For hee gauethem caftles, cities, and kingdomes, 
 and in a worde, fo highly honoured them , that fomeofthem 
 wereafhamedtoreceiue fo great rewardes for very fmallpee- 
 cees of ferviccs , as they thought . And this great liberality 
 and munificenfe towardes all men of quality whomfoeuer 
 that he could heare of, was the caufe, why that foone after 
 hisdeceafe, a certaine man (feeing wife men defpifed and die 
 beggers> without any reliefe) faide to a Poet named zArche* 
 Hratm ( lamenting the time pafled , and feeing fo wor- 
 thy a man in fuch great diftreffe and want, J O ( jfaith hee) 
 that you had bene in the time of Alexander: fox hee would 
 
 haue 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 75 
 
 hauc giucn you for cuery verfe you make, (bine fuch king- 
 dome as CyprtUyOt the kingdomc ofPhoenicia. This was the 
 reafon alfo why fome compared his reigne to the fpring- 
 time: for that then the earth being moderately warmed by 
 the fweeteneile of theayre, which is then cleare and tem- 
 perate , bringeth foorth hearbes and flowers , and hatcheth 
 the feedes which it hath rcceiued long before: folikewife A« 
 lexander drawing foorth the fpirits by his liberalitie , which 
 had beene kept in , and las it were hindred with the colde 
 oftheformer ages, made his owne time fb fertile, thatiincc 
 his reigne, there hath beene no age that hath beene fo fruit- 
 full. (}£ / 
 Alexander Sever m fometime Emferottr of Rome, imita- 4-°j" Alcx-C^^ 
 ting this worthieking, would bee acquainted with all the ex- ^ er cyc ^%r4- 
 cellentOratours and Poets of his time, andheare them verie 
 often, and he tooke fuch delight herein, that one day in the 
 prefencc of many great Embafladours , hee boafted fas of a Lampridius 
 thing which hee gloried moft inj that there w r as neuer a fa- in the life 
 mous learned man in the worlde,who cither had not talked of Sevcrus. 
 with him , or wrote vnto him . Which furely is a worthie 
 commendation for kinges , and ought to bee hereditarie, 
 and as it were, the proper and true patrimonie of all great, 
 ftates , who can not haue a more goodly ornament to 
 beautifie themfelues , and ennoble their hotifes , nor a 
 more notable blafon in their amies, to verefie their nobi* 
 litie, nor (to conclude) a more (hrill trumpet to founde out 
 their praifes ouer the face of the whole earth, and to conti- 
 nue them vntothe ends of the world , then to be fuch louers of 
 vertue andknowledge, and to honour thefegiftesinwhomfo- 
 euer they find them. Contraryex- 
 
 On the contrary, there is nothing that fo obfeureth amples of 
 and defaceth their glorie, nor that lb foone extingui- ? rinc ?l*t° 
 fheth their memorie , or that maketh them more abo- ^^f 
 mmable and deteftable to all pofteritie , whenfoeuer 
 they are mentioned, then when as they haue beene enemies 
 to learning, and men ofvnderitanding .For who is there, that 
 at this day abhorreth not the memory of the Emperour Ltcynhu 
 
 for 
 
THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 Eufcb.lib.8. for the contempt he had of all good learning, and the hatred 
 rap.i j : andnialiice which he bare thereto, in that heebanifhed all the 
 learned men out of Rome in his time, terming them inderifion 
 therattesand vermineof his Court. Whereat we neede not 
 tomaruell, confidering hee was fo ignorant andfo foolifh, 
 that he could not fo much as write his ownc name .* and Igno- 
 ranee as we daily fee is a deadly enemy to vcrtuc . And what 
 PlucarchTn ^ a ^ we % °^ ^- tea/i tne king of Scythta, who hearing one 
 Apothcg. of his prifoners named Ifmenias, which was taken in the 
 warres, play moil excellently vpon a flute, and fo delight- 
 fully, that euery man had great pleafure toheare him, ad- 
 miring and wondering at him as at a demy god, faide, that 
 hee for his part had as licue herea horfe neigh: fhewingthere- 
 by, theicorneand mallice hee bare towardes the player, and 
 thefpitehee had towardes fuch as heard him, and that the 
 barbaroufneiTc of his minde and of his eares was fuch , that 
 itfeemedtheonewasfhut vp within his liable, and the other 
 fittertoheare an AlTcbray, then the Mufes ling. One neede 
 not to maruell (as Ihauefaide) though that fuch a prince, 
 nourifhed in the defarts and .woods , like vnto a bruitebeaft, 
 hadfofauadgeaminde, and that hee fo little efteemed know- 
 ledge and vertue, which were wholly vnknowen vnto him. 
 But it would make a man wonder, that among the Cjreekes and 
 Romanes, who would needes bee accounted ciuill, and re- 
 puted of all other nations barbarous in refpedt of them felues, 
 2.of Diony- tnerc ^°^ he any fuch rudenelTe. Dionyfius the tyrant of 
 fiusofSyra- Syracvfa, through afpitefull and malicious hatred , fet that 
 cufc. famous Toet Pbibxems to worke in the mynes , for that hee 
 
 being commaunded tocorreel: acertaine tragedie, which the 
 tyrant had made, finding euery thing amilTe in it, wholly de- 
 faced it from the one end to the other : wherewith the tyrant 
 was fo fpited, that he condemned him to as grieuous a punifh- 
 ment,as tobeaflaueinrhe Gallies. 
 f t k c tAdrian had many goodjy and commendable partes in 
 
 Emperour hiin, and was one of the belt rurnifhed with knowledge and 
 Adrian. vnder (landing of all the Emperours of Rome : but this was all 
 If if i t +#***" obfeured with the hatred that he bare vnto all them, who 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 7<* 
 
 who were renowmed for their skill in any arte whatfceucr. 
 Which indeede was fo extreme , that hce couldc not endure 
 that any man fliould read any bookesin Rome, but thole of 
 his making, or that any artificers, efpccially painters and gra- 
 uers ,fhould be accounted better thenhim felfe : fothat tofa- 
 tisfie this his malignant and envious paflion, hec expelled 
 Favortmu and Dtonyfim Mehftiu , who had offended in no- 
 thing but in this, that for their excellent knowledge inallhu- 
 manitie, in painting and grauing they were accounted the moft 
 notable of all other. Nay he didworfe, for when as the Em- 
 perour Trajan was about to builde a certaine houfe for the 
 exerciie of muficke, and that there was focne difference 
 betwecne him and Adrian for the placing of the fiayres: 
 the mafter workeman feeing the opinion of Adrian to bee 
 without all reafon, and that notwithftanding hec would 
 needes maintaine it againft the Emperour and all other the 
 chiefe workemen which were there, was compelled to fay, 
 the better to repreffehis preemption, thatifhechad no bet- 
 ter skill in painting then in making offtayres, he was not 
 very skillfull, or (as Dton reportethitj that hee might goe 
 painthoppes. He diflembled this thing for the time, asthough 
 he had not heard it: notwithftanding,, hee was inwardly 
 fo offended andfo vexed , that his opinion was reie&cd as Well 
 of the matters of the arte as aifo of the Emperour v thafc 
 afterwardes he (commingto the Empire) putthepobremtfn 
 to death, for no other caufe but this, that he would notyeeW 
 vnto him,in that which was moll vnreafonable and cofttrarie cA V-/?" 
 
 to knowledge. ***** fy 
 
 Although thefe former examples bee mod exemble, *•*** P** &fi^ 
 yet -are- they nothing in comparifon ofthat of the Em- J^t! 
 perour Commodus , who notwithftanding hr* education ^mmodn^ 
 and bringing vp by the moft famous and wile men, vrittenby 
 which were in all the world, and the diligent care of hre^'^*** 
 father KjMarctu *AtireltHs, the wifeft and moft vcrtuous &&**»* 
 prince that euer was , and the goodly patternc of honour w ** 
 and vertue, which were fet before his eyes in the exara- 
 plesoffiue Emperours hisprcdeceffours: and finally the graue 
 
 and 
 
THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 and wife admonitions, which hec had dayly of the truflie 
 and faithrull counfellours of his late father , was notwith- 
 (landing fo vicious, and fovnruly in all his actions, thathee 
 exceeded all his predeceflburs and fuccelTours in mifchiefe, 
 and efpecially in enuy, which was in him in mod abundant 
 maner, which may euidently appeare if we confider two cr 
 three of his a<5les . When it wastolde him that Mamirttu 
 tsfntonianns was very like him in proportion of bodie and 
 magnanimitieof mindc, hee caufed the party that tolde him 
 this, forthwith to bee flaine, and Iikcwife within a little after, 
 hee murdered his coufin ss4ntor.ianpts> alledging, that it bc- 
 feemednot any man in the worldeto compare him to ano- 
 ther , much lefleto refemble him. And it is further reported 
 of him that hepoifoned Shlpicius Crajfm the Proconful, /»- 
 Km TrocultUy and Claudius Lucanm , who were the gouer- 
 nours of tApa, for that hee vnderftoode they were honed: 
 men, gouerning the countreyes vnder their charge prudent- 
 ly and iuftly . *2?ut the moll infamous and wicked part of 
 all other reported of him , is, that of the fourteene or fiftcene 
 Romane gentlemen, who were fporting themfclues vpon the 
 bridge ofT^rfforhec palling that way and meeting with 
 them, demanded of them what they were talking of: whereto 
 theyanfwered, that they had beene difcourfing of that wor- 
 thy Empcrour Mirctu (L^urehfa > who after his death had left 
 an eucrlafting forrowe to all pofteritie , for theloflcof fo good 
 andvertuous aprincc)forwhich, without any further procefTc 
 of Law,hec caufed them to be thro wen into the riuer/aying, 
 that no man could fpeake well of his fathej,buthe muftneedes 
 fpeakceuillofhitn. _ 
 
 Whois there, that abhorreth not fuchmen,and that hea- 
 rty ennitm ring fuchmortall hatred, isnot ailonifhedtoconfidcrthatcuer 
 an J°' ber , ■ their fliould be any fuch creatures, though indcede their na- 
 intotovbo turc is io wicked and fo corrupt, that there jsnoimpietiewnat- 
 bate one an- focucr, which is notfometime inherent in them: forthecor- 
 9tber. ruption of them is fo exceeding , that there is no kind of mif- 
 
 chiefe, but they are fubie&vnto it. There is no imperfection 
 or vice whatfoeuer in other creatures, which man participa- 
 te* 
 
AGAINST ENVY. 77 
 
 rcthnotof, and which is not common to him with them.* 
 and if there be any vice that man hath proper and peculiar to 
 himfclfe, furelyit isenuie, which is neuer found in beallcs, for 
 that they haucnot the reafon and vnderftanding to difecrne 
 thehappicand profperous eftate of others . Which is the 
 caufe that ingendreth hatred and enuie among men. And as 
 there is noenuy but among men, (b doe they alwaics vfeit 
 one towardes another . We doe no t enujc an Oxe_forhis U?M*\, c j L 
 
 ftrength,nora PcacockefbTtHat he is more gay then wee are, %^Crg^ faf 
 nor Apes for their nimblenefie, nor ferpents for fubtilty , nor ( 
 
 doues for their fimplicitie, nor any other creatures for thofe 
 qualities that are in them . There is nothi ng but the profpe- c - 
 
 ritie of other men that vexeth vs: and efpeciallyof our friends^ \%fa$' y j£JL 
 neighbours,kinred, equals andfamiliars. For weneuerenuic .mjv/fhfajffi <u? 
 Grangers and fuch as wee know not, nor thepoore man euer v^/^ei***^^ 
 enuieth the Prince : but the potter the potter (as the Pro- ^pfr$r a*&/& 
 uerbe fayeth) the fiflier the fifher, the huckfter the huck- 
 fter , the marchant the marchant , the gentleman the 
 gentleman, the fcholler the fcholler, the feruant the fer- 
 uant, the young man the young man, the olde man the 
 old man, the fbuldier the fouldier, the Lawerthe Law- 
 cr, the Doftour the Dodtour: and to make fhort, wee 
 fee that fuch as fhould vpholde and maintaine one ano- 
 ther, either for theirftate and condition , their yeeres, their 
 neighbourhood, their kindred and acquaintance, are vfu- 
 ally fet together bythceares through thiscurfedpaffion : and 
 it breedeth commonly much debate betweenc great pcrfo- 
 nages if they bee neighbours , and diflblueth the knotte 
 of vnity betweenc brethren , if they conuerfe long toge- 
 ther. 
 
 And this appeareth notably in the examples of Cain and 
 ttAbel, Ifaac and I(mael % Lot and vibrahanu, Iaakob and 
 Eftftt, Idfepb and his brethren, the Jpojtles of ' ChrtU Ie- 
 fa, the kingdome of fada and Ifrael, the Twfys and the 
 Per (jaw, and in olde time the Parthians and the %omanes^ 
 ajnon^wliome^there was neuer firme rnendfoippc, nor 
 fure vnitie ^y^ reajbn joF this curjed enuie, which euer 
 brake the bandesthat ffioulde Rauetyed them together. And 
 
 ic 
 
Why God 
 bath recsnt' 
 mended vw 
 tov* the loue 
 of out neigh' 
 bows. 
 
 THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 kfcemeth that this was the principallcaufc, why God in ma- 
 kinga Lawe that one manfhould loue another, there is a 
 fpeciail remembrance made of our neighbours, and fuch as 
 inhabite neare together. For though that of our felues with- 
 out any comman dement , weought to loue them, by re a fon of 
 the proximitic and acquaintance wee hauewiththem, and 
 that therefore one would thinkc , heehad more needetohaue 
 commended , yea and commaunded the loue offtrangers; 
 yetnotwithftanding confidering that which wee hauefpoken 
 touching the perverfneffe of our nature, which for the mod 
 partmaketh vs to hate our neighbours , more then any thing 
 clfe, hcehath cfpecially mentioned them in his Lawe, therein 
 expwffing the malicious and cankred cogitations of our hearts, 
 feeing that wee are more ftuadge and cruell herein, then the 
 Beajit notfi bririte bcafls. Forthey being butaHttle acquainted and \Ccd 
 m*nu. M **&&*% doe ^ ue quietly without molcfting one another : as 
 we may fee by cattes and dogges, who liue quietly together 
 and feldome or neuer fight , vnicfle it bee, when as the one 
 know not the other. But the firft that we willbe fcratching 
 and dawing,ifwemay catch them,are either our neighbours,or 
 our next kinsfolkes. . 
 
 Enuy then, as wc may fee, among all other creatures ma- 
 y*^ £.. keth choiceof man,and amongmen, of neighbours, and of 
 frfWifcourft * cm * c mo ^ vertuous y a g ain ^ vvhome it oppofeth it felfe 
 timflermh without all difcretion. For it fpitcth allvertueandprofperi- 
 tie whatfoeuer. And as we fee all brightneffe offenfiue vnto 
 thofe, who haue fore and difcafed eyes ,fo Iikewife there is 
 no light of the minde orvnderftanding, which doth not gne- 
 uoufly vexe,andasitwere gnawthc heart of the enuious,when 
 as he confidereth his neighbours honour and glory , thinking 
 that his owne is wholly obfeured, as are the moone and the 
 ftlrresby the funne fhtning . By reafon whereof,eucn as when 
 we fee our neighbours houlc which,by reafon of his greatnefle 
 and ftatelineffe } bereaaeth vsofthe ayreandprofpc£t,wc wifli 
 that either it were cleane pulled downe, or at the lcaft aba- 
 ted: fo Iikewife, the cnuious men woulde willingly, that 
 the aduantage that their neighbours or familiars haue of 
 them, vme taken away, and their failes leiTencd , for 
 
 that 
 
AGAINST ENVIE. 7 3 
 
 that by their greatneflc they thinke them felves diminiflied. 
 
 We haye hitherto declared what manner of paflton this En- Tbefecond 
 vie is, and hovve f arre it eftrangeth vs from God, (whofe image Pf* Jri 
 flbould alvvayes lively appeare in vs) and howe ncere it cotipleth J/^ilw- 
 vs with the devili. Novve it remaineth briefely tofet dovvne diesagainfl 
 fuch remedies as are convenient toavoide it, and withallthe tnv'ie^nd of 
 comfort and confblation that God and vertuous men ought to the comfort 
 have,when they are fpited and hated. As concerning the remc- tho ^ ou i tit 
 dies, Saint "Baftll hath fet downe two ; ' thejfirft is, thaTwe difi- ° n ^vkd. 
 gently confider the frailtie and vncercainetie of riches, honour, i 
 pleafure, and other delightes of the worlde, which are ordina- rbe firftrt* 
 rilythecaufes of the hatred we bare towardes our neighbours. mt ^* 
 For if we repute them (as in dcedc they are) vaine and tranfito- 
 fic,and confider with our felves the care,painc,danger, and dif- 
 pleafure they drawe with them, we would rather pitie them 
 who poffefle them, for that they bring fb much miferie, then 
 fpite and malice them, for fo fhortand troublefome afelicitie. 
 After that Dyomfiw the tyrant was driven out of his kingdome, 
 Diogenes meeting him on a time at Corinth , whither he was re- T J u !f% f tft 
 tired after his fall, in the prefenceofmany philofbphers, among yJSjL 
 whomehewasfportingafterhis accuftomed manner, tolde him 
 that nowe he begannc to fpite and envie his eftate, to fee him . 
 live (o quietly : meaning, that povertie, by reafon of the reft 
 and quietnelTe wee have thereby, is more to be envied and fpi- 
 tedthenall the riches of fortune, which aslightning in vani- 
 shing fuddenly, doeth nothing butdazelltheeyesof the be- 
 holders. 
 
 The fecond rcmedie is, that we confider that the graces and * 
 giftes of our neighbours are common to the whole Church, Thc fe e071 * 
 and that it is given them not to the entent they fhould belordes 
 over them, (for from God alone doeth every good gift pro- 
 ceede, and he ought to be reverenced for them,) but as good 
 and faithhfuli (tewardes to distribute and devide them among 
 fuch as have neede of them. If we would thinke cfthis, wee 
 ftiould have no great occafion to mallice them .• but contrari- 
 wife we would thinke we were greatly bound to love them and 
 their wifedome, for that they take great paine to keepevs, and 
 to beftowe vpon vs thofe good thinges, which God giveth vnto 
 
 Mi vs 
 
THE FOVRTH BOOKE. 
 
 vs by their meancs, and if it happen that (as vnfaithfuil ma. 
 ftersof anhofpicals, who but too often robbe the poore men 
 over whom they are placed)they will retain anything vniuftly, 
 ofthat which God hath given them to difpence vnto fuch as 
 have neede : yet in fuch a cafe we fliould be fofarre from Envie, 
 that on the contrary we fliould exceedingly pitiefuch poore 
 thieves, which expedt every day when the Iudge fliould fende 
 them to hanging, by reafon oftheir theft and robberies, and 
 for that they have bene fo vnfaithfuil in their dealings. 
 A comfbrt Nowe as concerning the comfort that a man fliouldehave 
 vnto him tnat ls fpited: He muft firtt hope,that if he perfift conftantly in 
 that is jpited. theftudieof vertue,it will daily foincreafc, chat at the length it 
 The fir ft *vvill weaken envie, and fo diminifli it by little and little, that in 
 cmfirt, the ende it will quite exftinguifliit.For as wefeethe fireinthc 
 beginning caft foorth a great fmoke, which quickely vaniflieth 
 away as foone as it is well kindled : fo like wife vertue caufeth 
 great malliceandfpite in the beginning, but if a man becon- 
 ftantand will not be difcouraged, but burnetii more and more 
 in vertue and goodneffe, in the ende he (hall difperfe them, as 
 theSunnebeamesdriveth away the cloudes,in fuch fort, that 
 at length we /hall notknowe what is become of them. He muft 
 Thefecond a jf Q com f ort n j m f e jf e in t h at w j 1 j c { 1 Saint q y ^ or ie hath fpo- 
 
 auu au otucr anjiu.ions wnauoevcr wun u kmuc ufcompaiiion 
 ^ T <T £ and naturall pitie, to theende that our neighbours taking com- 
 
 panion of our infirmities, fhould fomewhataflwagethebitter- 
 nefleofthem,andby thismeanes,as itwere infomefort,helpe 
 vs to beare & fuftaine the burthen of them,fo alfothat in thofe 
 particular bleflingshebeftoweth vpon vs, he vfeth envious men 
 as ameanesto bridle vs, that wee fliould not exalt our felves 
 too high, and that this prefumption, if it be not brideled, fliould 
 not be the occafion of ourruine anddeftru&ion. For the two 
 extremities (as sAriftotle faith J doe prejudice as well the bodie 
 as the minde. Ifonedrinkeoreate, fleepe or labour too much, 
 it hurtcth the corporall health which can not be prefcrved, but 
 by a mediocritiein all thingest folikewifcmay wc fay of the 
 
 minde, 
 
AGAINST ENVIE. 6$ 
 
 minde,whichfurcly is not in health, if it be either too hautie, 
 proude, or prefumptuous, or toobafe,lowe, and fubmiiTe/To 
 the ende then that it may be welldifpofed, it muft bee kept in 
 a mediocritic, and, as it were, in a meane betweene both, 
 to the ende that it may be ftrong ynough to beare adverfitic, 
 andfo heavie, that it be not blowen away with a puffe of prof- 
 pcritie, which is a verie difficult thing as we may daily fee by 
 experience, for we doe no foonerthinke of adverfitie, but wee 
 arc by and by throwen downe and difcouraged : and a little 
 profperitie will make vs carrie all our failes. And therefore 
 God hath fet envie on the one fide, and pitic on the other, as 
 it weret wo places to re it on,in the high way,to the ende that 
 if wee will exalt our felues in profperitie, Envie flioulde bee 
 readie to pullvs downe, andifweebe too much diicouraged 
 with adverfitie, pitie and companion fliould be readie to helpe 
 
 Wee may gather hereby that <7od vfeth envie, as thofe of Gg(i <i raw + 
 Atbensykd. their Oftrocifme, for by their Lawe and auncient etheutof 
 cuftome of the countrey they banifhedthe richeft,and rnoft envie fir tbi 
 renowmed men of their Common wealth, and fuch as had g^dofbit 
 borne greateft offices, and by their prudent and wife manna- c ' nn% 
 ging of their affaires had gotten greateft authorities not of a 
 rafh or headie conreipt, or thorowe ingratitude, and a mi£ 
 conftruing oftheir good fervices and famous aftes, and much 
 leffe for any crime or fault committed by them : but onelyby 
 this meanes to moderate their greatneffe, and to hinder them, 
 that their ambition flioulde not growc to the height of ty- 
 rannic, and by this meanes to refill it in the beginning,leafto- 
 therwife growing too great, the courfe thereof would not 
 bee (topped without great trouble and efrufion of blood-JIn^ 
 Iijocjnanner_god fufrcreth good and vertuous men to bee~en- 
 vied ancTvexed, notforanyharme hcebeareth vnto them, nor 
 for any defire he hath to puriifli them for their finnes commit- 
 ted, but onely by this meanes to keepethem from preempti- 
 on and pride, whereto we are verie much cnclined, when as we 
 conceive in our mtndes, that we are better and more fortunate 
 thenothermen. 
 
 And thus much hauc I thought good to fpeakc touching the 
 M 2 remedies 
 
THE FOVRTH B O O K E. 
 
 remedies againft Envie, after which, aad that paffionate hu- 
 mour of Anger, whereof we have difcourled in the third booke, 
 itfhail be requifite to fpeake ofpleafure, and of that vnbrideled 
 afte&ion, which we have inthe difordinateluftesoftheflefh: 
 to the endc we m ay rightly kno we what is vicious therein. For 
 thefe two pa(fions beeing placed the one after the other, there- 
 by wee may the better vnderftande each other, and 
 in like manner themiferie of our mherable 
 nature, which in divers things 
 is to equally troubled 
 and tormen- 
 ted. 
 
 THE 
 
 
TH£ FfFTH BOOI^E 
 
 of the tranqulhtie and contentn- 
 
 tionofthcminde. 
 
 ^AGAINST TLEASVRE. 
 A briefe fumrne of the vvhole Bodkc. 
 
 Eesng that wee haue learned by evident 
 demonflrations and found proofes out of 
 thewordeofGod, that this earthly life is 
 but a pilgrimage, and (as it were) a way 
 
 wherein we walk* vnto abetter life, that 
 is to/ay,vnto the l^ingdome of heaven: it 
 fofloweth then that we muftfo vfe our bo* 
 dies and our goods, be it either for nccef- 
 fttie orforpleafure,that both may further 
 vsfor the attaitjing of that heavenly place , wherein our true reft and 
 repofe dwelleth andconfifleth . Which we can not well doe, vnleffe we 
 vnderfjtandthehtnderancesthat vanitte cafteth in our way, to the 
 ende that they being taken away, we may the more eafelypajfe to the 
 place whither we would. To helpe vs forward as much as may be, the 
 Author difcourfeth in this fifth boohe of Pleafure, and especially of 
 that kinde 0/Pleafure which we ought especially to efchewe: and the 
 better to ma\e vs vnderfland his meaning, he devideth Pleafure fei 
 tofourepartes. The fir ft fort of 'Pleafure is hone ft, good,and laudable, 
 which in f ewe wordes he paffeth over, as having a purpofe to flan de 
 longer vpon the other .Then hecommeth vnto thofe which arc natu- 
 ral, wherein he refuteth thofe, who through too great auflereneffe 
 oondemne them as vnlawfull: confcquently he confuteth the Stoicks, 
 and entreth into adtfeourfe of affeBtons, and especially of I oy and 
 Sorrowe: of which having [hewed the right vfe, hee condemneth in 
 the thtrdplace the Epicures andfundrie other hypocrites, enemies 
 vnto naturallplcafures. This being done, he entreth into the exami- 
 nation of thofe pleafure s which are vicious, Hee placet h in the frfl 
 rancl^e the gluttons and thedrmkardes, whofe wickednejfe he plenti- 
 fully dtfcovereth,*ndoppofeth again ft, them thefrugaltfie ofourfore- 
 fathers , whereof he fcttethdorpnemany notablepattcrnes, and brtn- 
 
 M 3 geth 
 
geth in m Any tragicall example t C4ufed by the ft venemonfyhafiirtf. 
 Then hem^keth aninveflive againft. the exceffive cheerevfed at 
 t *bles$ swing the dtfeommodmes that thefe dehcates bring both to 
 b sd'e and foul e\ proovwg withall that fobriette both in eating and 
 d^mfang is mofl neceffarie for the preservation of this fife, And the 
 attaining of a better life : andthat the diet of heathen men [hall be a 
 condemvationvnto (Jhril}tans y whofe fault es heltl^ewtfe defcribeth. 
 Next vnto this, he anfwereth fitch as preferre their tafte before 
 their hezh h y and t hofe who alledge they may doe with t heir own what 
 theyhj} : anU other, who reprehend cuftome, And fitch as blame the 
 reformation ofexceffe y tearmtngit a curious andexceffe novehie\ 
 and this caufeth himtopaintoutandfetfoorth in their colour s y the 
 vanitie and diffoluteneffe of thefe times : and becaufe it is but labour 
 luft to preach vntofullbellies 9 who are notfo qmcke of hearing beeing 
 fnll y as they are when they are emptiejoe exhort eth Princes and ma* 
 gjflrates care filly tolouke to the/rcjfees: and to encourage them Joe 
 fit t eth do. Trie many notable examples y as thofe of 'Moyfes, Iofua, 
 Ezcchias, loiias, Efdras, Ccmftantine the great, many of his fnc- 
 cejJors y andjundrie Ktnges 0/Fraimce. 
 
 Nowe for that Bacchus. W Venusrfr* nourified bj companies 
 and that, when the belfa ris fullfhe bod: e would be atrefl y (as the pro* 
 perbefiiih, a id. is e xperknee teachetti) he entreatethofthe fecond 
 troupe of willed ple^fiires, that is tofiy y whoredomes y whofe mtfi- 
 chiefehe dijcoverethy'n that they bereave vsofourvnderjlanding, 
 fail thebodie and wa fie our goods y which is proovedby found reafons 3 
 rvorthie examples, fate fimibtndes y andchotce fentences y annexing 
 hereto an excellent treat tfe ofthegaodneffe of God towardes hx chil- 
 dren, when asheexercifeth them mthcnjfes and affliLlioxs, and to 
 make thefe damnable pica fur e$ more odious Joe {heweth a fowhat per- 
 ticularmtf chief es enfue of them : as the brutifhneffe And [ottifoveffe 
 effuch as arewjlayerie vnder them y thefeparatton with Chrift Ie- 
 ius y a renouncing ofthe love of God y toplunge them felves into a fil- 
 t hie puddle which makcth them madde, enemies ofvertue and good' 
 ne Jf e » which is amplified at large: whereby wee may fee that it ta not 
 without caufe y that God hath declared that hewilliudge whoremon- 
 gers y and thatfucb as wallow in thatjinne have noparte in his grace 
 andfavour. 
 
 Having thus lively painted out the difcommoditissofthU hi*de 
 
8i 
 
 ofp\cAfure y tberebytoqithdrar?efomemk y and touring tfyentvHtoa 
 better vnderflandikg y he fettet h downe ceitaihe remeates . The fir J} 
 whereof i* y d4 it were a table anddpithsre of pleafure ^thereby to make 
 tt the more odiow. The fecondcontameth an enumeration of Cjods 
 iudgemevtt fgainjl 'p/eafurc ', and fitch as have bene voluptuefly gi- 
 ven.The third fbcweth the rmferable ende of fundrie particular inert. 
 ' In the fourth he fettet h downe what pumfhments God hath laidvpoi? 
 Prices and*JMagiftrates y who Live favoured cr fupported fuch 
 lendxe(fe y not forgetting among other memorable ft ories y the daugh- 
 tersofScedai'uSytndtbedeftruBicn of the Lacedemontans.This be- 
 in* done, he fettetb downe other te(ttmcnies y andbewaiktbtbemifc- 
 rable ejlate of many cities which are jet in flourifbwg e/fate, and ex- 
 horleth Princes to re forme fuch di [orders, fettwg downeihe meanes 
 howe to doe it, that is> that fi-ft thsyfhouldreforme themfelves y that 
 they bautjh idlenejfe out of their courtes y andaboltfh Tavernescut of 
 their countries, and fuch other fchooles ofryot, as alfo all other bait es 
 oflightneffeanddiffalHtexeffci Finally y that they carefully take heede, 
 that they keepe the trmthwhich teachethmen to know their (jnnes y 
 andimprtt.teth tn their heart es * defre t o liv e according vnto Gods 
 lawes. 
 
 The lafl fort of plea fur es are fuch as are vnpr of table andfuperflu- 
 oits y whereof he fettet h downe fome y andconfeejuently applietb fourc 
 remedies to heale thew y wbo are overmuch mfecledwtth fuch vatne 
 pa/limes, as in the ende diffleafh and hurte thofe which follow e 
 them. In conclufion he t cachet h with what affeEliou all vcrtuow men 
 ought to vfe the affaires of this worlde } and howe theyfjoulde employ 
 their rtches^andgoverne them fehes. 
 
 
 
 THE 
 
 M 4 
 
m THE FIFTH 
 
 'BOOKS. 
 
 A diftinSfh 
 
 on of the 
 fleafuret 
 which men 
 enioyinthu 
 worlde, 
 i 
 Someplea- 
 fur cs are 
 hoi/. 
 
 Mong the pleafures and delightes which 
 men have in this worlde, fome arc holy and 
 honcft, as thofe which we receive in the 
 reading and meditation of the Law of God, 
 in our obedience towardes him, andof the 
 faith and hope we have in his promifes, all 
 which (as *Z)avid faith) are more to be de- 
 fired then gold, yea then fine gold, & fwee- 
 ter then the honie and the honie combe. Itis alio a Angular 
 pleafure to behold the providence, wifedome and goodneiTe of 
 God towardes his creatures, and to confiderhowe every one 
 of them, and every part of them are appointed to fome good 
 purpofe,and ordained forthe vfe, pleafure, andprofiteofman : 
 and likewife howe their beginning, continuance, eftate, and 
 endz iscondufted by a wife and wonderfull order, and amoft 
 skilfull Oeconomie'm everything. I n thefe pleafures there is nei- 
 ther fhame,forrowe,nor repentance, fbrevery thing is hoIy,and 
 there is no evill, vnlefleitbethat we are not greatly defirous to 
 fall into thofe considerations, or els for tharwe be foonewcarie 
 ofthem. There are other pleafures alfo that arc natural! : as to 
 eate when we arehungrie; to drinke when we are drie; toreft 
 when we are wearie,andfuch like: by the fweeteneffewTiere- 
 5 of, our good God, who is a lingular lover of out welfare, would 
 Superfluom ffirre vs vp to bee carefull of our felves. There are alfo fom e 
 Mtidvnne- which are fuperfluous and vnprofltable : as that which e/4r- 
 fy^*? taxerxestookc in riding in his litter thorow the fieldes, to grave 
 and cut in wood triffling toyes, looting his time about nothing, 
 which every man ought to holde fo precious, and efpecially 
 Princes, who may ifthey wil, alwayes employ them felves in 
 matters ofgreatconfequence, and whereofthe charge is fuch, 
 that if fobc they will difcharge their dueties,they fhallnot have 
 fomuchleyfureas to eate their mcate, or take their reft, vnleflc 
 they borro we fome ofthat time which fhould be employed in 
 publique affayres. 
 
 There 
 
 I 
 Some are 
 ttatkraU. 
 
fcnt 
 As 
 
 and 
 
 AGAINST PLEASVRE. U 
 
 There are alfo other pleafures,which are wicked and vicious, 4 
 which arcrcarmed by the namcofcarnaJl and worldly pteafureS, Wiciyed and 
 and thefc are they, whereof we purpofc to difcourfe at this pre- Tjr£ 
 
 is concerning the firft, they arc good and commendable, H ° WTrc JZV 
 we ought to defireGod tobeftowthem ypon vs, and toac- ^J^j^ 
 count our ielves very happie, if wemayenioythem. Asconcer- 
 ningiuch pleafurcsasare naturall,they are indifferent, and they 
 are good or evill according as they are vfed. For when they art 
 vfed moderately ,withpraicr& thankfgiving, which arcthetwo 
 things that fanctific al thi«gs,& direct the vnto their end,which 
 is the health & good difpofition of the bodie, with an acknow- 
 ledgement of the bountie& liberality of God/in theparticipati- 
 on of his riches & mercies:in this refpeft they are moft comme- 
 dable : fofarre ought we to be from contemning or defpifing of 
 them. Some there have beene w hohavc beene too extrcmejn Jgainfl fmh 
 this.- as he of whome Eufebim fpeaketh, who feeing a poore at are to an- 
 traveller in Egipt defire water, forthatbyreafonof hisgreat ft e ^ einthe 
 third and extreme heat,he was ableto travell no further, told him il\L a r m \i % 
 thathemightbe content with the fhadow of a tree/which hee 
 ihewedhtm a farre off, bythatmeanes a little to refrefli him. 
 AsaHb he^who alwaies eate his meate (landing, and beeing 
 demanded , why he would not fit, anfweared for feare his bo- 
 die fhou id take any plea fure . In thefe rigorous kindesof abfti- 
 nence,therc'is alwaiesexcefle,and oftentimes it ismingled with 
 iuperftirion. When as Chnfifefta wouldmi raculoufly feed cjhe Tb€ ex * m ?! e 
 people,he commanded that theyfiiouIH fit downe before they '/J^Mnetb 
 were ferved j to the ende thatevery one might takejiis repaft fichaufiirity 
 with the moreeafe. His Difciples alfo tooke their meate fitting, 
 as appeareth ia many places of the Scriptures. Wee muft nog 
 thtnkewce difpleafe God, when as wee take our meate fitting at 
 our eafe, without any great, curiofitie.For he hathnot made his ThediverfU 
 jcreatures barely to profit vs^but alfo to delight vs: which maybe tie of Gods 
 vrry well prooved by the diverfitie of colours, which the earth cuatH "* h 
 affordeth, and by the fweetnes 4 and favour which it giveth to e- ^ venun 
 very particular, refpe&ing therein rather the pleafurc and con- vfethevitb 
 tentmentofourfenies^then the nourishing of our bodies. Wher- moderate 
 of wc may inferre, that there whereas the fuperflukie which is pkafure. 
 
 vaine 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 vaineand vicious ia any thing, is efchewed, we ought not to re- 
 icclthe honeft pleasure which we may reapeof the creatures 
 Without any diftionour vnto the Creator.* feeing that in every 
 one of them hee hath not placed both, without great re afon -and 
 iuft caufe , but by this meancs making an ample and large de- 
 mon(trationofhisgoodne5,he would giuevseccafion continu- 
 ally to praife and honour him. Wherefore sdnftothiulWy blamed 
 Agtinfl them, who placed Felicitie and vertue in this, to be without arTe- 
 Stoitys and ftion.fliewing in deede that it lieth in the moderation ofaftecri- 
 V ' ons. Whereby he condemneth as welthofc who through their 
 blockifhnes andfiupititie,are without al affection; as thoiealfb 
 who through an vnbridled & diflblutc life, let loofc thereyne,& 
 follow dieir appetites whether fo ever they will lead them. And 
 out of doubc it is impo(TibIe,if we" be not mooued with plealure, 
 that eucr we fhould be ftirred with griefe andforow : and who 
 fo euer they be that will haue fuch flintie and brafen hearts,itis 
 not likely that they are veriemercifull, though not withftan- 
 ding this is the principal! vertue which men ought to haue, if 
 they will be perfect and folio we the example or ourheaucnlie 
 father, who would haue vs (in the aducriities which hee fen. 
 deth either to vs or to our neighbours) haue fbme feeling of 
 their forrowes , to the ende wee may bee patient in our ownc 
 griefes, and pitifull in thofe of our brethren and acquaintance: 
 on the eontrarie, when as by his grace we or they profpcfyiiut 
 weereioyce, to the ende to declare by cur ioye,that we envic 
 not the profperitie of other men, nor beeproudeof our owne 
 goodhappc. 
 
 And what (hould become of vs,if we were w ithout all affe- 
 ction? Would there be a man that would applie himfelfc to any 
 'thing? for plealure and griefe doe rule all cur actions, and there 
 Is no man^but either arTedtethorefcheweth things , forrhe one 
 or the other, which God in creating and framing our natures 
 hath ordaincd A and thatfuch attentions fhould feme our minds, 
 as coches doeour bodies, to Carrie them whether our delibera- 
 tion,condu£ted by reafon, doth carrievs. For as weefce in the 
 fea,that if the windes blowe not, the ihippes are conilrained to 
 lie (iill,and cannot ftirrc from the place where they are.- fo like- 
 wife our nature,. if all affections ceale, can not,norfliail not be 
 
 able 
 
AGAINST Pl/EASVRE. »| 
 
 able to turne cither to the right'hand orco the left, no more tl)<tft 
 if we were in apahic, which taketh away the ^ic of our whole 
 bodie. And this is the reafori, why T/w/o called there the fi- viator* 
 ncwessnd brings ofcur mindes, giuingvs to vnderftan-a there- Philcb'a 
 by, that they ferue for the opening or fhutting, lifting vp or pre£- 
 fing downe; and generally for the mooving of euery part there- 
 of, cuen as the bodie is mooucd and guided by theience : anci 
 further, that they are the occafions of iee]ing,and almoftof all 
 the knowledge wehauc, infuch fort, that vye may luiljie name • 
 them (as Pltitarcb doih) the handles of Tbilofopbie; by the TlmrSm 
 which children take hoId,who would neuer loue it, nor the in- ]m treatt f t0 J 
 flructions it giueth, if they had not fome(parks,asit were,of 
 fome flume, defire,rcpu:ation,ambition ? plc;afur.e,or forrowe, 
 whichftirre them vp thereto* and they being condu&ed by rea- 
 fon,asitwere,by a good fchpplemaiter, are very ^vilhngtogoc 
 tafchoole,and learne with all diligence. 
 
 But fome man may fay, that thefc affections are alfo the call* Jfloicall 
 fes,that we fall into many vices,and that if there were no loue, obieftin. 
 there would be no loucrs, no more then there would be cpue- 
 tous men, if there were no defire ofnehes; which may be cpn- 
 feffcd : and further, that by reaion of the corruption which is 
 in our hearts and \\nderftanding, theyjather provoke vs to vice, 
 then to vertue. But what ? muft we cut oft the Jegge,becaufe M&fwet. 
 it halteth, or the nofe becaufc it is oftentimes iull of filthia • 
 matter? they who will take away all affections of nature, 
 becaufe they doe allure vs vnto vice, ,doe as hee did,vvho 
 maintained, that, we neuer ought to ride ppO, for that fome 
 oftentimes catcfrfhrewd fairs; or that vvc fliouy ; not/hoote in a 
 gunne o"r abovv/for that both gunners and archers often mifle 
 the marke; or that- we mufr not iing, for that fometime vvc 
 Fall into difcorde.. If a man be afraid leaft he fhouldbedrunkc, 
 and thatjhe fume of the wine ftouldaiccndvp into hU head, 
 and fo difqyiet him, let him mingle his wine with water, and 
 thereby mitigate-the lirengch anciheare thereof, and by this 
 meanesTiee (hall prouidc, not onelic that it doe riot hurt bin*> 
 but alfo that it profiteth him much, in that ir quickeneti*. 
 and cherifheth him. So muft wee doe likewise if wee feelc 
 
 our 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 ouraffc&ionsover-ftrong andforccablc, to kcepethem that 
 
 they trouble vs not, and to temper them with reafon, and not 
 
 cleerely tocxtinguifh them. 
 
 C S»*lritfitte Wee n^jherein folio we the examples of quifrtesin thefla- 
 
 Cl V* 7aZTou7lf hk > >^o to rule and manage tTieirTiorTeTaright, doenotcor- 
 
 m^S^Vlittarcb in re&them for their agihtie,courage,and(tomacke,but take fpe- 
 
 1*%. cf s&b» difhutui. ciall regard that all be fo well ordered , th at they carie well, that 
 
 ^^ em a l*} n ft they (lop wel,curvet 3 or gallop the field,not as the horfes would 
 
 tb$Sto>k{j. t j lem f c l V es, but as their ridersfhallthinke good: oraswife 
 
 &skilruir husbandsjwho having ftore of wild plants or flocks, 
 
 doenotpluckethcmvpby therootes,and throw them into the 
 
 fire, but rather tranfplant and grafrethem, whereby that tart- 
 
 neflc they havetiararally, is fweetned,and they fo vfc the matter 
 
 with a little husbdndrie and skill that they vie about them, that 
 
 in theendc, of vnfruitfull plants they make very fertrll trees, and 
 
 not onely profitable, but alfo very plcafant and delegable *$6 
 
 like wife, by th e grace of God , there neede but litrie labour be 
 
 beltowecTrorthe taming and ruling of our affc&ions, and the 
 
 taking a way of this great vnrulines,which naturally we are pof- 
 
 fefled withall^and which fhew it felfe fo maftcrfull in the begin- 
 
 ning, ajndjomakeit in fliort time as a young colt to be eafilic 
 
 btidledjand orderTygoverncd by the rules ofreafon.Andletnot 
 
 men fay, thatbecaufc ofouridlenes we will not husband them 
 
 tocH,and therefore we rtiall notreape fo great profit ofthem,as 
 
 good husbands doe of their nurferies : for who (hall hinder vs 
 
 to husband them, to digge them,to bindc them,to water them, 
 
 and tacut orTthat which is fupcrfluousfrom chem ; and fo to vfe 
 
 them, that we may gather ftore of good fruit for our felvcs and 
 
 for 6Ur neighbours ? 
 
 tst c<mclv/t- ToconcIudethenthiscftfcourfeiWcmuftnotforeprooveout 
 
 onoftbk naturall affections, as though they were evill or fuperfluous,nei- 
 
 tr ni n ni theryetcondemnedefire, orrefufemirth,fo we willkeepethat 
 
 tun 
 ons, 
 
 aUafiM. f ^ lcr y ec condemns defirc, orrefufemi 
 •yttb a racalur e which is commendable in all 
 
 ... all things.IfGodwil vouch. 
 briefi decl*.t*£cvs that grace andfavour,tharwemay vie them foberly,with 
 ration of the ptafe andthankefgivinfg .- if he will notvouchfafc vs the mjet 
 r % ht b v % g€ VSTtotwithftandingbccontcnt,and nevcrmurmure againft his 
 of * em * ^fl ^ a4 wares perfwadingour felucs, that he doth nothing but 
 that which is good and wholefoineforvs.Let vsbc alwaics pre- 
 pared 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 84 
 
 prepared (as was S. Paul) to vfc abundance well, if he will giue Phil.4.11. 
 it vs: and in like manner to endure pouertie,when ibeuer he will 
 punifhvs cither by that or any other affliclion.Letvs alfo think 
 (toauoid all fuperllition)of that which the fame Apoftlefpea- j.Tim«4.8. 
 keth, thatbodilie cxercife profiteth little, but thatgodlines is 
 profitable for all things. Letvs not take fo mucheafe, that we 
 (hould preiudice the health of our foules, neither yet fo little 
 pleafure,that we hurt the (late of our bodies , following herein 
 the examples of the auncient Churches. In whichf as Saint <>Au~ ^tn exam* 
 guftine faith) the Paftors did brotherly admonifh thofe^who v- p{ e of the an* 
 fed too great au(leritie,that they woulde imitate the counfell c *» t C br w* m 
 that ^./'^/gaueYntoT/wc//^, which was to drink a litle wine, x t ^im.<.i:. 
 becaufe his (lomacke was weake, and to take heede that ouer- 
 niuch abllinence,did not rather .hurt then profit them. 
 
 I thinkc this exhortation is not greatly necciTarie for thefe xhe firing fofh* 
 times,w herein falling is better preached then pracWed,and men corruption 4&t>&* 
 arc-more skilful in judging of the dirTerece of wines,then of wa- oftbe{ektter<jov*£P 
 ters. For fuch as profefle them felues to liue more ftraightly then ^/«^f»*^^ 
 other,are notwithftanding (b fat & luftie,that they are aby word tura Uafe8i* "*/'' 
 amog other me. Andtobe fliort,daintie dirtie s are fo m ultiplied, onsintovices. . 
 & mens tongues and tails become fo exquifiteand dclicate,that c^^^^^ 
 krequirethasmuch time to make a mailer cook, as to become a 
 Doftor in the Law. Notwithftanding it is good to knowe ho we M other 
 we ought to vfeeuery thing , and how farre abftinence ought ^ n i er0 ^ 
 to extende. For as fome men naturally are continually out °f £^)£J 
 rocafurc,andindinedto/>neextremitieorother,which are both ^ 
 naught, and many there Uaue beenc which Jhaue alwaiescon- 
 tinued but too licentious; foalfo fome there hauebcene at all 
 times fo fuperftitious, that they haue made confeience to vfe 
 fuch thinges as G O D hath left free, and at their Hber- 
 tie. 
 
 And there haue bene but too many,who would make things 
 that are common,particu!ar to fomemen,and herein haue pla- 
 ced the greateftpart of their holinesithough thatindeede(as wc 
 haue (aide alteadkj naturall plcafure&are indifferent of them- 
 
 I felues, andefpecialliebeeing well vied: and contrariwifc that 
 the abftinence from them, is farre more commendable, when as 
 as G G D him felfe commaundeth it, and that herein wee 
 con- 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 conformc our fclvcs ioyfully vnto his will, and not vntoour 
 ownc fantafics^hich arc often deceived, and doc eafilie delude 
 vs, if wee fuffer our felves to be guided by them, or by any other 
 thing then by the worde of Go& And ifit were fo that all cor- 
 tbMtfo P ora ^ plcafures were evill,we muft condemnethem which con- 
 Me'nvtg * tinually are offered vnto our eies,by the light of the funne : as are 
 fromnaturaU the variecie of flowers, and infinite forts of colours, wherein 
 pUa/uresyto we take great plcafure and delectation: or thofe like wife which 
 become not we receive bythebenefiteof oureares, as in the fpringtimc the 
 b7Jtb/o°me ^veete fingingofthe nightingale, andinfinitefotts of other lit- 
 butalfomore ^ c birds, which are moft delightfome and melodious.- as alfo 
 boiy. thofe which we receive by our fmelling, as the fweetnes of ro- 
 
 fes,violets, and many pleafants fruits, which are fo fweete and 
 and odoriferous, that the very delightfomnes thereof doe ftirre 
 vp our hearts and mindes towards God, to confider his good- 
 neffe,and to make vs to love him the more. We muft alfo by the 
 like rcafon, condemne allfuchpleafures(if wecondemne and 
 efchewe thofe that wee enioy by the taft and v/c of Gods crea- 
 tures^ wherwith w r e are nourished. For wehaueasgreat pleafure . 
 & cofort in the as in thefe,or rather more.In like manner in win- 
 ter we muft not feeke for heat,nor in fummer for rtiade,for that 
 in either our bodies finde great pleafure. Which beeing on ce re- 
 ceived and approoved,it wil befo daungerous(confideringthat 
 fuperftkion is very fruitefull , and never ceafeth without 
 great paine,vntillit .hath plunged theconfeience into fome fil- 
 thie puddle of impietiej that in the encje weftiallthinkcit vn- 
 lawfull to fcratch or rubbe our fel ves,as fome have done hereto- 
 fore to lie in bcds,or drinke in glafles. 
 the conclujt- But le aft I fliould be to long, I will conclude in a worde. Let 
 §nofall this vsrefolvewithourfelves,thatitisnotfufBcienttodoeourindca- 
 difcourft of vour, th at according to the example of S.Taul, and following 
 naturdplea* h£ s advifeandcounfell, we doe applie ourfelvestothcperfons 
 ! ures * vvkh whome wee live, and th at wee transformc our felves in to 
 
 them, though that their natures be oftentimes different and 
 Omnis A- d>fagreeing from vs : but alfb we muft applie our felves to the 
 riftippum fodaincchaunces and fundrie accidents of this life, andkeepe 
 decuit color our mindes alwaies in one eftatc and condition, whether we be 
 & flatus, & p 00rc or r j c h . and as- itis reported of Art/tippta, that into what 
 rcf ' * houfe 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 85 . 
 
 houfefoever he camc,were it into the Kings pallace,or the beg- *ftfy£r* j^ 
 gars cottage, were hee in hikes, velvets, friefe, orruflet, he al- S^^i^TT 
 waits kept a decorum, and a comelines in his behaviour, befee- 
 mingfuchaPhilofopheras he was. So like wife muftweapplie 
 our felues, and lcarneto vfe all alterations and chaunges as 
 they fhould be : as well eafe as labour,honour as difhonour,po- 
 vertic and riches, friendes and enemies, favour and disfavour, 
 health and ficknes, imprifonment and libertie , reft and paines, 
 forow and gladnelle, without doing any thing tharis vnfit for a 
 Chriftian, or not befeeming our eftate and condition . And in Q ll £yv ^/f^o£^ai 
 thus doeing, a man that fhall moderately and wifely enioy any ' ' 
 
 honeftpleafure,asGod fhall give him occafion, giuing thankes 
 vnto him and acknowledging his goodncs, ought much more 
 to be commended , then he that refufeth this grace and favour, 
 depriving him felfeof thofe giftes, which God hath given and 
 offered him. For he doth it cither through contempt, fuperftiti- 
 on , or a deteft able pride, thinking himfelfe to be more wife in 
 reieding, then accepting the goodneffe which G O Dhath 
 offered. 
 
 We have now fpoken fufficicntJyof naturall pleafures, and Here he e?i- 
 no w we will handle other delights, and begin with fuch as are J?^^?.^^! 
 naught and vicious: whereof fome are touching the mouth Js^J &&<*>&*& 
 and bellie, and fome others not farre vnlike vnto thefe. fires. ' 
 
 As concerning gluttonie and drunkennes, which are placed 1 
 inthefirftranke, they doe not oneiy make men like vnto beafts, ^{£9 jT 
 but furely they place them in a farre worfe eftate and condition; ^^ t ^ff m 
 for we doe not fee them eateor drinke too much. And though fine's of 
 thatfome times they exceede herein, yet it is not fo exceeding wbicbu dip 
 that they ftagger and reele , or be fofwelled that their skinnes covered. 
 will not hold the : as we fee fome men, who are no fboner drunk, 
 but they loofe the vfe ofreafbn^and ofaltheir other fcnces,cVdo 
 not onelyforget their friends & fervants,but alfotheir houfcs& 
 their own fclves.They arenas S.Bafil faithjlikc vnto images:they 
 haue mouthes and fpeake not, eyes and fee not, eares and heare 
 not, nofes and fmell not, hands that handle not, and fcete chat 
 cannot goe. And this is the rcafon why Chriftlefus doth fo ear- Luk.2x.34. 
 neftly exhort his Difciples to keepe them (elves from drunken- 
 ncflc and gluttonie, wherewith the heart is more charged then 
 
 the 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 Tluwch In the ftomacke. Whereupon Ueracltttu a Philo fopher being dc? 
 bis difcourfe maunded , which of the fences wasthe wifeft; anfwered,thac 
 °f*£ tn & °f which was leaft wafticd or wetted with wine. Not that the 
 Wo^pS^y^" wine is in fault, forthat beeing moderately taken and with di£ 
 cretion, is verynourifhing and wholefome, and doth notonely 
 Tbefroite chenfli thcbodie,but alfo quickneth the mind. as faith the Pro- 
 ton 0/*^ verbe. Ail the matter thenlieth in the vfage, which being done 
 bodieandtbe with moderation, is fo profitable, thatit ferveth in fteadeof a 
 medicine or apreferuatiue. But if itbe immoderate^ is a very 
 Xenophon in poyfon^s Qr^faide vn to Aflia ges^ who demanding of him, 
 ti>tfjr$boo\t w hv he would notdrinkc any wine, tthich was offered him in 
 %on l/cym a 8 la ^ e: ^ or that^faith hejl thinke it is poifbn, hauing feene not 
 'long fince, at thofe bankets you made your friends, that there 
 >vxm/m»^ vvas no man which drunke wine, but within a little after, he be- 
 
 came (b weake andfeeble,that he could notgoe,andfo blockifh 
 and dulifprited, that hewasvnfitfbrany counfcll: which a- 
 Vtutarcbin § reet h very well with that, which a certaine Lacedemonian an- 
 bk Apoth. fwered to ad other that demanded, why they lined fo barely and 
 niggardly in theirCitie,andthatamongotherthings,they drunk 
 fo little wine. It is for that /fait h he ) we may conlidt the bet ter 
 of our affaires, and lcaft if we iTioiHabuie too mucFwine, wee 
 fiiould be conftrained to begge our counfell of othermen. And 
 it is a very rarething to fee drunken men fo well advifed, as of 
 them felves to askecounfel of other men For they cannot be in- 
 3 treated toheare but with much adoe,though it be offered them: 
 
 Tbeytakf anc j w hen as any ftiende they haue doe tell them of any thing, 
 *fy n ay l% Y JI*^ they doe contrarie to their reputation and credit, they are either 
 menu U " angrie with them,or els laugh atthem.Andthiswasthereafon, 
 why Catothc Cenfor was wont to fay, thatit was loft labour to 
 £*r talkeofvertuetothebelliejorgoeabouttoperfwadeit.forthac 
 ^^rv^ it hath no eares to Yridcrftand that which one faith, efpecially 
 
 ifyougoe about to bridle his defires, or to rule his expences. 
 Matli.7.6. Thefe are fwine (zs Cbrifl faid) which defire nothing fomuch 
 as to fattc them felves, and then to wallow in their filth at their 
 Pfal 17.14- cafe ^ndpleafure.Forthat(as7)^Wfaith)theycarefor nothing 
 They over- in this vvorld,butto fill their bellies. Behold now the /late wher- 
 threw the i QI hefe drunkards minds arc,whofc bodies furely arc not much 
 Mies! * 'jitter in the end,ifthey proceed on as they begin. For byreafon 
 
 they 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. S6 
 
 they furchargc andoverlade their ftomackcs,and for that with- 
 out any confederation either of the quantitie or qualitie oftheir 
 meates, they devoure whatfoever commeth next to hand as 
 theirappetite defireth, it js impoflible but tha t there fhoujde ,. f j:W^^ 
 follow many raw & cold humours,&that their bodies being I^'^^^Ji^ /*vv$ 
 led with corrupt & putrificd matter, fome of the become difea- ^ d&JP*^ 
 fed with thegout,otherhave the falling u*cknes,otherspalfies,o- *ZT 
 thers Apoplexies,fome red eies 3 othcrs rotte teeth,&fome altin- 
 king breath,& to con dude, their members & partes oftheir bo- 
 dies become w r eake, and trembling in their ioyntes, and thatin 
 fuch fort, that one would iudgc them to be the fonnes of Cain> 
 (as Saint Haftll faithj for that they are the inheritours of his Inlmfer- 
 paines and torments. And it is a wonder (as the fame holye tnon aga'mH 
 Dodor faith) that their bodies which are made of earth and drun < enncs ' 
 clay being thus diftempered, bee not wholly refolved, and thac 
 falling by pieces they become myre and dirt. For there is no- 
 thing that fooner extinguiilieth the naturall heate,nor that con- 
 fumeth the radicallhumiditie wherewith itisnourifhed, nor to 
 be fhort, that fooner withercth the beautie, vigour, and 
 Strength of youth, then excefleandgluttonie. And what is the 
 caufe that the dileafes and the medicines arc fo multiplied in 
 thefe latter dayes,that befide all the remedies and meanes which 
 have bene taught in former times, and the modernc inventions 
 for the prefervation of mens lives , notwithstanding they are 
 fhorterand more fraile then ever they were ? It is evident that i^^^Mf 
 the worldefadeth apace, and that being nowe in hisolde age, ^~2k^^v^^/ : 
 can not beget fuch flrong and luitie children as it did in his lultie ^T^So^ 1 ^. I 
 yeeres, and that the earth, which is wearie of bringing foortb, ^ ~$yoC* ^/ 
 can not nowe yeeldefuch favouric and wholefome fruite, as it 
 did in the beginning for the nourifhmentof them. Notwith- 
 (tandingjtheprincipallandchiereftreaionthatwe arefoweake . 
 and fo full of difeafes, and that in fourtie or fiftie yeeres we arc 
 fo feeble and fo broken, is our intemperance and riote , both in 
 eating and drinking. ) 
 
 In former ages our fathers were in fhewebut young (trip- Wj <*+ cwirf** 
 lings at fuch yeeres as we feeme nowe to beoldeand decre- pj&fr^ *? *% 
 pitc, which may in parte proceede of thecaufes afore mentio- \&*T&**V* l %' ' 
 
THE FIFTH B O O K E. 
 
 Ofthevlgore ned.Butelpecially forthat they were temperate, andobferved a 
 and ftrengtb good dyec. And for proofe hereof, we fee that artifans in Cities, 
 foh d & l a b° vers huhe fieldes, though they lye abroad night and day, 
 oftbefceble- be poorely clad and fparingly feddc, notwithstanding they are 
 nejje offucb verie healthfome, Itrong, luftic, and in good liking. Contrari- 
 aslive in wife,great Lordes, Idle monkes, and many other ilouthfullfri- 
 thefe dayes, ars,who are full redde, complainc , fome ofthe goute, others of 
 «# offheb c ^ e c bolIicke,this ofthe ftone, and that other ofthe rheume,and 
 a/iiveat cvcr y one *"° fubjed to death, and tobe (topped vp with Apo- 
 tbeireafe. plexies .-info much that a certaineolde father among them, vn- 
 derftanding that one of his familiars, who fupped with him 
 the night before, was fuddenly dead after his comming home, 
 anfvvered thofe who tolde him the ne wes, that it was no won- 
 der, for it was the ordinarie ende ofReligious men. Whereof 
 Tbs original! then doeth it proceede, that fuch as are fo daintily fedde, and 
 of ibis Tvca\- eateofnothing but ofdelicatc and fine diflies. are fo bloc kifli, 
 GblfT an( ^ ^ ovn fi cte ^ oran yg °d thing, fovnluftie and lumpiflv and 
 that others,who are nourifhed with wheaten bread, with water, 
 cabbages,rapes,andturnopsarefolullie,andin fo good plight ? 
 There is no man but may eafily (ee, that the fparing and frugall 
 life ofthe one fort with their painefull and laborious indufrrie, 
 and the idlenefle of the other with their fumptuous and coftly 
 bellichearcare the caufesofthis diverfitie among them. Wher- 
 ry r^ys* of proceedeth it in like manner that beaftcs, efpecially fuch as 
 wbymide fj vc j n W oods at their hbertie are fo found, fo fvvifc and nimble, 
 found ond an< * tnattne fl e ^ ofluchamongthemasarefittetoeate, isfo 
 jwtft. fwecte and delicate ? if not ofthe great and wonderful care they 
 
 have,tochoofe fuch foode as is moft agreeable to their nature, 
 and toeate fomuch thereof as may be fufficient for their nou- 
 rifhment ? By this we may fee, that there is nothing that more 
 weakeneth our bodies,nor that fooner corrupteththe good and 
 whole fome difpofition of them, then our exceflive eating and 
 5 drinking with all kinde of bellicheare and fuperfluitie. 
 Gluttony & Seeing then that both the bodyes and mindes of drunk ardes, 
 druntynneffe arc j n f ucn ft ate an d condition as we have before mentioned, it 
 
 manvnfrte lS noc vn ^y *" ait * °^ ^ ome °^ cne a "ncient wife men, that their 
 fir any bo- foules and mindes ferve them for nothing, but for fait to keepe 
 nefl afton. their bodies in feafon, and to preferve them from (linking and 
 
 rottennefle. 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 87 
 
 rottennefle. And Cato feeing the monftrous and huge belly 
 ofaCitizenof A<?»^,marvailed howefuch a man fhould do any 
 thing to the honour ofthc Common wealth, whofe ftrength and 
 vigour of fpirite was fodiminifhcd by riot and ex cede; which 
 makcth men fo vnfittc to deliberate and advife ofany honeft and 
 profitable thing ofthemielves,orto put in execution that which 
 fhalbe maturely determined by others; that they are fitter to 
 fleepethento watch,andmoremecteto lutein their halles with 
 tables replenifhed with daintie difhes, then to take paines 3- 
 broadinbroyles & skirmifhes.Forthis c aufe the Ephori (whofe ^verthie 
 office in Sparta was like the Cenfors of Romejbcing ordained to **i*£h' 
 controll all fortcs,and to reforme whatfoever they faw amifle or w \ itre L * 
 difordered in any; efpying on a timeone of their citizens in a chriflmn 
 common aiTembIic,more fattcthen the dtfcipline of their Citie magtjlrates 
 would alio we of,commanded himpreiently toavoidethe com- m *y lcarne 
 pany, faying that it was a dishonour to their common wealth, a ^orST 
 difcrediteto their la wes,and aihame for them felves,whowere gi utlons an{ [ 
 deputed to fee them obferved, that there fhould be found fuch a beliigodj. 
 monfter in a common aflemblie : and not content to do him this 
 difgrace,banifhed him their countrieas an vnprofltable mem- 
 ber. 0_Lorde^jwh^^ t ^£*/rA. 
 and heathemfh creatures, feeing wee are yetfofarrebehinde H*~ ^^J*' 
 them , and fo vnwilling to imitate them in this their abfti- ^V*^^"* 4 **^ 
 nence, wherein they have (hewed them feives to haue farre 
 furmounted thofe whomc in thefe dayes among vs, woulde 
 bee thought to make great profeflion of fobrictie ? their 
 pubhque banquets in their common halles were (o well or- 
 dered, that they were vfually tearmed thorowout all Greece, 
 the fchooles of nAbjiincnce. And fome called them by the ^ceof thofe 
 name offcarcitie, for that there was no more meace, then fs$&tafa 
 was necefTarily required for the nourishment of fuch as dnnejo 
 came thither. In iieade of all other dainties they had their condemne 
 blacke brothes , whofe tafte maye eafely be iudged by that (he intm P- 
 vvhich is reported by DyomPw the Tyrant, who beeinq de- J^^m «^H 
 firous to taltc of fuch a di(h, whereof hee had heard fo thefe dayes. 
 great report, fent tat* Lacedemonian cooke, and commanded viutarch in 
 him to dreflfe him one of thofe delicatie toothfome diihes , tbelifiof 
 
 N 2 and 1 ''** 1 "- 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 and charged him that he fhouldiparefor no coll whatfoever; 
 which thing the Cooke perfourmcd. But whenitwasprcfentcd 
 vnto him at dinner, and that he founde it fitted not his taftc, hee 
 begannc to fpit it foorthof his mouth and to caft it away, and 
 demaunded of his Cooke ifthis was the delicate meatc of the La- 
 cedemonian Kinges, of whome there was fuch great and fa- 
 mous report: yea verily (faid he) andthereafonwhy youfinde 
 it not fo favourie in your mouth, is for that you eate not the 
 faucewithit, which istoexercifeyourfelfe tftcnhc Lacedemo- 
 nian manner before you tafte it. B y_thiswe may eate ry gefle 
 what this lickerous and daintie difh was : as alfo of that which 
 TlutnYcb in ^AgeftUm one oftheir Kinges did among the Thar (tans. For as 
 the Ufk of nc pafledthorowe thecountrie with his armie, the Magiftrates 
 jgejhaus, anc j p r j nc jp a u officers among them, in token oftheir grateful- 
 neffe for the bcnefites they had received by him, and his favour 
 towardes their Common wealthe, fent him great (lore of all 
 fortes of fruites,plentie ofvenifon, mcale and cakes, and many 
 other rare dainties that they had in (tore, and great aboundance 
 ofltrong and delicate wines which were made in their coun- 
 trie : which after he had verie thankefully accepted, hee onely 
 referved (till the meale for thefoode of his fouldiers, and retur- 
 ned the reft to fuch as had fent it, fayingthat fuch things would 
 not pleafure him any thing at all, but when as they would 
 needcspreffehimtotakeall,hecommaundedin their prefence 
 to give the overplus totheflaves andvarlcts of his armie, fay- 
 ing (to the ende they fhoulde not thinke hee difdained their 
 girtes) that fuch delicate diflies, as were fitte for nothing but to 
 provoke newe appetites, were meeter for (laves then for men of 
 The conm- a f fee eftate and condition. Where is there among Princes at 
 "liateffn*' tnis ^ k * 1 a ^^ incnce > feeing they thinke they can never 
 thefedayes fufficiently fhewe their royaltie and magnificence, if at their 
 anithofcof tablcs,yeain their Campes and fieges ofTownes,theyhauebe- 
 frrmertimes. fide the abundance of meate, their junkets, banketting difhes a 
 and other fuch like knackes to whet their ftomackes ? It can 
 not be but that either them felves or their forefathers fhould be 
 deceived, feeing thattheone have reputed that dishonourable 
 to them felves, wherewith others have thought to eternize 
 their names. 
 
 But 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 88 
 
 But we may fay (in bewayling and lamenting this diforder) e . c\r> ' 
 as Alexander the great faid after he had vanquished Darius* TbU h 'P" ie £g^ 
 and that cmfing into his tent he found fo great aboundance ^^^^pM^ 
 alliortesofdehcafies. What? Js this to be a King? In like man- ot b er ™ e . * 
 ner may we marveile and fay, Is it nothing elfe to be a Prince or daretb ev'h 
 great Lord, but to hue delicately, and to be fiimptuoufly appa- dently that 
 relied? That which I fay of Princes, is byreafonof theoccafi- the great 
 on mini/tred by the ftorie of Jge[ikm y and not for that Ithinke a ^f^nd 
 that daintie fare is proper and peculiar vnto Princes. For we can fa m \$ make 
 notpickeoutinthefedayesfopooreamechanicallperfonjfhee menvnfitte 
 once have but twocrownesinhis houfe,but he will ipend parte to difiharge 
 thereof at the beft ale,and at fomc daintie difh; for (as be faith; *eir ducties. 
 hcmuftfometimcneedeshaveagoodmorfell. And howe is it 
 poflible that thofe Realmes and Common wealthes flioulde 
 long profper, where there is luch great and exceflivecheare? 
 Cato wondered howe that citie could long continue, where a * / 
 
 fifli was folde for more then an Oxe : for that (as V yibajroras 7 ^^^^t 
 faid) men being crammed with delicate meates, presently w axe ^/fow. 'wop*** 
 proude and flouthfull,by which meanes they haft en their owne- 
 dcftruclton. For Idlencflebreedethdifc6rd and di(Tention,and 
 procureth them to offer violence vnto their neighbours : and 
 by reafon they have weakened their fpirits,and fo become flug- 
 gifh, effeminate, meycockes, and idle bellies, they can not well 
 governe thofe en terprifes they have vn wifely taken in hand, but 
 By reafon oftheir Wantof difcretion in martialing their affaires, t ^ 
 
 ateeafely vanquifhed oftheirenemies. A nd this was the caufe Jn exmpk^&^i 
 trial "Dariw did fo eafely get the citie of Babylon ( ^% Daniel ofDarhu. **ff^ 
 and Hctb&ttus reporte) while that ^Balrbafaryizs bufie in ma- 
 king offcaftes and banquets for the Lordes 3nd Ladies of his 2 f> 
 Courtc. And this was alfo the caufe that the Cartbagtmar.s An example 
 did fo often vanquifh the Romanes, who never kne we howe to out ef Turn 
 overcome them, or take their citie, vntill that Sapio beeing 
 
 LlZ'iM. 
 
 
 
 
 overcome them, or take their citie, vntill that Scifto beeing ^; w - v<i*^ 
 fentas Licvtcnaunt and gencrall over their armies, had rcfour- /^t^ 
 med the diforderedand licentious life which hee founde in the d*+£f* 
 fouldiours; and that cleanfing the Campc of whores, bawdes, 
 Cookcs,andfuchlike companions, he had reduced them vn- 
 to their auncient difcipline, This was alfo the caufe thatthe Qefy* 
 Gothesand Vandalesdid fo eafely conqucre /m//>, and facked ^.Example. &£**££ 
 
 N 3 Rome <wt"^ 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 U$h the & ir ** inthetime ofthe Emperour HononoHi y and thatnotlong 
 
 Cbronicks of after the reign c of Tbeadofins the Romane Empire was fo mifera- 
 Cxrion, bij e difmembred, every man getting a piece as afpoyle devi- 
 ded, and yet neither prince nor lieutenant once endevoured to 
 make head agaiuft chc enemic, for that their heartes were Co 
 daunted, and them felves fo effeminated with pleafures and de- 
 lightesthat they durlt not enterprise any thing. And this was 
 4£xamk. the poliicic of Fubsus M.ixtmns y who filtered Hmntb^ll to en- 
 ter into Camptwa, a^ • f loJ oumc CiKeot feven naonetha with- 
 out any moleftation magimng that his fouldiers, after fo long 
 and tedious travail' ,, tafTing the pleafantneffe of thecountrie, 
 and the fwcetenefie ofthe fruites which grewe therein great a- 
 bundance, would by and by become likerousand intemperate* 
 and by meanesthereofwould foorthwithproove idle, (luggifh, 
 and vnconfiderate, and then it would be no great matter to o- 
 Vfif-Art MS verthrowe them. 
 
 ^Jiril- E***»p !e °f ^**$?f <s£mihus the French hiftoriographer, reporteth in 
 V -, the Kjnyetof his iAnndes of France, that the reafon why fome of our French 
 ^» • ^France t and Kinges have bene difpofleft oftheir crownes, and that by their 
 *f*/f?'V ^ ftrVauntsandvaffailes, was for that, they loving theireafe and 
 *Merovnf- p^ ea ^ ures t0 ° well, committed the charge of all publicke zf- 
 gns. &i res vnto others, and would not meddle with any thing, lead 
 
 they mould depriue them felves of any oftheir delightes, For if 
 it happened th3t either their fubieSes rebelled, or their. pwne 
 domeiticall lervants confpired any thing, againlt them, or their 
 enemies invaded them with open hoftiiitie, or any Qther thing; 
 fell out of like importance, they were prtfemlyfoaftonifheci 
 and vnprovided ofCounfell, that they would eafily agree vnto. 
 any thi ng that was offered : partly , for that th :y would not leave 
 their delights arid their wonted pal times,, and partly ajfo for that 
 they were fo vnacquainted wi:h fUte matters, that whennefcde* 
 required, they knewe neither how to begin, nor hwe to ende*. 
 € Example of But wnal nee< ^e we run fofarre to fetch examples to proov* 
 a Hone of how dangerous it is to all fortes of men,but cfp^cially to fuch as 
 this age. have any charge, to letloofethe reinesto all paftjmesandplea- 
 ftires ? It is not 2 yeers fincethat Cafa/one of the principal towns 
 oC Man r ferrate y \\2s furpnfed ypon the Spavqrdf J?y the prudent 
 poilicie ofthe Lord oCSatvuifon. who vndaft«ad^grfa great 
 
 banquet 
 
 
ACAINST PLEASVRE. t 9 
 
 banquet to be made at the marriage of a principall per/on in the 
 towne,and that the gentlemen of the garifon purpofed torunne 
 at Tiltc and Turnie, and to make other difportes for the Ladies 
 and gentlewomen there affembled, fuppofing that this occafion 
 was offered as he wiihed, to further his purpofes and to gaine 
 the citic, firft imparted his device to the Kings hvetcnant, and 
 refol ved with him vpon the order to be obferved, and fo expe- 
 cted the day of banquet.-in the meane time fo wifely and clofely 
 concealed his purpofe,that he approched theCitic with all his 
 troupes in the dead ofthe night,withoutbeing difcovcred,whea 
 as both fouldiers & captaines being loden with wine and wearie 
 with the dayestravel^wcrc in their dead fleepes : and God 
 knoweth they were but rudely wakened with drumsandfluites. 
 For furely the French bcitirred them felves as luftiry with their 
 mufike in the night , as the Spaniards did the day before with their 
 daunfing.And though that this nation be greatly comended for 
 their providence in the mann aging of all their aCtions,yet at that o**n* <r>*>** ^* 
 time did they not remeber whathappened vnto Tro ^which was ^r^c 
 take & burned by a like ftratageme, althoughthey had Jog vali- 
 atly defededthefelvesftothe affaults & enterprifes ofthc Cjreeks 
 
 And becaufe that delicate fare and iuperfluitie,i5 a thing fo 7 /j- 
 
 dangerous among fouldiers : Scipto during the liege afore Car- Divert h\fl$. /<"i>^ 
 thagc caiTcred a Romane gentleman out ofhis ordinary bandes, *** <*& **• ' 
 forthat it was proved againft him,that during die batterie he had am ^ s \^ t 
 feaftedfbmeof his familiars in his tent, more coftry and fumptu- ^ohktiea 
 ouftythen the Romane lawes & difcipline would permit. And is the mother t/t 
 there any thing at this day that make the Turkes to be more re- alhapriefuc* 
 doubted & fear edin their warrcs, then the fobrietie which they ce u* w *$ 
 vfc, and the wonderful! travels they are accuftomed even from ^J^ 
 their infancic? And there wasnothing that fo daunted Tewpev, snj>io. 7 (:o *?*T\ 
 or that made himrnore to defpaire ofthe vi&oric, then to vn- rheTurlfo 
 derftand that his enemies iouldiers were fo temperate, and fa l ^ lUS c *- 
 WeJUcquaintcd with paines, and travaile, and all hardnes, that ?'?!V lhls 
 wanting victuals, they woulde like (beaffes) eate fuch hearbes 
 androotcsastheyfoundinthcfieldes, which fo aftonifhed this 
 great captaine, that from that time foorth his heart fainted,and 
 he remained wholly in defpaire to have any good ilTue in his en- 
 t«rprifei. Forts drunkardes,what wealth,authoi:itieyor friendes 
 
 N 4 foever 
 

 THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 foeverthey have ,arenotwithftanding contemptible, and cftee.. 
 med ofail men vnhcte for any counfeil, mjch lcficfor any exe- 
 cution: fo like wife fobcr men are never fo poore or vnprovided, 
 but thatthey arc alwayes fufpe6ted and redoubted of their ene- 
 mies ,to be itiyed and reiolute men bothin bodie andminde: 
 and therefore he chat will endomage them,muftthinkethrifeof 
 the matter before he dare encerpriie ought againlt them. And if 
 thcybetobe affaultedbythem,thcy thinke them felves little 
 ^ . aflared, vnlefle they be both wiiely and ftrongly defended. 
 
 ^v^o^ epe****** There was nothing that Caro did fomuch marke mJtilitu 
 
 rc4 
 
 %r 
 
 C^C:r y or that gave him fogrc3Cocca(iontofufpeCt, thathee 
 
 
 Alexander, 
 
 
 
 would one dayraitertheirftate and Common wealth, as hisfo- 
 brietie, and that he perceived in him a kinde of Ambition to 
 ftrongly fupportcd with paticnce,paincs,and vigilancie, which 
 were vertues that did attend vpon him : knowing very well that 
 there is nothing thatmaketh men more moderate in profperitie, 
 or conftant in adverfitie, or provident and circumfpect in all 
 their affaires whatfoever. Thefe are theihortcft. and [molt com- 
 pendious wayesin a fmall time to game many friendes, and to 
 make ones lelfe invincible againlt his enemies. Thefe were the 
 fpeciall weapons wherewith Alexander conquered A&i, (*% 
 ^Plutarch reponethj and the preparations wherein herepofrd 
 greateft confidence to attaine vnto that height of honour ,wher- 
 vntohcafpired, and of which he had long before conceived 
 an afllited hope. Thefe were the buiwarkes and rampiers 
 where with the Laccdemontaxsdz fended themfelves,. and main- 
 tained dKidibcrrierbr the fpace of feven hundred yeercM^ 
 M the fir- fp'te of all their enemies, who endevoured by all mtancs pofli- 
 tKerexawph bletooverthrowethem. And this was that which Avtftuiuzn- 
 fklkewe the fwcred vnto one that mar veiled, that he being a King, and the 
 ^iLnTt otncrPrinccs of Sparttjivcd fofparingly : whydoeft thou thm 
 fibrietie: fo vaile (faith he)feeing that ofthfs frugalicie we gather tour fcber- 
 thefe that tie," which is the mo!) excellent fruite and plentiful-left hirveft, 
 folowdeclare that can bedefired in this world? 
 
 the mifcbiefs Wemav gather by thefe, and many other examples which 
 7"JnJnnefTe arere g iftre ^ rotJ > is purpoie^cV which we may hourely obferve, 
 a:d intern- k° w neceflarie a thing tempcrancie & fobr \etie is. to manrage 
 fermuu* «ur affaires wifely 7 and to gov erne them writy, *vhcthe*iic be 
 
 V at 
 
 moriians. 
 
 I 
 
. 
 
 AGAINST PLEASVRE. 90 
 
 at home in our hpufes,or among our friends and familiars, or a- 
 bjoad in the common- wealth in the time of warre agaihft our 
 rn.-»n, u-SjOnn the Church among the people. For it is impo flL 
 ble. ir wee be not fupported by the fedeuine vermes, that wee 
 fh'ould long walke without Rumbling, and that beeing giuen 
 to wine and delicaiies, we fliould finde any way fo large and 
 fpatious,that ftiould be fufficient for vs ro trauell in. Wee fliall SundrlenO' 
 be endangered on euery fide , yea of our fervants and familiar &**«»«- 
 friends, who will either robbe vs orkillvs, asitfelloutby ^2J2t!uli§bbttnei. CcAo>t 
 pbertie*, whofe head was cutoff by a poore woman by the like %*tt^ 
 
 occafion; and v nto theEaiperour Commodm ,whom hisconcu- commodm. 
 bine MarclafaanStd after flic had poifoned him ; and vntp 
 ^ilbotn theK'mgok.thc Lombards, who beeing foundc drunken Mom. 
 in his bed,was killed by one of hiswiues paramours. A nd who 
 is able to remember the manifold inconveniences and calami- 
 ties, which molt men fail into through their riot and cxcefleHor, 
 weejn ay fay of this, as S. Taut faide ofcouetoufnes, that this is i.Tim.&$» 
 one of the pleafanteit bairs that the Dcuill hath to entrappe and 
 fmrevs.in his nettes. And this is the realon why S. Peter cxhor- i.pet.j.3. 
 teth vs, Rot oncly to be hrme and conftant in faith, but alio fb- 
 ber and vigilant to refiit flrongly, leaft we be entangled in his 
 fnares. Which is veriecafie forthc deuill to accomplifli, if wee 
 giuc our felu.es vnto drunkenncs, and betake vs vntothe plea- r , 
 lures and delightsoftheflefli. , Lot beeing drunken, committed uu^^t 
 inceftwith hisown€daughten ) borhagainftthelaws'ofnature, Gcn.i9«f3* 
 the cuftome>.and manners cf the molt barbarous nations that 
 ,cuer were 4 y<eaan<iagain(t common fence, which foabhorrcth 
 and lotheththisnnne, that the memorie thereof is molt dete- 
 ctable at this day : and it is not t o be doubtcd ? but that this p oore 
 man knowing and conlidermg the horriblenes of his fault 
 committed in hisdrunkennes, did fobewaile his finne, that all 
 the red of his daics fecBied too little tolamcntand forrowefor 
 histianfgreffion- £^^yvho was^asitwcre)the repaire r a nd \ 7ip& '*****"» 
 fccoadfatherofall mankiadef andiuch an one, asihthcgferie-" Gcn -? ,ir# 
 rali corruption of his age, had al waies moft conflaritly retained 
 the raich, the law, and obedience vntr» God, beeing drunke after 
 the flood, and fo forgetting the gravuie and duecte of a father, 
 begao to be jdeipiftdanamowKcdofoneof his children, and 
 »cu;> there* 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 thereby became fodifpleafed with him, that bee denounced a 
 nwtt horrible curfe and malediction againft him and his po- 
 ftcritie, which in the ende was wholly rooted out. And what 
 was the caufeofthofe monftrous and horrible finnes of the So- 
 Sodm. domit ef,\vhich mounted vpeuen to the throne of God, and pul- 
 Ucn.x .20. l C( Jdowne his vengeance and iudgemcnt,infuchfort,that hee 
 hath made them a memorable example to all pofterine ? was ic 
 Ezec;i&4? notfas faith E^echte/) their abundance and fulncs of bread, and 
 aH forts of dciicafies,which their land brought foorth in abun- 
 dant manner? 
 jil*in^ tbt If it be fothen, that our intemperance doe haftcnthe iudge- 
 e j*. ce f e „j mentsof God vponvs,and that thereby we giue as great an oc- 
 Ga{tj andof f a ^ on both to the Deuill and vnto wicked mentodeftroy vs, as 
 the mifebiefs they candefire.* ought we not carefully to giueourfeluestofo- 
 that do enfue brietie,and to abandon thefe great and fumptuous feafts, whic h 
 of them jo^ at this day are fo exceeding, that, that which is fuperfluous, is 
 % f*fr£ aQf more coftly then that which is requifite and neceflarief for there 
 obalto arc ^ ome k cn > as trxc ver y ^rappes are fuflficient for a great mul- 
 titude .* and in the meane fcafon, we may fee (tore of poorc and 
 beggarlie creatures at our gates anddoores,fo lcaneandhun- 
 ger-ftarued , that it is a maruaile to behold them • who might 
 very well be liiftained and fufficicntly fed with that, which fer- 
 weth fornothing,butto kill and deftroy vs. And what a madnes 
 is this,that a Chriftian man(who according to his promiie and 
 proteftation made at his Baptifme, ought to mortirte and tame 
 hisflefhbyabftinenceand fafting, had rather euen buHt him- 
 felfe andchoake himfelfe, his children, friendes, and feruants 
 with wine and delicate dainties, then by his charitable almes to 
 nourifhfo many poorc and needy brcthren,whom he ieeth Ian- 
 guifhing, and miferably to pine away with hunger & thirft ,co!d, 
 and other infinite mifchiefes, which continually vexeand fcbW 
 ment them} 'Dt&genej feeing a man to take great paines to nou- 
 ii(h &fath»s bodie; beganforthwithtolaugh,fayingvntothofc 
 who were with bim:ls it not great pityJthat this pore fot Ihould 
 Cake fuch great labour and caretorepaireandftrengthenthc 
 waflsof that houfe,wherein hisminde is imprifoned? And to fay 
 truejy,it isaftrange cafe that (againft the nature and condition 
 of oiher prifonersj we fcekc all mcanes pofliblftto proldnfg out 
 
 cap- 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 51 
 
 captiuiticr and that we are fo carcfull to nourifli and chcrifh our 
 flcfliinfuchid!enes,whith is fovngrateful. To rebeiliou$,fo trea- 
 cherous, and fucb a mortall cnemic vnto vs , and fo carelelTe to 
 giue a litle bread & water vnto the members of Chrift Icfus,who 
 are fo tmitie and allured friends. We doe not imitate herein the Heprooveth 
 example of politike Captaincs, whoftudie by all meanes they by fimllituds, 
 rnay,torutorf all victuals from their enernies,and to ftaruethem tbebur* that 
 ifitbcpoffible, that they may the more eafiiievanquifli them: IEJaJS* 
 for wc pamper our bodics,andfurnifh them with all kindeof ne- alu ifouUsb* 
 ceiTarics,totheend they may the better and more llrongly wage pampering 
 wane with vs at their plea fure. I luppofe we are afraid that our % ^ m * 
 fenfuall delights fhould not fruclifie andincreaftfufficiently, 
 but that they fhould bring forth briers & brambles too fparing- 
 ly, feeing we are fo indultrious tomuckethe foyle,yeaand take 
 morepainshercin, then men vfually doe to compare their gar- 
 dens and grounds. We ftrengthen th at,to weaken our felues,and 
 had rather (contratic to the example of that auncient father, of 
 who the tripartite hiftotie maketh mention)that our flefti fhould 
 murthcrvs,then wekillthat.lt feemeththat we liue to nootbec 
 ende,but tofatte vp oudclues»For we doe not eate,that,weroay 
 Siuefas did S:crates> and as we ought to doe, being Chriftians) 
 but we liue, that wee mayeate.- as though our flefh were not 
 continually too hirapi (hand hcauie, and therefore lelTeable to 
 contemplate the wonderful! workes of God , and towalkejn 
 his waies.We flill pamper it vp, that we may make it more vn* 
 weldie and more; burdenfome t,o the fpirit, and> a sk werejoade 
 it with fuch a maffe of earth, that k may be better able bytbfc 
 weight thereof to preffe downe ourmindes, then they fhall be 
 available to lift vp them felues by their cjuickeneiTe and a* other fit and 
 gilitie. proper fimilh 
 
 If we will tame a yong fteire, and make.him fit for the yoke; J^'^JJ 
 hemuit Decoupled with an oxe that is ftrongerthen bimfclfiy a *$ l% t % 
 Jeafthe fhould drawe more backeward then the other is ablet© inourmeatei 
 pull forwards'. In like manner if wee will tame our flefh, and and dih\$s t 
 nuke it obedient vnto the fpirit,wemuftdiminifhthe ltrengtrv * ]g^y 
 oftheoncandencreafctheforceofthcother. IfitbenotconG* jfijSfc 
 nant vnto rcafon , that the wife (hould haue greater authorise tiwtf m 
 in the houle, then the husbande, especially if fhee bee * beMi 
 
 foolc, 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 roole,carcletTc, dirTolutc,voluptuous,giuento drunkennes, arrc 
 gant, and a fpend-thrift,yea though (he be wife and vcrtuous.* 
 what coulcrable pretence can there be alledged, that we fliould 
 fo debafe and throw downe the noblenes anddignitieofour 
 mindes,as to make them flaues and fervants vnto that,ofwhom 
 by right they ought to bee lordesand matters? which muft 
 needes follow, if wc will fuffer our bodies to Hue fo cafili e and 
 flouthrullie as they defire. Foritfalleth not out with them, as it 
 doth with the ground, which the moreitiscompaffed, the bet- 
 ter it fm6tifieth .* for they in deede knowc not howe to bring 
 foorth any good fruit, vnlefle they be leane, out of hearte , and 
 almoft abandoned and vntilled. 
 jt fleafknt Efip (the better to make vs vnderftand this) reciteth a plea- 
 fcble fitly ap~ fant fable of a certaine poore woman , who had a henne that 
 i ^f^'ff A laidc her euerie daie an egge .• now ftiee feeing that her henne 
 / y^^^ZjffvH was verie leane, and yet laied ftill after her accuftomed manner, 
 f-'h- r 4- v y^ fwppofed that if (he were fatte and luftie , fhe would lay twice 
 a day; and with this conceit of minde, fliee fedde and crammed 
 her thoroughly, fo that in a fhort fpace (he became fo fatte, that 
 cleane contrarie to the expectation and opinion of the wo- 
 man, fhee left laying altogether. In like mannci (faith the fame 
 E/bpjn moralizing his fable) many there are, who in their bafe 
 and poorc eftate, are very veituous : but if they be once moun- 
 ted to any degree of felicitie and abundance, and may Hue ea- 
 flie and wealthily, they giue ouer their former ftudies, and be- 
 come careleffe, fenfuall,and voide of all good woiks. Now 
 imagine with your feives, if the Devill, who is as a ravening 
 woolfe, feeing them fo well fedde, and in fo good cafe, doe not 
 fceke to gorge him felfe with them. And how flialkhcy efcape 
 him,fecing they arc fo fattc,thatthey can neither runne nor goc 
 in the way of vertue? Ifthenthedaungerbelogreat,in the fee- 
 ding of our carkafes& nourifliing them in idlenes and delights, 
 (Kail not wee amende this in our felues, and be content with 
 rbefrugatity what fo ever GOD fendeth vs, whether it bee breadeor 
 tftkeheatbe any thing elfe that may fufficcforthehcakha'ndgoodconffitu- 
 
 cf*he> ckn. ^he auncient Grtekes called their bankets SyffiH*, a worde 
 fH*nu that fignifieth the frugalitic which was there obferued ; which I 
 
 here 
 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. o 2 
 
 here fet downe, to the ende that if ^according to their example) 
 we would invite our friends, v\e fhould make them fuch mode- 
 rate and i'obcr chcere, that there fhould be no fuperfluitie in any 
 wife: and we fhould feede them fo fparingly, that they fhould 
 not furfet after their comming home; imitating herein the ex- 
 ample of Plato jnhq when hcinuitedany gefleto his Academy, ?- ut , ar r cb m r <fw^ 
 vfed to fet fmall ffore of meate before them, but furnifhed vp his f ta fc t /£ 
 table with fweete muficke, pleafant ftories, and philofophicali 
 difcourfes, and fo delighted hisgeiTe with this courteous and 
 excellent entcrtainement, that they would ftay at his houfetwo 
 daies after. But we deale farre otherwife at this day : for wee 
 thinke now thlurwcTnaue not made fuflficient cheere, vnlelTe our 
 geffc complaine the next day, that they haue cither the heade- 
 ach,orrawe ftomacks, heauie and fleepie heads, dull and bloc- 
 kifh wittes. You would thinke that in ftead of wine, they had 
 drunke poifon: and it is a lamentable thing toconfider,that fuch 
 as are inuited and come vnto vs vpon our wordes,takingvs for 
 their friendes and familiars , ate oftentimes caried home to 
 thcirJioufes bytwoorthree feruants,as though they were our 
 enemies , and fuch as we had wounded to death. O what trea- 
 fonand crueltieis this,thataman,whoinfriendfhipandgood 
 will is come to make merie and reioyce with vs in ourhoufes,ac 
 our table, in ourprefence, and at our intreatie, fhould be by vs 
 fo daungeroufly wounded, that he fhall not be able to helpe 
 him felfe,neithet with hand nor foote / 
 
 Wejibhorrethe Turks and other barbarous nations,andthat °f^ebarbaF 
 for good caufe : efteeming them fas in deede they are)a favage [™™J e *f 
 and crucll people: and yet they are not fo bad, as wee are. For thofe,vbo 
 that which they commit in time of warre againft their enemies, glut tbem- 
 we execute at home in our houfes againft ourfriends. And fur- ^switb 
 ther,they in theirfuric quickly difpatch fuch asrefiftthem; but 4to/<w "' 
 we make our brethren and kinsfolke languifh and pine away, 
 and murtherthem atleifure,whocome with an imagination to 
 be courteoufly entertained ofvs.and thar,by giuingof fome too 
 much meate,to others too much drinke, which we cramme and 
 thruftinto their mouthes violently, euen as nources which giue 
 their children pappe againft their wills, ouerladingthem with 
 drinke, and furcharging their ftomackes with meate, and 
 
 con- 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 continually (frilling to thruft fas in to a ball)a little more, cither 
 niarmolad,&fucket,prcferueddelicafies,venifon,fweet meats, 
 and fundric forts ofdrugges,ftill to increafe our appetites.Ifthere. 
 be any that dare auouch that the bellic is nothing ingenious:it is 
 an eaiic matter to prooue the contrarie, confidering whatfun. 
 drie forts of fauces it hath inuented,and what skill in dreffing of 
 meats,which ifthey were not lb handled,they were of no value 
 or eftimation. Fo r m oft mens appetites are like itching foares, 
 they mult euer be rubbedrand we mull if we wilhaucthat which 
 we eate delightlbme and pleafant, trim it vp and drefle it as cu- 
 rioufly ^sfond and foo l ifli womendoe themfeiues, to the ende 
 they may feeme the more be wtifull vnto thole who behold the. 
 Thtn'uno But who is there that is afraid he ftiould eat too little? and if 
 mint * ) * t ,! e " that be true which S/zwotf/^/faidoffpeach, that many repent the 
 (tile 'that bee tnac tnc y nauc ^P°^ cn to ° mucn , but fewe that they haue beenc 
 batbeatentoo lo ° Went: So likewife it is true that many repent them felues 
 Uttlcbut too that they haue eaten too much, but no man fbrroweth for his 
 many that temperance and fobrietie.lt is ftrangc to behold the inconftancy 
 and mutabilitie of our m i nds. If we be drie we feekc by al means 
 polTible to quench our thirlt ; haue we quenched ounhirit ? we 
 prefently long for fait meats, fuppofing we (hall finde the wine 
 the better, and more pleafing our taltes. But we aredeceiued.* 
 for as too bright a light dazeleth our fight, and too great a noile 
 hindercth our hearing: fohkewifetoo great curiolitie in dev 
 fing our pleafures,taketh away a great part of the fruition of our 
 delights, neltheris there any thing that makcth ourmeate more 
 fauerie,then hunger and health. For there is nothing focoorfe, 
 but a found bodie wilwel digeft,& drink water with great plea- 
 riuiarcnm f urc yy^o hath n ot heard of th at which is reported o? Socrates, 
 V ' viho( being askedl>yone of his friendes, why he ranne vp and 
 down & fetched fuch gambols before dinner)faid: that he pro- 
 vided fauce for his fupperPAs alibofthe queeneofCdr/*,who in 
 >r tZ rprefenting her cookes vnto -^*-4»^r,told him they <\ ere the fi- 
 
 ; lUg/^^*- a neft,& could make the moll delicate meats of any in all Afa& 
 So 4r^ £ Gy»* en that it were not poffible to find any better. To whom he anfwe- 
 redjthat he had no need ofthem.feeing he vfed no other cooks 
 todrelte his meat, but fuch as Lcont&M left him, and they were 
 exercifc and trauell in the morning, to drelle his dinner, and a 
 
 fparc 
 
 they haue 
 eaten too 
 much. 
 
 Sxceffe tA' 
 tjetb away the 
 pUafore of 
 eating and 
 drinking. 
 
 "Plutarch in 
 bkw/t^olb. 
 
 <# 
 
 r'cOTK* 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 93 
 
 fparc and fobcr dict,to make rcadic his (upper. Which thing the 
 Lacedemonians considering, allowed nothing vnto their cookes, 
 but fait and vineger : faying, that the reft con fitted in the mcate 
 and in the paines taking . For there is no reafon that the tables 
 fhould bring our appetites to vs,but that wefhould bring ourfto- 
 macks to them:and it fhould be fufficient for the bourd, to offer 
 that which may fuffice vs.- for as Socrates faide,there is nomeatc 
 more dangerous,nor from which we ought more charily to keep 
 our felues, then that which bringeth hunger with it,when as in 
 deede we arc not hungrie, and drinke that makethvs thirftie, 
 vvhen as in truth,we are not drie. 
 
 But pcradventure fe me man will fay ; It is a great pleafure to 
 theta(t,to haueatablefurnifhed with varietie of dainties,and e- **n aytfoeat 
 very difh his feuerall faucc.Let vs graunt them fo muchrbut can vm J u £ 
 there be any good pleafure, which doth preiudice thy health? ^[3 ure9 f 
 and I \voj£ldgladlyJcnpw'ofthefe, who alledge this for them- tbetajljtc- 
 felues,wEatkinde ofpieafure that island howlongitendureth. fire the 
 For it is moft certainefas S am Bafil faith jtU at the throat of fuch ^ l f h ff,. 
 liquorous and drunken fellowes, is like vnto a fwift currant, ° *** 
 
 -where the water continueth not long, and as foone as it is pat 
 (cd 3 thechannell is forthwith as drie, as though there neuerJiad 
 beene any water in it. And as concerning the qualiticof the 
 pleafure,it is very Ieane,and(as the Poets fpeake of their loue^ ic 
 is fweete and fowrc. And if thofe who haue made triall there- 
 of, would confefle the trueth, they would refemblc it to thofe, 
 who fcratch too hard where it kcheth: and in a word, that it is 
 rather in imagination,thenin ehence andfn deederfbrit alwaies 
 draweth with it a marveilous vnquietnes both of bodie & mind, 
 & encombreth the naturall difpofition & inclination. Wherup- 
 ondependcth theeafe,ftrength,and alacritieof man . Plutarch 
 (themoreliuelyto deeipherthis)propoundethamoft proper 5C 
 apt companion. Even as(faithhej there is a kind of tickling in the 
 flefh,which caufeth laughter,that is both vncomely & vnleeme- 
 ly,& like vnto a convulfion &fhrinkingof the finewsjfo likewife 
 all thofe pleafures of the bodie , which are prouoked onely by 
 fantafie & conceit ofminde,are fottifh,feeble,troubfefome,and 
 farre differing from nature.-and it is a deerecafe,that the greaceft 
 nomber of thofe,whofearch for nothing (o much as delicafies in 
 their fauces,atc fuch;& they rather eate & drinke of cuftome,thcn 
 
 of 
 
THE FIFTH "BOOKE. 
 
 of any neccfluic : and glutting them fclucs after this manner, 
 they depriue them feluesbothof thepleafurc and profit which ' 
 they ihould cnioy,ifthey would vfe the creatures ofGod aright. 
 And this is the reafon that the bread, which of it felfe is Co lave- 
 rie , taftcth not in their mouthcs,vnleiTe it be fophiftically vCcd, 
 and that the cookes by fomeforceriehaucmetamorphifedthe 
 naturalltafte,andgiuen it fome other fauour,eitherftarke naught 
 or at the leaft nothing fo good, as it was before . For nature i ur- 
 mounteth art in euery thing, & God is more expert in feafoning 
 thofe things which he hath created, then the cunningeft man 
 who {b euer. And here :_ that may fitly be applied which Lyfima* 
 Tlutarekin chtu faid, who feeing him felfe by hunger and thirft to be con- 
 fer /rawy?, ftrainedtoyecld to his cnemies:and afterwards being permitted 
 r t'm A - t0( kinke a little water,cryingout on thefodaine,and faying : O 
 jerrcthbis God,how much to blame am I,thatfor alkie delight,haue left a 
 iudgtments. long & an exceeding great feiicitie ? So like wife all drunkards & 
 Iiquorous perfbns, fhould thinke them feluesthatforafmall 
 plea(ure,they would take out of feafon, which alfo is full of gall 
 and bitternes,they loofe their natur all delightsjas quiet & fweetc 
 fleepes,aquicknes in their fences, a merine{Teofhcart,a good 
 difpofition and an abilitieofal the parts of their bodies,al which 
 * theyenioybyabftinenceandfobnetie. 
 
 ytrtl'^sinanfwer Thereare fome, who thin ke fu fficicnt ly to excufe thei r r>ro- 
 ^Qrwvmofucbas digalTtie, fbTthat they are rich and wealth ie. Howe fhould wee 
 |7^T th Mkc* b ** fpendourreuenewes (fay they^if we fhould not liberallie cnter- 
 ™ verefiuen ta * ne our & ien ^ s ,? as tnou g n God had giuen them their wealth 
 them to no o* only to this end: and as though there were no poore men in the 
 therend y but world,and that there were no other meanes to trie their chari- 
 tolpendtbe tlc . as t h ugh they could not poffible be charitable towards the 
 podtga y. ncec j^ e ^ b ut were conftrained to be difiolute and prodigall : as 
 though the table were the foundation of ftiendfhip, and the ta- 
 verne the ftrongeft and fureft place to (hut vp friends togither. 
 Asthough(to appliethat vntothem, which Tbemiftoctes laid of 
 himfelf &ofhis children,afterthey were banifhedfro^^»/)all 
 their goods were loft, if they them felues were notloft with 
 thcmTrhefe men make me remember them,who aske how they 
 fhould fpende their times, if it were not at ten nys, or at cour- 
 ting and makingofloue: as though there w r ere not many o- 
 
 ther 
 
r*v\<*A- 
 
 AGAINST PLEASVRE. H 
 
 ther exercifcs more honeft, and more profitable, wherein Co 
 
 prcciousa thingastime is, maybe beiccrfpent. S*ft*$/»vvt< 
 
 Wcknow^all t he m eaner that may be to gather riches, and 27^^ 
 yet wc can not learne one wayhow to fpend them .Leteuery ■? extf J m 
 -maniudgeir it be not true wnjthliay:thatis,thatthefe men dt, all men. 
 of whome I haue ipoken , doe more willingly and ioyfully 
 fpend a hundred,yea two hundred crovvnesyereJy,if they haue 
 them, inbanquctting and chcaring, then tftey doe a hundred 
 (hillings in comforting the poore and needy, who craucitat 
 their hands for Gods fake. And th at it maybe fo , they^nuitc 
 one another to their houles, yea, and they are very angry , if be- 
 ing bidden they re fufe to come. But if they be neuer lb earned- 
 Jy entreated by the other, to relicue them in their extreamc 
 neede and neceflitie, to giue them but the hundreth part of that 
 which they fpend riotoufly. they will in no wife agree to it,vntill 
 theybeeuen compelled thereto by their long and earneftpe- 
 titions. Which doeth notably bewray their affections , and 
 what defire they haue to hclpe one another. But I wonder 
 they are not afhamed fo to profane the holy and facrcd name 
 of fricndfhip, which if it befure and firme , can haue no other 
 foundation, nor be by any other meanes retained, thenonely 
 by vcrtue : or that they arc not afraid to offer fuch great iniury to 
 their friends, as to account of them , as of flatterers and claw- 
 backes, who can not otherwife be retained, but with traynes 
 and baites. 
 
 And yet I will not condemne the laudable cuftome that Wh*t bin- 
 Chriftians vfe oftentimes in vifiting one another: but my de- qKetjpmfi* 
 fire is onely, that the great preparations which are commonly an ^ 0li ^ t 
 vfedatourteafts and banquets, maybe reformed: for that (in 
 my opinion) they are very fcancjalous among Cbriftians, and 
 are aprincipalloccafion, why that difcipline, which ought to 
 be among them , is fo corrupted . And it is certen, that if our 
 friends be vertuous and well giuen, they will be content with 
 Tytbagoric all banquets: and if they be otherwife, wc may fay 
 with&*T4/*/,thatalitleis to much for them . That great king 
 Cyrtu being demanded what fhould be prepared for his fup- 
 per, anfwercd , nothing but bread, for that he would fuppc by 
 thcriuers fide . Eyaminondas being come to one of his friendes 
 
 O - houfes, 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 houfes, purpofing in friendly manner to dine with him: and 
 feeing fuch great preparation was made to entercainc him, 
 made a very fhort returne, laying, that hec cuidently percei- 
 ued that all which was prouided, was not for his dinner: but 
 rather that he had entended to offer lbme great facrifice to 
 the gods, feeing hee had prouided fo great checrc . e^«- 
 gustHsCafar being entertained .with fmall chcere , and afru- 
 gall dinner, tolde him that had prouided it, fecretly in his 
 care, that before that time heeneucr knewe him to befo fa- 
 miliar a friend. If wehadhoneft friendcs,and weeourfelues 
 were fuch vertuousguefls, we would ncuerfinde fault with fo- 
 berand frugall diet.- but with ^Auguflm acknowledge wee 
 loue them fo much the more, for their familiar and friendly 
 entertainement. 
 fVbetber't Butfome will fay, it were anvnciuill andanvngentleman- 
 be a thing ^ke thing, that a man, who hath great reucnewes, mould bee 
 vnbeftmmg fo exactly goucrned at his table. Foranfwcre whereor, I will 
 riebmento alledge nothing, but that which one of the ancient Philo- 
 te # <H7;; 2 / 7 fophers faide vpon the like occasion: that is to fay, Asa 
 cooke greatly faileth in his arte, who hauing plentie of fait 
 by him, would needes therefore put more in his pottage then 
 is iufficicntto leafonthem : folikewifc, doeth heeerre groffe- 
 ly, who refpecting nothing but his abundance, will needes 
 haue more meate at his table then is furficient, either forhim- 
 felfe, or for others who fit with him. And furely letvs bee as 
 (paring as wee may, yet doe we oftentimes pafle the bounds 
 of fobriety: and ten to one there is fomething fuperfluous. 
 Moreouer, there is no greater ciuilitie then that which pro- 
 ceeded of vertue, and within the limits hereof all honefticis 
 bounded. And to conclude, if wee affect glory and commen- 
 dation , wee mould rather feekc it in moderate abftinence, 
 then in fuperfluous riot . But our peruerfnefle is fo great , and 
 our affection fo difordered , that we are not barely contented 
 to be vicious, and to glory in our naughtinefle, but wee will 
 needes difgrace and blame vertue which contrarieth our de- 
 fires, and fo make it more contemptible, hindering others 
 from going forwarde in goodneffe , who are backewarde c- 
 nough already . JVnd this maketh vs call honeft fobrietie 
 
 by 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 95 
 
 by ctic name of niggardlincfie, and agodly reformation of 
 lire, wee account hypoenhe and diflimulation: and in a word, 
 wee tcrme wifdome, covvardlinclle; zeale, rafhnefle; con- 
 ftancie,obftinacie; luflice, cruelty; magnammitic, boIdnelTc 
 and preemption. There is no vertue, but that which concur- 
 rcth with our affections, neither yet any vice, but that which 
 is contrary and repugnant toourdeiires. 
 
 There are others, who thinke to defend themfeluesagainft /y , 
 
 reafon.with alledging cuftome: whoneuer confider, that by m fjf h ^ "jM* 
 thismeanestheyfeeketocftabliftuhe moft cruell andexecra- excu r e their n £** 
 ble tyrannie , that euerwas. For if it beetyrannicail to make excejjeal- 
 lawescontrarieto reafon, onely vpon a felfcwill , what fhall led&e cujiotrt. 
 vvee lay, when as we execute them and continue them cleane 
 repugnant to the la wes of God, and all good order? I would 
 demaund of them, if it were fufficient for a thietc to defend 
 his robbeties to alledge cuftome ? Or to murtherers, and 
 whoremongers, to fay, that they haue bene giuen and ad- 
 dicted thereto euen from their cradles? If wee muft alio we 
 of things by cuftome, nothing were. more allowable then 
 vice . For this is one of the moft auncienteft thinges 
 that is. It began by and -by after the creation of the 
 worldc , and hath contained and multiplyed euer fincc 
 vntill this day: at which time, it is more ftrong and force- 
 able then euer heretofore . But notwithstanding , vvcejirejo 
 forre from being able to prooue the goodncllc thereof by 
 cuftome, that as good and honeft things , the more ancient 
 andthc more allowed and pra£tifed that they haue beene in 
 former times, the more commendable they are at this day: 
 iojikewifc thofe things , which in their natures are naught 
 and diftioneTtTbyTiow much the more ancient they are, and 
 authorized by time and continuance, and fo may claime, as 
 it were, prefcription: by fo much the more damnable and 
 wicked are they to be deemed and accounted. 
 
 Thel aft and finall reply, which is vfually made when asthis Jgahftfucb 
 matter is de b ated Jis atfem an d or queftion in faying who would M condemn* 
 IcauctheoldfafLionforthcnew? and thus euery one watcheth "f^*^™' 
 other, and cxped who fhall begin firft. But I would gladly p retext of 
 know this: whether we be as Jong in corritaitiing faults, as we navcltit- 
 
 O 2 are 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 are in confuting how to amend them . And whether that 
 which God hath commanded, and which is confon ant to rea- 
 fon, which is pleafurable and profitable (hould be difputed and 
 confultedof. And is it not great pity, that if the queftion bee 
 mooued of any folly or lewdneife, there fhould be fo many to 
 aduance and fet forward themfelues, and euery one ftriuing to 
 gaine thevi&orie of that,whereofthereis no other guerdon 
 butfhame andconfufion, and which iscontinually accompa- 
 nied with wofull repentance ; and that there {hould be fo fe we, 
 and thofe fo backward and wayward to follow vertue,of which 
 wemaybefurctoreapegreat gaine ,and molt ample rccom- 
 pence? 
 
 We are like vnto thofe harcbraines, and defperatc aduentu- 
 A defer iption rers, who are as valiant and hardy as Santpfon or Percefor eft, to 
 ofthemofi beate aud breake open a poore countrcy mans d ore, to fteale 
 ^hfaTlhis ^ is nennes 5 to ra uifh his daughters, andto filtch and pilfer what- 
 cjaynioryin foeuerhe hath in his houfc: and in other things fo fearefull 
 she name of and cowardly, that being in the warres , they tremble at the 
 cbnjlians. found of euery trumpet. Good God, how long will it be be- 
 fore we paffeouer this large field of Christian vcrtues, feeing 
 wearerio idle and flothfull, that we can not or we will not tra- 
 uelltotheendofone furlong! When (hall we embrace thelc 
 noble and beautifuii ladies, if we be afraid fo much asonceto 
 falute them "they fhould rule and be the miitrefles of oui hearts, 
 and yet we wil hardly allow them any place in our mouthes:but 
 thefearcoldcomp4aints,&(as 1 think) very vnprofitablc.For as 
 though men were ftarke dead, there are no eares that will hearc 
 thcfeoranyotheriemonfhanceSjtendingtotherefonnationof 
 diforderand abufe. And how is it poifible we (hould heare, 
 when as we will not fomuch as liften to the lawesof nature, 
 which is the common motherofvs all? For the better to teach 
 vs,and as it were, to compellvs tofobrictie,(heeoffereth fuch 
 things as tend to plcafure, with a veryniggaidly and fparing 
 hande : as wee may fee in all delicate fortes, either of fiih, 
 foules, or beaftes , whofe flefh is ctteemed and accounted 
 L(a »a£uY&. ^ amt * c andplcafant; whereas otherwife, (hee fcemeth almoft 
 prodigall, in prouiding vs all things fit for our neceflitie ; as 
 oread, wine, and fuch ordinarie meatcs : to the end, that on 
 
 the 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. $6 
 
 the one fide there fliould be no man Co poore, but might be 
 able to relieue him felfc by his labours : and that on the other 
 fide there fliould bee no man fo rich , which fliould not bee 
 fomwhat retrained from hispleafures by rcafon of the difficul- 
 tieand fcarfitieof fuch things, as may ferue him thereto, or 
 elfefbrthc great expences which muftenfue , if he will nccdes 
 enioythem. 
 
 Bcholdc the counfcll of wife and prouident Nature : but The diffb* 
 whatof that ? we will contrary nature allthatwemay: and we lutenefo and 
 will haue wine from Candy , raifons from Damafco andC*- riotintbtft 
 rinth i dates out of Egypt, fpicesftom the Indies, millions from S^" 
 Naples } cheefe from CMillaine, comfites from Spaine : and 
 we are ncuer contented withthofe things our ownc countrey 
 will afford vs , although they be more profitable and whole- 
 fbmefbrvs, thenthofeof forraine Regions. Nay we proceede 
 further, and wee fttiue, as it were, with neceffitie . For neither 
 warre, famine, imports, lofle, and fuch like miferies, are fuffici- 
 enttocompellvs togiueouerour pleafures • And albeit thefe 
 great afflictions are fent of God, who by his punifliments 
 would make vs acknowledge our faultes, to the end we fliould 
 turne vntohimin all humility and reuerence, that fo he might 
 be appeafed towardes vs, and forgiue vs our finnes . Yet not- 
 withflanding there are few thatthinke of this, and none that 
 (to auoide his judgements) will doe othcrwifc then they haue 
 beeneaccuftomed • For there are now as many feafls as euer 
 were: finging, datmfing, piping, masking, /porting , and play- 
 ing were neuer in greater vfe.- euery botcher will haue his 
 minftrelfie,and fpend hispenytofetchafriske with the maides 
 in the countrey. Yea, andthofe places where there is greateft 
 trouble, abound moft with diflblutenefle and intemperancie . 
 
 And yet for all this, they complaine of the fcarficie & deare- Againjl fuch 
 nefleofwine, and neuer confider that themfelues aretheprin- as complain 
 cipalloccafiontherof. Forhowisitpoffiblethatthismarchan- of the fcarfi- 
 <fcfe fliould not be deare, feeing it is fowell fold in ail places, i)fj dcat * 
 andatall times? In Laccdemonia cookes gained verylitle, for 
 that the people were contented with fimple cheere, andgauc 
 not themfelues to riot and fpending. If we in like manner 
 would be content with fuch wine as our countrey affoordeth, 
 
 O 3 or 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 or if there bee none, to take fuch dvinke as God hath there 
 prouided; the Vintners fhould not be Co rich as now they 
 are: nor the marchanc fhould necde to fetch Malmefey from 
 Venice^ or Sackesfrom Spain*, nor any wines out of Cj ofca- 
 me: neither (houid they gayne fo much by our licorouihelTe 
 as nowe they dor. Wee may anfwere fuch complaynants, 
 as ts4xgnft;i6 ^<?pr anfwere d thofe, who toldehim that the 
 people of %_omc grudged exceedingly, for that wine was fo 
 deere. My fonne inlawe<»^r//>p4 (faith hce^ hath wifely 
 prouided for this inconuenience, and that they fhall not 
 hereafter complaine of thirlx : for that hauing the charge 
 of the conduces, hee hath io w r ife!y ordered the mat- 
 ter, that there will bee plentie of water in euery cor- 
 ner of the cine: and God be thanked, wee haue plen- 
 tie of this moifiure in euery parte of the landc and if 
 it chaunce, that fome places be leiTe prouided for then 
 others, yet it is an caile matter to digge pittes and welies, 
 fo that it happencth through ourowne negligenceuf we want 
 where withaiito quench our thirfts. 
 Jn Bfifocrc | I feare mee, that among thofc, who will fpare £b much 
 vn! ?J uch . M lime, as to reade. this difcourfe, there will be fome carpers 
 heads"%'t anc * cavmers - & uc I woulde defire them toconfider, whe- 
 their 'brows, tner c ^ at which & c y fy be confon3nt to reafon, and whe- 
 whentbey ther fuch. girding and kofrlng may bee more auaileable 
 lu-cany for them to prooue and conrumc their, intemperancie, or 
 mi "JP sa k°f force able for mee to conuince them, and confirms that 
 4 w'hicn I haue fpoken toucmng tae. corruption orchis in- 
 
 ferable worlde, wherein vcmieisnoc onely vnknowne and 
 neglecl:ed,butitisdefpifed andfeorned, as well of thofe, who 
 would followit, as of others, who doe nothing but in fhewc 
 commend and maintaine it. And the reafon hereof is this, 
 for that our luftes haue had in times psfr , and yet rctaineac 
 this day fuch libertie and licence , that there is no man in 
 ' the world worfe welcome then hee , that indeaiiourcth to 
 
 bring them to obediece, or feeketh to reduce them to any good 
 order. But the fcoflesof thefe mockers,, ought not todifcou- 
 rage vs, who are zealous in reproouing of vice where wee 
 fiude ic, neither yet may hinder vs from commending of 
 
 vertuc 
 
AG A INST P LE ASVR-E. 97 
 
 vcrtue both bywords and writing, wherefceuerwe findcany 
 louc thereof to appcare and maniteil it ielfc. 
 
 The difficulcic which may feeme to bee propounded in en- j exhort** 
 terprihng a reformation of fuch difordcr asisalmoft in euery twn t0 p r ; nm 
 thing , ought not to withhold magiftrates from allaying and ces and ma- 
 taking of this matter in handc. For the more difficult and gyrates to 
 hardthcenterprifeis, the more commendable is it for them, if 'J^o'Tr * 
 they effect it, and bring it to paile. For in hard matters the Ji rc ) )iia f 
 delirc onelyis very laudable , and they need not doubt of mofiinall 
 the furtherance and atfiitance of Gods grace and holy things. 
 fpiritcin gvuingofthem wifedome andfitmeanes to accom- 
 plifli their defires, and to bring all their counfels toahappie 
 ende . For if hee be readie to heareali thole who call vporc 
 him faithfully, howfhall hee abandon his chiefe and princi- 
 pal! feruants, efpecially in that feruice, which tendcth to his Examples of 
 honour and glory ? they oughtto conhderthat notable pro- encourage- 
 mile which he made to his ieruant Iofhua, to be alwaies with l% ofufiia, 
 him andto guide him in ali hisenterprifes: forthat his heart 
 was vpright and iincere cowardes him, andthat hee followed 
 his ftatutes and ordinances without declining ekberco the 
 right hand or to chq left : alluring thcmfelues,thauf, as he was 
 guided by the light of this lampe, fo they would iikewife bee 
 illuminated thereby, they mult in feeking for hclpeat Gods 
 hand to further their actions , re terre them wholly to his glo- 
 rie,ancifo hee will ne'uer faile them : but' they fhall fenfibly 
 feeie the care and remembrance he hath of them: not onelyto 
 fupporc them againft their enemies, but ailb to aide them in all 
 extremities whatfoeuer,& whenfoeuer they are obie6*ted , euen 
 as he did hfiu in the coqueft of the land oiCuma^Votxt was no 
 more mail ery for him to difcoroft cokings , who proudly role 
 vpagain(thim,thenitisfor amovvertocut downethegtafibof 
 corncin the fields. And did not Mofej^nins, no other rirength a , M r 
 butonelythepoucr ofGod,andth^rodde.whichhirgauoi^m y 
 tocarryinhishande, deliuer the children. of ifntei dtt of the 
 captiuitieof£>/pf, tnauger Vharao and alibis army? and hauing 
 b;p_3ght them thorough t,hej;edde ie.£ dryikod,.he kd them 
 ai' H o thorough- the defaris or ^Arabt^h^ th efface of tbtirtie 
 yeeres^noivvichftanding, the wjndes, fendes, fapems, waotof 
 
 O4 water, 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 water, bread, winc,and other vittailes: yea without anyprouifi- 
 onor knowledge of che way, bcildes many other difficulties, 
 which encoiitred them in all places wherfoeuer they came.Nay 
 he didmore: for although he had todo,: with an obftin ate peo- 
 ple, andfuch as would not here any wholfome inftru&ions : 
 whofe mindes were greatly eftranged, byreafonof their er- 
 rours, idolatries, and fuperftitions wherein they had bin nouri- 
 shed and trained vp in Egypt , yet notwithftanding did he not 
 feare to alter their lawes & cultoms , & togiue them a new reli- 
 gion & forme of gouernment. In the execution whereof, hce 
 found much murmuring & great rebellion in thebeginning:but 
 all fell out fo well in the end, that he fa w before his death, piety 
 regarded and iuftice eftablifhed, according to the ordinance & 
 appointment of God* 
 
 Ez,ecbia4 and Ioftas kings of//^, one of them being 2 5 yeres 
 
 Exechias & °^ e A tne other but 8 yeres of age, whe as they began to reign, 
 
 lofias kings did they not (affoonc as they had any authority) reltore and re- 
 
 of luda. pake whatfoeuer had bin waftcd,fpoiIed,or prophaned,as well 
 
 in the feruice of God,as in their pollicie & gouernment? without 
 
 any confederation cither of their youth, or of the danger wherto 
 
 they oppofed themfelues,or ofthe refinance that might be made 
 
 againttthem; all which could not terrifiethem, or diucrt their 
 
 purpofes. 
 
 Efdrat y Nckemias 9 ZorobabelfiL the other prbces,who by the 
 
 vca d P crm ^ on °fiung C)n*/,were returned ftd TSabylonfaA a thou- 
 
 tbe»ther *•- &nd& a thoufand vexations before they could peaceably enioy 
 
 vernours of the grant that was made them, & before (as it was granted vnto 
 
 the people a}- them by theletters patents ofthe kingoFTerfia) they could bee 
 
 ter thecapti- f u ftcred to rcpaire the temple,& to plant their commonwealth. 
 
 mtieofBa- y C t notwithftanding, for all their little companie, and the 
 
 fnvali fcrtherance they had : and on the contrarie part, the 
 
 great encumbrances, and the manifolde complaintes that 
 
 were made againft them at Court, they continued firme and 
 
 ftablein their determinate purpofes. And nothing was fufficient 
 
 to hinder them from their worke , or make them waxc colde in 
 
 the a6tion,but that trufting in the mercies and graces of God, 
 
 they valiantly perfeuered to encounter with all dangers that 
 
 "wcrcobie&ed, as (tumbling blocks, to hinder their courfe. And 
 
 they 
 
AGAINST ENVY. $,S 
 
 they were not decciued in this their expectation, for through 
 the helpe and fauour of God, they ouercamc all thefe difficult 
 ties and dangers in the end • 
 
 When as Conftantwctht great determined in the beginning 
 of his Empire, openly to fauour,and alfo (if it were poffiblej to N *' * 
 plant the religion of Chrift Iefus throughout all the world. His p !es r Con ! 
 friends and counfcllers,to the end to diuert him , would deuife ftant'me the 
 nomeanesto effeclhis defires, nor he himfelfe could imagine greatintbe 
 how to co mpafle fo great an enterprife, confidering the contra- [jftj/SS! 
 rieticand refinance that LHctnimzndMaxenttm would make, fUmfaffa 
 who were his confbrtsin the Empire, and both mortall and 
 deadly enemies to Chriftian religion: and fucb alfo were almoft 
 all the fubiefts of the Empire, who did exceedingly deteft it, 
 for that it condemned all the religion of their forefathers . Not- 
 withstanding all this, contemning all danger whatfoeuer, and 
 refpeSing neither warre nor any rebellion of his (ubie<fts, ha- 
 iling commended his cftate,himfelfe,andgouernmcnt, and di- 
 rection of his affaires into the hands of almightie God, he fell 
 to put in execution, that which he had purpofed , and that fo 
 happily, that his enemies being ouerthrowne and vanquished, 
 and that in a fliort fpacc, hee rafed and pulled downe all the 
 holdcs of Sathan , that is to fay, his Temples and Chap- 
 pels of Idolatric, abolifhed their ceremonies, diffipated their 
 conuenticles and fynagogues, difprooued and difcouered 
 their crrours , and did To blafonthe abuies and abominations 
 of their Prieftes, that in fhort time cuery man began to abhorre 
 them, and prefently hee called the poore Chriftians, out of 
 woodes, outof dcfaftSjOut of holcs,&caues,wherin they were 
 hid during the fury and perfecution of the tyrannicall Erape- 
 f ours, who were before him^ giuing them commdflion to build 
 Churches in all the townes and cities of the Empire, which 
 {hould he dedicated to the honour of God,to the preaching of 
 his worde , and the admin iftration of his facraments, which he 
 hath ordained for the confirmation of the faith of his chofen 
 and elected children. And for that they were poore and had all 
 their goods confifcate, he caufedthem to be reftored by an edift 
 and decree ofthe Senate: and furthermore commanded,that in 
 thofc places where there were great aflemblies, there fliouldhe 
 
 certain* 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 ccrtaine fummes of money deliuered vnto them , out of the 
 common treafury, to the end they might be the better able to 
 defray their ordinaric charges and expenccs, about their day- 
 ly affaires; the which went fo profperoufly forwarde by die 
 meanes of this good prince, the diligence of hisferuants, and 
 the blefling of God , that in lefic then ten or twelue yeeres , in 
 ftead of thirty thoufand gods, who were rcceiued, allowed, and 
 worfhipped by the Romanes (as Tertalltan reporteth) there was 
 but one God, who was acknowledged and publikely adored in 
 all the Empire: and in (tead ofa million of patrons and godsof 
 protection, whom euery man inuented as his fancy ferued,there 
 was no more lefc then one only Chrift Iefus,to whom euery one 
 yeeldedhisobedience,confe(fing and acknowledging, that he 
 was the onely path-way to righteoufnes, grace, ialuation, life 
 euerlailing, andall kindeofhappineiTe andfelicitie.- and that 
 there was no other, vndcr whole protection they might t^fely 
 and fecurely rdt & repofethemfelues. 
 
 Who is there that will not acknowledge , that, in all thcen- 
 T fV >: n™- terprifes of.this worthy Emperour, their appeared a manifeft if- 
 Ltbevident- finance & blellingof God, which made euery thing focafie: 
 ly declare, quite againft the opinion ofthofe,who in the beginning would 
 that nothing haue examined this action with worldly wifdom?For there was 
 is impoffible n o likelihood that fixe Emperonrs, fuch ashew r as when he be- 
 vhorefolue § an tms entel 'P r if e >^ ucce{ TJ uc ty comming to the Empire,& en- 
 whh them ioyingthefceprer& fway thereof thirty yeres>a$hedid,iTiould 
 felues to ferue hauennilhed that which he began . And yetnotwithftanding 
 God. God, in whome hercpofed his whole con fidence,fhe wed him 
 
 fo great mercy, and fo fauoured his zeale , th at he was not long 
 before hebuilded him a temple, whofe foundation and com- 
 pare cotained almoft 3 parts of theearth,which was habitable. 
 Imitating herein , the example of king Salomon ^ who budded 
 thecemple of ferafale. This gained him the name of G R E A T 
 among his fubie&s, and did aiTure him of the loueandfauourbf 
 God, and purchafed him an ineftimable treafure in heaucn,and 
 inearth an immortall renowme among men : who willde- 
 clare.to all pofteritie , the loue hee bare towards God and his 
 religion, and his noble courage 3gainft hisenemies,toeftabli& 
 and plant his feare in defpite of whofoeuer Alcalde oppdfc 
 
 them < 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 99 
 
 thcmfeluesagainftit. And finally, the pity which he had of 
 the whole Church, which was fo great, that to deliuerit from 
 that milcrable and wofa'U oppreiHon wherein it was, by the ri- 
 gour of cruel tyrants, he doubted not , after the example of /«- 
 da* M<icctbetu>\.o abandon him felfe and all that hee had, to 
 moft imminent daungers and extremities. 
 
 Doc we not likewifefee, that the remembrance of the iu- c.Manyo* 
 flice,godlincs 3 andzeale, which all the good Emperours (as tber cxaples, 
 7 heodofiw jj/llartian , lovinian^wd P'aIentwian)Uadj.o reforme 
 diforders and abufes in the commonwealth ,is at this time well 
 knowne among many,& moftpleafant and delegable to thofe 
 that read their hiftories?And to come vnto our kings, Who is 
 theie that doth not highly extoll Clovis and Charlemaine, for 7Manyl{mgs 
 that they had among their grcatelt affaires, fuch refpedl vnto °f fr f Jce - 
 the well ordering of all their towncs and cities , and for that c y ar i ma i ne , 
 they would oftentimes fummon their bifhops and the other 
 wife menoftheirkingdome,to confuk what were the heft way 
 for the reformation of abufes /which did begin to fpringvpat 
 that prcfent,orrather had begun tobud long before their times; 
 and following that refolution which they had taken,would ad- 
 uenture their perfons & their goods,to correct & amend the go- 
 uernment ofthe Church. Alio the great conftancie of Lewis Lewis the 
 the gentle , who Chewed him felfe fo vcrmous and valtaunt g efit!c ' 
 in bridling thcCleargie of his time; that neither could their 
 rebellion with his children confpiring againft him, commit- 
 ting him topcrpetuall prifon and captiuitie , ailoriifhor diuert 
 him from his purpofes. As alfo the wifdome of Charles the 
 lift, who confidering the ignorance of the people, and that fl^kstkef 
 their want of knowledge was the roote of all vice , blafphe- °J lrancem 
 mic, infidehtie, crueltie, and other corruptions, wherewith all 
 eftates were generally attainted, (in fome fort to take away 
 this mifle, which fo darkened and bindred theiight of fo many 
 in his time) caufed the Bible to be tranflated into our mother 
 tongue, befides many .other good bookes,as thofeqf *Au- 
 Quftweofc the city of God, andfuchlike,whichheiudgedmoft 
 jht&conucnient to inftrudtthe ignorant? And (hal we riot alfo 
 commend the piety of Lewis the p. who made Co noble a decree uwU the 9* 
 .againft fvvearers & blafpherners of Gods holy name , which by 
 
 no 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 no meancs he would afterwards reuoke, no not in fauourof one 
 of his nereft friends, who had often ded: neicher yet would pardo 
 him for any entreaty whatfoeuer? who like wife (as PaulmEmu 
 Itns rcportcth) would not be induced byanyperfwafiontobe- 
 ftow a poore prebend vpon one , whom he iudged not capable 
 thereofbyreafon of his ignorance. Ipafleouerthe comendable 
 vertues of many otherour kings,who by diuers memorable a6ts 
 hauc plentifully declared the hatred they alwaies bare toiniu- 
 ftice,& intepcrancie. Whofe remebrance is confccratedtoail 
 pofterity in moft notable hiftories : and whofe examples ought * 
 toencourage their fucceffours , & all other kings and princes to 
 doe their duties, that they bee not afhamedand confounded 
 when they (hall appeere before the king of kings. 
 And toreturne to our former fpecch,fro whence (by occafion) 
 rb *d a'nft wcnauc f° mcwnat digrefied, wcmuftvnderftand, thatbefides 
 drunkenneffe tno ^ c conditions wherofwe haue fpoken before, which may be 
 &gluttonyjs reaped by fobriety, there is alfo another moft excellent one, & 
 cbaptje : by thatis,thatfhe teacheth vsthe way to chaftky.Forthat which S. 
 iccafiovher- p^/fp C aketh is moft true, that whoredome& diffolutenes are 
 mto'Tdif- natcnc ^t>ydrunkennes; & therefore in the end ofthe Epiftlc to 
 courfe ofvn- inc %B mans * nc & x & exhorteth the to reform their tablcs,before 
 lawfitll plea- he giueth any order for their bodies/teaching vs thereby ,th at alf 
 fure^swbor- vncleanncs of life, do proceed ofexccfle& gluttony. ThePro- 
 iT^dff- ph^kewifefearching out the caufe ofthe iniquity of S^w, 
 couemb tie doth attribute itefpccially,vnto the abundance of the cuntry,& 
 mtfebiefes the plenty of all delicacies in their cities, by reafon of the fertili- 
 ftaf enfue of y ofthe foyle where they were planted. But before we goe any 
 them. further in difcourfing ofthe caufes & occafions of this kinde of 
 
 pleafurCjitisconuenienttofetdownfome ofthe mifchicfes and 
 miferics wherein it wrappcth all thofe, who follow & hunt af- 
 ter it.Ifayfomc of them, for that it were an infinite labour to 
 repeat them all, and in my opinion nothing neceffarie: forthat 
 i. if we haue but a fmal fparke of reafon & found iudgement,thofe 
 
 it u\etb *• whichflialbeaHedged,wilbefufficientto withdraw vsfto the 
 way our mi- loue & liking of lt.Firft of all therefore,it taketh away our hearts 
 lnd**mftl (asffo^faith)thatistofay,itdocthfodullourfpirits, that we 
 metbvt into become fenceleflc, and focooleth the hcate of our willes,that 
 bruit bttfteu wee gcowe card effe and negligent, and as dull to folio we any 
 
 vertuous 
 
AGAINST PLEAS VRE. 100 
 
 vertuous endeavour, as if we were dead, and without life. And 
 befides the taking away of euery good motion in vs, itdepri- 
 ucth vsalfo of all reafbn and vnderftanding, and To wholly 
 transformeth vs into bruit beafts And vpon this occafion began 
 the fable of Circes, whom,the poets (in declaring the operarion 
 of hir forceries and inchantments) faid to haue changed men 
 intofwine,& tohauebereauedthcmofall knowledge andlouc 
 ofvertue, if they did but once kifle or behold her. 
 
 There isacertainefifhjwhichtheLatinescal^rp^which Jnexcellent 
 \vetermeflouthfulncfle,notfor that it is (low in motion, but comparifon 
 by reafonofafecret vcrtue and hidden power that it hath : for J^ftf- 
 being chafed by the fifhermen or by any other fifh , fhe cafteth <ffijjbfaf 
 forthacertaine venemous poyfon, wherewith nature hathar- caufedby 
 medfbrherownedefence, which hath force to ftay euery thing vrbordom, 
 that is «nfe6led therwith: benummingalltheioynts andfinewes 
 in fuch fort, that they ftirno more then if they had bin (mitten 
 with the palfie.& it proceedeth further: for being caft and fprcd 
 abroad in the water, where the nettes are laid to take her , if the 
 fifhers chance to come &puttheir hands into the water before 
 the force be paft,forth with they become numme & ft iff, & they 
 can not fhrre them. Wherein furely the nature of pleafureis ve- 
 ry huely reprefented : for if w r e will hunt afterit , for that there 
 fcemcth to be fomc delight & happines in it, or for fome fuppo- 
 fedfweemes which we hope for by the fruition thereof, forth- 
 with it benummeth both body & mind in fuch fort,that theone 
 can not deuife or imagine any good thing,neithercan the other 
 put it in pradife or execution Which may be very eafily proo- 
 ued by the hiftories and examples of all times. 
 
 Bur there is one among all the reft, that (in my opinion) is , - . 
 moft memorable, and worthy to be confideredof eueryone,the fsaiot»%a 
 better to driue them from this whorifh and filthy affe&ion. And m fi notabk 
 that is the example of Satomox,who had receiued fo many fpcci - proofi. 
 all fauours & fingular graces of God, that he was, as it were, the 
 wonder ofwifdom,knowledge,induftry,piety,faith,teperance > 
 iuftice,magnanimity,mildneiTe & fobriety .• befides, he had fuch 
 Worldly happines & felicity, that in glory and magnificence he 
 was like vnto another Sunne: notwithftandinghc was fo bewit- 
 ched 8c enchanted with this pleafure,that forgetting both God, 
 
 himfelfe, 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE 
 
 himfelfe, and his duty, he was notafhamedto abandon him- 
 felfe, & publikcly co worfhip Idols,& to build temples for them 
 hard by that, which he before had ere&ed to the honor ofGod, 
 &toiacrificetofomeof thofe gods whom his concubines ho- 
 nouredand adored. Who would eucr haue thought that fuch a 
 man, who (excepting Chrift Jefus)wasthe beftfurnifhed of any 
 that cuer was in the worlde, and knew moft perfidy the craft, 
 cunning diflunulation, flattering vvordes, teares,andcounter- 
 ftiite dealings of all dilfembling women, (hould euer haue bene 
 fodeceiued and abufed, that tor to plcafe his (trumpets, would 
 difpleafeGod, deftroy his owne houfe, and fo villanoully 
 ftaine his glory, vnlefle he had bene out of his wittes ; & drow- 
 ned, as it were, in moft extreame andbottomlefle follies? In 
 what danger then are wee like to fall into, vvhohauc not the 
 tenthpart of his wifdome , nor of his other rare and excellent 
 vertues, which did fhine in him as bright as great Carbuncles, 
 ifvve once fuffer our felues to be entifed, andasitvvere, lulled 
 afleepe by the fvvect longs of this wicked andfilthiepleafurc? 
 Behold Sam[on ,who had conquered all hisenemies,& who 
 $.Theexaple (bmtime had difcomfitedathoufand with the jaw bone of an 
 cfSamfott. Aue,vvho brake great cords of hempc as eafily as we can break 
 u s ' IJa ** litie threeds, whocaried away and pulled downe the pillars 
 with the houfesof great cities, tare and rent lyonsin pieces 
 with his hands, & did many other wonderfull and admirable 
 Vvorkes:beholdfIfay)this inuincible &*/#/<?;; was vanquifhed, 
 taken and bound by one woman, who deliucred him into the 
 hands of the Phthftms to be drawne and haled like a bcaft , & 
 ^Theexaple todifpofe of him at their pleafures. And did not Hercules ,who 
 of Hercnku had killed H)dra y vanquifhed C^£m*5,ftrangledGyants,& o- 
 uerthrowen fo many mongers and tyrants to fit men at liberty 
 whetfoeuer he came,did he not, I fay,at length fubmit himfelfe 
 to Ompbaleto ferue her as a flaue all the reft of his life?which he 
 performed with fuch readines & deuotion,that^without any re- 
 gard to his perfonor his vertuoushfeledde before, either to the 
 diftionor& euil report which he was like toincurrc,norrefpc- 
 £tinghone(ty &ac6mendable^^r^w,either the bad example 
 & fcandal he gauc to his fubiccls,nor the blot ofhis honour and 
 fame before gotten) he feared not,(b he might plcafe her, to put 
 
 off 
 

 AGAINST PLEASVRE. 101 
 
 off&difgarnifh himfelfeofhis Jyonsskin, wherwithhe had bin 
 alwaies attired, & cloth himfcife in womans apparcll, with the 
 diflaff in his handinftead ofhis club, which he vied before, in - 
 deuouring by all meaneshe could to make it apparant,that of a 
 man he was become a woman?Wherby it is molt manifeft what 
 force pleafure hath,which in fo fhort a time wrought fo great an 
 alteration. For though that in rcfpe&ofthe fcxe or kind,he was 
 alwaies the fame : notwithstanding, in regard of his idlenes,de- 
 licafie and eafe,wherto he was wholy addicted in his latter end, 
 he might wel be termed a woman.Seeing that princes,who fuf- 
 fer themfelues to be fo corrupted & effeminated by the pleafurcs 
 of the flcfh,are io named by the fpirit of God in the Prophet £- 
 /^.According to which faying,an ancietPhilofbphcr returning 
 from Sparta a city of Lacedemontato Athens, & being asked fr6 
 whence he came & whether he would, anfwered, that he came 
 from a city of men, & was going to a to wne of women , taxing 
 thereby the pleafure of the Athenians , wherewith they were lo 
 effeminated and weakened, that they had no more valour and 
 force then women and Eunuches. 
 
 Plutarcbrcpoxxeth in his book (entituled of thefortune of the ^ r i e \; m ^ 
 %pmanes) that the goddeffe Vcnits purpofing to goe vifitcthe yftureof 
 Lacedemonians left her glaffe, her girdle, and other womanifli vhoredome 
 attire vpon the banke of the riuer £«ror^, which ranne by their »* a b n l mc * 
 city, and tooke a fworde and a buckler in her hand, and with ***** 
 fuch furniture and equipage prefented herfelfe before Lycttr- 
 gw and the other citizens, knowing full well that otherwife 
 fhee fhouldneuerhauc beene welcome among painefulland 
 induftrious people . 2?ut if they would haue her goe from 
 them, and dwell at Cyprus, Paphos, and in other places where 
 fihee was honoured, and adored , fhee muft (if fhec loo- 
 ked to bee welcome) leaue of! her armour and labour, 
 and take to her againe her perfumes , her muske and 
 fweete odours, and in ftead of a valiant and ftout warrt- 
 our, fhee muft become a fine, tender, and delicate wo- 
 man. And this difordinateand carnall pleafure doeth not only 
 turnc vs into women, but alfo it trarbformeth vs into bealts, as 
 wee haue faid before. Which the poets did couertly fignifie by 
 their Metamorphofis, techxiges of many men,fome into cowes, 
 
 others 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 others into dogges, fome into hogges, and fomc into trees and 
 hcarbes. All which fables tend onely to this end, togiue vsto 
 vndevftand, that this voluptuous humour doeth forthwithbe- 
 rcauevsofall fence and reafon whatfoeuer. 
 
 After that Match* AntoniHsyizs taken with thcloue of Cko» 
 o\ alamo- P Atra >hc neucr cffe&ed anything worthy commendation, or 
 muiland of befeeming himfel re or any other worthy Rom ane Captaine:but 
 other tafcivi- began from that day forward to grow worfe and worie, and 
 oittprwct. became flouthrail, careleffe, light headed , and negligent in all 
 his actions. The vigour of his fpirit fas c PIutarcb faith) died in 
 him & departed to goliue in the body of his loue . Though hee 
 had the halfc ofthe Empire vnder his gouernment, & therefore 
 by all likelihood an infinite number of matters todifpatch, yet 
 would he not regard them .-neither yet hearetheEmbafladours 
 that came to the Court , ncithcrprouide againft the fecret pra- 
 &ifes of his enemies, neither yet any preparation for his warrcs, 
 norfeeke topreucntthedangershewasliketo fall into, no nor 
 yet would hee fparefomuch time astoentertaine hisfriendes 
 and allies . He ftudied for nothing day nor night , but to pleafe 
 his miftrefle: and fo captiuated his minde, and brought him- 
 felfeintofuchflauery, that hee could not bellow one houreof 
 his liberty to ponder of his affaires • And this d id not appcare 
 onely in him, buc alio in all other voluptuous kings and princes, 
 as in Sardanapa/fUy *Balfafir i Ptolomte i Pfafcott, Cahgula,Nero, 
 CommoktiyHcbogtbdHi) Cjaticnpu^ and the gre3teftpart ofthe 
 Emperoursof Conftantwofle, who hauing opportunity to fol- 
 low their pleafures, prooued men of no reputation, without any 
 great fpirit or counfell,and of no execution whatfoeucr. 
 Secondly *- ct vs conclude thcn,that as it wholly cxtinguifheth and put- 
 whortdme teth out the light of our vnderftanding , fo doth it alfo exh auft 
 wealth & and draw out all ftrength and vigour out of our bodies . I will 
 T^SL fe a " c vntothcPhifitians report how mightily it exhaufteth our 
 &m(Ureth fy&&* our naturail hcate and originallhumiditie: as alfo how 
 many incur*- ichindereththeconco&ion , whereby there are infinite crudi- 
 bkdifeafes. ties ingendred, and an vniuerfall corruption ofthe blood tho- 
 roughout al the body. And finally ,the diflblution ofthe finewes, 
 with griefes both of head and ftomack, and other innumerable 
 accidents which it bringeth to all intemperate and incontinent 
 
 pcrfoBS 
 
•AGAINST PLEASVRE. io* 
 
 perfbns : leaving this difcourfe (I fay )for phifitions to prove with 
 arguments and rcafbns, I wil only lay ofthis,as the ancient phi- 
 lofophers raidofallplcafurcs, that they ended in forowes: which 
 appearcth in this moftmanifeitly.Forwhomfhallyoufeeof all 
 that great numberthat gi ve them felvcs vnto pleafure,who com- 
 plain not in the cnd,one ofthe goutjanothcr of the fciatickjthis 
 ' man gocth with crutches, & that other is not able to ftirrc from 
 the fire fide: & few there are,who after they have bene tormetcd 
 with a thoufand & a thoufand miferies,havenot bin conftrained 
 (to nd thefelves from all their forowes) to delire very often and 
 lundry times to die ? But this is the grcatcft mifchiefe, that fome 
 among them being fallen into fuch rottennes & putrefaction of 
 their membcrs,that neither them felves,nor any that come vnto 
 them can abide their filthines, fo that they lye (till without any 
 companion of other men, neither can they devifc how to com- 
 fort thefelves in this their languiihing and extreme tormentiyea, 
 the very remebrance oftheir former pJeafures,and the forow they 
 conceive for their fauks comitted, the fhame & confufton they 
 have,that their finnes are fo manifefted & made kno wen to al the 
 world, with an opinion conceived, that in ftead ofpitie and com- 
 panion which men are wont to (new vnto their afflicted neigh- 
 bors,they do nothing but laugh at them. All which out of doubt 
 caufeth a heavy repcntance,& we fee that accomplished in the, 
 which Efty fpeakcth of,and foretelleth ofthe delicate dames of chap.5 • 
 //ra/,that in (lead of their perfumes & fweete fmels,\\ hrch they 
 fpend prodigally vpon their bodies & about their clothes, there 
 fhal in theend be a moft filthie favour & fmel,& in Head oftheir 
 girdlc,a rcnt,&thatin ftead oftheir trefles and goodly perriwigs 
 vpon their heads, there (hould be baldnes, & for their fine linen 
 wrought with gold andfilke, they (hould weare fackcloth and 
 courfe canvafle, and for their great beautie in their faces, there 
 fhould be fun-burnings, wrinkles & filthines, & in (lead oftheir 
 fweetfongs, there (hould be nothing but cries & lamentations. 
 Behold the eft ate whereto our body is brought by plcafure and 
 delights? they firftfucke out the moiftnes, & thendevideit by 
 pieces, & make it ready for the wormes : whereupon r Diogenes Diogenes. 
 was wont to fay, that as great plentieofvidtualsingendrcth and 
 multiplied vermin in a houfe/o this voluptuous pleafurc hatch- 
 eth all kind ofdifeafes in our bodies. P Is 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 Thirdly It * $ [t more favorable to our wealth and fubftance then it is to 
 confumctb pur bodies and mindcsPthere is not any patrimony fogreat,but it 
 ourgoods. quickly confumeth it; the greatefttreafure that ever was inthc 
 \vorId,vvas that of the Romans;fov befide the gold 3c filver which 
 they had take fro all the richeft citiesin the world to fii their own 
 cofcrs,they had their ycerely tributes of every province vnder 
 theirfubje&iontoimitnaine them, left they foouldciiminifbj& 
 \J yetnotwithftauding the pleafures of one Helwgabalw, of one 
 
 Cal-gHlapi ofone Nero confumed & wafted all in i or 2 yceres. 
 There was not long fin ce,a famous Courtefan in Greece named 
 (jmtbefidjW'ho feeing on a time two gentlemen fighting for her, 
 & that he who was vanquillied, was enceeding fory for that he 
 had loft her,& his fellowe wan her by force in her prefence,faid 
 vntohim to comfort him withall, that he had not fo great caufe 
 to be fory for his lolTe, fceingthatthe rewarde offiich victories 
 Theanfo r VVas not C° rotiar * e kut Tecuntarie : that is to fay,that the coque- 
 of a famous rcrs were notcrowned with lawicll,with the ioyes & acclamati- 
 tphoreto her ons of the people,as wasvfualina!lcthercombats cfiGreeccJcmt 
 firrowfoX they muftin fuch conquefts becoftrainedto fpend their goods 
 lover. yy^h g rcac {hame,& mull adornc the heads of their whores with 
 
 habillimets,their fingers with rings.& their purfes with crownes 
 &duckats.For the good Lady Venm is not content with bread 
 & drinke,but fhe muft have gold & filver,as Phryne another fa- 
 mo us Courtefan faid to certaine youths, who were affembled in 
 armour to brcake open a yong maidens doore,£he would fooner 
 haue opened the dorevnto you J (faithfhe)ifyouhad brought fil- 
 ver,thenilie will for all your (words & pollaxes: giving thereby 
 to vnderftand that this is the mod compendious way to gaine 
 thofe whom we defire , & the very fame means that Jupiter \ fed 
 toaccornplifhhis defires,(asthe Poets faine)defceding in drops 
 of gold intothelaps of youn gwomen^and by thatmeancs tryed 
 & alfayed their chaftities. And this is but one ordinance ofthofc 
 which they are fwornetokeepe, who wil needs folow & de light 
 in their pleafures. For what a mafic muft they fpend befides all 
 this, among baudes and chamber-maidesjtobeameancs for 
 the obtaining of the goodwill of their miftrelTesjin banquets to 
 fhewethem felves fumptuous and magnificall, and in appareli 
 to make them trimme and brave? O Lord GQ^isicpoffible that 
 
 men 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 107 
 
 men (if they were not blinde and fenfeleffcj fhouldebuy not 
 only repentance To ikatc 9 (as Demoftbenes faidj bucwithallfuch 
 poverty ) fliame,mockery,cozenage(withfome few kind looks, 
 a Iitle lighj&a glance with the eie)what fhould I fay morcpfuch 
 monftrousdifeafes, the wrath of God,and fo many raifchicfes? 
 
 It fcemeth vnto me, that thefe things being considered, the The & m 
 ancient Cjreek* had great reafon to call liich as took thiscourfe, ^^L m 
 (loft raen.)For how is it poflible thatthey i"houid be faved, who an & vo [ u ^. 
 do fo lewdly wafte their wifdom, theirreafon, & all the vigour tuowptrfont 
 oftheirminds,the health of their bodies, their goJd,filver, & re- proovedby 
 venues, and oftentimes the countrie that hath brought them man )i emen * 
 tonh.\D/ogenes meeting Speuftppm, who was going to the *A- ta ^ eeXm 
 cademie'm his coach like a minionly gentleman, and by his deli- ample*. 
 cate and effeminate countenance declared his difordinate afc 
 fe&ion tohispleafures,pa{Tedby him withoutfeemingtoknow 
 hi-*); which when Spetifippta perceived, he difcovcred him felfe 
 by (peaking aloud,& faying,all health to thee Diogenes; &none 
 tothee,(faidhe:Jforitisapparantby thy doings that thou doeft 
 notdefircit. We neede not wifrt health, peace, ant! ^peritic 
 vnto fuch as care not for it: and fuch are thefe voluptuous per- 
 fons; for the way which they take,and which fecmeth fo beau- 
 tifull,pleafant,broad,largcand(pat]ous,leadeththemtodeftru- 
 6tion,as Chrtsl faith. Terence in his Comedies being defirous to 
 fhewe Ynto young men the nature and theende ofpleafures,to 
 the intent they {hould take heed left they be deceived by them, 
 called them by the name of Calamities, that istofay.wafters 
 and deftroyers: to give vs to vnderftande that, which we daily 
 finde to bee moft true by experience, that wherefoever they 
 fall, there is nothing butfpoyle and deftru&ion : and thatthey 
 are like vnto that hayle, which God fent to beate downe the 
 pride, and loftieftomackes of the Egyptians, or rather worfe: 
 for that deftroyed nothing but that which was abroade in the 
 fieldcs,whereaspleafures deftroy as well thofe things which are 
 within,asthofe things that are wkhout,that is to fay , both foule 
 and bodie,andleaveth nothing vnconfumed. 
 
 And therefore it is that Antillbenes hearing one commend A . m ' h * us - 
 avoluptuous and pleafant life, deiircdhimthathewouldegoe fi^rdf- 
 and tell that fwecte tale to the enemies of their Countrey : for comfi. 
 tS P 2 there 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 there was no better means or more copendious way to vanquish 
 them, then to pcriwade them to pleafure : & faid furher,that he 
 would wim them riches^cafejplentie, pleafure, & all kind of de- 
 lightes whatfoevcr,fo they were void ofvertue,for that by this 
 means the goods which they have, are not only referved for the 
 relues,butlikewircforothers,whoarcfuperiorsvntothein venue, 
 invalour,&martiall proweflc. And yettomakemoremanifeft 
 howe dangerous a thing pleafure is, Xerxes after the reducingof 
 the 11 aby tomans who had rebelled againft him,vnto their former 
 obedience, condemnedthemtonoother painebuttolayafidc 
 amies & the travels ofwarre,& to regard nothing but give them 
 felves wholly to mufick,to play vpon inftruments, to make great 
 banquets, to court their ladies, to cruertaine the time with plea- 
 fant difcourfeSf&to apparel thefelvcs gallantly that they might 
 pleafe their miftrelTes.Whereby we may confider, that the King 
 & hi $ Counfell being greatly mooved with the rebellion of the 
 fed Habylontansyzi knew no better mcancs to reduce them to 
 their obedience, to punifh them for their faults, tokeepethem 
 vnder a&erwards,& to bind them with the chaines ofperpetuall 
 flaverie & fervitude, then to lay the raine in their neckes, and 
 fufrerthem to abandon them felves to all pleafures whatfoever. 
 Seeing thdt Audfhal wethinkethatifit were not a very dagerous thing, 
 pleafure is fo thatGod would be fo careful to keepit fro his children, who eve 
 dzungero*j % f r 6the beginning of the world vntill this day (as we may eafily 
 fhh^hii ^ ce ky hirtories of former times,cV examples ofthisprefent age) 
 dren vnder ftave evermore bin kept vnder the yoke of m oft rigorous difci- 
 tbecrofc, & pline,& continually exercifed with paincs, poverty, abftinence, 
 affli'fion of (icknes,malladies,captivitie,& other kinds of afflictions, in fuch 
 'J 1 '* ?^* fort,that if we wildiligetly cofidcrthe maner how God hath al- 
 (hokld y pen{b w r ayes governed his Church,we mall eafily fee, that hewasnoc 
 vith the more careful for any thig,the that pleafurefhuld not enterther- 
 vorld. in,& therfore he hath fuflfred it to be fo miferably afflicted in all 
 
 ages : that by this means he might ftop ; as with bufhes & thorns, 
 every gap & palTageto keep out thisfurious& mad beaft,which 
 dirYercth nothing from a mad dog but onely in this,thattheonc 
 doeth fhed his venime by biting, and the other by killing, and 
 therefore is fo much the worfe,& more to be feared. For this as 
 though fliec were of our acquaintauace, and came in friendly 
 
 * maner 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 104 
 
 manner to falute and unbrace vs : and yercarrieth a dagger fc- 
 cretly vndcr her cloake to ftabbc vs, before we be able to fpic 
 out hertreachery : and like the Iviekilleth vs with embracing 
 and claiptng vs. 
 
 Ifflatterers(accordingvntotheoldopinion)amongdomcfti- 7° m ?* e Vi 
 call encmies,be the molt cruell& dangerous, wnatfhallwefay t h em ore y bee 
 ofplcafure,who is ib skilful inexpert in trade & occupation,that jet nth down 
 (he feldom tneth her cunning with any,but by & by fhe gaineth tn the fourth 
 her defire,& findcth favor at their hands,& lb enchanteth them, P lace > other 
 that ever afterwards they do nothing butleeke topleafe & ferve ™fah' in r ue 
 her. There is no lynn.tyger, ferpent, dragon, nor any other mif- f t k at v h lc y 
 chievous beaif whatsoever, that wee oughc more carefully to do/ofnarle 
 fhunne then chis. One may fitly compare it vntothat horrible wfa/** 
 moniter which DawcMhw in his dreame,which with his nailes, " ecan to** 
 and teeth of yron tare, rent, and brake downe whatfoever was 0UY f e ( tei out 
 in his way, trampling all thmges vndcr his feete. And it was very of them. 
 fitly laid of Dt^nes, ccing a Courtefan riding into the fields in 
 a coach all covered with velvet, with chains & peat les about her 
 neck to folate & recreate her (elf^thatfuch a cage was not fit for 
 rocrueilabeait,neitheryetthatthechains,whichfhehad,were 
 ftrongynough to keepe her from doing of mifchiefe. 
 
 Amongd»ieafes,wearemoft careful to avoid thofe which are vUafure an 
 moftdagerous ; as the pJague,the falling fickncs,madnes,& other incurable 
 poifoned fores are moll ofall abhorred,for that there are lb fewe ^W f >*™ 
 remedies for them, & thofe fo hard to come by. Whereof then C a 7m^cbi7(s 
 doeth it proceed,that we are not only not afraid of pleafure, but m itfelfi. 
 that we fceke and hunt after it,and vie al the meancs th at we can 
 pofllble to cnioy it } Archttas Tarentmus was wont to f3y, that 
 there was not a more deadly poyfon then it, nor any thing that 
 didfofuddcnIydifpatchmen,asitdid. Another faith, that it is a 
 moll forcible poilon mingled with milkc and ypocras. Another 
 faith that he will in no wife furfer her tocomc nere him,for feare 
 Jea^byherinchantmentsl"hefhouldmakehim mad. Another 
 alfo faith,that there is no differece betwene l r enery & the falling 
 ficknes,or^]p//^.Iftheneachoneofthefe difeafesfeverally by 
 reafonoftheir force and violence, make men exceedingly afraid 
 ofthem, howe mightily fhould pleafure skarevs,\vhich contai- 
 neth all ofthem ioy ntly ? 
 
 P 1 But 
 
•THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 TUafnre ft- Butthefe arc not al the mifchiefsthat it bringcth with itjfbr the 
 paratetb vt grcateft of al arc,that it (eparatcth vs fro Chrifi/efw^wuh whom 
 fromcbrijl vvecan notbc vnitcdvnlcffe we forfakc the world & the delights 
 le ^' thereof: & that we do crucifie the flefh with all her pleafures& 
 
 cocupifcenccsjif we do not take vp our croflc vpo our fhoulders to 
 folo w & go after him,to the (trait way that leadeth to the kingdo 
 of his Father,ifwe do not chaltife our bodies^c kcepc the impri- 
 foned in (trait & hard fervitude,if we do not hate our fclves,& to 
 be (hort,ifwe be not conformable vnto him in his paffions and 
 fuflfrings,all which things canin no wife agree with pleafure. So 
 that whofoever wii love a voluptuous liFe,mu(l needs forfake his 
 favior ChriH leftufii by cofequentthc alliace he hath with God 
 the father, in whofe grace & favour we can not remaine, but by 
 the vnion which we have with his fonne.The Scripture alfoevi- 
 dently declareth,that we can not be friends with the worid,but 
 we muft needs be enemies with God : and lceing it is fo, ought 
 it nottobefufficietto make vs deteft&lotheitPForifwheibcver 
 our eie,our hand, or our foot do offend vs, &draw vs fro the love 
 of god forthwith we ought to cut the off: whatfhal we do to this 
 filthy finnePWedojufrly hate & abhorre thofe men who would 
 fet diffenrion and difcord betweene vs and our old friends,& flial 
 we fuffer this vohappy &curfed bawd to come ncre vs, who fee- 
 keth by all means poflible to provoke vs to make a divorcement 
 betweene vs and our husband, who hath loved vs fo dearely. 
 It mrntth If (as Horacehxth) it fareth with friendship as it doeth with 
 
 vs from cbi* wine,thatthe older it is the better it is : fhall we not be afliamed 
 ritie,<md f f ar to £ Gr g et our feIves a asto preferre the love of a comon firu- 
 famtbllwt P ct ' an vnc ^ftant & difloyai naughtipack( which lovcth vs to day 
 QfGod. & t0 morow hatcth vs)beforethe molt perfe£t,entire,cordiall & 
 eternal love of our God, who hath loved & elected vs before the 
 beginning of the world,& everfince,havingmo(tfolenly efpou- 
 fedvs by his word&promi(esw r hichhehath made vs ; & the faith 
 which we have give therto,hath not omitted one jot of goodwil, 
 but in all things hath (hewed moft lingular kindnes towards vs, 
 & hath alwaies vfed vs as lovingly as any husband doth his wife? 
 let vsprooveifwe can, that he is indebted vntovs in anything? 
 wherein is he boud to vs ? and yet he hath nothing in his power, 
 whereof be hath not give a greater portio the we defire,& offred 
 
 vs 
 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. ioj 
 
 v$ more the wc wil take. We can notcoplaine of any thing patt, 
 cofidcring the infinite bleffings he hathbeftowed vpon vs moft 
 vnworthy men,& why fhould wc feare any thing to comc,feeing 
 he hath promifed never to forfakc vs?For feeing he is immortal, 
 he can not dic ; & being trueth it felf,hc can not lie; & being al- 
 waiesthefame,hccan notchange: wenecdenot feare then,that 
 death will feparate vs,or that during life he will be wearie of vs, 
 Wc ought rather to blufh & be aftiamcd of our felves and of our 
 follie, who leaving (b lure and ccrtcnfriendfriip,fo honourable, 
 plcafant,and profitable lovc,wil choofc another,wherein there 
 is nothing but di(honour,lofle, difpleafure, forrowe, complaint, 
 difcontcntment,feare and difttuft. 
 
 Here is yet another point to be confidercd, & that is,thatin a 
 (horttime we muft either leave plcaftK^or they will leave vs;& 
 (hall we not herein acknowledge the judgemet ofGod?for even 
 as the light appearing vnto vs, & the meanes whereby wc may 
 know the tructh,ifwc cither rcfufe it or difdaineit, we provoke 
 God to pun ifh this our ingratitude,and to give vs over into a re- 
 probate fence, whereby not only the means ofattaining further 
 knowledge in Gods miftcrics, is quite take from vs, butalfoout 
 blindnes is ftrengthcned,& driveth vs forward to feeke after lies. 
 In like manner,after g od hath offered vnto vs his love^nd hath 
 taught vs the way how we fhould love him, if we violate & offer 
 injury vnto the moft amiable thing in the world,making no ac- 
 cout thereof,he the withdraweth his grace fro vs,& abandoncth 
 vs to our defires,in folowingof which, we begin prefetly to love 
 our pleafures, which is the moft filthie (trumpet that can be ima- 
 gined,and fo would flhe feeme even vnto herlovers,ifthey could y^fae ma- 
 ke her as in dcedc (he is. But the greateft mifchiefof allis,that fab men 
 fuch as are in pleafurcthinke themlelves happy, & fonunatcjfbr madde and 
 as the height & perfe&io of follie is, in that we pleafe our felves fi"iom» 
 therewith,& think that wc are woderous wife .• fo indeed c anoc 
 we be more vnfortunatc,thcn when as we accout our fclicitie to 
 confift in thofc things wherein refteth our greateft miferic : and 
 though we be in moft wretched cftate,yct wc wil never bcleeve 
 k,nor give any credit vnto thofc who tell vs (o.S. Auguft. ( wh o 
 in many places hath notably expounded what true happines is) 
 faith in his difcourfc touching the m ancrs of the c atholik churc h 
 
 P 4 that 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 that he can not be accounted happie, who can not enioy that 
 which he loveth, neither yet he who hath that which he loveth, 
 if it behurtfull vnto him, neither yet that man which hath the 
 moll foveraigne and profitable good thing that is, if he love it 
 not,nor care not for it.The reafon is this/or that thole who defire 
 that which they cannot obtaine, are tormented: thofe,who 
 poffeffe thofe things which ought not to bedefircd,are deceived 
 and abufed : and fuch as care not for thofe things that are to be 
 defired, and fuch as they mutt needs have if they will be happie, 
 are ficke and difeafed s which can not come to paffc, but that he 
 to whomfoever they happen, muft needs be miferable. Where- 
 vpon it neccffarily enfueth,that fuch as defire :o be happie ,muft 
 both love and enioy thofe things that are abfolutely good. And 
 there is nothing fo,but God : he is the fountaincthe fpnng,and 
 the original ofevcry good thing which we can defire : our hope 
 for to fatisfie our defire j and therefore we (hall never be happy 
 before we come vnto him.We muft not come (hort,nor we muft 
 not go too farreifor the one is dangerous, and the other is fuper- 
 fluous & ridiculous. For that on this fide ofour God, there is no* 
 thing firme and liable; and beyond,there is not any thing at all. 
 So if we will be vertuous, we muft followc the meane,asour 
 Captaine and leader : fo like wife muft wercpofe our ielves who- 
 ly in him,if we will be abfolutely happie and blelTed. 
 Suchasfe\t Thole then who feeke for their felicitie in pleafure,& thinke 
 their felicitie to finde it if they may reft in ioy and delight, are they not farre 
 *n pleafure, f rom their account? yes ccrtenly, and fo much the rather, for 
 CJ that their mindes being poflefled with this falfc opinion, they 
 are hindered (as ArtftotU faith) and made vnfitte to receive any 
 perfwafion which is offered them, to drive thisconceiteoutof 
 their heads, and to make them know wherein true felicitie con- 
 fifteth. For there is nothing more arrogant and vntra&ablethen 
 man,if he be once perfwaded that he is happie,and then there is 
 acertainekinde of morofitteand difdainfull arrogancie, which 
 makethhim vnfitto vnderftand any demonstration, be it never 
 fbplaine arid forcible to correct his manners. And this was the 
 reafon why /Y«if <?,being required by the CyrenUns (who were a 
 diflbIutepeople,and wonderfully add iifted to their pleafures) to 
 make & de vifc them fome good la wes, wherewith the governe- 
 
 menc 
 
 to venue, 
 reafon and 
 veritie. 
 
 TlHlATib. 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 10* 
 
 raent of their common-wealth might be amended ; refufed to 
 grauntvnto their requcfls, though it feemed to be a very ciuill 
 and commendable demand,faying;it was a hard matter tobring 
 fuch a nation vnder,and gouerne them by lawes, who by reafon 
 of their wealth and abundance, accounted them fclues fohap- 
 pie. And therefore Chnft /eftn tcacheth his Difciplcs, that they Math.7. 
 (hould not caft pearles before fwine, whohauc no other God 
 but their bellies, nor any other felicitie and paradife,but to wal- 
 low and tumble in their owne filthines. 
 
 But I pray you,ifit were not very bad, needed there fo many The firp 
 examples and reafons to make men hate a thing, that is of itfelfe JJS^jf/g*. 
 fo odious, and to induce them to embrace that which is fo ami- ^ t nam€ j m 
 able? is there any thing fo full ofvnfpeakeable p^eafure,asisour 
 God,who is loueit fclfe,and the cauferofth at which makethvs 
 loue his creatures ! Let vs a little ccnfiderhowepleafingand a* 
 greeable it would bevntohim,whoisthe author of all beawtie, 
 comeline(Te,order,excellencie, and dignitie of things whatfoe- 
 uerisinthe worldc ? If in a moment by hisword alone, he hath 
 created the heauens,thc elements, and all things elfe what fo e- 
 uer, and that in fo lingular and excellent a forme andfafliion, 
 that in rcgardc of their admirable comelines, the Grecians tev~ 
 med thero by this name BeawtifuUi what (hall wethinke of him 
 that feeth the arfe&ions of our hearts, and what foeuer is in vs, 
 that makethvs to admire them? ifthevfeand profit which wee 
 haue ofhis creatures, doe teach vs the greatnes of his bountie : 
 if the continuance of all things doe in liuely manner declare his 
 power and his etcrnitie : if the excellent and exquifite manner 
 of building of fo wonderfull a frame,doth fiifflcicntly declare his 
 wifedome and skill : I would know if this rare beautie which 
 appeareth in all his workes, will not make vs thinke and confi- 
 der,how farrehehim felfe furpalTeth alUn glorie andbeautiful- 
 nes? forthefe are but fmallbeamescomming from that won- 
 derfull and furpaflmg light that is in him. 
 
 The beautie of yertue is fo great (faith TUto) that if men rhe fecmi 
 might fee it with their eies , they would be raviflhed with the poofi. 
 loue thereof. Then thatofGod mull needes(by reafonjbefarre 
 more excellent. For he is the father andpatronofa!l,andyec 
 notwithstanding both the one and the other haue fo fe we louers 
 
 in 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 in this world, chat neither he can get a wife, nor his daughter a 
 husband to marrie her. The Sunne which compafleth the earth 
 eucry day, inlightning and heating the creatures thereof, hath 
 feemed to be fo beautiruli in the cies of fbme, that they haue 
 made an Apollo zn& a Photbu* of it, erecting temples, and offe- 
 ring facrifices therevnto , and honoured and adored it as a 
 God. And yet the great Sonne of iuftice andrightcoufneffe, 
 who is the fbuntaine of all brightnes, can not finde fo much fa- 
 uour as to bee acknowledged of his owne fubic&s, for their 
 Lord, or rcucrcnced as a father, or heard as a matter, or adored 
 as a Crcator,refuge,andprote6rour:and yet for all this, that he 
 may draw them vnto him and procure them to doe their ducties, 
 he ihewcth them hispower,and impartethtothem of his grace, 
 wifedome,happincs,beautie,and greatnes/o much as is expedi- 
 ent and fufficicnt to make them belceue that he is pcrfec~t,and 
 replenifhed with all vertue. 
 Jn tmplifi* Was not this a ftrange miferie and perverfnelTe in our nature, 
 CAtmoftbt that feeing the beautiful! and goodly colour which appeared in 
 firmer profit the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good andcuill, though it 
 by a \f$ com* wcre fubjg^ to r ottennefle, yet wee had fuch adefire to eate 
 W" thereof, againft the cxpreflc commaundement of God, without 
 being afraid of his angcr,or to loofc hisfauour, from which wc 
 are dtranged by this mcanes,neitherofthe (hame and confufi- 
 on which wepurchafed vnto cur felues,loofinghis moft precious 
 and excellent graccs,which he had Co abundantly imparted vnto 
 vs in our crcation,neitherof death nor euerlafting malediction, 
 vnto the which wee haue made our felucs fubieft, could divert 
 and turners from this vnruly and difordcrly appetite ? and that 
 on the comrade, by the incomparable andeternallexcellencie 
 of our God,we cannot be mooued nor pcrfwaded by any means 
 what affurancc focuer wehaueof peace,of life,ioy,tranquilitie, 
 b!efling,happines,and fclicitic;tothe which by this meanes we 
 may attainc. For there is nothing but the brightnes of his coun- 
 tenance that caiV make vs happie, and fatisfic vs in our defires. 
 ThetxctUtnt *^ ms * s tnat which contenteth the Angels in heauen, which Co 
 content at ion rauifticd S.Peter in the mountaine, and that which the Apoftle 
 which Gods phihp defired to fee. This is the end of our hope, and the fruit of 
 
 thildrt* our f a £ch ; this is the confolation which our poorc parents had in 
 bsjumbim. ■ c t j^ c ^ 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. * 107 
 
 theirgriefes, and the proppe that fuftaincd them in their tempta- 
 ti ons: this is the reft and end of all our labours,& this isthe fumme 
 of all the promifes of our God : this is that which Chrifl Iefus 
 hath purchafed for vs by his death; this istheconfummationof 
 his mercies: this is that which the eye hath notfecne, nor the 
 care hath not heard, nor the heart of man can eoncciue, which 
 notwithstanding islaid vp for the faithful): this is therivcr of his 
 pleafures, whereof be hath called vs to drinke 4 this is the ipring 
 of our life: this is the banquet and the marriage he hath called 
 vs vnto : this is the table where we rnuft fit : this is the bofome 
 of ^Abraham whether Lazarus was caricd : thefe were the 
 heauens that were opened to Saint Steven, to comfort and 
 ftrengthen him , when as he was ftoned of his enemies for the 
 tructh .- this isthcglorie whereinto CHRIST IESVS 
 isentred by his death: this is the lande of the liuing: thefc 
 are the riches and ineftimable treafiires of the kingdomc of 
 GOD / this is the tree of life : this is the day without night, 
 and thecontinual (pringtime: this is a great Ocean fca ofpeace, 
 of ioye^of glorie,and of what good thing foeuer we can wifh, 
 defire,hope for, or receiue, and the greatcft gift he can beftowe 
 of vs : this is more then I can fpeajce o£ and farrc furmounting 
 the capacitieof men and Angels .• this is that whereof we can 
 not preach, and whereof others cannot thinke diffidently to 
 make them loue it. There is no want of beautie in this face: 
 there is no fuch thing as maketh other faces verie diiplea- 
 fant, and that is vice and imperfe&ion : there can bee no 
 exception : all thinges that are therein arc moft perfect 
 and exquifitc, both in the judgement of heaucn and 
 earth. 
 
 Howe falleth it out then, tharthereare fofewe in loue with An ^ 
 God. ? If any man be commendedfor his wifdom,his eloquence, conp&rifo* 
 his ftrength, his paines,orany other vcrtue,euery mandefircth of the excel* 
 to fee him, and we loue him oftentimes before v r c fee .him. As lencuoftbe 
 for example: who is there at this day,that dothnot loue *Abra- %%££^ 
 kamfov his fothjofipbfot hischaftitie,and^^yrjfor hiswrk- tbeexctUeih 
 dome,vigilancie,andfidelitie;Sdw/0* for his ftrength, and 2Xf- tie of the 
 vidfot his dcraencic and curtefie, Salmon for his wifdome and maflar, 
 
 magni- 
 
the third 
 amfificAth 
 §nttfh>ch 
 wulftth men 
 
 altogether 
 inexcufabte. 
 
 • THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 magnificence, Ettas t Ez,echias, loJias,znd Mattathias i for their 
 great zeale, and likewife S.TjmI for the innumerable vcrtues 
 that were in him? and if we adore their memories with fo great 
 reverence, and inch fingular arfe&ion; what would we doe if 
 they were aliuc againc,and in our prefcnce?and yet notwithftan- 
 dingthcfe weretcuerail vertues in each ofthem,onc in this man, 
 and another in that and to fpeake truelie, their was ineuery of 
 them but the feedes of thefe graces. If then as imperfect as they 
 were,the very remembrance of them is mofi delegable and a- 
 miable; howe reuerent and beloued fhall the remembrance of 
 our God bevnto vs,in whom they are allvnited and conioyned 
 in all perfection f 
 
 But this is not all our ingratitude. For feeing that when wee 
 haue leene a goodly tablelct,or beawtifull tapilhie, we prdently 
 are defirous of them, and we will giuc, we care not what, fo v\ e 
 may hauethem, yea moreagreat deale then thcry are woorth, 
 though they be but dead piclures,and thatthc fight of them will 
 ierue vs for nothing,but to pleale our eies .• fhali our God, who 
 dothdailicdifcouer h.s face vnto vs, and ofFcreth vscontinually 
 m oft perfe (ft pleafure, fhall he(I fay^jbe leftvnlookedat,ornoc f 
 contemplated of any man ? in thus doing, we cuidendy declare, 
 that either we know not how tomake choice of good things,or 
 clfe that we doe not choofe them for loue and affedion . For if 
 it were poffible to take all the beawtie that is particularly placed 
 and beftowed vpon euety ieuerall creature, to the ende to place 
 them allinonebodic: no qucftion but there muft needs follow 
 a lingular excellencie, and it would be accounted of in this 
 world, as a miracle . Let vs imagine nowe with our felues,that 
 there is fuch a thing, and that vnto the beawtie hereof, all wife- 
 dome,honour,vertue,and perfection, both in hcauen and earth, 
 is annexed and conioyned,as in truth all this is molt apparant in 
 Chrtfl /?/«*,ashe is man, and we can not concciue any excellent 
 thing,butit is in God in molt abundant manner.Whereofthen 
 proceedcth it,that (uch a perfe6tion,or a lefle excellencie by ma- 
 ny degrces,is fo highly honoured in the creature,and yet it is not 
 admired nor regarded in the Creator, who of all other is moft 
 perfect? We are like vnto maids which vfually loue the feruants 
 better then their maftcrs.-and there is fome mo<e difference,n?i- 
 
 ther 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 108 
 
 thcr i3 the cafe all one. For the reafon why they loue not their 
 matters is, for that they arc afhamed to offer any kindnes vnto 
 them, or for feare that if they did, they fhould notwithstanding 
 be reie<5ted,or for that if they might attaine it,they thinkc it will 
 quickely be talked of and caried abroad. But there is no fuch 
 danger in louing of our God. For he doth offer his rriendfhip 
 vnto vs,and there rcftcth no further trouble or danger,then toac- 
 ceptofit: there is no fhame belonging to it; for it is an honour 
 and credit for vs thai we loue him,and he vs : there is no feare: 
 for he can notdenie vs, if we once iecke his fauour and friende- 
 fhip ; and Jiauing once attained that, we fhall be moft happie 
 and bleiTcd. For as fooneas hee hath adopted vs for hischil- 
 dren,andthat hedwellethinvsand we in him,accordingtothc 
 old and vfuall rules of rriendfhip, he doth participate vntovs of 
 all his goods and treafures : he is willing to doe good to hisc- 
 nemies. And if hecaufetherainetofallvpontheirground,and 
 the funnc to fhine vpon them alfo, what will hedoc vnto his 
 friendsPIf the riches and plenteoufncsofthe mercies of our God 
 be fb grcat,and the abundance of his goodnes fuch,that the very 
 leaft and worft of his creatures participate thereof, is it likely 
 thatthofe of his owne familie and houfhold,(haIl want ? It may 
 then euidently appeare, by that which hauebcene alrcadiefpo- 
 ken, how profitable, pleafant, and honourable the loue of God 
 is vnto all tbofe that attaine vnto it,and that is, as many as defire 
 it: for we may, if he giuevsthe grace to will and defire it. 
 
 But fome man will lay; That this is loft labour,and a very ab- The fourth 
 furd thingjto goc about to prooue that God is beautifull and a- am ^^ 
 miable; feeing it is as clcere as may be, and (o certen that it nee- J£ faum* 
 deth no proorc. Which I confciTe to be true, and that there nee- blindm of 
 deth no more words and arguments to prooue his beautie, then votuptuo/ti 
 there doth to prooue his power 5 his wifedome,hiseternitie,ora- t*fi** 
 oy other cxcellencie that is in him, which are as cleere and eui- 
 dent as is the light and heat of the fimne.But to what other pur- 
 pofefcrueththisreplie,dientoencreafcourfliame. ? for if he be 
 fo amiable, thatv\«cetmnkeitandiculousthing,toendeuourto 
 prooue it, for that it was neuer doubted of, why then doc not 
 we loue and embrace him ? Wherein wee imitate ficke and dik 
 eafed men, who will confeffe that the meatc which you offer 
 
 them 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 them is very good, yet they will eatc none of it : and bceing as* 
 ked why, they anfwer, that their difeafc hath taken away their 
 taftrfb like wife we mult acknowledge,that that, which hindreth 
 vs from theloueof God,isthcpcruerfnefTc of our nature, which 
 doth not onely fhe w it felfc to be exceeding great, by reafon of 
 the foment defire we haueto that which is naught, but much, 
 more by the fmali arTc&ion wee hauc vnto fo excellent and 
 precious a thing, as this is. How fhould we loue vertue and ho- 
 neft things, feeing we can not loue God,whoistheruIe and the 
 fquare to guide vs therevnto ? and therefore we muft not fay 
 that this is (poken to no purpofe. For it is certen, that we doe 
 not loue God, and wee declare as much by our work es, in that 
 we follow our pleafures : and it is moft true,that we can not loue 
 him and ourfelues both together, or that wee lay vp treafure in 
 earth and in heauen, or that we fliould liue to Cbrrftleffu and 
 to ourfelues, or that we be of the worldeandof the Church, or 
 that wee be of righteoufnes and of finne, or that both the flefli 
 and the fpirite fliould rule in vs, or that wee fhould be the chil- 
 dren of light, in doing the workes of darkenefle, or that wee 
 fliould repent vs of our wicked actions, in following our cor- 
 rupt affections, or that wemortifiethe works of the flefh, in fol- 
 lowing the filthineffethereofiand in a word, that we fliould loue 
 God, and be loued of the deuill, wearing the liuerie and badges 
 of his feruants and (hues, by continuing in our pleafures and de- 
 lights , obtaining at length the re warde fitte for fuch a ma- 
 tter togiue, which is fearefuli deftru&ion and horrible confu- 
 fion. 
 Tbeir/bame* We are Co (hamelefle and impudent at this prefent^ that we 
 tesimpuden- thinke it not fufficient for vs to be voluptuous, but we muftdc- 
 ekfet down c i arc j c> an d make it manifeft in our wordes, in our talke, 
 fir the fifth j n our countenances, in our gate, and in our apparell and attyre: 
 amp ijic to. ^ oc ^ much but ourpurfes, our garters, our girdles, and euerie 
 thing about vs, doe euidently declare our affections. We make 
 it manifeftby the badge that weecarric, whofe wee are, and to 
 whome we belong : and to fpeake truely, we are not fo afraide 
 of any thing, as that we fliould be naught, and no man fhould 
 knowe it. Hee that doth euiil,vfually hateth the light : but this 
 is fo common a thing in our time, fo vfuall and pra&i fed of all 
 
 men, 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 100 
 
 men, that be that will not doe ir,mu(t auoidc the light, and fhun 
 convcrfauon and companie of men.: To that the fhame and 
 fcarc,which were as two 1 aynes to pul backe our curled defircs, 
 and to kcepe vs in our dueties,are at this day broken and plucked 
 in fundcr. 
 
 And as there isno man,which blufheth at that which is euill; 
 & alfo there are very fewc, which are afhamed when they aie 
 told thereof or flic w any diflike, when as wickednesis commit- 
 ted before their faces. And that itisfo; how many (hall you 
 finde in ordinaric affemblies , which will not laugh at follie 
 and naughtinelTe , and who are not as diffolute in laughing, as 
 the other in fpeaking and doing. ? We are farrefrom refembling 
 thofeyong gemlemen,who being in aplacc, whereto a certaine 
 bawd had (ecretly brought diuerfe or the moft beautifull and 
 fine courtcfants that could be founde, to trie their chaftities; 
 afloonc as they efpied the ambufhand deceit,they begannetd 
 hangdowne their heads for fhame, and to lookcone vpon ano- 
 ther, turning both their eyes and their eares from the courte- 
 iants, fearing leaft otherwife they ihould be Hirpriied by their 
 beauties, comelincffe, and entiling wordes. Whereas wee con- 
 jtrariwife, if the like occasion be offered, doc very curioufly 
 #nd ferioufly beholde their faces and beauties, their comclines, 
 their gefture and behauiour , and wee are content to fpende 
 whole nights to hearerhem babble and prate, without beeing 
 once afhamedthat wee are familiar with them, neither yetcon- 
 fidering what offence wee giue by thismeanes, loouriertants , 
 
 and children. &'/£' 
 
 Cato the elder,being Ceafor y czufcd aSenatourto depart out ne ji fi amm 
 oftheSenate-houfe, for that he had kilted .his wife before one fhpnesofour 
 of his daughters: and //ir>™»,having heard the Poet Epicbarmtts aame^turs % 
 f who as he was yery pleafant by nature, had fpoken fome-"?^^. 
 thing in the prefence of his wife, which was fomewhatlafcivi-J^ r an / 
 ousjeondemned him in a great fome of money : eitherof them fhamekffc 
 (hewing by this their fa6t , in what difciphne thofe in former boldnttof 
 times liued,wherewith ifwe compare the manners of this age, &*$**** °f 
 we {hall plainlie fee and behold how fane the children hauc^f^ 
 degenerated from their forefathers. There is greater ex- tbefixtam- 
 perience at this prefers, then cuer {here was, of that which pGfctiHi 
 
 Efip 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 Efip (pcakcth in one of his fables; that all affc&ions and paflions 
 accompanic loue, exccpt-baflifulnes and {hamefaftnes: there 
 ispitie,angcr,envie,fearc, iealoufie,diltruiT,and fufpicion,ming- 
 led togethenbut this is wanting. And if there were any, though 
 it were ncuer fo little, (hould whores be fo braue as nowe they 
 arcpfhould they iet with their heads aloft,as now they do?fhuld 
 theyhauefuchcreditamongmen,to rule and lead them which 
 The extrime W ay they lift, as nowe they haue ? fhould the ftewes and houfes 
 'rftbeCelall fiCwSCWoeibc fo haunted, as they are at this day? Crates per- 
 tmm. cciuing the image of Phri»e y which was erected in the temple of 
 ^Apollo, in remembrance of the moft famous ttrumpetthat euer 
 was in all Greece , began to crie out aloud, and to fay in the pre- 
 fence of all thofe that were about him, that it wasthetrophe 
 and monument of thediflblutencs and infamie ofthe Grecians, 
 which was publikely ere&ed to witneffe vntothe immortal! 
 gods,and to teftifie their owne fhame to the Sunne,tothe facrcd 
 virgins,andtoallpofteritie. And howcomethefeftrumpetsby 
 their icwcls, pcarlcs, precious (tones, and other ornaments, 
 •wherewith they are foadorned and beautified ? wherewithal! 
 doe they builde their coftly and fumptuous houfes? andhowe 
 come they by their rich and antikc tables of Venus, Cnpid y an<l 
 tsfdonis, which hang in their halles : their goodly walkes and 
 gardensofpleafure,which are planted and made in euery place, 
 toourmanifeft fliameandrcproch,and to the cuident declarati- 
 on of our filthie and [linking pleafures to all the worlde ? By 
 meanes whereof, that which the Prophet fpakeof the Syna- 
 gogue,may at this prefent be very fitly applied vnto vs, and that 
 is; that wc haue the forehead ofan harlot, & we make our finnes 
 as manifcft,as did the Sodomites, by word, by coun:enance,and 
 by all other meanes,beeing no more afhamed thereof, then wc 
 are todrinkeoreate: nay,weglorieinit,asinour goodlieft or- 
 Otber exam- nanients an< ^ garments of greater! honour. 
 p'e^feruwg Wcfhouldattheleaftjfollowtheexamplesofourfirft father, 
 fir the ft- who being afhamed ofthe ingratitude and difobediencc {hew- 
 wmbampli- c d towards God, hid him felfc among the trees in the garden: 
 ^hVonfbU anc * tnat °fth c M/wv/ff/, who for the famccaufe covered them 
 furk of this ^wes with fackcloath,and poured aflies vpon their heads, after 
 lajlagc themannerandcuftomeofouraunceftours, intoken of their 
 
 humi- 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. no 
 
 humilitie and great forrowe : of that of Darnel, who falling 
 to the grounde bcwayled his owne finnes and the finnes of 
 the people, faying, O Lorde, wee have finned , and our fa- 
 thers have done vnrighteoufly, wee have committed ini^ui - 
 t*»j, wee have bene rebellious, and have declined from thy 
 precepts and commaundements ; wee woulde not heare thy 
 jervauntsthe Prophets, who fpake in thy name toourKinges a 
 to our Princes, and to our fathers, and to all the people of the 
 lande. Righteoufneffe bclongeth vnto thee, butvnto vs fliamc 
 and conrufion. Or of that poore finner, who being grieved 
 witn the remembraunce of her finnes, caft downe her felre at 
 thefeeteof^Tw/y? lcftu> which fliekifled,, waflicd, and wiped 
 with the haire of her head, thinking her felfe vnworthic to 
 come before his face as others did. Or of theprodigallfbnne, 
 who with great hurnilitie confeiTing his faultes before his fa- 
 ther, befoughthimtotakehim as afervauntinto his houfe/ee* 
 ing hee was no more worthie to bee called afonne. Or of the 
 poore Publicane, who praying intheTemple, durft not lift vp 
 his eyes to heaven by realonofhisguiltie conscience, and the 
 great number of his finnes, but faying vnto <7od with aforow- 
 full countenance, Lorde bee mercifull vnto mee a finncrj by 
 which, and by many other examples it may appeare^ thac 
 Gods children f though that naturally they bee finncrs and 
 tranfgreiTours) yet they are not fo bardie and fo fhamcleflc 
 in their finnes, but that with fhame and forrowe theyhurablc 
 them felves before God, confeffing their faultes vnto hirxij to 
 the ende they may obtaine mercieand forgiveneffe, 
 
 This is then a wicked marke, and I knowc not whethcrit rbef^emt 
 bee a figne and token of Reprobation , to commit wicked- endUfldt- 
 neflc with fuch boldenetle and affurance as wee doe; and £ ree ? jf ! h * 
 to take fo much the more pleafure ink, as wee knowc it to ^SSjwwi 
 bee filthie and difhoncft; and to delight in it for the noveltie, mn ^ 
 as lightlie all lafcivious and voluptuous pcrfons doc ; who 
 are Deft pleafcd with newc pleafure?, cyther in decdes, 
 wordes , fonges , pictures, and fuch dclicafies. And they ne- 
 ver confider, that among all plcafurcs there aw none per- 
 manent/ eyiher all are paiTcd away, or clfe to come, and 
 therefore of one fide there is alwayes gricfc, and of the o- 
 
 Q^i thcr 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 ther fide torment. They doe not confider that all are fanrafti- 
 ca!l and apparant, and that all the pleafures of the worlde are 
 astheEmperour<L/^?7d* faidc, like vnto golden pilles,which 
 are fwecte without, but fo bitter within, that no man cana- 
 bide to talk them. Thefe aredreames, whereof all thepleafure 
 isloftas.fbone as we awake. This is like vnto the apple which 
 was Co good and beautifull in the eyes ofourfirft parents, and Co 
 badde in difgeftion. This is awhitefepulchre, which without 
 is fayre and goodly, but within is fullof filthierottenncne and 
 flincke. This is a fwecte baite, which maketh vs to dc voure the 
 deadly hooke that is hid within. They doe notregard,thatthe 
 ende and conclufion of their laughing (as Salomon faid) fhalbe 
 (browe and weeping. And therefore Cbritt Ufa faid^fpeaking 
 to the voluptuous iort)Wobe to you that laugh, for you (hall 
 weepe. And Saint Taxi faith, If you live after the flefh, you 
 fhall die. 
 
 rhepisiure Pleafures (as they are reported by our aunceftours) are like 
 ibnniH* vntothe s r e " es > wbich s 2>w»iaid)hadall whatfoever ap- 
 mahehmoYe P eare ^ in light, mod excellent; their long golden hayre, their 
 dce/lable, gray eyes, their rounde pappes, their litrie mouthes, their redde 
 whkh isfet cheekes, their breattes, their neckes,their hahdes, and every part 
 ™ w " e & r about them pafling white, and beautifull as Allabafter : but the 
 mdk r " tayle which was hidde within the water, was long like a fer- 
 pent, (harpe, crooked, and venemous. And th is was the reafon 
 why tArtftotle counfelled fuch men as would ,avoyde plpa- 
 fure, tolooke on her behinde, and not before: and that herein 
 we fhouldc haue fuch confidcration,ashadthegovcrnoursof 
 Troy, when it was debated in publicke Parliament, whether 
 Helen fhoulde be deliueredto the Grecians or not. For when 
 as they behelde her beautie, her nobleneffe, hergeflure and 
 comlinerTe, and other excellent thinges which did highly com- 
 mend her, they thought it not good by any meanes to deli- 
 uerher: but when as on the other fide they confidcred the great 
 niiferie,loiTe>ruirtc, and defolation which was like to enfue, 
 they foorthwith agreed (lie fhoulde be fent backe againe to 
 her husband. If in like manner calling behinde vs whatfoever 
 pleafure may feemc topromifevs atthefirltfighc, we wcuide 
 diligently confider and weigh with ourfelues whatmifchieres, 
 
 troubles 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. IN 
 
 troubles, forrowcs, torments, difcafcspbloquicjdiflionourjand 
 evill rcporte they leave in the latter end : and alio ofthefudden 
 death whereto they bring all thofe which follow them : I veri- 
 ly think that the consideration ofthefe things would fomewhat 
 coole & aiTwage the exceffive defire we have towards them. 
 
 It werealfo very materialism reading old and auncientfto- uJfaatm 
 ries both facred and profane, wee would markc and obferue the w hicbntoi^ 
 fcarefull judgements of God vpon fle(hly and voluptuous men. vfedas are* 
 J^orthis was the fpeciall occafionvvhy God fenttheuniverfall rnedie y iito 
 flood, and deftroyed every living thing that was vpon the face ™jj m * ntt 
 of the earth : and alfo of that lamentable deftru&ion of Sodom, ofgodagaixjl 
 and of the other cities ncere adioyning : and of the 24000. voluptuous 
 men who were overthrowen by the children of Ifrael , for that men. 
 they had committed finnc with the CMoabttes : and likewife l - the ^J u i^ 
 of that great difcomfiture of the Heniamites, who were almoft r yii ^- w ^ 
 wholly deftroyed by the other Tribes, that is, by their ownc sodem. 
 brethren/or that they had bene negligent in punifbing the out- -$Tbe over- 
 rage,which wasoffered vnto a wife of one ofthe Levttes : as alfo d* 01 ?* °f tht 
 the incelt that was committed betvveene the brother and the fi- Be ^ mte ^ m 
 iter in Davids houfej ofthe murther that after enfued betvveene Montht 
 the brothers: ofthe confpiracie made againihhe King by his bavid* 
 fonnes and his principall Counfellers : of the rebellion of his hexfe. 
 fubiects : ofthe reproch to his wiues, who were violated by his 
 fonne in the pretence ofall the people : and in a word, of all the 
 troubles and great dilbrders, which happpened in his kingdome 
 fortheadulterie committed with Barfcbe. We may gather by 
 thefehiftories,howe great the anger of God is towards thofe, 
 •whoareguikie of this finne, and that kisnofport,notrickeof 
 .youth, no trifling(inne,asitis vfually termed, totheende to ex- S^mefa 
 
 cenuate it [ and to take away all confeience and feeling thereof, *&*'"$ J" 
 »l^*»u l t . 1 J .1 D 1 * finne t u the 
 
 tnat the barrcs being taken away, men mightrunne atrandon, con nderation 
 
 as in a broad field, after al their luftes and concupiscences. of the mife- 
 
 This is to bee wondered at, that the judgements of God arc "eswbicb 
 
 fo rigorous and terrible, and yet it feemeth they are not per- hme ba PP e " 
 
 Ceived j or cKc that the grievoufuelTe of our faulces are fo X„Xw 
 
 cloaked and diflimuled. For hee hath notonely declared by the proouedty 
 
 holy Scriptures in the examples of thofe of hisChurch,howe profhnebijlo 
 
 greatly they difpleafe him, but alfo m the hiftories and regifters ries ' 
 
 Q^2 of 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 of all times by the alterations and flraunge mifcries which tta 
 difloluteneiTe and liccntioufneffe of life have brought vnto 
 i.Troj. fundrie countries and kingdomes. The Citie of Trey which 
 was fo great and Co rich, was quite raced , the Princes fiaine, 
 the Ladyes made /laves, die people fcartered, and all the 
 Councxey walled and dclrroycd for the ravifhment of Helen, 
 t. link, lom.i in the tyme of King Cyrus was lacked and difpeopled, 
 for the whoredomes and filthinelTe that there abounded. 
 ^.T^elobft loha the twelfth of that name Pope of Rome beeing taken in 
 adulterie, was dabbed with daggers without any refpedt, ei- 
 ther of his dignitie or Triple Crowne. The Sarr^mes (who 
 4. Spzne. pofl'elled Spume a long time, and helde the hingdome or Gra- 
 n.do vntill the reigneof Ferdm.i*ido King of \Arragon, who 
 chafed and drove them out by the prudent and wife condud 
 of the valiant Coxfatvo) were called out oi^fneke where 
 they were, and came with a mightie armie by the praelifes 
 and intelligences of a Sp.ittpj gentleman , in revenge of the 
 wrong done vnto him by King Roderick who kept his wife, 
 whereof it enfued that the fayde King beeing overthrowen in 
 the great battailes, and all his race wholly rooted out, die 
 people fell into the ilaverie ofthefe (JWibxmet isles, who be- 
 ing not content to robbe them of their goeds and libertie, 
 allayed by all meanes poflible to extinguish their religion, 
 their faith, and thememorie of Christ Iefns in Sptme, and to 
 plant csfntecbrtUian religion among them. Let everie one 
 imagine with him felte the diforder, the lamentations, the 
 tyrannies, and miferable oppreifions which were feene and 
 heard ac that day in that Countrey, by occasion of this adul- 
 terie : and of the other fide, the terrible furie of our GOD, 
 which did evidently appearc herein; and then let him judge, 
 whether fuch mines are 10 light, as they are commonly accoun- 
 Ofiht ted.In the time ofC&dr/*/ King or France, and brother to Levees 
 Frenchmen. tnc ninth, all the Frenchmen that were in Stctlte were miferably 
 flaine on Eaflerevenitheirlitle children taken violently fro their 
 mothers breds & daflied againft the ftones,the mothers which 
 were great with child had their bellies ripped,& the infars takea 
 out,& thro wen to the favage and wild beads, with many other 
 cruelties never heard of before, all which was done copunifh 
 
 the 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. n* 
 
 the infblcncies and outrages which theyhad committed a* 
 gainftthcwomenofthecountric.AcertaineDukJe of^JWilUnei C.tbeVukf 
 of the houfeofthe Sforcej y w&s miferabUe flame in Saint Ste* of Milan. 
 thens Church by a gentleman named Lampontan> for that hee 
 was over familiar with his wife,though he had bene oftentimes 
 admonifhed to abftainc from her company. And of late dayes, 
 Alexander CMedtces the firft Duke of Florence f after he had cf- 
 chewed many daungers,whereto he had often bene fubicd by 
 reafon of his whoredomes) was in the endc taken in the fnare, 
 which hisownccouzen germane hadfetforhim, and pitifully 
 fiaincinhisbeddc, at luch time as hee expected the comming 
 of a young gentlewoman oiFlorence^ with whome hee was in 
 love. 
 
 Thewrathand anger of God,is not onclypowredoutagainft Th ^ urt \ 
 fuchmen as commit thefe finnes, but alio againftfuch Magi- "J f com ? 
 (hates and rulers as diffemble thefe offences, and are negligent parifon.if 
 in punifliing of them. Hely had two lonncs very evill difpofed, Cod have 
 and fuch as among other their finnes, aflayed and tryed the J*if -r ?' 
 chaftitie of young women, when as they went to pray in Stlot fowedv* 
 whereof hee bceing advertifed , and required to take order i u ptuomme 9 
 therein, hee reproovedrhem: but becauieit wascoldely done, wbatjhall 
 and not with fuch rigour and feveritic as was requisite to re- tbeftefhly 
 claime them from their finnes : (yod wasfo angrie with him, ^ e , nthet ^^ 
 thatboth him felfe, his two fonnes, and the wife of one of his ^ tberefbt 
 fonnes dyedfo itraungely, that the wrath and judgement of we ought to 
 God did eafely appeare in thefe (b wonderfull judgementes. fliethlsmon* 
 Phtlltppe King of CMacedowt and father of ^Alexander, after fi****f**< 
 great pro fperitic and fundrie victories obtained, was at the 
 length molt vn worth ily (laine by a young gentleman of his 
 owne Courte called 'Pav/amos, for that (bee ingoften times de- 
 fired to doe juftice vpon acertaine nobleman, forfomeinju- 
 rie and dishonour offered vnto him) hee would not regarde 
 his fuite, butpafledit over in filencc, thinking by that meanes 
 to fupprelfe the quarrell. But the young gentleman thinking 
 that fo great anindignitie ought not to bee vnpunifhed, nei- 
 theryet that thatKing was worthie to live, who woulde fufter 
 and beare with it; determined with him felfe to kill his 
 Prince, and finding fitte and convenient opportunitie , (tab- 
 
 CLJ bed 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 bed him with a<Jagger, whereby hee dyed foorthwltb. If in 
 reading or rcheirfing thefc hiftories one would confiderho we 
 k was pofifible, that -Oik man alone offobafe condition, durft 
 be fobedde to enterprise fuch a thmg, or have the conftancc 
 toprofecutcit, or the wifedome to conceale it, or the dexteri- 
 tie to execute it; there is no man but will confefTe, that it fell 
 out by the permiflion and providence of God, who by this 
 meanes woulde fhe we foorth a great example dflnsjuitice, not 
 oticly againifcraalefe&orsthem felves, but alfoagainftallfuch 
 Magistrates, and Iudges as willfufferamlbeare with them in 
 their naughtinefie. 
 
 There.is one moft memorable hiftorie ofall other,written by 
 Tlutarcb in the life of Peiopidas ,o£apoote man named Scedafw^ 
 who dwelt inLeaclres, and had two verybeautifull andvertu- 
 ''' ejus daughter^, hehimfclfe was very courteous and friendly to* 
 ward ftrapgers, though hehad no great ftore of wealth. It fell 
 out fo, that tw r o Lacedemomms having ofcen times lodged in his 
 houfe,and being very wel vied became enamored of his daugh- 
 ters : notwithltanding they durft not attempt any thing, beeing 
 helde backe both by the prefence of the father, and by the reve- 
 rence they bare vnto them in rcgarde of their vertue andbo- 
 neltie: by reafon whereof they palled foorth on their journey 
 without <Jemonftration or fliew of any love or affection. At their 
 return e Scedafits being not at home, they found no bodie but his 
 two daughters, whoreceived them with like entertainment as 
 before. Which curtcfieoftheirSjWith their excellent behaviour 
 &good grace in euery thing, (o increased their ruriouspafilons, 
 that feeing tbemalone,with&Kcoutt&H; without aide or gardof 
 any man,, and forgetting the Konoiir, favour and curt'eousiriter- 
 tajnrnent which they had received at the hands of the father and 
 of his children, the holy and inviolable rightesof friendship and 
 hofpitalitie, the great vertue of their ancellqrs, the feverelavves 
 diLycHYgHi a gain ft adulterers-, the (Iraicecfifcipline of the coun- 
 trie^the great fame which was -(pre ad over all the ; worlde of the 
 vertue and equitie of the hocedtrtowans, and many other confe- 
 derations which might have brideled them, iftheirlufthadnot 
 wholly blinded them,forgettingall this, they violently raviilied 
 thefe two virgins, and fpoyled them of their virginitie : yea and 
 I £> they 
 
AGAINST P.I^EASrVftE. xij 
 
 they did worfe.For wheasthey hadaccomplifliedtJ-eUwicJfed 
 defires,feeir)gthem wecpe & encoutvnto the gods for revenge,, 
 vpon that hbrribleinjurie offred to thcm,they killed them both, 
 & threw them into a well,and afterwards went home into their 
 owncountric.Not long aiter the; father murnin£|honie,and fin- 
 ding euery thing faving his two daughters, vjas long iri doubt 
 what was become of thenymtil at icngth-by the miraculousan^ 
 wonde^MVPrkingofGodjahtde dog which wasinche^oufc 
 with continual barking,fometime tunmngto ScedAfns\& long- 
 time tothe well,which was inrhegarden, caufed him to cpnje- 
 durs as indeed it was: andio folio wing this litle bealt, went to 
 the wcllto feekc fqt his two daughters,a/idfoun^;tl^sm{bot)iii\ 
 thepit^to hi* vnfpeakeable andexceedjrrggtty:fe ;:baving pulled 
 them -oucand buried them, began toforow anchobfi grjeyed ia 
 fuch wonderfuii manner, that althat knew him had companion 
 on him .• and as he complained to his neighbours which came 
 to comfort him, one among the reiuojdehim that the two La- 
 tty^mpn^ns, . v. hie b a little before r\ad lodged inhsshoufe, had 
 bene- tjv? x%\\\ tils, ^blence, j vv^cjvrnadc him prefently fuipe£l 
 th'aJt tji^y had.cpmmitted che,murt(ier^forr^atthey had f o often 
 commended his daughters, faying, thej fhoulde bee happie 
 men tjiatiliouldemarrie them. VVhcrefo.re he determined pre- 
 fendy to goe.into UacedemwA , and to make humble fuppli- 
 cationtp the Ephjru, todocfuch]uflice,as theindignitie and 
 horrible nefle ofjhe taot required. Which when he fyaddpiie^ 
 and finding the faid Ephores to give him no great hearing, h&fy 
 went from them vnto theKinges:and for thauheygayeiyqfc 
 as colde entertainement as the other, hee was conitrainedto 
 returnc to the people, and to recounte vnto them thf great 
 and intollerablc wrong that was offered vnto. him: buchec 
 foiir^e no man that eytherAvouide or dur(t favour him in lb 
 good a caufe, by reafon whereof he fell in defpay^^a^ft 
 Cpntioualhe, runnings vp and downe in die- flreetes^iHe^ 
 madde man, (ramped on the grounde, and holdings his 
 handes to the gods, called for, the furies and infernal! ipi- 
 tits to ayde him, and fo continued vntill his dying, da?e. 
 Beholdc het£ a briefe narration of the fafi, it remainerii.that 
 wee vndetftaa^c the fequeie , and that which happened ai- 
 Qa ' terwardes. 
 
$u THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 terwardes. When asthismonfrrousfa&e was committed,she : 
 L'+ceitmontms commaunded over all Greece, and the better 
 to kcepe their provinces in awe , had placed Garrifons in 
 everye principal! Citie : by meanes whereof the Grecians 
 did evidently perceive, that they were fpoyled of their li- 
 berie , and tyed to a perpetual! flaveric .• which thing did 
 Co wonderfully grieve them, that thcThcbanes ( defiring ra- 
 ther to dye once*; then to live in continuall fervkude) mar- 
 ched vnder the conduct of Epaminandas, and furioufly affay- 
 led the Cittadei, wherein the Garrifon was, and ib vali- 
 antly maintayned the fight, that they overcame them, and 
 flewe them every mothers fonne. This beeing done, they 
 vnderftoode that the Lacedemonians, beeing greatly mooved 
 with their rebellion, came with all their force to fackc and 
 fpoyle r/heir countfey.- whereupon they made all preparati- 
 on that might bee* muftered their men, marched forwardc, 
 and mette the encmie at the fame place, where the daugh- 
 ters of Scedapts had bene bury ed, and entring the fight did 
 valiantly maintaine the skirmifh, and in the ende whollyc 
 overthrewe their -enemies in fuch forte, that they were ne- 
 ver afterwardes able ro recover them felves. Which made 
 cverie man to wonder. For it was a very newe and ftrange 
 thing, and not heard off before, that they fhoulde bee van- 
 quifhed with a lefle power, feeing there was no nation that 
 durftmcetethem with equall forces. Here God (hewed evi- 
 dently, that hec did well remember the violence which was of- 
 fered vnto the virgins above mentioned, and alfo the negli* 
 genceof the Iudges in punching fo great a fault. For tomake it 
 more manifeft, when as they were at the grcateft height of ho- 
 noured in the toppeofall their profperitie, when astheyfop- 
 pofed that no evill could happen vnto them-, after that they had 
 bene Lordes of air Greece by the fpace of fixe or (even hun- 
 dred yeercSjthey were by a handfull of people whollie dif* 
 comfited and overthrowen, juft by the grave of the faid maids, 
 and by one battell brought to fuch ncceffitie, and want both 
 of men and of all other nccelTaries for warrc, that afterwardes 
 they were never able to defende them felves againft any that 
 Wouldcaffaylc them. Andthat which is farther to be noted, to 
 
 make 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE, 114 
 
 make the iufticc of God more manifeft and apparanr, is, that 
 Pelopdu one of the Captaines of the armie of the Ihebatncs, be- 
 ing fa little before the meeting of the two armies) terrified by 
 fomefigncs which hcfaweinthcayre,whichas he thought,dicl 
 prognofHcate fomeeuilHucke; Scedafm appeared vnto him in 
 the night in adreame,and encouraged himtopurfue hisedter- 
 prife,arTuring him that it ere were long,the Lacedemonians fhould 
 recoropence him and his daughters for the wrong they had 
 done them at Leuttret. Who will notconfefle,that in this whole 
 difcourfe the eye of God is alwaies open, and readie to be- 
 hold fuch wickednes, and his band prepared readie topunifti it 
 in due ieafon, not onely in them who commit it, but alfoinfuch, 
 Iudges and Magiftratcs,and likewife in thofe common- wealths 
 which tolerate it? And as he wil not alwaies diffemblc our wic- 
 kednes,if we perfift initrfowill he not forget our vcrtues,whcn 
 as to fcrue and honour him , wee will indcuourtopolTcffeour 
 veffels in puritic and holines, as S.Paul faith : and if he hath gi- 
 ven vs any authoritie ouer others,to employ it to the reformati- 
 on of their good manners.* as fundne good Kings and Princes 
 haue done in times paft. 
 
 Among other the praifes and commendations , which the cmrar ] e 
 Scriptures giuevntothatgood King lofias, oneof theprincipail examples^ 
 (next vnto his pietie and zcale,which he had to eftablifh true re- the firmer. 
 ugion)was that he banifhed thofe broth el-houfes, which con- lo fi M * 
 trarie to the expreffe commandement of God,had bene erefted 
 among the Ifraelites in the time of his predecefTours. Conft amine confiantine. 
 and Tbeodofim did the fame , throughout alltheRomaneEm- rheodtfut. 
 pire. Dcmitian alfo, though otherwife he was very cruell and 
 vicious, made notwithstanding very (harpe and rigorous iawes 
 againft adulterers. Adrian made a lawe, that no manfhould Adrian. 
 fell any women (hues vnto ruffians and bawdes, for that 
 fuch idle varlets are vnworthieof any feruants. Alexander Seve- Alexander 
 rtu went further, for &edmie*hem all out of Rome: giuingau- SeverUi9 
 thoritie to whom fo euer ftiould finde them like vagabonds,and 
 not occupied in fome trade to gaine their lining honeftly (with- 
 in one yeere after the publication of his Edi6t)ftouldtake and 
 keepethemfortheirflaues: and if they would not willingly o- 
 bey,they fljould kill them ptefently, without incurring any dan- 
 ger 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 ger for fo doing: he commanded further that there fiiouldbea 
 iearch made thoroughout all l{ome, to fee whatnomberof 
 common and wicked women there were, and they fhould de- 
 clare to the commiflioners appointed, whether they intended to 
 amend their iiucs,or not : and if they purpofed no amendment, 
 w' here focucr they were found comitting fuch fin ne, they ftx>uld 
 bcpimiflicdwiththelawof Adultercffes,that is,with death. All 
 fuch Kings and Princes as thefc were, haue moil euidently felt 
 thefauourof God, and had great experience of his goodnes in 
 all their affaires. In peace, heinfpired them with wile and pru- - 
 dentcounfell, for the gouernment of their fubiects: in warre, he 
 gaue them valianae and couiage,to conquer their cnemies:and 
 outofdoubt,ingiuingof them fo great profperitie, heplainely 
 declared, how greatly their zealc and loue for the maintenance 
 ofpubIikehoneitieandvcrtue,did pleaie and delight him. to the 
 ende, that if their fucceflbrs did h ope to attaine the like graces, 
 theyftiouldbeitirredvp to follow and imitate theirexamples. 
 Which is the true and onely means to become equall in honor 
 and reputation with thoie famous Kings of old time; and to take 
 away fo many miferies and calamities,whichdoe at this day tor- 
 ment andtrouble the worldc in moll grieuous manner: which 
 proceed of nothing elfe but of impietie, iniufttce,ryot,and ditto- 
 lutenes, which are fo great & lb apparant, that it is a wonder that 
 the Sunnc doth nothide it it felfe,to the end it might not fee the. 
 Tbemifera< EV C D AMIDES hearing one commendethe Citie of 
 bit eflate of ^/^^demandedof him,whethenhat citie deferued an/great 
 1utbisdl\ comi nendation, wherein neuer any man dwelled that was the 
 K " better for it. One may fay as much at this day, of all the great Ci- 
 ties of£urdpe,which are in any eftimation.Foritisahard matter 
 for any man to dwell long in thcm,though hee were an Angel, 
 but he fhalj quickly be defiled and corrupted^hcteisfo much 
 leavin ancllewdncs amongthem> Yea it ismoft commonly (aid 
 T^amc. . of that molt holy one, that there was neuer any man the 1 better 
 For going thither. Stratontcui on a time commingfoorth of He- 
 rac/ea, looked about him whether any man fawhim,ornot:^nd 
 beingaskedthereafonthereofbyoneofhisrrrcnds.-forthatrJaid 
 he)I fliould be afiiamed that arty man rhouldieem^coriiefotth 
 of fuch a ftcwes ; flawing by thishisanfwer r how^viC^new 
 
 and 
 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. iij 
 
 and whoredome abounded in that citie. How many cities(I pray 
 you)are there atthis day, to whom this may notvery fitly be ap- 
 plied? and I would to God there were not worfe flnnes then 
 whoredome. But there are other abhominations, and thofe fo 
 horrible, that thofe who haue any feareofGod,are afraideto 
 name them, though others be not afraid to commit them. And 
 we muft not hope for any amendment of this diforder,but one- 
 Jy by the helpe of Kings and Princes, who ought to be no more 
 negligent in punifhing thefe linnes, then they are in puniftring 
 murthcrs,thefts,and common pilferings. For though it fhould 
 be grauntcd,that diflblutenes is not the caitfe of the greateft pare 
 hereof, yet it cannot be denied,but there fpringeth as much mif- 
 chicfe from this roote,as from any other thing.Furthermore,fhal 
 wcfay,that they are leffe difpleafingin the fightof God? if they 
 be,why hath he punifhed them fo grieuoufly an<) feuerely in all 
 ages I isr fo fmall a matter,to pollute theTempleof God? or to 
 make the members dt'Chrift lefm the members of a whore r or 
 to profane our bodies, which we ought tokeepe fo carefully,td 
 offer them a holy and an acceptable faenficevnto God? or to a- 
 bufe his mercies fo long, and with fuch obftinacic to trie his pa- 
 tience,which are things of fuch value and price? or to crucifiea- 
 gaine the Sonne of Chrift Ieius our oneiy Sauiour, and tpdif- 
 daine him as much, or more then the Iewcs? or togiue an of- 
 fence vnto all the world,and to minifter an occafion to the infi- 
 dels to blafpheme the name of our God, and to make the death 
 and refurrection otChnfl Ufa of no account .• the one of which 
 fhould mortifie the concupifcences of ourflefh, and the other '- 
 (houldraife vsvp to a newnesofhfe?ortodenietheeftec^ofour 
 barmfme, and to reuoke the promises which we haue made vn- 
 to God, by the mouth of our parents in the face of his Church? 
 or toeatc the fie fh, and drinke the blood of our Sauiour vn wor- 
 thily ,when we come to his (upper? all which is done by them, 
 who giue themfelues vnto all diiTolutenes and fenfualitieof life. 
 If then the wrath of God be fo greatly prouoked, and the mife- M exhorts 
 riesthat enfuc thereof, fo intollerabie; thofe whohWfctego^ '*>»™ro 
 vernement in theirhands,and who ought to haue nothing more Pr i Hces>t ? 
 deere vnto them, then the quietnes, reft, heakh, yea and if it ZifibZfifr 
 were partible, the immortalitie of fuch as are vnder them, firenamtd, 
 
 can 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 can they doebetterthcntoauoid,orelfcto corrcclthefcandals 
 and pubhkc ryots, which offend all the creatures of the worlde, 
 yea and often arc odious vnto fuch as commit them? It may be, 
 the difficultie fas we haue faid beforcj is a mcanes to withdraw 
 them from fo great an enterprifc: for that the caufeof iiich difor- 
 ders haue fo long continued in the common- wealths, and there- 
 fore arc like vnto old foares, which are fo fettered and corrupted^ 
 that the furgeons are out of all hope to amend them. This cannoc 
 well be denied; and yet it is notfufficient tofay(accordingto 
 the old prouerbjthat it is not good medling with an old foare. 
 For Princes who haue noble and generous minds,fhould con- 
 fider,what a gloric and honour it would be vnto them, to do fuch 
 a thing as fecmeth impoffible vnto others. Moreouer is icfofmall 
 amatter toreftorefo difeafed a bodie vnto health? fovnperfed 
 and difordercd into a tolerable eftate? I doubt not, if fome one 
 would begin to fet his hand to fo holy a worke,buc the great and 
 happie aduanccment which God would giue in ftiort time, 
 with the praifes and commendations, which all honcft men 
 would yeeld thereto in all places of the world, would ftirrc them 
 vp couragioufly to profecutc the reft, and that fbme Chriman 
 emulation would mooue and provoke others to imitate their 
 cxamples,in fuch fort, that wc might be in fomehopcto fee the 
 golden worlde againe. And aslthinke, themeancstoattainc 
 thereto,would not be very difficult: I will fet downc fomeofthe 
 particular remedies, and leaue the reft to the godly confidei ati- 
 on of fuch as be wifer then my felfe. 
 Tbtfirftre- Thefirftandthebeftmeancsfin my opinion)is this,that fuch 
 medie. Princes and Potentates as intend any fuch reformation, (hould 
 firft of ail re forme them felues,and to the end,they fliouldkcepc 
 them felues,as farrc aspoflible may be, from alleuill, they muft 
 abftainc from all flic w thereof: confidering that as they are fu- 
 pcriours to all other in dignitie and authoritie, fo fliould they be 
 the leaders and guides in.vertuc and honellie . For otherwifc 
 they caiinot correct orTendours, no more then a crooked rule 
 Tlutarehfo can Brfake ftraight fuch things as are meafured by it. Alexander 
 the life of A* demanded of King /V«*, who he kept prifoner, how he would 
 UxMiidtr. bevfedt Like a King,faith he: and asking him the fecond rime, 
 if he would any thing elfc ? he anfwered, No; for ^n this all other 
 
 things 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRH. no* 
 
 things arc comprifcd : declaring thereby, that Princes ought to 
 lurpaiTe and cxccll their iubiccts ineucryvcrtue,as fatre as the 
 Sunnc furmounteth ail the reft of the ftarres in light and in 
 brightnes : and onthcotherfidc,tbat their auth'oritic and their 
 greatnesfhould be fuflScicn^vvhcn ib cuertheyconfiderof.it, to 
 alienate and eftrange their minds from vice. ^Antigonm fonne 
 to Demetrtud y bQZ\n° defredtogoetoabanquet, where there 
 were many light women; asked the opinion oi : Uftiened&nus 
 the Philolbphcr,whowas with him atthatprefent, whether he 
 Ihoulff goc,or not .• who anfwered nothing ehc but this;th;at he 
 ftiould remember hewasaKings fbnne: as though thereby he 
 would aduertiic him, that this was fufficient to withdrawn hira 
 fromdocingofeuill, and fromall occafions that might mooue 
 himthcieto. Now if Princes would jfhew'themfeluesvertuous 
 and well ordered m fuch places where they Hue, and be viito 
 their people in flcadeofliuing lawes, there were nodoubtbut 
 they fhould be followed of molt of their fubiecb. It.is reported, 
 that if in a heard of goatcs, there be any one that hath eaten of 
 the hearb called £>v«^/(?y,prefentlyihel}andeth(tjllandftaieth 
 the whole heard with ,her,hy a fecret verrue thatis in this hearb, 
 ; yntiil fuch time as the hcardman come and take it away out of 
 her mouth. There is almort the like power iaPririceSitofpre^d 
 either vice or venue ouer all fuch as come neerethem,and ; rre- 
 quent their Courts; and they lay hold of them, as the fire doth 
 of fuch matter as is next it, and oftentimes transformed them 
 into their owne natures,as,the leaven dotfuhe dowe,with which 
 _itis mingled.. Sothatit;iSeuiebDt,thatthebeftrncanestbrPrin- 
 ces to reform ethefc. horrible and modtrous-Ydtrptuousde fires, 
 which at this day carie fuch great.fway5is,j<as I.haue laid)to re- 
 forme them felues and their Courts. 
 
 The next remedie vrito this, is,todciiife fame way, how their ?*J^£fc 
 fubie&s maybeemploied infome honeft labour andexcrcifc, \j an ifbidu- 
 and to let aowne grievous .and fbarpe.punimments for fuch atttfrprtN I 
 liucidelyln their kingdoms* Mid .countries. Fork is moilccr- #q*«in*. 
 ten, that nothing doth fo fdQneiagcnderwhoredome,asidle- ^^u 
 neiTe,and men/as that old and auneient Cato was wbnttofayj ^^nd 
 in doing nothmg,doe learneto doe euili. And therefore Dtoge- pakefidm^ 
 wj was wont to (ay ; that loue was the trade andoccupadon of 
 
 loyterers, 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 toyterers^andOwW faith; that Egtftns hadnotbeeneanadulte- 
 rer,butthat he Was idle. Which thing the Scripture alfo repor- 
 tcthof Davids who hatting committed the managing of his 
 affaires to /c^betoke himfelfeto his reft and quietnes: but Jic 
 had not bcene long at cafe, but prefently he began(contrarie to 
 the commaundement of Godjto covet his neighbours wife.- 
 by occafion whereof there enfued afterwards infinite mifchiefes 
 in his owne houfe. The auncient painters did vfe to picture 
 V&im fitting vpon a fnailes fliell, not ondy (as P for arch doth 
 interpret it)to giuevs to vnderitand,that womenf according vn- 
 to Saint Pauls rulejfhould keepe at home, and not be gadding 
 vpand down e the ftrcetesto fhewthemfelues,andbeprading 
 like bufie bodies: but alfb to (hewe that there is nonefo much 
 giuen to voluptuoufnefle, as idle and fluggifhperfons. T would 
 to God, thatxhefe our times did not prooue the trtieth hereof 
 Sufficiently : but I thinkeeuery manknoweth, howdifToIutely 
 thefc men liue, who fpende their daies in flouth and idlenefle. 
 For the greateft nomber of them , doe nothing el fe butinuent 
 and deuifc newe pleafures , to entife women and young maides 
 tolewdnefle, to buieand fell them, as hackney-men doe their 
 iades, and to exchange them, asoldeveflelsfor newe; Which 
 dothcukjently (hewe, that there are no greater enemies to cha- 
 ftitie and continencie, which they aflayfe byallmeanespof- 
 fible, feeking to conquer them by force, or by great and rich 
 giftesto attaine their abhominable purpofes.And tothisende 
 they are very liberall, nay prodigal!, and care not what they 
 (pende, to ouerthrowe chaftitie, which they deteft exceeding- 
 ly. It is very neceffarie then, that the Princeftotake away 
 .this mifchiefe, and to reduce his people to an honeft and 
 laudable forme of life, ) ftiould compcll his fubiects to take 
 labour and paines , cuerle man according to his eflate and 
 calling. 
 Tbtbirdre* ItisaHbvery requifite and neceffarie, that the lawes made a- 
 mdM k fi gainft alc-hhufes , fhould be put inpraclife,and/traightlyob- 
 bamfht^ Ssrufid , and that the Iudges and Magistrates in euerVeCountie, 
 akX'jL fhould looke diligently vnto them. For if they be alvraics 
 . ' written in bookes, and neuer executed, they ferue to no more 
 purpofe, then a fwordc that is alwaiesintheftieath, and neuer 
 
 handled 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. 1:7 
 
 handled. And for that they were not made butoncly to cor- 
 rect publike and common drunkardes,it were no wc very conve- 
 nient and needefull, that every matter (hould makeaparticu- 
 Jarlawe for bis houfhold, and that allthefe cxcenlue expenfes, 
 and fuperfluous charges, which arc accullomecrto be made at 
 great feafte$,fhould be reformed : othetwife theic voluptuous 
 linnes will neucr ceafc. For as Euripides faith, Venus alwaiea 
 keepeth companie with thofc that are full, andnot with the 
 hungric. And for this caufe, in old time voluptuous men were 
 Jikcncd vnto fowes, whichf as Cicero fairh)arethe moft fruitful! 
 beaftes of all other, by reafon of their glnttonie, whereto they 
 are naturally giuen and addicted. The Egiptiatykad anaunci- 
 ent cuftome, chat when as any ofthcradied, theyivoirld rippc 
 his bellie, and take out his maw and his gutte$,and reueale them 
 openly j either by this mcancs, as by a facrifice, tocfenfethc 
 dcade bodie,qrclfe to fhewc by this ceremonie, that they would 
 punifh the author of thofe mifchiefes, which he had committed 
 in his life time. Which, giueth vs to vnderftand, that this hath 
 beene the opinipn ac all tii?^c3>that nothing hath ingendered 
 morela&ivioufnes, then abundance of bread,drinke,and other 
 daintie difhes. . ; 
 
 ItisneceiTarie alfo(the better to frame mento an honeft and The fourth 
 chafteconverfation)tobani(li andaboliflial lafciuiouspoemes remedie Ujo 
 and wanton fonges , piaurcs, painting of faces , mummeries, b ^ ae9m 
 maskes, pcriwickes, giltings; pearles, and in a wordc, all the /^S^* 
 exceeding and curious iutnptuoufncs in appardLand mooue- 
 ables: for th at all thefe are nothing cKq (as Iuvend faitbf) butas 
 torches,to lighten and ftirreypourconcupifcences;andmeanes fbe fifth and- 
 to effeminate and mollefieour mindes, and by confequcntto the principal! 
 weaken the ioynts and finewes of vertue. All which things £/- remedit Ujo 
 enrgw did expreflily -forbid by> his Jawesfas Tlut .arch <repor> provide prea- 
 teth in his life.; By meanes whereof, the ccmmonwweau>h fjjj* ' ali 
 of the Lacedemonians was th-eibel! gouerned, : fbrthefpacie r Z\^om 
 of fixe or feuen hundred yeeresj and had the grcateit riom- artftewto- 
 ber of honeft and vertuous men, of any place of : all riesjo teache 
 Greece. andmjhufl 
 
 Furthermore, there is nothing more eftcauall to purge and Zwwo*f 
 cienfethe worldcpf thi.sfilthii>efle d then the pure and fmccrc God. 
 
 preach- 
 
THF FIFTH frOXXKC 
 
 pro^hingofche wordeof God. For there is nothing(as£.t^//- 
 gvftmc faitb)that doth fomortific all our wicked and carnal! af- 
 fe£lions,asthe wordeofGod,when as the operation and wor- 
 king of his holy fpiric, is ioyned therewith. And therefore it is 
 compared vnto a fire, which trieth andpurifieth gold and filucr 
 from the droflfc; and coafanncthatpurgech the goodgrayn fiom 
 the chaffe;and tofalt which feafoneth our meates, and kcepeth 
 them from putnfyihg. And therefore the fliorteft way, chat cart 
 be takenfin my opinion^toeftabiifli a godly reformation, and 
 to renewe(as it werejthe face of this disfigured worlde , is to 
 choofeafufficientnomberof faithful^wife^ealouSjand well ex- 
 perienced men, whofhould haueautrioritie continually to de- 
 nounce the Lawband the threatnings thereof, for the cxtirpati- 
 onof vice;anid efpecially of that which is fo maniFeft and appa- 
 rent at this day. Beholden© wfome of the remedies which wee 
 mu(tvfe,fortne rooting out ofthe vices and corrupt difeafes, a- 
 boue fpecified. 
 Qfvnnm r - ^ ow li remaineth,that according vnto our former diuifion, 
 fary pleafures vvcfhould briefly declare the other kinds of pleafures, which we 
 andfucb as call vnneceflarie and fuperfluous : and thofe are innumerable. 
 arevnprofh pbrfbme delight wholly in hunting, andfpend alltheirrevcnue, 
 table. V p on their dogges,as Attton did . Others doe nothing but play 
 
 at tennys, at dice, crvpon fomemuficallinftruments: others 
 are wholly giuen to dauncing: and others take all their plea- 
 fure in their buildings, as Lacullwi others fpend whole daics in 
 catching of flies,andfuch a one was Doniitian. And an infinite 
 fort trifle out their daies, with docing of nothing. And to bee 
 fhort;it:werean infinite labour torehearfe euery particular, con- 
 fideringthat according vnto the divcrfitieofmes humours, they 
 finde out different paftimes and delights. Now in a word there- 
 forego make an end of al this difcourfe,wemufi diligently con- 
 Vwt rem- ■ fi^ t ^ e f c f oure things . The firfl is,that (according to the old 
 JkpkX^ exceffe in cucrie thing. Thefe- 
 
 afrsmmed. condis;thac (as Cato faide)fuchas follow thofe ridiculous and 
 fbolifti paftimcs,arcveryvnfitto be emploicd in matters ofany 
 confequence. The third thing is, that feeing (according to the 
 faying of Xenophox) there is nothing fo prccious,'as time, nor 
 which is more impoiTiblc to be recovered, whenitisetrrllfpent: 
 
 there- 
 
AGAINST PLEASVRE. ixS 
 
 therefore we fhould be mod fparing hereof, and fpend it with 
 asgreat difcretion as may be The laft thing is , that as wee 
 fhall giue an account of cuery wicked and idle wordc we (peak, 
 fo like wife fhall we be accountant for all thofe workes we doe, 
 which feruc not to any edification.- and like wife of all the gra- 
 ces which God hath bellowed vpon vs, as our wit and vndcr- 
 ftanding, our Ctrength and nimblencflc of body, ourlcyfurc, 
 and of whatfoeuerclfe we haue , if it be not employed as hec 
 hath commanded. For feeing they are his goods , and that hce 
 is the mailer ofthem ,and that we arc but his (tewards , is it not 
 rcafbn they fhoulde bee vied according as he hath commaun- 
 
 Wee muft then fwhenfoeucr wee apply our fclucs to any Jn comiufon 
 thing) firft looke whether ic tendeth to thcgloricof God: ££ e ™ et y t 
 Next ynto this, whether our neighbour fhall rcapeany rruice tomployiur 
 and commoditic thereby, and be inftru&ed to wa&e in hiifilueiin the 
 fearebyour example* and finally whether that which we doe, 4*he* if 
 appertaine and belong vnto our vocation or not: and then, **• J v f » dn * 
 after humble and heartie prayer vnto God, who hath made ^JgJJJS 
 heauenand earth, we may boldly vndcr his fauour and protc- g 00 di which 
 dion enterprife whatfoeucr wee take in hand, and aflurc our Godhabfi- 
 fclues, that he will blclTe ourindeauours, being vndertakenby T*?' m 
 the warrantifc and direction of his worde. But if we be not W*£- 
 oncly content to hide that tallent in the ground, which 
 God hath giucn vs, but alfo willing either vtterly tolofeit, 
 or elfe to fpend and confume it foolishly and naughtily : (hall 
 wclookefor any reward forfuch vngodly and finnerull pro- 
 digality, feeing that our very negligence is fo feuerely and grie- 
 uoufly puniflied ? It may be we thinke, as fbme young gentle- 
 men doc, who for that they are difcended offome noble houfe 
 neuer care for any good husbandry , but fpend luftily , for that 
 their fathers are rich ,and therefore they arc perfwaded they fhal 
 neuer want. In like manner, whenfocuer we confider,that we 
 are the children of God, and that we are perfwaded, that the 
 treafurcs and riches of his bountie can neuer bee conlumed, 
 then wee beginnc to be prodigall of his goods, and fpend 
 thofe graces riotoufly which- it hath plcafcd him to be- 
 llowe vpon vs. But indeede wee ought to thinke withall 
 
 R that 
 
THE FIFTH BOOKE. 
 
 chat wc arc not his n at urail formes and inheritours,but his chil- 
 dren by grace and adoption : and that if the father may iuftly 
 difinhemehisnaturallfonne, for his difobedience , rebellion, 
 whoredome, lewd parts, and wicked conuerfation : with grea- 
 ter reafon mayGoddifinherittbofc,who are his fonnesonely 
 by grace and mercy, if he once perceiue they commit the like 
 finnes.And there is no doubt,but he wil quite disinherit ys in the 
 end,and take away all his graces frovs, as he hath done fro the 
 lewes, whom he had chofen and loucd as his eldeft fonnes, if 
 webevnthankriill, andifthatin (lead of feruing him and ac- 
 knowledging thofc blcffings he hath bellowed vpon vs,wec 
 wholly employ them,to the fatisfying of our owne wicked de- 
 fires and carnall concupifceces.lt behooueth cuery man then to 
 consider diligently with himfelfe,howhe may rood profitably 
 vfe thofe bleffings, which God hath beftowed vpon him.- 
 which furely oughtto bercferred who llyvnto the honour and 
 glory of hirrr th^tg aue them, as to their principal! and chiefeft 
 end: and next vnto that , to the helpe and comfort of our bre- 
 thren, whom weoughtto cherifhandrelieue,whenfoeueroc- 
 cafion is orfcrecL Which if weperforme, wee fhallneuerfpend 
 ourtime.in fruitlcs and iuperRuous things. And thus much fuf- 
 flcethto hauefpoken of thefe three fortes of pleafures, and for 
 the fiffp.aifion ofthe minde, whereof we purpofed to fpeake ia 
 the beginning. 
 i! 
 
 THE 
 
 ' ' ' '. C ' 
 
 
 
 ! 
 
? **5^^*^V; 
 
 THE SfXT "BOOK^S. 
 
 Of the tranquditie and contestation 
 of the m'mde. 
 
 tAGAINST CVXJOSITIE. 
 THE CONTENTS. 
 
 ilj> 
 
 
 T is reported that the Philofopher Eu- 
 clide , beeing requiredof a very impor- 
 tunate fellow e to ffeafye his opinion of 
 many things touching the goddes , an- 
 fevered , that hee knewe nothing of ail 
 t hat was demanded , but onely this s that 
 the goddes hated and abhorred fuch at ' 
 were curious and bufie medlers. Where* 
 by hee evidently declared, that cur iofitie 
 is a daun^erous difeafe, and a fore that mufl be healed \ if we de- 
 fire to Hue quietly and in peace. To e feci and ace ompltfh this 
 peaceable eft ate and condition of life, this prefent booke way ferue 
 in Head of many others*, beeing very excellently and fubsJantialty 
 penned, and furnifhed with all fuch found reafons , as either the 
 a undent or moderne writers haue alledged again ft this pajpon. 
 After that he hath declared what this cur ioftie is , he fheweth that 
 there are three chief e heads or fountaines from whence it Ffr'tn- 
 geth . The first is, the care thateuery one ought tohaue tn his 
 vocation y which is commendable and often commended vnto vs : 
 as contrariwife, carelefneffe is condemned by fixe fcveraR argu- 
 ments y which are garnt[hed with fundry fmtlitudes , notable fay - 
 ings, and worthy examples: and then he fheweth how euery one ought 
 to vfe himfelfe in his vocation . Thefecond is, our great and ex- 
 ceeding care concerning theeuentscf our counfels and enter prifesi 
 againft the which y as proceeding ordinarily of diftruft and vnqui- 
 etneffe, hee oppofeth the confideration of the prouidence of God, 
 whereupon he exhort eth euery one to reft, and slay himfelfe. The 
 
 R z third 
 
third is , the carefulieffc wee bane to prouide vnneceffarie and 
 hurt full things , and this is properly th.it curiofitie, which is a 
 ftvorneencmie to the quiet refl andtranquilitte of 'our minder .The 
 mffchiefes whereof, heefettethdowne in particular , andaddreffeth 
 ThcFrcnch himfelfe in efpeciall to our nation, which is infetled andflayned with 
 nation very this vice: fet ting dorvne funiry notable examples , both [acred and 
 curious. prophtne , ancient and moderne, which doe evidently prooue y what 
 mifchtefes this cttrfed humour hath hatched and brought forth, 
 both in Church andcommonwealth : and vntj thofe % anncxeth di- 
 ners other s, by which it appear eth, howvnfeemelya thing it is for a 
 man,behe neuer fomightie ^ to intermeddle himfelfe in other mens 
 matters, adding hereto apleafant dtfcourfe,andfundry emblemes ve> 
 rie delight full, with very fit compart font tothispurpofe. zsfadfor 
 the more full and ample manifefiation hereof, heeproduceth fundry 
 other biftories of fuch troubles and tumults , as many light headed 
 fellowes haueflirredvptn diner scmtrie sand commonwealths .Next 
 vntothis, heedifcouereththe caufes of this wicked curioufnes : the 
 firfl wherof, is thelightnes of our wtts: tbefecondis,ourflouthfulnesi 
 the third is, the difdame and contempt of that efl ate, whereto we are 
 called: the fourth is, our ambitious defirc tefurpaffe others. Againft 
 e stery one ofthefedifeafes,he oppofeth feueraSremedies./n the latter 
 endofthis book/, he difputeth against that profane curiofitie ofdiuers 
 men, who are deftrotu to \>nowe hidden andfecret things , and fuch as 
 are vnlawfull & dangerous, both in resfeel of God, of nature, and of 
 our neighbours : fettirgdowne contrary reafons : and then nameth 
 the whole r able of curious perfons .In thefrflranke are Alcumifts <£• 
 fe archers for gold, fuch as meafure the whole world, andneuer mea- 
 fure themplues: The ludictall Aftrologers, whogafing continuallie 
 vpon the circles of the heauens and mot ions of the ftarrcs, doe neuer 
 looke what is done in their owne houfes.In the fecondrankf are placed 
 petifoggers in the law, and vnlearned phifitians, who for faking the 
 reading of good books, do bu/ie themfelues in nothing but in fit ting me 
 tegither by the ear cs,& putting to file counterfaitdrugs,whereoftn» 
 fueth the deftruftion both of body $ goods. In thelasl rankhe placet h 
 Sophiflers, Southfayersfiabalifis, spirit nail Libertines and profane 
 Atheifls. Aga'tnftwbofe deteflable vanities, he oppofeth that princi- 
 pal doctrine d; inflr -uftion, which all men ought tolearne,anfwering 
 snfew words fo much to their cur'tofity as is requifitefir the wjlrnftio 
 
120 
 
 efCbriftians. Finally > he anfrvereth vnto the vaine curiofitie of 
 fuchasarebufie to know thefecrets of 'their neighbours , and defer t- 
 beth their fit hie and wicked praftifes ', very excellently i andfbew- 
 eth y that curioftie is a pajfton, not fit to be m any vertuom and good 
 man : concluding his dtfcourfe with a notable exhortation , that xve 
 fhou)d not de fire to knowe more of Cjod, of nature ^or of our neigh- 
 bour s^ then may feme for our edsficationandinslruttion* 
 
 THE 
 
 R 3 
 
Whatthxt 
 (uriqftsy is. 
 
 There are 3. 
 fort* of cares, 
 which are the 
 fountains of 
 that curio fity 
 which is good 
 and of that 
 which Ueuil. 
 
 The care of 
 tuery one in 
 his vocation 
 is very com' 
 
 THE SfXT "BOOKS. 
 
 iACjAINST CWEJ031TIE. 
 
 E arecome now to the handling of the 
 fixt paffion and perturbation of the 
 minde, which weeterme Curiofitie, as 
 not hauing a more fitte and proper 
 worde, to exprefle this infectious and 
 difeafed humounby which we are con- 
 tinually entifed and pricked forward to 
 \3 be importunate to know but vnprofita- 
 bleandvnneceffary matters, andtointerpofcourfeluesin many 
 things either clcane contrarie, or quite befides our vocation 
 and calling: which thing troubleth and tormentcth vs, as 
 much as any other paflionate humour whatfoeuer* And this vn- 
 quiet affection ofthe minde, is ingendred partly of Ambition, 
 and partly of Couetoufncs, and partly of Enuy: and therefore 
 we haue determined to fpeakofthis, afterthat we haue entrea- 
 ted ofthe two former. Now for that allcares and follicitudes 
 are not fbrbidden,butonely thofe which are vaine, vicious 5 and 
 exce(Tiue,it is vety requifite that wediftinguifh them by abriefe 
 and compendious diuifion, to theende we may know fuch as 
 are commendable, and fuch as aredamnable and reprooueable. 
 There are then three forts of cares. Thefirftis of fuch things as 
 appertainevnto our vocation: the fecond is, of the confequents 
 andeuentsofourcounfelsandenterprifes: the third is, of fuch 
 things as neither concerne our felucs, neither yet our eftate and 
 conditions. 
 
 As concerning the firft, God hath commanded cueryman 
 to be careful and vigilant in matters appertaining to his charge 
 andvocation.Anditisrequifite,thattheking fhould beproui- 
 dent,andinduftrious in forefeeing and prouiding fuch things, 
 as tend to the benefite of his fubie&s.- For a Judge to adminifter 
 iuftice, to maintaine good and honed men, andtopunifhthe 
 wicked and vngodly perfons , to giue euery man his due , and 
 dealemdifferentlywithall.-fora marchant to gainehoneftly 
 
 by 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 121 
 
 by his wares, tobeiutt in his dealings , andto buy and fell his 
 marchandile, without deceit or couetoufncs ; for a matter of a 
 family to prouide for his wife, his children and fertiants ,and to 
 teach and inttrudt them ineuery good worke: forafcruant to 
 obey his matter, & to deale truly in whatfoeuer he is comman- 
 ded: for a fchoolemattcr to inftt u£t his fchollers, as well in good 
 learning, as in the feare & obedience duevntoGod.-forafhep- 
 pard to watch ouerhis flocke, and carefully to inttru&them in 
 thewordeof God, and to edifie them by all meanes pofTiblc 
 chat he may; for artificers and labourers to gaine their liuings 
 by the fweat of their browes: for a woman to be a good hufwife 
 and to difpendthofe things thriftily, that are brought intothe 
 houfc by her husband. For he which doth not labour,oughcnot 
 to eate, (as the wife man faith)and he that putteth his hands in- 
 to his bofome, is likely to fall into pouertic: feeing (as the olde 
 faying is) God fclleth his goods vnto fuch men asarepainefull 
 and laborious. Which w as fpoken, notfor that they doe deny, Why care & 
 that whatfoeuer we receiuefromaboue , is freely andof Gods diligence Ufo 
 
 meere goodnes giuen vntovs, without any merit of ours: or for & l ] , cm ' 
 
 , r & ».i 1 • 1 i r mended vnt9 
 
 that we can delerue any thing, by ourworthincs and delerts: vs ' moHrv& . 
 
 (for we arc fo far from meriting of any of thefc great and innu- cations. 
 nierable bleffings and benefits, that it hath pleafed God tobe- 
 ftowvponvs, that beiides, that we make our felues vn worthy 
 by our vngratefulncffe, we alfo continually dcfenie to be wholly 
 banifhed , and thruft out from the prefence of our God:)buc by 
 the faying afore rehearfed , the wife men of former ages 
 would giuevs tovnderlland, that God doeth notpromife, 
 neither yet will communicate any of his bleilings vnto men, 
 bucwith this condition, that they (hould take paines for them: 
 to the end, that thereby they friould acknowledge his liberali- 
 ty,and their owne vnworthines : and alfo that they may Iearne 
 by this meanes, the better to ertecme and account of them. 
 Which they would not doe, if they were thruft into their mou- 
 thes, without any labour, foas they might enioythem at their 
 willes and pleafures. And this was the reafon, why the 
 Lacedemomans were wont to fay, that wee mutt pray vn- 
 to fortune with our handes lift vp : giuing vs thereby to 
 vnderftande , that wee call vpon God in vaine to helpe 
 
 R 4 vs 
 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 vs in our needc, if wee will not take paincs to helpeour felues. 
 For if fo be that be true, thatGod will neuer here thofe prayers, 
 which proceedc not of faith , and that all faith is founded and 
 built vponhis promifes, weeneede not iooke for any ayde from 
 him,ifwe be not painfull : feeing he promifethvs nothing, vn- 
 lefle wc be watchfull and induftrious. 
 
 DemocYitPu being asked, wherein idle men differed from 
 Tbedffirece tno f e> tnat were painetull and laborious , anfwered, in that, 
 a™'*!!? and wherein good and honeft men,differrrom naughty and wicked 
 tbepainefiill perfons.That is to fay, in hope: For he which feruethGod , and 
 man, and of vvalketh in his waies,and will be painfull,hee need neuer doubt 
 the bleffing Dut he (hall haue alway fufficient to maintaine himfelfe well 
 efGod vpon j h one ftly # g ut thofe, who will be careleiTe,and exempt them 
 curfe vpon felues horn tnat common vocation whereto all are called,wher- 
 tbc other, incueryonein generall(euen from the beginning of the world) 
 haue beene enioyned to take paines, may aflure themfelues, 
 thatGod will curfe both them and their riches , fo that in the 
 enc' all will come to nothing ,as we haue dayly experience of 
 many flow backes, whofe reuenues,thoughthey be very grear, 
 are confumed, and in fhort time (like vnto fmoke) arc vanimed 
 quite away. And there can be no other reafon giuen thereof, 
 but onely, that God doth not blefle them. For we fee manyo- 
 thers profper, and maintaine themfelues very honourably, with 
 halfe, yea with lefle then the fixt part ofthe others wealth ; and 
 yet keepe great houfes, are very liber all to the poore,they build 
 and gather riches, and (that which is a fpeciali thing J they 
 pay euery manfo well with whomethey deale, thatinflead of 
 cuill words, and bad reports, which the other haue in euery 
 place and at euery mans hand,all men do commend and fpeake 
 well ofthem. 
 
 It is necelTariethcn (if we will rctaine thefauour of God) that 
 
 An exborta- ^foe painfull and diligent, as he hath commanded vs, and ac- 
 
 ITmZteu&e corcnn g to theoccafions that are miniitrcd vnto vs, and that 
 
 paines in bU l& e g ooc * children we imitate his example . For if (as S. Iohn 
 
 falling. faith) he watchethandlaboureth (till,forthepreferuation,nou- 
 
 rifhmcnr, and defence of his creatures: and yet we will be carc- 
 
 lefle, and giue our felues to nothing,butto eating and drinking, 
 
 playing, fporting, and ruffling, doe wee not cuidently declare 
 
 that 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSTIE. 122 
 
 that we are baftards,and that we hauenotonely degenerated 
 from him that wasourfather, but alfo from the ftate and con- 
 ditionofall other creatures? Among whomc,thereisnotonc 
 butkeepeth himfelfe within the bounds of his vocation , and 
 carefully fulfilleth the will of his Creatour, without tranfgref- 
 fingonc jotte of his lawes and ordinances; which may be a 
 great (Lame vnto vs. For what adifcredit is it, that in an vfuall 
 and common traueil both ofheauen and earth, we, who fhould 
 be firft at worke, are all the whole day idle, and looke after no- 
 thing, but fit ftill very carelefly, and gaze vpon them ? It is re- 
 ported that Diogenes being at Corinth, atfuch time as <*Alexan* 
 derthe great proclaimed warres againft them, andfeeingthe 
 Corinthians Co greatly troubled and aftoniflied, and talcing fuch 
 paines in the fortifying of their city , fome carying baskets, o- 
 thers digging and making baftihons and platformes, moun- 
 ting their ordinance and luch artillery as they had neceflarie 
 for the defence of their citie: others fcouringtheir harnetTe,and 
 whetting their fwordes.* others running and trotting vpaiid 
 downe the mreeres, as though they had bene afhamed, to bee 
 feene among thofe which labourcd,he began to roule his tunnc 
 vp and downe, fometime higher, and fometime lower, on this 
 fide and that fide:totheend, hee would not be faidetobeidle, 
 when others werefo hote at their worke . It is conuenient then, 
 that we fhould not be more {hameIeiTe,then this poore Cynick 
 was: but that feeing (as we haue faide) that all the world mar- 
 cheth fas it werej dayly to labour, we (hould likewife be pain- 
 full and not lie downe in the fhade , for feare of burning ouv 
 beauties with the hcate of the funne : or in winter to fit by the 
 fire fide, doubting leaftifweegoe abroad, we were like fome- 
 time to blow our nayles. 
 
 But Iwoulde gladly knowc to what ende we are borne and ******* 
 broughtforthintothisworld.ifitbenot totravellaswellasthc ^SS^^ 
 bird is to flie. As then the wings of the one were vnprofitable, nesdramie 
 ifthey were not put to that vfe , which God hath giuen them from the con* 
 for:fowereittonopurpo{e,thatGod hath graenvsaminde,a J&k 7 *''*" 1 °f 
 wilI,amemorie,an vnderftanding, hands, kgges and fecte, if *£™j£ 
 alithefebeenotapplyed vnto their proper endes, vnto which tfooTcUrtf* 
 they arc made and ordained. Moreouer, why hath he created tktim* 
 
 the 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 the light, and diftinguifhedthc day from the night, and in euery 
 weekc to dcuide the (ixedaies from the feuenth, ifitwerenoe 
 togiue vs to vnderftand , thataUthedaiesofourliuesoughtto 
 beib parted and deuided, that the greateft nomber of them 
 fhould be fpent in trauelland paincs taking, to the end, that by 
 fuch a viciflitude and interchangeable coutfc , wee might the . 
 longer pteferue our felues to doe him feruice, andfuccourour 
 neighbours in fuch things, as we arc bound to doe for them Hce 
 which will not celebrate andfolemnize thefeftiuall dayesof 
 the Lorde,in fan&ifyingandexaltinghisname,{halbcreproo- 
 uedand condemned, for that the commandement bindeth vs 
 thereto: and therefore by the fame commandement fhall we be 
 Mother at- conuinced,ifwc will do nothing on the working dayes : feeing 
 gumetdrawn thatthefame law,whichcommandethvstoreft fonjtime,co n- 
 g2mnd*met manc ' etn vstotrauell at other times. And ifit were notanaughty 
 thing to do nothing, why did the matter of the houfe find fault 
 with thofe, whom he found idle in his vineyard? why did Safo- 
 Tbe 3 trgu- mon to diffwade vs from idlenes , propound vnto vs the exam- 
 wm * pie of the emmet or piftstie ? why did S. Paul exhort vsto la- 
 
 bour while wehadtimePandChrilt Iefus,that we fhould walkc' 
 while it was day? 
 
 Qeanthes though he were a poore man,y et thought himfelfe 
 , more happy,then all the rich menofhiscuntryibrthathe labo- 
 
 * red when they plaied. Which iscontrary to the comon opinion. 
 Forvfually we do not account any men happy,butfuchasmay 
 liue at their eafe without any labour,though indeed there be no- 
 thing more miferable then idlenes, if men could be brought by 
 any means to beleeueit. And therfore Jbemtftoc/cf was wont by 
 an iliufion to terme Idlenes, the graue and tombe of fuch men as 
 were ahue,fbr that there is litleor no differencc,but onlyin brea- 
 thing, bet wecne an idle man & one that is dead. For neither the 
 one nor the other doth any good. And therefore S«w<* (taxing 
 Seneca in hi* a ccrta i ne rich man of Rome named Servtlitts Vacia , who, to 
 epifiletolu- the end he might liue the more at his eafe & plcafure , had left 
 cilimyu the city and giuen ouer all publike affaires , & was withdrawn e 
 into a goodly houfe which he had builded in the cuntry) faid on 
 a time, as hepafledby , here lycthfac/a ; as though writing his 
 Epitaph, and fettingitvpon his doore,he would fignifie, that his 
 houfe was his graue, and monument of his buriali. Let vs con- 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSTIE. 123 
 
 elude then, that there is nothing more vnfecmcly or further 
 from the law & obedience duevmoGod, more contrary vnco 
 the duty ofaChriftian , ormorepreiudiciall vnto the common 
 wealth, then Idlenes . And the Athenians had great rcafont© 
 punifri it feuercly in their fubiects,feeing thatit was very necef- 
 ia ry for their wealth and prefervation of their Qftztes.SctpioNa- 
 fica could nor endure that Carthage fhould be deftroyedrihough W* 
 fome allcdged, that then Rome fhould be in great fecuritic, ha- q^ ' 
 umg ruinated io mighty an enemy; furcly, faid he, it fhould be 
 then in greater danger, then euer heretofore Meaning hereby, 
 that if they had no enemies, they fhould not haue wherewithal! 
 to occupicthemfeluts abroad, wherupon they would fall into 
 idlenes,& lo into partialities and ciuil warres,andin the end in- 
 to a pitifull and lamentable defolation , which afterwards hap- 
 pened,as he had foretold them. 
 
 If we yet defirc fome notable examples of thofemifchiefes, Jn wherri- 
 which proceed ofidlcnes: letys confider into whatmiferable e- tifallexaple 
 ftate the poore church ofGod is fallen by the carelefnes & (loth- fuffident /a 
 fulnesoftheflieppards:Wherofhathit proceeded,thatthcrare cone'emne^ 
 fomany brables & thorns fprongvp in the vineyard of the lord, th r, car h elejn ," 
 -that now there is nothing to be found but wild grapes? Isit not %■£&££. 
 hereof,that it is no more pruined,digged,.& drefled, but bitten, cation. 
 thrown down & laid waft? & in a word, that all thofecurfes,& 
 maledictions which were foretold by the Prophets, are powred 
 down vpon it. ? if not of the infidelity & carelefnes of the labou- 
 jers,to whom the owner hereof hath committed it to be drefled 
 & husbanded.Whereofalfo doth it happen ,ihat the flock is in 
 fo piteous cafe,& that among the fheep,fome are fcabby,fbme 
 lick, fome lea ne & feeble, others flraying vp & down,& almoft 
 quite loft? If not of this,that they are fallen into the hads of hire- 
 liogs,who looke more after the fleece then the flock,and refpeft 
 more the m ilk therof, then their duties & offices,& not after the 
 exam pie of lacob endure the heat oftheSunne by day, and the 
 cold of the mooneby mght, that they may the better difcharge 
 their calling,& looke more carefully to their folds. S.Matthew Chap.1©, 
 faith, that Chriftleftu feeing the people fcattered abroad, and 
 wandring vp & downe like fheep without a fheppard,had com- 
 paflionon them and faid to his difciples, that theharueit was 
 great, but the labourers were fewe, and therefore that they 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 ihould pray vntotheLorde of the harueft, that hec vvouldc 
 vouchfafe to fend forth faithrull and diligent labourers, to helpe 
 to gather in his harueft. Wherein we may(ee, how all thedif- 
 order ofGodshoufe is imputed to the negligence ofthcftcw- 
 ards and officers. And wee knowe,thattf amafterfindcth his 
 horfe leane, and in euill liking, he blameth no m an but the kee- 
 per.Andfo likewife fuchpaltours muftneedsbe condemned, 
 when as they mult giue an account of thofe wofull miferies, 
 and ruines, where with they hauefo defaced the houfeof God, 
 It is then a m oft pernicious and hurtful thing both in the Church 
 and common wealth to tollerate idle and flouthfuil bellies. 
 The heathen themfclues were not ignorant hereof : as (a- 
 Tbe fixt ar< mong other things,) Tlutarch in his Apothegs reporteth of Dw- 
 fiThH^ w 7^>thcfatherofhimthatwasthetyrantat S^r^wno bc- 
 mmtoftht ^g^ked whether he wereatleifure, and without anybufines, 
 beatben. ^od ^ orD ^ (faith he) that euer I fhould haue fo much eafe. And 
 of the fame opinion was that poore woman, who hauing forne 
 futes in the Court of king Philip the father of Alexander ^at, 
 great, after many del ayes, wasatlength anfweredbytheking 
 that (he fhould be heard, affoone as he had any leifure: whereto 
 fheercplyedprefently, that fliee had rather lofe all and neuer 
 haue iuftice, then that hee fhould be one houre without bufines. 
 For that if eafe be preiudiciall to apriuateman,itismuchmorc 
 hurtful vnto fuch as haue publike functions & offices,who muft 
 alway be vigilant &exercife their places with great care & dili- 
 gence: other wife there will be quickly great confufion & difor- 
 3er in the ft ate & common wealth. It is then very pregnant and 
 a cleare cafe , that ineucry well ordered kingdom, euery man 
 muft be painfull & laborious. It remaineth now to know how, 
 and in what fort. 
 2{<mbe(hew- As concerning the vocation wherin we ought toemployour 
 etb vhatfyd felues, it is neceflary firft,that itbe honcft,& pleafing in the fight 
 ofvocuion ofGod, andreferred vnto fuch an end, as maybe profitable to 
 
 tZ U L Ls ihofe vvith whom we liue. The ancient Grecians haue fo defi- 
 woerein wee | . , _ m _ n r> 
 
 exercife onr ncc * ic > as ma y appeare by Lucian & tuft rat tin Comments vpon 
 felues. the Ethtckj. And fo likewife Ariflotle faith, that not onely all 
 artes&fciences, but alfo all actions and deliberations of men 
 ought to be referred vnto lbrne profitable end. For who is there 
 
 of 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSTIE. 124 
 
 of any found Judgement, which w rill fay, that the cunning, and 
 craft which is vied fecretly and craftily to robbe other men 
 priuily, as the Lacedemonians were wont to doe , or to cogge a 
 dye,or tokeepetreafonfecret ,orto play the pyrate and robbc 
 at lea, as did llarbarojfa and Dragule J{aiz,,ot to entice youth 
 to Iewdnefle,as Ruffians andbawdes doe: or tocolen, as ma- 
 ny courtifansdoe: who is there, I fay, that will affirme,thac 
 thefc craftie dealings and coulenagcs fhould be termed by 
 the name ofexercites, which are fomuch the more hurtfull 
 and pernicious, by how much he is the craftier andcunninger 
 that doeth vie and pra<5tife them? The like may be faidcof 
 thofe cxercifes, which (though they be not hurtfulltoany 
 man) arc notwithftanding vnprofitable and fuperfluous. For 
 what is it worth to daunce vpon a line, or to make daungerous 
 orperillousleapes oriumpes , asdiuers tumblers doe? or to 
 throw millet feedc through the eye of a needle fixe foote off* 
 as hee did which was brought before ^Alexander the great, Plutarch :n 
 or to make harruonie and mufickc of fwinc,as the ^Abbott hi* Apoth, 
 did before Lewi* the eleuenth: orto counterfaitthe nightin- 
 gale as hec did before ^ge flans : or to ftand long vpon one 
 Jegge like a crane: or to graue a carte, a carter, and his horfe 
 in fofmallarooroe, thatalittle flie may couer them with her 
 winges? and a thoufand fuch like toyes and vanities , whereto 
 diuerslight headed fellowes do apply themfelues, beeing enr 
 couraged thereto by the applaufeand commendation of 
 the greater nomberof men, and the admiration of their be^ 
 holders : whofe folly appeareth farre more euidently in this, 
 then othcrwifc it would, if they vfed andexercifed any good 
 profcflion and laudable fcience, which might bring any pro- 
 fit or commoditie with-it. For to fp cake truly, thefemens pro- 
 feffion is nothing xl&^asSDi^wwfaid) but an exceeding wca- 
 rineflc of t he rninde and body , with lofle of labour and time. 
 It appeareth then, that wbenfoeuer we make choiceof any vo- 
 cation, wherein we purpofe toipendc our time, and that wc in^« 
 tend according to the ordinance ofGpd, to^at our mcajte with Gen.3.1*, 
 the fweate of our bro wes , wee muft looke that it be agreeabls 
 to the will ofGod, and profit able to cur neighbour^ 
 
 Now 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 Herehfhew Now as concerning the manner how we muft vfe our vo- 
 etbbotra cation, itishkewife requisite that wee doe it with fuch mo- 
 k*fiM v °c*' deration, that with being too hoteandtoo eager therein, wee 
 LvCedytbAt forget not the principal!, which is firft andformoft to fearch 
 is without the kingdome of God, and the rightcouihefle thereof. We 
 either to muft not bee foferioufly addicted to our labour, or pollicie, or 
 mucbetlee- an y ot h cr bufinefle whatfoeuer, that ic fhoulde bee a hinde- 
 ^muc^defb'tr rance fo f vs, and to withdrawe vs from the marriage of the 
 fmgthegoods kings fbnne, whenas weareinuited thereto, asitisfaid inthe 
 of the worM, parable of the Gofpell. For it will be fmall aduantage for vs, 
 hut keeping if f or a vo k e f oxen * or f or a f amie 9 or for to pleafe a wife, 
 
 IT*™ bot' wce ' e l ^ c 8° 0< * w *^ anc * ^ auour °^ *° g reat a Lorde, 
 Matth.xi.i! an & cnc pleafure and delight wee (hould haue in his compa* 
 Mark. 2. 27. nie. Let vs thinke, that if the Sabbath were made for man (as 
 ChriftfaithJ that then out of doubt all other extcrnall things 
 whatfoeuer, Whata thing would it be then, if that in Mead of 
 pleafuring and profiting vs, they fliould be harmefull and 
 noxious, not onely to our bodies and goods , which can ne- 
 uer profper without the bleffing of God, but alfo to our 
 foules: the health whereof is oftentimes (lowed and quite 
 hindered by thefe worldly cares, which are too excefliue and, 
 furmounting ? The Philoibpher csfrtftippw beeing reproo- 
 uedby one, becaufc his houfes and landes in the countrcy 
 were greatly decayed, for that hee had fo fmall care of them, 
 anfwered, that hee had rather they fhouldcome to naughr, 
 then that hee himfelfe fhould periflh with taking too much 
 care ouerthem: which would infue if hee {houlde dwell 
 in them . By this reproofc,and the anfwere which was 
 made, wee mayeafily gather, what is to be obferued herein: 
 that is to fay: that extremities in all things are to be auoided. 
 It is a point of euill husbandrie tobefocarelefle, as to let our 
 goods go tonaught by our negligence. Anditismuch worie, 
 when as wee are fo greedic and couctous , that ourdefre 
 draweth vs to death and deftru&ion. We cannot theritake 
 a better courfe, orgouerne our felues more wifely , then if we 
 returnetoGods firft inftitution , and follow that order,which 
 God hath let downe: thatis, tomakeour goods ferueforour 
 
 bodies; 
 
 
 Plutarch. 
 
 
AGAINST CVR10SITIE. 125' 
 
 bodies; our bodies for our foulcs; and they both for the glo- 
 rie of Gcd,and the attaining of life cuerlafting , which we hope 
 for by his promifes. The which that wee may the better 
 obtaine, wee muft indeauour and a(Tay by all meanes pofli- 
 ble to deliuer our heartes and mindes from couctoufnefle, 
 which is the rooce of all euill, and the principal! caufc, which 
 doeth make vs fo much to forget thofe things that apper- 
 tainc tothe glory of God j and giueour (elucs wholly to game 
 and getting, and neucrthinke of any thing, but of our corrup- 
 tible and earthly treafures. 
 
 And feeing that the originall and the continuance of eue- Wetmufl 
 rie good worke hath his beginning from God , and that needesedU 
 without his bleffing wee neede not looke for any -good YP°* G ** 
 fucceflc in any our labours and trauels : it is requifue that t - malu i £g i 
 weinuocate and call vpon the name of the Lorde at the be- /,w 
 ginning of our exercifes, and that whenibeuet w« take a- 
 uy thing in hande , wee fay that verfc of David* Our helpe it PfaL 114. 8. 
 in the name of the Lorde , which hath made hoth heatten and 
 jearth. Which thing the lewes hatie heldc by an dlde cti- 
 ftome taken from their auncefrours, which they obferae 
 atthis day, and that lb ftricStly , that neither themfclues, nor 
 their children doe fpeake or write any thing , but they be- 
 ginne with this inuocation vpon the name of God \ ac- 
 knowledging hereby, that if in bearing thofe petitions 
 which they make, hee will not vouchfafe to blefle and fur- 
 ther them in their counfels and indeauours , it is impoflible 
 that euer they fhould fall out profperoully. $ or i£/as David p ^j r 
 faith) God doeth not builde the houfe, thofe labour in vainc 
 that build it. If the Lorde doe not kcepe the ^'^9 jnthebegm- 
 the watchmen watch but in vaine. Gregorie NazAmzxnc ningofbu 
 hath a notable faying to this purpofe: which is, that eucry A^U^eu 
 man ought ( the better to direct: his actions) to beginne with 
 calling vpon the name of God , and to end his workts with 
 hispraifes . Samt ^Afi/fov confirmation hereof propbundeth 
 (in my opinion) a very excellent- and fit fimilitude, whichis 
 this, that as Mariners failingvpon thefea, the better to direct 
 their courfe, doe in the daytime behold thcSunne, and in the 
 
 night 4# 
 
 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 night fcafon the pole ftarre: fo likewife wee (the better to go- 
 
 uerncour a&ions, and to difpofe of our affaires) muftalwaies 
 
 lookc vp tohcaucn, and recommend our fclues vnto God, from 
 
 whom cometh all our delight and direction in all our bufincs. 
 
 After chat wee come thus prepared to our labour , wee muft 
 
 TbttwocM- alfo in all our actions haue a charitable regard of our neigh* 
 
 ^*namd bours : and charitie(as S. Pout tilth) is fuch a thing, as fecketh 
 
 mufi be con* nother owne, nor dealeth not difhoneftly, noris notmoucd to 
 
 ioyned with anger, nor is not fufpitious, nor reioyceth not in that which is 
 
 a charitable cuUl, it is notcnuious,neither is it puffed vp , neither is itproude, 
 
 ajfeflia tow b ut icis patientand meeke, itendureth,itbeleeueth,it hopeth, 
 
 bbmrs anc * Tuffereth all things. We walking after this fort in our voca- 
 
 j^Cor 13.4. tloI *> an< * cneerer u^y goingforward inthe fearc of God, fecking 
 
 nothing, but that which is ncceffaric for vs, and employing and 
 
 bellowing the reft,wherc neede requireth fin which things the 
 
 duty of a Chriftian efpccially confifteth ) no doubt but ^od will 
 
 blefle our labours, and profper our indeauours. 
 
 The fecod forts of cares which we take, (as I haue fetdown 
 i.Vewbttn- inthe beginning) aretouching the iflfueand eucnt of ouraf- 
 trestetbof fakes and actions. For as all our defires are vfually very extreme 
 tbefecond anc j vehement, fo we couet nothing, but with great and mar- 
 ft* *■! ue ^ ous no P c « Now there is no hope, (as the old faying island as 
 ternetbee- dayly experience doc teach vs) without anguifli and perplexi- 
 ventiofow tie of mind, which is greatly augmented, nay twice doubled, 
 eowifeb. with akindof feare and diltruft, which is mingled therewith: 
 when as (considering the vncertenty, change, andmutabilitie 
 of all things) we begin to recken vp all fuch mcanes as may fru- 
 ftrateour defires.Shal notour minds when as they are inuironcd 
 with thefc ftrong & violent paffions (as with mighty and ftrong 
 wals)bc wonderfully vnquietfand there is no better preferuatiue 
 againil this poifon, then to think that we can not adde a cubite 
 Icrc. x o. 13. vmo our ne Ȥ nt or Mature, by taking thought : and that, as fa 
 r«w/*faieth,thevvay of man is not in him fclfe, neither is itin 
 man to walke and to dirccl his fteppes . For if wee consi- 
 der that all things are of him, by him, and in him, and that of 
 two fparrovvesthat arc fold for a pen nie, not one ofthcmfall to 
 the ground without his will : & that all the heares of our heads 
 arc nubrcd: that al things fal out by his prouidece:(hal it not be a 
 
 great 
 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 226 
 
 great comfort vnto vs and checre vs wonderfully ? in taking a- 
 way from vs thofe dangers & difcommoditics,which may hap- 
 pen vnto vs,if all things fas the Epicures hauc laid) were gover- 
 ned without rule or order,and wholly directed by chaunce,and 
 by the rafhneiTc of(I know not what)fortune;and moderate our 
 hope, which on the other fide would either be too great or too 
 little, too hafty or too flowc, ifit were grounded vpon our o wne 
 counfcls,and thatthe effect thereof did depend vpon our ownc 
 cogitations,and not vpon the will and pleafure of God. 
 
 Whereby it appeareth, that there is nothing more profitable Te/lmeric: 
 vnto men,then that all their affaires arc vnder the government & °f * t K 0U K 
 rule of God, and wholly ordered by his devine providence : for 
 they are furerhatif they levehim, and be of the number of his 
 Ele6t,that all thingesrfiall fall out well with them: and feeing R om .8.i7. 
 that he hath not fparcd his oncly Sonne, but hath given him for 
 vs,hc will alfo give all other things wkh him.That all thingsare i.Cor.j. 
 ours, be it the worlde, be it life or death, PaulyCeph^^ox^- *V*. 
 polio, things prefent and things to come, that whatsoever wee 
 take in handeifwebeiu[l,{liall al waves profperandbeblefTed; 
 that God will powre do wnc his benefites plentifully vponvsj 
 thathewillbebountifullinrewardingofvs, and cover vs with 
 his favour as with a fliield. He ftiali be our defender, our tower Pfal .r.$. 
 and our ftrong foundation; hewillcovervs with his wings, and anc * ^' 9U 
 we fhall be furc vnder his feathers: fo that we fhallnotbe afraid 
 ofthc feare ofthe night,nor ofthe arrow that flyeth by day : the 
 peftilence that walketh in the darkenciTe f"hali not hurt vs, nor 
 the plague that deilroieth at noone day. And further it isfaidthac 
 thofe which truft in the Lord.are like vnto the mdatSiox. which Pia *- ,2 J» 
 can not be mooved,but ftandeth faft for cver.As the mountains * ' 
 are about Ierufalem, fois the Lorde about his people from this 
 time foorth for evermore. For the rodof the wicked fhallnot 
 reft vpon the lot ofthe righteous, left the righteous put foorth his 
 hand vnto wickednetle. And like wife in another place; Al thofe 
 which hate Sion (hall be confounded and driven backewarde ; 
 they fhaibe like the graiTe vpon the houfetoppe, which withe- 
 rcth before it be gathered. And he faith alfo, bleffed is everie one Pfal.i i8.i,> 
 that feareth the Lorde, and walketh in his wayes : for thou (halt 
 eate the labours of thine handes,thou fhaltbe blcffed,audit fhal 
 
 S z be 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 Efay^.f. be wehviththeeThc Lord Oial create vpon cuery place of mout 
 Stoti & vpon the affcinblies cherof,a cloud & fmoke by day,& the 
 Alining of a (laming fire by night.-for vpon ai the glorie fhalbc a 
 defence :& a covering fhalbefor thefbadowintheday for the 
 hcatj&a place ofrefuge Sea covering for the ftorm,8cfor the rain. 
 There are an infinite number more of fuch promifes in the 
 Scripture for to dflurevs, that if we will trultin God, his grace 
 and favour fhall never be wanting vnto vs, both to provide 
 for vs thofe thinges chat are ncceiiarie, as alio to keepe and 
 preferue vs from all harme and inconvenience what fo- 
 ever. 
 ^ comh ft m why then fhouid we be fo tormented and vexed with the 
 point with" care anc * CQ g* c 2tion °f thinges to come ?. Why doe wee 
 ancxlmta* not tru ^ *• c be worde and promife of fo good a Father ? Can 
 tionto every we have any one wifertogoverneour actions, or a more vali- 
 omtotYufl antCaptainetodefendevs? andina worde, Is there any crea- 
 w od. ture either in heaven or earth more mightie, more prudent,morc 
 faithfuU,more vigilant,, or more affectionate then he is ? Can we 
 be more fpeedily fuccourcd then by him in all our affaires ? Can 
 there any evill happen Yntpvs 3 il: he haue once taken vsinto his 
 protection ? Dxvsa haying confideredthis, and being aiTuredly 
 -'^" perfvvaded that God was his buckler and defence, his glorie, 
 and the lifter vpofhis head, addeth with great affurednefle and 
 conftancie, that he vvouldelayhimdowneand re(t,and would 
 not be afraide though tenne thoufand fhouid fet rhem felues a- 
 gainithim.Solikewtfeit is moft ccrte,that if we be wc.l fetledin 
 an affuted; hope of (yods mercies, wee fl-nlleafily withitandc 
 thefe cares and vexations, which doe fo exceedingly difquiet 
 Tlutarch, our mindes. Tbtlhpve .the father of ^Alexander the great, be- 
 ing rcprooved for that he flept toolongin the morning, consi- 
 dering the multitude ofthofc affayres which he had daily to 
 difpatch, anfwered; that hCe might fafely flcepe, folong as his 
 Jivetenaunt <is4nttyiter was awake. In like manner may wee 
 reft at our eafe, fo long as this great eye of the providence of 
 God which feeth all thinges, is open and carefull to guide vs 
 and our affayres, when fo ever wee commit them into his 
 handes. And we have greater reafon todocfo, thcnTbitlippc 
 had, for. due our cpnfidence in God is farrc more excellent 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 127 
 
 and ccrcen, then any thatisrepofedin his creatures. Where* 
 fore to conclude, cuery oneof vs muftpainefuliy and diligently 
 labour in 'chat vocation whereto wee are called, and we mult 
 recommendc our labours vnto God, to give them what fuc- 
 ccfle it pleafethhim : never doubting but c/od will bleiTe them, 
 ■though for the time the rtieanes bee fectete and vnknow- 
 en vnto vs. 
 
 Itremaineth no we that we fpeake of the laft fort of cares and ]' h ^^ r \ Q f 
 vexations , which a great number of men take or lupcrflu- cares concern 
 ous and impertinent matters. A thing that wonderfully vexcth ningfuper- 
 and tormenteth mens mindes at this day, For there are fewe fitousand 
 men, which cancontainc them felvcs within the boundes of ^j 
 their vocations, and who have not a fecretz itching hu- ' *' 
 mour,which mutt be skratched continually : and as though 
 they were bitten with fleas, they are ever itirring and deh- 
 rous to knowe many thinges, which are neither profitable 
 nor neceilarie, but rather verie hurtfull divers wayes, as wee Uee ^r covt , 
 fhali fee hereafter. Firft of all, I fay^ic is a verie naughtie thing, ret ^ ( f jem ;j: 
 and expreiTely forbidden by the worde of God, toleauet'noft cbie&scen. 
 thinges that appertainc vnto our eflate and vocation, and demnedby 
 intermeddle our felvcs in other mens matters . For it is ^^rdof 
 meetc that every one ( according to the faying of Saint 
 Paul) fhouldc endeavour to bee quiet, and to meddle with 
 his owne buiineffe. And even as wee ice in a mans bodie By fiaili* 
 diftinCt members to hauc their fcverall offices, the one not tiidei% 
 meddling, with the others office and duecie, fo that the in- 
 fcriours doc not envie the fuperiours jj or that thorowe dif- 
 cordc and diffention one of them fhoulde rcfufc to pleafurc 
 the other : fo likewife in Common-weakhes, and efpeci- 
 alJy in the Church, all Chriitians ought fo to live one with 
 another, that: though their places and charges bee diffe- 
 rent, yet they fhouldc alwayes remaine vnited in their Bytherepe* 
 mindes, and flioulde be like divers travellers, which by fun- henfion of 
 drie wayes goe to one and thefelfefarne place. As Cbrift /<?- 0*$ lefuu 
 /wpafledby a ccrtaine village necrc vnto Ierufalem, hee was Luke * 10 « 
 idefiredby CMartba to comebecre and lodge in her houfe.- 4 i4 * 
 ,\vherfc : when hee efpyed her bufie about many thinges, 
 -'io&itHat her lifter. CMartc fate ti&axnb at -his fee te, se 
 
 S 2 hearc 
 
I 
 
 THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 heare andvnderftandehis wordcs 3 faidvntoher,(anfwcringvn- 
 to a complaint chat (he made,for that her fifter left hcrtofcrvc all 
 alone) CM-irtba thou art carefull, and art troubled about many 
 things : but one thing is neceffaricc^iry hath chofen the good 
 pare , which (hall not be taken away from her. Wherein he rc- 
 prooved heroftwothinges, which oughtto be kept andobfer- 
 ved; Firlt/orthat (he preferred her worldly cares before the hea- 
 ring of the word ofGod. Secondly, for that (he tookc fo many 
 things in hand at once. 
 . . And to lpeaketruely, it is not poflTible for a man to doe many 
 Kiofour things well s or that his mind fhould be fuch,but that in deviling 
 minds which of lundriethings,he (hall finde him fclfe fcarcely fufficient to do 
 is illitfirated any one of them as they ought to be done. For as we fee in run- 
 ty a jfr/e nm „ r ivers,that the force of the water is greatly diminilhed, 
 tempirijon. vv j iert as ^ currant: thereof is turned into feverall little ftrcams, 
 & that both the heate & the light do lofe very much of their ver- 
 tue,when as they are difperled abroad into large and open pla- 
 ces:So like wife ithappenethtoour minds, when as they are ap- 
 plied vntofeucralftu dies which fomtimes arecotrariconctothe 
 other,fo that we thinking (through an ambitious defire) to doc 
 manythinges, in the ende effect and bring to pafTe nothing, as 
 we fhould do, And therefore cy£/fy,being difpoied to deride this 
 foolifh & ambitious curio (itie^t fuch time 3s he fhould be fold 
 among 2 or 5 other Haves, 6c that all ofthem being asked by the 
 marchant,which fhould buy them,what they knew,had aniwe- 
 jed,they knew all things/aid (beingasked what he knew,) that 
 he knewenothingjfeeing they knewe all. Whereupon the mar- 
 chant perceivingthefubtikie and fineffeofhis wit, thought him 
 more worth then all the other : and imagined that he had good 
 occafionto mocke the others prefumptuousmindes, who did 
 brsg they knew al things whatfoever,feing it is a very hard mat- 
 ter to find arty man perfec^and lufficiently inftru&ed in any one 
 fcience,though he hath diligently employed him felfe thereto al 
 the dayes of his life: according to the example ofwifc andskilful 
 husband men,who cut and prune the fuperfluous branches from 
 their vines, to the ende that the fappe and blood fhould not be 
 difperfed among vnneceflaryboughes, but be conveyed tothc 
 good braunches, thereby to make thcra the more fruitefull: 
 
 2 So 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 12S 
 
 So alfomuft we gather, and mufter as it were together, all the 
 vigour andftrcngth of our fpirites ro one fole thing, if we dc- 
 (ire to bee excellent and furpalfing therein. And for this caufe 
 sAmbtttm it felfe, which ( for that wee woulde bee efteemed 
 and renowmed among men) doeth make vsenterprifefo ma- 
 ny and fo divers thinges, fhoulde withdrawc vsandpluckevs 
 backe from that courfe. For we never heard of any man that 
 prooved excellent in anything, ifhee didnot wholly addict 
 and confecrate him -felfe thereto. And I thinkethcre is nothing 
 that hath fo much hindered our nation from attayning vnto 
 that height of perfection and glorie in many artes, whereto 
 fundrieof the Grecians and Latines afpired,as that vaync 
 and foolifh Curiofitie which wee have j to give and addi& 
 our felves vnto many things. For ( God bee thanked) there 
 are as many excellent wittes in FrAunce^ as in any other coun- Tbecumut 
 trie wherefoever, and fuch as have a great goodwill thereto,' defreofma. 
 and very able bodyes to endure any travaile : but wee fee nyVrcnchmc 
 
 fewe that have the conftancie to perfift and ?oe forwarde in to y ma 
 
 n v 11 l l tittle tn every 
 
 any one arte or itudie : and there are not many, who have t \j' tn » mA , 
 
 fo much difcretion as to choofe that which ts mod meete k^thtbem 
 and agreeablefbr them. Wee have fcarcely fofoonetaftedthe ignorant to 
 rudiments of anyonearte,butfborthwtthweethinkewemay ^^^51. 
 proceede matters in the facultie, and fuppofe we are famili- 
 arly acquainted with every precept. And this is the rcafonwhy 
 wee runne from one thing to another, and in a very fhorttime 
 we thinke we have attained to all perfection , and may pro- 
 ceeds Doctors in every profdfion : and by this meanes there 
 arife many confufions m the Church and Commonwealth* 
 For after that wee are once poffeflfed with a perfwafion of 
 our capacitie and fufficiencie, wee foorthwith waxe proudc 
 and prefumptuous, we will give place to no man, we grovve 
 veric opinionate and ftrong headed, wee will ftoutly main- 
 taine our owne imaginations, we never regarde,vnle{fe it bee 
 too late, thecounfelland advice of other men .• and ifperad- 
 venture it bee offered, we arcafhamed to followeit; we will 
 needes bebelecved both in matters ofwarre and peace, both 
 in pollicie and divinitie, and generally in whatfotver we fay 
 ordoe,we will be Orators and Poets,Captaines, mufrtians>and 
 
 S 3 all 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 all in conceitc : like the foolc ofSyracnfc, who being over-ruled 
 with anjelancholickq humour, wasperfwaded that he was the 
 iicheft man that was in all the world,and that al the (hips which 
 arrived in the haven were loden with his marchandize. And 
 we thinke that we are excellently feene in all thinges : Co that in 
 this point we differ little or nothing ; for we are wife as he was 
 rich,that is,onelyinconceite andopinion. And with this foolifh 
 cogitation we encerprife great matters, when asindeede we arc 
 asfittetocornpaflethem,(astheoldc faying is) as analTeisto 
 fing,oran oxc todauncc. And hereof infueth infinite difcom- 
 modities.and oftentimes the overthrowe ofour felues, the 1 uine 
 of our fcicnds,and the deftruciion ofour countrie, asit may cafi- 
 ly appeare in divers hiftories, 
 divert no- Corak/Dathan, and ^/r*w,ihough they had a very honou- 
 r*Me to/to- r able office about the tabernacle of the Lorde, andminiftred 
 wldemt tncre before the whole Congregation of Gods people, yetnot- 
 declarewkat withftanding they were not content herewith,but being moo- 
 great mif- ved partly with Amhition,and partly with Envie,and Curiofitie, 
 chiefis am- would needs(as it were by force) thruft Moyfss out of his chaire, 
 *r'T 'b*' thmkingthcmiclvcsasfitfortherDurncashewas. Wherewith 
 caufed. ^ ^ was ^° m ghty difpleafed, that in the prefence of all the peo- 
 Nom. 1 6, i. pic he caufed the earth to open, and tofwallowe vpboth them 
 felves, their wives and children with their whole families. As 
 long as Saul walked in thcwayesofhisGod, & enterprifed no- 
 , thing but that which was commanded him,heprofpered migh- 
 of Samuel. Pty * n a ^ ms a &i° ns ; but aflbone as he went further, all thinges 
 went backe ward with him fo long, that both him iclfc and his 
 children were -wh oily deftroyed, i/ibfrlom and Adonia* froth 
 of them ambitioufly feeking (contrary to the will of God) to 
 reigne over 7/r4<?/,wcre miferably destroyed in the flower of their 
 i.Sara.i* . a g e > an d tnat infach *°" a * was farre vn worthie the nobleneffe 
 1 6. of their birth and their former felicitie : whereas if they woulde 
 
 i King.r. haue bene contented with their eftates, they might have lived 
 *> 2 ' mod happily like Kings fonnes, and haue enioyed both honour 
 
 a,Sam.xo.a. and pleafure,as much as they might have well defire d.Sbeba the 
 fonne of ^/r^r/,perceiving after the overthrow of Abfaiom,thn 
 the ten tribes werefomethingdifpleafed withT>4W, thought 
 to take the occafion while it was off ered.and vfed all the means 
 
 ha 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE, iz? 
 
 be could to dr awe the people after him to make him felfc King r 
 but becauie it wasagainft the ordinance of (jod^nftead of bec- 
 ing crowned,he had his head cut off. Vz,i*h ,though otherwifc a a.Chroa 
 veriegood King,a good man, and fearing Godfas wehavefaid 16.16. 
 before) after many great vi&ories gotten againft hisenemics, 
 yet in the ende dyed a Leper, being (eparatcd from the Congre- 
 gation/or that through aprefumptuous curiofitic, not content 
 with his. Roy all dignitic wherctohee was called, and whichhe 
 might fafely and honourably have vied, would necdes (contra- 
 rietohisvocationj burne incenfe hi the Temple, and vfurpe 
 the office which oncly appertained to the children and fuccck 
 fours of Arott % as Anurias the high Prieft declared vnto him. Si* 
 jw<wthcforceTcr, feeing the Apoftles to give the holy C?hoil by A&s.S.x8« 
 laying on of handes, offered themmoney, and thought tohave 
 purchafed the like authorise; but becauie he fought to get that 
 by wickedmcanes, which God doeth freely give to whomfoc- 
 veritplcafcthhim,S.T*frr(towhomehemade hisfuite) fent 
 him away with this anfwer;Thouand thy mony perifh together. 
 ThendMylndas the Cjaldean, and many others raifed vp great tu- j ft p j ma 
 mults among the Iewes, faining that they were fent of God to 
 deliver them from the fervirude of the Romanes, and to reduce 
 them againeto their former fteedome : but becaufe their coun- 
 lels andindeavours proceeded from men, they and all fuch as 
 followed them were quickly o verthrown.Certaine of the Iewes A ^ & 19l ^ 
 that were exorciits(as Luke writeth)feeingthc woderful works 
 that Taut wroughr,a[Tayed to invocate(as well as he) vpon the 
 name of the Lord Iefus,over fuch as had w i eked ipiritSjfayi ng,we 
 conjure you by Iefus whomc /Wprcachethrbut the euill Jpirit 
 knowing that they had taken this in hand by their own authori- 
 tic,anfwercd : Iefus I acknowledge^ PaulIknow,but who arc 
 yc?& forthwith the man,who had the evil fpirit, ran on them,& 
 overcame them,& prevailed againft the, fo that they fled a way 
 naked,& woundedjthcrcby declaring what a dangerous thing it 
 is,tocnterpriic anything without a lawfull vocation. 
 
 Amongothcr things thatthe falfe prophets are blamed fbr,this 
 was oncoftheprincipall; that they would prophecy and preach 
 every where without any vocation. Foritisimpoifiblethatwe 
 fliould be fittc for any thing, if wee be not called thereto by the 
 
 S 4 fecrete 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 fccrete counfell and.efpeciall favour of God , as it doeth moil 
 evidently appeare in fundrie Bifhoppes, who woulde necdes 
 prevent the cle&ion,.by the which (according to Gods insti- 
 tution andthcEcelelialticall order) they oughtto be called and 
 appointedto their c harges; but they have gotten them by bribes 
 and by favour, and have governed them after as every man 
 knowes: fome have maintained warres with the revenues 
 of the Church j others have courted it; others have purchafed 
 their pleafures,and builded them goodly pallaces and beautiful 
 gardens; & the wifet fort among them have enriched their hou-: 
 ies: and not one of them hath declared by effeclt, that he was 
 worthieofthat place whereto he hathfo greedily climed and 
 afpired.What doe I fay? there are many of them farre morefitte 
 to cry muitard about the ftreets, then for any fuch office and fun- 
 ction : and thofe who fet the faireftrountenance vpon the mat- 
 ter,thinke they have fufficiently difcharged their dueties towards 
 Cjad and man , if they come to church once in a yere with their 
 miteron their heads,their Croflein their hands, and their rochec 
 about their necks, giving their £/j//?^//benedidtion to fomany 
 as come to behold them, & if peradventure they chance to read 
 fervice vpon any great fefhvalday,fay made, or give any orders, 
 they thinke prefently they have done more then other men,and 
 that ifGod fhouid call them to a reckening,he mult necdes pay 
 them fome thing back again. But to preach the word,whicb is 
 the fundatio ofthe church,& the meat wherwith it is nourifhed, 
 & the lamp which fhould lightenit,to guide & conduit it inthe 
 darknesofthis world,&the weapons wherewith it is furnifhed 
 either to defend her felfe,or orfend her enemies,tbe medicine to 
 healeher wouds & fores: to prcach(as I fay)this wholfom word 
 foundly &publikly to the people, wholive in great ignorance & 
 blindnes^to adminifter the facramentsaccordingto the inltitiu 
 tion diChrtfl lefksj\\z more fully to confirme vsjto vific Sccom- 
 fortthe fick & difeafed,to harbor the poore & needy,to reprove, 
 to threate,toadmonilri with aipatiece& long fuffring,to watch 
 over the flockc, and (tobefhort) faithfully to husband and ma- 
 nure the vineyarde,that it may beare and bring forth fruite vnto 
 the Lord thereof, there is not a worde, nor any newes of all this : 
 yeathofe who carry a fhe we,as though they could do it,pafl(c it 
 
 aver 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 130 
 
 over very flightly, thinking it a difgrace vnto them, to take any 
 fuch thing in hand, as nothing befecming their callings. And 
 wee ncede not looke for any other of fuch as are not called of 
 God , but will needes thruft them felues into fuch charges and 
 offices. For where hee hath not called,there hec beftoweth no 
 grace nor any blefling, without the which it is a clecrecafe,wee 
 can doe nothing. We bring many reafonstocloakeourambiti- 
 on,and to coucrour diforderedcurioufnes, but time doth eafilic 
 difcouer our hypocrifie , and the effect doetheuidently declare, 
 that it is exceedingly preiudiciall and hurtfull. 
 
 There was of late time, lohn Leyden, tJMancer, and Cniper- T j'Jfj™ m 
 do/mge 3 and many other, who enterprifed great matters,& made °l a p t 'a S) a*} 
 the ignorant fort belecue in the beginning,that they were Angels ^f a nu of 
 and 'Prophets: and thatGod bad fern them to reforme thedif- Germanic of 
 orders and abufcs,that were in the world.Butthey were quicke- h*etimes t 
 ly ouerthrowne,and asmany as tooke their parts,and themfelues 5^^^ 
 in the end were executed: for that they had enterprifed fo great the^&'i* 
 a matter,without any commiffion. Thepefants alfo, which af- bookgofhU 
 fembled together in G>rwrt*/<?,intheyeere i525.towithfl:and Comment** 
 (as they faid)the violence and in Juries offered vnto them by the rm * 
 
 fentlemen,were likewife whollie defeated and difcomfitedrnot 
 ecaufe there was nothing tobefoundinthenobilitie worthie 
 of reprehenfion; but becaufe they had rafhly taken in hand fo 
 waightie a caufe, rather to fatisfie their owne defire, and to lay 
 open a paflageto alllibertie, then for any zcalethey had to iu- 
 fUcc and equitie. For there haue beene many other, who haue 
 profpered in their enterprifes, though in the beginning they 
 werepriuate men, and very much vnprouided for the execution 
 of fo great defeigne?. I willpalTe ouer Moyfes and the cfl£*r- 
 chabees, who with an heroicall and fingular courage, haue ac- 
 complifhed wonderfull things, without any other meanes but 
 onely theircallings fromGodjandfpeakeonely oiTambcrtaw, Paulusio* 
 whocalledhim feifc the fcourge of God,of Caftrttce Cachacahe, vius,Cari- 
 of Francis Sforce, oSHeruce, of Cbertfi who in fpjght of all ™£^ 
 their enemies, haue exceedingly aduanced them felues, fometo 
 be Dukes, other Monarches and Emperous, becaufe that God 
 had appointed them to that ende andpurpofe, againft whofe 
 will and determination,no creature is able to rcfift. 
 
 And 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE, 
 
 M ixctitm And for that wc hauc made mention of the wicked cnterpri- 
 biflorie era- fes, which the pefants of Gcrmame tooke in hand againft their 
 fa™ t0 w*h ' or ^ S ^^y^")^ 3 ^ 1101 ^ amiffeto alledgelome other, 
 pmmbm w ^° m l ^ e ^ c calc ^ ac * acontraric iffue: and that is of the 
 greatly God Smtz,ert 9 who in the daies of our forefathers, not able to indurc 
 bath bleffed the vnfupportable iniuries offered by their nobles, affembled 
 tbofe, who them fellies together, and droue them out of the countrey, and 
 bauere ^ ii /f altering the gouerncment of their ftate, cantioned them felues, 
 ^vfulmans an d haue made a league to defend their liberties: whichthey 
 haue cucr fince fo well obferued, that their nobilitic were ne- 
 uer able to recouer their former authorise. Whereby wee may 
 gather (confidering the fmall time they had toeffed fo great 
 a matter) and that all their counfels fell out fo profp croud ie, 
 yea and farre better then in the be ginning they looked for, that 
 they were fecrctlie called thereto by God him felfe, and after- 
 wards directed by his fpirit, for the execution of their purpofes 
 and intents. In which it is euident, that Gods providence go- 
 ucrncth all things, and that for the humiliation of his creatures, 
 hevfeth fuch meancs asfecmcthbeftvnto him felfe. But it is a 
 very hard matter, yea and almoftimpoffiblejto knowe this di- 
 vine vocation,otherwifc then by the iequele and euent: and it is 
 very dangerous to iudge thereof, by any prefumption what fo c- 
 ver:wherin many hereto fore,and diuers at this day, doc great- 
 ly deceiue them felues. 
 Sxmptes •/ Antigonm s Demetriw y and Tyrrbtu the Ki ng of Epirw, ara- 
 tbeouertbr$9 bitiouflic coveted the Monarchic of the whole worlde,and pro- 
 effuchmen, m jf cc j themfclucs ^through a foolifti opinion con ceiucd of their 
 < en&\tUm ° wnc worthines, and of their great wifedome) thatthey might 
 cur'mfnefc come vnto the height of that glorie & honor that Alexander the 
 bane fought great attained vnto ; but it was in vaine, as the iffue did euident- 
 toadusnee fie declare. For whereas they might (if they had had peaceable 
 J3jflte mindes)haue fafelic cnioied their ownc Kingdomes , which 
 wasconuenio werevcry great and exceeding rich; thinking to aduance them 
 ent fir theft (clues, they were quite ouerthrowne; and hoping to get much, 
 tfiate. they loft all,through an ambitious curioufnes, which imbarked 
 
 Plutarch. ^^ intodangerous actions and counfels,out of wbich(becing 
 once entredjthcy could by no means winde them felues. CMar- 
 ens Antonim after the fame fort, loft halfc the Romanc Empire, 
 
 and 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 131 
 
 and vvithall his honour and reputationjea and in the end his life 
 to. It fecmeth fometimc that our actions are very reafbnable, 
 and grounded vpon good caufe,notwithftandingthc tfTue is ve- 
 ry euill,for that they are begun without asking counfell of God, 
 who in his fecrct wifdom hath determined the contrarie to that 
 which man imagineth. When as Brutus and Cajjitu tooke vpon J " 1 x T^ e 
 them to recouer their auncienthbertiejwherofthcy were vniuft- j^ fcirHk 
 lie depriued by the ambitio of lultiu Cafar: who would nothaiue greateft men 
 thought that fuch an enterprife fhould hauehadaprofperous ought to cary 
 end ? notwithftanding this a&ion of theirs, did breede more mif. tbemfeiuet 
 ehiefe intheir countrie,thenalkhe former warres. This is then a ^ ^^r 
 thingto hediligently confidercd,what warrantife we haue, whe t ^ t y ca m„* 
 as we enterprife anything, and not to follow tliefwingeofour 
 ownc affections. All men are not capable of allthings;and there- 
 fore it is necelTarie fbrthctranqu'diticof euery one in particular, 
 and ofthe common-wealth in generall, for euery man to betake 
 him felfe vnto that which is fitted for him. Let the gentleman 
 play the fbuldiour,and the Iudge adminifter iuftice,the treafurers 
 and auditours looke to the receits and finances, and let the Bi- 
 fhops in(truc*t the people in the waies ofthe Lord. 
 
 Hannibal vpon a time hearing Pbormio y who with great de- n\a„- m 
 light to himftlfe,and applaufc ofthe people, difcourfedof mili- fbew'mg that 
 tarie aflaires; as,howe toformeabattcll,toincampe,toa{TauIc, A is a very 
 to leade an armie, and fuch like: beeing in the endedefired to ™f* thm l 
 fhewc his opinion, and tofpeake what hee thought of the j^f^j^ 
 man ; anfwered that hee had feene in his time many fooles^ but etm he be, to 
 he neucr fawe a more foole then Thormto : for that fbrfaking meddle in a.- 
 the vocation wherein he had becne brought vp, which was to 9 v °cati<m 
 pleade,and to be anaduocate, would needesdifputc ofmartiaH buthii0wne * 
 affaires,and that in the ptefencc of one ofthe greateft Captaines 
 of the world.There waslikewife a certainemufition,very skilful P | utarc ^ in 
 and cunning in his art, who playingbefore Ph/fip Kingof M*- his treatife'of 
 cedonie, was(through a vain oftentation ofthe King, and to make the difference 
 the people beleeue he had more skill then the matters in the fa- betmene a 
 culticjreprooued ofthe faide Phtltp twifeorthrifc: which the 1***** * 
 mufitiofl did patiently endure, for the rcucrcnce hee bare *r Hndt% 
 to his maicftie , but when as the King would needes rc- 
 prooue him the thirde time, hee faide ; GOD defende 
 
 (moft 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 (moft noble King)that your maicftie fliould lofe fo much time as 
 
 I hauc done in learning of ib contemptible an art,as this is : deli- 
 
 liuering in fewe words, two excellent inftrudtjons : the one, that 
 
 fuchbafe exercifes befeemednot a King, and that it vverefuffi- 
 
 cient for fo great a perfonage , if at any time hisleyfure would 
 
 permit,to recreate him felfe after his other waightie affaires , to 
 
 vouchfafe to heare fuch as were cunning and skilfull.- and the 
 
 other was, that it is a very vnfeemely thing, for any man to iudge 
 
 of another mans knowledge, and to meddle with fuch things as 
 
 Plin.Lsr. furpaffc his vnderftanding. zApclles could not endure, that 
 
 c.i6. the ftioemaker after he had found fault with the !atchet,fhould 
 
 Ncfucor vl- proceede further and meddle withthelegge.Foritis impoilible, 
 
 tracrepida. t fat W e ftioulddoeany thing well, iolong as we attempt ought 
 
 beyond our knowledge. 
 
 Gregorie Nzftene faith , that when we willneedes enterprife 
 fuch things, as are to deepe for vs,andaboue our reach, we often- 
 times flip in very fmall matters, and fuch as would hauebeene 
 very eafie for vs, if we would haueapplied our felues wholly 
 thereto. But there are fome which haue fuch waodnng wittes 
 and fickle heads, that they are neuer contented vntill they haue 
 affaied all meanes, and neuerfinde their owne infuflficiencie, vn- 
 till their follies be made manireft to all the world, to their owne 
 fliame,and the deftru&ion of kingdomes & common-wealths, 
 who pay full deercly for their fooliflines. 
 
 Plutarch rehearfeth a plea fan t apologie of the tayle, which fel 
 ^iftrife with the head, for that it would needs haue the leading 
 ofthebodiein his courfe, and preuailed lb much by his impor- 
 tunitie, that to haue peace, the head was conflrained to graunt 
 hisrequeft;butbecaufeithadnoeiestomakechoiceofhisway, 
 it began to lead the bodieat all aduenture, through buflies and 
 briers,hilles and dales,mire and dirt,fo that it had almoft killed 
 <md torne in pieces rhe reft of the poore members: whopercei- 
 uing them felues in fuch miferable cafe, aflembled together a- 
 gainft their captaine, and made himlcaue hisgouernment; who 
 becing afhamed of hisfollie,intreated the head to take the rute 
 againe into his handes. This is a very liuely defcriprionof thefe 
 ■Pdypragmom and bufie fellowcs, who hauc fuch fhort armes, 
 ^ind yec w'ill necdes clafpe fo marly things; fuppofing that to en- 
 terprife, 
 
 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. M* 
 
 tcrprife, is fufficicnt to execute: and that which doethfo greatly 
 deceiue them, is, that they propound vnto them fcluesthe ex- 
 amples of great perfonagcs,w ho being furnifhed with excellent 
 graces of God, and ftirredvpefpcciallyby him, haue by his 
 favour and protection, accomplifhed wonderrull and admira- 
 ble things; and thinke that in time they may be equal vnto t hem, 
 bothin honour and dignitie^ though they be neuer fofarreinfe- 
 riour vnto themjn vcrtue,wifedomc, noblenes,and magnanimi- 
 tie; which aremcanestoattainevntoallkindeofhappines and 
 profperitie ; and that they imitate nothing intheir hues (as Polj- 
 bitu faithjbut that which is iupcrfluous and vicious, leaving 
 their honourable actions, whereby they haue atchieved fo 
 great glorie, and thinke to gaine as great reputation by their 
 pride and arrogancie. 
 
 And herein they are very like vnto apes,who wil needs coun- AnembUam 
 terfait the geftures of men ; but in nothing but their countenan- **&* * CMi * 
 ces,as in mocking and mo wing,in biting and Icratching. As for 
 thofe excellent qualities wherewith man is indued, as to rea- 
 fon,to talke,tocount,todifcernebetweenegood and bad; they 
 can no skill, they are wholly ignorant, neither is it poflible to 
 make them fit thereto by any meanes whatfoeuer. For as the 
 Phifitions doe fpeake of xhe members of a mans bodie,that 
 they are made and compofed of forme, fubftance, ftrength,and 
 greatnes ; and placed and difpofed very conueniently,to fhewe 
 their erTe&s and operations: fo likewife in eucry common- 
 "wealth God hath railed vp lome men, either Civilians or Di- 
 vines, and furnifhed them with fuch graces andgiftcs, as arc ne- 
 celTarie toerTedt fuch th in ges, as hecJhath before determined. 
 Nowe if the foote will take vpon him to execute the office of 
 the hand,or that the .hand will ncedes walke as the footc .• if the 
 care willftriuetofee,andth«cieto heare: would it not be a very 
 . vaine and fooli(hthing,forthem to enterprife fuch things, fcing 
 they haue notbecne made and framed thereto? In like manner 
 weitriue in vaine, when as wee endeuour to effect fuch thinges, 
 whereto by nature we arc not appointed and ordained.Wcmay 
 $hen conclude,that euery man is not fit for euery thing.- and that 
 (as Ay$qlU faith,) it were ay cry profitable and a good thing, if in bk tohu 
 euery man would betake him fclfc to that, whereto he is molt 
 
 apt 
 
THE SIXTH BO K E. 
 
 apt and pliable : and withallch'at confideringthegrcatinlirmi- 
 tie of all thefc earthly things, and that nothing can he brought 
 vnto his full perfection , wee would be contented and pacified 
 whcnaswefecourielues iniomc rcafbnablcftate&condicjon. 
 Sundrk hi- Pericles and T>emofthevcs in ^Athens % and afcer them Ttbert- 
 flows of di> jgj g racc fj^. anc j Carnal Rome, did excecdinglie trouble and 
 Oirredvp by difejuict the common peace of their Citic5,and mightily hindei' 
 turbulent (pi- 'the peaceable gouernment,which might otherwife hsue beene 
 ritt in the eftablifhed in their common wealths.For though that in the one 
 church and tne [ r was g rcat diforder among the citizens, and that theene- 
 wcaTtbT mic had impaired tne liberties and franchifes of the other : not- 
 withftandingfor that they wouldnot remedy this difordcr,with- 
 outincreaiingthe difeafe, ic had beene much better for them, 
 to haue left things in the fame cftatc they founde them, and to 
 haue born with the time, making fuch aduantage therof, as con- 
 ucniently they might,referring the full reformation of euery dif- 
 order,:© a better opportunities 
 Curious febif" K Tnhke manner there was no iuft caufe, why Bomtm fhould 
 mattes. forfake the Church , and breakc the vnitieand concord there- 
 of, which ought to befo carefullie and charilie obferued among 
 brethren; neither to be the caufe of fuch atragicalland lamen- 
 table euent,asafterwardcfellout,notoneIyin <*/Jfrtck? ,but al- 
 (bin many other parts of the world, to the great rcioycing of 
 the enemies of our religion, and tothe vnfpeakeable griete of 
 Math. 13.9. allfuchasfauourtheencreafeand aduancerncnt thereof. For 
 Haulng dif fuppofe there were many thinges in the Church of Carthage, 
 c ° ur C ed . at which might iuftlie bee reprooued , yet it had beene much 
 mifebiefes * better t0 haue tolerated them for a feafon, then in redretfing 
 tbatarewgc- them, to hazard the plucking vp of the good graine with the 
 dred bycuri? darncll,againft that exppefle commandementjwhich the ma- 
 ^>^ ww fterofthe houfe gauc vnto his feruants* 
 cZvoftbt Buc ic i$ noc-fufecient,io Ihew the nature,th<* e^a^he mifc- 
 tf «rwfa^- 1 ^ 5 > ail ddomages,arifing and fpringtagfrom this palTion^butwe 
 mour : the , muft alfo vnderftand whereof they procecdc,tO the end that wc 
 ftp whereof mt y "the better efchewe them . There is no queftjonjbt.it the 
 ">l he ^^dightncsaaidvnftablenes df our mind.es, are the principall cau- 
 Minted ^f^thcreof. For we doe not commonly fee -liaied- and content 
 ptant vitteMtncnj who hauff-goodand found iudgenKneij and fuch ast haue 
 
 ( as 
 
ACAINST CVRIOSITIE. xjj 
 
 (as Artfloplwies faid of Ckor.)ckX\t footc in the coirrt.ancr another. 
 
 in the countrey, tormented with this humour : bur fuch as arc 
 
 pofleficd with vvandring & flraying cogitations, who will needs. 
 
 occupiecuerytradc,andbeofall occupations, and change their 
 
 opinions as often as they doe their garments. They doc no foa- 
 
 ncr vndcrtakc any thing,but they are prefently wearic of ir, and 
 
 they hauc not fofoonegiuenitouer, but forthwith they would' 
 
 take it in .hand againe. They refemble thofc men, who hauing* 
 
 heard a report of the fertilitie, pleafure, and abound ance, of anjri 
 
 ftrange countrey, are ncucr quiet vntill they hauefeeneit: but 
 
 they haue not beene there ayeere,buttheyarein as great dit- 
 
 iikc with it, as euerthey were with their ownenatiueibyle,* fa> 
 
 t\ut( as Horace notah, and chatmoft exceIIentlyythoughthe)^Epi0.n.!.i. 
 
 change the aire , they neuer alter their nature ; their nlindes are 
 
 as full of fancies, and their heads of toyes, as euerthey were. 
 
 And as we fee the difeafesofmansbodie, doe bring ftichan vn- 
 
 quietnes and irkefomenes with them, that the poOre patient 
 
 difliketh cueric thing what Co eucr, yea fuch oftenpime,%(ffi m 
 
 his health and profpericie, were moll pleallng y^fo. hiroj: -AS? 
 
 riis wife and children, his beddc, his meate anddrioke,an<i 
 
 fuch like: fo like wife it is apparant in the afredrionsof the . ,, . 
 
 minde, which beeing once diitempercd, wee can not longljucr 
 
 contentedlie in any condicion of life what.fo euer. The firft J tcmedx 
 
 mcanes then, to auoide this curious humour, is, to fettle our a &V n A tbe 
 
 mindesina more graue and ftaiedeftate.- for thereby we (hall ™frj™*^ 
 
 notlightly giue ourfelues toany thing, whereof we hau'enot l}e- \ ^ 
 
 fore maturely and aduifedly considered. Andhauing with good 
 
 adtiife and great confederation, taken the matter in hand, itwill 
 
 be no miall difficulties pull vs from it. 
 
 The fecond caufethatingenderethtjiis di (ordered, jiurrfour* Mwsand 
 is, 
 
 eafc as much as rmy bec,:and wouldenot willingJic doe a- tbefirjibtok. 
 ny thing, but followe our pleafures and delights: and forthat 
 we imagine that other men doe Hue better then our felucs, and 
 hauea morefhort and copendious way tQ attain that,which w£ ; 
 fo carneftJy hunt after: thcrfore it is,thac we do fo wifh to enjoy* * f ; 
 
 their 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 their places and callings. And this is the reafon, why fas Horace 
 faith in his GxRSatyre) that the marcbantbeeingvpon thefeain 
 ftormesandtempefts, and feeingin what daungcr both hceand 
 his goods arc,beginneth to lament his o wne misfortune, and to 
 complaine of his eftate and condicion, thinking that euery 
 man is more happie then him felrc, and that his neighbour h- 
 uethafarremcrierlife,thenhe doth.Solikewife doth thelawe- 
 yer,when as his clyents are knocking at his doore, and breakes 
 himfromhis fleepc too timely in the morning. As alio the hus- 
 bandman,wholaboureth all day with little cheere, and abideth 
 hungerandcolde, with many other forrowes all his life long. 
 God knowes euery one of thefe, is wondrous plentifull,in re- 
 .1.M1 counting his owne mifchieres,& the forowes whereto he isfub- 
 ie£t: asalfo in remembring his neighbours quiet life and great 
 felicitie.But as in commending the one,they regard nothing but 
 the eafe and quictnes thereof ; (bin difpraifing the other, they 
 refpeft nothing but the forow and vexation wherewith it is ac- 
 companied. Whereby it euidently appeareth,that the grcatcft 
 caufeof our inconftancie and mutable curiofitie, is our idlenes, 
 and hatred we beare to trauell and paincs taking. 
 fL- jtj %.. This is alio a great caufe of our curiofitie, when as we diiclain 
 ofwrvoca- an " contemne our callings, as elteemmg them too bale and too 
 tioythetbhd Vile for vs: though that in decde, there is no trade fo bad, which 
 caufeofcu* will notmaintaine him that vfeth it(as TV*?™ the Empcrour was 
 fjofote. ^^j to fay land which will not enrich a man,ifhebe fufficicnt- 
 Plutarch, v P*WWb and indulirious therein. 
 
 Efttminondas one of the moft famous Captames that euer 
 was in Greece ,was oncechofen by the Thebanes, to looke to the 
 making cleanc of the ftreetcs and clenfingof their finkes : and 
 albeit in the opinion of diuers of his friends,it was a very diiho- 
 nourable office for fo worthieaperfonage:yethe accepted of it 
 very willingly, faying, that he would make it apparant,thatmen 
 were not honouredby their offices,but that the offices were ho- 
 noured by the men : and afterwards he fo wifely and difcreetc- 
 ly behaucd him fclfc in his charge, that he purchafed great ho- 
 nour -and commendacion throughout the citie. WearenotalL 
 TiwsLiv. tn^greatlords of ^«r^mndc Ediks , before they were Sena- 
 Plwarch.' dWrt? ( which office "Was ordained in their common-wealths 
 jn for 
 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. IJ4 
 
 for tohauc the oversight ofofrcpayringtheir publickc hallcs, 
 the clenfing of their ftreetes, and the mending of their con- 
 duces. And although fuch offices feemed verie vnworthiefuch 
 men,who feemed rather to be Kinges then Senatours, notwith- 
 standing they were exceeding curious in the difcharge there- 
 of, and were no more afhamed,then of a better office. 
 
 There were ibmc among the moft famous men oftheirCi- Theconfi- 
 cie, who were taken from the plough, and honoured with the at .*? no [ 
 greateft dignities of their Commonwealth; and having exe- am? \ iit atht 
 cuted their charges worthily, and heldc their places the time contraries 
 the Lawe prefcribed, returned againe to play the good huf- agreatreme* 
 bandes at their farmes in the Countrie. And the c Pamarchej s *j*$M* 
 whowerefbrichandfomightie, that their neighbour Kinges J^jfJ^ 
 came in perfon vnto them, and were glad of their allyaunce Lookc Gc. 
 and friendfhippe .• UWoyfes, who had bene brought vp in the nefis& Ex- 
 Court otPbxrao, and adopted by his daughter to fucceede in ocJus - 
 thekingdome of <s£jrypt: SWand £>dW,whereofthe one was ™j *• *? 1% 
 Kingalreadie, and the other heyre apparant to the Crowne, Samuel. 
 were they not all wont to kcepe their beaftes in the fieldes, and 
 to watch them likefhepheardes? But this is an example of all jmojiex- 
 other, that may fuffice to teach vs,that we may not difdaine our ccltemex- 
 caliing,howvileandabie6tfoeveritbc:andthatisoftheSonnc anpUofall 
 of God, who being Creator and foveraigne Lord ofall thinges ^ 4 ^^, 
 whatfoeucr, did notwithftanding fo abafe and humble him we ought not 
 felfe, that he tookevpon himthefhapeofa fervaunt, and made dejpife our 
 him felfe like vnto men; for whome in the ende he was crucifi- calling*. 
 ed, after that with wonderfull humilitieandlowlinc(Te he had 
 wafhed many of their feete and legges. What man is there at 
 this day fo proude and haughtie hearted,that is notaballied and 
 afhamed to ihewe himfelfe difdainefull of any eftate and condi- 
 tion,howe poore and penurious foe ver? Smta T^/fpeakingto i.Cor.ia. 
 this purpofc,fetteth downe a verie fitte comparifon ofthe mem- 
 bers of a mansbodie, faying thattbofe members which feeme 
 to be more feeble are necerTarie,and vpon thoie members of the 
 body which we thinke moil vnnone(r,put we more honeftie on.- 
 and ourvneomely partes have morccomlincfleon. Wherein 
 helaborethtoproove nothing elfc but thus much, that though 
 our eftates,and wealfo whoexercife them, be bafe & contemp- 
 
 T I tible 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKB. 
 
 tiblc,yct notwithstanding we muftnotdefpife them, for that of- 
 tentimes they are as ncce(Tarie& as profitable for the common 
 wealth as any other. And therefore it becommeth not vs to bec 
 wearie of our vocations, and to defire other callings we knowe 
 not what. 
 jtmbtiiojL Ambition likewifc is another great caufe of this curiofitie 
 and an a$i- whaof we fpcake at this prefent. For as we fee covetous & grie- 
 mg mind to dy minded men, which doe skratch & fcrape together they care 
 beabov:o. t vv ,j- iac anc j withoutany fhame doe pluckcand wring from 
 thers, the , . . J. , J l lT u / 
 
 fourth cauCt their neighbors they care not how,nor by what mcanes.(as may 
 
 of curhjme. wellappeareby thcimpoft and taxe which the Emperor fospa- 
 jfatflaidvponvrinesj So likewifc there are fomefoproudeand 
 ambitious, that they would be accounted the chicfe and princi- 
 pal! men wherefbever they become. If they fee any man that is 
 an excellent Mufitian, a good Tennis-player, a fwift Runner, a 
 cunning fencer,a learned poet,a skilful minflxel,or a faire game- 
 fter,they aflay prefently ifthey can counter fait him, to thcendc 
 they maybe fpoken of,and that they may be placed in the rank 
 ofgood fellowes.Now ifthofe things we vfe,be naught; we can 
 not imagine a greater difpraife then to be commeded for them : 
 and ifthey be indirTercnt,all the comendation that wecan rcape 
 by the knowledge ofthem,islike vntothat, which is often given 
 vnto the prodigall man,thathe maketh fmall account ofmony, 
 andpurchafeth things of no value at a high rate. For there is no- 
 thing fo precious as time.lfthcn we fpend much thereof to learn 
 fome vnprofitable arte,wil not all wife men fay, that we are evil 
 husbands? and ifthey be good and commendable things, wc 
 muftalfoconfider,th at it is no more fhame to be ignorant of fuch 
 ofthem,asdoe nothing appertaine vnto our vocation, then it is 
 for the eye to be dumbe,or the tongue to be blindejand in thofe 
 thinges which appertaine vnto our vocation and calling, wee 
 muftyeelde vnto God the whole praifc and commendation. 
 And therefore we may fafely conclude, that Ambition muft not 
 make vs fall into this foolifh and curious paflion. 
 Selfi-love Nowe the laft and fpeciall occafionofthis curious humour 
 
 sbefift caufe j Sj f or i^ by rC afon ©four felf-love,wc never fufficicntly know 
 9/ cwmpiH. our f c i vc ^ ne i t h cr y Ctourownc imperfections. For ifwe would 
 meafureour ftrcngth, and confidcr the wcakeneffc of our 
 
 raindes, 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE. 135 
 
 mindcs,and the fliortncflcofourlivcs,we would thinkcita vcric 
 difficult thing, perfectly to attayne any one arte, though all the 
 dayes of our lives were impJoyed therein. For albeit that Tulltc 
 had beftowed his whole time in Rhetoricke^i was not his cun* 
 ning fo cxcellent,but that there is fomcthing wanting; and hec 
 him fclfe conceived amorcfurpafllng Idea and forme there- 
 of, then ever hee was abletoexprcflein anyone of his Orations 
 whatfoevcr. Who isthere then, whofeeing fuch a man, who 
 was endued with (b divine vnderftanding, and had beftow- 
 ed fuch wondcrfull and exceeding travayle and paynes, and 
 yet coulde not attayne vnto the perfection of one onely Arte, 
 chat daro hope to come to an abfblute knowledge in two 
 orthree? Thecpbrasltu complayneth that mans life in his opi- 
 nion is toofhorttolaye (b much as the foundation of any of 
 thclibcrallfciences.And,tofpeake truely, it is a very difficult 
 thing, what paynes foever wee beftowe, confidering the 
 wcakenefle of our capacities, and the obfeuritic of thofc 
 thinges wherein wee beftowe our indeavouis : yea fuch as 
 fbrtheirrare knowledge in mechanicall artes, hauc bene ac- 
 counted famous throughout all the worlde , beeing better 
 able to judge of their pra&ifc, then the other of their fpecu- 
 lation , have notwithstanding accounted them fclvcs vcric 
 ignorant and vnskilful, when they haue done all they could. 
 Among other Relies themoft excellent and perfeclcft Pain- 
 ter that ever was, whenfoever he made any pidture, was wont 
 to write over it, Ajelles would ma\e it; and n ot Apelles hath made 
 *r ; for fcarcleaft if hecfliouldc vfc the perfect tenfc,he (houlde 
 bciudgedoffomc to challenge a perfection in the arte. Howe 
 isitpoifiblethcn,thatwein iofmallatime and with fo meanc 
 wittcs fhouldcattaincmany fcienccs, if they, who have bene 
 fo ingenious and fo painefull, applying them felvcs onely Tfofowrro 
 and whollie to one particular Arte, coulde notwithftanding ,^^^. 
 never attain any entire & abfolute perfection thercinPIt is a divine f e ifi.iwe,be 
 work, & that which cxcccdcth mascapacity,to beskilfull in di- fiewethtbat 
 vcrsthings. Our mindcs&fpirits which haue aheavenly begin- Oodalont& 
 ning,are divcrfly occupied in the feverall parts of our bodies For JJ^j^i 
 they teach our eics to fee, our cares to hearc,our togues to fpeak, to J CO mt>iift 
 orfcctetogo;thcy vnderi{and,theylearne^hcydi(courfe,they many things. 
 
 T a remember, 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 rem ember, they reaion and conclude all at once. Inlikeman- 
 ncrourGod, who is, as itwere,the mindeand fpirite of all the 
 worlde, doeth quicken, ftrengthen, fuftaine, moove, and 
 condudte every thing, doing all this in an inftant. But this is 
 miraculous, fupernaturali,andan impoflible thing for men to 
 bring to patfe by any travayle or diligence whatfoever. Chnfl 
 lefos him felfe) by whome all the worlde is governed and fu- 
 ftainedj as he vvasmann,everenterprifcd any more offices then 
 one at once.FoT before that by his Baptifme he was eftablifhcd 
 and confirmed in his minifterie, hee was content to live like a 
 Carpenter; and after hee was called,as it were, to preach, hee 
 did not meddle with any other calling. When as they woulde 
 haue made him a King andaludge, hee woulde in no wife ac- 
 cept thereof: not that he was not fur nifbed with fufficient giftes 
 to difcharge fuch offices, and all other whatfoever, if it had 
 pleafed him, but becaufe he was not called to that end, and for 
 that he would teach vs by his examplc,howe we ought to con- 
 taine our felves within the limits and boundes of our vocation. 
 A rmedie There is nothing better then (to correct this curiofifie and nice 
 again(l this humor,which maketh vs enterprifc fo many vaine and frivolous 
 evill. matters) toknoweourowne weaknesandvnablencfle,asa!fo 
 
 thedulneflcofourvnderftanding, and withall to confidcrthe 
 fliortnes ofour lives and vnftable eftate,wherein we are placed. 
 In the Uttrr Having difcourfed hitherto of that foolifh curiofity and fond 
 tndofthU defire,wherwith many have bin provoked toputinpraclifefuch 
 boo\t berea* things,as nothing appertain vnto their places & callings.- it is ex- 
 Vfl the P ec ^ c now > before we end this treatife,that we touch alfo briefly 
 Irosbanecu- & in a word that wicked & profane curio(itic,wherbydiversme 
 tiofoie of are wonderfully ftirred vp to know fuch things either of God, of 
 fuch men at nature,or of their neighbors^ are molt fecret,difficult, dange- 
 ^ Cb J>b*d rous >& wholy impertinet vnto the. And this kind of humor doth 
 den tbinge's oftentimes exceedingly torment fuch ashaue reaching and afpi- 
 wbicbare ring minds,whocontening the ftudy ofmeane things, as an ex- 
 both vnlaw- ercife too bafe&conteptible for them,wil needs fore aloft &ap- 
 fullanddan- ply thefeluestothat which is very rare &farre fro the knowledge 
 % 0U fons to ofeuerycommonperfbnage; as though it were an eafic matter 
 the contrary, to flic vp to heaven without wings,or to clime vp to the top of a 
 ladder without beginning at the firft & fecod (tarTe,which thing 
 
 Cbrj/t 
 
AGAINST CVRIOSITIE, 140 
 
 pitie and com migration. They fcarch for nothing but botches 
 and foares, and herein they are like furgeons ; and yet they arc , 
 much differing : for the one feeketh the difeafe, with intention jjJ^SJJj 
 tohealeit; and if it be sfoare that fhould be kept fecret, they t0 ^ nowe 
 are both wife and faithiiill enough to conceale it: but this other memfhu'ti 
 cttriom companion is defirous toknoweuericmalladic, to the to no other 
 ende hecmaymakeitknowneand publifhit where fo cuer hee tnd ^ tl ^ 
 commeth. They arc alfo backbiters; for as they take pleafurc m / tffm u 
 to hearecuill of their neighbours, fodoe they delight to report themvorfe 
 the worrt to the next companie they meete with: fo that they byfhlfere- 
 are exceeding envious 3 and reioic e in nothing,but in others mens P orts * 
 mifchiefes. In a worde,they are verie braineficke fellowes^ and 
 blockheadedafles. For what a foolifh and intemperate humour 
 isthis, for a man that hath a faire, beautifully amiable, and ver- 
 tuous wife, with whom he may verie lawfully enioiehisplea- 
 fure and delights, toreie&herandcaftheroff: and tobuieata 
 verie great rate,with paine, forow, and fhame,theloueofan o- 
 ther moft foule and filthie flut. In like manner it is a moftfoo- 
 lifli & fottifh thing, todefpifefo many goodly hiftorics,& beau- 
 tifull difcourfes of this life, fo many learned bookes, lo ma- 
 ny excellent treatifesand worthic examples , whereby we may 
 reapefuch exceeding profit and pleafurc^tobufieour feluesin 
 enquiring after our neighbours matters; to open fcaled letters, 
 to harken vnder mens windo ws,or to whifper in womens eares, 
 and fuchlike abfurdities: whereto thefe curious men are moft 
 commonlie addicted. >Aftertbe 
 
 After that Plato had remained fome time in Sicilta, in the example of 
 court ofDionyfius the tyrant, and by reafon of the great dif- P ! ato( £{ 
 order hee fa we there, and for fundrie difcontentments, deter- * ^ m *' 
 mined to returne to his zAcademie : the King demaundedof tyk mentio, 
 him, if when hee was gone , hee would not often remember in the life of 
 him,andipeakeofthe euill entertainement he had receiued in Di°»)be ex* 
 hishoufe: whereto the Philofophcr replied; thathehadfarre %?%£ 
 better, and more profitable matters to thinkevpon. In like fie^urMnie, 
 manner if we were vertuouflie difpofed, and defirous to em- andtoleamt 
 ploie our times thriftelie, we iliould haue little leifure, and leffe *o\no» them 
 4>leafure, to loofe fo many precious houres in tracing out our & lmt 
 neighbours vices. It is a wondcrfull thing, that we are fo care- 
 
 lefle 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE, 
 
 lefle and negligent in the confederation of our owne faults, 
 the knowledge and vndcrftanding whereof, is fo profitable for 
 vs: and feeing that nothing can be more neceflaric,whcthcrit 
 be to humble vs , or to make vs hauc our whole rccourfe vnto 
 God : and that on the contrarie, wc are fo bufie in fearching out 
 our neighbours imperfections, not to the end in friendly manner 
 toreprouethem,or to take companion vpon them, and pray vn- 
 to God for their amendment, or by the knowledge of their 
 finnes,to acknowledge the generall corruption of our nature,to 
 the end that thereby we might humblie craue at Gods handes, 
 to keepe vs in all our waies , and heartely to thanke him for all 
 fuch graces, as he vouchfafeth to beftowe vpon vs: which is the 
 beft meanes to make vs reape profit and commoditie, by know- 
 ing other mens imperfe&ions. 
 The mifirie But wc,reie<5tingand cafting behind our backs, all thefe con- 
 §ftbofi cur'h federations, feeke to vnderftande nothing, but that which may 
 oiacompany, defame them and blemifluheirrcputation.Wherin wc referable 
 Ibinkevpon coc ' ccs anc * ncnnes > which though they hauc meatc enough at 
 their owne home in their matters yards, yet will needs be fcraping in their. 
 fault$,but neighbours dunghils,& feedcthem felues by other mens harms. 
 arealwaks In like manner though there be in vs,aplentifull harueft of all 
 'T** « *° rts °^ m *knes; * n l ^ c contemplation whereof, we may fuffici- 
 mfdtm*- cntly occupie our felues, and by the remembrance of them , be 
 driuen to make our complaints before our God,therby to moue 
 himtotakepitic& compaflion vponvs: yet notwithflanding 
 wc had rather conceale our owne finnes,and be ftirring the filth 
 of other mens rottenneffe, not to the ende topurge them of their 
 corrupt humours, but to blot their credits, andf contrarie to the 
 coramandement of Godjtomakc them odious vnto fuch, who 
 are any thing well con ceitcd of them. And herein wee refemble 
 that old Lamia fo much talked ofinancictftorics,whohad cies 
 like vnto fpcitaclcs, which (he might take out and put in at her 
 pleafure;as foone as flie came home into her lodging,(hee vfed 
 to;lockcthcm vp in tohercofcr,andfcthcr downetolpinning,as 
 blind as a bectle,and neucr faw what (lie did in her own houfc: 
 but fhc went no fooner abroad, but fhc put them in her head a- 
 gaine,and would very curioufly behold what other men did. In 
 like manner wc through a foolifh and fottifh felfe-louc,do neucr 
 
 viewc 
 
AGAINST CVRI0S1TIE. 141 
 
 viewe our own imperfections, although they bcasclecreasthc 
 Sunnc,and as bigge as a milftone .• bur on the contrarie,\ve can 
 quickly efpie other mens vices , though it be at midnight, and 
 that peraduenturc they be not fo bigge as a pebble ftone. 
 
 Surely if it were poftible tolooke in to thefe mens headcs,to j n invents 
 fee what they haue laid vp in their memories;no queftion,but we rie of that 
 fhould find a regifter of goodly matters : and all thofc like vnto vhicbisin* 
 thefejfuch anoneowcth more then he is worth,this man loueth f wr l T* m ** 
 his neighbours wife,and that other is enamoured of his maid; he 
 liueth by polling orpilling,& the other by fhifting& coofening, 
 fuch an one is an heretike, fuch an other an hypocrite, this man 
 is bankrout, and that other paft grace : fheeis alighthufwifc,a 
 goodfe!low,a painted dame,afilthiequeanc,and a fbulebeaft. 
 Behold what goodly wares arc in thefe mens fhoppes, & with 
 what ftuffe they haue bolftered out their braines ; farre differing 
 from that, which the great Philofopher Socrates taught his 
 fchollers, which was nothing elfe,butto know them felues, and 
 to fee their owne faults. Wife men of former time,hanged bells 
 at their doores, notonely toknowe when any knocked at their 
 gates.but alfo that by hearing the noife, they might be admoni» 
 fned to make all things well, leaft fuch as come in fhould finde 
 any thing,whereat they might be offended. Whereby they ad- 
 monifhvs,thatwee fhould be carelefle to efpie the common 
 faults and infirmities of our brethren, but rather be ignorant of 
 them , or at leaft feeme fo to be : for that it is a very offenfiue 
 thing, and paffeth good manners fas Xewcrates faid) without 
 leaue, to thruft our feete ouer other mens threfliolds. As then it 
 is reported otDemocrittts, that walking abroad, he was wont 
 tofhuthiseyes, leaft by wandringregards,hisminde fhould be 
 turned from the contemplation of honeft things: fo likewife 
 muft we with all our endeuours, barre and (hut vp this curious 
 humour,to the end to keepe it in , that thereby wee may fcarch 
 after nothing,whether it be touching God,nature,or our neigh- 
 bours, but that which may profite vs, and tendeth to ouredifi- 
 cation,reie6ting all vnprofitable, vnpofllblc, and fuperfluous 
 thinges, about the knowledge whereof, wee con fume our 
 bodies, mifpende our time, and loofe our labours, all 
 which fhould be carefully and diligently emploied in the ftudie 
 
 and 
 
THE SIXTH BOOKE. 
 
 and apprehenfion of more commodious and more ncceffarie 
 
 matters. G O D for his mercies fake, giuc vs grace to make 
 
 good and found choice of them,and when we hauc 
 
 chofen, that we may applie ourfelues thereto 
 
 fo conftantly, that nothing be able to 
 
 turne and divert vs from 
 
 them. 
 
 THE 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 Of the tranqu'ilitie and contentutton 
 of the minde. 
 
 <AqAlNST FEA%E. 
 
 THE" CONTENTS. 
 
 Hough all the former paffwns andaffeSlions of 
 the minde be very violent , yet fur ely they 
 wouldbe nothing fo fore cable , were theyfepa- 
 rated from Feare, which like a mighty tern" 
 feftfbaketh and toffeth them mofi wonderfully: 
 and therefore the remedies which are alreadie 
 prefcribed again ft Covet oufreffe, Ambition, 
 Pleaftirc,andthe other pa/fionl before mentioned, [houldbc to fmaH 
 purpoje, andworke little effcbl, if this dtfeafe Ukewtfe be not well loo- 
 keavnto . Marke then what the authour hath dtfcourfedof in this 
 laflbooke, which is as it were a comment arie of the former, and the 
 very key t o open the fullvnderft andingof allthe other : which being 
 diligently conpdered,will prevaile very mightily to the pulling of 
 our mindes from thefewordly cogitations, and lift them vp to heauen: 
 that is to fay i will make vsfeele the fruition of de fired reft, and affw 
 red contentatton. 
 
 I Nowe therefore to fet downe the principall point es of this laft 
 booke, which {tn my opinion) is the mofi excellent of all the other, & 
 be ft worthy the reading, especially in thefe latter day es, wherein 
 (which wayfoeuer we turne our eyes y pre may behold fo many fear full 
 and horrible ptClures of death:) wee haue in the fir ft place a true and 
 liuely defcr'tption of that which we call Feare. 
 
 a In thefecondplace are defcribedfundry fortes of feare s , ari" 
 Jing of the con f deration of wordly things, and of this pre fent life, with 
 the remedies meete and conuenient for them. tAnd in this rankeare 
 thofe which follow. 
 
 I The feare of poverties The remedies whereof are t hepromifes 
 
 V of 
 
 1 4 2 
 

 ofGj.l, his -j;tch rijc Y; ; his power anipY^vlience^his exae- 
 
 abfgtfi/hjttfj oisfree eteftlonptnatbi hope of o:lr fi\uation. 
 
 2 The feare we home to lofe the honours and promotions of this 
 world: ft it b t he remedies t hereof 
 
 3 The feare we bavt tolofe o ur bodily pie afire s\ vilbthe feme* 
 dies there of. 
 
 4 The feare we hive least wefhouldlofe our friends : with then- 
 medics thereof. 
 
 5 The feare of the labours andpaines of our bodies in o ur vocati- 
 ons and callings; with the remedies thereof, 
 
 6 The feare ofajflitlions : with the remedies thereof. 
 
 7 The feare of fame, natural de for mi tie: with the remedies 
 thereof. 
 
 8 The feare offome accident all and cafualldeformitie : with the 
 remedies thereof 
 
 p The feare ofcaptivitie: with the remedies thereof 
 
 10 The feare ofdifeafes: with the remedies thereof 
 
 1 1 T he feare of aide age: with the remedies thereof 
 
 I 2 Hautngfet dow,:e mo ft excellent andwholfome prefervatixes 
 againft thefe clcuenfovmcr fares y andvaliantly repu/fed the fir si 
 onfetpfthefe Z?au;:tcwYwurs : heeentreth into the conftderarionof 
 tiiedreadf all feare of death > fettingdowne mofi notable remedies a- 
 gainfl itJvherenpGn he difcourfeth of violent deaths > and (heweth 
 the remedies fgcinft the feare of them: especially by the examples 
 of former Chnfiians , who haue endxred any paines to mamtaine 
 the truth. Which is bandlsdand pirni/hed with fovndreafons , and 
 tnrichedv: it h goodly examples^ andmany authentic til testimonies* 
 jis alio in generall disputing again ft this fear eof death y hejetteth 
 foorth this earthlj life in her colours , and t hat fo liuely y that there is 
 nomanfo earthly y butmufl needes be greatly mooned wtththc confix 
 deration andr coding thereof. 
 
 
 3 In the thirdplace y he entre: h int o the examination of the fear 9 
 
 and dread we haue of spiritual! things; that is to fay y 
 
 1 OfthetudgementofCjod. 
 
 2 OfetemaUeath. 
 5 Oftbedeutls. 
 
 4 Offwne. 
 
 Then 
 
«43 
 
 Thenfoiloweth the r^medr^gairfi the apprchenfor, rftha yerntb- 
 mm JlhrlfbM} tfthefeare of de/tftyfrliede tiffs, effimr, and t hie- 
 p ricks s andfttnges of the confidence. 
 
 » 
 4 Fourthly , he an fiver eth vnto certaine temptations^grounded 
 vpontijeconfidcratfont.faurfinncs. 
 
 1 <±Agai;*sl the temptation .proceeding of the great number of 
 ofirfinnes. 
 
 2 Against the temptation proceeding of the enormitie of our 
 finnes. 
 
 3 s/Sgainftthe tempt at ten proceeding oft he continuance of our 
 fanes . 
 
 4 Againsl t he tempt 'at ton proceeding ofthecbslrufi of the mer* 
 cie andfauour ofCJod, andttftheoyrraon thatfome bxzje, that he will 
 rewire of his children a perfect 'inherent -.righteoptfnes. Whereupon [ 
 very fitly he t cachet b vs , xr-h-.it.wes mujf doe to-pleafe Cjod: wherein 
 corfiifteth the right confines and perfetlwn of Christians: of the. obe- 
 dience r*e owe ynto God: why after our regeneration ^ wefeele fo ma- 
 ny infirmities andrebellious motions agawft God, 
 
 5 Again ft t he temptation proceeding of the honour of the Utter 
 
 6 zAgainft the temptation proceeding of the confideration of 
 vnlool^edfior a>id extraordinary m'tfieries: whereby we imagine the 
 trreconciliablewrath of Cjod towards vs. 
 
 7 Againft the tempt attonproceeawg of the comparifisn rve make. 
 beiweene vs and the holy men of former times. 
 
 8 zAgainfi the temptation proceeding oft he confideration of the 
 greatwants,whtcharewvs. 
 
 ■ 
 j In the end, he maheth apnortfiummary of that which is contai- 
 
 nedinthefie fieuen booses y andjhewethvs how to make profit. 
 
 of the fie dficonrfies , and endeth the whole worke with a 
 
 godly *nd*cskm prayer. 
 
 THE 
 
 V 2 * 
 
 ■ 
 
 I . 
 
THE SSVB^JH "BOOKS. 
 
 AGAINST FEARE. 
 
 Ovetoufneflemaketh vs feare pouerty, 
 Ambition caufeth vs todiflikedifgra- 
 ces and indignities, and Plcafure indea- 
 uoureth to perfwade vs to avoidc all 
 paines and labour whatfoeuer. Wherby 
 we may eafily gather , that the former 
 paffions are ingendred by fearc,whichis 
 the laft noifome humour wherof we pur- 
 pofe to fpcake in this book. And for that I firftmade it for mine 
 ownc particular vfe, and for the benefit of fome others,who are 
 well afFe&ioned to the true feruice & worfhipof God, Ipurpofe 
 to handle itfarre differing from the manner of the Philofophers 
 writings, andheathenifhdifcourfes: for they haue difputedof 
 nothing in their treatifes, but of the feare, which we may hauc 
 ofexternall and accidentall chances: neuer mentioning thofe 
 dreadfulland horrible torments of the confeience, which is a- 
 ftonifhed and difmayed with the confederation of the wrath & 
 iudgemems ofGod,forthatit feethit fclfe clothed with fo ma- 
 ny grieuous and monftrous finnes. And for that it is a thing very 
 materiall and worth the handling , it requireth (bmwhat a long 
 difcourfe, and to be carefully and pithily penned. 
 
 Now the better to vnderftand whatthis feare is, whereofwc 
 purpofe to entreate, it is conuenient that we begin with the de- 
 finition thereof. This feare, therefore, is a kinde of paflfionate 
 Thedefmti* humour, and hearty forrow, caufed and ingcndrc<) byreafonof 
 •n of fare, fome imminent danger , from which we knoj^Blnow to be j* 
 deIiucred,whenfoeuer ithappeneth. And fojMjS there aredk^ 
 uerskindes ofeuils/omeexternall and forr^jKrnall/ome cor- 
 porall and fomefpirituall ; therefore alfojjPaoweth that there 
 are diuers kindes of feares.- which by the grace of God we pur- 
 pofe to handle in order.- Imeane the mdt apparant of them. 
 For it were an infinite labour to intreace of them all in particu- 
 lar manner. 
 
 To 
 
Komi- 
 
 AGAINST FEARE. i 44 
 
 To enter then into the confederation of iucheuils as arc ex- 
 ternall,andmaycafually happen vntovs, thcprincipailandthe ^ainUhe 
 nioftvfuall among them, are theloiTe of riches, of honour, of fcareofpo* 
 ourfriends,andofourpleafures and delights. As touching the uettle. 
 'feare ofthe lofle of our wealth and riches, we rritift firlt confidcr 
 the promifes ofGod: that is to fay,that in hearing his word,& in 
 obeying his will,our fieIds,our vineyards, our fruit, our trees , our 
 garners, our ftorehoules , all our cattell and whatibeuer we haue r r ^ 
 ihalbe bleiTed : that he will glue vs fufficient ftore of foode in fao/God. 
 time of famine, that wee fhalbe alwaies able to hue of that 
 which we haue; andthatinfeeking hiskingdome ,&therigh- 
 teoufnes thereof, ailothcr things iliaibe plentifully prouided. 
 And in propounding thus vnto our felues his promiies,we mu(l 
 alfo confidcrf the better to affure vs)the immutable & vnchaee- 
 able verity of him that hath made them : and withall the won- t ' a ^i etYU ^ " 
 derfull & exceeding power of his word, not only in the creation 
 of all things ofnothing, butalfointheconferuation&maintai- 1 uls power 
 ning ofthem afterwards, & we may fee apparantly by dayly ex- andprom% 
 periencc,intheheauens and other elements, which euenfrom deuce. 
 the firft creation haue bene alwaies preferued in their eftateby 
 thepower and might of his deuineword, without any amen- 
 ding orreparations. Who then is there then that may iuftly 
 feare pouerty, though he hath no other help but this? Is it pofli- 
 ble that he fhould abandon his children, that prouidcth io furli- 
 cientlyforthe foulesof the aire , and for the imalleit creatures 
 of the earth: feeing he hath giuenvs bodies, fhall he not alio 
 giuevs clothes and competent food for their nourifhment? and .^ 
 furthermore, if he hath (euen then when we were his enemies) ding bounty. 
 fet open the gates of his kingdom for vs,and the better to guide 
 vs the way, hath giuen vs his Gofpell,his Sonne, his holy fpirice, 
 and his grace, which are (uch precious and immortall giftes, wil 
 he(now that we are reconciled vnto him,and made his friends^) 
 denie vsfood that is corruptible, and fuch other temporali and 
 tranhtorie things which are quickly con fumed & waited? If we 
 beleeuethat hee willraifevp our bodies from death, and bring 
 them fromduft and corruption, whereto they are fubie& by 
 finne,to make them i ncorruptible and immortall,fhall we think 
 that he will pull in his arme,orfhut his hand, andnotgiue vsfuf- 
 
 V 3 ficient 
 
 excee- 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 ficient fuftenance for the preferuatio ofchis mifcrable IifePIs this 
 
 the aflurancc we haue that he vvilbe our father,& fhal we think 
 
 thache wilbcfocarclefle towards his children , that hauing Co 
 
 great ftore& abundance of all things, he wiliurTervs to die for 
 
 hunger? & though we were but his feruats,yct fhould we do him 
 
 too great iniury to haue this opinion of him,that he would haue 
 
 vsfbeeingin hisfcruice)tocomplaineforour foode and fufte- 
 
 nance. In a word, if we would diligently cofider with our felues, 
 
 we flial find,that among a thoufand fundry benefits & blcflings 
 
 which he is daily ready tobeftow vpon vs, thefe are the fmalleft 
 
 & the left. And if(as the fcripture faith) we be not faithful to truft 
 
 inhimfor thefe fmall matters, hardly {hall we hope in him for 
 
 fuch as are of greater importance. I would dilate of this more ac 
 
 large, but that I haue alledgedfufficientreafons before, which 
 
 may ferueto pull all doublings out of our hearts , which are the 
 
 roots ofthisfearewherof we no w fpeake.As cocerning worldly 
 
 remedies a- honor, we would neuer fearetolofeit,if we werenotdefirousof 
 
 gain/l fiare it: & we would neuer defire it,if we were not ambitious: neither 
 
 ofthe lojfe of would we be ambitious if we did know our felues: & we fhould 
 
 worldly bo- know our (elues if we did know God.Wherupon itenfueth,that 
 
 all this great & exceeding feare we haue left we fhould lofe our 
 
 i The kno»- wor ^^y nonors &P roniot i ons 'P ro ceedethofnothrng,butofthe 
 
 ledge of God want ofthe knowledge ofGod,& of our felues. And I pray you 
 
 andofour what is it that we are thus afraid of? furely itisthis,leftwefhuld 
 
 felues. betoobafe& cotemptible.ButGodhathchofenthc weakeand 
 
 conteptible things ofthis world,& taketh greateft pleafure and 
 
 deliglit in them:&al the glory ofourflefh is as the flower ofthe 
 
 i.True bn~ g e j cl: a jj w h; cn ^ a ft er t j ie eX apj c of S. Pad) we muft account as 
 
 dung,fo that we may gainc Chrift.Shall we notremember that 
 l.rbe dere* our firft father did ouerthrow himfelfe , & his whole houfe after 
 ftaiwnof him,for that he did ambitioufly couet that honor,which did on* 
 4.The c'onfi- ty belong vnto God? will we needs beingratefull, thieues, chil- 
 deraiwnof dte,& followers ofthe deuil,and fend as it were,a defiance vnto 
 the firft and God, & denounce warre againft him in robbing him ofthatho- 
 f*f*& £}*** nour which is only due vnto him?which then ofthe twaine will 
 the on and we ^low: CK ^ Qr ^ am > who by his pride & ambition hath vn- 
 efcbewibt donc&deftroied vs , oxCbnfl lefts who withhis humility and 
 other. patience, faucth allthofe, who put their confidence in him? I 
 
 would 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 145 
 
 would to Cod we could remeberthe fayingofS.AugfiftmjNho 
 infpcakingof/<7^& copending his humility &patiecevntovs, 
 (ahhjolf fitting vpo the dunghil full of botches & fores, was not- 
 withftading more wife & wary then was Ad<xm in paradifc in the 
 midft of his fo great pleafures & delights,that there feemed no- 
 thing to be wanting, but only to be God. The one was feduced 
 by the woman, & by her means baniflhed out of paradife; & the 
 other to the end he might attaine fo great a bleffing (^fitting vpo 
 the dunghil)vanquiftiedboth the woma^ the deuill.We muft 
 continually pray vnto God , that it would pleafe him not to lead 
 vs into temptation,but that he would deliuer vs fro euil, & in the 
 mean while we fcorne humility,& ambitioufly feeke for honour 
 & promotion,which arc the readieft means the dcuil can vfe, & 
 the fitteft baitcs tocatch vs in his fnares. If then we wil auoid his 
 nets, we muft not feeke after the glory of this life,but wholly co- 
 temneit,&reioyce whenfoeuerit (hall pleafe God to humble vs, 
 & make vs contemptible in the fight ofthe worlde. For as pride 1-The dete- 
 was the firft vice that entred into our nature, for the corruptio& P atl0n °f 
 defacing of that image which was in vs : fo like wife is it the Iafl * * 
 that cometh out of vs; & before we be wholy cleared therof^we 
 can not attaine vnto our former perfection & integrity .Wherby 
 we may euidently lee how neceflary a thing it is tobanifh it far 
 from vs,andtoclenfc our hearts fromfo filthy a pollution : for 
 although that we take thisworke in hand the firft day that wc 
 are borne,& continue therein all the daies of our life, yet will our 
 worke be very imperfect : for that it is fo ftrong apoyfon, that 
 hauingoncefwallowed it, there will benomeancsfotoriddc 
 vs from the infection thereof^whatpreferuatiuesfbeuer we take, 
 but that there wilbefome part ofthe difeafe remaining behind. 6. Theconfi- 
 But why do we not cofider that faith debarreth vs of al worldly deration of 
 glory : & thattherfore we muft either lofe the one or the other: ^ r Y a ' ine 
 cither our gloryywhich is altogether vaine:or els if we wil needs * m * 
 retaine that ftil,wc muft renounce our faith,& fo confequetly all 
 the bleflings that depend therofas the iuftice ofour God,life e- 
 ternall & his inheritance, & generally all the felicity & happines 
 that wc hope to attaine by his grace & adoption? we feare & flee 
 thecrofle as a very fliamefull and ignominious thing : and yet 
 thereis nothing fo glorious, as the Apoftie faicth.' fothatthat, 
 
 V 4 which 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 which maketh vs fecke all mcancs to auoide it, fhould indcede 
 niak: vs diligently to feeke after it, for that thereby wee fhould 
 find matter fufficient to fatisfie our ambitious humors & defires. 
 There is no greater reafon why we fhould feare the loflc of 
 J* ^' ff the pleafures & eafe of our bodies,thcn of our honors & promo- 
 Itrwlbaue tlons *For ^ wc ^° ftedfaftly bclecuc,that he that hateth this life, 
 left we jhould foal haue life eucrlafting in the world to come,& that we ought 
 lofeourbodi- to beare in our bodies the mortification of our Lord Iefus, to 
 ly pleafures. the end that his viuification may appcare the more manifeftly in 
 i .Our morti- vs,if we doe beleeue that the defires of our flefh bringeth death, 
 fication. & that the loue therofis enmitieagainft God,thatitis notobe- 
 diet vnto his law,that whofoeuer is ruled therby, can not pleafc 
 God 3 that if we Hue after the lufts therofwe ftial furcly die,& that 
 if we wil gaine eternall life, we muft mortifie the deedesof the 
 flefh: if we do beleeue that to be the difciples of Chrift Iefus, we 
 i.our confer* mu Q ta ^ e V p „ r crG fle & lay itvpon our fhoulders : that we are 
 Tb^nfa. ^ eac * ^ cr^ified vnto the world: thatourcouerfationisin hea- 
 ' uen: that our delight fhouldbein the law of the Lord 5 to medi- 
 tate therein day and night: that we arc the temples of the holy 
 3; 0lir ™ am ghoft, which by nomeanesmuft be polluted: that his holy fpi- 
 tm /ona<\£ " c vvmcn is m vs ma y not in an y wife De grieued: that we are the 
 LntttfcatiQ. members of Chrift Iefus , which muft be keptcleane & vnfpot- 
 ted: if(in a word) we beleeue, that the workes of the flefh are 
 adulteries,whordoms,vncleannes 3 Iicentioufncs,idolatry,ftrife, 
 cnuy,murther,,gluttony,& fuch like, & that whofoeuer commit 
 ^.The deli- fuch things fhal not inherit the kingdom ofGod:we would not 
 uerancefiom be fo fore afraid, nor macerate our iclues fo much , when as we 
 wcl V d Pf**; fhalbcdepriuedoffuch hurtful pleafures,either by reafon of our 
 kleplvi'm° P ouert yj imprilbnmenr, ficknerTe,old age, or any other meanes 
 bandage and whatfeeuer. And if we would diligently cofider thefe & the like 
 fiauery. rcafons, we would not be greatly terrified, at the lofTe of thefe 
 flefhly & worldly pleafures,feeing we fhould eafily perceiue that 
 this feare is builded vpon a vciy weake foundation. For what is 
 it that we are fo fore afraid of? Is it to be dcliuered from that mi- 
 ferablc feruitude of pleafures & delights, which arethe moft fu- 
 rious, crucll, & inexorable tyrantes that are in all the world? or 
 that the chain'es & linkcs(wherwith they haue tyed and bound 
 vs,asftreightly as eucr Dali/a did$amfen,\vhena$ fhe woulde 
 
 haue 
 
AGAINST FEARF. 146 
 
 haucdcliucrcd him into the hadsofhis enemies] fhouJd be bro- ifa im 
 ken, & both our bodies and mindes fet at liberty to goewheW fr e( d ome f 
 they lift? are we afraid left the eyes of our minds fhouki be too tkminde. 
 bright, & therefore we muit needs encumber them with the ob- 
 fcurity of worldly thoughts,with care,perplexity,forow,ieloufy, 
 di(truft,fighcs & fobbes the ordinary attendants vponpleafurc, 
 to trouble the peace & quietnes of our foulcs? are we vn willing 
 to open a paflage for all good & honeft cogitations to all holy 
 ftudies,to all wholefomeinftrudlions^ all which the voluptuous 
 fort do as grea tly loath & deten\as they abhorre to Hue honeftly 
 & vertuoufly?It feemerh if our doings be well confidered, that 6T jj e n r ^ ie 
 we are afraid left we fhould be too wife,& left with our pleafures ^f eryo f t fo 
 we fhould lofe both folly & madnes,& therefore had rather en- voiupmm 
 ioy ourbrutiilidelights.thentheheauelyioyes.Moreouerl may >'• 
 truly fay, that it feemeth we doe notloueour owne eafe,feeing 
 that we feeke for it in pleafures , which are indeed nothing elfc 
 but afweet & fugredpoifon. And commonly thefe carnal! and 
 flefhly worldlings are very fad & melancholick perfons/where- 7>Tbetp> & 
 ascontrariwifethofethat haue relinquifbed fuch wicked de- C onuntation 
 Iights,are for themoftpart very mery & ioyfull •• asmay appeare offyebas . 
 bytheexapleofS.PW who fpeakingofhimfelfe,& ofhis other bautnnoun' 
 brethren & companions, faith, that though it may feemevnto cedthevani* 
 many that they were fad by rcafonthey hadforfaken theplea- tiei J , 
 fures of the worId,& that either by their own accord,or elfe by 
 reafonof perfecuticn ,they were depriucd of thofe earthly de- 
 light?,which arefo pleafing & acceptable to the fledi.yet not- 
 withstanding they were more ioyfull & much better contented s.Tbecor- 
 then fuch as had the full fruition ofthem.Itis arrange thing and ruptJon and 
 well worth the confideratron,that we may knoweourovvnmi- bOndrnfe vf 
 ferie & the great corruption of our iudgement > tomarke that as ™ am y n * t7t ' 
 we account of nothing,butthat which the earth bringeth forth, ^ '"** 
 nor of any honor but that which is giuen vnto vs by-flatterers & 
 clawbacks,norofany other fauour but fuch as may beprocured 
 from mortalImen,neitheryetof any other life butthrs ^ which is 
 moft wretched and miferable -fo likevvife are we perfvva ded 
 that there is no other pleafure but that which arifeth ofthe fa- 
 tisfyingofourlufts and defrres. And hereof it commeth topaffe, 
 that wc arc afraid to lofe things, which in the end will wholly 
 
 deftroy 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 deftroy vs:& therfore the more earneftly wecouectoenioy the, 
 the furcher doe we run & flee from thofe t hings which we ought 
 to follow & embrace : the fruition wherofbringcth allured loy 
 9 fGdn ^ concentac » oll »Eoreuenasthe affection which a wicked perfon 
 not be in our bearethto a ftrupet, doth exceedingly diminish the louc which 
 heartt,foloz he fhould beare vnto his lawful! wife: fo likewife thelouewe 
 at we are de- bearetothcfevaine&tranfitory things &efpecially vnto plca- 
 ^Ldi 7^ ^ urc w k* cn * s ^^ c vnt0 an °^ & common whore, who dra weth 
 fiver. ^ vs exceedingly froourducies , & diminifheth thatzealc & affe- 
 ction we fhould beare towards our fpoufe , and to thofe things 
 which he comandeth vs.Hereby we may eafiiy conieclurc what 
 great caufe there is why men fhould feeke for fuch pleafures as 
 are abfent, or loue fuch as arc prefent, or to be forowfull for the 
 lofTe of thefe worldly delights. I would profecutc this matter 
 more at large but the reader may eafiiy gather the remaiuder 
 outofthat difcourfe which we haue written againft pleafure. 
 , As touching the lolle ofourrriendsjwhich is the la(t,and that 
 
 ties fir the which we are mod afraid ofahat we may the better comfort our 
 fiarevebaue felues whefoeuer they die,& be deliucred fro the feare we hauc 
 teflwe fhould of the while they are aliue;we mud confider that they are either 
 tof e0 " r good or euil. If they be euilitis not poflible they fhould be good 
 1 iftbey bt ^ lcn ^ s * If they be good,they ca not be loft.- fo that then we dial 
 pod we can haue no iuft occafion to feare or to complaine . For as there can 
 not lofe them not happe a greater mifchiefe then to truft a deceitful & difloyall 
 friend: fo likewife there is no greater profit & commodity, then 
 theloffe of fuch an vntrufty companion , as all the world will 
 : confefle. But if we haue had great familiarity with any one a 
 z if we fo«e' ' on § tmic > anc * ^ auc mac ^ c txl ^ °f n * s fidelity and fincerity to- 
 tuiy man for wards vs.- haue we not iuft caufe (will fome fay) to feare leaft he 
 eurownpof' fhould die, or being dead to mourne and lament for him ? My 
 tkular or a- friend, whofoeuer thou art that makeththisanfwere , I would 
 ^M re* demand of thee, whether it be in regard of thy felfe, orofhim, 
 fbeHytbe tnat tnou art a fr a idto lofe him while heliueth, and lamenteft 
 feare tbatwe fo greatly when he is dead.Ifin this,thourefpecleftno man but 
 concern left thy felfe,thatisto fay,the pleafure and delight thou didft take in 
 ve fhould lofe j lis com p an y,and the profit thou didft reape by him : I fay, that 
 mttibtand* tn y k are anc * f° ro w ^° not P rocccc ^ of any loue thou didft beare 
 »ic{ed. vnto him,but of the affection and louc towards thy fclfe, which 
 
 for 
 
AGAINST FEARE. J47 
 
 forthe moft part is naught and full ofcorruption, and efpecially 
 when itpropoundeth vnto vs nothing but worldly promotions, 
 tranfitory honours,&tcmporall pleasures & dclights,all which 
 if we be dead vntothe world,we would neither defire norwtfh 
 forfor.Wc arc pcrfwaded peraduenture , that if we (houldnoc 
 make fuch fhew of feare & forow, it would be thought we did 
 not loue our friends : and dial we notconfider on the other fide, 
 that fome peraduenture will thinke we make but a couriterfaic 
 fhew,and that others will thinke it is butacarnall and worldly Mft!ik'M 
 affection we beare towards our feluesf wherein furely they are f\^ tl t y m 
 not greatly deceiued : for it is moft certen, that if we loued our tobe deftrom 
 friendes as well as we loue our felues, we would rather defire to w bring the 
 follow them then to be defirousto bring them backe vntovs: ^ e kfovs. 
 and when as they are gone , to make all the haft that may be 
 to follow after . This exceeding feare we haue of the lorTe of 
 our friends, is aneuidentfigne not onclyof the great afTe&ion 
 we beare towards our felues, but alfo of the fmall loue we beare 
 towardsGod . For if we did loue him as we ought todoe,with t*J* *«|y 
 all our hearts, with all our foules, and with all our ftrength.This dingtombofe 
 loue would raze out the other, andrriake vs wholly forget it, pleafure wee 
 audit would fo rule all our affections, thatwefhould loue no- tnufl cofirme 
 thing but that which likethhim. We feethat the loueofthe our fi Um > 
 husband tovvardes his wife, and of the wife towards herhuf- awaitbis 
 band encreafeth more and more , and that in fuch fort , that af- grhfifrom 
 ter they be once married, they forget all other things,andftudy w. 
 by all meanes to augment their arfe&ion , and are content to A *Tlty . 
 leaueboth father &mother,to the end they may dwell the one ™„f// mm 
 with the other. And if peraduenture they fal into any aduerfity, 
 the exceeding great arTeclion they beare the one towards the o- 
 ther, doth make them to beare & tollerate it moft patiently .• as 
 Mofes reporteth in the exapleof//Swr,vvho after that he once be- 
 gan to loue Rebecca , prefently began to becoforted, & to leaue 
 foro wing for his mother Sara. In a word,vvhe as a womadoth 
 once perfectly loue her husbad,though (he feeall her friendsdie 
 before her face,yet (be vvil be foone recoforted vvhe as (he cofi' 
 dereth her husbad is remaining & in health.Ifthen we did beare 
 thelikeaffeclion toward our God , nodoubtbutwefhouldbe 
 fully trasformed into a liking of him,& our harts fo wholy bent 
 
 towards 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 towards him, chat we would thinke of noth ing c\Cc. And feeing 
 thatcontrary vnco the nature of all other morcall creaturcs,he is 
 t.Tbeimmu- alwaies immutable & vnchangeable, & therefore if weperfe- 
 r^fcwtfofucreinhisfcare, we flull neuer be depriued of his comfortable 
 f$uebeUel P refencc;(lialweno "hinke that this, with the confiderationof 
 retb tovards our * oue a ^ ouc mentioned, fhall be fufficient tomake vsreft 
 ta contented notonely in the loife of our fathers, our mothers, our 
 
 children, & other our friends & acquaintance, whenfoeuer they 
 6,Hl* bounty ^ ie ^ uca ^ oin a ^ other afflictions whatfoeuer? befides that the 
 & promi(€s. ^ are ( whereof we nowfpeakejisaneuident token of the fmall 
 affection we beare towards God , it is a very man tfeft argument 
 alio of the diftruft we haue in his promifes, which if they were 
 wel imprinted in our hearts,wou!d m akevs quiely rely vpon him, 
 & would wholly deliuer vs from all thofe vanities,which doe i'o 
 wonder fully difquiet vs. Forif we would commit vnto him the 
 cuftody ©four bodies, our foules, our Hues, and whatfoeuer we 
 haue els, & reft allured that nothing perifheth that is comitted 
 into his hands: whydiould we not truft him with the keeping of 
 ourfrieds?isitnotfufficietforvs,thathe hath giuenvshis word, 
 wherwith he hath alTured vs to take vs into his protedti6,&hath 
 bound himfelf fo to blefle vs,that nothing flial happen vnto vs, 
 but that which fhalbe for ourprofitPIfthis be true>as indeed it is 
 moftcerten,whatfhouId we feare either in regard of our felucs, 
 or our children, or fiiends,or wealth & riches which are as well 
 taken into hiscuftody, as we our felues,& for our fakes coprifed 
 &coprehendcd within his fauour & proteCtio?feeing that in the 
 beginning it hath pleafed him to giu e vs the knowledge of our 
 friends, & by his grace & fauour hath endined them vnto that 
 friendship & amity ,wherof we haue had triall & experience by 
 conuerfing with them,which is the fpecial occafion thatvve do 
 fo greatly lament them after their death, I would know if that 
 herein he hath not (hewed vs fpeciall grace & fauour? or what 
 reafon is there, why vvefhould thinke that he will diminish his 
 loue towards vs,vvhen ashe hath taken them away?feeing that 
 he is alwaies our god, whether he doth impouerilh or enric h vs, 
 exalt or debate vs.woundvs or healcvs,Thrcarenvs or fmilevpo 
 vs.ffany wil fay that we haue offended him, & that by reafon of 
 our finnes , we haue deferued that our fiiendes ihould be taken 
 
 away 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 24S 
 
 away from vs, I Iikcwifc demand, if at fuch time as he gaue them - 
 
 •^ ..... c ' 1 7. The (one or 
 
 vs, wc were more holy and more worthy then now we are: and our jp. ie „^ es 
 
 thatinrcfpe£t hcreofhee were bound to docvs fogreataplea- ought net to 
 lure, and if that his anger (which is moft fatherly and mild, ten- malpv* 
 ding onely to this end,to make vs remember and acknowledge ~^V^ 4f 
 our faults, andfauourablyto correct thofe imperfections that - u ^^ vu 
 arein vs) be not as much or more neceflarie fometime,ashis 
 loue and fauour , whereby (as indeed we are wonderfully cor- 
 rupt) we are imboldened rather to worke wickednesand to for- 
 get his louingkindnefle, then to amend ourliues,andto(crue 
 him in truth and fincerity? Ifthen,he doeth alwaies (hewchim- s.pybatfie- 
 felfeamoft louing and kinde father toward vs,giuingvsfriends uerGoddoth 
 and taking them away from vs, according vnto his good plea- it is fir our 
 fure;why doe we rather complaine of the one then of the other? 89°^ 
 why doe we not with David alwaies praife his holy name? and 
 fay with lob, God fbmetime giueth me great comfort by my 
 friends, and now it pleafeth him to take it away from me,thac 
 which he doth is very iuft and righteous , his name therefore be 
 praifedin all things . For although he often changeth andaltc- 
 rcth our eftate and condition, yet is he alwaies the fame, & like 
 vntohimfelfe, that is to fay, both in profperitie andaduerfitie, 
 what countenance foeuerhec feemethtofhevvoutwardly,yet 
 in wardly he carieth the fame affedtion towards vs.Though that 9>VVecl9ofc 
 he take away our goods, our parents, our children, our friendes, ^ & 'i . 
 our feruants, our health, our quietncfle,ourIiues, fire and water, U mamtb 
 yea and the earth to, yet there will be fome thing remaining, with vs. 
 ieeingheistheinalienablepoiTeflion of his Church, and of all 
 fuch as repofe their confidence in him : and fo long as he remai- 
 neth with vs , wcftiall neuer want either friends, riches, fauour, 
 pleafure or power: for all thefe arecomprehendedinhim alone. 
 Wecannotbevnhappy, forblefledis thatnation whofeGod 
 is the Lord, as the Prophet faith, wehauethennoiuftcaufcto *J^** % \ 1% 
 complaine: formifery is the occafion of complaints. Elcana x "sam 4 jV 
 feeing Ha»vah\s wife mourne, and lament, forthat (he had no xo. 
 children, faid to comfort her withall, Hanna why weepeft thou? Gfd * fiffi- 
 and wherefore is thy heart forowfull? am not 1 better vnto thee ™ntfirvs-. 
 then ten fonnes?In likemaner, when we loofe all,and that we f^LTh 
 haue nothing left but God alone, wee ought to confider (the witbontbim, 
 
 better 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 better to comfort vs withail) that he is better vnto vs,then ail o- 
 thcrthings whatloeuer,andthatinenioyingof him we haue as 
 many fnendes, kinsfolkes & acquaintance, as much riches,g!o~ 
 ii.ltpfs r y§chonour,and all other good things whatlbcucraswecandc- 
 ^taimfhlld (;re -^ c ^ cre wcrc f ucn a gentleman in this land, as would not be 
 preferre that contcnttoliue in the fauourand prcfencc of his prince, andin 
 which is mor the friendfhip and amity ofthe great and noble lordes of his 
 tall & tran- court, would no: euery one iudge him a very proud & arrogant 
 fitory, befvre felIow?Inlike maner do wc flicw ourfciuestoohauty andhioh 
 God and bis mind ed, when as being not content toliuein the company 
 angels. ofGod and his angels , wc feekc to afTcciate our felues with bale 
 and beggarly companions. And fuch are all our mortal & mu- 
 table fncnds,of whom wc make fuch great reckning& account. 
 With the confederation whereof we may comfort our felues as 
 did Abraham , when he fhouldhauefacrificedhis ionnc Ifaac 
 xi. God may according to the com mandement of God. And we may be well 
 refloreour quieted, considering he may raife and reftore them againe, as 
 friends vnto we jj as j^ c ^ jr jJlZ)arWi cne widowes Tonne , & the daughter of 
 ™lfemi* im tneriI ^ er °^ ne fynagoguc: or q\\q. giuc vsnewe, which (halbe as 
 vsneive" faithful! & as affectionate as the old. For the hand ofthe Lord is 
 whkb (halbc not fliortned(as Efkj faith);hat he fhould not be able to faue vs, 
 bettntben neither is his care ib ftopped,that he can not heareour cries and 
 coplaints. Let vs not think then that we fhalbe without friends. 
 For(asone ofthe old writers faith, & that very wifcly)Godruuh 
 (o defpofedofvs in this worlde, that as on the one fide we hauc 
 friends for our cofbrt , fo on th ? other fide w : e haue enemies for 
 toexercifevs&to bridle our affections : &contrariwifethatas 
 , we haue enemies who ftudy cotinually to pick quarrels againil 
 
 mmbtrff vs >^° vve are ncuer deftitute of friends, who feeke by all meanes 
 our enemies^ to fupport & vphold vs. It is very true , that the one fort is more 
 fewraieth common then the other : by rcafon that the nature of carnall 
 at* iwperfi- ™j j s more enc lined to hatred and harme, then to loue and the 
 { *mhethtd r 9 t?WB °^ onc anothers benefit and comodity: and often rimes 
 rigbify to vfc through our ingratitude, we either lofe or alienate our friendes 
 our fiends, from vs, & procure vs many enemies by rcafon of our offenfes: 
 and many times likewife,God taketh them from vsjefkhrough 
 the continual! company of them . wclhouldbe lb affectionate 
 towards them . that we forget thciouc and scale wee ought to 
 
 bearc 
 
AGAINST FE A RE. 149 
 
 bcarc towards him. And we fhould confider, that as friends are 
 precious treasures, To are they very fcarfc and thin fowne. More- 
 oucronc hncere and entire friend,fuch zn oneasitplcafeth'Go«t 
 togiue vnto thofc, who truft in him,is more forceable & auailca- 
 ble to comfort vs, then ten enemies to grieueandvexevs. And I4 ' ? tvs r n £\ 
 this is thcrcaibn (will fome fay J that maketh vs fo greatly to |q] ne J jj ja ii 
 feare the tefTeofthem,fceing that among men, who naturally riant friend* 
 aretrecherou$, malicious, and deceitfull , it is fohard anddiffi- filong as n>e 
 cult a matter to finde a true and truitie friend. Whereto I an- tru ? in ^ od : 
 fwere,that ifour brethren willrefufeto helpe vs , ftrangcrs and ^^/^ 
 alianswillbeourfriendes: asappcareth by the exampleof/a- fi ea f urei;St 
 fepby "David, and Darnell, whobecing hated and perfecutcd tbebruite 
 oftheirownefriendes, found great fauour and comfort at the beaflesmll 
 hands offtrangcrs and infidels. If all men would band together f iih f t0 ^ dt 
 againftvs, yet the beafts would ioyne withvs,andfeeketofup- ^^nty 
 portandfultainevs: As it is recorded of the rich mans dogges, many ( mm- 
 who being more full of pity and companion then their matter, />/**. 
 iickedpoorcZ^^rw fores, feeking thereby to eafc his gricfes, Luke 1^.11. 
 and to aiTwage his forrowes: And Ukevvife the Rauens,who 
 nourifhed and kddc the Prophet E'uai, whenhewaspejiecu- i.Kin. 17.*. 
 tedand hated of all men: Andalfoof thebeares, whodeuou : 
 redfourtie and two children of c Beibelto reuengc the wrong, 
 which they offered ynto Sit^em : as alfo the Lyons, who fpa- , 
 
 red Daniel in the caue: and thole fierce, and iauadge beades; e c°WaficaU 
 whobeingbroughtfoorthtodeuourethe martyrs, would not htforits. 
 hart them or come neere them: And of the fwine, who fore* 
 uerencedthem, thatthey would inno wife touch their bodies^ 
 though the cruel! tyrants, to the end to procure them to eate 
 their bodies, had cauled their bellies to bee flopped full of 
 corne: Andlikewifecfthe Hartes andGoates, who did vo- 
 luntarily offer themfelues vnto SMut'Bafds parents, to be* ta- 
 ken and killed at fuch time as they, fleeing the perfecutiorv, 
 were conftrained to retire themfelues into the forrefis cfCappa- 
 docia, and there to remaine in great mifery & diftreiTethefpace 
 of 7 yeres:And of the Whale,whopUt lottos into his bel!y,as in- 
 to a place of libertre,to preferue him fro the violence of the wa- 
 fers, & to faue him fro drowning : And the fifh, which brought 
 Peter monytopay tribute for hi m fcl fe and his m after. If men 
 
 and 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 i ^.Thefenf- and beafts fhould forfake vs, the fenceleffc creatures would aid 
 ^.^^" vs, as experience hath caught vs. The iea parted in (under to 
 uturto belpe ma ^ c a P a ^gc for the children of Ifrael and ouerwhelmed 
 pub astmjl their enemies who purfued them to bring them backe into fla- 
 inGod. uerieand bondage . The heauen3 rained downc great hailc- 
 Exod.14.11. flones vpon the sAmorites, who were atfembled againft his 
 Ioflt.10.11. People, and their leader and captainc lo/hua. The Sunne and 
 lofh. io.ii. the Mooneftoodeitillin^ttw and Aialon y fortofauour and 
 further their victory, and to take away all hope from therenc- 
 a,Kin.i.ix. m ics,to cfcape and faucthemfelues by flight. Thefireferued 
 Eliad to deftroy his enemies, andtocary him into heauen -and 
 like wife to :he three young men that were in captiuityin Haby- 
 lon for their deliuerance,and freedome.The windes feemed as 
 it were, to goe to the warres in the fauour of 7beodofitis y and 
 like valiant bandesof couragious fouldiers affailedhis enemies, 
 and by their violence brake their array , and gained him the vi- 
 mftndsi* ^ 0llc * ^ ne '"her men , nor yet theie earthly and tcrreftriall 
 themrldjvt things,will be our friendes, the angels in heauen will be ready 
 fbal hate the towaiteonvsforour good, as they did vpon Abraham, lac ob, 
 a?jge!s in lo/b/M, Ez,echUs y Tobn 3 and S, Peter: and ifthey will not,Chiifl 
 £uaai *r * e *~ us ournca( ^ (betweene whome and vs there is a perpetuali 
 fa ma cm* a ^^ ancc > an ^ an inuiolable amine ) can not poffibly deceiuc v«, 
 firtm. feeinghce hath bene fo Iouing and affectionate towards vs aU 
 readie that he hath bene content to die for vs. And if fo be then, 
 werepofe our confidence in him, we fliall eafily palle ouer all 
 other dangers and perils whatfoeuer . We fliall not necde then 
 tofeare,that folongasvve are in the fauour of God, we fhall 
 firmer reme* vvant friends: feeing that all his creatures fhal be ready to wait 
 diesbefhew and attend vp6vs,forourpIeafure&c6modity. I donotmeane, 
 etb, that to that they (hall feeke to make vs laugh, and to fill vs vvithfport 
 torment our aD( j p a ftj me • but that they flialbe continually attendant vpon 
 
 ^*£ *? \us vs for our welfare, andbercadytofuccourvsvvhenfoeuerwc 
 muco for tot . - . J 
 
 death of our " and in neede. 
 
 friendsyorgu- Hitherto we haue prooued,that this greatrcare which wee 
 ttbignorace* haue of the lofleof our friends, is a manifeft argument o four 
 jjjjjjjj" 1 ^? infidelity and diflruft in Gods prorrifes, and argucthverymani- 
 mSdelitie & feftlythevaincand foolifh conceitsofour mindcs.Forir it be a 
 defpahe. naturall and an ineuitable thing, thatour friends being mortali 
 
 men 
 
AGAINST FEARE. XJO 
 
 men , mull nccdes dye and depart fr om vs, why do we conceive 
 of it as though it wepe cafuall, and might by ibmemeanes bee 
 cfche wed, feeing that there is no more reafon, why we fhoulde 
 fcare thofe thinges that may in no wife be avoyded, then to 
 hope for fuch thinges as may not poffibly bee obtained : and 
 hereby alfo we make our felves altogether vnfitte toprcfent our 
 petitions vnto the Almighcic for them. For as Satnt lames Chap.i.*, 
 fayth, where there are fuch doubtcs and ftaggcrings there can 
 be no faith: without the which, neither we our felves,nor our 
 prayers can be acceptable inhisfight. And lean not tell whe- 
 ther our dittruft and infidclitie bee an occafionto moovc him 
 to take a way ourfriendes, and thereby to punifh and afflict vs. 
 Let vs conclude then , that wee ought not to feare the Iofleof 
 ourfriendes, neither in rcfpc&ofthero, nor of our felves. For if 
 our fcare proceed ofthe confederation of fomedaungers like to 
 enfuc afcerwardes, what harme can there be in death ? fhall not 
 their bodyes returneto the earth, and there reft in aiTured hope 
 to be rayfed Vp at the latter day, and their foules inro heaven,vn- 
 to him who firft gave them ? If it be fo, and that by this meanes 
 the one be delivered from labour, from fickenefie, from po vertie 
 and olde age, and the other from a thoufand forrowes, griefes, 
 cares, and vexations whereto it was fubiedt, to reft in peace and 
 quietnefle for ever, and to enioy an everlaftin° happineiTe and 
 f elicitie, why fhould we be afrayde leaft they fhould dye ? or la- 
 ment fo greatly when as they are dead ? 
 
 Let vsfuppofe that ourfriendes were in ^Abrahams bofome ^^' 
 with Laz*artu y reioycing and making merrie inthemiddeft a- Jhttht bap- 
 mong all the godly olde Fathers : or in Stlomom Courte hea- & exchange 
 ring his great and excellent wifedome, beholding his glorie, that they 
 and the magnificence of his houfe : or in that terreftiiall Para- ma ^ w ^ l & 
 dife with sskdam and Eve, and in full fruition of all the pieafures ^ ei J^fJ a 
 and profites that were there; participating of the pleafant fruites, affwage our 
 fwecte favours, and beautifull walkes; receiving,as it were^the forrowa* 
 hommage and allegianceof the wilde beaftes, who come in all 
 humilitie to acknowledge them for their fovcraigne lordcs : Or 
 atthctableoftheKing with their marriage garments, drinking 
 ofthecuppeofimmortalicie,and hearing of the melodious har* 
 monieof Angels : or in the Temple of Si on glittering with gold 
 
 X i and 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 and precious (tones, and refounding with the praifes and acaa* 
 mations ofthc people, in telling and (hewing fborch the won* 
 dcrfuiigoodncife of God ; orinthemounraine with filter, and 
 to beraviihed with the exceeding plealiirc in viewing the glitte- 
 ring brtghtnefle both ofthc face andgarments of C'mtft Jefiu: 
 or in a in oft glorious and beautifull pal lace, beholding all the 
 rare and exquifite things, which appeare in every parte and cor* 
 ncr thereofjully enioying all thole pieafures, which have bene 
 rnoft cxcelletly painted our, & defcribed by others.I would know 
 if our friends were in fuch eltate and condition,asis before men* 
 tioned,whether we (hould hauc any occafion to lament and be* 
 waile their deathes ? If then after their departure they be better 
 then we can imagine, and yet we will neede-s be fory for them, 
 it can not be in regarde of any love We bare towardesthem, or 
 for anyfeare we haue, lcaft they ftould not, be at their, reft ancj 
 quietnetTe. 
 Zbofetbat Who hath heard at any time, thatthofe who have dyed in 
 dpe wtllftd the faith of Chri(llcfns y ever complained, or were not content 
 U once in w j fa fa elx e fl a * e anc j can cjition ? or were iqrie that they had left 
 verdeGre'to ^ e pl ea f ures > " c hes, and friendes, which they had in thip 
 returne to VYQrJde ? or that they preferred them before the ioyes of hea- 
 tbeeaxtba- ven, and therefore (ought to returne againe into the earth? 
 gtwi. Wee have read of many, who are departed out of this worlde 
 fijljof dayes (as the Scripture faith J and who,notwithftanding 
 the cafe andpleafure which they enicyed here, did neveithe- 
 le(Te fervently defire to bee gone, and to l?ee delivered from 
 hence ? but on the contrarie, wee never heard of any that 
 were deiirous to fhunne the life to come ; or that with any 
 continuance of time coulde bee fatisfiedjOt ever iethis mind 
 vpon any better thing, or defired to chaunge his ioyc and 
 pleafure? And there is one principal marks, whereby wee 
 may knowe the difference which is in the pleasures of cither 
 »*&*t l^ c s w$ dwt is, that though in this life the; bee an innu- 
 then Um merable forte of pjeafures , yet there is none fo agreeable to 
 tomparifin pur humours, rput that at length wee are wearie of them, 
 ^"'fUll an ^ ^°^ e a ^ of bitternclTp in them, which wholly dif- 
 *&dtlkPkll P' c *fed* our ta ^ c ; b\n in the other there is an everlafting 
 tfvfmu aadcpnunualicidight. Seeing theq ;hat wee can pkafuts 
 
 them 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 151 
 
 them with no better thing, nor vvifli for any ioy but fueh as 
 they have the full fruition of, after their dcathes> I may well 
 conclude,that it is a verie vaine thing for vs, cither in refpeft of 
 them,orin rcgarde ofour ielves to fcare, Icaft they fhould die: 
 and that among all the external and outward accidents which 
 may happen vnto a faithfull man, there is notone which fhouid 
 fearc ordifcourage him, 
 
 Forthebettervnderftandinghereof.itisrequifnethatwcdiff- * ^JSJfc 
 courfe in like maner ofotherfearcs& terrors, which may happen pl* ftke 
 vnto vs.That which we are moft afraid ofin our bodies, is either travail* and, 
 labor,dcformitie,impri(bnment,difeafes,old age,or death. Vn- labour of out 
 der labor I comprehend the travel, paines,and affli&ions which ^'« g ** 
 men through zcale, or malice do either iuftly or injuttly procure ^fa"** 
 vs. As touching travcll, we ought neither to flie it, nor to fearc it. 
 for thisis a thing ordeined of God, & decreed by hirn,thateve- X *^^ J " 
 ry man fhould participate thereof: and is no lefle profitable for ' 
 the health ofour bodies andfoulcs,thenidIenefleishurtfulI and 
 incommodious both for the one and the other. Were not this a 
 goodly feare,to be afraid to yvalke in the generall vocation ofall 
 creatures? and that which is more,to follow the example ofour 
 heavenly Father,and of his Sonne Chrifi Iefus our Saviour.-both , - 
 
 which have bene continually occupied even from the begin- ^ ° rMms 
 ningvntillthis day? Or whatmaketh vs fo griedily to hunt after mayfervtys 
 riches? is itnotthatwc are perfwaded that by this mcanes wee firan*xipk 
 fliallhveatourpleafureandeafe, without doing of anything? 
 though that indcede this fbouldbetheprincipall reafon,that ^JAIvhih 
 fhouldmakevsbcafraidofthem.Contrariwife wedocnotab- J^2jJ| 
 borrc povertie,butonly becaufe we are afraide, lcaft we fhouldc Jg^, 
 be compelled thereby to travaile and take paines: though that 
 for this caufc it fiioulde feeme the more tolleraWe. Thus wee 
 may fee how difordcred and vnruly our nature is in every thing. 
 Forifwedid rightly confider the matter,we ought not fo greatly 
 to fearc beggerie as Idlcnefle, nor to affect riches more then la- 
 bour and paines taking. I purpofc not to fpeake further hereof 
 at thispreient : for that I have difcourfed of it alreadie in a- 
 nothcr place. „ 
 
 As concerning affli&ions,it isnot poffible to avoid them: and ^v^/ 
 therefore we oughtflottofcaretheaimorethen wedothe labor pains. 
 
 X t and 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOSE. 
 
 andtravaileofthebodie: foritwereavaine thing to fcare that 
 r.r% cart w hichwee cannot avoydc, and toftudictocfchcwethatway 
 lied. C a wherein wc arc compelled to walke. Nowe it is moil certcn, 
 and a thing long fincerefolved vpon, that we mult enter into 
 the kingdome of heaven by a very narrowc and straight pafi'age: 
 Afts.14. that is, (as Sawt Ttul fakh) by many tribulations 1 why doe wc 
 i.rim 1. not rather feeke then valiantly andconLtantly tobcare anden- 
 durethem,then fooliflilv and cowardly to avoydc them? Doe 
 we thinke that the devill, between? whome and the feede of the 
 woman there fhall be continual! hatred, may be reconciled and 
 be in peace and aniitie with vs? Shal we be perfwaded,that God 
 r.Tbeyere will permit his Church to live asitl:fteth,and givelibcrtietohis 
 necejfarie. children to live at their pleafureporthat he will at any time cezfe 
 his corrc6tions,whereby he maketh vs to vnderftand his wrath- 
 ful! difpleafure againlt fmne, andtofeeleourovvne wantes and 
 imperfections ? what repentance,faith, and humilkie fboulde 
 wehave?whatconfe(Iionofourfinnes, or prayers fcr forgivc- 
 neflc would there be in the Church, if wee were not exercifed 
 Examples, with crofles and afflictions ? Would David, CMinaffes , Ncbu* 
 chaUez*zMr^ and the people in the captivitie of Zf^yftw, ever 
 havefoearneftly befought the Lordetoturnc vmothem, and 
 in pitie and companion tolooke vpon them, if they had not bin 
 compelled thereto, by the miferies and calamities whereinto 
 they were fallen by reafbn oftheirfinnes ? and what would be- 
 come of our rebellious flefh, if the concupifcences thereof 
 were not continually mortified with torments and vexations? 
 
 3. They Are Morcover,isir not convenient, that 'according vntothe eternal 
 profitable. " pur pof C of God) allfuch (whom hehathelc6tcd)fhouldbecon- 
 
 formable vnto the image of his Sonne, to the ende thatbeforc 
 they have part of his glorie,theyfhould alfo be partakers of his 
 death and paflion ? and feeing that all our furreringes in this 
 worldeferue to no other ende, but tothe manifefrationorGods 
 glorie, and to make his bountie and mightie power more mani- 
 fest orevidentiortoconfirme the trueth of thatdodtrioe which 
 webeleeve,andtofowe,as it were,the field oftheGoipell of our 
 
 4. They are Lord and Saviour : or elfe to difcover the malice ofthe devill 
 hnomable. an( j t heworld,and the great hatred that both of them beare vn- 
 to Chrift Ieftu and to his Church: or to fight againft the power 
 
 and 
 
_ 
 
 AGAINST FEARE. i 5 t 
 
 kingdomeofdarkencflc ; or to make vs meditate of thofe things 
 that are above, and to lift vp our mindes from the earth towards 
 heaven, where Chriji fittcth at the right hand of God the father : 
 or to withdraw vs from the love of this miferablc life,& to make 
 vs altogether (eeke after f7od;Seeing(l fay)thatall adverfities & 
 mifcries whatibcvcr,tend to one of thefe endes,(hallnot this be 
 Mkient to clenfe vs from this feare and dread, and make vs 
 ready ioyfully to differ whatfoeveritftall pleafe God to lay vp- 
 on vs ? & that which is more,we are aiTured by his word, that he ?• They are 
 will be with vs in the middelt of our tribulations, to ayde and % a {* n !'*?i 
 ftrengthen vs,and by comforting vs in wardly by his fpirit,to ak „^ vn _ 
 fwagethe bitternes & grievous vexations which might happen fieafcable 
 to our foules:& that what rigour & fevcriticfoeverheiTieweth, bye** 
 yet he alwayesretaineth a fatherly attention towardes vs s & al- 
 though our fuffrings be very fhort and of fmall continuance, yet 
 notwithftanding they bring vs anevcrlaftinggloric/ & though 
 our temptations doe not exceede the power he hath given vs to 
 refill them, yet they purge and clenfe vs, as fire purifieth and tri- ^ T ^ y # t 
 eth the golde in the fornace. /f we would further confider,chat tefiimemes 
 afflictions are evident tokens ofthe favour of God towardes vs, of our !dva» 
 that they arc common tovswith all the true children of God, tlQn * 
 and thatthey are the mcanes to bring vs to the kingdome of hea- 
 ven, which is theende and vttermoft boundes of our hope : we 
 muft then ofneceflitic inferre one ofthefe two; that either in be- 
 lceving wefhallnotbe afraide of afflictions; onf we doe feare 
 thcm,itisbyreafonofourvnbeleefcandincredulitie. And who 
 is there,that is not perfwaded that it proceedeth of this, (as one 
 faith) that we are counterfaite gold,and therefore that we feare 
 the touch (rone: and that if we had buildedvpon the foundati- 
 on which is C£w7 3 goIde,filver, and precious /tones, we fhoulde 
 never be afraide lcaft our workes fbouldc be manifefted in the 
 day ofthe Lorde ?but being perfwaded in confeience that wee 7 'A- 
 builde withftrawe andftubble, wecannotchoofebutbetime- m vcrfia- 
 rousand wonderfully afraydetocomeneerethefire,leall there retb ajftifli- 
 fhoulde be any tryall made of our workes, or that our fayth onu 
 fhoulde melt away in temptation aswaxe againft the Sunne, 
 and thereby make it manifeft, that itwasafalfe and a counter- 
 faite beleefe. And therefore it isavcriecleare cafe, that all this 
 
 X 3 great 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 great and exceeding fcarc, whether it be ofanydaungcr like to 
 fall vpon vs, or of any torment or vexation like to happen to vs t 
 proccedcth of nothing, but oftheftingof aguilticconfcience, 
 Sundry com- anc * tnc weakeneffe of a feeble faith. Doeth the houfcthat is 
 farifons fiitt builded vpon a rocke, fearc leaft the raine orhayle fhoulde fall 
 firthupur- yponic, or that the windes fhoulde blowe, or the waves bcatc 
 p[t* againft it ? Doeth the incdovve or the ficlde which hath fuffici- 
 
 ent moyfture,feare the drought and heate of fommer ? Shall the 
 tree that is planted by the water fide,fearc leaft his leaves (hould 
 wither ? Or the pot which is well and workcmanlike made, leaft 
 it fhoulde be put into the fumace,feeing that this is molt requi- 
 fice and neceflarie to harden andftrengthen it, andthorcby to 
 make it more lafting and of greater continuance t Tribulati- 
 ons hkewife are verie neceflarie for theexercife of the godly : 
 Rom. j.j. an j vv hen as wee confidcr with Saint Taut, that they bring 
 foorth patience; and patience experience; and experience hope, 
 which is not afhamed, becaufe the lovcof God is (heddc a- 
 broadeinourheartesby the holy CjhoR, which is given vnto 
 vs ; we ought not onely to becfrecfrom fcare,buttoreioyce 
 and to be exceeding glad. We doe very willingly take that pht- 
 r i :e y c \xi e ficke, which wee fuppofc will take away corporall difcafcsfrom 
 andf.rawle vs, though that the operation be very vncertaine, and that wee 
 mrfnnes. bee deceived oftentimes by realon it workethfo fmall effect. 
 Howthencanweexcufeour (elves, whenaswearcafrayde of 
 thofe afflictions, which itpleafeth God (the molt excellent and 
 TO Wnhwi s ^j|p u i| phifuion that ever was) to laye vpon vs; though thac 
 ™ t0 we bevneerten when they fnall betaken fromvsj feeing they 
 \o:;e'mcnY can not be but very wholefomc for fo many,aswillvndergoc 
 iniquities, them willingly and of their owne accord. We oftentimes fecke 
 for furgeons at home in their houfes to launch, feare,yea and to 
 cut offthe putrifyed members of our bodyes : we are content 
 they fhoulde binde andtye vs, to the ende they may dreffe vs ac 
 their plea(ure : we fufTer all things patiently,andbeiidcs our har- 
 ticft thankes,wee are content to recompence them for their 
 paines. Wherefore then are we afraide to commit our fclvcs in- 
 to the handes ofour God . ? Is it,becaufe he is more rigorous,or of 
 leffe experience and skill, lcffe careful!, orthatheasketh more 
 for hispayncsjorfor that the difeafes of the foulc arc leffe dange- 
 rous 
 
AGAINST FEARE. , n 
 
 rous then thofc of the bodic? what fhall wee anfwere hereto? 
 If wee will fpeake thetrueth, wee muftfrankely and freely con- 
 fefle, that theprincipall occafion hereof is this, that on the one 
 fide we doe not fully knowe the frowardneffe and rebellious 
 nature of our flefh, neither the necefluie we haue to mortifie **• 7 h 9f e 
 andfubdue it: and on the odier iide,that we put not fuch a ffi- butohnft* 
 ancc and truft in Gods promifes, as we doeinotherhiscrea- deltandmif- 
 tures: neither doc webeleeve that the afflictions and ad verities credits. 
 which he fendeth, are for to correct, admonifh, and fcourge vs: 
 as well as his blcffingcs are to comforte, to (trengthen, and 
 encouragevs. For if wc were well perfwadedofthis, that God, 
 whatcountenance foeverhe fhewcth towardes vs,yetnotwith- 
 (tanding alwayes beareth the like love and affe&ion to his 
 children, and that all his counfels and a&ions tende to our 
 profitcandcommodkie, as well when he woundcthvs,aswhen 
 heheatcthvs, wc would as willingly receive his blowesas his 
 biddings : or atthe Icaftthisperfwaiion would halfe diminish 
 the fcarc wee haue of hisroddes and corrections : or if we did 
 knowe the value oftheioyes and pleafuresofthis world, and on (l jL rm ^ # 
 the contrarie theauiteritieand rigour of God towards hischil- t hm (kali 
 drcn,we would feeke diligently to imbrace the one* andftudie perifh witb 
 carefully to avoid the other. But as we fee by experience that it *be world. 
 is a verie difficult thing among menjto knowe a true friend from 
 a fayned flatterer: folikewiic without the fpirite of vnderftan- 
 ding,and thatGodbyhisefpeciall grace and favour vouchfafc to 
 open our cyes y it is impoffible that ever we fhould knowe the 
 loyaltic and fynceritie of his love, and that wee be not abufed by 
 the deceitfull fhewe cfthe worlde, and being once kduccd, 
 that we defire not rather to bee drawen by the froyling counte- 
 naunceandcntifingfhewc thereof) thentobec rebuked there- 13. Tbofe 
 by for our affection andzcale towardes ourGod. We fee that vbtcbfielp 
 among fchollcrs fuch as arc idle and dull of vnderftanding, JJ^J *J? . 
 are continually afrayde lcafl: their mafters fhoulde heare fcorntto'bc 
 them their leftbns, and thereby findc and trye out their the (Mien 
 fluggifhneiTe and doultifh ignorance; whereas on the con- ofcbrifl J*. 
 craric, fuch as are paynefull and ingenious, defire nothing fy^fi* 
 more, then to bee often examined* and there is neykher i^TJ t - te 
 fcare nor dread that will make them give oicb their bookes. &igimMt 
 
 X4 In 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 In like m inner, that which maketh vsfeare the afflictions and 
 erodes of this worlde, which arcthefchoolesanddifcipline of 
 the Lords, i>,for that we areverie vn willing to take anypaines. 
 Forifwe weredeiirous to knowc howe greatly God detclteth 
 finne, what that repentance and confe/fion is, which we ought 
 to make in the Church; and generally, what mortification the 
 frailety of this life, andthe vanitie of all thinges in this worlde 
 are, and ho we for this caufe we ought to withdrawe our hearts 
 iron fuch tranficorie thinges, and apply our (elves thorowly 
 Co the parching and finding out ofthac which is (table and per- 
 manent; toturne wholly vnto God-, to truftinhim; to offcrour 
 prayers vnto him, with many other principall poyntes of our 
 religion, which will never be throughly imprinted in our me- 
 mories, vntill by the motion of the holy Gholt they be often 
 remembred in atBi6tions, we woulde not Co abhorre and detett 
 them as we doe: but byreafonthatwehave guilticconfcien- 
 ces, and are privic to our fmall and weake faith, and forthac we 
 haue wickedly bellowed our times heretofore, and mindenot 
 to amende hereafter, this maketh vs become trewantes and 
 runners away from the fchoole, and to come to our tryall as CcU 
 domeas may be, fearing leaft that fhoulde be difcovered, which 
 we woulde gladly keepe fecrete, and that our vizarde bceing 
 once taken away, our hypocrifie (houlde be laydeopen to all 
 the worlde: whereby it may cafely be conjectured, whether 
 itbethewiicdo.ne or thefoilieofour heartes, which maketh 
 vs \o carefully to avoyde afflictions. If we were well pcrfwa- 
 cied of that which is alreadie fpoken, as well of the affiftancc 
 of our Godto enable vs to beare all adverfitiesj as of his promi- 
 feSjwherebyhehathboundehimfclfeto deliver vs from all pe- 
 rils and daungers what(bever,this vaine and foolifh feare would 
 fooneceafe andcometoanende. Whether then we coniider 
 the ncceffitie of them, or the caufe whereoftheyproceede, or 
 the profite and commoditie which doeth enfueofthem,orthe 
 «nd whereto they arerefcrred,there isnoreafon why we fhould 
 abhorrcthem,orfeekeanymcanesto avoideandefchew them. 
 And thus much concerning the travaileof thebodie. 
 
 Let vs nowe come k> defbrmitie, which is cyther tuturall 
 « cafuail. Ifk bee naturall, wee can not poffibly avoyde ir, 
 
 and 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 154 
 
 and then by confequcnt we ought not to fearc it, neither fhould 
 we be forie for it, if we would confider t hefe fourc things. Firft, 1 .1/ Huh m$ 
 that klicth net in our power to amend it. For who is there that incur pewtr 
 being borne with one eic,crooked,lamc,orftarkeblinde,thatis ******** *■ 
 able to amend his imperfection ? Secondly, that God hath the z.Hebatbatl 
 the famepowerandauthoriticouervs,thattbe potter hathoucr ponwouer 
 the clay, to frame and fafhion vs, fome to honour, and (bme to vs ' 
 difhonour,asfhallfeeme belt vnto him, and yet there is norea- 
 fbn why wee fhould complaine or be grieued thereat: and ac- i.Wcetnusl 
 cording to the example ofthe foote, which is not difcontcntcd be content 
 though it be not framed in fuch dignitie as the hand,the cie,and * ,ti}tb ?ft 
 the other members: fo likevvife mult wee be contented with j^qJ^* 
 fuch graces and gifts, as it hathpleafed God to impart vnto vs. bepotre vpm 
 Finally, we haue defcrued, by reafbn of our manifold finnes, to vs. 
 be as deformed in all parts of our bodies,as we are corruptin the 4. Wee bant 
 feucrall faculties of our mindes. And if therefore we were made de I* rtie * 
 like vnto an other Chimera, or any other prodigious monfter; r ono f eHT 
 whom fhould we blame thereforc,but our felues,who haue de- finnes. 
 fcrued thorough ourvngratcfulncs towardesGod,tobearethe *Acertaine 
 marks and skarres thereof in ourbodies, all the daiesof ourlife? ^ e/ T b ^ b 
 What had the ferpent done,morethen wejthat he fhould be fo wlfoafr 
 fodainly transformed from abeaurifullfhape 3 into the moft hi- on.another 
 deous and ougly monfler of all other ? Who hath not offended % a goate, 
 as grieuoufly ? as Lots wife,which was turned in to a pillar of fait? and the third 
 or Ncbuchidnez,z,ar , who was driuen from the companicof &&*&*&*• 
 men,to dwell with the beaftsin the fields,tofeedeasanoxe,and 
 to be wet with the de we of heauen,vntill that his haire was like 
 vnto Eagles feathers, and his nailes vnto birdesclawes,beeing 
 wholly altered from the fafhion of a man ; knowing no man, 
 nor being knowneofany? and ifGod fhould makevs like vnto 
 the moft deformed monftersthateuer were, yet were the fhape 
 offinne, wherewith we are clothed,raore horrible and feareful, 
 then they; if he would not vouchfafe in mercie to amend it. Wee 
 (hould haue then no iuftcaufe to complaine of ourGod,if wee $.He[hev€tb 
 were borne fuch, as we are concerned, that is to fay, moft filchie *** **» «*■ 
 and moft imperfect creatures. And if fo be we will make a ver- tu !* u ,* e ft r ' 
 tue,asit wcre,and reape any benefit by thefcnaturallimperfe- ^nV^M 
 &ioris,wc muft vnderftande, that they are the monitersandad- ofallttber. 
 
 uertifers 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 uertifers of finnc and corruption. For firft of all,fanc is the mafle 
 d'Jlmore& ° r ^ ca P c 0UC °^ wflicntnc y arc framcd,tothe ende that thereby 
 morettre- wema y tne rather take an occadon to con demne it, andingreac 
 forme the in- humilitictoconfelTcfo much all chedaiesofour Hues. Secondly, 
 wardtman. they fhould be as fpurres to prickc vs torwarde to the lludie 
 of vertuc and godlinefle, to the ende that if fo be wee can not 
 wholly deface this our naturall deformitic, yet at the lealt wee 
 may couerit in fome fore, imagining howc odious we (hall be 
 in the fight of God and man, if as Homers Tber(ttes t \\e be blind, 
 crookcd,and lame both in bodie and minde,and for to encreafe 
 the deformitic of the one, we addc alfo the other, cither by our 
 carelctlc negligence, or deliberate mallice. Finally they ought 
 to raife vs vp,not only in the confideration ofthc peace and tran- 
 quility of the mindc; but alfo in the meditation of the gloric 
 . „ .. which we hope for in the kingdome of God: when as through 
 make vs the hi smc rcicitihall pleafc hirntodeliuervstrom this naturall cor- 
 m9ree*rnejl- ruptionand linking rottenneffc, wherewith wecarcnowe clo- 
 tytoaffcHthc thed; and put vpon vsthe rich robes ofimmortalitic and incor- 
 limgdomeof rU ption, and make vs like vntothe glorious bodie of his Sonne, 
 bUffeditfh ** wno ^ c ^ catn anc ' refurre&ion we ought continually toreroem- 
 vnrulitJc. ^ cr > as tnc vcr y foundation of all our hope. If we would make 
 this vfe of our naturall imperfections, we would not be fo great- 
 ly afraid of them as we are , and we would be much better con- 
 tented, when as wee fee other men better made and fafhioned 
 then our felues. 
 8. smnffei If our bodily imperfections and deformities be cafuall, they 
 againfl cafe- proceede either of vice or ofvertue. If ofvertue, wemayboaft 
 aUdefvrm* andgloneofthcm,as well as did Saint /W,andreioycc that we 
 tlt \fth wo- k earc in our bodies the marks and tokens of our Lord lefw: and 
 leedeofver- f° W tne zs4pofties> who were very ioyfull, when as they were 
 tue,veemsi brought totheludges, accounting it an honour to fufFer for .his 
 ghriein tbt Name, and the aduaunccment of his gloric. And doeth not 
 Extmplts* cbrifl Ieftu , through a wondcrfull manner, as yet, rctainethe 
 Mrifidnd woundes which he recciucd vpon the croffe for our redempti- 
 htidifiiples. on * in ms fide and handes ? to the ende they may ferue for an 
 cuerlafting teftimonie of the loue which hee beareth vnto 
 them, for whofe fake hee was content to receiue them, and to 
 (hew his great valour and courage, which he vfodin the battell 
 
 agaiad 
 
AGAINST FEARE. J55 
 
 gainft his enemies, and of his obedience towardes his Father, 
 which was cuen to the death of the croffe , and of his patience 
 in forbearing thofe wrongs which were offered him,as well for 
 thcconfclTion and defence of the truth, as for the redemption & 
 deliueranceof his childre. It is reported that Spiridton(yjho had j. sftridin. 
 one of his eyes pulled out, and one of his legges broken in that 
 great per fee ution vnder r Diocle[iafi)bczmg deliucrcd from thofe 
 cruell tyrants, and comming before the Empcrour Confiantwe y 
 who fucceeded in the Monarchic, was imbraced of this great& 
 noble Prince,who with marueilous reuerence kifTcd that place, 
 outof which the eye was pulled, cfteemingthat part worthic of 
 Angular honour, and the moft excellent of all the other, which 
 had bin wounded forthc Name of Cbrift lefw, andtormented 
 for the contention of the true God.The very heathen themfelues Yhtinitt- 
 were not ignorant hereof. For Alexander the great, feeing his mm of the 
 father lamcnt,for that he hadreceiuedawoundofadartinthe heathen** 
 warres,that made him halt,which thing he thought, did great- &* e *M* 
 Jydifgrace him: faidc to comfort him wit ball; that ii could be ^tumier. 
 no difhonour or fhame vnto him, to carrie the vifible markes of 
 his valour and prowefTe. Wee needenot then be afraide of the 
 brufing of the flefh, or breaking of the bones, nor any other 
 skarres or woundes what focuer, whereby our vertue and wif- 
 dome may beiufhfied. But what fhal we thinke ofthofe, which 2 ja^**^ 
 proceed of our vice & wicked coverfatio?as,when a ma hath his ceedeofvice, 
 eares cut from hisheade, or that he be branded in the hand for mhauemfi 
 fometheeuerie,or hurt with fome halbert, forrunnning about c ^ t0 } t J Lm 
 in the night, whereby he becommethlame all the daies of his ^jj£ ** 
 life, or his face disfigured with thepoxe: or in a word, when as 
 the fpotsof hisfinne are apparantvpon hisbodie: (hall he not 
 beexceedinglyafraidofthcfemifchiefcsPYcsverelyjieeingthey 
 are the punifnments of our finnes, and the apparant fignes of 
 Gods wrath, the which we ought the more earneftly to consi- 
 der of> to the ende we may the more carefully efc he we all the oc- 
 cafions which may irritate and prouoke his irerull difplcafurc a- 
 gainft vs. Notwithstanding, he which is deformed, may turnc it i»Theyftrne 
 to his commoditie.For feeing thatallofvs arc as ready to forget "bj'dlevs, 
 our faults, when they are committcd,as we were prone to comit ™ J^j^ 
 
 them: hereafter. 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 them: and that it is very dangerousjcaft by being forgctfulI,we 
 fliould become obftinatc, and becingobttinatejrtiould procure 
 our felucs a fpeedie ouerthrow: it is very expedient, to the ende 
 they may be the better rcmembred,that they be engrauen vpon 
 our bodies, that becing continually in our fight, they may be a 
 meanes to humble vs, and to make them as vnpleafant as may 
 be,that fo being thro wne downcin the fight of God, we may be 
 the more apt and fittobeatattonement with him,and heethe 
 fboner brought to be reconciled vnto vs.- and to be a warning 
 for vs to liue more holily and vertuoufly afterwards . And this 
 i.King.y. was the reaibn, why thelcprofic oflVaaman was laidc vpon Cjc- 
 % 7* bazi, and vpon his poftcritie for euer, to tcftifie his greedie co- 
 
 uetoufnes anddefire.* andthat^«/^,offcringcontrarietothe 
 commandement ofGod,incenfc vpon the altar,and ambitioufly 
 vfurping the high Prieftcs office , was foorth with ftricken with 
 leprofie; and therefore was conftrained to dwell in a houfe a- 
 loneby him felfe all the reft of his life: and that Zacbaric,not 
 bcleeuing the wordes of the Angell,bccame dombe,vntill thofe 
 things which hadbeenc forefpoken were accomplished : to the 
 end that euery one of them, bearing his marke vpon his bodie, 
 and his condemnation written(asit were, in capitall letters) vp- 
 on his forehead, might haucoccafion to reade and remember it 
 oftcnrimes,and be mcoucd thereby to fee ke for hisgrace,andto 
 amend their Hues. And therefore to finifh this diicourfe, touch- 
 ing corporal! im perfections, whether they proceede of nature, 
 or by chauncc, either of vertue, or vice which is in vs,wee fhall 
 haue alwaies the meanes (if wee confider that whichis alrcadie 
 faid)either wholly to purge vsofthisfearc,or at the leaitto mo- 
 derate and aflwage it. 
 9. nemedki The third affliction which we are afraid of, is,Iea(l our bodies 
 aga'mfttbe fhouid be captived and depriued of their libcrtie, which is the 
 feAreofcap- mo ft precious and excellent treafure that we can attainevntoin 
 this world, and that we efteeme mod of all other things what- 
 foeuer. Which I would eafilie agree vnto if we didvfo it weJ. 
 i.Weemufi Buttheabufe thereofisfo common andvfuall,that we fhall not 
 ^foT^tf findeoncofathoufandjwhichis atlibertie,but hedothftraight- 
 fbrtbtmojl vvaies tunic ittoalicentioufncs oflife,and like a wild bcaft new- 
 part m dot. lyefcapedoutol the mare, rangeth vp and down whether foeuer 
 
 his 
 
AGAINST FE ARE. ijtf 
 
 his fancie leadeshim. As often aslconfidcr this, I cannot but 
 wonder at the horrible difordcr and corruption of our nature, 
 \\ hich doth fo mondroudy abufe all the graces and bleflings of 
 God : and I ftand in doubt,whether I fhal defend this paradox, 2 - Seryuudt 
 or not, that ferattude is better then libertte. At the leaii 1 dare f° mtUm * 
 fay, that oftentimes it is more expedient for a man tobepoore, ^ fr// -^ 
 then to be riche, feeing that riches pufTethvp our hearts,andfil- 
 lcth vs full of pride and foolifhnes, depriuingvs of the grace of 
 God, who abhorreth and detefteth all loftie mindes : whereas 
 on the contrarie , pouertie humbleth vs, and bringeth vs to di- 
 ftruft in our fclues, and by that meanes draweth vstheneerer 
 vntohtm,by makings the more capable of his grace : fo alfois 
 itrequifite to reftraine the concupifccnces of our flefh,that wee 
 beratherinbondage^henatfuchlibcrtie as we de(ire, which is 
 the fpringand fountaine from whence there flowethfuch hor- 
 rible finnes and corruptions , as nowe raigne in eucry corner of 
 the world. It falleth out oftentimes fas S*/<?t»0tf faith Jth at one EcdeCf.14. 
 commeth out of priibn for to raigne; when as he that is borne in 
 his kingdome is made poore.YVhich is plentifully pr.ooued- by 
 manyexamples. Iofepb was taken out of prifon, and made ruler *<#&. 
 ouer all the land of Egypt. Charles CMartel beeinglong detai- C * lt *M A ** 
 nedin prifon by his enemies, fhortly after ouerthrewe anddik 
 comfited them , and in recompenceof his noble valour, was 
 created Major ofthe Frenchm ex 3 \\h\c h was the fecond place of 
 honour and dignitiein the Rcalme. King CMathiu y who was, Ki*g Ma- 
 one ohhe moftmightie,fortunate,and magnificall Ptinces,that th ' laSm 
 euer was in Hungarie, was taken forth of prifon, where heehad 
 long before beene kept by his predecefTour , and with great 
 pompe led to Buda the principall citie in the realme, and there 
 crowned and inftalled in the kingdome. And it is not long 
 fince that the Earle of 7{icbwoxt i whohad beene detained in TheStrte of 
 Bretaine s \mno in great want and necefiuie, for thefpace often ^tebmont. 
 yceres or more, with the fmall aide that was giuen vnto him by 
 one of the French Kings,returningintohiscountrey,andvan- SxmpUsof 
 quifhing King Richard in abloodie battell, was crowned in the C Hcf) M hatte 
 flelde,and acknowledged ofthe Englifh nation for their foue- ff e ^f m 
 raigne lord. As concerning Kings and great Princes,whohaue Ynomff"*. 
 beene dcpriucdcfchcir eflatcs and dignities, &haue fallcnfrom blefirvitudt 
 
 great 
 
VekfWL 
 
 Htmy li\}. 
 
 thetjttnt. 
 
 Ufifk. 
 
 Herod. 
 
 Bdtqtb. 
 
 Khhtrd, 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 great honours and riches, intoamoft wretched and miferablee-* 
 itate: who is there that can remember them all, or make a cata- 
 logue of chcir calamities? V.ilcrtan $ one of the Emperoursof 
 Rome.falling into thchads of Sapores king of the Perfea»s t endcd 
 hislifcin wondetfullmi(eric,feruing as a fooccttoolc to this bar- 
 barous tyrant,fo ofcen as he was difpoled to take his horfe . As 
 touching the Emperors ofCovftantmopleythc greatcltpombcrof 
 them died in prilbn. And among the (jermanes^Henrj the fourth, 
 who had beene fo viftorious a Prince, and had fought in three- 
 score pitched fields, to his great g!oric,which was more then e- 
 uer any did before, or iince; was notwithstanding at the 
 length imprifoncd by hisfbnne, where he ended his daies molt 
 milerablie. Among the Grecians , Dionyfuts the tyrant, and 
 fonnc to him, who had beene fo great and mightie a lorde in 
 Sicilie, was contained in his old age,toget his liuingby play- 
 ing on the taber and the pipe, as our blindc men doe in France. 
 Among the levees , Ioacbin and Zedekiab &ed incaptiuitie in 
 Babylon ; the one, after hce had beene inprifon by the (pace 
 of thirtie yeeres.- and the other,after that his children and prin- 
 cipal friendes were flaine before his race, and that to aggra- 
 vate his miferie, they had pulled out both his eyes. And ge- 
 nerally the whole race of T>avtd in continuance of time , fell 
 into fuch miferie and pouertie, that lofipb, who was defcended 
 of him, was conftrained to get his liuingby beeing a carpen- 
 ter; and the Virgin CMarie his wife, to offer two turtle doucs at 
 her purification, which was ordained by the law to bean obla- 
 tion for the poorc. And were not all the fuccefTours of Herod, 
 who had beene fo carefull to inrich the kingdome of Iudea s 
 and to leaue it to his heires for euer,wholly deftroied within the 
 compafle of one hundred yeeres, yea and fomcof them ended 
 their daies in perpctuallprifon? Among the Tvrkes, Baja^eth 
 the firft of that name , after many great conqucfls, was taken 
 
 Erifoner by Tamberlain^ who indention of his former eft ate, 
 ept him in a cage, delighting at dinnertime totiehimvnder 
 histablelikea monkie, andincenfed with a proud and tyranni- 
 call humour, to caft him fomctime a peecc of bread, and (bme- 
 tirac a bone to gnawcon. Among the Englishmen , Richard the 
 
 fccond, 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 157 
 
 fecond, fonne to the Prince of Wales, after he hadlongcontinu- 
 cd in as great profperitic, as eucr did any King of England, inhi$ 
 olde agc,whcn as he hadmoftneede of eaie and quietnes, fell 
 into the handsof his enemies, and ended the rcilofhisdaicsin. 
 forrowc and rniferic. And Philip Comins reporteth, that in his 
 time fome of the blood royall of Englard, were brought to fuch 
 extreame pouertie,that one of the houfc of Lancajler,v^^s com- 
 pelled to ieruc as a page in the court of Duke Charles of Burgon- 
 dr. And was not Barnabe, one of thcVicounts of Milan, ta- $ am fa 
 ken by hisvncle/o£« Galea, 2nd moft cruelly kept in prifon vn- 
 till his dying day? And fince that, in the time of Lewis the 
 twelfth, was LodomU.% S force, an viurpcr of the Dukedomeo'c 
 diilan a takcn at Navarre, and brought as a prisoner to theca- 
 ftell of Loches in Tonratne, and there detained a long time, dy- 
 ing at the lad moil miferably in a cage of yron. fotlpericke and ^jjwk. 
 J^ems the fimple, two of the French Kings, were quite difpofleft u vis the 
 of their crovvnes andkingdomes by their ownefubie£ts,and the Jimplt* 
 one put into a prifon,and the other fhut vp in a cloyflcr, to reads 
 hisMattens with monks and fryers. And among the Spa'wyards, 
 was not the onely daughter of Henry J£ing or Cafii/e, thruft 
 from the fucceffion by the wily deuifesandfubtillpollicies of 
 qucene Isabel, and by her compelled to retire into Portugal, 
 where fhec remained euer after, as a poore flaue? And in our 
 time , who hath not heard, whatmiferie hath happened to the 
 Duke of Savoy, tp the King of Hungarts, to the Duke of (]er- 
 mams, and to Maleaffet the King of Tunis , and many others,? 
 For God hath permitted at all times, and almoft in euery coun- 
 trie, great Princes to come to decaie, and mightic Monarches 
 tp die in pouertie; to giue vs to vndcrffande, that this 
 Jibertie $nd rrcedome, whereof we make fuch great account 
 efteemingit aboue golde and filuer, yea and our owne liues,is 
 neyerfpitrongly built, but that if we begin onceto abufc it,hce 
 can eaiilieouerthroweit,andpullitfromvs. Seeing then, that 
 without his grace and fauour, we are buttooreadie to abufc it, 3. ut vsdt- 
 and thereby commit very heynous offences, giuing him iuft pre God 19 
 pecafion thereby to depriuc vs of it; I may well conclude, f^nivsbk 
 
 $hac wee haqe np fuchcaufc to braggeofi*, and to runne &****& 
 
 vo ^ c u the true It* 
 
 ^ r btrtle. 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 after it as we doe: and that on the contrarie, that feruitude and 
 bondage is not fo intolerable an euill , that wee fhould To won- 
 derfully grudge andgrieue at ir. Ifaymoreoucr,thatit is noleffe 
 worldly libtr- rcc l u ^ tc t0 tne managing of our rebellious and vntamed na- 
 tkisferuh *ure,thcn is the bridle to gouernc an vnruly cole. What neede we 
 tude. carcfas S.Paul faith) whether we be lords or fcruants , bond or 
 
 i.Cor.7« ftcc f Why doe wee not rather ftudie to walke vprightly in our 
 vocation,and reft contented with thatfpiritual freedome,which 
 Cbrtft lept* hath purchafed for vs by his death ? we defire liber- 
 tie forourflefh,and weneuerconfiderin to what dangcritwiil 
 bring vs,beeing once let loofe. Which of the two fliould we ra- 
 ther defire, either fodangcrousandmortallanenemietobeat 
 libcrtie,or in prifon : feeing we can neucr deui(e to keepe him fo 
 ftraightly, or watch him fo narrowly, but hce will finde a thou- 
 fand waies to hurt vs? It Were expedientthat we fhould defire to 
 kill and crucifie him , with all his noyfomeluftsand concupik 
 cences. And are we afraid leaft he fhould be too hardly \kd ? we 
 confeffe that theeues and murtherers ought to be put in prifon, 
 and there is no m an that will fpeakc againft it. And fhai we then 
 $. The bitter pitie ourflefhifitbeimprifoned, feeing th at the workes and or- 
 fruiies of dinarie paftimes thereof, are(as the ^Apoftle faith) adulteric,for- 
 *t th Id CT mcatIon > vncleannes, wantonnes, idolatrie, witchcraft, hatred, 
 mah vs ab- debatc,emulations,wrath,contentionsXeditions,hcrcn*cs,envy, 
 bdrreit. drunkennes,gluttonie,and fiich hkc?If a father had fuch a fonne, 
 Gal.?.r?. a motherfuch a daughter,or a husband fuch a wife, what fhould 
 they doe withthem f We may eafilic iudge then, what reafon 
 wehaucto auoidthe imprifonment ofourflefli,whichisfovn- 
 tamed a beaft/o obftinate,and fo froward a companion,that he 
 will not be taught by any demonftration or reafon what foeuer. 
 6. The l fpeakonlyofourflefhrfor our minds if they be wel& wifely in- 
 mmdes of f orrn ed,cannotbe in thraldome or captiuitie : the Trophets, »/l- 
 arealwaies J>°ftks> and Martyrs of Chrift Iefpu\ Socrates ^altfthenes y and 
 atlibcrtie many other Philosophers , might hauc their bodies (bmctimes 
 though their fhut vp in filrhie and (linking prifons; the tyrants by Gods fuf- 
 hodies be in ferancemight apprehend thero,bind,torment, flea them, (Iraine 
 bondage. an( j ft retcn tne j r skinny, but yet their minds were al waies at 
 libertie, taking their pleafurc in the delightfome and fruitfull 
 fieldesof the facred Scriptures,and walking in the beauufull ar- 
 bors 
 
AGAINST FEARE i 5 3 
 
 bors,and goodly galleries of contemplativcphiIofbphie,gathe, 
 ring the fweete flowers which growe continually in her pica, 
 fant gardens, to comfort the heart and ftrengthenthefoulea- 
 gaiaiTthe noyfomrmellesofall corporal! complaintes and bo- 
 dily difeafes. If then our mindescan notbeinflaverie, it is no 
 matterthoughourbodyesbealwayesin captivitie: and there- 
 fore let vs conclude, that we neede notfeare to live in bondage 
 andfervitude. 
 
 The fourth thing which we are fo greatly aftaide o£(though io.Kemedie< 
 indeede altogether in vainejis fickenefleand fuch like difeafes. a g*'"ift th * 
 For feeing that our bodyes are mortall, it is verie convenient F a ' e V d 'r 
 that we fhould feele and vnderftandthe meanes that will in the j.scewour 
 ende bring vs to death, otherwife we would be altogether vn- bodies are 
 
 mindfull thereof,and feldome or never thinke of our end. Let vs mortal!, why 
 
 ftouldwe 
 
 IP that wtiuxwui YJiuwiiv-uuiwitu Ori'it? 
 
 our frayle and brittle eftate, ther, the health and found conftitu- death. 
 tionofourbodyes,(forifwe were never afflicted vvithfickeneflc 
 nor any other malladieordifeafe, we would be perfwaded wee 
 were immortall) we may evidently fee howe requifiteit is to a- 
 bate our pride, that we fhould be fickelyfometime, to the ende 
 that whether we will or no , we may lcarnc the mortalitie of our 
 bodies by the corruption of our flefh, which hath made vs fub- *• ThmJb* 
 je£t to death and deiiruclion. And without this meditation,it is t f l °l°' jrMt 
 a wonder to fee howe farrc mans infolencie will ftraine and meanej g t0 
 ftrecchitfelfe. For feeing itfalleth out oftentimes that mortall ereferuevs 
 men,and fuch as vnderftand their owncimbecillitie and weake- fromfmne. 
 neiTe,willnotwithflanding wage warre againft (7od,and bidde 
 battel! as it were vnto the heavens, what would they do (I pray 
 you) if they thought them felves immortall, and notfubiectto 
 corruption ? whereas a little consideration and remembrance of 
 their endes, whereuntothey are brought by reafonofdivcrsdif- * seeing we 
 cafes, and fundrie malladies daily fallingout before their eyes, muftnudu 
 doeth make them remember them felves, and repreffeth that $WMW? 
 hautinefle and pride which would otherwife be intollerable. If V ,l f eth * 
 we were free from finne and not fubied to mortalitie, we might m j n ji"f ln 
 hauefome reafon to defire to be free from all maikdies and dif- datk. ' 
 
 Y i eafes 
 
q.Tbeyare 
 rneanes to 
 mal^evs 
 \nove out 
 Ulvts. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 cafes : but being fubieS to both , and befidcs (b blind through a 
 vaine conccite ofour ownc worthines,'that either we would not 
 acknowledge that vice and mortalitie which is in vs, or clfc dif- 
 fembleit: it is neither profitable nor poflible for vs to be without 
 difeafes.^tff/£0»/« one ofthc fucceflbrsof AUxader in the king- 
 dom of Macedony ybc'mg exceedingly fickc, after he began to be 
 fome what recouered/aid vnto fome of his familiar friendes, that 
 his ficknes had taught him th3t he was mortal: giving vs therby 
 to vnderftand,that men which arein health & profperity, & cf- 
 pecially great princcs,who with their helth enioy great honors, 
 pleafures, & abundance,do feldom or never thinkc of their duc- 
 tics,much lefle of their mortalitie & frailtie : yea(as the Prophet 
 Efay.iS. i $. faith)they are at theireafe,&fleep as fecurely,as though they had 
 made a covenant with death,8t were at agreement with hel.Is it 
 not then very requifite that we fhould fall into difcafes, which 
 fliould be,as it were,vauntcurriers and foreriders,togive vs war- 
 ning of the approch of fo dangerous an encmy,le(t we be furpri- 
 fed on the fudden? Efity reproving the vaine confidence,that the 
 people in his time repofed in the princes,prophets,and other per- 
 fons of account } h\d, ftafe from the manjvbofe breath is in hi4 nof- 
 trelsiforvoherinis he to be eftemed? which faying we ought wifely 
 tocon(ider,feeingthat therein the Prophetteacheth vs 2 things. 
 vsalfo tyoxp Fir(t,that we are too ready totruft in the armeofflei*h,&toprc- 
 tbe vedfya fume more ofour felves & others a great deale then is covenient. 
 of att other Secondly,that there is no better meanes to amend thiserror,the 
 to confider how fraile & brittle our eftate is, which hangeth,as it 
 wcrc,byatwinethread,&confi(teth(ashe faith)in alidewind, 
 which wcdrawatournollrels.or(as AmxarchiutocXto Alex- 
 ander y totc\>io\c his ambitious mind) in a goblet, wherein there 
 is alitlc RubarbyOi fome fuch like receipt prefcribed by thephifi- 
 e.Tbey mal^e tian to preferue or recover vs from fickneflc. And thefc dif eafes 
 w tveane of f erve not on ]y to humble vs,and to put vs in mind ofour mortali- 
 &/T* oU ^ '" ^ uttne y hriflg 2 !* afulnes,a contempt,^ lothingofthis life, 
 thereby making vs theleiTe to feare death: the remembrance 
 whercofisnotbitter,(asthewifcmanfaith)butvhtohimthatli- 
 veth at reft in his great poflefTions, & hath profperitie & abun- 
 dance of all thinges: when as we live inacountrey,whereinis 
 plentie of all what foever we can delire : & that we haue riches, 
 
 friends, 
 
 Efay 
 
 1.21, 
 
 I.TbeymaJie 
 
 better Ufe. 
 Ecclef4i.i. 
 
AGAINST FEARE. i 5P 
 
 rriends,honor,&cafe fomuch as we can wifli : we would be ve- 
 ry Tory toleauc fo commodious a dwelling.So like wife would we 
 be loth to forfake & giueouer this life, ifit were altogether pic- 
 fane anddclightfome. But God, to the end we may depart with 
 the more willing & ready minds,hath thought it good to give vs 
 fo wre fa wee to our fweet meat, & to mingle molt of our receipts 
 with plenty of vinegen And as nources,when they would weanc 
 their children f are wont to lay fome bitter thing vpon their teats, 
 tothcendethattherebytheymaybebroughttohateandrefufe 
 the fweet milkc, which they were wonttolucke from thence:In 
 like manner it pleafeth him to fower this whole life of ours with 
 povertie, ficknes, and many other difea(es and difcommodities, 
 that thereby we may the more cafily be brought to loath it. Not- 
 withftading,wc are fo addicted to the love 8c liking thcrcofrhat 
 no difgrace,forow,griefe,or difcommodity whatloever, isfuffi- 
 cient to bring vs in diflike with it, & to make vs wifli rather to die 
 happily ,thcn to liue miferably. What would we doe then, if all 
 things were to our liking & contentation ? A certai ne fouldier in 
 the armie of ^»//£<5#/#,being troubled with a verie painfull dif- 7 j hiflorit 
 cafe, was exceeding couragious&dcfperately valiant, not fea* out of vlu- 
 ring any danger whatfoever: the King feeing this brave & for- tarcb,fbrtbe 
 Ward man, &vnder(tandingthathe was vexed with a grievous confirmatioit 
 mallady,beingdcilrousto honour him,andrecompcnce him in ^1*^! 
 fome fortfbr his good feruice,fentrorhisphi(itions,&comman- u 
 ded the to fcekc all means poiTible to recover him or his difeafe : 
 which in friort time they accoplifhcd. Now when as afterwards 
 he began to be fbme what fearful,& more cowardly then he was 
 wont to be,& went nothing fo rcfolutelyforward in ferviceas he 
 did before: the king marveiling at fuch ftrangc alteraticn,dema- 
 ded ofhim the rcafon thereof: whereto he anfwered, that it was 
 the favor he had (hewed him in the recovering of his hclth,& for 
 that his life, which before was very grievous & bitter vnto him 
 by reafbn of his di(eafe,was now become very fwcete and plca- 
 fant. Whereby he giveth vs to vnderftand, that there is nothing 
 thatmakcth vs fotobe in love with thislife,& to abhorre death, 
 as the health & found difpofition of our body es. And therefore 
 one hearing the Lacedemonians comendedior their incoparable 
 valour and couragious ftomacks,and that they went defperately 
 to the warres,neuer fearing death, faidc, that it was no marvaile 
 
 Y z thereof 
 
 ten. 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 8. jn apo- thereofjfceing they lived in fuch a hard and aufterelife at home 
 theg proving in their country : and that commonly men care not to leave that 
 tbatgrkfis place,where they have little or no hearts eafe. Wc fee then that 
 and fa-rows tnerc j s nothing to forcible to encourage vsagaind the alTaultcs 
 "tomakevi ofdeath, and to make vsiong after the enioying of the heaven- 
 cheer eMy to ty kingdome, as to bee molefted with povertie, labour, oldc 
 firfa{s t'm age, warres, fuites, frod and colde, heate and drought, and 
 Hfc many other difcommodities: which (though furely with great 
 
 difficultie) may bee a meanes to pull our heartes and mindes 
 from thole worldly cogitations. For (as though we were bewit- 
 ched therewith) we can hardly be brought to feelethofcmani- 
 fblde mifchiefes,where with the worldc encumbreth vs, or to be 
 cnducedtoforfakefofouleandfilthie a (trumpet, to marrie the 
 molt beautifull and goodly Ladiethat can be imagined. Difea- 
 9-Tkey[tnre f csa lfofervetomakevsrememberour finnes, and with allhu- 
 mtance ' m ^^" e °fh eart to confeffc them, and to be forie for them : and 
 fiithy&hope they bring vsinto the meditation of a better life, and ftirre vs 
 Examples, vp to feeke for the grace of (Jod. The occafioii which brought 
 Naamzn. ff adman the Syrian to the Prophet E///^ 3 and afterwards to the 
 knowledge of ftod^vashisleprofie and vncleannerTe.Thc grea* 
 ted numberof thofe which beleeved in Iefw fihr/fl, were pro- 
 voked thereuntoby their corporall difeafes, whereof we haue 
 greater fence and feeling then of any fpiritualmallady.And we 
 are for the mod part more diligent in providing For the health of 
 the bodie,then the mind : yea and Chriftians themfelves do ne- 
 ver pray fo heartily vntoGod,when as they are in helth, as when 
 they are ficke. Beholde with what zeale and affection T>avtd 
 David. prayeth in his <5& 5 8 Pfalmes, and with what fighings and gro- 
 nings heprodrateth himfelfe before the face of the Lord , what 
 truft& confidence he repofeth in hismercie.- & in the end per- 
 ceiving that his prayers were heard,with what alacrity & chcre- 
 fulnesof heart he praifeth andextolleth his loving kindnefTe rail 
 which things do mod lively appeare in that cxcellet fong,which 
 E-t chits. Ez^chUs madeinhisfickenefle. Behold alfo whatcomplaintes, 
 forro wings,& bewailings ofche miferiesofrhis life were vttered 
 toh by that holy man /^fitting vpon the dunghill,all covered even 
 
 from the cro wne of the head vnto the fole of the foot with filthy 
 botches and fores, did he ever in themiddedofhisprofperitie 
 
 vtter 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 160 
 
 vttcr foorth more heavenly voy ces ? It is out of doubt, that wee 10 The? m* 
 are never fo humble and lowly minded in profperitie, as we arc ereafeow 
 inadverfiticForifwebcwellandatoureafe, wethinke ofno- h " ml \ ne & 
 thing but of fportin g and playing : we fpende the time in daun- 
 cing and making merrie: wee/tudicinthemorning,whatnewe 
 pamme wee (hallhave all the day following.- and wee arc ne- 
 ver fo much afraydeof any thing, as that wefhould want time 
 and health: never thinking vpon the fhortneflfe ofour dayes,and 
 the fmall time we haue to live here, fo long as we are in health 
 andjollitje. Wee are like vnto marrirfcrs, who if they be once Towhome 
 inthehaven, are the greatcft drunkardes,blafphemers, whore- J ea /. e ^. e ' 
 matters, and licentious perfons that may bee: but if they bee ^ mJ!Ll 
 vpon the fea in any periil and daunger of their lives, there was tlt% 
 never Heremite, no not PWnor Hylarion, whofe holineffe is 
 focommendedinoldeftories, fo holy inwordes, fo auflerein 
 life,and devoutein prayers as they are.And to this purpole there 
 is a worthie (torie recorded, ofacertaine Archbifhoppe of ft- 
 foine named Thcodoricke, a man for his wifedome, virtue and Thefterieof 
 godly life highly efteemed of all the great Princes and noble rheodoric{e 
 Dukes of Germany : who being asked by the Emperour Si$l ^ iwin l tbai 
 monde, by whatmcanesaman might attayne vnto happinefle: Ij/^/TfLf 
 anfwered, that felicitic was not to bee looked for in this life, v pongood 
 whereas the greateft princes arc in as miferable eftate, and things in ad- 
 fubie<5t to as great or greater vexations of the mind,as their mea- verptie then 
 nert fubiecles 5 and that there is no happines,but that which j^od MP !}™*'* 
 hath promifed to his eleft children, and which he will performe 
 when as they come into his kingdom. Being further demanded, 
 by what means one might come intothat kingdom } anfwered, 
 that he mull follow the Lawe,whkh Moyfcs & fofka had given 
 to the children of Ifrael, and onelytruft in the mercies ofGod, 
 and proraifes, which he hath made vnto vs, and will accomplifh 
 by the meritcs oiChrift Iefa,znd fimply to follow his comman- 
 dements, without declining either to the right hand or to :hc 
 left : and being enquired the third time, whether it were neceffa- 
 rie to acquire and cleare our felvcs in 6bds fight 5 and to purchafe 
 his favour, frri6tly to obferuc all the Lawe ofGod without tranf- 
 greffing of any jotte or title thereof: anfwered, that it was im- 
 poffiblctodoe foasloagas we are in this life, which is fofraile 
 
 Y 5 and 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 andflipperic,and which docth daily minifterfo many neweoc- 
 cafions of finne.- and that especially rntofuch men, as arc fo 
 corrupt cV fraile by nature, & that in regard of this common in- 
 firmitiejC/od would be pleafed with him,if in his hclth he would 
 confeiTe his faultcs and fceke for his mercie,and remaine all the 
 reft of h is d ayes in as holy & godly converfation,as he did when 
 he was troubled with the goute, and tormented with the (tone. 
 By which hegiueth vs to vnder(land,that we are farrc more rea- 
 die to confehe our finnes and amend our lives,whcn as we are in 
 want and miferie; then when we are in wealth and profperitie. 
 All thefe thinges being well confidered, weneedenotfearcfo 
 greatly to fall into any dagerous ficknefleor grievous mallady. 
 i i.Remedies Next vnto difeafes,we are moft afraide of oldc age , though 
 agamjltbe it be againft reafbn and fenfe that we (hould fo be. For the 
 fiarcofolJe d a y es f our jj ves Seeing fo vncerten as they are, who can fay he 
 *\itUthe ^ a ^ ^ ve vntl ^ co niorowe? And ifweebeccrten wee (hall be 
 faffing of okle,have we not time ynough to provide vs,and to fortifie vs a- 
 God to live gainft all the miferable accidents & difcommodities of old age? 
 &*£• But let vs obferue a little that fooliih and ftraunge contrarietic 
 
 that is in our mindes. All of vs defire to live long,and yet we are 
 afraide of olde age; as though old age were any thing clfe, then 
 zjnsfiute a j on g ijf e>anc j many y eres t y ec J & added one to another. Which 
 aJefeein? being confidered, we fhould either not defire the one, or not 
 we 'are not feare the other : or elfe confeffe with Iuvenalj&ux without wit or 
 afraid to. reafbn we flie and folow every thing. But if the matter were wel 
 livelong* expounded, I pray you, what cade is there why we fhould ab- 
 horre old age ? we will fay peradventure that it is full of great mi- 
 feiie, and accompanied with infinite forrowes and affli&ions* 
 A+TbtreU Whereupon I would demaund and faineknowe, whatparteof 
 not fo much our life is exempted from them. During our infancie wee haue 
 mifene m not hing but ignorance, fcebleneffe, mifcrie, weeping, and cry- 
 °<uther7t\n * n S •' we can not make readie our felves; we cannot feedc our 
 the other felucs; we can not rife; we can not goe; we can not helpe our 
 partes of our felucs vp, being fallen downe; we knowe notfirefrom water, 
 lives. neither are we able to doe fo much,as keepe a flie from hurting 
 
 vs. In a wordc, we can doe nothing but crie, weepe, and waken 
 2 infancie. our nourccsto give vsfu eke and make vsclcane. Arevveinour 
 inyoutb. ' youth? Then wee are like vnto wilde cokes without faddlc or 
 
 bridle; 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 161 
 
 brldlejwe runnc here and there,whither our defires draw vs,and 
 we care for nothing, but ho we to haue a full fruition of all our 
 delightes. Whorcmaftcrs, blafphemours, bawdes, jugglers, 
 ruffians, and fuch like rafcals, are the companie we fceke for. 
 And who is able to repcatc all the dangers, whereto this youth- 
 full companie is fubie& by their exceile, rafhnefle, ftrifes, and 
 quareliings Ptheirprodigall andexcefliveexpenfcs; their incon- 
 ftancie; the griefe and forrowc they bring to their friendes ; and 
 the difhonour and reproch,which by their abominable Jives & 
 fhamefull dcathes, they leave vnto their pofteritie forever ? In a 
 word,in terming of it foolifli youth, we do fufficiently declare in 
 what eftimation we have it. From youth we paflevnto mans 
 cftate, which is, as it were, overwhelmed with infinite forowes in mam 
 and a huge multitude ofcares.If we be private mcn,we muft haue eftate. 
 a care ofour houfhold & familie;howe to maintaine our wiues, 
 bring vp our children, to provide we may give them (bmething 
 when they are in age, to in create our wealth, and to fee good or- 
 der in our houfes, to governc and rule our fervants,and to keepc 
 all thingeswell that are vndcr our charges: all which are no tri- 
 fling matters, but of verie great waight, and farre more trouble - 
 fome vnto fuch as haue any publicke charges, as Kingesand 
 their livetenants. For they muftfirft have regard,thatGodbee 
 rightly ferved in their dominions and territories : next vnto this, 
 that /uftice be indifferently adminiftred vnto al men vnder their 
 fubie&ion : that their frontier to wnes be well guarded, and their 
 fouldiers well paid: that they maintaine amitie with their confe- 
 derates: that the good be fupported, & the wicked fupprefled . 
 Al which is fufficientto trouble & difquiet one mans mind,& to 
 pofe the wifeft head that ever was.Thefc things being cofidered, ^oideagek 
 we may well perceive that the otherpartes ofour life are as fully better able t§ 
 fraught with miferie as old age : which hath this advantage over beareaffntti- 
 them,thatthe calamities &miferies thereof are farre more tolle- JJS^c^ * 
 rable,fbr that the vigor & fxrength of the mind being impaired & «u ofour 
 weakened,they are nothing fo (enfible as the others. And withal, lives. 
 oide men by reafon of their experience are more wife,more tem- 
 perate, and bettcrexercifed in thefe afflictions, and forthatthey 
 fee their ende approcheth, they are aflurcd they can not be of 
 any long continuance. Wemay not then alledgethemiferies 
 
 Y 4 of 
 
Though olde 
 age be not fo 
 ftron&yet it 
 is fare more 
 provident 
 thenyouth. 
 
 Examples. 
 rfgeflaut, 
 
 7{efIon 
 
 If age were 
 notasabri- 
 die for youth, 
 peat l^ing 
 domes would 
 from be 
 §verthroven, 
 ^samples, 
 ^ebobeam. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 of olde age, toproovethatkisworfcthen other ages. For in 
 comparing them together, wee fhall findc that they are farre 
 worle and more diicommodious. CM. Ctcero'm his booke of 
 olde age alleadgech foure cipeciall caufes, why thefc graye 
 hayres ieeme fo odious in the eyes of many men. The firH is, 
 for that wee are not fo able to take paynes, and therefore we are 
 conftrained to give over ail intermeddling with thinges, and to 
 fittc all dayin achayre in winter by the fire fide, andin iommer 
 togoe no further then the porch, beeing wholly vnfitte for a- 
 ny companie. Whereto wee may anfwereas TttHte did, that in 
 refpe<3 of bodily labour, olde men (indeedc) are nothing fo 
 fiite as young men are. For they have not the Itrength and 
 agillitie to ride a great horfe, nor to ryde pofte, nor to 
 runnc at tike, and^nany fuch like thinges, whereto young 
 men are mod apt and beft able. But there are many other 
 thinges without doubt of greater importance, which they 
 can perfourme well ynough,if they woulde applie therufclvcs 
 thereto. They knowe howe togovernethe whole Common 
 wealth by their wifedome : and fometime to faue the Coun- 
 trey and Kingdome where they live from deftruCtion : as 
 may appeare by the example of *Agc(thtu , who was the 
 onely meanesto hinder the Jhebanes from conquering the L*- 
 cedemoniavs after the battaile of Leatlres. They may counfell 
 and direct Princes in their afTayres, as Neftor did zAgzmcm* 
 nw at the ficgeof Troj, whofe wifedome alone was more eftee- 
 med of the King, then the valour and courage of all his Cap- 
 taines. And not without good caufe.For it is an eaficr matter 
 to findearmes and handestoexecute,thenwife andprovidenc 
 hcades todevife: and withall considering that the one is farre 
 more neceflarie then the other, for the prefervation of a king- 
 dome. For if the boyling defires of greatlordes were not often 
 cooled ; ifthe enterpriies & defignes of fundry yong gentlemen, 
 whichfollo w them, were not wifely weighed and well confide- 
 red,by fuch as oflong time baue had the mannaging of their a£ 
 fayres,and knowe in what tcrmes they ftand,they would often- 
 times vpon a fmall occaiion hazard their eftates and kingdoms: 
 Asithappenedvnto Rehoboam, who iolt the greatelt part ofhis 
 kingdome, for rcrufingtheadvife which wasgiuenhimby the 
 
 auncient 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 162 
 
 auncientand wife counfcllours of his houfe. And it is not yet 
 one hundred yecres,fince thztLewx thetwelfth, by alike occa* Lewis the 
 fion, had almoft loft his crowne and pofTeffion of his realm e,as twelfth, 
 heconfeflfedvnto his fonnc,not long before his death; admoni- * in l °f 
 fhing himtoentertaine hisoldcounfellours,andnottofbllovve rance * 
 his example: forthat in the beginning of his raigne, hee had 
 almoft beene quite ouerthrowne,fbr that he had very vn wifely 
 reiedtcd his fathers old feruants. Inourdaies,Lm#tbeKingof UwkKtng 
 Hungarie ,(uffering him felfe to be ruled by a young Bifliop of c f H Mg* f J* 
 hisrealme,in his warrcs againfl the 'turkesy though he had not 
 fufficient (trength to encounter his enemies, and that all his old 
 and experienced captaines , fhewing him the danger that was 
 likely to enfue,fought by al means poiTiblc, to turn him from his 
 interned voyage: yet the Bifhop,beeinga fiarebrainc and cho~ 
 lericke perfon, and of great credit with his mailer , perfwaded 
 him to go on forwardiwhich was theoccafio of the kingsdeath, 
 andmiierable deftrudtion of that countrey, which had of long 
 time flourished inproiperouse(tate,and had bin the bulwarkc 
 andrampierctodefendeallChriitcndome. Thefe and many o- 
 ther examples, which might be ailed ged, are fufficient to proue, 
 that old men beeing wife and well experienced, are not vnpra* 
 fitable members of a commonwealth : and that as it is meetc to 
 coole the hoatfire with cold water; fois itconuenicnt for the 
 conferuation ofkingdomes, that the raihnes of youth fhould 
 be moderated and ftaied, by the wifdomcofthe aged. 
 
 And therefore all well ordered commonwealths, haue entry The councils 
 more framed and cornpofed their couniels of eftate, of auncient tfvtR oxdc 
 and well experienced men, as may eafily appeareby the names Y ^ d h tiS » 
 which were giuen them. For both the Hebrews ,Gretkgs y and ^nebem 
 Latsnesy called their publike councils by ftich names, as fignifi. fam/hed 
 cd in their owne tongue ; t be ajfemblte of the auncient. Wee may with auncict 
 not thenfas I haue already faide) for thedifabling and difcrcdi- ****. 
 ting of old age,fay,that it is vnprofitable, and good for nothing, 
 Foreuen as in a ihip,thePilot whichlltteth atthefternejandnc- 
 uertoyleth asthereft, either atthecafting of the anker, thepul- 
 ling at the ropes, or hoyfing of the fayles, performcth notwith- 
 standing more then all the other 5 for the fafeariuingintheha- 
 uen : fo like wife in well ordered (rates { fuch as Ventce may be Sxmple. 
 
 accounted 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 accounted at this prefent) the aged Senatour in his chaire with 
 his ftaffc,doethmore for the prcferuation of his countrcy, then 
 the couragious fouidiour in the field with his launce. I will pane 
 ouer the worthie (lories of ^Appitu Cl*ttdiut % of Majtnijfa y Cato 9 
 Phochft^&pbocUsyZnd that alfo of L*///#,which Tullte and 7Y#- 
 tardrreportethin the commendacionofold age.I would know 
 then,whether CMoyfes beeing fourefcore yeere old,or Iofhua be- 
 i.King.i. 2. ing a hundreth and more, or David when as by reafon ofiiis 
 yeeres he was fo cold, that his fcruants were compelled to fcek 
 him outayoung virgin,which might lie in his bofome tokcepc 
 him warme,gaue ouer their former care in the gouernement of 
 the commonwealth, by reafon of their white haires and aged 
 yeeres? and whether with their wife and prouident heads,thcy 
 did asmuch profit tfieir countries, as the other did by their luftie 
 and able bodies. The Athenians being rcfolued to make choice 
 otlphicrates,'! very ancient and well experienced gentleman for 
 their gouernour andcaptaine general of their armies, were repro- 
 ued by their Orators , who would very gladly haue preferred 
 Chares a very lurtie and ftrong pcrfonage to that honourable 
 The ftrengtb charge.To whom Tmothens one of the wife & great lords of the 
 oftbtbodh c i t y anfwered;that he would willingly Jiaue aflented vnto them, 
 fctoS**" ^ tnc Y hadbeene affcmblcd to make choice of a common por- 
 mfdmt of tct i 01 burthen bearcngiumg vs therby to vnderftand,that ftrong 
 ibemindei backs and luftie bodies , are not fo fufficicnt to goucrne com- 
 wberew'ab monwcalths and mightie matters , as wife hcades and aged 
 fif a ^u h *a m ^ nc ' s# ^ n( * therefore wee may more fafely commit the mana- 
 ge* y ador gj n g f g rcat cau f cs to 3 g C d perfons , who fortbe moft part are 
 Tbougb better furniflied with wiledome and difcretion, then the youn- 
 fimeagedme ger fort. Wee may fafely conclude then, thatolde age makcth 
 bmbmfUd not men vnprofitable members of a commonwealth. Andal- 
 nhuc at fefc tnat (^jjjg mcn ^ as LHCtillHSyStlUtDioclefHW, and Charles the 
 
 w\Mand\ni ^ ^aue * n tnc * r °^ c a S c 8* ucn oucr l ne wor ^, as * were > anc * 
 ihsir mfdorn left all affaire* , betaking them felucs to a quiet and folitarie 
 and difcretio life, yet notwithstanding this is no common thing, neither yet 
 U alwaiesto greatly. materiall for the difproofe ofthat,which hath beene 
 frfwrie ■*■* as ^"*^P roouctn by many excellent and fubftantiall 
 rafbnesof reafons. For as wee doe greatly blame thofc bees,which ha- 
 yoiak. b uiogbcene altoaies painefuil and laborious , doc at the laft be- 
 come 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 163 
 
 come drones and good for nothing: folikewifeisitavery vn- 
 feemely ching, for fuch as haue all their hues had the ordering 
 of waightie matters, and beenc continually conuerfant in 
 great thinges , to giuc ouer all in their age, and dedicate them- 
 lelues to their delights ; for that then they are mod apt for nego- 
 tiation , and meeteft to meddle in matters of greatcft impor- 
 tance, by rcafon of their experiencc,wherin they farre furmount 
 thofe of younger yeeres : hauing their affections better ftaicd, 
 and beeing freed from all paffions which doe fo often trouble 
 vs in all our counfels and confultations . If then, they will 
 needesbe idle at fuch timc,as their labour may be moll profita- 
 ble, they are worthie to be blamed, though the fault ought to 
 be imputed to the pcrfon and to his pleafures, and not vrito his 
 age and yeeres. The feconde reafon which maketh vs afraide t.Mvmu- 
 of olde age, is, the fmali account that is made ordinarily of ouseldageit 
 fuch men as are in great yeeres. For by reafon the younger &^/J^ 
 fort are perfwaded that they are frowarde, way warde, pecuifh, ^/, fr : f on 
 and harde to be pleafed, therefore doe they auoide their com- thecomraiy % 
 panic, as much as maybe. And fuch is the corruption of thefe vidom me* 
 daies, efpecially of youth, who hate and conxemne. no man (f er " e f^u 
 more, then thofe at whofe handes they may bed learne wife- $$ ^ f . " 
 dome and vnderftanding. If then there be any thing in olde 
 age, which deferueth reproofe ; it mud partly be imputed to the 
 malice of thetime,wherin all things being turned topfe-turvie, 
 that is moft eltcemed , which fhouIdbemoitdcfpifcd:andon 
 thecontrarie,chat raoftdebafed,which iliould be moil honou- 
 red : and partly to thceuiJl and naughtie life of fuch, asareolde 
 men, who(contrarie to the counfeJl otCato) doc adde many 
 groffe vices vnto their naturall imperfections. For moft of them 
 arecouetous, fomc voluptuous and giuen to plcafure : others 
 are iealous, envious, pratlers, drunkards, very idiots and fencer 
 Jcfle creatures. Now if atfuch time as they iliould be^moft ho- n 
 
 ly and temperate of all others, they become more pro fane and 
 loofe of life, no marueile though they become odious & cotep- 
 tible.For fuch me do not only deferuc to be hated,but to be ba- 
 nifhed out ofal honcft mes copanies,that they beig once cofou- 
 ded with ftiame,may be terrified fro offeding. It is very rcquifite 
 
 theni 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 then, if we will be honouredinoldage, thatwebevcrtuoufly 
 difpofcd,auoydingthc companie of the wicked, whole focietie 
 tendeth exceedingly to our frame : and imbracing the familia- 
 F**oM ex* ricic °f tnc good, whole wife and well ordered adions, may 
 amplesif bring vs both pleafure and commoditie. Was *Adam and the 
 (heboid age, ^Patriarches the leffe efteemed,for their white haires ? The chro- 
 asb&tbbeene nicies doe make a very honourable mention of CMelchtjedech^ 
 'bonLred in Abraham, /faac, Ucob y lofefh^MoyfesJopma.DAVtd, Ehas y Ely- 
 tbechmboff ew £f a yJ& c * ie *^M iitat b iai i 2L\-\& many others; giuing an am- 
 God. pie tcftimonie of their great reputation, among all the godly 
 
 Vatriarcbes, which liued in their daies : yea,at fuch time as fome of them, by 
 ^Pmhtu rea *~ on °^ tncir greatage, were become ftarke blinde,lame, and 
 impotent. And to the end we (hall not thinke, th at this is a par- 
 ticular glorie, giuen onely to the children of God,to be fo high- 
 ly efteemed and accounted of in their latter daies, we may reade 
 in profane (tories , thai many of the Fajntms and the heathen 
 fort, for their excellent knowledge and moft noble vcrtues, 
 haue beene highly reuerenced, and, as it were, adored in their 
 old age. For that this age more then all the other, hath a certainc 
 maieflie, which makes the vertues thereof more illuftrious and 
 confpicuous , then they arc in youth; at which time(notwith-. 
 ftanding all the wholefome admonitions and wife inftructions, 
 that poflibly may begiuenj there are but too many, and too 
 notorious faultes, which doe exceedingly obfeure aad darken 
 that,which otherwife would be very excellent, andmoft com- 
 TbiUfipbers mendable. Did SoioffySocraftsJ/bcrater y P{at(f, or Pericles, want 
 either reputation in their countries, abroad,or friendes and com* 
 panions at home in their houfcs,to palTc the time in familiar dif- 
 courfes ; or auditors in their Academies ,to hcare their profound 
 learning and furpafling wifedome? When as the Frenchmen 
 TbtT(*mmt vnder thecondu&of Urcnrm, entred Rome, andfound theSe- 
 Semvms. natours fet in their places apparelled in their robes, with great 
 maieftieand magnificence, they were wonderfully adonifhed 
 at the firft , with fo reuerend and honourable a prefence ; and 
 there was nothing that (o much terrified them, as the maieftie 
 Tlutirehin an d<Jjg n uie,which fecmed to appcare in the countenances and 
 C m' ttwditl wmtc ■^P* °^ me ^ a g c ^ f at hers. CyneM % Embafladour to 
 Tjrrbw, T/rrhto the king of the Sptrotes , beholding the affemblic 
 
 of 
 
AGAINST tEA^RE. 164 
 
 of the Senatours, reported to the King his matter at his returne, 
 that he had feene a commonwealth of Kings, in regard of the 
 maieftie,honour,and wifedome, which he faw among them. W , 
 
 Lacedcmoma, the young men accounted the aged for their fa- monianu 
 thers,honoured them as Kings, and reuerenccd them asichoU 
 lers doe their matters. And icis reported,thatfomeoftheirEm- j> inarch in 
 baffadours,being in Athens, and fitting in the Theator among tbetifi of 
 diuersof the nobilitie and grcatlordesof the citie, tobeholde tywrya. 
 the plaies,feeing an auncient father come in,arofevp to doe hirn 
 rcuerencc, and placed him in the midtt among them felues. 
 When as the £w/rfwbefiegedTn?/,therewasnomanofgrea- rheGreci&s. 
 ter eftimation, then was Neftor. Andatthisday,thereisnota y* 
 mote honourable councill,thenthatof Venice : who with their 
 long robes and white heades, are more feared and reuerenccd, 
 then the Turkes with their long muttaches and grinunc counte- 
 nances. All which examples doe manifettlyprooue, that oldc . 
 age accompanied with wifedome andvnderttanding,isinno 
 wife to be contemned or defpifed. And although it happeneth _. - „. , 
 oftentimes, thatbyreafonof the pride and follie of youth, aged yom hdoetb 
 men be mocked and fcorned, as w r as Ettas by the children of not ob/cure 
 Bethel; yet notwithftanding, fuch as are wife, and vertuoufly tkeglmcof 
 giucn,doe highly efteeme and account ofthem.The fruit which olda &^ m 
 lafteth longeft,being well and charily kept,isofgreateftrccko- JJ2L. **" 
 ning and account ; and that wine belt etteemed , which with 
 continuance of timeisbeft refined; for that hauinglofthistaru 
 ne(Te,and with his force troden, as it were, hisdregges vnder 
 his feete, appeareth in the cuppe with a very frefh and liuely co- 
 lour. Inlike maner ancient men, who haue clarified themfelues, 
 and with the time haue fweetnedthefowrepaflionsofdiforde- 
 red youth , and with their longnes of daies, haue ripened their 
 judgements, doe more difcreetiy gouerne themfelucsand their 
 anions, and fo become more fociable and fitter for all good 
 companies 5 then vnttableyounglings, who are continually tor- 
 mented with their di (tempered affections. And if wee doe fo 
 highly account of all antiquities, as olde pictures, and auncient 
 bookes : (hall wee not much more etteeme of aged men ? my 
 meaning is, that with their age they (hould be vertuous, other- 
 wife both old and young, are worthieof fmall eftimation. But 
 
 fome 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 iomc will fay, that it is a very odious thing, and marueilous vn- 
 pleafing in the fight of the world, to hauc hoarie haires, trem- 
 bling and making hands , (linking and rotten teeth , dimmc, 
 darke, yea and blind cycs t to be fpitting, fcratching,and wiping 
 of ones note continually : to which obic&ions we may readily 
 vntTfuch <a a ^ orc * mam / anftvers. Firftofall,cueryoldemanisnotfubie& 
 §bieft the to ^ uc h inconveniences. For weereadeofmany, who hauc had 
 difcommodi- very luftie and able bodies in their extreameft age; as of tA- 
 nesofold ay brabam, who after the death of Sara , bceing fac or fcueji fcore 
 Gcn.if .1. y Ceres olde, married Ccthurafcy whome he had fixe children : 
 loft 4.10,11 and likewife of CV*/«r£,who faid vnto /<?/«*, when as he was eigh- 
 tie fiueyeeresolde, at fuch time as hee demaunded Hebron for 
 his inheritance.: lam as ftrongas I was, when LMoyfes -fen t 
 mctoefpieouttheland; asftrongasl was then, (bftrong ami 
 nowe, either for warrc or for gouernment. CMaJintjfa the 
 TiAlicinbis King of the Nnmidians, beeine foure fcore yeeres olde, went 
 fofe of tide notwithstanding to the warres, lay vpon the eolde grounde, ate 
 **'• harde bisket, marched on foote bare headed in the grcateft 
 
 heate, and gained a very glorious vi&orie of the Carthaginians. 
 Xenophonieyoittthoi King Agefilatu, in this manner: His olde 
 age farrc furmounteth the youth of all other men of his time, 
 and that euen in the extrcmitie thereof, when as he was rcadie 
 to giue vp theghoft. What young man was there at any time in 
 his molt flourishing eftatc,lo redoubted of his enemies, as was 
 ^Agefilatu in his old daies ? what youth was there fo much la- 
 mented andforrowed for,as was this olde King and worthie fa- 
 ther of his countrey? whatCaptaine or Gencrall euer gauc a 
 greater teftimonic of his courage and valour, or more hope of 
 aflured vicloric to his fouldiers, yca,and that when as he was al- 
 moft worne away with many yeeres ? Whereby it doth mani- 
 fe(tiy appeare, that thofe accidents before remembrcd, are not 
 al waies infeperable companions of olde age,and that men, who 
 hauc liued foberlyin their youth,Aiall be throng andhealthfome 
 in their aged daies. Furthermore, wee may likewife fay that 
 which hath beenc fpoken before,that euery age hath his feucral 
 Olda&ebdtb djf C ommodities.- and if wee would take the paines to compare 
 moditiatben tncm together, we ihal plainly percciue more inconveniences in 
 tbeotberages theformcr,then in the latter. And to conclude,th at though the 
 
 come- 
 
AGAINST FEARE. i6 s 
 
 comelines,ftrcngth, and force ofthebodie doth decaic, yet the 
 beautie and vigour of the minde increaleth and flourifticth more 
 and more. Novveifone would compare the prouident 3nd wife 
 minde of a graue and aged father, whole actions are continual- 
 ly tempered with difcretion, and feafbned, as it were, with the 
 fait of vnderftanding, with the comely fhape and portraiture 
 of fome goodly youth, whofe heade is as full of toyes, as his 
 tongue full of wordes, whofe thoughts are very greene,and his 
 adtions grofTe; I would gladly know,which of the two fhould be 
 by rcafon ,of greateft estimation and account ? There is a prctic 
 fable of the foxe and the leopard, who contending about their 
 owne excellencies, the leopard ,toprooue him felfe the better, 
 fhewed his skinne, which was fotrimly fpotted,fo flieke andfo 
 fmooth, that there could not be a more beautifull thing among 
 beaftes: trie foxe confeffed in deede, that his skinne was very 
 glorious and goodly without, but(faith hejmy owne skinne is 
 rarre more excellent and precious within : couertly vndcrftan- 
 ding thereby, the wife and wily Heights of his craftie heade. In 
 like manner if in beholding the external beautie of luftieyouth, 
 we would on the contrarie oppofe the internall graces of aged 
 minds, we fhould foone perceiue which of the two is moft loue- 
 ly and amiable. We may then fafely conclude againft the com- 
 mon opinion, that old agebeeing garniftied and adorned with 
 wifedomc, grauitiejmodeftiejtemperance, and many other ex- 
 cellent vermes, can not in any wife be contemned or defpifed, old avei* vi- 
 no not of the moft wicked and licentious rable : whoftandcin r y venerable 
 as much fcare and awe of fuch difcreete perfbns, as euer did the intbe fight of 
 lofe-liuers of the Philofopher Vokmon. And if it happen atany tbevickgd. 
 time, that they fpeake any girding worde for their owne difport, rkfytmb 
 it is done clofelyin a corner, andfecretly among their compa- remedy amfi 
 nions. Wherein they (hew the force of their owne confcicnces, the flare of * 
 which compelleth them , maugre their beards, to confeflcthat oldageis,^ 
 
 vertuous and difcreete old age, is worthie of great honour and th ^ ,tfx JP' 
 
 ° b teth vs fhm 
 
 reucrence. eamaUde* 
 
 The thirde reafon that maketh vs fo exceedingly to feare, Hgbti>ma. 
 is, for that it depriueth vs of our pleafurcs, and debarrcth kjngvt fine 
 vs from our wonted fportes and delightcs. This \s tQen joybe&. 
 
To who me 
 earnaHmen 
 mtf ifitfy be 
 compared. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 no faulcofold age,but the blame refteth in our felues, and doth 
 iuftly procure our owne condemnation, for we doe fufficiendy 
 declare hereby,how fleflily and carnali minded we arc,defiring 
 not onely to liue,but alfo to waxe oIde,to die, yea,and to be bu- 
 ried in our pleafures. And herein wee refcmblc the Popifh Bi- 
 fhops and Abbots,who hauing found the reuenewes ofche cru- 
 cifix to be To great, and the bread of Chrtfi /^(as one faithjfb 
 toothfome, that they will in no wife, giue ouer their benefices 
 fb long as they hue, nor forfake their erodes and mytres,vntill 
 they be both beaten ouc of their handes, and ftricken orYtheir 
 heads. In like manner,we findethe taft and fauour of thefe plea- 
 fures, fo fitte and agreeable to our humours, that we defire to be 
 entombed in them, and are flat of opinion with Dy -onifiw the ty- 
 rant,that there is not a more beautifull buriall, or more glorious 
 monument,thenthelappeofthis foule and deformed (humpcr. 
 Who will not iudge then,that we arc married together, and that 
 we entirely lone each other, feeing there can be no fepcration 
 betweene vs,but by death f and who will not eafily be induced 
 to thinke,that we bcare fmallaffedtion tovertue, confidering we 
 are in fuch loue with hermortallenemie: and the wonderfull 
 feare we are in, leaft wee fhould waxe old, and be compelled at 
 thelength to become honeft men ? Good Lord, when fhall we 
 ariue at the hauen ofthat perfection, which thou required in thy 
 law,fecing we are fo flowe to hoift vp our failes and ftand to our 
 tacklings,fcarcelyfctting foote into the fliip, at fuch time, as it 
 were more meete, we were ariucdinour wifhed port? fo much 
 vnneceffarie bufincs haue we, (pending our time in fleeping and 
 fnorting,all the whole day together. But I would gladly know, 
 what houres wee would ipare for the feruice of our God, and to 
 become vertuous, feeing we are loth to confecrateouroldage 
 thereto. We are vnwilling to part with any iotte of our infancie, 
 for that flay weej it is a time of innocencie : and in the meane 
 aid notable. while,we are afraid of old age, for no other caufe, out of doubt, 
 (afrngitogatfl but that we are very loth to become innocents. And doc we not 
 tbejleafure herein verefie the faying of Horace ,that wifedome though fhee 
 be praifed and commended of euery man , yet is fhee glad to 
 blow her nayies,for that no man wil take fo much pity of her,as 
 to let her come in and warm her by the fire fidc.lt is commonly 
 
 faid, 
 
 excellent/!* 
 mititHdei 
 
 ofjouth 
 Virtus lau 
 Jacur & al- 
 get. , 
 
"AGAINST FEAR E. 166 
 
 faid,that there arc no pleafant anddelightfome prifons , which 
 we finde to be true by dayly experience. For though a man were 
 imprifoncd in thegoodlieft pallaceofthe world, yet would he 
 quickly be wearieof his lodging ; and yet notwithftanding we 
 find the prifonf wherein pleaiure keepcth vs (b ftreightly enclo- 
 fed,though it be the molt filthy and (linking dungeon that can 
 be imagined) to be To pleafant in our eyes , that we will in no 
 wife come out of it all the dayes of our lines: there we wil needs 
 dieandbeburied,abandoningtheftately pallaces ofvertueand 
 godlinefle, where wee might Hue in fo great eafe, liberty and 
 tranquility . I would profecute this matter more at large, were 
 itnotthatlhauedifcourfedofit alreadie in an other place, and 
 plainly proued by fundry reafons how dangerous a thing plea- 
 lure is both to old and young, and therefore how carerull euery 
 one fhould be to auoid it : not onely old men , but likewife ail 
 others, ofwhatage, quality, and condition foeuer. For which 
 caufe,itisnot amille to trauellin theplaine way of our vertuous 
 elders, and to lay hold, as it were,with both the hands on many 
 ycres, or any other occafion whatfoeucr,which may diuert and 
 tuinevs fromthepathesof vngodlineffe. The fourth realbn, 
 which breedeth in vs fuch a horrible dread and terrour of mind, g ^ e [ a i re . 
 is this, that it is very nere vnto death.To refute which rea(bn,we me t y againft 
 fhali not need to ftand long, or vfe many wordes: which not- the fare of 
 withftanding I would doe to fuch as are afraid thereof, not only old age 9 ist» 
 to diminiih the feare, but alfo to withdrawe their affe- "f^J^y 
 c^ions fromtheloue and liking of all fuch things as are in vsvn f 
 thefe young yeeres , and to repofe a great contcntation deathywbkh 
 andquietnetfeinalongnefle ofdaies, which will teach themfb 'isapaffage 
 many good leflons. For if, after a long and tedious iourney vntol # e ' 
 wherein we haueefcaped infinite dangers, and endured all the v * r *l ,n Z- 
 iniuriesandcheckes, which either the time, place, or perfons 
 could any way offer vs, in approching ourhoufes, where we 
 hope to reft and repofe our iclues, weprefentlybyreafon ofour 
 cxceedingioyforgetallour forcparTed dangers : whatthankes 
 fhallwcgiue vnto old age, which like a profperous wind doth 
 blowevs fo directly to the hauen of defired happines, where 
 God hathprouided for vs,moft incomparable ioyes and plca- 
 fiires for eucr and euer? When as the children of Ifratlhzd wan- 
 
 Z drcd 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 dred in the wi Idem eiTe by the fpaceof fourty yeres through ma- 
 ny great and perilous aducntures , and armied at the length at 
 theriuer of Jordan , fiom whence they might beholdethac 
 land of peace and reft which God fo long before hadpromi- 
 fed : had they not exceeding caufe to reioyce and praife his 
 holy name for lb great a mercie ? In like manner , I fay, 
 that wee hauc great rcafon to be merry, yea and to make 
 bone- fires of mirth and gladnefle ifitwerc pofllble, when as 
 we fee our ieluesolde, and that we haue but a little waytotra- 
 uell, before we enter into the kingdomeofeuerlafting reft and 
 Troper &fit q u i ctnc A" e ' When as the Mariners arriue in their wifhed port, 
 QmiUmcLu they prcfently fhoote off alltheir ord ; nance in token of great 
 ioy,andgladnelTeofheart, though peraduenture they purpofe 
 not to make any long (lay in that place: How loyful then ought 
 we to be, when as wefecour felues ready to enter into that moft 
 beautifullanddeiightfomehabitation/vvhere we are ailured,we 
 {hall dwell for euer with God and his angels in all ioy&perfit 
 reft. Whereby wasthe wicked feruantknovvne? was it not by 
 this, as Chrift himfelfe teacheth vs,when as he iaide in his hart, 
 My mailer deferrethhis comming, and therefore heewoulde 
 needs eace and drinkc with the drunkards?If then we are afraid 
 to become old,leaft our fiithy and abominable pleafuresftiould 
 haue an end, and that then our lord and m after will not long de- 
 ferrchiscomming.'lhallitnotbcarnanifeftiigneofournaugh- 
 tincsanddifbyaky? andifwebe once of the number of thefc 
 wicked and vngodlyferuants, of whomehe maketh mention, 
 what fh all we looke for in the end but this, that he will come in 
 a day we know noc of, and in an houre when we looke not for 
 him, and will cut vs off, andgiue vs our portions with the hy- 
 U ft com- pocrites, where fhall be weeping and gnafhingof teeth. A wo- 
 parifa. jx^Q tnat dothentircly louc her husband , and hath wanted his 
 company a long time, and the day approcheth when as he pro- 
 mifedtoreturne, no queftion but fheeis exceedingmcrryand 
 ioyfull,andfheisnot weary with going to the dore or window 
 a hundred times in a day , to fee if fhe can efpy him comming a 
 farreoffAnd on the contrary, ifftie care not for his returne,it is 
 anaflured argument of her fmall loueand affection tow ardes 
 him. In like manner, itis an infallible note of our infidclitic 
 
 and 
 
AGAINST FEARE. itf 7 
 
 anddifloyaltytowardesourfpoufe, when as we feare hiscom- 
 ming, and wi(h with all our hearccshe would (till kecpehim 
 farrcoff. The husbandmato reioiccth when as he feeth his har- 
 uclt co approch, and thachis cornc is ready to be cut downe and 
 broughtintohisbarncs: and why then rhould webcafraidof 
 old age, which hartencth thcende of ail our labours and for- 
 rowes , and procureth the meanes co enioy the ftuite of that 
 hope, which wehaue alwaicsrepofedinourGod? wemay then 
 conclude, thacchercare nofurHcicntreafons, which may per- 
 fwade vs, chacchisoldeagedeferuethof it felfe cobe blamed, 
 much lefle cobc condemned. 
 
 Lctvscome totheiaft of chefe bodily mifchiefes, andthat **•*&«•. 
 which we fraremoitof all other, which is death. Wherein we tret j> no * l *~ 
 fhew the greatelt incredulity and ignorance rhac may be : yea, ^ erat i on f 
 farremorechen in any other thing whatfoeuer wechauefpo- the remedies 
 ken of heretofore. And firft for our ignorance: for what co- againfltbe 
 lourable reafoncan wee alledge for this our feare ? thereisa ^jfd^tb, 
 cercainc kinde of dread and terrour of minde,whcrewith we are \ r0 ^S c % e 9 r 
 fuddenly skared and cerrified,buc we know not wherefore.- and ignorance* 
 iuch was the feare ofthc Madiamtes When as (jtdeon aflailed wbicbmnjl 
 them with three hundred men , who had nothinginthcir hands k amended. 
 buttrumpets and empty pitchers. And likewife that of the />/;/- Iud &7«**« 
 ItHimSy when as Iomtban and his fvvord-bearer let vpon them x.Sa. 14.1J. 
 in their Campe. As alfothacofthe tAfyruvtsm the time of 
 £//*.«#, and in the reigne of king /or am-,, who being ftroken 2 «Ki n g«7^. 
 with fudden feare,ran away, ieauing behind them their hortes, 
 their charets,their tents, & whatfoeuer they had in their campe. 
 And the Burgontins in the beginning ofthc reignc of Lewis the phJIip Co- 
 ejeuenth, being fencco difcouer the kings troupes lyinghardc mins in his 
 by Paris, returned very fpecdily, fuppofing the high thilties i.book.c.t? 
 which they faw,to be men at armes. The feare which wehaue 
 ofdeath, is very like vnto this ; for we tremble,but we know not 
 wherefore . If any man fhould askc vs the queflion,we coulde 
 make no anfwer : and if others fhould take vpon them to teach 
 vs how to auoid this feare, we cannot concciue it,let him fpeake 
 neucrfoplaintly. Wee arc very like herein to little children, J ;f' c t om ffr 
 who are skared with a buggcbeggar,that is,with a fancy ; & yet r ^ m ^' 
 notwithftanding, they arc oftentimes (b exceedingly terrified ignorance. 
 
 Z 2 herewith, 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 herewith, that when we would we can not ftillthem: for that 
 they are not capable of fuch rcafons as we alledge to bringthem 
 toquictnefTc, and to remooue thefefoolifii fancies out of their 
 mindes. But if they once come to yeercs and difcretion, this 
 fond and foolifh conceit will quickly vaniih of it felfe . /n like 
 i'iwtduU- maner, the terrour and dread we haue of death, proceedethof 
 tii&makeib nom i n g>butof our ignorance and want of found iudgement. 
 vstofiare F° r ifwc did once knowe what death is, and if for the vnder- 
 deatb. ftanding hereof, wee would fearchthe fcriptures, which is the 
 fchoole of theholy ghoft, and then ftcdfaftlybeleeue whatfo- 
 euer we finde there, which is prooued vntovsbyfomany found 
 reafons,thenflhould wee eafily perceiue whataweakc foun- 
 dation this great feare hath,which doth fo aftonifh our mindes, 
 whenfoeuerwethinke of it, or heare it talked of by other men. 
 rh h Whcnfocuer death prefemeth it felfe vntovs, it hath a maske 
 
 lodvueci' ' or vifour on the face thereof, and we are wonderfully daunted 
 way this fear in the beholding fogrimme and terrible a countenance, and 
 from vs , wee runne from it, as from fome infernall andhcllifh monftcr: but if 
 muflcompare we would pluckevp good hearts, and come neere.vnto it, and 
 V^tb Wft P' uc ^°^ tne vifour, we fhaleuidently percciue,that it isaverie 
 friend and well wilier towards vs. For the better manifestation 
 hereof, I will make a briefe comparifon betwecne that, and 
 this prefentlife, which we loue fo exceedingly ,and are fo great- 
 ly enamoured of: to the ende, thatthebeneflteswereceiueof 
 Firflwr co- eac h> being compared together , we may the more euidently 
 cept'um, and perceiue which is moil friendly, and beft affectionate to vs. Lee 
 what tec are vs begin with our conception , and that time when as we firft 
 from the be- take lire within the bellies of our mothers. We are conceiued 
 fbenlf infinne,thatisto fay, we are infected, accurfed ,abhominable, 
 wicked, difloyall,vngratefull,trecherous, rebellious, enuious, 
 proud, boafters, difobedient to parents,murmurers,impatient, 
 without naturallarTe6lion,vnmercifull,blafphemers,haters,and 
 contemners of God and all goodneiTe. In a vvorde, there is no- 
 thingmoreliketothedeuilkhen wee are at our firft concepti- 
 on, and he is called our father by reafon of the great fimilitude 
 and likencffe that is betwecne vs. Beholde now, our begin- 
 ning and the lire we leade before wee are borne .Whereas on 
 the contrariety vhenvvcdie,wc are deliucred from this filth and 
 
 corruption, 
 
AGAINST FEARE. x6 % 
 
 eorrupfton, and wafhcd from all our blackneffc , and made as 
 white as fnow. We are no longer carnall, but fpintuall: there is Ou.^^ 
 no more contradiction betweeneGod and vs, nor any thing 9 Jf?Z£m* 
 that may withdraw our louc and affection from him: we rcele no ™J* 0o f C( i 
 more the flings ofdeath and prickes of finne: weareno longer w^/^ r 
 miftruftfull of his promifes,or difobedient to his lawes ; we pre- miferk in 
 /lime no more ofourowneftrength and abilities, nor put any tmb. 
 confidence in the helpe of any creature. And to conclude, there 
 will be no more any occaiion of repentance, nor caufc, why 
 wee fliouid put on fackecloth , and fprinkle our heads with 
 afhes, in token of our humiliation, and hearty forow for our 
 finnes,butwefhalbereplenifhedwithioy andgladnefTc , &be 
 continually praifing our good God, who hathvouchfafedvs 
 fuch mercy,asto place vs againe in our former innocency, and 
 make vs like vntohis bleflfed angels.Though there were no other 
 reafon but this, wereic not fufficient to remooue all feareof 
 death from vs ? but we doe fo little account of our intcgritie, 
 righteoufocfTe, and perfection in heauen, that we had rather re- 
 in ainc in our dregges , then to the end we may pleafeand ferue 
 God the better, to come out of that ftinking puddle, wherein 
 we haue taken fuch plcafure and delight.Nextvnto our concep- " r \i r J}, f n ° 
 tiOn,enfueth our birth, which is neuera jottemore commodi- cetbauBmh 
 ousforvs. For being once come into the worlde, we are borne ferie. 
 to mifery, which fo attendethon vs, that it neuer leaueth vs,vntil 
 we be brought to our graues. Which we forefeeing as it werc,by 
 anaturall inftin£t, makethvs to weepeand crie prefently as 
 foone as we are come into the world. But death is farre more 
 gracious and benefici all vntovs: for being not content to ende 
 ourforowes,itregeneratethvs, ifwemayfofpeake, and brin- 
 
 feth vs to a perpetuall and cuerlafting happineffe. After our Third!; %m 
 irth, folio weth the reft ofourdaies, and the whole courfeand ■&«ffli£ 
 continuance ofourliues,which!prayyou, letvs alittleconfi- 
 der.Weliue in fuch ignorance, that we neither know Godnor 0uri V t(nAce 
 his workes , and yet his wifdome, his bounty, his power, his iu- 
 ftice,his mercy,is very apparant and continually before our eies. 
 There is no creature bee it ncuer fo little, but declareth and 
 fheweth them foorth dayly and hourely : yea the very emm3te 
 and fly, and the tcatesof the naurces which giu2 vs fuckc. 
 
 Z % Notwith- 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 Notwithftandingwe neither haue eyes to fee, earesto heare, 
 nor hearts to perceiue, muchleffc any tongues to declare fuch 
 wonderriill things. He hath created vs, he hath nourifhed vs 5 he 
 hath defended,he hath clothcd,he hath taught & inftru&ed vs.- 
 he lcadeth vs in the day by the light of the funne, & in the night 
 by the brightnesofthemoone , and continually guidcthvs by 
 his holy (pint: if we fall, he helpeth vs vp : if we ftagger,he hol- 
 dcth vs.- if we be ficke,hc vifiteth vs, & beingrecoucred,prcier- 
 ueth v$c if we wander or go aftray , he bringeth vs home & kec- 
 peth vs afterwards in ourright way: hefauethvsat home and a- 
 broad, going andcomming,andwhetherfceuerweturnehe is 
 ready to meete vs,& to accompany vs whethcrfoeuer we gorSc 
 wecannothauc either feruant,kinfman or friend, that can be 
 Our'merati' foneceffarie about vs, or fo willing to help vs. We dtiuehima- 
 utdt. wa y & y et ne returneth againe : we offer him wrong, & he en- 
 
 dureth it: we doe not regard him , and he is content to winke at 
 it, and in recompence of all his great fauours & mercieSjWe (fill 
 commit finne and wickednefle , and will not acknowledge his 
 great loue an daffecTiontowardes vs: and as wc know notGod 
 Zl*Go7 nor his bencfics/o will we needs be ignorant of thofe imperfe- 
 norourfelucs &ions& vices which are invs.Wethinkewearefomething,& 
 indeed we are nothing : wcthinke we are wife, and yetwe are 
 fooles : we thinke we arevertuous ,and we are vicious.' we are 
 worth nothing , and yet we will compare withGod . Beholde 
 here,inwhat maruelous ignorance we liue while we are in this 
 world : but when as by death we are entred into the kingdome 
 ofheaucn , we fhall then fee God race to face: we fhall knowe 
 the great fecrets and mifteries of his deuine power: the riches of 
 his graces fhall be made manifeft vnto vs, and we (hall haue li- 
 berty to behold them at our pleafure and eafenothing fhali be 
 kept from vs that may increafe our happincs , or bring content- 
 ment to our mindes. We fhall know likewife, that we are no- 
 thing but by his grace, which is all in all, and that by hismer- 
 ciehehathc!e£tcdvs,and by hisgoodneflc called, iuftified,and 
 glorified vs. We fhall no more rob him of his glorymor be am- 
 
 i, C f° n % bicious and fecke for his honour: for we (hall know our fclucs 
 watt travell , . . ... , r — , . - r U 
 
 both of body an d him likewile. Furthermore, we hue here alwaies wi»" 
 
 tad mind, great traucll of body & torment ofminde: we mud build houfes 
 
 to 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 169 
 
 to lodge our felues,& to lay in ourcattell which til our grounds: 
 andwc muft gather r he fruite thereof in fomuier to nourifh vs in 
 winter. We muft walke to keepevs in health, cateanddrinke 
 to make vs ftrong, heatc vs in winter, and coole vs in fommcr, 
 brufh our garments, wipe our (hoes, go to the markets and buy 
 our mcates,drefle them/eeth them, and make our fires, and all 
 this is not the hundreth part ofallthofemifchiefes , toyes, and 
 trifles that we are compelled to endure, to prouide for the com- 
 mon neceffiries of this miferablelife, which wefo highly e- TbedifficuL 
 fteemeof: beiidcsthe particular paines thateueryman is con- uee'mourfc- 
 drained to take in his vocation and ftate whereto he is called, derail veta- 
 For fome go to the warres, and fome to the Court , fome trauell um * 
 to fayres and markets, and others to the fea about their mar- 
 chandife : one is a husbandman , an other a taylouror a fhoe- 
 inaker, another a fourbufher and a fcourerof harneffeand olde 
 fwordes: fome are ioyncrs , turners , pointmnkers, glouets, 
 painters, apple-mongers and cryers of oyfters about the ftrects. 
 And who is able to rehearfe all the (hiftes and deuifes that men 
 haue foundeout togainea peny for the maintenance of their 
 Iiues.andyetdoc they inuent daylymore and more to helpe 
 them (Hues, and to fatisfie their owne curious humours. What 
 paines, I pray you, take they about their garments , and ma- 
 king of their apparell after the neweft fafhion ? What diuer- ofcunom& 
 fities of laces in fiikemens fhoppes, and outlandifh deuices fiolifb trades 
 in marchantes fhippes? What newe knackes in attiring of 
 womens heades? what curioufnetle in their skreene ruffes, 
 with their rcbaters and Supporters: what finenefle in their cut- 
 workes, networkes, croiTeclothes, and a thoufand fuch toyes. 
 Whatfundry fauces haue cookes deuifed toplcafe mens taftes: 
 what pictures* images, formes and fafhions vpon their baked 
 meates? there is nothing but the folly of man will countcrfait: 
 anditfeemeth, that as though God had not appointed them 
 Sufficient necciTarie labour to put them in mindc of their 
 fin nes, they will nee des confume their bodies in fruitlcffe tra- 
 uell, which they take in hande to fatisfie their owne foolifh 
 humours. And although the labour of the body in this 
 life be exceeding great, and deuided, as ic were, into 
 
 Z 4 diuers 
 
mte cares o 
 the wind 
 
 Qffundry 
 difeafes. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 diuerskindes aswehaue already declared, yet is it nothing if 
 w *' ic be compared with thofe infinite Tort-owes, vexations, and 
 tormentes, whereto the minde is ccarinually fubiedt. For 
 befides chat the body betakethic felfevnto nothing, whereto 
 the mindc confenteth and agreeth not, communicating 
 hereby of all the feuerall paines and labours thereof: there are 
 ouerand betides infinite cares and foilicitudes of the minde, 
 which are proper and peculiar vnto it felfe: astheftudie of 
 thelibcrallartcs.'diftruft,feare, lealoufie, loue, hatred, defire, 
 ambition,reuenge,pittie,cnuie, companion and forrowc: and 
 that which is word of all, the (ting and prickeof a guiltic 
 confeience: and this is one part of that painc and miferie 
 that cuery man, of what eftate and condition foeucrhe be, 
 muft necdes endure in this poore and miferable life: from 
 which not one can be exempted but by death , which relea* 
 feth both body and foule ofthis torment , and bringcth them to 
 ablefledand a peaceable reft. For the one of them islaidein 
 the ground, there to fleepe vntill the refurre&ion , and the o« 
 therisafcendedvptoheaucn: where ic neither thinketh, hea* 
 rcth, (ceth, or feeleth any thing, but that which miniftreth 
 comfort andconfolaton, andloofethin a moment whatfoe- 
 uer before vexed or tormented it. The other euill and difcom* 
 moditie that accompanieth this life, i> the multitude and di- 
 uerficie of difeafes, whereto we are fubieft. We arc troubled 
 with feucrSjChollickcs, goutes, plurefies,ruines, fluxes of the 
 bodie, apoplexies, the fmall poxe, fcurfes and fcallcs. And in 
 a worde, there is neither countrey, eftate, citie or to wne, age 
 nor part of mans body, which hathnot his particular malla- 
 dies, and feuerall difeafes. God knoweth what anumberof 
 Rhcubsrbs,glifteTS,purgings,lettings of blood, fweatcs, and 
 fundry other remedies we muft take to preuentthefc fbrena. 
 med difeafes, and the torment the poore bodie endureth in 
 taking of fo many receites: and the paines that the phifitian 
 andferuants take about ficke pertons : the one in prefcribing 
 of potions and preferuatiues againft their malladies, the other 
 in watching and attending in the time of their ficknelTc, dayly 
 and hourely,at all times and feafons. The feares, the cries, 
 the forrowes and fobbes wherewith their ftiendsare in won- 
 
 derfull 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 170 
 
 derfull manner vexed, if they be in any danger • and the great 
 mifchiefes that often fall cut in noble houfes by fudden death. 
 For the auoiding of all which mifcries , there is no way but 
 death, which maketh an end ofall, bylayingour bodies in the 
 earth , and preparing them in a readines to put on incorruption, 
 and immortalhtie, where neither the ayre, nor meatcs, nor 
 drinkes,timc,nor any thing whatfoeuer {hall make them fub- 
 ie&toanymoreinconueniences. - 
 
 Furthermore, wee liue here continually in broyles, incon- ' mm% 
 tentions and warres. There is no countrey r>or kingdome, 
 which is not tolTed and troubled with outragious ftormes 
 andtempeftes: kinges againft kinges, and nations againft na- 
 tions, cities againft cities, andone againft another, the Guelpb 
 againft the Cjibelin, and the Sniffer againft the e/^/ufcfj*?, the Strifi. 
 French againft the Englifb, and the 'Breton againft the PortH- 
 gall. If there be buttwoferuantsinahoufe, two maides,acatt 
 and a dogge, there is euer fome braules and brabblinges, 
 ftrifes and diffentions. And if we would confider with all 
 the contentions among men about matters ofprofite, or the Seffge. 
 diuerfities of religions, and the Continuall heart-burning, 
 which Sathan, that olde murthererof manklnde, caufeth to 
 arife among men to make all the worldein an vproare, and 
 to make a generall confufion of all things , the, ambition, 
 pride , and immoderate defires of our flefh , which doe conti- 
 nually bio we the coalcs and kindle the fire , that it can not goe 
 out, we would fay it were impo(Tible that there fhould be any 
 peace here vpon the earth: neither in kingdomesby reafonof 
 the ambition of Princes: neither among cities becaufe of their 
 ftrife and emulation, nor among citizens by reafon of their 
 couetous mindes and greedic defires: nor among fcruants, 
 by reafon of theirenuy, nor yet among the partes of a mans 
 owne body, by reafon the one halfe is flefhand the otherfpi- 
 rit. Is it not much better then , that men fhould quickely die, 
 then liue long in this wotlde, con fid ering that ourliuesare 
 nothingbut warres, {hires, diffentions, and debates, as wee 
 hauealreadie prooued.- and that onthecontrarie, death brin- 
 gcth with it fo great reft, peace, and quietnefie ? befides all 
 thefe, we are fubiedt to a thoufand temptations . The deuill is 
 
 on 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 .on the one fide forging and deuifing of fundrie wyles to be- 
 fvld umU' o u ^ cvs > a °d framingof many engines and fnares to entrap 
 turn ofSa- vs -* an d becing very fubtill and his c raft es-m alter, hcturneth 
 tban y oftbe hiscoate and transformed* him (elfe into anangellofJight, to 
 world &our theende weefhould not miftruft him, and that thereby hec 
 title and mi & ntcatcn vs the more eafily . On the other fide is the world, 
 adverftfic. wnercm we are compelled to dwell, which fometime fpea- 
 keth vs fairc , and fometime thrcateneth vs, to trie and allay 
 if either by feare or hope it may catch vsac aduantage; and 
 therewithall is vnited and conioyned our flefh , which neuer 
 leaueth vs, and which by flattering wordes , pleafant deuices, 
 and manifold allurements doeth fo charme and bewitch vs, 
 chat wee haue no power to denie any thing that it demaun- 
 dcth of vs. And if itforcune that we be fo harde hearted at any 
 time as to denie her requeftes, fhee weepcth prefently, and 
 maketh fuch a pitifull complaint, that we are forced forth- 
 with to alter our purpole. Furthermore, we hauefriendes, 
 honours, riches, pleafure and profperitic ontheonefide, and 
 enemies, diflionour, contempt, pouerty, and aduerfitie on 
 the other fide, that deuife and pra&ife all meanes ; po(TibIe to 
 turne vs from the feare and obedience weowevnto our God. 
 And there is no difference betweene them, but that the one 
 vfeth mild nclTe and gentleneile, andtheother rigour and ieue- 
 ritie. Seeing then that our liuesare iubicclto ibmany dangers, 
 and,asitwcre, aiTailed on euery fide, either by furious and cru- 
 el! enemies, or elle by diffembling and flattering friendes, 
 who are worftof all , wee may and that with great reafon con- 
 clude that death is farre be«er,whichfreeth vsfrom alldaun- 
 ger,notonelyofoucrcomming,but alio of attempting and at 
 4 .H^^. failing. 
 
 etbthat the Furthermore, wee liue here continually in maruelous dif- 
 pleafafesof contentment .-and ( as Salomon faith) when we haue diligently 
 tbulifkdre confidered whatfoeuer is vnder the Sunnc, wee fhall findc 
 therefore the tnat a ^ ls vmit ^ an d vexation of minde . I will palTe ouer 
 flare we haue infinite occafions , which minifter nothing but griefe and for- 
 toloofe them rowefpeakingonelyof that, which wee -account as apleafure 
 ismeereva- ail£ j delight in this worlde . I woulde knowe of the ambitious, 
 mUi% couetous, 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 171 
 
 couctous, and voluptuous fort, if honours, riches, and plea- 
 sures which they eileeme fo highly of, can be attained and 
 poflefled without great and excclhue care ? we take exceeding Our friends. 
 comfort of our friends, butfuch ashaue had great experience, 
 co nfefle that there is muchforro we mingled therewith. Chil- Q cbildrc. 
 dren likew'ife doe minifteroccafions of much ioy to their pa- 
 rents: but it falleth out oftentimes herein as it doeth in offi- 
 ces: that which is purchafed with great care and coftes vs ve- 
 ry deere, is all loft in a moment , before we haue enioyed it a 
 .yeere:yeapcrhappes before we haue them. And howfhould 
 it be poffible, but that wee lhould be vexed with other things, 
 feeing that euen in thofe that are-very naturall and moft agree- 
 able vnto vs, we are oftentimes Co highly difpleafed and dis- 
 contented ? For who is there that is not glutted in time with ^ ou ^n. m ^ 
 the beftmeate that canbeprouided, or not wearied with the 
 pureft wine that is, with lying foft,withfleeping long,with hea- <p a fj; met 
 ring of mu(icke,with courting, with playing and fporting,with 
 hunting and hauking,orinwhatfoeuer elfe we take pleafure 
 or delight.- the liberal! artes which doe fo wonderfully delight 222^2? 
 vs, haue their fulnelTe and faciety with them, and are continual- minc { Cu 
 ly accompanied with fome forowes. For /as Salomon faietlv) 
 where there is much wifdome, there is alfo much care: and he 
 whkh getteth knowledge, gainethgriefe. Vcrtueisnotexem- 
 pted , for hee which will Hue godly in Chrift Iefus, muft furTer nfc** 
 persecution . Behold here thepleafures of this life: there is not 
 one of them but is mingled with bittcrnelTe , which quicke- 
 ly taketh away all the fweetnefle we finds , when we firft tafte 
 them. 
 
 But the pleafures of death are farre otherwile, for they bring ^ t o n fa & 
 vs a perfit delight, andanalTuredcontentation, with a marue- tram the 
 lousioy, and comfort to all our fences . God fliall wipe a- pkafares 
 way alltcarcs from their eyes, faith Saint /obn, and there fliall |S*5^ 
 be no more death: neither forrowe, neither crying, neither £ rin J J4 
 (hall there bee any more payne ; for the firft thinges are perfitequkt- 
 paiTed. And hee that fate vpon the throne fayde: Beholde, iefe. 
 I will make all thinges newe. This may cafily be vn- A P°^«. 
 derftoode of fuch, as will diligently confider the flate 4 ' 5 ' 
 
 of 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 ofourfirft parents in their innocencic. For if fo be that before 
 their fall, they perceiued and felt a maruelous quietnefTe and 
 tranquility of mindc , and were free from alircare, diftroft, 
 cnuy, pride, and all other paffions whatfoeucr that might dif- 
 quietthem: what (hall we hope for inheauen, being clothed 
 with the rightcoulneffe andpurity of Chriftlcfus, and feeing 
 God face to face euen as he is; hearing the fweete and me- 
 lodious fongs of men and angels: tafting, ortofpeakemorc 
 truly, fillingour felueswith that moftpleafant fruite of life" 
 cucrlarting, and fmelling the fweete fauours, which pro-, 
 ceedefrom the garments of our (poufe : and that which isthe 
 very height and perfection of all our ioy , to lie continually 
 in his lap and embrace him foreuerandeuer? fliall not all this 
 befufficientto pcrfwadc vs f that notonelyour forrowes, but 
 alfo the remembrance of them are dead and buried with our 
 bodies? 
 
 Moreouer , fo long as we liuc in this world , we are al waies 
 tttobM** as ^""g 01 " 5 and aliens. For after that the grace of God hath 
 lout God the once regenerated vs, and that by the working of his holy fpirit, 
 worldpre* we haue put off all oldc fafhions , or (rather to vfe the phrafe 
 fently baxttk ofthe Scripture ) theoldeman, to be clothed and apparelled 
 V^tU^l withthencwe, thenprefendy doc we begin tobe hated and 
 defuteretbvt P er ^ ecutcc ^ ofche worlde \ our kinsfolkes and friendesbecing 
 andbrlngtth not only contented to forfakevs,butdo alio confpire and com- 
 vt to ever!*- plot with our enemies how to deftroy vs. The brother, faieth 
 fingjy *"* Chrift, (hall deliuer the brother to death, and the father the 
 ftltcttie. f onnc yZn d c he children {hall, rife againit their fathers and mo- 
 thers, and (hall caufe them to be put todeath.'^nd ye fhallbc 
 Jfimilitude hated of all men for my names fake. Behold the curtefieand 
 entertainment thatthefaithfullaretolooke forinthis life. But 
 ifthey be once dead, they are receiued & lodged in heauen, not 
 as Grangers, but as citizens with the faints &fcruants of God. 
 Theyarelikevntoyongfchollers, who hauingfpent their time 
 diligently at their bookes, returne from the vniuerfities to their 
 friends^ndare welcomed home both of father & mother, bro- 
 ther and lifter, euery one preafing forwarde with great defirc 
 to kiffe them, and to make the grcateft demonftration of 
 ioy and^ladnclTcthatmaybe, for their happie returne. In like 
 
 maner 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 171 ^ 
 
 manner, when true Chriftians depart outofthisworlde, where 
 they are,as it were, atfchoole,to returne to their fathers houfe, 
 God himfelfe is the firft that biddeth them welcome, & vvilleth 
 them to enter into theioy of their Lord and father. IcfusChrift 
 is the next which taketh and leadeth them into the pallacc of 
 the King,and faith, £W;k bleffed of my Father, pcjfep the king- 
 dome prepared for j/ oft frorru thebegwn'wg of the world. Then come 
 the Angels, who cary them like Lazstrus into *s4brahamsbo- 
 fome, toreioyce for euer with them, and with theotherholy 
 fathers . And in a word , we may eafily conieclure vvhatgrcac 
 ioy there is in heauen, at their entrance into fuchbletTedneflc, 
 feeing they reioyce at the conuerfion of euery finner here in 
 earth .• and both heauen and whatfoeuer is vnder the cope 
 thereof, doe honour and reuerence them as the children and 
 fonnesofGod. 
 
 The Church may very fitly becompared vnto fbme great i.rhevn- 
 and noble princeiTe, wholeauing her cuntry and acquaintance ^ffW' ^ 
 where fhe hath long inhabited, and bene very much conuer- ^ r ^r 
 fant, goeth to fcekethe King her husband, who keepeth his Godhaue 
 Courtinhisownekingdomeafarreoff, affooneas fhe entreth after they be 
 within theterritories and dominions of her lord, all the townes °* ce dead, 
 wherefoeuer fhe parte, receiue her with eloquent orations , ho- £? nt 
 nourable and rich prefents, great and fumptuousfca(ts,andve- ^ at ^ 
 ry ioyfull acclamations : and there is not fo little orpoorc a vil- 
 lage, but is very forward in making of fbme externallfh ewe of 
 inward ioy and gladnes for her comming.In like maner, when 
 as the children of God are after their death lifted vp into heauen, 
 and that they haue laide away their mourning attire , which 
 made them to be vnknowen and reputed as poore ftraungers 
 and pilgrimes Co long as they liued here , then euery creature 
 beginneth to honour them, andto bend and bow before them, 
 by reafonofthat great alliance which they haue, andthatho- 
 nourable place whereto they haue attained: andinlucofthat, 
 that in this world they were made the wonder & gazing flock 
 of euery one, both of men & angels 3 & accounted fooles,v veakc 
 and vile, yea, and the very oflcouringof all things, they bceing 
 once exalted and lifted vp aboue the heauens , with their head 
 Chnfi/ef:u,{hzlbQ acknowledged of all creatures, for kinges, 
 
 lordes, 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 !ords,andiudgcsofthc whole world, Thofe whohauedefpifcd 
 anddifgraccd them in this life, (h alb e troubled with an horrible 
 and dreadful! feare, when as they fhall fee them, contrary to 
 1 '*'*' their expectation, tobe fauedanddeliuercd: then (hail they 
 change their opinions,andllgh forgriefe ofminde,&f3y within 
 thernlclues, thcfe arc they whom we fomecime had in derifion, 
 and in a parable of reproch. We fooles thought their Hues mad-' 
 nes,& theirends without honor.How are they counted among 
 the children ofGod,& their portions are among the faintcs? 
 We liue alfo here vnder the tyranic of the deuiljfinnCjdcath* 
 8. Death de- and the world.- for though we be franchifed,& deliuered by the 
 Wumibvs death othftu Chnfi ,yet notwithstanding we do not fully enioy 
 'hit h ° r ' tms likertie, neither arc we ^° abfolutely deliuered fro the pow- 
 &placetbv* er of thofe tirants aforenamed, but th3t they will belhlltrou- 
 vncUr the bling and difquicting vs, (6 long as we hue here below, within 
 vtoflhappie their kingdoms & dominions.But after that we be oncedcpar- 
 gownment CC( Jf rorn hencc,then we haue no more caufe to feare or to care 
 andthenfoc ^ ov an y c ^ n §> Seeing affured, that we (hall Hue vnder the moft 
 weneedenot mercirull,milde, gentle, pitifull,iuft,& reafonablegouernment 
 fern it. that may be. All which being conhdered, I would faine knowc 
 what reafon we can alledgc,why we (hould feare death, or de- 
 fire to liue any loger in this world. And which ofthefe I pray you 
 are the wifeftin their wifhes and defires, cither 5. Paul^David^ 
 Sltas^ho defired to die: or we who are fo dcfirous to liue ? for 
 ifthat which one of them faith betrue.thatitisbefr ofalltobe 
 ... lofed,& to be with Cbrtft lefas: it muft folio w of neceflitic, mac 
 
 *' ' *' h is lofle and detriment to the faithfull, & fuch as arc Gods chil- 
 dren ftill to liue in this worlde: and fo it is out of doubt. Forfo 
 the promifes of God, which arc fo ample and exceeding great, 
 could not be accomplished; we could not attainc the end of our 
 hope,nor enioy the benefits ofCbri/lIeftes, and the inheritance 
 DeAt yj e . which he hath purchafed forvsbyhis deathandpaflion, which 
 Uuereth vs is the effccluallmeanes to bring vs to the fui fruition andpoffef- 
 from infinite fion of all ioy and comfort whatfoeuer. 
 tuihy &put- While weliue here, we are abfent from God , as Saint l>a/d 
 te 'r V rr m *r fpcaketh, for we walke by faith and not by fight: andaflbone 
 Meal-able as vvc are dead, we arc ablent from the body , and prclent with 
 pleafareu God him felfc: we are grieued, and we foro w vnder the burthen 
 
 of 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 173 
 
 ofourfinnes, temptations & mifcrics, vvhich fo long as we are 
 here,do asit were,ouerwhelm vs,&preiTe vs downe>*& aflbonc 
 as we aredead,we arc deliucred & freed frothis fo vnfpeakable 
 aweight,& we become light and meryharted. We liue here in 
 weeping & mourning all the daiesofourliues: & aflbonc as wc 
 arc dead, we reioice and fing praifes with a cherefull counte- 
 nance vnto our God foreuer&euer. Wcliuehere toperifhin 
 the wildernes,& to conucrfe among iauadge and wild beafts, in 
 themidftofa thoufanddangers,whichdo inuiron vs of all fides: 
 and we depart from hence to liue in paradife with our friendes 
 in all fecuritie and abundance; this life putteth vs into priibn,and 
 death deliuercth vsfrom thence. While we liue here, we endure 
 froft and coldjttormes and tempefts: and aflbone as we are dead 
 we prefently pcrceiue the pleafant fpring time, which bringcth 
 vs more ioy & comfort, then all the other hard feafons brought 
 vs forrowe and vexation . We hue here like fubieCts, and by 
 death we are made kings. We Hue here with barbarous, cruell, 
 malicious,proud,couetous,and contentious infidels, which do 
 exceedingly offend vs, and we are wonderfully ofFenfiue vnto 
 them: andwhenfoeuerwedie,weareafluredtobcin thecom- 
 panie of holy, iuft,pitifuil,milde,mcrciful,and peaceable foules, 
 which are cieane and pure in heart, towhome wee doe great 
 pleafure, and of whome weerecciue infinite ioy, comfort, and 
 commodity . We are mortall fo long as we arc in the world,and 
 v liue in continual! dread and fearc of death : but wee are no 
 fooneroutofthis world , but we are immortall , and afluredof 
 euerlaftinglife. 
 
 If all this be true , is it not a veric Grange thing, that wee io,rbeJean 
 can not be brought to belecue it: or if we doe beleeueir, wee ofdeatbpro- 
 are fo flenderly perfwaded of the truth, that it is not fuffi- ctedetb^ 
 cient to take from vs the feare of this death, which is fohap- m fi del " ie >& 
 pie and blelTed a thing , nor the forrow for this life , which ol ^httobe 
 breedeth in vs fuch immeafurable forrowe and torment? wcwd. 
 And it is maruelous to confider, that weedefirefo earneftly 
 to liue at eafe, and without care: and yet wee fecke by all 
 meanes poflible to auoidc death,which is the onely way to ac- 
 complish our defires. Such as are merily difpofed and pleafant 
 copanions,will often fay, that God fauoureth a man when as he 
 
 taketh 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 caketh away his wife, cfpecially ifflic be cuill and ofbad con- 
 dition. Which if it be true, I may fafely fay, that God beftow- 
 cth a maruelous grace vpon vs , and doeth vsthegreateftplea- 
 furethatis,whenasby death hee deliuereth vs from our rleft), 
 which is the moft treacherous and difloyall wife that can be.* 
 and which doth fo torment the poorc minde , wich whom (hee 
 is maricd,thatfhevexethanddiiquieteth her filly hushand with 
 the greateft and moft intolerable gricfe that may be. 
 
 But (bme man may an f were and fay , though tor the reafons 
 Htentmb alreadie alledgcd the naturall death may feeme to bctoJlera- 
 into the con- ble,yet fuch deathes as are violent and fudden.asthofc are which 
 ttf*TJL tnc martyrs, and malefa&ours endure, are moll horrible and 
 *nd fbewetb f ear ^- As concerning thofe punifliments which are inflidted 
 the remedies by the magiftrate for the maintenance ofpeace and quietneffe 
 ggainft the in the common-wealth , and the preferuation of a well ordered 
 fiareoftbe. ft ate anc j gouernment , we may auoide them if we will, and it is 
 
 lum/hments our ^ au ^ c " wc nauc am / cau ^ e to ^ eare tnem * ^ or as Saint '&& 
 ordained by faith, Princes are not to be feared for good workes, but for euil. 
 
 comnlatpes. Wilt thou then be without fcarc of the power? dowell,fofha!t 
 
 Rom. 13.3. thou haue praifeofthe fame. For hee is the minifterof God fof 
 
 thy wealth .• but if thou doeeuill, feare.-forhebeareth not the 
 
 fword for naughts For he is the minifter of God to take venge* 
 
 ance on him that doth euill . It is very apparant then, that if we 
 
 will liucordeily and obediently vnder our kings andprinces, 
 
 and be contented to be ruled by their lawes , we may eafily be 
 
 freed from that feare which thieues,pyrats,murtherers,and Fuch 
 
 like malefa&ours haue of iuftice and good orders. As conccr- 
 
 *• iteMd**' ning martyrdome,we ought not onely not to be afraidof it, but 
 
 %!0!!JJ*» alfoearneftlytodefireit, whenfoeuer itfhallpleafe God to be- 
 
 yrdotne. "owe vpon vs men great grace andfauour,as to appoint vs lo 
 
 i.Firflitfs honourable a death,as tofuffer for thcteftimony and confeflion 
 
 honourable, of the truth . Saint Pant writing to the Philippians- faith , that 
 
 Chap. x.ip. vn tothemitwasgiuenforChrift, that not onely they faould 
 
 bcleeue in him,butalfo that they fhould fufferforhis fake : To 
 
 declare vnto them,and like wife to vs,that the greateft grace and 
 
 fauourthat we can receiuein this world, is, that after we haue 
 
 once beleeued in him for our faluation , we fhould die for his 
 
 Aft.?.4i. glorie. The Apoftles fas Saint Luke reporteth) when as they 
 
 had 
 
AGAINST FEARE. i 74 
 
 had bene beaten andfeourged, departed from the Councell, 
 andreioyced, that they had bene accounted worthieto fuffer 
 rebuke for the name otCbrtft fefiu And &7Wfaith,God forbid GaUl «• 
 that I fliouldreioyce, but in the crolTeof our Lord lefits fi ri ft% 
 whereby the world is crucified vnto mc, and I vnto the worlde. 
 The Scclcftafitcallilot'ic maketh mention of a certaine woman, Socrdt.boe^t 
 who vnderftanding that the Emperors hvetenant had made pro- 4^1 4* 
 clamationinthecitieof£^//^2, that all the Chriftians fhoulde 
 meet at a place appointed; refolved with her felfe to be there a- 
 mongtbemaMb: though that flic was certenly en formed that 
 they (houldbe all killed and fpoyled. The day prefixed for this 
 bloody execution being come,as (hehaftened to the place ofthe 
 affemblie with heriittie childe inherarmes, meeting with the 
 Livetenant by the way, who demanded of'her whither fhe went 
 fo faft, and whether fhe knewe that all thofe that were there 
 fhouldbeflaineor no? yes truely that I do, (quoth (he) and that 
 maketh me make fuch hafte, to the ende that I may be one of 
 the firft that fhall die. 
 
 Sufebitts reporteth that Or/gen being a little child, and vnder- ln b*fict 
 (landing that his father, who was in prifon forthe profeffion of b °°k*!>fb* 
 Ckrift I<f/w,was fome what hindredfrom going on chercfully in ff 
 that courfe he had bcgun,for the love he bare him &his mother, 
 wrote a letter wto him,wherin he did humbly befeech him,that 
 he would not feare to gocon forward inhisprofeffion, and not 
 defift for any affc&ion hee bare vnto him or his mother, but 
 that hecfhould continue vnto the ende. For as touching them- 
 felves,they were perfwaded there could be no greater happines, 
 then to die for the honour of him, who had fufrercd for their fal- 
 vation. Yea, and Origcn him felfe the fameday that his father 
 dyed,would ncedeshave bene at the place of execution, to have 
 bene martyred with him; had not his mother hidde away his 
 clothes inthe night, that thereby fliee might the better keepe 
 him within doores all the day following. And he furtherrepor- 
 tcth,that all the Chriftians of his time were as defirous ofMar- 
 tjrdsme^s the worldlings were of their pieafures and delightes* 
 And whenfocverthcy were required to give an account of their 
 faith, or to dye for their profeffion, they ftrived and contended 
 
 Aa z as 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 as much or more, who fhould be in the firfr rankes,as ic were, as 
 our iouldiers doe, when as there is anybattcllorfet fight ap- 
 pointed. Niccpboms maketh mention of a good olde father 
 inbUEcde- nzmed LMacariw 9 who being in prifon for thetrueth,andloa- 
 fopicatt n~ ^ cn w - j.^ [i ron a boltes vpon his legges, and manacles about his 
 handes, ( as it is alwayes the manner to handle theeves and 
 murthcrers more mildely then the members of{hrisl lefa) and 
 byreafonofhislongimprifbnment andvnmercifullvfage, be- 
 ing almoft quite confumed and readictogive over the Ghoft, 
 fome ofhisfriendes that came to vifite him, demaunded of him 
 if he would have his boultes taken orTafter he was dead: to 
 whome he anfwered, that he woulde in no wife they fhoulde 
 doe foj for that thofe were the ornamentes he defired to be bu- 
 . , . . riedin. Saint 1>afil alfo hath written a verie memorable and 
 hofihicp vvorthic ftorie, which I will briefely recite, A certaine tyrant, 
 Martyrs. who was at that prefent governour of Cappadocia, toproove 
 whether he coulde make the Chriltians abjure their religion or 
 not, commaundedthat theyfhoulde bee fet (larke-naked in a* 
 verie extreemecolde night, in the middeit of the market place 
 dtCefarea 3 and a great fyre to bee made within fome hundred' 
 paces of them , whereat it flioulde bee lawfull for fuch to 
 warme them, as woulde renounce their faith and forfake 
 Chrift Iefus : notwithftanding every one of them did vali- 
 antly and conftantly endure all the tormentesofthis nevve de- 
 vifed punifhmenr, except one, who beeing more delicate and 
 tender then his fellovves , went to warme him at the fire 
 thereby to fave hislife: which when the executioner percei- 
 ved, being in a marveilous rage, and admiring the conftancicof 
 the others, ranne incontinently and tookc the place of this 
 naked and pooxc ss4pojfat a, crying out that heewas become 
 a Chriftian, and humbly thanked Cjod that heehad vouchfa- 
 fed to allow him a place among his witnefTes.By thefe & fundry 
 other examples we may cafcly geffe, in what eflimation Mar- 
 tyrdome was among thofe ofoldetkne. It is not then to be fea- 
 red but to be defired,andwee may account ourfelvesmofthap- 
 pie,if it pleafe God to call vs vnto it. 
 
 But fome will fay, will not Chrifi lefia haue vs take heede of 
 men? Doe not the Scripture teach vs to this ende, that they 
 
 are 
 
AGAINST FE-ARE. 1?5 
 
 arc Wolves, Lyons, Bulles, Serpcntes, and maddedogges ? lTyrantt 
 that their throateisan open fcpulchre? that deccitc is in their bwenopow. 
 tongues ? that the poyfonof Afpesisvndcr their lippes? that ercftbm- 
 their mouthes are full of curfing? that their feetc arc fwift iofe lv P>™ n fi- 
 fhedde blood? that they have notknowen the way of peace I Amities 
 that thefeareof C/od is not before their eves? and many iuch dccltredby 
 likefpeechesvtteredbythe Spirite of £od,to forevvarne vs of many pUcet 
 their malice and cruekie, to the endc we fhoulde avoyd them, of Scripture. 
 Whereto I agree and I muftneedes confeflfe, that there is no- 
 thinginthis worldc (the devill excepted,) that is more treache- 
 rous, malitious or daungerous, then men. But the better to 
 comforte vs againlt their malice, wee mud confider on the 
 other fide their infirmities and weakeneiTe, and that they haue 
 no fuch power to execute their wicked purpofes, as they haue 
 willanddefiretodevife and effect them. The Prophet Efky^hc Efayi.ii. 
 better to (lie we their frailetie, and that weehaucnocaufe (all 
 thinges bceing considered) either to feare or trurt them : fayth, 
 Ceaieyoufrom the man, whofe breath is in his noftreis : for 
 wherein is heetobee efteemed? There is nothing more certenj 
 then that which the Prophete fpeaketh in this place, touching 
 the lives ofthe braved and gallanteft men in the earth, who are 
 fo fraile, that if their breath bee flopped but a quarter of an 
 houre, they are ftifeled and ftrangled foorthwith : and notwith- 
 f landing, like fuperbious and proudetyrantes/ney never enter 
 into the confideration hereof, that thereby they may abate their 
 pride and pluckcdowne their ftomacks: neither do we confider 
 of it as we fhoulddoc; if we did, it would be a very effe<5tuall 
 means to moderate that feare, which we haue by reafon of their 
 threats and menacing fpeeches. If a Captaine or fouldier that 
 marchcth in the field, fliould be afraid of every cracke, or ofthe 
 fmoke of every chimncy,or ofthe pricks of every bufli, or ofthe 
 bees that are gathering hony among the fweet & plcafant flow* 
 ers,the clattering ofthe armour or weapons, thefhakingof the 
 fwords and neighing of horfes, ftiould he be accounted coura- 
 geous & valiant ? no furely,ncitheryct flial we be reputed hardy, 
 if we tremble fo exceedingly at the grim coutenances & braving 
 fpeeches ofcruell tyrants? For what arc they,but as we haue be- pf a j. fi> , 7# 
 fore defcribed them? "David compareththe to duft, to powder, nS.i*?. 
 
 Aa 2 to 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 to (tubblc,to (moke, to thornes, and an earthen pot. What fhatf 
 wee fay then of ail the counfcls,enterprifcs,complot$, and con- 
 fpiracieSjVvhich tyrants and their complices devifc againtt Cbrtfl 
 A^jhistrucch, his Church, and all his members : all are follyes 
 and vanitics,as David (he wcta in the beginning of the 2,Pfalm. 
 We may then well perceive hereby, that there is no fuchrealbn 
 why we fhonld feare their perfecutions, or any thing elfe that 
 man, which is a wormeof the earth, candevifeforthe extirpa- 
 tion of Gods tructh and religion. 
 3,rbecoH/i' Now as all their furie and madneffe ought not to aftonifhvs, 
 deration of con faj er ing the fmall power and abilitie they haue to hurt vs, if 
 the power of . ^ m V en them fromabove:So likewife this is a very ftrong 
 toabohth ai ™ torceabie argument to comrorte vs, that wee arc prote- 
 tbefiareof 6ted and environed on all fides with the favour and power of 
 perfections, the Almightie God, whoisabletodefende and keepevs from 
 all pcrill and daunger whatfoever. And this was ail the rca- 
 Icrera.i*$. fonthat hee alleadged vntothe Piophete Icremie , when as 
 hee fent him vnto the Kinges of Inda, and vnto the Princes 
 and high Prieftes, to denounce vnto them the judgemente> 
 of God, and the miferies that were prepared for them. Bee 
 not afrayde of therr faces, for I am with thee to deliver 
 thee, faith the Larde. And in another place, Girdc vp thy 
 loynes andftande vp, to theende thou maycfttell them all 
 the thinges that I commaund thee. Be not afrayde of themjeft 
 peradventure I caft thee downe before them. Beholde, I have 
 made thee this daye as a defenfed Citie, as a piller of yron, 
 and a wall of braiTe vpon the earth againft the Kinges of 
 luda, and the Princes thereof againft the high Pricfres, and 
 all the people of the earth. They (hall fight againft thee, but 
 they fhall not overcome thee: for /will bee with thee to deliver 
 thee,faith the Lord. He was alfo the buckler and the fortrefle of 
 ^avidin all his trouble. And hethatwillknowein what fecuri- 
 tiehc accounted him felfc, being in the protection of the Al- 
 mightie,let him readc the 3. 2 5. 46,9 1 . 1 2 1 . 1 2 5 . Pfalmes. and 
 likewife the 1 8,Pfalme,wherein after he had magnified and ex* 
 tolled the power and puiiTance ofGod, that had defended him 
 from all his enemies.- In the ende hee concludeth in this man- 
 ner. Let the Lord live, and blcffed be my ftrength, and the God 
 
 of 
 
AGAINST FEARE. i 7 6 
 
 ofmy falvation be exalted. It isGod that giveth me power to a- 
 venge me, and fubdueth the people vnder me. O my deliverer 
 from mine enemies.- even thou haft fet me vp from them that 
 role againft me: thou haft delivered me from thecruell man. 
 Therefore will I praifethee,0 Lord,among the nations,and will 
 fing vnto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he vnto his King, 
 and fhe weth mercie vnto his anointed,cvcn to David and to his 
 fctd forever. Is itpoftiblc to make a more goodly defcription 
 then this,as wel of the power and might, wherewith God prefer- 
 veth his children from temptation, and the care hce hath to 
 keepe them in all their perils and daungers; as alfo of his favour 
 andloue,which maketh him to deftroy andoverthrowe all their 
 enemies? Having then the wordeand promifes of our God, 
 having faith and an allured confidence in his grace and fa- 
 vour, having his holy Spirite, his prefence, his might, his pow- 
 er, and in a worde, the Angels to attende onvs, yea and all 
 the powers ofheaven, as the children of Ifrael had, to garde 
 vs, and to fight forvs againft: the Canaanites, and as Jheodo^ 
 w had in that crueil and bloodic warre againft the Tyrant 
 (JMaximas : Shall we beafraide of any earthly creature, be- 
 ing thus armed at all pointes, and being covered all over with 
 fuch complete harnelte? 
 
 Furthermore ifwe be armed with patience which is the befr ^.Vatience 
 defence, and ( as it werej the peculiar weapon of Chriftians, and con[lan* 
 wee necde not doubt but wee ftiall bee invincible, if wee will cie f ur / n ^ tn ' 
 plucke vp good heartes and feeke to defende our felves: and u l !J^ are 
 wee lhall be lure to conquere our enemies, if wee will en„ t \ Qnu 
 deavour once to aflayle them. The weapons of our warre, as 
 Saint Taut faith, arc not carnall, but mightie through God 
 to caft downe every ftrong holde ; wherewith wee over- 2 * ° r,I ° 4 ' 
 throwe imaginations, and every thing that is exalted againft 
 the knowledge of god , and bringing every thought into 
 captivitie vnder the obedience of Cbrtfi. And this is that which 
 Darnel foretolde, fpcaking vnto Ncbuchadnc^zAr of the king- Dan.2.44, 
 dome of the Sonne of God, which fhoulde i'ucccdc the foure 
 Monarchies, whereof hee had made mention before. In the 
 dayesofthefeKinges ffaith hee) ftiall the God ofheaven fct 
 vpakingdome, which flial never be deftroyed : and this king- 
 
 Aa 3 dome 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 dome fliall not be giuen to another people : but it fhallbreake 
 and deftroy all thefe kingdomes,and it fliall ftandforeuer.C^r//? 
 I e fa feeing the Scribes and Pharifes Co malitioufly bent againft 
 Matt.1f.41. him and againft his difciples, and thatthey had confpiredand 
 fworne his death; faid vntothem, Haueyou not read, that the 
 (tone which the builders refufed,is become the head of the cor- 
 ner? This is the Lordes doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 
 Therefore I fay vntoyou, that the kingdome ofGod /hall be ta» 
 ken from you, and given to a people that fhall bring foorth the 
 fruites thereof. And whofoeuer fliall fall on this (lone, he flialbc 
 broken : but on whom foe ver it flial fal,it wil grind him to pow- 
 der. In which wordes he doeth admonifli them,that all their cn- 
 terprifes were in vaine,and that in theende they fliould turne to 
 their ownefliame and confijficn: as it hath alwayes happened 
 vnto Tyrants, who have perfecuted ft™ ft Itf'** an d his Church. 
 What gained Tharao in oppofing him felfe againft Afoyfij t znd 
 indeavouringto keepe the children of Ifrael ftill in captivitie and 
 flaverie,contrarietothewilandordinanceofGodwhopurpofed 
 to deliver them ; Or the Canaanites and the other feven nations 
 againft loftta & the whole armie of Ifrael t Or Saul againft Da- 
 W, though he omitted nothing that could any waves be devi- 
 (ed to take him and kill him, and that this poore man had no- 
 thing to derende him, nor any place to hide him in, neither in 
 woods nor mountaines,or any other place to Hie vnto; notwith- 
 ftandingbecaufe God washisayde,and that he wasfliiclded by 
 his favor and protection; his enemy, who continually hated him 
 and perfecuted him from place to place with extreme furie and 
 rage, coulde never hurt or endammage him by any manner of 
 wayes? Wherein did Acbab and Iez^abel prevaile againft E//^ : 
 ilccond^ & or the Kingesof //ra/and of Syria againft £///&*: oxHerode 
 bookeof and the high Prieftcs againft the tAposlles : or finj?a»ce the 
 tbcKings. Emperour againft tAibanafius ? all which were as little f\ycs 
 The Aftes orgnattesin companion of Elephantes, and yet notwithftan- 
 of the Apo- ^| n g fay evcr h ac j tne vj&orie. And it hath alwayes bene 
 fbundeverietrue, that in all the Church- warres and conflicts, 
 the faith ofth righteous hath alwayes bene of more force, 
 then the fvvorde of thevngodly : and with their patience they 
 haue continually overthrowen the furie and rage of their ene- 
 mies. 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 177 
 
 mies. It was commonly faydcfometime, that the Lacedemoni- 
 ans ruled all Greece xvhh a white wande: which may bee more 
 fittcly faydc of the Church of God. For although even from 
 the beginning oftheworlde, it hath not onely wrcftled againft 
 flefh and blood; but alfo (as Sam Paul faith) againft principa- EphcC&n. 
 lities, againftpowers, and againft the worldly governours, the 
 Princes ofthedarkenefle of this woride, againft fpirituall wic- 
 kednclTes, which are in the high places: and for the defence of 
 themfelves, and the avoyding ofall their malicious attemptes, 
 they had nothing but their truft and confidence in God, which 
 their enemies fcorned and contemned. And yet baue they conti- 
 nually fb valiantlybeha ved them felves,that they could never be 
 overthrown,buthaue in theend remained conquerersrverifying 
 that which the fame Apoftlc faith, that the foolifhnes of God is l ' Cor - I « *f« 
 vvifec then men;and the weaknefle of God is ftronger then men. 
 
 But what can there be imagined, that fhould fo tcrrifie and ^.^hhtr 
 fearevsin the time ofperfecution? Is itthenumberor power of thenomber 
 our enemies that doeth fo daunt and aftonifh vs > There is a m *f pnr- 
 moft excellent ftorie for this purpofe in thefecond bookeof the ter s(hould 
 Kinges, whereas it is faide, that Elefba being in Dotban with his me\evi a- 
 fcrvant, the King of Syriafent thither horfes and charets, and a fraidoftbtit 
 mightie hofte to compafTe the Citieand to take him; and when W^wi;. 
 the fervantofthe man ofGodaroie early in the morning to go a ^ ' 
 out,he efpyed a great armie which compafled the Citie, and he 
 was wonderfully afraide, and faid vnto the Prophet, Alas, my 
 mafter,how fhall we doe ? And he anfwered,Feare not,for they 
 that be with vs are more then they that be with them.Then Elt- 
 yfo praycd,& faid,Lord,I befeechthee,open his cies that he may 
 fee. And the Lord opened the eyes ofthe fervant,& he Iookcd,& 
 behold, the mountaine was full ofhorfes & charets offire round 
 about Slifba. It is not then the multitude of enemies that fhoulde 
 make vs afraide, feeing as it appearcth by this hiftorie, we have 
 many morefriendesto fuccour and defend vs, then enemies to 
 hurtvs? neither needewe to feare their power and might, vn- 
 leffe we will confelTe thatthedevillandmen are ftronger to hurt 
 vs,then God and his Angels are to deliver vs. 
 
 We are afraidleft they fhould hurt vs,& yet we know they can 
 not do any harme ro our fhepe,or oxen,or any thing clfe that we 
 
 A a 4 hauc 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE, 
 
 6. The want haue,vnle(TeitpleafethGodtofuffcrthemandtogive themli- 
 ofabiltiie& cence. We areafraide lea(t they fhould take away our lives, and 
 power m our vet vve knowe, that they can notfomuchasplucke one hayre 
 7oTbame fr° mour heades, but by the permiflion andfufferanceofhim, 
 owbt to ft! wno natn taken a iuft reckoning of them. We feare leaft they 
 minifhour fhoulde caft vs downe hcadlong,and clcanedeftroy vs : and yet 
 £&*• they can not doc fo much as touch vs,which is a verie (mail mat- 
 
 ter, nor make vs fo much astrippeagainft aftonetoftumble or 
 fall. O howc flenderly wee confider the eftate and condition of 
 thofe,with whom we have to do.Forif we would advifedly pon- 
 der how feeble and weake they are,yca and fo fraile, that God is 
 able to overthrow them with a fillippe of his finger: or feeing 
 that they are mortall, they are not thelordes,butthe fervants 
 and (laves of death, ouer whichthey haue no more power then 
 they have ouer their owne lives, we would never be afraid leaft 
 they ftiould hurt vs, forthat we would be afluredly perfwaded, 
 that ifthey went about todoevsanyharme, the mifchiefc they 
 intende, would light vpon their owne pates. For ifatfuchtime 
 as we are forimerous,we would rememberthat we are the chil- 
 dren of cyod, and vnder his protection, that we are ofthe fhcepe- 
 fold oiQmfl Iefafii that we can not be taken out of his hands, 
 being defended and guarded with infinite legions of Angels, 
 which are readie to fight for vs, andkeepe vs wherefoever wee 
 are, or whitherfoever we go: that we are Kinges andPrie(ts,and 
 asholyandfan&ifiedthinges vntoGod, whichother creatures 
 can not touch without faciiledge and incurring his wrathful! 
 difpleafure.' as alfo that wc haue his worde, that we fhall never 
 perifh,and that cur reines (z$ S./^/Tpeaketh) are girded with 
 Ei>hcf.£.i4. vcr "' e > and armed with the breftplate of righteoufnefle : that 
 wee haue the fhield of faith, the helmet of falvation, and the 
 fworde ofthe fpirite, which are armours of farre better proofc 
 then ever were thofe ofs/fckilles; If I fay wee woulde remem- 
 ber all thefe , as often as our enemies doe threaten to hurte 
 vs, were it not a fhame for vs, and fhall w T ec not condemne 
 our feives for ftarkc cowardes, if beingthus provided, and ha- 
 ving fuch advantage over them , wee will notwithstanding 
 runne away, and that in the fight of our Captaine, who is 
 continually in the forefront, and in the hotteft ofthe skirmiili, 
 
 encouraging 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 170 
 
 encouraging vs to ftrike valiantly, both by his wordes and 
 example ; and is the beholder notoncly of his faithfull feruants, 
 which fight couragiouflie, to remunerate and rcwarde them for 
 their noble valour,but alfo of fuch as are faint-hearted and white 
 liuered fouldiours, for to caffc them and put them foorth of his 
 bandes. 
 
 Though we haue no other aidc,but the wordofGod,isitnot 7>The word 
 fufficient to defend vs againft all violence and inuafion what fo ofCodisour 
 euer? I would fainc know, ifthedeu ill, man, and all other ere a- anvee^tben 
 tures what fo euer, had confpiredtoouerthrowethe heauens, tf c„y? 
 and to plucke vp,as it were,the earth by the rootsj whether they 
 were able to bring it to pafle, or no? The time which wearetn 
 andconfumethallthings,neitheryetthecontinuall vfe,northe 
 motion which is the moftquicke and violent, thatcan be ima- 
 gined,could euer hurt or impaire them, forthefpace of $?oo. 
 yeeres: euer fince which time they haue beene created . Nei- 
 ther arc they any one iottc altered from their firft forme and fa- 
 fhion, which God hath giuenthem . And yet notwithstanding 
 there is nothing that doth prelerue and keepc them,but onely his 
 word.by vertue of which, they were created in the beginning. 
 Hauing then this facred and dcuine word,which is more durable 
 then the heauens, and Jiauing it not onely with vs, but alfo in 
 vs,and in our hearts(as £./<?£« faith,) by faith and truft which itftift- 
 wee rcpofein him.- whatcaufe haue wctofearc anydaunger, cha P-^* 
 though men rage and ftorme neuer fo much againft Chrifi Ie~ 
 fa and his members? 
 
 Butthisisnot all. Forbefidesthewordof God,aswee haue %-Faitband 
 all readie faidc,wee haue alfo faith and prayers,which arc of no ?2??®fx 
 fmall force againft the malicious defeignesofour enemies. The ]bUfi°Je! 
 sAmaUkites were oucrcomeof Moyfesby thismeanes : and fo Notable exa- 
 likewiIe<j<?//<*£of David: the CMtdianites of Gedeon: the Pbi- &* aBedged 
 litttms of lonathan : and the (tAtfyriansof £z>echtas. And what fi'Wfa' 
 force is there that is able to refill faith and prayer ? By faith the fofTUjdg" 
 children of Ifiael pafTed through the redde fea,and the riuerof King. aide- 
 JordenyZnd the waters fled backe, as though they had beene a- ftccUUj the 
 fraide,and the mountaines (haked and trembled at theircom- n-chap-w 
 rning. By faith the walls of lertco felldowne,after that they had '^ Hebr - 
 beene compalTed feuen daics; and in a moment were quite ra- 
 
 fed 
 
THE SEVENTH BO OKE. 
 
 fed at the blowing of the trumpets, which had as great force at 
 that prcfcnt, as all the double cannons in the world can haue. 
 By faith the children of God haue fubducd kingdoms, wrought 
 righteoufncs, obtained the promifcs, (topped the mouthesof 
 lyons, quenched the violence of fire, efcaped the edge of the 
 fword,ofweake were made ftrong,waxed valiant in battell, tur- 
 ned to flight the armies of the aliants, the women receiued their 
 dead raifed to life: other alfo were racked, and would not be de- 
 liuercd,that they might receiue a better refurre&ion. Wee may 
 fee by thefe examples, the great force of faith, an d of the prayers 
 of the children of God , when fo euer they are in any necetfitie. 
 For being armed with fuch weapons, they are not onely able to 
 fight againft men, but euen againft death it felfe.Why then are 
 we afraid ofeueryblaft that com meth from their mouthes , and 
 fo aftonifhed, as though the thunder it felfcwerereadictofall 
 vpon our heads ? 
 o.Our lives And why doe we not remember, that not onely the haircsof 
 me in the our heads are nombred,but alfo our daies and ycers,yea,and the 
 badsofGod, minitsofourliues are counted: and that foexadlly, that as wee 
 ™ v> yJ >1t .' can not adde one iotte to the prolonging ofour time, fo can not 
 dtfokhtofal tnc crueller! tyrant that is,cut off anything to make it any whit 
 syrants,and the iTiortcr f And euen as wee fee in the feafons of the yeere, 
 that often- that from the beginning vnto the ending, they are appointed 
 times mth f God ; and that in fuch forte, that all the men in the worlde, 
 dtrtftion tnou S n tnc y ^ ou ^ employ all their whole force, counfels, 
 and indeauours to the contrarie, were not able to alter them: 
 In like manner may we be aflurcd, that our liues are fo limited 
 and bounded by God, that neither King nor Prince, power, 
 nor potentate , can any manner of waies fliortcn or prolong 
 them : yea and that which may wonderfully comfort vs, fo 
 often as wee remember it, that GOD doeth oftentimes 
 prolong our daies by the meanes of wicked tyrants, which 
 would cut them off. And this may notablie appeare in the 
 w r example of C\foyfes % who, beeing caft out among the men 
 * children of Ifrael, by the commaundement ofTbaraoh ; was 
 
 fauedby his daughter, and brought vp by hcrtofucccede him 
 inthekingdome of Sgtjt . What plainer and more euident 
 
 de- 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 171 
 
 demonftration can wee haue of the prouidence of God; and 
 that the hearts of Princes are in hishandes, and that hee can 
 molleficor harden them, turne them and bende them which 
 waie (o cuer it pleafeth him? Nebuchadnezzar, who in the be- 
 ginning was fo furious and fo raging againft the three young ^Tbethret 
 men,ofwhomc Daniel maketh mention, that all his* m & mctt * 
 tormentours and executioners could not make a fire hoatc 
 enough , and to his liking for to burne them ; neither yet were 
 quicke and readie enough to caft them into the hoate bur- 
 ning furnace, was the firft that fpake of their deliucrancc, 
 and that humbled him felfe before the LORDE to 
 praifc him, and to acknowledge his power and might, 
 which a little before hee had (o arrogantly difdained and blas- 
 phemed. And this was the occafion that thefe young men 
 became more famous, and were brought vnto the knowledge 
 and acquaintance of the King, who afterwardes aduaunced 
 them inthe kingdome of Babylon, contrarie to the expectation 
 of their enemies, and fuch as had accufed them before with 
 purpofe to deftroie them . The like happened to "Darnel in ^.VanieL 
 the raigne of King Darius. For the euill that his aduer- 
 faries entended againft him , in the ende fell vpon their 
 owne heades; and all the complots and proie&s they had 
 laide and deuifed, ferued to no other ende, but to make this 
 feruant ofGOD better knowne, and his vertue and con- 
 ftancictobe the more honoured and reuerenccd, bringing him 
 into the grace and fauour of the King, to make him in farrc 
 grearer reputation, then euer. hee was in Babylon. Men 
 may then haue malicious mindes, and they may, as they daylie 
 doc, threaten the Church: feeing they haue no power to ex- 
 ecute their tyrannie, vnlefle it pleafeth G O D to giuc 
 them leaue, and that the erTc6r of all their counfels doth depend 
 of hisdeuine prouidence, which guideth and ruleth all to the 
 profit and commoditie of his children, wee haue no greater 
 occafion to feare them, then wee haue to hope and expect for 
 fomegood at their hands. The confidence which wercpofcin 
 them is alwaies va ine, for that they neither can nor will doe any 
 good. Andthefeareweehaueofthemisvery fooliflh, for that 
 
 they 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 they cannot hurt vs, what will and defire fo euer they haue 
 thereto. 
 
 We belceue and confefle al this, when fo euer we here it fpo- 
 
 '^yjSSJ ken of. And oftentimes while wee haue thefe confidcrations in 
 
 ^urfebuTof our hearts,we imagine tnac though all the world fhould aflaile 
 
 covarde- vs,yet we would be invincible. And for al! this, as ioone as wee 
 
 Hnesyfeingp) heare any noileor bruit, though it beafalieaIarme,ourcou- 
 
 many reafim rage prelently faileth vs.We are like vnto the hare,whom,as the 
 
 andexamples t ale goeth, the foxereproouing on acertainetimefor his great 
 
 conraitvs. cowardife, faying, that confidering he had fuch harnefle, (uch 
 
 ftrength, and agilitie of bodie , hee might fight with thefier- 
 
 ceft and crueller* beafts of the world; and therefore his friendes 
 
 wondered that he fhould be fo fearefull and rimerous, running a- 
 
 way at the barking ofeuery little doggc.- whereto the hare an- 
 
 fwered, that hee could not denic but that which hee fpake was 
 
 true, and that oftentimes,when he confidsred fo much wit h him 
 
 felfe, hee was fulherefolued to fight with thedogges andrefo- 
 
 lutelytowith(Hdthe:butyethehadfoundbyexperience,that 
 
 his heart would not feruehim:for as ibone as he heard the houds 
 
 in the woods , he prefently forgat al! his ftrength, and remem- 
 
 bred nothing but running away . This maybe excufable in a 
 
 hare,which is but apoore bead : but in a Chriflian, who ought 
 
 alwaies to remember thewordeof God, who fhould meditate 
 
 day and night in his lawe, and haue it continually before his 
 
 eyes : and furthermore who hath the Holy Ghoft as a fealed 
 
 writing,which doth continually fuggerate and teach him what 
 
 focuer is neceflarie to comfort him: it is a marucilous fhame 
 
 and infamie to be fo fearefull without caufc, and to forget that 
 
 ii.Tbefian helpe and ftrengthin hisnecd,whichis moft auaileable againft 
 
 of the iudge- all power and puiflance what ibeuer. 
 
 menuofGod g uc j p rav y 0U j et vs confider our follie yet alitle more.What 
 latibGM* - i s ^ tnatwearea ^ ra ^ f- ? that mortall men, who haue no power 
 mifeve ought °f tnem felues, fhould beat vs and whippe vs for fpeaking and 
 to lean, defending the truthjand in the meane while , we neuer remem- 
 fbould chafe berythat for concealing and diffemblmg of it,God threatneth to 
 away all fc^l VSjVV ho hath power and abilitic to caft both bodie and foufe 
 rwtfon i^o hell. If I ihould a(ke thisqueftion, whether theKing or 
 cncmi:s. fomepettie gentleman were moft to be feared,cuery man could 
 
 anfwer 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 180 
 
 anfwer me very readily. But demandingthc fame thing, as tou- 
 ching God and man, euery one is whift, and faith not a worde. 
 O Lord, howfottifh we are .' Doe we not know what to loue, 
 or what to hate? what tofoliowe,orwhattoflie?whattohopc 
 for,or what to fcarc ?Lctvs further confider what iniurie we of- 
 fer vnto God ; which is farre greater then that which fhould be 
 offered vnto a captaine,who hath the keeping of fomc frontierc 
 towne,ofwhofefidelitiewx doubt not, neither that he will de» 
 liuerittotheenemie.For if we would doubt of the truth of any 
 fuchman, there were alwaies fufficient rcafon why we might 
 doe fo, confidering that naturally wee are not onely lyers, trea- 
 cherous,variable,andinconftant,but alfocouctous: and there- 
 fore fubieft to be eafily corrupted. Which cannot poflibly agree 
 with the nature of our God. Whereupon it folio weth, thatthey 
 blafpheme him, and offer him vnfpeakeable iniurie, that will 
 call his trueth into queftion, fearing Ieaft hefhould breake his 
 worde, or that contratieto his promife, hee would deliuer his 
 children into the hands of their enemies. 
 
 Butfome willaniwer, and fay, doe wenotknowethatChri- ii.Seewgve 
 ftianshauebcenebanifhed, imprifoned, whipped, andfeour- muftmtdti 
 ged,and the moft of them moft cruelly executed > Which I con- dje % mart]fr- 
 &fletobetrue,andthatitis appointed by the ordinance ofGod, fa^Jftf 
 that before we can be glorified with Chrtfi Iefm, wemuftfufFcr and nothing 
 in the world with him. But what ?In flying of perfccution,doe more&loriout 
 we auoid death,or if we doe flie from death, doth it notfoHowe tf}en \° Wf 
 vsPandifitdoth huntaftervs,canwe hide our fefoesfocumTrng- the f} me °f 
 ly, that it fhall notfinde vs ? If then we muft ncedes die; is itnot ^ r ^ utm ' 
 much better that wee fhouldendeourliues honourably in the 
 warres,then cowardly in our beddes ? Lctvs confider a little the 
 great Ioue thatGod {hewethvs. If he would he might mafkc 
 vsdie asdifhonourably, as thofe, that were drowned in the vni- 
 vcrfall flood, or confume vs, as he did the Sodomites, or cauferbe 
 earth to fwallowvs vp,as it did Contb y t Bathaff y and ^biram.m 
 make lice to eatevs,as hedrd Herod: he might iuftly doeit,and 
 ouffinnes haueinfinitlydcferuedit.But hauingrefp eft vnto his 
 onely mercie, according vnto his wonted manner, as hee hath 
 couered theloathfomnes of our finnes, with the righteoufnefTe 
 of his Sonne Chrtfi : fo like wife hath hee vouchfafed to hide 
 
 the 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 the indignitic and fliamc of our deferued death, caufingitto be 
 written vpon our tombs,and in the hiftorics,that we are flaine 
 for .his worde, and for the witnclTe of Chrifl Icfa % which is 
 fuch an honour, as all the fuffcrings in the worldc doc not de- 
 ferue. 
 i$. The ex- $• sAugHft'we comparing in one of his epi(tles,Chriftian ve- 
 teUentieof ritic to He/an, faith one thing that is well worthie to be often 
 
 l G& Ut \*L remem ^ rec ^ > anc * c ^ at IS 5 tnac tne onc °f tnem i* ^ arrc mor c 
 niticifbu bcautifuil, then the other. And if then there were a hundred 
 Church is thoufand Gree\es y that expofed them fclues to all daungcrs,in 
 (uch % as wee defence of the honour and beautie of Helem : What fhall 
 cugbtto de- Chriftians doc for the eternall worde of God , vpon the con- 
 itb ^ on anc * knowledge whereof, their life and happincs doeth 
 tbeloffeof wholly depende ? Morcouer it hathbecne alwaics cfteemed 
 Quxlmu and commended for a very honourable thing,inallmagnani- 
 miousmindes, to die for their countries; howe precious then 
 is the death which wee fufFerforthc buildingofthe Church of 
 God: and howe profitable vntovs is that bIood,which we fpill 
 to water the rootes thereof, to the ende that the young plants 
 and nurferies which arc there, may fru&ific and growc the 
 better ? 
 4. Tbe great But doe wegiueourliues for nothing r Truely we haue great 
 rewarde wee occafion to pray heartely that we may exchaunge this worne 
 haue °f G ™ and tornc life, for an immortalitic, which is made of fuch dura- 
 zlf* blc and excellent ftuffe, that fhall neucr be confumed nor worne 
 
 out. Doc weeloofemuch,if wee leauc an oldc and (linking pri- 
 fonffbr what cl(e are thefe earthly bodies J to gaine an cuerla- 
 fling habitation in the heauens? If weefhouldnot excufethis 
 exchange with the magnificence and exceeding bountie of 
 our God, heemight be thought to be but an euill husbande, to 
 giue away fo much , and receiue fo little ? Wee haue nothing 
 then to fay for our felues, why we fhould notf following the ex- 
 Hcbr. 12. 1. ample of Saint Tatil) runne with patience the race that isfet 
 before ys , looking vnto lefia the author and finimer of our 
 faith, who for theioye that was fet before him, endured the 
 croffe, and defpifed not the (hame, and is fet at the right handc 
 Iara.4.7. of the throne of God. Let vs refift the deuill, as Saint fames 
 
 faith, 
 
AGAINST FEAR E 1S1 
 
 faith, and hce will flic from vs. For he is of the nature of the 
 crocodile, that is very fierce in puifuing of fuch as runne 
 from him , and a ftarkc cowardc to thofc that purfue 
 him. 
 
 If men of warre be in any ftrongand well defenced cities, **' °r 
 they fcornc and mocke thole that come to befiege them: tbe C b U rcb 
 what fhall wee doe then beeinginIerufaIem,thatistofay,the fCed,are 
 Church, which isthebeft walled, the belt prouided, and the invincible. 
 moft carefully garded of all others t for he that keepethit, (lee- 
 peth neither day nor night. If of olde time thofe fouldiours 
 that were vnder the leading of $s4lcibtades , were accounted 
 inuincible; what fhall wee thinke of thofe that are vnder the 
 conduct of Cbrtft Iefa ? The Martyrs of our Lord and Sauiour 
 (faith Cyprian) may be flaine, but they cannot be ouercome 
 but are inuincible: for that they are not afraid, nor terrified with 
 death. Let vs fay then of the tyrants and perfecuters of Gods 
 children, as Socrates faide of <±AnjtH! and <JMelytw y that they 
 may kill vs fome time,if God will giue themleaue,but they (hall 
 neuerbeabletohurtvs. 
 
 Contrariwife, there is nothing that doeth more profit the \6. The 
 faithful! , either for the mortifying of vice that is in them, and cburchof _ 
 to cxercife them in all kinde of vertue, then afflictions, and that ^°j ** ST*! 
 continuall warrc which they haue with Sathan and his mini- wJyepalred 
 iters. We are like vntoincenfe, which neuerfmelleth wcll,vn-^^v7w^ 
 lelTe it be caft into the ftfc : or to mettals, which are neuer well 
 purified before they haue beene in the furnace: or to wheat, 
 which is neuer deane , before it be well threfhed and fanned: 
 and to be fhorr, there is nothing according to the word of God 
 that doeth more increafe and Ilrcngthen our faith, then croffes 
 and afflictions. There is noqueftion, but that hee which fhall 
 read the hiftoriesofaIltimes,{r>alleafilie fee, that the Church of 
 God euer flourished more in aduerfitie, then in profperitie. Ha- 
 uing then hetherto declared, that wee ought neither to feare Acomlufkn 
 nor flee martyrdome,confidering the care which God hath ouctofwbat fi t. 
 rs, and the weaknes and imbecilirie of our enemies to hurt vs, het fath bin 
 and the force which we haue to refifl them, and that great blef.^*^ tf J? 
 ling & happincfTe which wemaylooke forinthekingdomeof J r a^^. 
 heauen , if wee ftrfter tribulations here vpon earth for 
 
 righte- 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 righteoufncsfake,andthedefcnceofthetrueth: wccmay con- 
 clude, that according vnto the example of the Lacedemonians, 
 all this great armie of the whole vniucrfall Church, ought to be 
 deuided into three bands: whereof the fir(t, which is the old fa- 
 thers raigning no we inheauen with Chrift, may fay: wee haue 
 beenevaliant and couragious, to fight the battels of the Lorde: 
 theother which isofyoung men, who arelu(ly,frefli and ftrong, 
 ought to (ay; that wearcreadieto folio we you, and refo lute for 
 to abide all dangcrs,to continue and maintaine them dill: and 
 thcthird,which is ofyoung children,fhall fay : we will continue 
 them after you,by the power and fauour ofhim 5 who hath endu- 
 ed our graundfathcrs in olde time, and you atthisprefent, with 
 filch courage andmagnanimitie. 
 The laft pdr$ It is no we high time to draw to an endc, and to fpeake of the 
 tfthis Iaftoftheiefeares, which we haue; which is,of fpirituall things; 
 M^''"d*n- as >°^ tnc lodgement of God:ofeternall death:of the deuils, and 
 tojfaree- °ffinne. Notwithftanding, before I goe any further, I muftad- 
 fpeciall monifti the reader of this one thing : That whatfoeuer I fhall 
 branches* fpeake, touching the diminifliing of the feare of thefc foure 
 thinges, it doeth nothing appertaine vnto infidels and flcfhly 
 minded creatures.* whole confeiences doefleepein finne,and 
 arepofleffed with a lethargic, and a blockiflifbrgetfulnes of all 
 their tranfgreflions, neuer To much as once thinking of them, 
 much leffeforowing for them , butftudie and deuifc altogether 
 howtoliue at their cafe and pleafurc; and there is nothing that 
 they are fo carefullo£ as to auoide all thinges whatfoeuer may 
 hinder their ioyes and delights. There are 1 bme alfo, who hea- " 
 ring any mention made of the thrcatnings of God, and the tor- 
 ments of hell fire, mocke and fcoffe at both the one and the o- 
 ther.- whereby they euidendy declare the fmall account they 
 makeof cither, andthccoldeaffe&iontheybcaretowardes the 
 knowledge of God,and the meditationof his law. Before thefc 
 and fuchlikefwincjminde not to caft thefe precious andinua- 
 luable pearles: knowing very well,they will treade and trample 
 them vnder their feetc,and that what fo euercanbe faid, will be 
 but for the increafe of their impietie, and multiplying of their 
 finnes. But I fpeake nowe vnto iuch as are vnfainedChriftians, 
 who catric with themareuerend regardcof Gods worde, and 
 
 haue 
 
ACAINST FEARE, i8a 
 
 haue an aflured confidence in his promifes, not with purpofe to 
 (both them vp in their finnes, to flatter them & lay cufhions vn- 
 dcr their elbo wes,not to cxcufe their faultes,or to encourage the 
 togoeon forwarde in their wicked wayes, and fo to procure the 
 heavie wrath of the Almighty to fall downe vpon them in the 
 day ohhc Revelation o£h\s\u(\ke: in a word, it is not to harden 
 the heart of the obftinate to defpifehis mercy, his patience and 
 long fufFring, wherewith he doeth provoke vs daily and hourely 
 vnto repentance and amendment of life: but this is to comfort 
 them,and toraife them vp, and,as it were,to lift vp their confci- 
 ences, when as they are preffed downe with the weight of their 
 finnes,and with the feare and terror they haue ofthe terrible and 
 fearefull judgements of(7od for their tranfgreffions. The drift 
 then and whole fcope of this difcourfe, is to give a little breath 
 vntopoore and tyred foules, whichgronevnderthe burthen of 
 their finnes.For both Chrift /^/a^his promifes, his (/ofpeland al 
 his cofolations ferueefpecially to thisend 5 to vnburthe thofe that 
 are laden,to comfort the weake, & to healc the broken hearted. 
 
 Now ofthofe 4 things before remembredjthc greateft& that rbereme- 
 which we are moft afraid of, is the terrible wrath ofGod.For the dies againfi 
 feare we haue ofdeath & ofthe devill proceedcth ofnothing but ^ feare 'f 
 this, that we thinke they are the minifters& executioners of his qU^ 
 iudgements.x^gainft this feare wemayoppofe all thofe coforta- i^ om \r es 
 ble fayings following.(yod(faith S.lohn) lent not his Sonne into that trcfhaU 
 the world that he fhould condene the world, but that the world *ot be con- 
 through him might be faved. Hcthatbelcevcthm him fhallnot ™ we *' 
 beconde^ied.AndS'./ , rf#/faith,thatthe fault came of one offece *£'*' 
 vnto codenation,but the gift is ofmany offences to juftification. R m.j.i6. 
 And in the fame epiftlc in another place: Who fhallay any thing Chap.8.3^ 
 to the charge ofGods chofen?It is God that iuftifieth,who (hail 
 condenePItis Chrtfi which is dead,yea or rather which is rifena- 
 gain: who is alfoatthe right hand of God,&makethrequeftalfo 
 rorvs.Can we haue a greater aflurance that we flial not be accu- 
 fed,or ifwe be,that we fhalbe acquited & abfolved, then by the i.Teftimo* 
 mouth ofthe Judge himfelf } & by theteftimony of his holy fpirit, nksoftke 
 which is fo often mentioned in the holy Scriptures? Next vnto ^ K i ^ 
 thefe,we may oblerve all the places both ofthe Old & newTe- vi ^ ^ 
 (lament, where there is any metion made ofthe mercies of God, Sonne* 
 
 Bb 1 & 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 U the reconciliation that is betweenc him & vs by the mediatu 
 Ch.np.9.^ on of his fonne Ckrift.Eftj faith.vnto vs a child is borne,& vnto 
 vs a fonnc is giue:& the government is vpon his fhoulder,and he 
 fhalcalhistiame WonderfuI,CounfeIor,The mightic God,The 
 eucrlaliing Father, The prince ofpeace: the increafc of his go- 
 Chap.^, f. vernrr,et& peace fhal haue no end. And the fame Prophetfpea- 
 kingofthe death of tefm Cbrift y faith, that he was wounded for 
 our tranfgreffions,& broke f)rouriniquities.Thechaftifemcnt of 
 our peace was vpo him 5 & with his ftnpes we are healed.Which 
 Chap.13. I^^a!fovtterethofhim:In his daycsludahfhalbe faved, and 
 Chap.i. 23. Ifracl dial dwelfafely. S. Matthew faith, Behold,a virgin fhalbe 
 with child,& fhal bearc a fonne,& they fhal cal his name Emma^ 
 ##?/, which is by interpretation,GWnv/^ vs. We may not forget 
 Luke 2. 14. that which the angeis laid in praifingofGod for his birth.-Glory 
 be to God in theheavcs,peaceinearth,& towards me good wil. 
 Chap^.irf. And that which Iohn faith touching the love of (Jod toward the 
 world,that he hath given his only ionne,that wholbevcr belevc 
 in him fhould not perifh 5 bui have everlalling life. As alfo £bri(l 
 Iohn 16.27. telleth his difciples,that the Father loveth the, becaufe they had 
 loved him,& had bcleeved that he came from God. And that of 
 Rom.1.17. P^«/,ThcrighteoufnesofGod is reveiled fro faith to faith: as it is 
 Chap.3 .21, yvritte,the iult fhal live by faith, A nd in the fame epiftle,But now 
 li * is the rightcoufnes of God manifeft without the law,hauingwit- 
 
 ncs of theiaw& of the prophcts.fo wk,the rightcoufnes of ^"cd 
 by the faith otic fa Cbvifl % vnto all and vpon all that beleeve.For 
 there is no dirTcrccc. for al haue finned,& are deprived of the glo- 
 ry of C7od,& are iuftified freely by his grace,through the redeptio 
 that is in Chrtft lefits^vibo god hath fetforth to be arecociliation 
 Chap. J. , through faith in his blood. And furthermore God ietteth out his 
 * love towavdes vs, feeing that while wc were yet finners Chrtfi 
 
 dyed for vs; much more being nowe iultified by his blood, wee 
 £hail be faved from wrath through him. Fer if when wewerc 
 cnemies,we were reconciled to Qod by the death of his Sonne, 
 much more being reconciled we flial! bee faved by his life. And 
 Ch 2 u to tnc ^P^^iwEc faith, Remember that you beeing in time 
 12 tm4. ' P a ^ Gentiles in the flefli, and called vncircumcifion of them, 
 which arc called circumcilion in the flefh made with hands,thae 
 yc were (Ifay) at that time without ChnJ?, aad were aiiauntcs 
 
 from 
 
AGAINST FEARE. x g s 
 
 from the common wealth of ff-ac/, & were Grangers from the 
 couenants ofpromife, & had no hope, & were withoutGod in 
 the world.But now in Chrift Iefus,ye which once were farre off, 
 are made nere by che blood of ChrHr.For he is our peace which 
 hath made of both,onc,& hach broken the Hop of the partition 
 wall. And in the beginning of the fame Chapter. You hath he Vcr £ fj t _ 
 quicknedthat were dead in trefpaiTes & (inncs: wherein in time 4,7,6,7,8,9. 
 part yewalked,accordingtothe courfe of this world, and after 
 the prince that ruieth in the ayer, euen the fpirit,that now wor- 
 keth in the children of difobediece: among whom we alfo had 
 ourconuerfationintimepaftinthelufts of our flcfh,in fulfilling 
 the wil ofthe flefh & of the mind: & were by nature the childre 
 of wrath as well asothers. ButGod which is rich in mercy tho- 
 rough his greatloue wherwith he hath loucd vs,euen when we 
 we were dead by finnes, hath quickned vs together in Chri(r,by 
 whofe grace ye arc iaued,& hath raifed vs vp together, & hath 
 made vs fit together in the heauenly places in Chrift Iefiis , that 
 he might fhew in the ages to come, the exceeding riches of his 
 grace through his kindnefTe to wardesvs in Chrtft Iefus. For by 
 grace arc ye faued through faith, and that not ofyour felues,it is 
 the gift of God . Not of workes left any man fhould boa(t him- 
 felfe. And to the Colofllavs he faith. It pleafed the Father that in 
 him fhould all fulnefle dwell , & by him to reconcile all things Ch*?- 1 « 1 9* 
 vnto himfelfc,and to fet at peace through the blood ofhiscroiTe 2 ° J **' xx * 
 both the things in earth, and the things in heauen. And you 
 which were in times paft Grangers, and enemies , becaufe your 
 mindes were fet in euill workes, hath he now alfo reconciled in 
 the body ofhis flefli through death, to make you holy, and vn- 
 blamcablc,& without fault in his fight, If you continue groun- 
 ded & ftabliftied in the faith , and be not moued away from the 
 hope ofthe gofpcli,whereof ye haue heard, & which hath bene 
 preached vnto eucry creature which is vnderheauen.And to Th I «Epift. 2.4, 
 mothj he faith; God would that all men fhould be faued,&c. &c * 
 
 Furthermore,the betterto afliire vs agatnft the iuftice ofGod, , - . ^ 
 we muft cofidcrofthctatiffa&iojwhich his Sone&our Mediator %siionof "' 
 hath made vnto him forvs: & : thc dayly intciceffion,whcrby he -chri[l Ufa. 
 doth continually turne away his anger from vs,& defendeth our 
 caufe,to keep vs in fauour wirh his rather . Finally we ought to 
 
 Bb 2 arme 
 
+. His inter* 
 ccfion^and 
 that our ad- 
 vocate (hall 
 be our iudge. 
 
 j.The in fi- 
 nite mercie 
 of God to- 
 ward vs de- 
 clared vnto 
 vsmany 
 vwye*. 
 
 6. Thevn* 
 domed truth 
 of God. 
 
 j.HisaJIi- 
 *nce-. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE 
 
 acme vs wish this article of our faith, as with an armour ofex- 
 cellent proofe, that the Father hath giuen all power vnto his 
 Sonne, and that hee fhall come in the latter ende to iudge both 
 die quicke and the dead. I woulde knowe nowe if our confcU 
 ences fhoulde be troubled with thefeare and apprehenfion of 
 Cjods iudgementsjhaving before hand,firft fo many promifes & 
 alTurances that wee fhall not bee condemned : Secondly, fo 
 many teftimonies ofhis love,which he hath declared and doeth 
 declare towardes vs,notonely in wordesbut alfoin deedes,and 
 thofefo evident,that we neede never doubtof them:Thirclly,his 
 Sonne to beaMediatourbetweene him and vs,who dyed, and 
 was facrificed, who hath made inrerceflion, hath all power and 
 authoritie, who is a King and a high Prieft to reconcile vs vnto 
 t?cdhisFather,andto quench whatfoever may kindle the wrath 
 of God towardes vs: Fourthly, feeing our advocate ftiall be our 
 iudge,whocan not be denied ofany thing whatfoever he (hall 
 ordeine &(tablifh in favour ofhis children. Ifvnto thefe we will 
 adde the mercie and favour ofGod,wherwith the whole world, 
 andefpccially hishoufe,is fully replenifhed: and confider withal 
 that we are his children and his inheritance; that we are mem- 
 bers, flefh, and bone ofhis onely beloved fonne; that we are his 
 people and his feruants,and he our Lord and King; and that we 
 are poore infantes, and hee ourgardein and tutor; that wee are 
 his beloved fpcufe, that is, his love and delight; that we are his 
 treafureand his precious Iewels; that wee are his houfe and 
 garden of pleafure; that wee are his kinfemen and neere ac- 
 quainraunce, and that hee hath created vs after the fimili- 
 tude of his owne image: If wee woulde confider all this and 
 that wee are his verie heart, and the apple ofhis eye: Isitpoilible 
 thatever we fliould imagine him to be acrueli & an inexorable 
 iudge? we would fureiy on the contrary feeke for him, love, and 
 embrace him as a very loving, gracious, and apicirull Father* 
 We would not feare left he fliould iudge vs: but we would hope 
 to iudge the world with htm. And wherefore ferve the uofpel & 
 fomany cofortable fermos, which baue bin preached vnto vs of 
 the grace,mercy,& favor of (Jod, by his Prophets and Apo files? 
 what pronte alio fhould we reape of the alliaunce which is be- 
 twecne him and vs, and that Chrijl hfu* is come into the worlde 
 
 to 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 184 
 
 to die, and to fhed his blood for the ratification thereof? what 
 gaineby the faith and hope of his promifes ? whatrewardc and 2. Our fahb 
 recompense for all thofe afflictions and miferies, which we en- sndhop. 
 dure in this world for the defence of his trueth,fhall we looke for 
 after this life,ifat our departure God fhould fuddenly confound 
 vs in his judgement? Furthermore, what advantage fhould wc 
 haue, by being at the right hand o£Chn(l lefu* atthe latter day, 
 and that there be a feparation bctweene the fheepe & the goats, 
 ifal fhould be fent to hel? where fhould be the ioy,cofort,pcace, 
 & the glory whichGod hath promifed vnto his people? who wil 
 beleevc alfo that Lax^arm was caried into Abrahams bofom,that 
 the thiefcentred into paradife with [hrtft lefns, that the heaves 
 were opened to S.Steven for tocofort him 3 & to receiue his foule, 
 if indifferently both the beleever & vnbeleever after their depar- 
 ture were condened?Were it not in vaine & a marvcilous abufc, 
 that the fbnne fhould beare the name oflefiu, & of a Saviour, if 9. Thenme B 
 we fhould be condened by the father,& tormented by thofe pu- *heobedmce 
 niihmets we haue deferved by reafon of our finnes? And as con- ^'i? jnt *** 
 cerninghim.- fhould not he have done very vn wifely to have n * ***** 
 fuffredhim felfe tobeaccurfed forvs^toindurethepunifhmec 
 due vnto our iniquities, if he were not able to deliver vs? why 
 fhould he payourranfbm,if he fhuld not come out ofcaptivity ? 
 why fhould he fpill his blood,and pay for that which he had not 
 taken,(as the Fr*/>6*f faith)ifit were not available to acquite vs? 
 We muft neccflarily then conclude one ofthefe 3 points : either 
 that Chrifl lefm hath not made a full fatisfa&ion for vs, or if he 
 h ath,that we fhal not be condemnedjor i f we be condened,that 
 God is notrightcousinhisjudgemets.Butit were horrible blak 
 phemy to thinke thatthe Father were vniuftin hisiudgements, 
 or tolay,that the Sonne had not paid whatfoeverwasduc for vs .• 
 & therefore we may fafely fay,thatwe need not feare the wrath 
 of God,or his fentence atthe latter day, feeing we live and die in 
 the faith of the death & refurre&ion ot{hri(i Iefiu his fonne.but 
 we may boldly prefent our felves before his face,& befcech him 
 asdid2)4W,thathe would not enterinto judgement with vs, 
 afTuring our felves of the reft, & that in the name and mediation 
 ofhis Sonne, he will abfolve vs from al thofe offences, whereof 
 we are accufed,either by the devill or our owne confeiences. For 
 
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THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 u.Ourrc- the wrath of Qc d is only laid vp forthofe, who withanobfiina- 
 pcva-'icc .& cic & an impenitency of heart provoke & procure it,& by reaion 
 kuwtitUj ofthcir continuance in l!nnc,do as k were force him toimpatien- 
 cie:cxnot forthofe. who wrlturnc vnto him with all their hearts, 
 & commit both themfelves & their caufes into his hands, & re- 
 tern: all who'y to his mercy. His judgements are not prepared, 
 but for fuch as will e* alt them felves& lift vp their heartsagainfr, 
 him,prefuming of their owne wifdome^ower^righteoulnes and 
 holines; whereason the conrrarie,his mercies are evermore rea- 
 dieforfuch,asfecingthem felvcs naked& without any comely 
 ormment/iO humble them felves before his maie(!ie,& have no 
 other refuge but only to his grace and favour,which they beggc 
 . r and crave at his hands in the name&meritsof ChnjtUfa.lt he 
 thirty cha- threaten vs,towhatendisit?Isit not (I pray you as 5. Gregoric 
 jiifemaits of faith) fot feare lcll we fhould llccpe inourfinnes, & leitfbr want 
 GodvyonhU of watching & waking he fhould come &iurprife vs^ndtake vs 
 children. i n diforder,&:fo be compelled to execute bis vengeance againft 
 vs? If then he be angtie with his children at any time, it is but to 
 chaftifethemiifhe rebuke them, itisbut toadmonifh them of 
 their dueties: if he threaten them, it is but to bring them into the 
 right way. We mufl needesthenfor thefe reafons allcdged,bodi 
 in his tlueatning$,rebukes,chafuiemcts J & iudgemets acknow- 
 ledge his great loue and affection towards vs, patiently hearing 
 them,&: willingly imbracing them as things moft necelTarie & 
 profit able- & which doefpecially tend toourfalvation,asw*el as 
 hispromiies. For feeing no man can certenly tru't in the mercies 
 ofGodjiftheydo not teare histhreatnings/ are not his rebukes 
 then as ncceilnry 5: as profitable for vs to lecepe our hearts in his 
 j4 HUm&» ^are,ashisprom.ifcsaretonour;lliourhope?Itisverytrue,that 
 cie mixed ifgod in mdgingofvsfliouldlayaway h}smercy,thathisiudge- 
 Jri//.?lfoi in- ment would be vciy terrible &fcarful.For (as S. jjrsgvflifjehoth 
 fi#* mofl: excellently (aid) wo be vnto ail our righteoufnes,iftt be ex- 
 
 amined without ra vour & mercy. And herein there is a notable 
 point to be considered, andthnt which may minilter exceeding 
 cofcrt vnto vs, that his mcrcic is for ever vpon all thofe that fc arc 
 him,& that fir: ft I e fits our iudge is not come to fearch and exa- 
 min our lives,as the lame holy Doctor faith, but to make vs tafte 
 of that fruit which he hath purchafedfor vs, cucthe remiiTion of 
 
 our; 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 185 
 
 our finnesby his death vpothecroiTe. And wherforehath TXtW^. rbecbx- 
 laid, that grace & mercy is in his lippcs,if it were not to aflure vs rit'te ofchrifi 
 that no word fhalpaflefvo him,but forourcofort &confolation? /Wfir ^ w - 
 & if we haue found much fweetnes in him, whe as preaching in 
 this w orldc, he pro.mifed life everlafting, may we not looke for 
 morein his kingdo,wherehe hath promifed the fu! fruition of ai 
 ioy to thofe which fhalperfeverein his wnyes vntb the end? and 
 therefore it is that P^/hath faid alio, that by Ufa Chrtft & the 
 hopewehaueinhisrighteoufnes,wehaueafreeacceiTevntogod nXhefrct 
 the Fatherrtogive vs to vnderftand that we need not be fo afraid 1"^^^ 
 toprefentourlelves before hfm,as malefactors and offenders are Q i Qlir fi- 
 before the Aidge,but rather to dehrcto approch tohim.&asear- tber. 
 neftly to feek for him as childre do for their parents, of who they 
 are tenderly beloved,&ofwho they areaffuredlyperfuaded they 
 fhaibc molt lovingly imbraced. And if we haue any cofidcratio, 
 fbal we not think thattherc can be nothing more profitable for 
 vs the the day of iudgenict;& that whefoever hefliall prcpareto 
 comejthatwedialhauegoodcaufetolifcvpourheads/eeingthc 
 rime ofourredeption to beibncre?For the our ihnocecy, which it.Tbere- 
 asyetisobfcured,fhalbemademanifeft,& fhal fhincasthe funne membrane* 
 at nooneday:atthat timcourlire which isycthid in fortftlefa, °[* hel *f tS / 
 fhalbe hid open to the great glory & hope whereto he hath cal- 0UY m con . 
 led vs,wheas through our knowledge and faith in hisGofpel he iunan with 
 hath made vs hischildre.Then fhall weheare the fweet voice of chrifi Ie f«* 
 ©ur twiowx.Comeye bleffed of my father s po(feffe t he kingd'o prepared 
 for y on fro the beginning of the v?or/A.T\\e being anointed with the 
 oile ofgladnes, we fhal go with chercful coutenaces into heave, 
 & there receiue the crown ofimmortality which islaid vpforvs; 
 then all the books & thetreafures ofthe wifdom of God fhalbe 
 opened for vs. And as there fhalbe nothing fo fecrete,but fhaibc l6Th ^; 
 made manifeftvntovs, fottere fliali be nothing fo deere and jhcckeable 
 precious, but fhalbe giuenvnto vs. Then the face of G O D, ioywefhaU 
 which wee beholdein this life in his worde and facraments, baueintbc 
 fhall be plainly (hewed vntovs; and there fhall be nodiingthat ' scavem * 
 fhall hinder our fight fro beholding of it at our eafe & plea iurcj 
 t-hatthereby wee may become moit happie andbkfled for e- 
 aer. Then fhall all oureneaiies be confounded, and in ftcadeof 
 thatthcyhauetyrannifedouervs in this world, we final iudge the 
 with Chrift /efus ouxheadc, beeing placed in great honour 
 
 Bb 4 in 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 in the companie ofhis Apoftles and all his Elcft children. Then 
 /hall the Trophies of our Captaine be erected in heaven, and 
 his great viitorieihalbe kno wen throughout all the world.Then 
 (hall chcre be an everlafting peace in the Church,and the Deuill 
 fhalbe chained & thro wen into the bottolespit forevcr,& never 
 be permitted to trouble the children of god arte ward s. Con fid c- 
 ring then the great profit & commodity which God hath laid vp 
 in the world tocome for all fuch as feare him,we ought to long 
 forit,anddefireitasthedayofourfalvation, 
 ii Tbtfecod And furely we may feare eternall death as little.Ialwayes vn- 
 trticle pro- derftandthus much: if we be the members of £hrift lefw, vnited 
 poundmg the and conjoyned vnto him by his ipirit and by an vnfained faith. 
 remedies a- And therfore becaufe this is the moft horrible and terrible feare 
 Ef J5L. thatcanbe, it is requifite,the bcttertolTrengthenvsagainftit, 
 nail death, that we often remember thofe notable and comfortable fayings 
 i.Tbepro- of the Scripture. And firft of all that ofS. lehn. Verely, verely I 
 mifes of Cod fay vnto you,he that hearcth my word, & beleevcth in him that 
 UUCh M- ll ^ ^ ntme > natnevcr ^ m g n fej and fhall not come into condem* 
 Chap./ ix nation; but hath palled from death vnto life. Andagaine, I am 
 Chap.n,2j the rcfurrection and the life :He that beleeucth in me, though he 
 were dead,y et fliall he live .* and whofocver liveth and belee veth 
 Chap.io, in me (hall never die. And in anotherplace. I am the good (hep- 
 *4iiJ» heard and kno we mine, andamknowenofmine. Ilaydownc 
 Chap.if.ti niy life for my fhcepe. And in theEpiftle tothe Corinthians. For 
 Vcrf J4,y j, as in Adam alldie,evcn fo in Chrisl lhali all be made alive. And a 
 f^ff* little after;Dcathisfwallowed vpinto vidtorie.O death, where 
 isthyfring?Ograve,whereisthyviCtorie?The fting of death 
 is finne : and theltrength of finne is the Law.Butthankes be vn- 
 to God, which hath given vsvi&orie through our Lorde Iefta 
 Chap.f .1, Chnfl. In the fecond to-fat Corinthians. We knowethatif our 
 earthly houfe of this Tabernacle bee deftroyed, we have a buil- 
 ding given of God, that is, an houfe not made with handes, but 
 Chap.io y eternal in heaven.And likewife in the RevelationA heard a voice 
 from heaven,faying,Write» bleiled are the dead which hereafter 
 dye in the Lord. And thefe places ihalbe fufficient touching the 
 fimple & bare word ofGod,wbich is moll plain & evidet,& for- 
 cible enough to clenie vs fro this feare ofdeath,if we will once be 
 affuredly perfwaded tbcrof in our harts. But beig fo dul headed 
 
 as 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 186 
 
 as we are, and fo vnfit to rcceiue the trueth ; ic is very good that 
 with the aforenamed places of Scriptures, we alfo ioyne thefc 
 rcafons which followe, to comfort and ftrcngthen vs the more. 
 Wee muft then confider, that itis impofliblc we ftiould perifh, *-J**fi*id 
 haujngraith; if we will conftantly perfeuereandkeepe itvnto ^^f^r 
 the ende : for that it is the fecde of life, as contrariwife infidelitie / ; ^ e ' u ^ 
 istheieedeof death. As then the infidellcannotliue,becaufe fling. 
 of his infidelitie, which feparateth him from God : fo like wife 
 the faithfull man can not die, fo long as by the mcanesof his 
 faith heisconioyned and vnitedvnto him. Moreouer,faith doth 
 lay hold ofthe word of God; which word quickneth that which 
 is deade , and caileththofc thinges that are not,as though they 
 were. As then we are notafraide,that heauenfhouldfalldowne ^Tbt'mm*- 
 vpon vs and ouerwhelme vs, or that the earth fhould open and table truth $f 
 fwallowvsvp, though either of them haue no other founda* ^ p "* 
 cion but onely this word to holdthemvp: folikewifefhallwe 
 notneedc to be afraid of death, hauing this diuine and hcauen* 
 ly wordc in our hearts, which isthefountaine and welfpringof 
 our Hues, Furthermore, if we haue faith,we haue alfo the grace 
 and prefence of God : we are his children and houfhold feruats, 4 fQ be ^ racs 
 wee haue hisfpiritin which all thinges con fid. Hauing all this, * c ' 
 (hall we be afraid of death? (hall we be afraidc either of darknes 
 or cold, (b long as we are in the funne ? or of drinefle, fblong as 
 we haue a fpring of waters in our bellies? orofpouertie,folong 
 as we haue all the gold mines of the world in our poneflion. By 
 faith alfo wee are made members ofthe bodie of Chrift Iefus, r . Tbttifiof 
 bounde and tied vnto him with a moft fureknot: by reafon Q*'$W*** 
 whereof, we doe participate of that life, which diftilleth from in v ^ who 
 his diuinitie into his humanitie. As then our heade had nooc- fa i% 
 cafion to feare death, hauing life in him felfe : fo likewifchaue 
 wee nocaufeto feare death, hauing life through him. Foras the 
 fappecommeth from the roote ofthe tree, and fpreadeth it felfe 
 into the braunches ; and as in a mans bodie the life flow eth from 
 the heart in to all the other members: fo like wife doth lifeflowe 
 from Iefus Chrift into all them, who by aliuely faith doe remain 
 in the vnion ofthcChurch. S.PWmakinga companion in the 
 cpiftletothe Romancsjxtweeneourfirft father Adam, and our 
 Sauiour Chrift fef/V; faith, that as death hath power ouer all the 
 
 chil- 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 children of Aiam^ for that they are partakers with him in his 
 6.TbccM' fone: folikewife euery one that is vnited to Chriit Icfus by 
 paringofthc faith, (hall be made partakers of hisrighteoufnes, andconfe- 
 tjfefts of the quently of life eucrlalting. For the experience which we haue 
 *AdZ ^ C<><i °^ eatn J to the which we are fubiccl,as children ofzAdam and 
 ' inheritours of his miferie, is not more certen.then the-aiTurancc 
 we haue of eternal hfe,totbc hope wherofwe are called by the 
 knowledge of £hnft fefaficdxz grace &mercy,whichthe father 
 hath fhewed vnto vs by his meanes. And we needc not dout no 
 moreofourrefurre&ionjthen we doe of hisieimer offinncorof 
 death,which through the difobedience of our forefathers,hath 
 bin fpread abroad among all his pofteritie. As then,it would be 
 thought a damnable & intolerable pride for any man defceded 
 of AdamfiL ftained with his corruptiomotto fearc death & de- 
 finition : folikewife would it be an intollerable diftruitfulnctTe 
 for an other^beeing regenerated by the fpirit of God,& vnited to 
 Cbrifl Ieftis by that faith which he hath in hispromifes,to dif- 
 paircoflifeeuerlafting, And feeing there is no danger of death, 
 but where there is finne : why Should a true Chriftian be afraid, 
 7 '°fh¥'& cohering m e alturance he hath that hisfinnes are forgiuen 
 Touching the himifceing that the lamb which taketh them away, hath beene 
 firgiuenis a/f a crificedtortheremiiTionofthem:andiikewiieconfideringthe 
 ftfines. mercy & infallible truth ofGod,whcrwith he hath bound hum 
 S.Tbeartkte fefetogiue vnto him whatfoeuer heafketh. S.Paul faith in the 
 c f' be Ye ^' firft epift.to the Cor. that if there were no rcfurre<5tion,the faitli 
 f {le(h! °^ a ^ Chriftians,the preaching of the ApofUes, and what fo euer 
 chap.1j.13. els Chriftlefus had done for our rcdemption,wcre altogether in 
 vain &vnprofitable.For what do we beleeue,but that which they 
 haue preached vnto vs? What haue they preached? but that 
 Chriftlefw is come into the world,that he was deipifed,that he 
 was dead,& raifed vp again,to pull vs out of the tyrannic & flaue- 
 rieofiinnc&ofdcath,&topurchafeforvs lifecuerlafting? Let 
 vs con elude then, that if thefe things werenotdoneinvaineby 
 Ckrifi leftUy nor preached in vaine by theminilters of his Gof- 
 pell: they may well take away from vs that feare which we haue 
 , . of death,& a(Ture vs that we'fhall Hue continually in the king- 
 Ihifieucr- dome of hcauen withGodand his angels. And wherein foould 
 Ljling. Chrirt profit vs without this hoperfhould vvenot be the moft mi- 
 
 fe- 
 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 189 
 
 fcrablcmenofthc world/Tor what other reward doc wc looke 
 for or all thofe injuries, wrongs, banifoments, loffcs, imprilon- 
 ments, deaths, & of all thofe horrible cruelties, that tyrants doe 
 daily inuentagainli vs,but this euerlaflinglife & bleifcd immor- l fcfn on lf 
 talitic which is promifed vs in heauenPand without this, Chrifti- chripianre- 
 ans were the mol} miferable menofthe world. For to what end Hghn. 
 leauingall fuperfhtions and faliereligions,fhould they fo con- 
 ftantly betake themfeives vnto that of Chrift Jcfus,ifit were not 
 for the aflurance which the holy Ghofthath giuen them, and 
 imprinted in their hearts, that he is there life and Sauiour? Why u.topnjbie. 
 are they baptifed in his name , if they were not wafhed by him 
 from euery damnable fpot, and what loeuer may feemefilthie 
 in the fight of God? Why doe they eate his flefh and drinkehis 1 2. The fup- 
 bloodjifit benotjforthattheybeleeue^hatthisis thetruebread per of the 
 defcended from hcauen, and appointed of God forthenouriQl- Lcr *' 
 ment of their foules? Why doe they confeile and nuintaine, ^ 
 
 that there is no other mcanes offaluation,but by him ; refufing faLhtomly 
 all other, as vaineand vnprofitable, were it not thattheyare jncbrijl Je- 
 certenly perfwaded , thattobeleeuethisin their hearts, and to frs r 
 confefle this with their mouthes, is molt nee effarily vnto life e- 
 uerlaiting? What fhouki it profit them to be accounted ex£. 
 brahams children > if they wercnotbleiTedinhis ftead? And to 
 what purpofe fhould they be of the fheepefold of Chrtft lefa, 
 if he would not giue vnto them lifeeuerlafting, and would not 
 prefetue them,as well from death,asfrom al other things, what 
 io <:uer may take them fcorth of his hands. ? Wherein Ihould 
 hepleafure thcm,if they were not peri waded, that be were their 
 light, and that it is neceflary to be guided by him,leafr they (rum- 
 ble and fall in thedarknesof this world ? Wherefore fhouldthey 
 feckeforhim,whenthey aredrie, if he werenot the fount aine of 
 life,and were notable to giue them or the water therof,to quech 
 their drie conferences? Whatproficfhallwereapebyhisobfer- 
 uation of the law, and hisobedience vnto God his father, euen V 1 "*! ^ 
 vnto the death of the crolTe,thathe might make vs free from the m * nu 
 curfe,wheteunto we were fubieclrthathchathfatisficdforvs, 
 and that in dying he hath fulfilled andaccomplifhed what fo 
 cuer was requisite for the validitleof the teftament of our fa- 
 ther; if] notwithflanding all thefe thinges, wee werealwayes 
 
 in: 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 in danger and fc arc of death, and chat the hope which wee haoe 
 of life, (hould be yet doutfull and hang in fufpence ? Wcmay fee 
 by that which hathbeenealreadie faide, that all the benefits of 
 Chrift Iefus, with the hope wee haucrcpofed in them, (hall be 
 made vnprofitablc , if wee be not deliucred from the perill of 
 death,and fo confequently from the fearc thereof: which is no- 
 thing but a vaine and fottirtiterrour of mind wherewith we are 
 daunted, for want of a due consideration of that which hath 
 beene before fpoken. 
 i f.0*r Hfi I know well that our nature is foulded and wound vp in this 
 nbidtnbtm. cloathofmortalitie, whereto itisfubieft by finnc. We perceiue 
 nothing of all that which hath beene faid: and when as we con- 
 , .^ (iderofit, we can not perceiue in our felucs , neither within nor 
 Ifchri/le* Vvithout,the life which is thererefident and remaining. But for 
 fa appeared *N that,we mud thinke that itheth hidden there, and that as yet, 
 in bis death, the place feructh not for the manifeftation thereof. Who would 
 t0 u^7* V h haueiudgedthat Chrift Iefus (hould euerhauc beene thcipring 
 hatbnTpow- °* our ' anc * '^ lt ^ 10u ^ ncuer depart ftomhim,nomorc 
 erto extln- then the light and heat departeth from the fire, when as hang- 
 s' tbelifi ing vpon the croffe in the midft between two thecues, he yielded 
 •fblm in vphis life into the hands of his Father,and was buried, and that 
 mfihm* j n a U things he fhewed him felfe to be the very image and pat* 
 terne of weaknes and infirmitie? and yet notwithftanding that 
 was inclofed in him , that within three daies after did (bliuely 
 (hew it felfe: when as in defpight of death and all his enemies, 
 he railed vp himfelfe by his o wne power. Who would thinke in 
 winter, when as the trees arc bare and naked, and when as the 
 (harpnes of that coldefeafon hath plucked oft all their leaucs, 
 their blo(foms,and fruits, leauing them nothing but an olde and 
 foare skinne or coat,as it werc,co couer them, which fecmeth to 
 be quite deadcand withered: who wouldthinke, I fay, feeing 
 them in fuch a bareeftate,that there were any more life in them, 
 and that they (hould flourifh and waxc greene againe, yea blof- 
 fome, bud, and bring foorth in theirtime and feafcn,as wee fee 
 they doe euery ycere? When as wee handle the fmall kernels of 
 Diners (imi- anygraine,canwe perceiue any thing, or knowe we anyreafon 
 li/udes. how it (hould take roote,gro w,and fru&ifie as it doeth,when as 
 it is fownc in a good ground,and in a conuenient fcafon. ? When 
 
 as 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 18S 
 
 as w* fee an egge, can we pcrcciue any of the feathers 3 flcfh,or 
 bones of the chicken that is therein clofed?or doe we fee any of 
 the fire that is in the flint. As then,though there be lifeinthefe 
 things aforenamed, yet it is not fenfible, nor apparant : fo like* 
 wife is it with the faithfull , during their continuance in this 
 worlde, and with that which they drawe and recciue from the y^^'P 
 grace of God,by the mcancs of Chrift Iefus,and the faith which "wfiLat'm 
 they haue in hispromifes.- and yet notwichftanding they are through the 
 as certenor morecerten , as the things which we fee before our innumerable 
 eyes. For as long as the worde of God fhalbe the worde of life, pnmifes of 
 and that his promifes fhalbe infallible to fo many as beleeue in rfj u ^ w% 
 them, as long as Iefus Chrift which was yefterday, to day, to 
 morrow,and for cuer, fhalbe the bread of life, and the light to Co 
 many as will follow him : as long as God who dwelleth in his 
 Church as in his houfe,fhall bethcGodofthcliuing, and a 
 quickning to fo many as beleeue in him : folongashisglorie 
 and Ioue, whereof all true felicitie dependeth, fhall neuer be 
 wanting to his children, and that the aliance which hee hath 
 made with his people fhall be firme and alTured;fo long as thofe 
 who beleeue in him , (hall not be confounded anddeceiuedof 
 their hope, and that faith fhall haue this excellent effeft, to iufti- 
 fie thofe in whom foeuer it is rooted and grounded: as long as 
 theremiffion offinnes,thefan6tuarieand refuge of the Church, 
 fhalbe freely promifed and performed by the mercie of God, 
 and by the moft precious bloode of Iefus Chrift, to Co many as 
 fhall defirc it: fo long as theobedienceofthe Sonne of God 
 fhallbemoreforceabletopullChriftiansfromdeath,thenisthe 
 finne of our firft parents,to throw them headlonginto hel : and, 
 to end all in a word, fo long as our King fhall haue the keyes of 
 life and dcath,and power to put all his enemies, as a footitoole, 
 vnderhisfeete,weeneedenot then be afraide of death, neither 
 yet,whichismore,thateuerwefhal die: feeing we are vnitcd \%.w< tcan 
 andflrmely coupled vnto him by faith. And if we be afraid, it is notdJencrbc 
 out of doubt, either for the want, for the fmalnefle, or for the condemned 
 weakenes and debilitie of our faith, which by reafon thereof, is fibngM our 
 not fufficicne, either to allure vs from death, or from anything ^emainetb 
 clfethat may hurt vs. intbebtauh.. 
 
 If aChriliian manibrthereafons before aIledged,ought not 
 
 to 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 t . The third to fcarc death; he neede not like wife fearcthe deui!l,who is lord 
 michjhtw- and king thereof, and therein holdeth his court and feigncurie. 
 ingthcreme- p or wc f earc not t h c hangmen and executioners, but for that 
 tUfanof ^7 ^ auc commillion from the Judge to execute vs, when as 
 tbtckwlu wc are condemned before. If then, by the grace and fauourof 
 God,we be made immortalI,as we haue alrcadic declared: why 
 fhouid wefearethcdeuils/whatdefirelbcuerthey haue to hurt 
 vs, feeing they haue no power to execute their malicious de- 
 fcignes againft vs? I meanc as I haue a! waies hetherto declared, 
 if wckcepe our lelues in the fauour of God, through a ftrong and 
 aliucly faith, prefuming nothing of ourfelues, but wholly fub- 
 mittingvs vndcr his fauour and protection. And to the endeno 
 man fhould thinke, he (hall be decciued by beleeuing of that 
 which I fay,I think it good.to fet down fomc molt comfortable 
 and ilrongreafbns, which (hall be fufficien: to prooue, that wee 
 i. rbepover neede not be afraid ofthe deuils. And firft of all fundrie places of 
 andlirengtb hoIyScriptures,whcrcin there is mention made ofthe force and 
 wbicbGod power which God hath giuen vs,to refill them. You areftrong, 
 
 ®Tuh *de- *" aith S * Ioh *& the word °f God abideth in you,& ye haue ouer- 
 mlL ' ' come the wicked.And5.^^/rrfaith,Belbber and watch,for your 
 chap.i.T4. aduerfariethcdeuill, as a roaring lyon, walketh about, feeking 
 chap.5 .8. whom he may dcuoure; whom refift lledfait in the faith. And 5. 
 Eph.6.i£ Taul faith, Aboue all take the fli icld of faith, wherewith ye may 
 Pfal.9x.13* quench all the fierie darts ofthe wicked. And Davidin the PfaL 
 iaith,Thou flialt walke vpon the lyon &afpe,thcyong lyon and 
 the dragon (halt thou tread vnder feete. And when as God pro- 
 mifed to all his children by Mojfes y that if they would hcare his 
 voyce,and obey his word, he would giuc them the vidtoric ouer 
 all their enemies: & would Co bring it to paiTe,that one ofthem 
 fhould ouercome ten, & ten fhould ouercome a hundred, and a 
 hundred fhouid vanquifh a thoufand: which is notonelytobe 
 vnderlloodofmen,butalfb of deuils. For when foeuer Satan af- 
 failethvswith all his legions,& that the gates ofheil being bro- 
 ken open,all the whole multitude of infcrnall fpirits rufh foorth 
 %* The m(e t o make warre vpon vs.-yet fhal they neucr be able to preuaile,fo 
 n n i uf ?Md long as wefollo w the enfignes of our captaine &Sauiour ChriiT 
 ^pQver of'ouf Jefus.They arc mightic,& wcare weakc & feeble; they are po- 
 (xptwe. litike & craftie,& wc arc plain & fimple;thcy are painfull & vigi- 
 lant,Sc wc arc ilothful & fluggifh. Al dais is true;& it is out of dout, 
 
 wc 
 
AGAINST FEAR E i8 9 
 
 wc fhould ncucr be able to refift them,if we had no better ftregth 
 & poIIicic,then our own. Buck is not herein that we put our truft 
 & confidence, but wc doe as David did, whe as he went to fight 
 with Cjotiab 3 wc Ieaue all thefc carnall weapons, & we march a- 
 gainft our enemies with nootherforce, butonelywithaitrong 
 raith,which we repofe in our King,& with the prayers which we 
 make vnto the God of hofts, whole ftrength & might is alwaies 
 fufficient to kcepe vs from our enemies. For if wc re fpect power, 
 he is omnipotent; ifvigilanciejie neuerfleepeth;ifwifdom&po- 
 licie,he cntrappeth the wife incheir owne wifdom if nombcr,he 
 is more then all the creatures of the world. Plutarch rcporteth vhrarcbin 
 that Anttgomu marching with a fmall number againft his cne- hk ^ipoth. 
 mieSjwho were exceeding many,oneof the gentlemen of his re- 
 tinue being aftonifhed at fuch a multitude,^ fo warlike appoin- 
 ted,demanded of him what he would doe with fuch a handfull 
 ofmen? whereto Anttgomu anfwered; what doe you account of 
 me, & how much doe yon thinke I alone am able to performc? 
 giuinghim thereby to vnderfrand,thattheprincipall force ofan 
 army confiiterh in the General. And this is that which may bring 
 exceeding cofort vnto vs,when as on the one fide we cofider the 
 fmall & weake nomber of Gods fheepc,which arc in thefold of 
 Chnfi Iefutfe behold on the otherfide the great multitude of ra- 
 ttening & raging wolfes that are without,feeking daily & houre- 
 ly how to rent & deuourc them,all our hope & cofidence fhould 
 be in the confideradon ofthemercies,wifdom,itrength,couragc 
 & vigilancie ofour fhepheard,who wil not fpare his dercft blood 
 to defend his fhecp.We miift continually rernemberthat which S^b******- 
 isfpokeninG^.ofthe continual hatred betwen the feed of the J^JJL 
 woman & of the ferpent,& withall the cofortable promife that and Satan. 
 is made there, that the one fhould breake the head, & the other chap.3.14.. 
 fhould haue no power but to the bruife the heele . And though 
 we haue no other troups to beat the wicked, butonly this pryaer 
 which wc daily mzke vino God >t bar btvpotttdvot had vs into tep- 4*l*uocatimt 
 t*tmi(i&ji we be difmaid& thinke that we are notable to skir- v f m tht , 
 mifh with our enemies?Whatfhal we hope for more, the if with 
 our praiers-we ioyn Chri{tiapatiencc,whichis a moil ftrog ram- ^^^'mce. 
 pireagainft all aduerfitiesfcx withallthe grace of God, which(as 6. Tbegrace 
 Dauidfuithjis as a buclder to couer vs.Did not Mofis ouercome of God* 
 Awaleck^Wnh hispraiers which he made vnto God, whiKtthe 
 children were fighting in the valley ! Did not lob after hce had 
 
THE SEVENTH B O O K E. 
 
 ExctUtntex- endured all the affaults of Satan with his complices, ouercame 
 amplcstothk him in the end? Did not S.Taul with the grace of God, valiant- 
 furpsfe. lyrefift the temptations of theDeuill? It then wee haue faith, 
 prayer, the grace of God, and patience, wee fhall not needs to 
 feare the violence of the deuill, nor the craft and fubtiltieofany 
 T.Thtworde of his children. Butbefidesall thefe, we haue the word of God, 
 efGodwhkb which may feme vs notoncly infteadof a buckler to defend vs, 
 lSi!/™ ^ a ^° a ^ wor< ^ e co an ° a il e a °d ftrike our enemies. Let vsre- 
 bucklerand mem berhow Chrift Icfus our head and captaine,by the vertuc 
 afvord. andpowerof his holy word, bcate, brake, and ouerthrewc that 
 old cnemieof ours,when as after he had fafted fourtie daics,hee 
 affailed him t wife or thrife in the wildernes. And we can not but 
 confefle, that there isnobetterexorcifmetodeliuervs from all 
 Excefletdif- bis enchantments, then this. For if hee darken the ayre, and ob- 
 eourfis oftht fcurc the face of the earth, to the ende to blinde vs, and to make 
 fine of the vs goeaftray; this wordc fhall be alwaics a lanrerne vnto our 
 "^u °ir G °/ ^ eete » anc ^ a ^g' 11 vnto our P atns • ^ nc would,through his lying 
 adtmtft*' anc * ^ c P er ^ wa fi° ns > & Q kc to deceiue vs and catch vs in his 
 tions. fnares : this fhall prcferue and defend vs by the wonderfull pow- 
 
 er and ftrength thereof. If by our finnes and offences, whereto 
 he doth continually (bllicite vs, he would, before we be aware, 
 bring vs to death and de(tru6xion,this word fhall be able to with- 
 draw vs from fodaungerous a courfe, and tofaue our foules. If 
 with faire promifes and goodly offers,he would perfwade vs to 
 fall downe and worfhip him,as he did Chrift Iefus,that,w hich 
 iorbiddeth ail adoration of any thing fauing God alone, will 
 diffwade vs from it. If hethinketh by imprifonmcnts,bani{h- 
 ments,lofleofgoods,or any othertormentswhatfoeuer,to feare 
 vs and to make vs denie our Lord and Sauiour Chrift Iefus : that 
 Pfal.x?. 20. which David faith is morctobedefiredthen golde, yea then 
 much fine gold, that which is fweeter then the honie and the ho- 
 niecombe : which is as amightie winde that fhaketh the cedars 
 of Libanon\ (hall (trengthen vs by the power thereof, and dial fb 
 comfort vs with his fwectenes, that we fhall neucr be difmaidc 
 norouercome with any violence whatfocuer.Ifhe would clofc- 
 ly creepe to vs, and glide fmoothly like a ferpent, thinking to 
 itingvs before we be aware; this word which is dill of wifdome, 
 with the fpiric ofdifcretion and vndcrftanding, which is alway 
 
 communi- 
 
AGAINST FEARE. tpo 
 
 communicated vntothofc thatfeare God, (hall incontinently 
 aduertifevs. If by his falfe ApofHcs and Prophets he would fc- 
 ducevs, and bring vs into any errour or hereGe i this worde 
 which comprehendeth in it both that which God wi! giue vnto • - 
 
 vs,andalfowhatfoeuerhe requireth at our hands 3 fhaii teach 
 vs as well what we ought to hope for, ?.nd expeel of him, as alio 
 what we ought to doe to plea fe and content him : andfoinftru- 
 clingvs in the rules of our faith, fhallftoppe the paffage of all 
 falleand hereticall doctrines . And to conclude, it (hail fo for- 
 tific vs on all fides, that the encmiefliallhaue no acccfle to hurt 
 and annoy vs. And we need not then, if(follo wing the counfeli 
 ofthe Prophet we willmeditate thereof day and night,and ha- 
 uingonceheardit,becarerulltolayitvpin our hearts) fearethe 
 power of the deuill, or any thing that he can dcuife againft vs. Stable ex> 
 Was it Mofes roddc that dcuided the red lea, and that plagued amplesfrr 
 the Egiptians ? was it the found of trumpcttes and of rammes tbetonfima- 
 horncs that ouerthrewe the wallesofIericho?wasitthebrafle Uo *°t th * 
 wherewith CMofes ferpent was made which had power to ^fmmitj2 
 kcepe (o many as did beholdit, from the biting of ferpents? taken out tf 
 was it the lampcs and the pitchers, which Gedeon and his three tbebolyfcri^ 
 hundred fouldiers caried, wherewith they gained that memo- mm * 
 rable battell ofthe Mtdtamtss} was it the jaweofthe afle wher- 
 with Samfon flew fo many Phihfiims ? was it the fling and the 
 ftones wherewith 'David oucrcame Cjoluh} was it the cloake 
 of «f//^and Eltfhathit deuided the waters? Noverely,all the 
 power which thefe had to work fuch miracles, proceeded from 
 thewordofGod,by whichthey were called thereto, andfan- 
 clificd tofo wonderfull effects? What windeis there fo ftrong 
 that is able to ouerthrow a houfe , that is builded vpon a rockc? 
 Whatarrowes fo fharpe as are able to pierce fuch harnelTeof 
 proore ? or is there any canon fo forcible as to make a breach 
 in the heart that is defended with fuch a rampart ? Let the deuils 
 thentage and (lorme as much as they will; let them plant their 
 battery on what fide they lift: letthem vndermine and vfcall 
 thepollicietheycanto ouercome vs, yetfhalltheyneuerbca- 
 ble to hutt vs, if we be armed and defended with fuch weapons 
 as are before rem embrcd. And therefore we ought to lay away 
 this vainc & foolifh fcare we haue of them, and of their power: 
 
 Cc and 
 
OQ* 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 and aiTure ourfeIucs,ifwckeepe good watch, & march orderly 
 
 in our rankes: they (halbe fure continually to be ouercomcand 
 
 thai run away with fhame & corufion in all encounters with vs. 
 
 But fome will fay , our Ml father Adam 9 who had receiued 
 
 /?'?T y f ^ cnanexcc ^ enc rnea&re of knowledge & vnderftanding,& of 
 wasivereom m3nv OLner graces & gifts ofGod,& who had nocuil & wicked 
 by Satan, yet concupifccnces in hishearttoturne him away from that,which 
 we which was good,& to perfwade him to follow their counfels; was not- 
 haw recti- withstanding circumuented , & in theend ouercome, to the w- 
 Ve r L ter ruincofhuTifelfeandal his pofleritic.lt is truc,& all this bap- 
 cbrM Ufa p en€ d by reafon he turned away his heart from God, and from 
 fljalbeinuin- the commandement, which he had giuenhim,vnderthe obe- 
 cibls. dience whereof he fhould haue liued in a tnoft bltfled & happic 
 
 efrate,& would folo w his owne fantafie For in (lead ofthe hope 
 he had conceiued,that -by this meanes he fhould become aGod, 
 of a man he became a deuil;ofvertuotis,moft viciousjof a found 
 man,veryfickIy;of contented &mery harted, forowful & coue- 
 tousjofimmortal^mortal^ofwife^oohfli; of the friend of God, 
 an enemy to all goodneiTe: and in a word, of happy,which hee 
 mighcwcllperceiuebeinginhis grace andfauour, being.once 
 feparated from his prefe nee, the molt accurfed and vnhappie 
 creature that could be.Infomuch,as it was a wonderfull miracle 
 and a notable example ofthe grace & fauour ofGod to wardes 
 him, that he fell not wholly into defperation , after fuch amar- 
 uelous change & alteration of his eftate & ccndition.Kcither da 
 1 doubt,but ch3t if we fhould truil in our own power & (Ircngth 
 as he didjwe fliould be.foonerouerthrowne thenhe was,confi- 
 dbfing that our. infirmity is fane greater then his.Butthat which 
 maketh vsinuinciblcnot only againfl the deuill 3 bu£ alfo againlt 
 al the world & al other enemies whatfoeuer,is die grace of god, 
 which is far more abundant in ys through Chiiit kfus,then euer 
 it was in our firftparets.Foras S.AaguTiin faith, God gaue vnto 
 him only the powcrto remain in.t hat purity wherinhehadc:rea- 
 tcd'him,if he had wold:but he gaue him no: the w il,but Ieftthat 
 in his owne counfel, either to remainordepartfrothat integrity 
 wherih hchaxi created-him,as fhould feemc beft vnto hirmelfe. 
 Now that vi hich he.hathgke vs in the fauor of ChriiT Iefus,is far 
 more cx<iellet& much greater. For with thepower,he eiucth vs 
 
 aifo 
 
AGAINST FEARE x8j 
 
 alfothe willtodo well,&caufethvsby the operation of his holy 
 Spirite,toIove andimbracc thofe things with great and feruent 
 zealc, which we knowctobe agreeable vnto his bleffcd will : 
 neither can we be diverted fro this defire by any concupifcence 
 or temptation whatsoever. Behold chen that, which maketh vs 
 fohardieandboldtorcfiftthedeuils: who out of doubt would 
 bctooilrongforvs, ifwefhould meete them in the fielde with 
 our owne forces : but we being covered with his wings,and vn- 
 der the protection of Cbr/ft Ic/m> and as members of his owne 
 fcodic covered with his armour, wherewith he hath deftroyed 
 the building of Sathan, &(poylcd him of his weapons: whoby 
 his holy word when as he was in the world,made him come forth 
 in defpiteofhim, cut of the bodies wherof he had take poffefllo, 
 we need never feare,that,bcing thus appointed,wc fhalbe over- 
 eomeorvanqui(hed,ifwcperfcvere in this faith vnto theende. 
 Now for that wefearenot the devtfs,but becaufe we are afraid 
 ofdeath by reafon our conferences do accufe vs,that we are fin- 4 .rhe 4.41-- > 
 ners , and in fo doing fet before oar eves the wrath and iudge- tide fating \ 
 mentof £od vpon allfuch astranfgrefTe his commandements, ^■iWfc 
 wemuft before we canrully & perfectly quiet a ChrHtian mans ™™nfa' 
 confeience^nd deliuer him from the feare of the iudgemen ts of tenour of 
 (?od,froni death,and the dcuils which doe continually torment finne, andof 
 him,aflure him of the remiflion of his (inn es, which make him a- tgufoie co*- 
 fraid of thofe things before rehearfed. And to workethis excel- f cmUa 
 lent effect, we mult firlt fet down thofe notable & fweetfayings 
 in the fcriptures,whcre god /peaketh ofthat mercy he wii fliew 
 for the merits otQtriH Itfiu vnto all tinners, that are hartily fory 
 for thcirfinnes& iniquities, and do humbly crauc pardon at his 
 hands. As firfl of all, that which is written in the firft cpitilc of S. 
 /<^»,the blood of ftYift Ieftts elenfeth vs from all finne. And a- c j qa T 
 gainc we haue an advocate with the Father lefmCbnfi the righ- chap!z.i!z. 
 teous,and he is the reconciliation for our finnes,and not for ours 
 onely, but aifo for the (in nesofthe whole world. And in the firft Chap.1.15.. 
 Epillleto Ttmotbtejhls is a true faying, & by all means worthie 
 to be received, that Chrtft Iefus came into the world to faue fin- 
 ncrs.Andinthe ^#/oftheaportles:Tohim giuealthc prophets chap.13. 
 witnes,thatwhofoeverbeleeuethinhiml"houldreceiueremi(Ii6 
 of their (inncs through his name. And in the Gofpel of 5. \ohm Chap.i. z$, 
 Beholde the Lambe of C/od which taketh away the finnes 
 
 Cc z t£ 
 
Chap.ip.io 
 
 Chap. 9.13. 
 & 1 1.18. 
 
 Chap. 4.25. 
 
 Chap, f 4.?. 
 Dan.9. 
 
 Matth.i 
 i.Tim.i. 
 Ephcfs- 
 Hcbr.8.n. 
 
 Twelue rea- 
 fons added 
 totbetefli- 
 monies be- 
 fore rehear* 
 fed. 
 
 jJufifybig 
 fiitb. 
 Chap.4. 
 
 %.Qurvrim 
 with Chriji 
 lefut the 
 bcadoftki 
 Church. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 ofthc-worjd . And mSamt £/*£<•. The Sonncofman is come to 
 fcekc and to faue that which was loft. And S. yjiitttberv faieth. 
 I am not come to call the righteous, but the finners to repen- 
 tance. And againe, Come vntomc all ye thatarc wcarieand 
 laden, and I wdl cafe you. Andtothe^w^*/ . He wasdcli- 
 uercd to death forourlinnes, and is rifenagaine for our iuftifi- 
 cation.And £^faith.Thechaftifemcnt of our peace was vpon 
 him, and with his (tripes we are healed . And in the Revelation. 
 He hath Ioued ys and waflied vs ftom our finnes in his blood. 
 Which thing is alfo declared in many other places of the fcrip-*, 
 ture, and moll notably in the Epiftlc to the Hebrews. Know the 
 Lord, for all (hall knowe merromtheleaftofthemtothcgrea- 
 tcftofihem : fori will be mcrcifull vntotheir vnrighteoumefTe, 
 and I will remember their fumes and theiriniquities no more. 
 
 Next vnto thewordcofGod ,forthe comfort and coniza- 
 tion ofour confidences , wee may likewife addethefe reafons 
 following. Firftof all, that we can not be Chriftians wkhouc 
 faith, and that there is no faith without righteoufnefle. for this is 
 the principall and chiefe effect of all other: and asS. TW/pro- 
 ucth in many places of hisEpiftlcs (andefpccially to the $*- 
 manes) he which worketh not at all, but only beleeueth inhim 
 that iullifieth the finner, his faith {hall be accounted vnto him 
 fori ighteoufnc tie. Now we cannot be accounted righteous 
 and finners both together: forthefe are flat contrary and can 
 notbeinthefamcfubie6l both at once. We may thenfafely 
 conclude , that either we arc without faith : or if we hauc faidi, 
 that our finnes arc forgiuen vs. 
 
 Secondly, we mufl remember, that we are members of the 
 body of Guilt lefus : that is tolay,of his Church which he bath 
 fan&irled, made holy, and without blemiih in his fight. Which 
 can not be without the grace and mercy, which God vouclifa- 
 fed through lefus Chrift, whereby he hath pardoned and for- 
 giuen vs all our finnes. For indcedc we are not irreprchenfible 
 in his fight: which thing the Church it felfe doeth teftife, as 
 well by the confeillon of her faith which (hee maketh daily, as 
 alfo by her prayers, defiring very inftantly that her trefpafles 
 maybe forgiuen her. It mult needes follow then,th at if fheebe 
 boly^s it is in one of the articles ofour faith, that it isnot in re- 
 
 g arc * 
 
AGAINST FEARE. i p2 
 
 gardofthatexccllcnciewhichisinherfclfcandineueryoneof 
 her members , but in rcfpecl of the grace and mercy of God, 
 who will not impute her finnes vnto her. 
 
 Thirdly, we muft not thinkethatChrift Iefus is come into 
 the world in vainc* or that God his Father had appointed him $- J tfacbrifl 
 co take vpon him the nature of a man, thereby to become mor- L encurM . ' 
 tall and fubieft to manypaflionsto no end norpurpofe: &that mt vpoh'm 
 he himfelfe would hauefurferedfomany fhamefull andigno- for nothing 
 miniousreproches , fuch wrongs and iniurics, fuchgriefe and f TJ\ 1 * t . 
 vexation ofminde, andintbeendfocruellandfearefulladeath ** v * 1 ** 
 without fome very great and vrgent occafion ♦ Can we alledge 
 any other caufe hereof, but the pity and commiferation that 
 both the father and the fonnchadofvs, andofthatmifcrable 
 eftate and condition wherein we were. For which caufe the 
 oneofthem was induced to pardon our offences by hismercie, 
 and the other ro die for vs, to the end , that he might fatisfie for 
 vs,and fo get pardon for our finnes. If then the end of the incar- 
 nation ofChrift Iefus , and of the ctcrnall counfell of God be 
 the dcliuerancc of his eledt, and the remiflion of their finnes, we 
 muftconclude, that both of them were fruftrare of their purpo- 
 CcSy if our finnes be (till retained; and if both their intents be ac- 
 compufhed, that then our offences are pardoned. Fourthly ,wc 4< rbe mifie* 
 mult regard and confider what is the my ftery andfignification ryofeurba^ 
 ofourbaptifme. And that God hath focxprefTely commanded, r/ / Wf * 
 that fo many as will be adopted for his children , fhould be wa- 
 fhed with water and baptized.- for if the grace of God and the 
 blood ofChrift Iefus, whereby we are fpiritually andinuifibly 
 wafhed from our finnes, arc reprefented vnto vs in this holy and 
 vifible facrament, and ceremony : if moreouer God hath ordai- 
 ned that it fhould be perpctuall and continue for euer, and 
 be obferued in his Church, to the ende that by this mcanes hec 
 may afTurc all the members thereof of his grace which heof- 
 fercththem, to clenfc them from their filthincfle : wee might 
 inferre, that if ourfinncs were not forgiuen vs, hec fliouldbc 
 vnfaithfull, and fhould abufe vs wonderfully , folemnly to pro- 
 mifc vs a thing, which he neither can nor will performe & acco- 
 plifh: And furthcrmore,that our hope fhould be in vaine to trufl 
 inhispromifes . So long then as God fhall be true and eternal!, 
 
 Cc 3 and 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 and thetruft and confidence which we haue in his wordc and 
 mercy, flialbe ccrten and infallible, Chriftians neede neuer 
 doubt of the remiflion of their finncs. 
 
 We muft alfo further confider, that the end why the fuppec 
 ofthe Lordisinftitutcd, was for nothing, but to put vsremem- 
 ?. Theinfii- brance ofthe death and padion of Chnftlefus, andtofctcon- 
 ?"1°!( A tinually before our eyes his blood, wherewith the newecouc- 
 Lord. nant 1S ratified and eftabhflied . Now then , it was conueni- 
 
 cnt,thatin that league and aliiancc,which God hath made with 
 his people, that he fliould write his lawes in their heartes, and 
 forgiue their finncs and iniquities, and neuer remember their 
 tranfgreflions any more : and therefore we may conclude, that 
 if they were not quite aboli died, and blotted outofGods book, 
 thecouenantand alliance fliould not be ftrong ; and that all 
 this bread & wine which we receiue at the Lords tabic, fliould 
 be but fignes of mockery and deceit. 
 The mercy of God alfo is a very forcible argument to perfwade 
 6 J^ e mrcy an ^ affurevs ofthe remiflion of our (innes. For "David faith not 
 PfaT:? <7 vv ' mout g°°dcaufe inhisPfalmes,thatthecarthisfullof Gods 
 JO , *' ' mercy, that it fli all continue foreuer,and,that it rcachethvnto 
 theheauens. And S/7W faith, that he is the father of mercies & 
 the God of allcomfort and confolation. Giuingvs thereby to 
 vnderfland, howmercifullheflieweth himfelfe vntohischil- 
 dren lb long as they are in this world, where they are enuironed 
 about with all fortes of miferies, the principall of which,is(inne. 
 It is requifite then, thatGod fliould pardon vs : for if he fliould 
 imputeour (innes vntovs, the earth|(contrarvto the prophefic 
 and reuelation ofthe holy ghoft) fliould not be filled with his 
 merites,but with his curfes and maledictions . And as touching 
 himfelfe, he fliould rather be accounted a God of wrath, of an- 
 ger, and vengcance,then a Cjod of mercy: forthatfinne,ifitbc 
 not pardoned, and the wrath of god thereby appeafed, can 
 bring forth nothingbut torment and miferie. 
 The faith- The rcafon alfo that isdrawnefrom the faithfulnefliof God 
 fidntsofGod. toprooucthe remiflion of our (innes, is no leflcauaileable then 
 Chap.i.?. the former. For if (as S. lohn faith in his firfl Epiflle) in acknow- 
 ledging our (innes, hepromifeth to pardon and forgiue vs our 
 (innes, and to clenfc vsfrom all vnrighteoufneflc, we ought to 
 
 beleeue 
 
AGAINST FEARE. ipj 
 
 bcleeuchim.Butifwcdoubt,it is cither by reafonwe thinkc he 
 willnotilandtohispromife, nor be fo good as hisvvorde: or 
 clfefor that we thinke he is not able to performe that, which he 
 fpeakcth.-or clfc that he is altered and changed, and repents 
 him of that which before hehadfaid: orelfe thatourincredu- 
 litichath aboliiTiedtbat faithfull andfacrcd promtfe which hec 
 hath made vntovs-eitherof which we can not doe or thinke 
 without moft horrible blafphcmy, and mod execrable impiety. 
 If then we wil rctaine a holy opinion of our God as we ought to 
 do, we muft both liuing& dying beleeue alTuredly that which 
 DdtWfaith.-that mercy is with the Lord,& with him is great re- **&*$ -7.8 
 demption : and he fhall redeeme IJrae/from all his iniquities. 
 
 Moreouer, if we can nothaucanyremiflionof our finnes,to $,Tbefirce 
 whatenddo we fo earneftly, & fo hartily craue atthc hands of ™& ejficacie 
 almightie God,that it would pleafe him to forgiue vs our fins , & °y^ e ? rg J1 r J 
 toremoueouriniquiticsoutofhisfightPhehathpromifedthatin ' 
 fcekingforhim we fhall find him, & inaskingofwhatfoeueris 
 necciTary for vs,that we ilial obtaine it : & likewife that his eares 
 arc al waiesopen & ready to hearc the petitions of all fuch as put 
 their truft in him: and that whofoeuer will call vpon his name 
 faithfullyjftialbe faucd. And thrrfore not doubting ofhis promi- 
 fes.we daily befeech him to forgiue vs our debts : fhould we not 
 then bcnotabIydeIuded,ifhe would not vouchfafe ro hearevs? 
 & ihould it not be a flat mockery,fir(t to command vs to pray ,& 
 fecondly topromifeto heare our pray ers,if when we haue made 
 ourpetitions vnto him, & that he hath heard vs,he wil notwith- 
 ftanding do nothing for vs. 
 
 Furthermore, whyis it faid in the fcriptures,that God healeth $.ifmfho!d 
 vs of our infirmities? why al/b hath Chriftlefus among other his »•' be ctefed 
 titles named himfclfa phifitianfwasitbecaufe he had power to ^SZJS^c 
 heale the difeafes ofthe body , or rather for that he could cure mMm f*J°! 
 the foule? if it be lo, I would demand ifthere be any greater or tiemhename 
 more dangerous difeafc then finne? or what is there, that ought ofpktftkn 
 fooner to moue him to pitic vs,or what greater occafion can be fi 0i *tebc v*> 
 offered him, toiTiewehis skill, his dexterity, his care anddili- ^H?* 
 gence towards vs? Let vs then either c onclude , th at hec is no 
 skilfull phifitian cither for the body or for the foule : or clfc 
 that we may aflure our felues, that hcewill purge vsfrom our 
 
 Cc 4 faults, 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 faults,hcale al our infirmitics,and giue vs a free and ful rcmiflion 
 of our linnes , in the obtaining whereof, we may be ccrtaine to 
 come to perfect health and euerlafling happinefTe. 
 
 To what end alfoferueth thcgofpell, if it wercnottodenfc 
 lojbeprea- vsfromour finnes, and toreclaime vsfromour vaine andfoo- 
 
 ofbll * C ^ conucr ^ at ' on * * s ^ tt0 no enc * e mat ltls called the wordcof 
 * JF grace,of reconciliation/^ faluation,andof liferandisthe title of 
 
 glad and ioy full newes falfely applycdvntoit? why fhould wc 
 thankeS.7\Wandthereftof theApoftles forpreachingof it, 
 or Chrift himfelfe for bringing of it ? what a folly , or rather, 
 what a madnefle were it , to fufFer fo much vnquietneile for 
 preaching of it, and fpreadingof it abroad among all nations.* 
 or to endure fuch torment andmartyrdome for the profeflion & 
 defence thereof? or (to beftiortjwhatcommoditiefhall wegee 
 by hearing ofit, by meditating of it , and laying of it vp in our 
 hearts as incorruptible fcede: or to fell all that wc haue, and buy 
 this precious and moftexcellent treafureandpearle,ifit were 
 not in the end commodious for vs, able to faue our foulcs, and 
 to cknfevs from all our finnes? 
 
 Inlike maner,ifour finnes were not forgiuen vs, what diffe- 
 ii.Thediffe- rencefhould there be bctwccncvs and the deuils?orwhat had 
 r * ce b< ?"f nt we more then they, that we might infultoucr them? for if wee 
 \f God and vv *^ con fi^ er our o wnc nature , it is altogether filthy and pollu- 
 ojthe d<kill, tcc *> anc - without the great mercy of God, there is no more in- 
 xpbicb would tegritie in vs,thcn is in them. If we would examine ourliuesand 
 not be % if god all our thoughts,ourwordes,our workes, and call the cogitati- 
 didnotpardd ons f our hcartstoarcckening, and trie them throughly , we 
 9 * r J m «• fhould find that we are tmruelous obftinatc and rebellious ene- 
 mies to God, and asbaddeasthcy rand that we haue nothing 
 whereof we may glory , but onely his mercy, by which it hath 
 pleafcd him to make a difference betweenc vs and them,andto 
 exempt vs from their number, giuingvs for the loue and merits 
 of Chrift Iefus, a full rcmiflion of all our iniquities & offences. 
 Whofoeuer then would doubt hereof, befideshisvnthankfulncs 
 towards Cj od,in contemning ofhis benefits,fliould fhake hands 
 with thedeuil, and become his friend and companion. 
 
 Thelaftreafbn toconfirmevs,thathe will pardon our finnes, 
 is the authority which he hath giucn vnto the paftours&mini- 
 
 fters 
 
AGAINST FEARE. . 194 
 
 ftersinhisChurch,tobindeandtolofe by the preaching of hi* 
 word, according vnto the capacities of thofe,to whom it is fpo- ]y orit f *" uen 
 ken: that is to fay,in beleeuing to be abfolued^nd^n not bclee- vn t prea- 
 ving to be condemned; for ifthat,which Chrift Iefus hath faid, cbers of the 
 be true,thatis,that whatfoeuer they bind in earth fhal be bound gofy'Bt* 
 in heauen, & whatfoeuer they lofe in earth,(lialbe lofed in hea- A S^F pmn 
 uen : if in hearing of them we heare him : and contrariwifc,if in tepmtnu & 
 defpifing of them ,we deipife him : whenfbeuer they preach vnto beleeuc the 
 vs forgiuenefle of finncs in his name, we ought toreceiueitas remifflonof 
 from his owne mouth, and to be as certen thereof, as if we had th€n fi meu 
 heard him fpeake from heauen,whcre he is now in great glorie, 
 and to doubt no more of the verity thereof, then did the finncfui 
 woman,and the man that was ficke ofthe palfie, when as he faid 
 vnto him , C}o thy waics in peace, thy finncs are fbrgiuen thee. 
 JFbreuen asthofe decrees which are eftabliflied in any Court, 
 are confirmed &authorifed by the king ; io like wife thofe fen- 
 tences & decrees which are pronounced by the Church r and a- 
 greeablc vnto Cods word , are approoucd & confirmed by Qod 
 himfelfe. And thus hauc I briefly fet downc thofe tweluereafons 
 or arguments to prooue that our finnes are fbrgiuen vs. 
 
 But becaufc there are many weak & fcrupulous confeiences fy?*jjjf? 
 which wil hardly be pcrfwaded hereof, by reafon they cannot a 2j"W tcm ' 
 concciue thefe reafons before remembrcd:partly by reafon of a w \; tc k ar if e 
 naturall & fuperftitious kind of feare, & partly with I know not ofthe confh 
 what imaginations, wher with their minds are continually tofled deration of 
 & tormented,which though they befomtimeexpelled,yetthey 0H ?f mn v* . 
 prelently returne againe & minilter new occafions of vexation 
 &forow:Itfhalbeveryconuenient to touch fome of them be- 
 fore we make an end of this workc,& to refute them as fully and 
 amply as we may. Some are afraid of the great number ofthe ir ^»Agmfltht 
 finnes, & think becaufe they are fomany,they cannot be forgiue. um ? ta **° n 
 But thefe poore foules neuerconfider with themfelues in the JJJ * t ° ' 
 mcanetimehow great the liberty of God is: towhomitisno numberof 
 greater matter to forgiue ten millions ofcrownsthen one peny: ourfumt. 
 & they do not ferioufly ponder the maruelous efflcacie & force 
 ofthe blood ofChriftlefus.Forifhe were ordainedto take away 
 the finnes ofthe whole world, why fhould he not be fufficicnt 
 tohcalcthc fores ofparticularfinncrs? King Mvtajfcs confefllng 
 
 before 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 before God,that hisfinnes were multiplied as the fand of the fca , 
 yet notwithstanding defired God to pardon him . And did not 
 Davtd&ftcr that he hadpublikcly acknowledged , that no man 
 could numbcrhis offenccs > or declare his tranfgrcflions, defirc 
 God toforgiue him,8c topardo his fecr^t fins? we imagine pcr- 
 aduenture,thathe is like vnto fome niggardly prince, & that he 
 hath ccrtaine rules to meafure his cxpences & almcs deeds, and 
 that he mayin no wife parte fomeprefcribedlimitcs:& yet we 
 donotc6fider,thatifhefhoulddcalc lb with vs,that there (huld 
 be no man in this world,yea, though Abraham, lob, Daniel, Sa- 
 Muel,&c S. lohn were aliue againc,that ftiould not be condoned.* 
 becaufe the corruption is fpred ouer all , &cuery one is infected 
 thcrewith.So that thcn,this being wcl weycd,wc need neuer be 
 aftoniftied at the multitude of our finnes ,if we wil flee for com- 
 fort vnto the mercies of Cj od, and neuer doubt of his promifes. 
 x.Agalnfttbe Others are wonderfully terrified with the grcatneffe of their 
 temptation finnes : but we muft think with S. Pau/th&t where finnchath a- 
 proceedingof bounded, there grace hath abounded much more : & as we fee 
 sbegreitnejje tnac Nereis no darknesfo thick & obfcurc,butthe Sun-bcamcs 
 Thefirl r<- vvil quickly expel it; folike wife, we muftthinke that there is no 
 mdiu obfeurityordarknes in mans mind, but God ca quickly driue it 
 awaybyhislightjnorany mallicc in his heart, which he can:not 
 pardon by his grace,& correct by the venue of his holy fpirit: 
 nor any difordcr in his nature or life, but rhat he caeafilyredrefTc 
 byhisdiuinewifdom,whenfoeueritflialpIeafehim.Whatfhall 
 The feeond. we think ofhim&ofhispowerPIs there any fo ignorant that he 
 is notable coinftrudt by his wifdom : any fo wcak,that he is not 
 able to help by his might : any fo forowful, that by his goodnes 
 he can not make ioyrul; or any fopoore,that he is not able to en- 
 rich by his liberality ? we need neuer doubt but he is able to par- 
 Tb tbi d ^° the moft gricuous faults that euer were comitted or thought 
 vpo him. Forlook how far he is higher the we, fo far is his mercy 
 the fiurtb. aboue our malIicc.Heis,as it werc,a great & deep Ocean, wher- 
 in all the vices, finnes, & miferies of his Church arc drowned and 
 fwallowcd vp. And as thcr is no offence fogricuous,no wicked- 
 nesfoenormious,or crime fodeteiUblcanaodious , butthit in 
 iufti:e he might punifh it , fo is there none of thefe, but by his 
 Tbepfi. m crcy which is aboue all,he may pardon &forgiue . Was there 
 any corporall difeafe, though neuer fo de(pcrate,but that Chrif r 
 
AGAINST FEARE. io 5 
 
 whileft he was hereon the earth, was able to cure it? and fhall 
 we thinke then that there can beany difeafe ofthe foule,whcr- 
 ofhe hath mod efpecialcare, & wherein hehathmoft cunning, 
 that can not be healed by his wifdo & skil?If when he was mor- 
 tality clothed with (o many infirmities , fubieft tofomany and 
 fuch grieuous vexations,hc was not withftanding able to raife yp 
 the dcad,& fuch as flunk in their graues,as did La^arta : frail \i?\ 
 not now, fitting at the right had of God, where he hath alpow* 
 er & authority both in heaucn & earth, be able to cure both the The fat. 
 difeafesofthe body & the fouIe?for the one is no harder the the 
 other. Moreoucr,if he came into the world to eafe thofe that arc 
 heauy ladcn,fhal the wait & heauy burden ofour finnes,hindcr 
 vs fro coming to himfdoth he make any difference betwenethe 
 fins & the finners,when as heexhorteth all thofe,who are a thirft 
 to come vnto him, & he wil giue the ofthe waters of lifc,& that 
 freely & for nothng,wherwith they may quech their thirft Pdotrt 
 he except any ? why did he fay,when as he opened the bookc in 
 the fynagogue, & read out ofthe Prophet Efay ithatthefpiritof 
 the Lord was vpon him, who had annointedhim to preach the 
 glad tidings ofthe gofpel to the poore,tohcalc the broke hear- 
 ted,to preach deliuerance tothecaptiues, &recoueririgof fight 
 to the blind,that he fhould fet at libertie them that Were brufedj , * . 
 & that he (riould preach the acceptable yeerc ofthe Lord? And 
 towhatendtendcththe parable ofthe two debtors, wherofthe 
 one ought 500 p encc,& the other fifty ?& of the creditour, who 
 hauing twodebters which had nothing to pay, forgauethem 
 both .• if rioctofhewe vnto vs. that he is as ready to fcrgiuethe 
 great finnes,as well as the fmall & fitle ones, to tbc end , thatit 
 fhould bean occafionfbrvs , byconfidering how much we arc ,r 
 bound vnto him, to encreafe our loueand affeclion towardes 
 him? Letvs conclude then, that there is no wound fo dange- 
 rous^ but tbeplarfter of Gods mercy* made with th? bipod of 
 drift Iefus his Sonrie,wiU cjujckly beaje and rccouer «• 
 
 There is anothex thing alio which makethvs to doubt ofthe ^gainfltbi 
 remiffionofourfinnes; &thatisour continuance in them. For temptauo of 
 considering that by reafon ofthe corruptio ofour nature, which m '?*£** 
 isfogreat&fohardtobcamended, we cannot but thinke often amm ^ Hne ' 
 with our felucsofour great offences towards god, &feareleaft 
 he will not Youchfafe to pardon fo many hey nous faults, & wc 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 arc afhamed to beg rcmiflion at his hands, & to confefle fo dai- 
 ly, fb continuall, & fuch obftinatc pcruerfncs, as indeed is in vs.- 
 & by thismcanes fearc& ftiame doe pull vs back,as well from 
 emmovan ttut truft & affurance we (hould haue in his mercies, as alfo fro 
 vtmtball tnac boIdncs& hardines,which it is rcquifite we would aflume, 
 tiber men. whenfoeuer we appcare before him to craue any of his graces. 
 Now the better to auoid this temptation,which of it f elf is very 
 ftrange & forcible, we muftfirft confider,thatitis common vnto 
 i.Kin.*.4$. vs with all other men in the worlde. For that zs Salomon faith, 
 there is no man that liucth without linne.For the Apoftles them 
 feHie's who had fuch an exceeding care to ferue God & to obey 
 Hihi in all things, & had recciued fuch great mcafure of his gra- 
 R.om.7. 14- ces:yea£. TWhimfelrcwhoin powringout his griefes for that 
 fin & wickednes which he percciued to lie lurking within him, 
 & that a long time after that he was regenerated, faith : We know 
 that the law u(piritmll y but lam carnally fold under/inns. For /al- 
 low not that which I do: for what I would, that doe I not : but what I 
 hate f hat doe I. If I doe then that which I wouldnot, Iconfent to the 
 Lawjbat it isgood.Now thenjt is no more I that do ttjbmt thefwne 
 that dwelleth tn me . For I know , that in me y that is, in myflefh, dwel- 
 leth no good thing: for to mil isprefent with me: but I find no means 
 toperforme that which is good. For 1 do not the good thing -which I 
 would J>ut the c will \whtch 1 would not ,r hat do 1. 1 find then by the law, 
 that when 1 woulddogood.euiR isprefent with me, For I delight in the 
 law of God, concerning the inner man: but I fee another law in my 
 members , rebelling again/} the law of my minds y & leading me cap- 
 tive vnto the law ofjinnejvhich U in my members. And likewife to 
 ehe Galathians. fheflejb lufleth againtt the (pint, & the sjirit a- 
 Gal M 7. gatnfl thefle/h: and thefe are contrary one to the other ,fb that we can 
 not doe the fame things that we woutd.Wc may fee then by this co- 
 feflton,thatthe Apoftlcs,who were as godly men as euer wcre,& 
 who had re<*eiucd wonderful mercies at the hands ofGod,wcre 
 notcxemptedftofinne aftertheirregeneration,&thatcuen the 
 dcarc children of God are often molefted& troubled with the 
 flings and concupifcences oftheflefh, which do marueloufly 
 coole the heat of that affection, which (hould be in them to the 
 feruicc ofGod.Notwithftanding al wh»ch,they ncuer giuc oucr, 
 butftilltruft in the mercies & goodncs of their hcauenly father, 
 hopingthcir finnes {hall neuer bei mputcd vato the, folong as 
 
AGAINST FEARE t 9 6 
 
 they lay hold of che mcritcs ofChrift Iefus , andinftantly crauc 
 at the hands of the almightie , to aidedicm with the power of 
 his lioly fpii it, for the mortifying of their wicked lutts &con- 
 cupifcences . Which thing S* Pant dozh notably declare in the 
 Chapter before mentioned, when as prefently after the confef- Rom ^« r * 
 lion ofhis infirmity and weakneiTe^ie addcth : Now then there is 
 no condemnation to them that are in Chrtfi lefiu , which walke not 
 after the -fie/h but after the (pint. For the /awe of the fyiritofltfe> 
 whtch is tn Chrtfi lefts Joath freed me from the law of finne and of 
 death. Albeit then , that all our liucs long we feele many infir- ^ a „^ ^ s 
 mities, and a marueilous contradiction in ourflcfh to the will t0 p a y vnt§ 
 ofGod: notwithstanding we necdiiot doubt, but his grace will him and hee 
 aflifl vs : and that the continuall prayers which we make vnto promifeth 
 him \villobt3ine pardon for vs through his great and incompa- t* rdono i 0UT 
 rablc mcrcie. Samt Cjpri^n in expounding the Lordes prayer 
 faith: It isancuident figne that we finne daily, in that Chrift 
 hath taught vs to pray continually vnto God to fbrgiuevs our 
 fins. Wc may adde further, vnto the faying of this holy doctor, 
 thatGodin commandingvs to pray without ccafingror there- 
 million of our finnes,hath taught vsther by, thathe is willing to 
 heare vs whenfocuer,& asoften as we cal vpohim faithfully. In 
 like maneralfo in all places of the fcripture wherfoeuer there is „. 
 mention made of his grace and mercy,there is al waiesrnention a % n ^ (worn 
 made of the time prefent. Asfirft ofall,D*Wfaithnot,blef- continually 
 fed is the man whole vnrighteoufnes hath bin forgiuen, butjs fftbefircoitr 
 forgiucn,and whofe finne iscouered,and,towhome the Lord JS? 
 impureth no finne. And SSPattlin the fecond to the firmthians c ^' * '"' 
 faith,tha£ he hath made him to be finne thatknew no (lnne,that chap.i.z.' 
 wclhould bemadetherighteoufnefie ofGod inhim . And Si 
 /^inhisfirftepirtle general] faith: not onely that the blood 
 ofChrift.Iefus hath clcnfed'vs, but that it doth wienie vsftom 
 allfinne^ AsaKbinthc fecond Chapter of the fame epiltle hee 
 doth not fay,thathe hath beene, butthathc is the reconciliati- 
 on for our fin nes, and not for oursonely, butalfoforthe finnes 
 of the whole worlde. And doth not the Apoftle fay to the He- 
 brewes, that by one onely oblation Chrift Icfus hath confecra- 
 tcdforcucrthofew'homehehathfandtified? as then finnes, in- 1 
 firmities,atidimperfcdions do continually abide in YS^and hang 
 
 as 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 as it were, vpon our ftioulders , fo long as wc continue in this 
 woridc t (b likewife arc chc mercies of God alwaies preft and 
 ready to helps and fuccourvs, whenfoeuerwe call vpon him, 
 andfkmur an dmoft auaileable co purge vsfrom all our iniquities, and to 
 eni*retkfir clenfevs from our (innes. And to whatendeisChrift our high 
 titer. pricftjOnceemred into the holy place, hauing obtainedctcr- 
 
 nall redemption for vs,andby his death confirmed the will and 
 teftament of God, ifit were not tothis ende, to appeareand 
 iJefachrtfl ^ anc ^ before him, and bean incerceflburfor vs ? Hath he beene, 
 uownely oris he now at this prefcnt, & flialbe euer hereafter our Chrift, 
 andeuerk- that is to fay, our Mediatour towardes his Father, to bring vs 
 P'mg Medti- intohis grace and fauour? Was heethe Phihtian and Sauiour 
 of his Church no longer then hee walked here vpon the earth? 
 or is he Co now likewife that he is afcended into hcaucn? though 
 hehathbut once flieddchis blood for vs, for the fatisfaction 
 and rcmiflion of our finnes , doe we not drinke dayly thereof 
 . . inhisfupper,totheendewe may apply it vnto our felues, and 
 &facramets tn « e by receiue the fruit and commoditie that cometh thereof? 
 doeaffurevs haue we oncly belecued when wc were baptized , &atourfirft 
 §ftbt conti. entrance into Gods houfe: orbeingoncein,doeweperfeuere 
 nuAUremifi- V ntotheend, and folly beleeue the remimon of our finnes? If 
 C faM t " T then a Chriftian obtaineth by faith that-whichhecbclceueth 
 andhopeth for: we need not doubt , but that if we beleeue al- 
 waies, we fhall alwaies beforgiuen, andthatthcremiflionof 
 our finnes flialbe as durable, as the grace and mercy of God, 
 the certentie of his promifes, the power andefficacie of the 
 7.suchutbe death of Chrift Iefus, and the faith of his Church, which arc 
 faith of the the matter and fubftance whereof it is compounded , And 
 church. therefore as £/4«faide to his father Ifitac , that hee had more 
 then one bletling, fo wee may be affurcdarthe handesofour 
 heauenly father, to receiue more bleffings then one , whofc 
 grace and bounty is fo abundant, as that it floweth ouer all, and 
 endurerh for euer and euer. 
 4.Againft Somethere arealfo, whodiftruft and difpaire of the mer- 
 tU tempta- c j cs $Q ^ an( j arc wonderfully afraidc, for that they thinke 
 dintoftbt tnac ncc * s a hvaies angric with them : becing pcrfwaded 
 Hfii^oftbe that hec requireth a perfect and an abfolutc righteoufneflc 
 
 of 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 107 
 
 of all his children, and that if we will pleafehim, wee muft mmiti of 
 obferue whatfoeuerhce hath written in his lawe, doingnei; Gody&oftbt 
 ther more nor lelTe then hee there expreflely corrimaundeth. T* 1 ^™*' 
 Which if ic were true, wee (hould haue noneedc of the righ- bow that bee 
 teoufnefle which commeth by faith , but onely of that which requintb of 
 commeth of the lawe. For as Saint Paul faicth , thofe who bis children 
 can fulfill the lawe, (hall be reputed righteous, and (hall Hue £*j^£ 
 by the workes thereof. But becaufe we can not be iuftifyed tm r nt rr£ 
 by this meancs by reafon of the infirmitie and wcakeneiTe 
 of our fleih, which fo hindreth vs, that we can not accom* 
 plilhit: and that Chrift is the fulfilling of the lawe to (b ma- 
 ny as bcleeue : and for that this opinion is the principall caufe 
 ofthereieftionofthe children of Ifrael, as Saint Paul witnef- Rom. 9.51. 
 feth , Who following the lawe of righteoufnefle, neuerattai- 
 nedthereto, becaufe they fought it not by faith, butbythe 
 workes of the lawe.- For they haue (tumbled at the (Tumbling 
 (tone, as it is written, Beholde, I lay in Sion a (tumbling (tone, 
 and arocke to make men fall, and eucry one that beleeueth 
 in him, (hall not be afhamed.. It is very requiilte then, as well 
 for thefe three confiderations, as alfo for many others, and 
 efpecially for the quieting of the confeience , which in many 
 fearefull natures and religious pcrfons is exceedingly more 
 tormented herewith then with any thing el/e, to know firftof Tbr n ee ^l. 
 all how toplcafe God, and to doe thofe things which are agree- ^timi 
 ablevnro his will and commandement. Secondly, toknowe 
 thofe things wherein the righteoufnefle and perte&ion ofa 
 Chriftian dot h-efpeci ally conGit. -r4nd thirdly, what the reafon 
 is, why after our regeneration, wee doe (till continually, and 
 (hall fo long as wee Hue feele fo many infirmities, fo many 
 rebellions and difordercd motions in our fleih . jis concer- 
 ning the firft, God doeth not require, that wee ihoufd bee uWbathk 
 without carnallde/ires^worldiy affections, andflcftily con- thatweought 
 cupifcences : but that wee mortifie our fleih according vnto t0 . d °rQ^ 
 that grace which it pleafeth him to vouchfafe vs, by the wor- 
 king of his holy fpirite . Hee doeth not require that there be 
 no filth vpon vs , but that wee be carefull to wafh our 
 felues from all impuritie . Hee doeth not require that wee 
 (houldc be without (inne , but that it (hould hauc no fuch 
 
 domination 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 domination and rule oucr vs , that as flaues well affeclioncd to 
 the feruice of their mailers, wee fhould like wile be ready too- 
 bcyitin the luftesand the concupifcences thereof. He hath not 
 iVemflfro ordained,thatfolongaswc arecarnalland (bide vnder finne, 
 rh° tt tncrc fhould be noeuill in vs, which folong as wearehere,can 
 iftbeold noc be Separated from vs.- but wee muft make warrcagainft 
 mtn.&dotb finne, we muft not like of it by any meancs , but we muft hate 
 our felues it, and we mult gronevnder the burthen thereof, humbly con- 
 mtbthe*ea> feffing all our finnes vnto God, and heartily crauc pardon for 
 them .* andfurther,that wee muft not giue ouer our members 
 to worke iniquitiejandtobe^asit were, the armours of allkinde 
 of impiety.- butwc muft continually putofffomeof ourolde 
 ragges, and turne our felues into our Ihirtes.* and herein wee 
 mult be like vno a brochcdveffell, whereat we muft drawcon- 
 i.Cor.y.7. tinually,vntillaIlbeout. We mult be full purging out the old e 
 leaucn,thatwcmaybea newlumpe. Inaworde/olongaswe 
 T k 8 arc nerc > ne wou ^ not nauc vs ^ u ' tc without finne, for whofo- 
 • >?• cucr thinketh fo, makethGodalyar, but that we fhould hum- 
 
 bly acknowledge and confeffe our finnes: and for the reft, that 
 we fhould perfwade our felues, that hceis faithfull and iuft , to 
 fbrgiue vs our finnes, and to elenfevs from all vnrightcoufnefle. 
 As concerning that which is good, hee would haue vs to carrie 
 anearncftaficclion towardesit, and to delight in it: andthat 
 though we findc an infufficiencie in our felues to doe good, yet 
 at the lcaft, that wc fhould be willing thereto, a nd alio th at wc 
 fhould approoucandconfent vnto that law which is good and 
 holy, and to the commandement which is iuft and righteous. 
 Phil: And in a word,that after the example of &*/»* 7W, we fhould 
 14. forget that which is bchinde, and endeauour our felues vnto 
 
 thatwhichis before, and follow hard to ward the marke, for 
 the prifc of the high calling of God in Chrift Iefus. Beholde 
 then briefly,that which brieflie God requircth of vs, touching 
 the care wc ought to haue in fleeing ofvice , and in following 
 ofvertue: who ifhe wil not approouc of our feruice, vnleffe it be 
 wholly agreeable and conformable to- his law, we may con- 
 clude that then he fhall haueneuera feruant in the world. For 
 A&s.xf 10. as Saint Peter faith, This is a yoke which neither the Apoftles 
 nor all the holy fathers and Patriarches were able to beare: 
 
 which 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 198 
 
 which thing they theTelvesconfefled; as v^?vz£<i, who fta tiding Gcn.18. 17. 
 before God, acknowledged that he was but duft and afhcs. And 
 2)*z//Wfaith,thathisfinne was continually before him. And/o6, Wttfi-f* 
 that he could notanfwer one thing of a thoufand. And Daniel ^^ ' 
 feekingthe Lord byprayer& fupplications,with fafting, facke- 
 cloth& afhes,iaith,wehaue finned &haue comittediniquity 3 & 
 have done wickedly,yea,we haue rebelled, & haue departed from 
 thy precepts,& from thy iudgemets: for we would notobey thy 
 fervants the prophets, which lpkein thy name to our Kings, to 
 our princes,&to ourfathers ; &to al the people ofthelad.O Lord, 
 rightcoufnes belongeth vnto thcc,& vnto vs open fhamc & co- 
 fufion.And /Wconfeffeth that he had bin a blafphemcr, a per- iTim.1.13.' 
 fecuter & an oppie(Tor,& was at that cime,when as he made that Vcrf,I 4* 
 conferlion^the chief & principal of al finncrs. And to be fhort, if 
 wereadoverthe whole fcriptures,we dial find that the moft ho- 
 ly petfons that ever were, haue (hewed both by word & writing 
 that they haue bin grievous finners, &thatitwasimpo{TibIeby 
 reafon of their natural corruption to fulfil the Law of ^od. What 
 ftial we fay the of our felves,who are fo bad & of fo final accout 
 in refpe6t ofthoieancientfathers,& who have fo farre degenera- ^aj m m 
 ted fro them,both in regard ofour religion, ourpollicies, & cere- knowledge 
 monies,that we may iuftly be faid, not to haue fo much as a had- that we are 
 ful oftheir piety ,faith,righteoufnes,vertue,& equity,& do refeble marveiloufly 
 thenornorethenoldruinesdobeutifuI&itatelybuildingsPHow d *& enerated 
 then(fay Ijfhal we, who are in fuch a piteous cafe,be fo bolde as tie^ndvp* ' 
 to lift vp our heads fo hie,& promifevnto our (elves fuch ftregth rightnesof 
 & ability, that we dare fo much as think that we are able perfit- firejutbers. 
 \y and abfolutely to keepc and obferue the La we of God? For 
 though wc did fhine as bright as the moone & ftarres,yet fhould 
 notwebecleareinGodsfight.Whatfhall we do then, who are 
 but wormes and duft ? O the mad preemption and intolerable 
 pride of men,vvho being as wicked as the Deuill, do notvvith- ^7^/ 
 (landing imagine that they are ablctoattainevnto the perfect avoid the 
 righteoufnesof^7;n/?I<?/^the fonncofGbd : vvhic hthcy muft bypocrlfie of 
 necdesdo,out ofdoubt,ifthey vvil fulfil the law. It is reported in f uci) «* tu P m 
 the Ecclefiafticallhiftorie, that there was one Accefuu* dilciple % th ^ Cit 
 and follower of the heretike Novate, and a flout maintainer of bwht'cbaP* 
 his mailers herefies, who defended before theEmperour Con* u, 
 
 D.d 1 ft mine 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 ftantine, that after vvc had once received the rcmiffion of our 
 finnes in Baptifme, we arcbounde from that day foorthvndcr 
 painc of damnation, fo exactly and foftri6Uy tokcepcthc Law, 
 that we muft omit no more thereof, then did Chrtft fefus: other- 
 wife we fliall neucrobtainc any mcrcie and favour at the hande 
 ofGod.Whcreupon thcEmpcrour, who was a very wife and 
 vertuous prince,anfwcrcd, If this be true, Accefita, thou mayeft 
 make thee a ladder and clime to heaven alone : giving vs there- 
 by to vndcrltand, that it was impofliblc for any man toattainc 
 vnto fuch perfedtion; and that there is no man ( except Chrtfi Ic- 
 fns,wiho was conceived by the holy Ghoft, and never knewe 
 lamcs.3.1. finncj which doeth not offend (as Saint lames faith) in many 
 thinges: and therefore by confequent if he will be faved, muft 
 ncedcshaueaMcdiatourand an intercelTor forhim. We may 
 conclude then, that God doeth not require fuch an abfolute 
 perfection and puritiein man, as that hefliould be without all 
 finne : for that can not be in any but in the Sonne of God Chrift 
 hfiu) but that we will be carefull & defirous toattaineto a holy 
 and pure life,& be continually ftriving againft finned bende all 
 our affections to true holines. And if it mall happen at any time, 
 (as often it will , confidering our owne imperfections and ig- 
 norace ) that we go artray .• that which he requircth ofvs in fuch 
 acafe,is;that with all humilitie and heartieforowe we acknow- 
 ledge our faultcs, and that as we arc daily and hourcly ready to 
 reneweour tranfgreffions, (o we fhould continually by our re- 
 pentance, and by our heartic and earneft prayers rencwe the 
 grace and favour of (Sod towardes vs. 
 i Wherein It may appeare then by that which hath bene 1 aid 3lreadie, 
 the rigbte- that the rightcoufnes and perfection of Chriftiansconfifteth of 
 ° U ^fr nd r tvvo ? artes - FnftyM confelfing that we are finners before God,& 
 %bri(lim tnac wc re P°fe a ^ our confidence and truft in his mercies.And ie~ 
 confifletb. condly that we be defirous to feme him,and be obedient vnto his 
 hoIycommandcments,in as great mcafure asitfhallpleafehim 
 . .. by his grace and holy fpirite to aide and aflift vs. S. Auguflmem 
 faying of s. ^eaioning againft the Pelagians fruh many notable and excellent 
 Ju£ufline. fayings to thispurpofe.As firffyhat our life may be tearmed per- 
 fect and vpright: ifwe vnderftand that to attaine vnto this per* 
 fe<5tion,it is requifite,thatio what age or degree of vertue foevcr 
 
 wc 
 
AGAINST FEARE. too 
 
 we be, wc mu ft al way cs confide r our owne imperfections in our 
 heartes,and humbly acknowledge them with our mouthes.Se- ». 
 condly, that the perfection of Chriftiansdoethmoreconfift in 
 the rcmiffion of their finnes, then intheperfecYionoftheirver- 
 tues. Thirdly, that the grace and mercie, whereby C7od hath 3. 
 pardoned our finnes, doth prcferuc and keepe the Church in her 
 eftate. Fourthly, that this grace hath raifedvs vp when we- were * 
 dead, and hath novve made vsimmortall, and that by it, becing 
 loft we wercfounde,and(hallnowe dwell rbr ever in cur fathers 
 houie; being throwen downe,we are lifted vp ; & arc at thispre- 
 fent fo well iupported by the meanes hereof,that we need never 
 to feare (provided alvvayes that we lay holdc thereof and that 
 through acurfed and arrogant opinion ofourowneftrength and 
 abilitie, or the power of any other creature whatfocver, we doe ^ ** 
 not depart from it) falling into that horrible and fearcrull r if omo fl^ t 
 pitte of death and deftru6tion, wherein wee were before. Be- votlorfir 
 tides thefc worthic fayings of this holy Do6tour, which arc the confir- 
 veric pregnant 3nd plaine for the confirmation of that which ^ atl0n °f 
 wehauelaidberore,touchingChriilianrightcoufnes, hefetteth t u f ta r t 
 downealfo many excellent comparifbns, whereby heedoeth 
 moft liuely fet forth the trueth hereof. And firft of all in his booke 
 of the Citie of God, comparing it with the San&uarie of the 
 Romanes, hee faith, that even as thcircitiewas peopled in the 
 beginning, by reafon of that freedome and impunitie, which 
 Rhcnrnt and Romulw proclaimed and offered to all malefa- 1. The 
 £fcours,which woulde come and inhabite there: Sohkewife Church h 
 the Church of God isbuilded and gathered of all nations of the ™ f $£ l > 
 earth, by a gencrall pardon which God doeth offer vnto fo ma- J^S g^j 
 ny, as willcntcrand dwell therein: with this condition, that dothfanEiify 
 they muftde fire it, and truft to obtainc it by his mercie through andiuftifie. 
 the merits ofhis Sonne £hrtft. Whereby we may gather that to 
 fpeake properly andtruely, the Church is nothing elfe butan a£» 
 fcmblieofidolatours, blafphemerSjinfidels, rcbels,ingratefull, 
 difloyall and barbarous men , murtherers , theeves, vfurers, 
 flaundercrs, backebiters, and fuch like people, to whome God 
 hath freely giucn his grace,thereby to lauc them, in forgiving 
 their offences, and releafing that punifliment which was 
 due vnto them for their finnes. And againe writing vponone of 
 
 Dd z the 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE, 
 
 Pfa!.$ r. tnc Pialmes, he compareth God vnto a skilful Chirwrgton^ and a 
 z. Tbedifea- Chriftian vnto a man thatismoft grievoufly and daungeroufly 
 feiwhcbhee wounded, faying, that as amaymed man, whodefireth to bee 
 bdd ^ ea ^ ec ^> aiK * to rcc °ver his former health, mud not hydc his 
 which he vvounde but make it knowen vnto the furgeon, who by wa- 
 raifedvp. filing thereof, and laying his plainer to the fore, doeth inafhort 
 timchealeitandmakeit asfounde ashisother partes. So like- 
 wife if we will heale the maladies anddifeafesof our foules, we 
 muft lay them open in Gods fight by a true and hearty confef- 
 fion,andhemuftappliehisplaifter,thatis,hismercieandagene» 
 rail pardon which he muft giue vs for all our faults and iniquities. 
 l.Howetbat In another place helikeneth our redemption to the deliverance 
 wtartddi- D fthe people of Ifrael, when as they were in captiviticinEgipt, 
 U mln d anc * l" a i cn J tnatcven M when they were delivered from the place 
 by tbe power where they had bin captives,their enemies whichpurfued them, 
 andgrace of were drowned in the red fea. So likewifein Baptifme, which is 
 ofGQd y as the beginning of our redemption, our finnes arc waftied away 
 W y?J he f by the blood ofChnft lefut. After that they w r ere entred into the 
 Ifrael!* 1 wildernes, before they came into the prornifed land, they were 
 conftrained to fight with hunger and thirftagainfthcat,againft 
 thofefolitarydefcrts.againft^w^/^againftvenemousferpets, 
 & other innumerable testations .• fo like wife after that we haue 
 bin called &fancltfied 3 before we can enter into that eternal glo- 
 ry & reft which we hope for, we muft firft fight againft the dcuii, 
 the world & ourowneconcupifcences. If at any time they were 
 bitten with ferpents,they had no other means to heale and reco- 
 uer them felves, and to keepe them from their venim, but to lift 
 vp their eyes,and to looke vpon the bralen ferpent, which Moy» 
 fishy 'the commandement of God had erected to this purpofe. 
 Soiikewife if we be flung or hurt either by our enemies, or by 
 die inordinate luftes of our faith, whereby we lift vp the eyes of 
 ourheartes to behold Chrifl hfta hanging vpon theCrolTe:We 
 may beholdc in this fimilitude our righteoufnes very excellently 
 and very fitly defcribed,and that the greateft part thereofconfiv 
 ftethin the grace and mercie of God, which it pleafeth him to 
 beftowevpon vs, not onely when hecallethvs, butaifo ever 
 after fo long as wee live in this worlde, pardoneth our tranf- 
 greftions by his great goodneffe, and for theloue of his onely 
 
 Sonne 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 101 
 
 Sonne by whomcwce arc commended and reconciled vnto 4. of the 
 him. He alfofctteth dovvne another companion very fitce and tbiefitbat 
 agreeable to the fame purpofe.* and that is of the two thieves, v ^ cru ^fed 
 who fufrered with Cbrtftfcy the which(faith he)ai men both the Z£ h y obt ^ m 
 godly and the vngodly arc reprefented. 7f one fhould examine ncd mercy at 
 the lives of thefe two poore& wretched :hecves,there would be the bands >{ 
 found fmall difference betweene them. For both of them were cbtiftiefiu. 
 very wicked and naughty perfons,& fuch as had deferved death 
 bythelawes. In like maner there is no difference betwecne the 
 ele&& the reprobatejforboth ofthem are vicious,not onely by 
 naturcbutallo in converfation. And there is not one(as David pfal.14.1. 
 faith,& like wife Paul) that doth good, & that hath not deferved Roro.3.10. 
 afhamefull death at Gods handes, if he fhould deale as men de- 
 ferue.Therc is then no other diftindtion betweenc them,but that 
 which diftinguifheth the malefactors. For as the one was faved 
 for that he did firft acknowledge &confefTe his faults, and then 
 that he to whom he confefled the was willing to pardon them: 
 folikewife the difference betweene the ele&& the reprobate is 
 this,thattheonedo acknowledge their finnes& are heartily fo- 
 ry for them,and withal do continually crie vnto Cbriftlcfafcc- 
 king for hclpe at his hands who was crucified for them: whereas 
 on the cotrary,the other will not acknowledge their own weak- 
 nes, 6V therefore they grow fo proud, & arc puffed vp with fuch 
 a conceit ofthem felves,that they give them fclvcs to all kind of 
 fenfualitie,& wholy delite in things ofthis wor!d,& fo in the end 
 doe die both impenitent and obftinatefinners, neither doe they 
 know £hri/l lefw, but rather contemne and defpifehim,as that 
 proude and mallcpertthiefe did : yea they barke and bay at him, 
 even as doggesdoe at fuch as are not of their acquaintance. 
 
 This comparifon then made by this holy and excellent Do- 
 ctor, tendeth to this ende, to fhewvs, that we are righteous as 
 the thiefe was righteous : that is to fay, by confeffion and re- 
 pentance of our finnes, and by the remiflicn that wee obtaine 
 byalivcly faith in Chriftleftu. And as our forefathers who were 
 very wife and well aduifed in many thinges, hauealwaycs attri- 
 buted vnto him thefe two names, goods and Thief e % and that 
 after his death, when as heewas nowc glorified, and reigned 
 in Paradife with Cbnft lefw, fignifying by one of the fayde 
 
 Dd 3 names 
 
%.htbatof 
 tbe moone 
 Vfhkbbor- 
 roveth ber 
 light of the 
 fume. 
 
 o/tbcohedi 
 ence which 
 weovevnto 
 Cod. 
 
 THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 names what grace and favour God had fhewed him: and by the 
 other,the qualitieand defertofhisowne finne. By the famerca- 
 ion may we terme Chrifttans ,cither good murtherers,good ido- 
 laters,or good whoremafters,or good flaundercrs, or good fin- 
 ners, according vnto the finne whereto they hauc bene moil 
 addi&ed. For in thus doing, wee alwayes giuc theglorieof 
 their juftice and righteoufnefTc vnto the grace and favour of 
 God. And to humble them withall, wee put them in minde 
 what punifhment they fhoulde haue, if God (houlde deale 
 with them according vnto their defartes. Nowc becaufe the 
 greateft and the beft parte ofcherighteoufnefTeofallChriftians 
 doe lye and confift in Imputation, that is to fay, in that God 
 by the merittesand obedience of his Sonne Cbrtfi } docth hold 
 and account them iuft andrighteous,whenfoever they appeare 
 before him in iudgement: this learned and godly father doeth 
 compare the Church in another place to the Moone ; and 
 faith,that,asthatisofic felfe darkeandobfeure, hauing no o- 
 ther light but that which is borrowed of the Sunnc : fo likewife 
 the Church hath no other righteoufhefTe, but that which is 
 communicated to it, by the death and meritesof Chrtftlefm y 
 from whome fhee is no fooner fevered, but foorthwith fheeis 
 eclipfed, and remainerh in her natural! darkenefle and blinde- 
 nefle, which is farre more fearcful, and is much thicker then 
 that ofthe Moone, when it is declined from the Sunne. Wee 
 may then fully refolve, being enduced thereto by fo many ex- 
 cellent fayings and fiteecompari Tons of this ancient Do6tor,that 
 the firft and principall part of our righteoufneffe is in this, that it 
 pleafeth Cjod to bee merciful! vn:o vs, and to forgiuc vs our 
 finnes for the love of his Sonne Chrift % in whome alone wee 
 ought to put our whole truft and confidence, fo long as. wee 
 are laden with this hcauie burthen of corruptible and finne full 
 Hefli. 
 
 Nowe as touching the feconde, which is the obedience and 
 fervice wee owe vnto God,_ and which wee ought in all faith- 
 full manner to perfourme vnto him, after that hee hath once re- 
 ceivedvs into his houfe itconfi|leth (as Saint ^mbrofe faith) 
 rather in a holy affcclion,thenin anyreall and eficntiall effect. 
 For all that wee can doe, or rather ail that the grace of Qoi 
 
 worketh 
 
AGAINST FEARE. xox 
 
 workcth in vs fo long as wcc are in this worlde, is a defire to 
 feme and obey him .• and when foever wee Fayle hereof to 
 make vs heartely forie for it, and in the acknowledging of our 
 finncs, to make vs returne to him, and humbly to defire and 
 craue his mercie and pardon for them, and that it would pleafc 
 him to vouchsafe to take pitieofvs. Wee are herein very like 
 vnto ficke perfons , who defire nothing fo much as to bee in 
 health, andto re cover their former flrcngth : and therefore they 
 are veriecarcfull to obferue all the rules of phificke, and what- 
 soever elfe th?y thinke may be availcablc for the recoverieof 
 their ftrength and health: and yet for all that they can notbefo 
 carefull nor fo watchfull overthcmfelues, but that oftentimes 
 they fall into their difeafes againc, and muft needes haue the 
 helpe ofthe phifition. 
 
 In like manner confidering the feebleneffe, and weakenefle 
 ofourfoules, andtheirvariableandvncertainedilpofition,wee 
 had neede to meditate continually in the Lawe of £od, which 
 is the regiment of their health, and flrive (according to that 
 raeafure of grace which hee hath giuenvs by his holySpirite) 
 to obferve and folio we it in all pointes Co farre foorth aspoflibly 
 we may. But although wee ftuddic by all meanes that may bee 
 to doe lb, yet can we not bee foprecife herein, neither yet fb 
 provident, but that wee fhall fall into r»3ny grievous difeafes, 
 and therefore we muftf when we haue done what we can) haue 
 our recourfe vnto this excellent and foveraigne receipt ofthe 
 mercieof(jod,whowil hauepitie vpon vs,when as he fhal con- 
 sider that itproceedeth not of any intemperance or euilldyec 
 that wee keepe, but of a natural infirmitic that is in vs, that wee 
 fall fo often into our olde difeafes. For weemuft not imagine Mother fi- 
 that heeislike vnto fome cruell and heard hearted creditour, %®^ £l 
 which will not relcafe one pennie of that which is due vnto ^Xi« * 
 Aim, but will haue all payde and that to the vttermoft far- Godreqw- 
 thing.Heis merciful vntoalmen,yea to his enemies,cV therefore rethofvu 
 he will not be cruel &vnmerciful vnto his children, and we may 
 be wel a(Tured,that as he hath (hewed himfelf vnto our fathers, 
 fo he wil be vnto vs,& therforc al though in ftead of gold which 
 weowehim,wehauenothigbutir6,yetmuitwepluckvpgood 
 
 Dd 4 hearts 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 heartes, and carrie fuch as wcehauetohim, and bee certaine- 
 lyperfwaded, that hee willhaue greater regarde vnto hismer- 
 cie inbearing with our povcrtieand wantofabilitie, then to 
 his jufticein requiring of vs, whatsoever is due vnto him: al- 
 wayes remembring this, that wee mull not bee idle andcare- 
 lefle.Forifheeonce pcrceiue that wee are carcfull, and that wee 
 will take paines and doe what w f ee canto pay him that which 
 wee owe, and as our power and abilitie will ferve vs, hee will 
 take pence for teafters, andfhillinges forcrownes, and will re- 
 ceive a little for all that wee owe him, and will accounte vs 
 righteous, if hee once fee in vs a will and defire to doe that 
 jL third fi- which is good and picafing in his fight. Euen as wee com- 
 milituda. monly accounte a good traveller, not onely him that hath al- 
 readie gone his journey, but alfo fuch an one as is readieprelt 
 and willing to goe for vvarde inhis way. The conclufion then 
 ofthis fecond point is this, thatto bee accounted righteous be- 
 fore uod,it is not requifite that in all our thoughtes, counfels,de- 
 fires, wordes, workes, and generally allour whole conventi- 
 on, wee fhouldbec fo vpright and conformablevntohis will 
 and Lawe, that weefhoulde not omitany thing of whatfoever 
 is commanded vsfforthat is impoffib!e,confideringthe great 
 and wondeifull corruption of our nature, and the miferable 
 and wretched eftate wherein wee are) But it is onely requi- 
 red of vs, that wee fhouldc humble our felves and acknow- 
 ledge and confeiTe that wee are miferable and wretched fin- 
 ners, as wee haue alrcadie prooved: And next vnto this, that 
 wee repofc our whole trufr. and confidence in his mercies 
 ^bt^obedi aiK * P rom ^ es wn i cn hee hath made vnto vs: And thirdly, 
 encewbkb tnat vvce P r ^ ent our felves before him in the Name and 
 Godrcqui- Mediation of his fonne Cbnft lefa, and for his fake crave 
 mhatowr remifTion and forgivencfle of our finnes: And finally, the 
 bonder better to make mmifeft fuch great and ex:ceding bountic 
 and goodncs towards vs,wemu ft confecrate the rclt of our liues 
 tothepraife and honour of his Name, andfeekc the advance- 
 ment of his glorie fo much as we may : humbly befeeching hirr> 
 to continue his gracious and loving favour towardesvs, and to 
 winke at fuchfaultcsas hedaily findcth in vs, and to accept of 
 our good willesas offufficientduetyes,and to take the great and 
 
 exceeding 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 103 
 
 exceeding difpleafure wc haucwith our felues for our manifold 
 
 tranfgrenions } asafuilandabfolutcfatisfa6lionforallourfinnes. 
 
 It remaineth now that wc vndcrftand what the reafon is,why 3 The na/cn 
 
 that when he hath called & regenerated vs, he will not vouch- vhy that af- 
 
 fafe vsfuch grace and fauour, ascokeepe vsin his waies, and to m ourre l e ~ 
 
 make vs fo perfect and abfolutc,that there be nomore any re- J^ZigV 
 
 pugnancie or contradiction to his will and pleafure: that is to W anyinfir- 
 
 fay; that we neither thinke any thing in our minds, nor loue any mities&re* 
 
 thing with our hearts, nor yet fuffer our fenfes to delight in that bejlious m- 
 
 which is notconfonant and agreeable vnto his lawes and com- n ™* a & m P 
 
 mandements. Many and efpecially fuch, as are moftafraideto 
 
 offend him,and are bed affected toward his feruice, doe thinke 
 
 with them felues, that if they could obtaine fuch mercy at his 
 
 hands,that they (hould be moft happie and fortunate,yea, and 
 
 that then they (hould line a very angelical and holy life. Which 
 
 lamperfwadedismofttruc: Andlmuftnecdes confe(Te,thac 
 
 there can be no greater felicitie, then to loue God with all our 
 
 hearts, with all ourfbules,and with all our ftrength. But feeing 
 
 that both experience,and the Scripture teachcth vs, that he will 
 
 not beftow fuch grace andfauourvponvs, and therefore that it y Ct capable of 
 
 is impoffible that wee fhould attaine vnto any fuch perfection fi great a 
 
 folong as wc are in this life,I fay, that we ought to be content good, neither 
 
 with fuch graces, as it pleafeth God to bef to w vpon vs, and af- **" expedth 
 
 furedly to beleeueand perfwadeourfcIucs,that we are not ca- \ at ^ ye t f j 
 ui cr 11 j • r \m • m fhould 
 
 pable or fo excellent and precious a treafurc. Moreouer it were y aue t }, e fi- H . 
 
 not profitable for vs,that fo great a reuenew fhould be commit- won thereof 
 
 ted into our handes,feeingasyct, we are wards and vnderage, 
 
 befides our fm all discretion in the vfing of fuch great wealth, fo 
 
 long as wee are conuerfant among fuch wicked companie as is 
 
 in the world,and ruled by the lewd counfel of our corrupt flefh. 
 
 Let vs,Iprayyou, confider this a !fo: that if fo be our firtt father 
 
 'j4dam 9 who was created in fuch integritieandperfeclion,and in 
 
 whome the graces of God fhincdin moft bright and beautifull 
 
 manner,was not able tore/if} one fm all and light temptation in 
 
 Paradife, where hewas,asit were, hedged about withthefa- 
 
 uour and loue of God : what fhall wee doe, who hue in this 
 
 wretched and miserable world,where we are affaulted oneucry 
 
 fide with fo many and fo furious temptations ? and if hee, who 
 
 was 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 was clothed with fuch coftly and precious garments,and wrap- 
 ped vp in the manifold blcfUngs of God, would notwithftau- 
 ding through a diuelifh preemption, and amoft curfedingrati- 
 tude,forgat him of whom hce hadreceiued fo many excellent 
 benefits : is it poffible that we ftiould be better aduifed, & more 
 fufficient to kecpeour hearts and mindes from this pride and 
 i.Byreafon preemption f And hereby we may gather hew expedient it is 
 of our infr- for vs,and how neceffariefor our faluation, that God, after hee 
 unties ve doe hath regenerated and renuedvs,(hould notwithftanding ftill 
 derftlnd™' ^qz many infirmities to dwell in vs, to the e tide they may mi- 
 Tvbat needs nifteroccafion,andbeameansto humble vs,and to make vsac- 
 wt biue of knowledge that we haue no other righteoufnes, but that which 
 tberigbte- Hech in Chrift Iefus,and in the remiffion of our finnes : nor any o- 
 
 c7 "Hi ° f Z ^ cv k°P e t0 ^ e ^ aucc ^>^ ut by tne on ty g rac€ a °d mercy of God. 
 Auguftf vis $ft4*&*fti** companng lob with Adam i faith, that /^fitting 
 the i9.Tfal vpon the dunghill, did valiantly refift both the woman and the 
 deuill,and therefore was with great honour receiued into Para- 
 dife.Wc cannot too often remember thefe two examples,feing 
 they teach vs, that there is nothing more force able, or more a- 
 uaileablc to humble vs and keepe vs in truereare of God,then in- 
 firmities and temptations: wherto we cannot but acknowledge 
 our felues to be very fubieft. For pride,which was the firft finnc 
 wherewith we were infected, is alfofasthe fame holyDoclor 
 faith in many of hisbookes)rhe laft corruption which departeth 
 from vs,and there is nothing in this world that we are (b long in 
 learning of, nor fo difficult for a man to pra&ife, as to be hum- 
 ble,Iowly,and to thinke bafely of himfelfe.For what poorc beg- 
 gar or botcher is there, that is not fomewhat conceited of him- 
 (clf,orthat hath not fome opinio of his own perfon?& howca 
 it be but that we fhould account and efteeme of fuch things as 
 „ arc of prife with the worlde, feeing we boaft& brag oftentimes 
 
 i\ . uec0 sO f that which is difcommended among men.and thought to be 
 jtaeration of . • . . -« ri 111.1 
 
 our pride, vcr y vamc anc * vicious ! For we Ice there are many that delight 
 
 dravethvsto indancing,fomein dicing and carding,others infwearing,drink- 
 
 humility, ingjruffling.and quarrclling,yea,poorc men doe often gloric in 
 
 ^'rw/*' their pouertie,& vantof theirpatchedcloakes. Seeing then,that 
 
 C thezracei& this curfed pride hath taken fuch deeperoote in our hearts,that 
 
 giftsof God. it is a difficult matter to plucke it out, either by in(tru6tions, 
 
 threat- 
 
AGAINST FEAR E. 104 
 
 threatnings, commandements,or any remonllrances what Co e- 
 ucr, I am vcrely perfwaded, that among the manifold teftimo- 
 nics and innumerable proofes, which God hath giuen from 
 time to time of his great wifedome anddiuinc prouidence, and 
 thofe excellent graces which God hath and doth daily beftow 
 vpon vs, this is not the leaft: that after hee hath called vs to the 
 knowledge of his S6ne,& vnited vs vnto him by that faith which 
 wehaueinhisGofpel,he hath (till left feuerall infirmities &fun- 
 dric great imperfections inhabiting & dwelling in our flefh.and 
 by this meancs we arc the more apt to be partakers of his mercy 
 with a ioyful remembrance & an aflured pcrfwafion of his grace 
 & fauour towards vs. And furthermore, with thefe curfed & da- 
 nable rclikes of finne, which doe exceedingly abound & flowc 
 in vs,hee doth correct & rebuke this proud & fwclling humour 
 which hath bin the ouerthrow both ofmen & angels, making of 
 this miferable & wretched cftate of ours,as it were, a tryacle & 
 prcferuatiue againft miferie.For cuen as the apothecaric makcth Afjtmlitude. 
 a receipt of ferpents skins,which is very auaileablc againft their 
 venemousbitings andpoifbnedftingings: folikewiTe doth our 
 good God compound & make a moft excellent medicine of our 
 finne & iniquitie,to preferue vs (as we haue faid already,) fr5 this 
 dangerous infection of pride:& willeth that according to the ex- 
 ample ofhim that was ficke of the palfie,we fhould continually M excellent 
 carrie our beds vpon our fhoulders , after that we haue bin once *&&&> 
 healcdrnot only to the end we fhould remeber that grace&mer- 
 cy which he hath fhewed vs,but alfo that we fhould be mindfull 
 of that fauour & loue which he doth daily fhew vs in healing vs 
 by the continuall pardoningof all ourfinnes and offences.- and 
 herein he doth imitate thofe furgeons, whokcepaniflue at their ^JJfjJ?^' 
 foares,deferring to heale & cure them,for that they would haue m * ' 
 the difeafedperfon ftil to feeke to him. Let vs nowe confider of 
 that which hath bin fpoken, as well touching that ductie which 
 God required at our hands, as alfo that righteoufnes and perfe- 
 ction which is requifiteforaChriftian,andwhattheoccafiois, 
 that we are (til clogged with thefe infirmities & imperfe<5tions,& 
 we fhal eafily difcern,whether there be any other waies to come 
 into the grace and fauour of our God, then by obferuing of his 
 commandements & ftatutes: and likewife whether we haue a- 
 ny fuch great caufe to feare and tremble as wee doe, when 
 
 we 
 
THE SEVENTH BOOKE. 
 
 we enter into the confederation of our manifbldc finnes and im- 
 perfections. 
 l.JmnJl Some others there are,who in remembring their horrible and 
 tbetewtati* fearefullorTences,doe vttcrly defpaire of the rcmifllon of them, 
 o*pr*ceectig for that they are perfwaded,that God will examine euery thing 
 of the fare t j ut IS ami {f c ver y rtraightly & very feuerely .Which if he fhouid 
 VfGod" 14 ' doe,euery onefas 'Dd/Wfaithjfhould be found culpable,and be 
 iudgemnn, in danger to be condemned and deftroyed. But we hauefhew- 
 pfal. 143. ed berore,that there is no condemnation to fuch as arc in Chrift 
 The fit? Icfus; and not onely no condemnation, but alfo no accufation 
 remedte. w hich (hall preiudice them , feeing that God on the one fide iu- 
 ftifieth thcm,and Icfus Chrifi on the other fide, is dead and rifen 
 againe,and become a Mcdiatour and an interceiTour for them. 
 And that this is true,it doth manifeftly appecre by the examples 
 of fuch as are deade already, as alfo whatihallbe the eftate and 
 condicionofthe children of God, after their departure out of 
 Examples fir this life.Was not Lazarus his foule immediatly after his death, 
 the proofs of caried into Abrahams bofome?Did not the thiefe the fame day 
 *mhMe%de that hcwas hanged,enterwithChrift IefusintoParadifePWas 
 before. not S.Steucn receiued into heauen presently after he was ftoned 
 to death?Which examples haue beeneleft vntovsinthe Scrip- 
 tures, not onely to declare the great goodnes & mercie of God 
 towards them, but alfo to manifeft what grace and fauour hee is 
 purpofed to beftowe vponall true Chriftians, whofe Hues and 
 aftions (halbenomore examined,then werethofeoftheperibns 
 before mentioned. And wemuft notthink,that heentertaineth 
 ByfimMtudt themotherwi(e,then a louing father doth his children,whcn as 
 they come to hishoufe,orthathefpeaketh of any thing,butthac 
 which may minifter comfort and confoiation vnto them.For he 
 By tefmo- wil fay vnto them ,as S.CMatthew reporteth:It is wel done,good 
 »**• feruant and faithfull : thou haft beene faithfull in a little,I will 
 
 make thee ruler ouermuchrenter in to thy maftersioye: Or elfc, 
 come ye bleffed of my Father, inherit ye the kingdom prepared 
 fbryou,from the foundations of the world:forI was hungrie,and 
 ye gaueme meate,&c. Whereby wee may gather that nothing 
 fhalberemcmbrcdjbut onely that little good which they haue 
 done: all their euill workesfhalbe either buried in thebottome 
 of the earth, or drowned in the depth of the fea , that they neuer 
 
 come 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 105 
 
 come foorth into judgement to accufe them : yea, all thofe wri- 
 tings and informations which may in any wife hurt orteftific a- 
 gainft them,(haibe cancelled and tome in picccs.We then,v\ho 
 areiultificdby hisgrace,necdenot fcarethe rigour and fcueritie 
 of his iudgements^r difpaire ofthe remiflion of our finnes, but 
 the consideration of them is very fearefulto the wicked, who by 
 reafon of their finne and infidelitie,are culpable in his fight. And 
 in decde, we fhould be fo farrefrom beeing afraidof the Judge- 
 ments of God, that it fhould rather comfort and reioyce vs. For 
 feeing it is commended vnto vs,as one ofthe articles of our faith, 
 which is comrade to feare anddefpaire, either we muft riot bc- 
 leeuc it,orifweedoe,it fhould tende to our comfort and confo- 
 lation. 
 
 There are others alfo,who if any newe aduerfitic happen vn- 6t ^#* ; '«/^ 
 to them,they prefently defpaire ofthe graces of God,and thinke Jl"ticbpTo- 
 that this vifitationproceedeth of his anger, and for fome finne, ccedetb ofthe 
 which he laieth to their charge, which make them thinke that confideration 
 he is like vnto aman,ofwhofe loueor hatred we conjecture by ofextiaordi- 
 the countenance and colour of his face. But we are as wonder- naruca ^^ m 
 fully deceiued herein, as were lobs friendes, who vfed the fame m * mal i n 
 and thehke arguments, to perfwade him that he was out ofthe tobeinflifted 
 fauour of God, and that therefore he was foafrli&ed and pu- vponman 
 nifhed as he was.Which ifit were true,it would follow necefla- trough an ir 
 rily,firftofal,thatthefeafflidtionsandfcourges fhould beper- r ^^ r % 
 petuall, feeing there is no man fbholy, but that he hath more God towards 
 vice,then vertue,and more wickednes, then goodnes lying and fime. 
 lurking in him: Secondly, that the Patriarches,Prophets,Apo- Tbefirfi co. 
 frles,and Martyrs of Chrift Iefus,were the greatcft turners in the ^ A r im \ 
 worlde. For as S./W faith, they hauebeenebeaten,whipped, e ' em ' 
 perfccuted,burned,feared,andcaft vnto wild beads: and repu- 
 ted as the very dung and offfcouringof the world : Andthirdly, Tbetbkd. 
 that ifaduerfities be apparant arguments of his difpleafure,then 
 profperitie muft ncedes be amanifeftand acertaine figne of his 
 fauour and loue toward vs:Whereas the Apoftle fpeaking ofthe 
 one,faith,that it prouoketh vs to repentance : and making men- 
 tion ofthe other: he faith, that the rods and chaftifementsof the 
 other,are euident tokens of his loue. Wee may thenfafely con- 
 clude,that thefe accidental! miferies, ought not to make vs douc 
 
 of 
 r 
 
THE SEVENTH BO OKE. 
 
 of the mercieand fauour of God. 
 7.0ftktttp- Wc arc alfo marucloufly difquictcd oftentimes, when as wc 
 uuon wbkh 'compare our fclues with thofe who haue bene,or are at this prc- 
 frtcecdetb •/ f cnc accoume d vcrtuous and godly men . For in reading or hca- 
 fin betlteiu ring of their holincsandheaucnly conuerfation, and comparing 
 our fclues & itwithourowne wicked &vngodlya£tions,wc can not but ac- 
 fucbatae knowledge a maruelous difference bee weene them and vs,and 
 holy and god^ t herforc think with out felues > that we are very wicked & vniuft. 
 rbefrftcon* ^ ut herein we are many waies deceiucd.And fuft of all,that wc 
 /iteration, imagine that the righteoufnesof aChriftian doth confift in his 
 works, and notinthercmiffionof hisfinnes. For though that 
 Abrahw was charitable,patienc,milde,low!y and careful to do 
 hisductie ineuery thing, yet for all that, he was not righteous 
 in the fight of God, but oncly by that grace, which itpleafed 
 God to impart vnto him, by imputing ynto him the righteouf- 
 nes of his Sonnc,through the faith which he had in hispromi- 
 Tbtftcond. fes. Secondly, if we williudge of mens vertues , we muft paflc 
 ouer many of their faults, as their corrupt natures , their vainc 
 words,thcir wicked imaginations, their leude affections, & pol- 
 luted hearts:al which wc fhould carefully Scdiligently examine, 
 before wc can pronounce them righteous according to the law. 
 Nowe there is no question, but the moft vpright man that euer 
 was,hath infinitely tranfgrefled herein, as it may moft plainly be 
 prooued by their ownc confclFions: and therefore we muft not; 
 thinke,that they haue bin exempted from£*yeere . In like man- 
 their faults be not reucalcd vnto vsmcjifcneat is fo forceable, as is 
 fionsmake vs imagine that wejvroncupifcences.We muft then 
 well as they were, thouciybc to quench it : which wc fhallef- 
 -^thttdt. andmc^ri^j^Vl'lloe carefully remember, and diligently put in 
 pra&ife that which hath bin before rehearfed. For euen as it fa- 
 reth wteh thefe great maftifes which wee nourifti, the better to 
 keepeourgoodsfromftealingand pilfering away, though they 
 Plutarch >'« u arkc neuer ( Q fi crcc l V) y et if they be rebuked by the mafter of 
 
 tlonoftbe fently defift and leaue off from furtheritirring : folikewife the 
 
 mnde. moftfutious andviolentpaflionthatmaybe,wilfoonebc qui- 
 
 et,if they be accuftomed to be rebuked by reafon, and not fufTc- 
 
 red tobarkeand bay at their owne pleafures.But aboue al things 
 
 wc 
 
AGAINST FEARE. 106 
 
 the confideratio of the multitude of our finncs,but we mull fted- 
 faftly beleeuethatwearcthc children of God, as well as the An- 
 gels them fclues. It is certen that they are the eldcft fonnesf as 
 Philo faith) becaufe they haue not finned at all, but we are the 
 youngcrtybrthatfafter the example ofthc prodigall childe) wee 
 doc repent vs and are heartily forie for our iinnes. 
 
 There isalfo one thing more, which doth greatly trouble our *«*Sfl**** 
 confeiences, & doth often make vs doubt whether we be of the -JJJJJg^ 
 nomber of Gods children, & that we haue the mercy of God to f the great 
 iuftifievs>ornot.Andthatis:whenwedocnotfindcinourfelucs wannthat 
 aliuely &feruent faith ,cit her in praying vntoGod,orinpraifing * rcm ** 
 of his holy name in confcflingofhisbountictowardcs vs . The 
 better to armevsagainft this temptation, wemufl vnderftad firft Thefirjlrt- 
 of all,that the holines & fanititie of thcChurch is let downc and medic 
 propounded vnto vs, as an vndoubted article of our faith,to the 
 end that we fliould not make any queftton thereof, though it be 
 not fo apparant & fenfible^as arc thecoulers & fauours of fwcec 
 & delightfbme flowers. Eucn as then we doe notthinke that the 
 fire which is raked vp in the allies, is cleane put out, though *4eonfma- 
 that neither the light appearetiyior yet the heate thereof can be tionbyftmi- 
 difcerncd:and as that tree is not dead,which in winter hath nei- J * 
 therleaueSjbloflbms, norfruitevponit, nor yet any other thing 
 which maybe as a figncofthe life that is hid within it: fo like- 
 wife mav not we be faid to be without faith, for that fometrmes. 
 
 4 & fmothered in vs.Secondly,we muft co- . 
 1 : s like vnto a winde which bloweth rem 'Jfa* 
 *Ken,thatwearcveryvnfitto(ec 
 VhtheholyGhofttoo. 
 vk! ^"'^-Hcrrull 
 
 Ec. 1 
 
1 nu 
 
 o jl; t l, n i u 
 
 V>* ^ AV Iji 
 
 A fit {ML 
 tuit. 
 
 Mother 
 Jmlithde. 
 
 be not bridled with the rules of reafon, and,asit werc,tamed and 
 made gentle by difcreetc handling. Imitating herein the Lace- 
 demomansy who were accuftomed to make their flaues drunkc, 
 and afterwards to (he wc them to their children,that they feeing 
 their filthie behauiour and loathfomc countenances, mightbe 
 the rather induced to auoidc all intemperance what foeuer. In 
 like manner my whole fcope and purpofchath beene in this dif- 
 courfe,to fhewe, what diforder and confufion vnruly defiresand 
 ▼ntamed humours haue bred and hatched in all inch perfons, as 
 hauc beene flaues to their owne affe<Sttons,tothe end, that euery 
 one that hunger and thirlt after a peaceable and quiet eftate, 
 may plainly perceiue,that there is no other meanes to attain their 
 wimedend,butonely to curb them fliort, and ride them with a 
 (harp bit/or that they arc very headftrong and vnruly jades.For 
 cuen as a gold ring doth not fo fbone touch a goutie or difcafed 
 finger, but that prefendy it caufeth great and intolerable griefe: 
 fo likewife the humours, riches , pleafures, and profit of this 
 world, doe nothing elfe but molcft and trouble ourminds,either 
 withambitio or couetoufnes. Which paflions areeuen as pricks 
 and eating foaresor vlccrs at die heart, which bite and gna we 
 continually, neuer fufferingit to take reft, or toliueateafcand 
 contentedly. And herein they doe fomc what refemble our fe- 
 uers or agues,the heat and cold whereof, though they be inter- 
 nall,yet arc they more extreame and more painful to " 
 then the eoldeft or whoteft feafon of all tj 
 ner there is no fire what fo euer, wl 
 the fcorching flame of our < 
 take all thepaines that 
 &8t\ 
 
AGAINST FEARE. rfl 
 
 we mud ferioufly pray vnto the Almighty,as we haue faid alrea- 
 dy in the beginning, to vouchfafc vs continually the ayde and 
 comforte of his holy fpirite, that thereby we may be enabled 
 torn after them. Forifit pleafeth not him to open our eyes, and The true and 
 vnftoppe our earcs, we (hall never be able of our felves either to tffecluaU 
 fee or vnderftand his tructh, neither will ourheartesbe fitte to ww»« *• 
 receiue the print thereof, iftheybenot mollifycd and foftened ^1/^T 
 by the working of his holy fpirite. skat which 
 
 It remainetb now that we be humble and earner! fuiters vn- bath bent 
 to him, that it would pleafc him for his fonne Chrift lefta fake, befiregok* 
 toenlighten theeyesof ourmindes, that wee mayperfe&ly fee 
 the vanitie of thofe thinges which we fo carefully followc , and 
 the true perfect happincs of that which we fo warily fhun &ef- 
 chewc. And furthermore that he would vouchfafe to turne our 
 hcartes from all fuch thinges as may in any wife moleft and dif- 
 quiet vs,and that by the direction of his holy Spirit, wc may feri- 
 oufly fecke after that which is alwayes accompanied with an 
 aiTured reft and a ioy full comentation. 
 
 Tetbe KtngofKinges, immortallyinvt/ihley And 
 
 iHclj wife God, be all honour y glorie 9 
 
 praife y a»d dominion now 
 
 and for ever yt/4- 
 
 men. 
 
 i • 
 
 Ec. 1 
 
FAVLTS ESCAPED. 
 
 Fault 
 
 ix drawne 
 
 51 the 
 
 54 tyranous 
 
 55 who 
 
 5 j Ariflidcs 
 
 57 in 
 
 82 (tupititie 
 
 80* refolued 
 
 89 catered 
 
 97 ole 
 in the 
 
 124 noxious 
 X55 cue* 
 137 and\ 
 155 captiued 
 109 ruines 
 171 hare , 
 171 harnci 
 184 he 
 289 ouercarac 
 
 read* 
 
 Ccfrre&io* 
 
 driucn 
 
 three 
 
 tyrants 
 
 which 
 
 Anfitdii 
 
 by 
 
 ftupidkie 
 
 diffolucd 
 
 caflcd 
 
 old 
 
 three 
 
 obnoxious 
 
 neuer 
 
 to 
 
 captiuated 
 
 rurncs 
 
 Hart 
 
 hornet 
 
 we 
 
 ouercome 
 
 
 * ■ 
 
y*-^-^^ ■■-< 
 
r 
 

 *\w* 
 
 ^ 
 
 \~.y 
 
 m*\+% 
 
 s. 
 
 / // 
 
 k,/i ■: 
 
 , i • 1-v 
 
■■*■ I 
 
 f/ /p 
 
 m 
 
 

 M&^™1 
 
 M 
 
 *&4