Cheap riches, or, A pocket-companion made of five hundred proverbial aphorismes &c. as the next ensuinge page will more particularly notifie / by Natthanaell Church. Church, Nathanaell. 1657 Approx. 106 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 73 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2014-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A32912 Wing C3990 ESTC R37680 17000090 ocm 17000090 105695

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A32912) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 105695) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1611:60) Cheap riches, or, A pocket-companion made of five hundred proverbial aphorismes &c. as the next ensuinge page will more particularly notifie / by Natthanaell Church. Church, Nathanaell. [24], 115, [4] p. Printed by S.G. to be sold at the Beare and Fountain ..., London : 1657. "Mercurius desideratus" (pp. 103-115) has special t.p. Imperfect: cropped, with print show-through and loss of print. Reproduction of original in the British Library.

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Cheap Riches, OR A Pocket-Companion, Made of Five hundred Proverbial Aphoriſmes, &c. as the next enſuinge page will more particularly notifie.

Prov. 20 14.

Naught; Naught, ſaith the Buyer: but when he is gone away, then he boaſts.

 Chap. 3 14.

For the Merchandize of it is better than the merchandize of Silver, and the Gaine thereof than fine Gold.

By Nathanaell Church.

London, Printed by S. G. to be ſold at the Beare and Fountain in Cheap-ſide, 1657.

The Contents of the Booke. 200 Golden ſayings by Henery Church. 300 Silver ſayings, and the Conſcionable Polititian, by Nathanaell Church.
To the Honourable, William Pen, Vice-Admirall to the Engliſh Navy, whom God preſerve and proſper. Honored Sir,

YOur favourable Expreſſions of tender Charity to me, have neither been few nor ſmall; the Commemoration whereof might well command your unworthy Servant into a better and larger Teſtimony of your noble Generoſity, & my humble Acknowledgement. But I muſt act now not according to your meritorious Worth, but my ſlender Ability.

'Tis pitty that Good-Will ſhould looſe any thing, but what is not worth a Keeping: much leſſe then ſhould well-do •… paſſe thankleſſe on Earth, which goes not rewardleſſe in Heaven.

Sir, I cannot crowd your Beneficence into an Epiſtle, nor Gods miraculous Memorials into the moſt voluminous Folio.

'Tis not unknown what a anguiſhing Diſtemper perſecuted me from Country to City; baniſhed me from ſhore, and almoſt from my Self; gave me many Months Chaſe at Sea, emptied me of comfort, & fill'd me with Complaints: In ſo much as a Pining Body and a repining Soule (the Lord forgive me) were mine inſeparable Companions for a long time. But I will be diſcontented at nothing but my own Diſcontent.

Ever ſince I was your Honours Weak and Worthleſſe Chaplain in the Lyon, Centurion, Fairfax, Triumph, and the James, I wanted nothing but Thankefulneſs; nor could I complain of any thing but my own Ʋnbeliefe. I was among you in fear, & weakneſs, and much trembling, that I may borrow Pauls words 1 Cor. 2.3. though I cannot utter them in that more ſpirituall ſenſe, that He doth.

But I may well ſing to God, Pſal. 103.1,2,3,4,5. verſes, and I pray God make my Life (which he hath graciouſly lengthned) a Comment upon the whole Pſalm.

When I think of my Reſtoratives for Soul and Bodie, that Counſell, Encouragement and Comfort, which your prudent Head, your tender Eye, your honeſt heart, your liberall Hand, your faithfull Tongue adminiſtred unto me, I ſay (from the ſoul of a Nathanael) For my Life I cannot thanke you too much, nor GOD enough And indeed, while I am telling you ſtories of your own Kind-heartedneſſe, me-thinks I heare you reply on this poor crooked Stoper, look up higher to the LIVING GOD, & ſay to that the ſame CELESTIAL EXCELLENTISSIMO, What ſhall I do unto thee, O thou preſerver of men! Job 7.20. What ſhal I render to the Lord for All his benefits towards me? Pſ. 116. •… . I have tryed many helps for my Recovery, but all to no purpoſe. Now I feel, and find that the Lords way is in the Sea, and his Path in the mighty waters, and his foote-ſteps are not knowne, Pſal. 77. •… . To this good and great God (from whoſe Ocean you borrow your ſtreams of Bounty) I recommend your Honour, and all yours, both by Sea and Land, humbly deſiring him to bind up your Soul in the Bundle of Life, to let the Bleſſing of Him that was ready to periſh come upon you (as Job 9.3.) The LORD Regiſter you into the Number of thoſe whoſe Bowels yearn to the diſtreſſed, wh ſe Hands open to the Afflicted, and whom None is able to reward, but He, who hath Moſt and deſerves All, yet is contented with a little in ſincerity; in whom I reſt,

Your Honours often engaged And still indebted, Nathanael Church.
Prevention to the Reader.

FRiends, doe not thinke that theſe brief Sentences were drawn out of thoſe Texts of Scripture quoted after them. For the Sayings were written ſome Years before any Quotations were made. And thoſe places of Scripture were only ſet down to ſhew how near theſe rationall Maximes come to divine Verity, and how nigh Kin Faith and Reaſon are.

I Call my Fathers Golden ſayings, and my own Silver, becauſe his have the Priority, not only of Time, but alſo of Eſtimate: and beſides mine Excell his in Nothing but Number, as Children do the Parents, and as Stars do the Sun and Moon.

As for my own Sentences, they have little or nothing in them that I have begg'd, or borrowed. Nay I fear, it will be ſaid, that they have too much of my Self in them. But though they are like the Cobweb, ſpun out of my own Bowels, yet ſome of them well applyed may ſtench a bleeding Conſcience.

They are (moſt of them) common Notions, but never the worſe for that: For the Sun, the Day, the Ayre, the Fire, the Water, the Earth, and the Goſpel are not the worſe for being cōmon, but the better. Boni proprium eſt eſſe cōmune, Tis proper to that wch is good, to be common: And that which does good to many, is more excell •… and more divine, ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , as Ariſtot.) then that, that does good to one only.

They are Trilineals, or three lines a piece (moſt of them) and ſo more portable for the Memory.

They are Pentad's, or juſt five in a Page: ſo that a man, (though ſtreightned in Time, notwithſtanding) may read to a Period preſently, & carry a Theam to think on with him, as an Antidote againſt worſe thoughts.

The very blank Spaces between them will prove advantagious to one that has any Good-husbandry, for there he may interſcribe any other compendious Apothegme, at Pleaſure and Leiſure.

As for my failings, I hope they will prove either but ordinary, or but few. But I could wiſh this were the worst uſe I had made of my Pen, I hope 'tis not the beſt.

And he that every day doth mend, Shall ſure be perfect in the end

Much good may they do thee, Who ever thou art, Friend or Foe: ſo ſaies He, who is (in his Prayers to God for thee,)

Thine, (whether thou wilt or no) N. C.
To the Reader. READER, Th' haſt here a little Cabinet, Or Jewels rare: a precious Ring be ſet With richeſt Stones: a Noſe-gay that doth yeeld A ſweet and fragrant Smell. Each common Field Hath not ſuch Flowers as theſe. To tell thee true, Here's nothing doth accoſt thee, but whats new. Theſe are not Forreign Proverbs Engliſhed: N • ſure: they are all Brittains born and breed. READER, thoul't ſay, having read th' Adages The Author's MASTER OF THE SENTENCES. Edw: Hicks M.A. utriuſ que Academiae.
To the Reader. REeader, Th'haſt here a birth, which as I gather, For it's conception ows to Son and Father: An Iſſue which for'ts Mid wifery doth ſtand Mixtly indebted both to Sea and Land. A lawful Prize. But o the Devil of Gain! One Pocket now two Churches can contain! Well. Yet beware thou, how thy Cenſure blots The Author: ther's no Church without its ſpots. He's a Nathanael, credit me, and I'le Avouch, when he wrote theſe, there was no guile. Poſſeſt his heart. Come, ſhew thy ſelf to be A Friend to Church, and I'le be ſo to thee. But if thou haſt a place for wonder fit, Give it the CHURCH and COMMON WEALTH of WIT. C. F. M.A.
Authoris Amicus ad Lectorem. MUch Profit, Wiſdome, Learning, in Few Words, Small, this Cheap, this Uſefull Tract affords. On any Page vouchſafe to caſt thine Eye: And if thou canſt not like it, caſt it by. How e're deſpiſe not this Sententi •… Schoole; Leaſt thou be ſentenc'd a Cenſorious Foole. Reader what-ever, if thou honeſt be: It merits to keep Company with thee. Will. Bodham.
To his Ingenous Friend Mr. Nathanael Church on his Pocket-Companion. VVHil'ſt thou was toſs't upon the waving Main, Me-thought Noes Ark was floating once again. Thy Friends on Land were troubled much for thee, To prove their Churches viſibility. Now if I want thy good ſociety, Thy book mean while ſhall my Companion be. Where whiles thy Hand ſpeaks to mine Eye: ſo here. Mine eye becomes thy Hands Interpreter. If great Bookes be great evils, thou ha •… ſh • wn A remedy: Thine's but a little one. Since Coyn's grown ſcant, 'twas wiſely done by thee, To keep our Pockets from vacuity. Tho. Ford.
Author ad Patrem jam 17. annos defunctum. WEll, I'le drop one Encomiaſticke, rather Then by a Clowniſh ſilence robb my Father. Leſt. if by me that name be vilifi'd, I'me named ſacriligious parricide, Though Him to praiſe, there needs no Paines, or Skill. Of whom his very Foes could not ſpeake ill. Here needs no Floriſhes, go, cunning Pates, Goe, ſleep: His own workes praiſe him in the Gates. Nay all the Rhetorick I can deviſe, Is but to multiply Tautologies. His Theologick Miſcellanies can Him ſtudious prove, to know both GOD and MAN. His Coffer long agoe is dead and rotten: The Good mans Treaſure muſt not be forgotten. His Chriſtian letters moſt eleborate, Now out of print, I'de buy at any Rate. Meane while I will be thankefull, not repine, My Fathers Gold and Silver both are Mine. N. C. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 H. C. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
A Pocket-cOmpanion.

THings unkown we neither deſire, nor feare

'Tis extraordinary Wickedneſs, to think Nothing to be wicked.

Some Hearers are like the Aire, only hot, when the Sun ſhineth. See Mat. 13. four ſorts of hearers.

Short Time hath long Wings, and flies away ſwiftly.

We may well ſpare our Thoughts from things impoſſible and unprofitable.

That Soul that is moſt watchfull, it leaſt ſinfull, Matth. 26.41. Rev. 16.15.

We can fathom from a Giants Heart to his Mouth; not a Diſſemblers, ſee Jer. 12.2.

Gods Mercies are as the Fountain, not as the Land-flood, viz. conſtant, not uncertain, and beneficiall not prejudiciall.

Milk not drawn, putrifies; Riches not uſed, ruſt. See James 5.2,3. ſee Matth. 6.19,20.

We are like the Aire, dark of our ſelves, Grace make us light, ſee 2 Cor. 4 6.

Prophane Teachers like Mercuriall ſtatues, direct Others, not Themſelves, Rom. 2. v. 1. and v. 17. to 24.

This little Time is between too vaſt Eternities, conſider Pſal. 90. and Pſal. 102.24. to the end.

If two whiſtle, the Dog ſtill comes to Him that hath the Bone, note Sauls words, 1 Sam. 22.7.

The Hawke flies higheſt, but the Hen is the better diſh, ſee Prov. 15.33. Taſt the next Aphoriſm.

The Wicked have often the greateſt preferment, but the Godly are alwaies moſt profitable, Heſt. 6. and 7. Chapters.

The ſhadow of Fame is ſometimes long, ſometimes ſhort. As in Joſeph, Job, Jacob, Nebnehadnezer, Dan. 4.

Much Grace makes a little Heaven here: truth of Grace makes ſure of Heaven hereafter.

A Diſpenſation to ſin is nothing ſo good as a Diſpoſition againſt ſin. Compare Saul with Paul. Study Rom. 7.14. to the end.

The more the Church ſuffers here, the Enemy ſhall ſuffer hereafter, Micah. 7,8,9,10. Prov. 24.15.16,17,18.

Cham eſcaped drowing by Water, yet was drowned in ſin, Gen. 9.18. to 28.

Diſtempered Affections make our Griefs exceed our Croſſes, Gen. 30.1. Matth. 2.18. Jonah. 4.9.

That which is a Burthen within, is like to be a Blemiſh without, Pſalm 38.4,11. Rom. 6.21.

Sin often prevailes againſt the godly, but their Reſolution ſtill revives, Pſalm 39.1. Pſalm 17.3.

Heavines and Fear very much hinder good duties, Pſalm 69 3. Prov. 29.25. 1 Sam. 26.19. Pſalm 40.12.

In out diſtempers, or ill company, or ſolitarineſs, Sathan watches; ſee Aphoriſm 278.

Diabolicall thoughts are as duſt blowne; the fault is not in the Eyes, 2 Cor. 12.7,8,9. Rom. 7.17.

What Satan ſuggeſts that Melancholly keepes. As in the deſpaire of Cain, Saul, Judas, &c.

They never proſper, whom Gods Children do pray againſt, Exo. 17.11. Iſa. 54.17.

GOD waſhes with blood, We with teares, Luke 7.38. Revel. 1.5. Zach. 13.1.

None do believe, becauſe they are worthy to believe, Epheſ. 28. Heb. 12.2.

'Tis better to beare Scoffes, than to diſſemble Holineſs, Marke 8.38. Rom. 1.16. Jer: 20.7,8,9. Heb. 11.36.

We have more comfort of what we give, than of what we get, Pſal. 39.6. Eccleſ. 2.18,19. Pſalm 41.1,2,3,4. Acts 20.35.

Men are aſhamed to make ſatisfaction, who ſhamed not to ſin, Job. 31.33. 1 Sam. 15.9,11,15,30.

A true Convert purſueth Sin to Victory, 2. Tim. 4.7. Rom. 12.21. 1 John 5.4.

The World is unſtable, being round; the New-Jeruſalem is firme, being foure-ſquare, Revel. 21.16. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

We call that chance (or miſchance) which comes between the Purpoſe and the End.

We are ſecure amongſt Friends, But watchfull amongſt Enemies, Pſal. 30.6. Neh. 7.3.

Breath is not the life, yet we live with it: workes ſave not, yet we are ſaved with them.

Chriſt obeyed for ſatisfaction, we obey for Gratulation, Rom. 5.19. 1 Theſ. 5 18.

Our waies are direct and ſtreight, when both Ends agree with the Middle.

There is a thirſt of Emptineſſe, and another of Deſire: the firſt Gods people have no more but in this life.

Secret ſins are ſeeds that will ſprout, if they be not timely nipt, Pſal. 19.12,13. See Aph. 281.

To look to our ſelves, AND to our Enemies, is the only way to be ſafe, 1 Pet. 5.8.

A well-contented low eſtate is the beſt Preferment. See Prov. 15.33. and Chapter 30 7,8,9.

A large Conſcience all the life • ime, will prove an heavy Conſci • nce on the death-bed.

Condemn not in Generall for one fault, nor yet juſtifie the Particular. Prov. 24.16. Matth. 18,15,16,17. Levit. 19.17.

We are commanded to take up the Croſſe, not by baſe courſes to ſhun it, Math. 16.24.

A man by wiſedome gets an Eſtate, but cannot leave wiſedome with his Eſtate, Eccleſ. 2.18.19.

If God break our Ships, and give us boards, we may ſwim to ſhoare, Acts 24.47. ſee Job 1.21. and Chap. 42.11.

The end of the wicked is Hell; not the end of their aime, but of their courſe, Prov. 14,12. and 16,25.

Every Luſt ſtreigthens us, the removall gives us liberty. Rom. 6.12.14,16 and Chap. 8 2.

Thoſe which be ever drinking without Thirſt, ſhall ever thirſt without Drinking, Iſa. 65.11. to the 15.

GOD judges certainly a priore, Man charitably a poſteriore, Prov. 16.1,2. Pſal. 139, all 2 Sam. 12.18. and 1 Kings 3.26,27.

We may be weake & wiſe both at once, as the Coney, the Piſmire, and Chicken, ſee Pſal. 104.18. Prov.6.6,7,8. Ch. 30.25,26. Reade and do Matth. 23.37.

The wicked are like a wheele, unſtable, creaking, and at laſt burned, Pſal. 83.13.

Beaſts have a bodily preſence to eate: Chriſtians to edefie, Pſal. 104.14 28. Pſal. 145.15,16. Col. 4.6, 1 Tim. 1.4. Eph. 4.29 30.

Chriſt refuſed the Worlds Preferment, and then Angels came unto him, Matth. 4 8,9,10,11.

The more we ſubdue the Canaanites, out luſts, the more we enjoy Canaan our reſt, ſee Judg. 2.22,23. and ſo of the Gibeonites, Joſh. 9.27.

The deceitfull Tradeſ-man workes on the ignorance or Need of the Buyer, Docet experientia rerum,

To do good to the godly (and (and ungodly) is not only a Curteſie, but a bounded Duty, Matth. 5.44. Gal. 6.10. Rom. 12. End ſo.

In things indifferent (or doubtfull) we are to look what is meet to be done, and then to doe it

Thoſe Gifts do bind us moſt, that come from a free Giver, Hoſ. 14.4 8. Pſal. 116.7,8,12.

If Injuries be our Enemies, let Forgiveneſſe be our Weapon, Rom. 12.21, Matth. 6.14,15.

It is well, when the End of our Paſſion is the Beginning of our Repentance, 2 Kings 5.11,12,13,14. Naamans caſe, and Peters, Mark 14.71,72.

The Favours that Forgetfulneſſe doth hide, Thankfulneſſe layes open to Review, Pſal. 103.2,34,5,6,7.

Violent Affections to Gaine, bring violent Afflictions at the loſſe. See Matth. 19.22. James 5.1,2,3,4,5. Prov. 38. 1 Tim. 6.9,10.

Hell tormeneth only the bad, the Uſurer torments the good, Rev. 21.8. and Chap. 22.15. Pſalm 15.5. Neh. 5.9 10. ſee Prov. 28.8. Read Ezeck. 8.

An ill-favoured Snake is a better Companion than a well-favoured Harlot, For an Harlot is the Eve of a Serpent.

'Tis not comely to ſtep from the Cradle of ignorance to the Chaire of cenſure, Job 32.6,7.

Tis better to be uncomfortably conſcionable, than unconſcionably comfortable, Pſal. 37.16. Prov. 15.15,16,17. Chap. 16.8.

We ſhould pray that Miniſters may have life in their Doctrine, and Doctrine in their life, Epheſ. 6.18 19. 1 Cor. 2,4,5. 1 Tim. 3.1. to the 8. verſ.

The Hand by feeding the Body gives nouriſhment unto it ſelf. 1 Cor. 12.14. to 27. verſe, Epeſ. 4 28. and Aph. 438.

'Tis an happy Wed lock to marry in Diſpoſitions, as well as in Bodies, 2 Cor. 6.14.

Our corrupt nature deſires not ſo much good things, as new things Athenean like, Acts 17.19. to 22.

GOD layes the Reines on Natures necke, but pulls not the Bit out of her mouth, Eccleſ. 1,2,3,11,12. compared, with verſe 1.

We read often that the Devill is a Lyar, but ſeldome that he is a Swearer. We are too apt to beleeve the Devil will out an Oath, ſaies one.

We ſhould alway ſet God before us, and our ſelves alwaies before him: ſee Pſalm. 16.8. and Pſal. 139 all. Iſa. 29.15.

'Tis an heavy loſs to loſe our Prayers, either the Act, or Event, Prov. 15.8. Pſal 109.7.

God will not in trouble ſhelter the prophane man under his wings, Pſalme 32.6,7,10,11.

The falls of Profeſſors bring griefe to the godly, and ſcorne to the wicked, Exod. 32.21.

In Slaunders we ſhould be moved more for the ſin againſt God, then for our own hurt, and ſo in all other miſchiefs.

Gods Favour makes us ſet light by the worlds Frowns, ſee Pſal. 109.28. John 16.33.

'Tis devilliſh to be evill in good company; 'tis gracious to be good in evill company, Iſa. 26.10. 1. Pet. 2.7,8. Phil. 2.15.

An humble heart & contempt of the world are hardly gotten in Proſperity, Job 21.7. to 16. Prov. 1.32

A feigned Obedience in Life, brings but a feigned Comfort in Death, Job 8.13. and Chap. 20.5.

Thoſe which can be content to be wicked, ſhall to their Diſcontent be counted wicked, Gen. 4.12.14.

Men may ſin in Jeſt, yet at laſt be puniſhed in Earneſt, Prov. 10.23. Chap. 26.18,19. with Chap. 16.25.

We ſhould never forget Gods Water-workes in 88. nor the Devils Fire-workes, Nov. 5.

He that willingly defames me, unwillingly adds to my Reward, Mat. 5.11,12. Heb. 11.26.

The Crane winds up heavy things; the Power of GOD raiſes up groſſe ſinners, Acts 9. all.

Our Wives may be leſſe faire or Witty than others: yet we love them better, becauſe they are our own.

A curſed perſon uſing a curſed meanes; cannot alwaies prevaile, As in Haman, Saul, Achitophell.

Our wealth is but a paſſe, to keep us from begging (vagrant-like) in our journey, ſee Gen 28.20, &c.

The laſt end of our thoughts ſhould be thoughts of our laſt end, Deut. 32.29. Pſalm. 394.

'Tis better humbly to confeſſe Evills, than proudly to boaſt of our Goodneſſ, Math. 23.12. Luke 18.10. • o 14.

What the broken heart ſeekes that the mercifull heart findes, and that is Mercy, Pſal. 51.1.17. Matth. 57.

When God is our object, then the world is our abject, 1 Iohn 2.15,16,17. Matth. 6.33.

Sinfull pleaſures will come to nothing, whether they have a being or not See Heb. 11.25.

There is more pleaſure to ſubdue our luſts, than to fulfill them. See Rom. 8.1,2,7,8.

Thoſe that ſpeak ſo much of Luck and Fortune, have not been inſtructed in Gods providence.

We obſerve Injuries, let us obſerve our ſelves how we beare the • ame, Prov. 16.32. Chap. 24.29. Ro. 12.18, &c.

I will look on others Vertues, when I the more hate mine own Vices, Phil. 2,3,4. 1 Pet. 3,3,4,5,6.

An heart full of Goodneſſe is worth many heads full of knowledge 1 Cor. 8.1. Chap. 13. all. Iames 4.17.

The being of ſin in us brings Death, the reigning of ſin in us brings • he ſecond death, Rom. 5.12,21.

I like that Policy, that ſtudies more to grow good than great. See Prov. 11.23. Ier. 45.5.

I am miſerable without a Friend, and know not my Friend without miſery, Job 16.2. Prov. 17.17.

Wicked men are ſo preſerve • from Evils, as they are reſerved for Evils, Jer. 12.1,2,3. Job 21.30.

Firſt, let us make Conſcience, and then let us make Prayers, Pſalm. 66.18. Iob 11.13,14,15.

The deſire of Grace, is Grac • to deſire; ſee Prov. 11.23. Mat. 5.6. Iſa. 26.8,9.

Bad Company, that have n • grace, hurts the good, that have ſom • corruption to work unpon.

To do no good workes; or elſe to truſt in workes done, are our Rocks to ſplit us: See Aporiſme 293.

Becauſe our Life is ſo miſerable, tis a comfort we are mortal. ſee Job 14.1. Gen. 47.9.

If Matrimony be a matter of money, the Concluſion is, the Iſſue may be naught, ſee 1 Tim. 6.9,10.

ALL the ſorrow of a godly man is not godly ſorrow, As in Jacob, Gen. 37.35. and David, 2 Sam. 18. 33. but compared with Chap. 19. the 7. • irſt Verſes.

Our indiſpoſition ſhould trouble us as much as our ill diſpoſition, Prov. 7.19. to the 25.

The Stars appeare not in the Day; and Patience is not ſeen in Proſperity, Rom. 15.3. Chap. 12.12. with Pſal. 30.6. and Eccleſ. 7.14.

The End is firſt in Intention, and laſt in Execution, Ariſt.

Young Controverſers like children turn to the end of their Book, not having learnt the beginning, ſe • Heb. 5.12.

'Tis madneſſe to practice firſt and then take advice, ſee Eccleſ. Cha • 5. the 7. firſt Verſes, Prov. 20.25.

If Gods Word be our Counſellor all day, it will be our Comfort •… at night, Pſalme 1.2. Pſalme 11 • 24.

Our times have more liberty for Conference then moſt of us do make uſe of, ſee Eccleſ. 116,7. Chap. 9 12.

God hears our prayer according to our good, not our Wills, Pſal. 34.10. James 43. 1 John 5.14.

Our Care cannot alter things, let our Patience bear them, Pſal. 37.1 to Verſe 8.

'Tis beter to have our Minds fitted to our Eſtates, then our Eſtates to our Minds Read. Mr. Burroughes Jewel, and Mr. Watſons Charter.

A man of ſolid Underſtanding prefers an inch of Profit before an ell of Pleaſure. Iſaiah. 44.9. Eccleſ. • .1, &c.

Thoſe that know much, may miſs of Holineſs: thoſe that ſtrive to Obey, ſhall not miſs of Happineſs.

The Aggravation of a great ſin, is not the Approbation of a ſmall one, Luke 12.47,48.

Much Hearing makes a learned Head: much Prayer makes a gracious Heart, ſee Iſa. 55.3.6.

Falſe Friends may prove true Enemies, 1 Kings 13.18. Prov. 27.5,6. and Chap. 28.23. and Chap. 23.6,7,8.

My Conſcience hath to doe with my Sin before Commiſſion, with my Perſon after Commiſſion.

Wicked men be Fooles: were they wiſe, they would endeavour to be godly-wiſe, Rom. 1.22. Chap. 1.16.9.

Earth is the place, where many enjoy and yet looſe Happineſs. Job 20.5,15. Chap. 21.7. to the 19. Pſal. 17.14. Pſal. 37.35,36. Pſal. 73.12.19.

My Prayers make me Love, and reverence God, and the Diſpoſition endures afterward.

The Sunne ſtood ſtill for Joſhuah, whereas Covetouſneſſe was buſie in Achan, Joſh. 7.21. Chap., 10.13.

Our life is as a Day; the Night is Death; our Beds are as our Graves; our Ariſing is as the Reſurrection.

We ſhould not raſhly run into ſecret things, nor let ſlip known truths: ſee Deut. 29.29.

The Birth of the Brain is ſtriven for more than the Birth of the Body. Read and Ponder Eccleſ. 12.12.

Their waies are ſinfull, that were a Mantle of non-imployment, Matth. 26.7. ſee Chap. 25.24. to 31. and beware idle Excuſes, as Prov. 22.13

Our beſt actions are Counterfeit or Corrupt: ſee Job 14.4. Jer. 17.9. Iſa. 64.6.

'Tis fearfull to continue in ſin, and hard to get out of it: ſee Ap. 350. compare Prov. 29.1. with Jerem. 13.23.

Our thoughts of GOD are, what he will do with us, for us, by us, Rom. 11.36. Rev. 4.11. Prov. 16.4.

'Tis better for us to be humbled for our wickedneſs, than proudly to boaſt of our holineſs, Luke 18.10.11,12,13,14.

That Charity which begins at home, muſt not end at home. Mat 7.12. Chap. 22. verſe 39.

A ſeaſonable reproof may ſerve as a Rudder to alter a mans Courſe a better way: ſee Prov. 6.23.

We are loaden with light Conceits and heavy Cares: with lead and feathers the back is broke.

The wicked think the godly to be Fools: but the godly know the wicked to be Fools experimentally.

In our Indiſpoſitions, Faintings and Afflictions let us look to the Reward, 2 Cor. 4.16,17,18. Heb. 12.1,2.

The giving of the Law was terrible: oh what ſhall the Day of accounts be? Exod. 19.18. and 20,18,19. 2 Theſ. 7,8,9.

Prophane men are vicious both in Mirth and Anger; ſtill fooliſh or frantick, Prov. 29 9.

Afflictions are as Sampſons Lyon, they afford the honey of inſtruction ſee Pſal. 119.71. Heb. 12,10,11.

Cheerfulneſſe is like Oyle, it makes us prompt and ready to good duties, Heb. 8.10.

Babes are nouriſhed at the Mouth, but new-born Babes at the Eare, Job 12.11. Chapter 34.3 with 1 Pet. 2.2.

Afflicting ſorrow bewails ſin; but affecting ſorrow forſakes ſin; ſee Matthew 27.3,4. and Pſalme 51.2,10,11.

Diſtraction cures not Diſtraction: Yielding never conquers; Believe not thy own unbelief.

Beauty is like an Almanacke; 'tis very ſoon out of date, Iſa. 40.6,7. with Prov. 31.30.

Order is pleaſant in Conceit, plaine in Demonſtration, ſure in Imitation; ſee 1 Cor. 14.40.

Conſolations are for the well-being of the Soul: Faith and Repentance prove the being of grace.

Deliberation and Determination are the wiſe mans Oares, Luke 14. verſe. 28. to the 34. learn Fore-caſt and Reſolution.

Carnall Reaſon, and Self-love are the very vitals of the old man. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , are the Devills 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

Boldneſs makes many go before their time, beyond their ſtrength, Acts 19. verſe 13. and 16. 1 Kings 20.11.

Errour in practice is maintained with ſhame; Errour in judgement with pride.

Enemies may croſſe us, and hinder us on Earth, and yet further us to Heaven, 2 Cor. 4.17,18.

Death is welcome when he ſindes us in Labour and Peace, not in Sin and Security, Rev. 14.13. Matth. 24.45. to the end.

Faith and Works are as the Ship and wares; Both are loſt, or ſaved, James 2.14. to the end.

Diſcontent makes wants where none are, and encreaſes evills that be.

A flictions are like a ſhowre of Raine: they make much noyſe, but hurt us not; they wet, but not wound.

Infants do ſuck but weakly though there be Milk enough; we are ſtreightned only in our ſelves; ſee 2 Cor. 6.12.

Action is the Crown of Vertue, and Perſeverance is the Crown of Action; ſee Aphor. 185.

GOD works in us, for us, by us, bleſſed be his glorious Name, Iſa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13.

The falls of Profeſsors bring grief to the godly, and ſcorne to the wicked, ſee 2 Sam. 12.14.

Grace is but little encreaſed in thoſe, who envie grace in others: (and indeed grace is too good for that vice.)

Contemplation to the ſoul is like Mirth and Recreation to the Body, Prov. 2.10. Chap. 17.22. and 18.1.

Mortification is in us indeed, but not of us, Rom. 8.13. Epheſ. 2.1,25. Phil. 2.13.

Grace works in us Contrition for our own ſins, and compaſſion for others ſins, Zach. 12.10. Pſal. 119.136.

Hypocriſie is the worſt ſin for GOD to judge, and the laſt ſin for Man to judge, Jer. 17.9 10.

Mans Life is like a Bottle of wine; Moderation makes it laſt long, Probatum eſt.

We muſt, like Mariners looke up, the better to order our Courſe below; ſee Prov. 3,5,6.

Love is a Grace, which doth moſt, and diſtruſts leaſts, 1 Cor. 13.4,5. &c. 1 John 3.16. Chap. 4,9,10.

Love is a debt that muſt be ſo paid, that ſtill it is daily owing; ſee Rom. 13.8. and Heb. 13.1.

Pride makes us, like ſwolne members, to do little and ſuffer leſſe.

Reaſon is like the Sunne; it ſhewes all under it, nothing above it. So Solomon oft hints in his Eccleſiaſtes.

Patience ſuffers evills preſent, and waites for good to come, Rom. 12.12. compared with Pſalme 37.7. and James 5.7,11.

There is nothing terrible in Death, but that our life hath made it ſo. O never forget that!

Reproof is very grievous where Grace is wanting, ſee Pſalm. 141.5. and Prov. 9.8. and 13.1.

Perſeverance addes a Luſtre to our Graces, as Ʋarniſh does to the colours.

Perſecutions, Proſperity, and Errours diſcover Hypocrites. Mat. 13.21. Job 21.7. to 16. Palme 40.4.

Old love being rooted ſtill revivies upon freſh Occaſions; as in Boaz, Ruth 2.11. and Jonathan, 1 Sam. 20.17.

Thankfulneſs is bred of Bleſſings, and preſerves that which bred it, Pſalm. 67.5 7. Pſalme 50. laſt.

Thankefulneſſe is a Sacrifice moſt acceptable to GOD and leaſt painfull to Man, Pſal. 50 8 to the 15.

Things wittie and pretty are not alwaies wiſe and pithie. The Tulip has rich Colours, but a beggerly Savour.

Ambition is the danger of the higher, Contention of the lower ſort of people.

Time is like a Serpent with his tayle in his mouth, we ſee not the end of it, Eccleſ. 3.22. and Chap. 10.24.

Time is alwaies paſſing: Eternity is alway ſtanding ſtill. Time is a River: Eternity the Sea.

All our labour muſt be uſed with Prayer, but Prayer muſt not be all our labour, Epheſ. 6.13. to the 19.

Affliction is but our Shepherds dog; he comes not to devour us, but reduce us to the fold.

The ſins of GODS people are a ſurprizall not a Contrivall (for the moſt part)

No power, but that which at firſt did form us, is able to reform us alſo, Pſal. 51.10.

Naturall light is of it ſelf enough to damne us, but not enough to ſave us, Rom. 2.12. to 16. with Chap 1.20.

They that would have comfort in the day of the LORD, muſt make conſcience of the LORDS Day.

Thy portion in Heaven is perfect, let me haſten to a perfect fitneſſe

Amen.
Silver Sayings, or A Pocket-companion The ſecond part, by N.C.

The whole Creation is full of labour and noyſe: only in the Creators Boſome is reſt and quietneſſe; ſee Pſa. 73.25.

Greedineſſe of pleaſure makes men take much pains here, to ſuffer more hereafter.

Take heed of an Agrippa, or a Not-quiete: Almoſt was never ſaved, Acts 26.28. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

One honeſt Practitioner will out-ballance a throng of buſie-brain'd Skepticques

He who looſes All for Chriſt, ſhall looſe nothing by Chriſt, but find all again in Chriſt, Mat. 19.29.

If the Mercies of God lead us, to Repentance, Repentance will lead us to the God of Mercies, Rom. 2.4. Iſa. 55.7.

We read that GOD had too many to fight his Battails, but never that he had too few, Judg. 7.2.

The Curſe of Meroz doth not prove Gods defect, but only chides Mans neglect, Judg. 5.23. and 1 Sam. 14.6.

We ſhould pray and endeavor that our ſorrow for ſin may drown all our ſinfull ſorrow, 2 Cor. 7.10.

Thy will be done, is the be •… Prayer for Ʋs to utter, or God to anſwer, Matth. 26.39.

Commonly where preſumption leads the vann, there Deſperation brings up the rear.

The worſe the world is, the letter let Ʋs be; and the harder the Times, the ſofter let our Hearts be.

It argues little Wit, and leſſe Grace to prefer an uncertainty before a Certainty, Prov. 17.16.

Thoſe who add affliction to affliction, God will ſuperadd iniquity to their iniquity, Pſal. 79.26.27.

A little Dirt and Ayr, and a great deale of Sin, this is that proud thing called, MAN.

If my ſins dye, while my Body lives, when my Body dies my Soul ſhall live, Col. 3.3,4,5.

Thoſe who are troubled moſt for ſin, ſhall be troubled leaſt with ſin, Pſal. 32.3,4,5.

Thoſe that have mortall war with ſin, ſhall have immortall peace with God, Iſa. 33.15,16,17.

We may read a mans true Converſion in his faithfull Converſation. The Life is from the Heart.

An Hypocrite is not himſelf unleſſe he be miſtaken for another.

Commonly there is but ſmall correſpondency betwixt a Leveller and an Impropriator; The one would have all himſelf: the other, every man a ſhare. Both good alike.

God never unſheaths the Sword of his Juſtice; till our flinty Hearts turn the edge of his Mercy.

Our Saviour is a Lyon for Power and Might; yet a Lamb for Patience and Meekneſſe, Iſa. 53.7. with Revel. 5.5,12. and Chapter 6.15,16,17.

Build not upon futurity. Health is better than Phyſick, Prevention ſweeter than a Cure.

Sinfull Craft is a ſhelter for Fooles; what is offenſive to God, cannot be defenſive to Man.

In Prayer we ſhould not ſo much affect Expreſſion, as expreſſe Affection, Prov. 23.26. Pſalm 25.1 • Iſa. 29.13.

God accepteth our pooreſt Endeavours, yet we under-value his richeſt Favours, 2 Cor. 8.12. Rom. 2.4.

Lay not thy head to Reſt untill thou haſt got an Intereſt in everlaſting Reſt. See 403.

One ſinfull thought make Forfeiture of the Body to the worm •… and the Soul to the Devils, Gal. 3.10

A gracious heart is aſhamed of nothing but Sin, and proud of nothing but his Saviour.

A prayerleſſe wretch is dead in ſin; for what Ayre is to the Body, Prayer is to the Soul.

The Devill ſupplants us in the firſt Adam, but God tranſplants us into the ſecond.

No Sin, or Mercy can be termed ſmall in it Self, and properly, but comparatively it may.

Some Giants are Dwarſes in reſpect of Others, and ſome Dwarfes are Giants compared with Others.

Thoſe Eyes that have bee • the In-le s to ſweet Lust, ſhould be th • Out-lets of ſalt Tears, Luke 7.37 38.

A good man in ill Compan • is like a green ſtick among dry ones▪ they may fire Him, not He quen •… them.

What ever we work for God▪ God works firſt in us: ſo there is n • plea for Mans pride, but much fo • Gods praiſe. Eſa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13.

A bad man would faine be worſe, but a good man chides himſel • for being no better. Compare Iſa. 1.5 • with Jer. 13.19.

Bathſheba's Bathing proves Davids Defilement; but Davids Defilement becomes his own Waſhing. 2 Sam. 2.11. Pſal. 51.

A beggerly reward Iames Diligence, but a bounteous Recompence will ſet it on its Feet again.

'Tis abundantly better to prevent the Maladie, then to invent the Remedie. Principiis obſta, &c.

Gods Care of us, and our Meditations of Him are ſweeter then the Droppings of the Virgin Honey-Comb.

Our own Miſcarriages teach us, better buy Wiſdom dear, then die a Fool. See Aph. 146.

A wicked Wretch may be in a good Mood, and a good Soul may be in an ill Temper.

As there is no good Motion, but is from God, ſo there is no true Reſt, but si in God.

It argues much light to ſee little ſins; but it argues much life to ſee the ſame, Pſal. 19.8.12.

Oh that we did but ſpend as much Time, and take as much pains with our Hearts, as our Heads, 1 Pet. 3.3,4,5.

The beſt men may read their own Principles in the worſt mens practices, Eph. 2.3. 1 Cor. 6.9.10,11.

Thoſe that will not pray till they are Saints, will not go into the Water till they can ſwim.

To make to the Creature for ſhelter againſt Gods wrath, is to run into the River to eſcape Rain.

Spiritual Endowments are the better for uſe, and never the worſe for wearing, Mat. 6.20. Luk. 12.23.

We muſt not value things by the greatneſs of the Quantitie, but by the goodneſs of the Qualitie Gen. 4.7. 2 Cor. 8.12.

Serious Matter ſtuft with light Flaſhes is like a grave Matron in a whoriſh dreſs. Note 1 Theſs. 5.22, and Eph. 5.3.

We are very inclinable to accuſe Others, that we may excuſe our Selves. Gen. 3.12,13.

They that walk moſt conſcientiouſly, lie down moſt comfortably, Pſal. 37.37. Eſa. 57.2. Gal. 6.16.

'Tis but a ſtarveling Patience, that cannot out-live the other odde vexation, Jams 1.4.12. Chap. 5.7.10.11.

To excuſe the default by Drunkenneſs is no Extenuation of the guilt, but Agravation.

'Tis an uncharitable Ignorance to cenſure that for a love of Errour, which was but an errour of Love, 1 Sam. 17.28.29.

To tempt a man to Evill, and then after-wards to accuſe and condemne him is Devilliſh.

We ſhould rather forget to eat when we are an hungry, then to bleſs God when we are full.

We muſt neither doat on our own ſelf-ſufficiencie nor doubt of Gods All-ſucfficiencie, Gen. 17.1 2 Cor. 3.5. compare John 15.5. with Phil. 4 13.

Give the LORD of HOTS his due: Man fights, but GOD alone conquers, 1 Sam. 17.47. Eph. 6.10. Rom. 16.20.

For the moſt part we diſcern Benefits and Favours better abſent then preſent, Hoſ. 5.15. Pſalm 78.34. Iſa. 26.16.

'Tis a good wind blowes no man hurt, but a better that blows all men good, ſuch is Mercy, Pſal. 145.9.

'Tis more feaſable to be well, then to know it, and eaſier to have happineſs, then to find it, Luk. 19.42. Prov. 17.16.

Gods word is a Fire, which turns all where it faſtens into its own nature and qualitie, Jer. 5.14. and ch. 23.29. and ch. 20.9.

Thoſe who doe what becomes them, never need fear what becomes of them, Acts 24.16. 2 Cor. 1.12.

A ſouls union with Chriſt is eaſily demonſtrable by its thirſting deſire of Communion with him, ſee Pſal. 86.11. Cant. 1.4.

Nature is a Law, Cuſtome is a Tyrant, but Obſtinacy is a full grown Devil: ſee Jer. 13.23. and Zach. 7.11. •…

A diſturbed Mind is like troubled Waters, the worſt Looking glaſs that can be for ſelf reflexions, I ſay 57.20.21.

A good Bruit is better then a wicked Man, and Children had better have been ſtill born, then live and die ſtubborn.

They that are cruel to a man becauſe he is a Miniſter, ſtab Chriſt in the Eye. Beware your thoughts, ſee, Zach. 2.8.

'Tis more tolerable to imitate the Worſt in the beſt things, then the Beſt in the worſt things, 1 Cor. 11.1.

Look how much we arrogate unto our own applauſe, ſo much we derogate from Gods praiſe.

Terreſtrial Joyes are trifling Toyes: Time takes them from Vs, or Death takes us from them.

The Slug-a-bed wakes, but his Heart ſleeps; the Good-husband ſleeps, but his Heart wakes.

A good converſation is the conſervati • n of the good. Love, and Live, 1 Theſ. 5.11. ch. 4.18. 1 Cor. 14.26.

Where there is great ſolitarineſs, there had need be no ſmall ſelf-warineſs, Gen. 2.18. Eccl. 4.10.

Sinfull pleaſures wil not quit the coſt and paines we are at for the procurement of them, Eccleſ 1.2,8.

'Tis a beggerly blaze that hath not warmth enough to pay for its blowing, ſee Iſa. 50. to the end.

Nip ſinne in the Budd. It is eaſier blowing out a Candle, then an Houſe on fire. See the 42. ſaying.

Spiritual Prudence is like Salt of litle Bulke, but of exceeding great Efficacie, ſee Col. 4.6. and Eph. 4.29.

By practiſing one Sermon, we prepare our ſelves the better to heare another, John 7.17.

Some go to Sea to learn to pray; and inſtead thereof, I think, learn to ſwear.

'Tis an heavy thing to fall out of the throne of Ambition into the pit of Perdition, Iſay 14.12,13, &c.

They that will go to Heaven, muſt look to be wet by the way; but though wet, they muſt not be weary. Pſal. 84.6.

He that points at Earth with one finger, had need look up to heaven with both eyes, ſee Col. 3.1.2.

Uſe your Will: But bitter Phyſick is farre more deſirable, then ſweet poyſon. Probatum eſt.

This life is our ſeed time, the valley of Tears is our tranſitory to the Mountain of Glorification. Pſal. 84 6. Judg. 2.1,4,5.

Sweet Luſt is like the Bee with honey in the mouth, but a sting in the tayle; ſee Prov. 23.32.

If the End can be had without the Means, we may expect that our Bread ſhould grow ready baked. ſee James 5.7.

Chriſt ſets not the beſt ſide outward like man, but reſerves the beſt wine till the laſt, John 2.10.

To neglect the means, or to make them our bottome for confidence are a like atheiſticall, ſee Aphor. 111.

The Corruption of the beſt is the worſt: the amendment of the worſt is the beſt of all, 2 Pet. 32.20 &c. Heb. 6.4,5,6. 1 Tim. 1.12.13.

What a ſnailes-pace the Soul moves Heaven-ward, while ſhe groans under this bodily ſhell!

The ſame Truth ſpeaks Conſolation to the humble Soul, and Deſolation to the proud Spirit, as Jerem. 17.10.

Many times internal Depreſſions of Heart non-plus all externall Expreſſions of Hand or Tongue. Pro. 14.10.

The Body ſometimes bleeds, though the Eyes weep not: and why may not the Soul do the like?

Now and then we may read the Heart in the Face, and the Sin in the judgement, Judg. 1.7. 1 Sam. 15.33

The ſmalleſt Bleſſing we have is undeſcrved à Priori, and Irrequitatable à Poſteriori.

To be afraid of doing evill is a very noble and honourable kind of cowardlineſs, Gen. 29. Prov. 3.7.

Good Inclinations and Abilities are both from GOD alone: he wills the work, and works the will, Phil. 2.12. 2 Cor. 3.5.

'Tis the Devils May-game, to ſet a mans Judgement and Practice together by the Ears. See 2 Tim. 2.26. and Jam. 4.17.

There is no place too holy for God, but there is a place too high for him, the proud heart, ſee Iſa. 66.1.2. and ch. 57.15. with Pſal. 138.6.

Sweet Rarities are difficults: Roſes are armed with Prickles, Honey is engariſon'd with Bees.

One Grain of reall Honeſty will outballance many Mountains of ſhifting Subtilty.

Thoſe are the beſt Books that do not bribe us from, but ſend us to the Scriptures, Iſa. 8.20.

As God loves a cheerfull giver, ſo he Himſelf loves to give cheerfully, Ja. 1.5. with 2 Cor. 9.7.

Many are rich without Money, and merry without Laughter, and honourable without Applauſe, James 2.5. Prov. 14.13. 2 Cor. 5.12. Rom. 2.29.

As too much Learning makes a man mad, ſo too little makes him a Fool. Ponder that, Acts 26.24. with Prov. 1.5.

A droppe of Gods Blood is enough to ſweeten an whole Ocean of ſin and ſorrow, 1 John 1.7. Rev. 1.5. Heb. 9.13,14.

He makes a good market of a bad Commoditie, who vanquiſhes diſcourteſies with kindneſs, Matth. 5. end. Luke 6.35,36,37.

To recollect ſtale in juries, and bear in mind ſowre Grudges, is devilliſh childiſh, ſee Pro. 19.11. & ch. 24.29.

The leaſt glimpſe of Gods Fvaour caſts a thick darkneſs upon all terriſtriall glory, Pſal. 4. Hab. end.

How often can we do that in the face of God, which he would bluſh to ſpeak of to a fellow-ſinner, Pſal. 90.8. Pſal. 69.5. Pſal. 56.8.

The bed-rid Patient is Gods Priſoner: the covetous Tarry at home the Devils in golden Fetters.

An ill Conſcience beats the Hypocrite with ſand-bags, mortally, but yet imperceptibly.

An Infant is in affect raſa tabula, a blanck-book, you may as yet write in it, what you pleaſe, Gen. 18.19. Deut. 6 7. Prov. 22.6.

'Tis more tolerable to be a laviſh Prodigall, then to be a ſlaviſh Pinch-paunch Eccleſ. 5. the 3 laſt and ch. 6. the 2 firſt.

We cannot alwayes tell what's a clock in a mans Breaſt, by the Dyall of his Face. Fronti nulla Fides, Jer. 17.9.10 1 Sam. 16 7.

'Tis miraculous for the Dead to Live again, but much more for the Life of the world to die.

What our prudence cannot cunningly for-goe, our patience muſt quietly undergoe.

Shew me the man that is favrurable to Others, and ſevere to Himſelf, and if I do not love Him, hate Me.

Both are a like abſurd, words out of ſeaſon, and works out of Reaſon, Eccl. 3.1.7.10.

Thoſe that open the Eyes of the blind, muſt hide Themſelves, that the Sun of Righteouſneſs may be ſeen

He who takes Reproof moſt willingly, leaſt deſerves it of any man; ſee Prov. 98. & 28.23.

Where Folly is the ſeed, ſhame is the fruit; and where Luſt is the work, ſorrow is the wages, Rom. 6.21,23.

When Peter looks upon the Sunne of Righteouſneſs, it makes his Eyes water abundantly, Luk. 22.61.62.

Our leaſt ſinnes out-vie our greateſt ſufferings: Gods leaſt Mercies excell our greateſt Praiſes.

Gods Word makes Children like the Aged, and keeps the Aged from being like Children, ſee Pſalm 119.99.100.

Humane Learning, Moonlike, hath its blemiſhes, its changes; and ſhines but with a borrowed lights 1 Cor. 4.7.

Till Converſion our hearts are but meer blotting paper, and our Thoughts but wild ſcriblings.

He that feeds the Wolf, kills the Sheep, ſay the Jews: and he that ſpares a Luſt ſtabs a Soul, may we ſay.

God is the Heart-maker, Heart-ſearcher, Heart-mender, Heart-keeper, and Heart-ſatisfier, Pſal. 51.10. Jer. 17.10. Pſ. 4.6.

Many are ſo extream pieviſh againſt humane learning, that they have unlearnt all humanitie.

The unbeliever dies of conſtraint, as a preſt man: the Believers dies of choice like a true Voluntier.

The world is full of Promiſes: but thoſe Promiſes are empty per formances.

We muſt not adventure to put off Repentance till we put on Immortalitie: ſee 2 Cor. 6.2.

Our Memories are meere Sives, they will neither retain the Flower, nor yet part with the Bran.

The blind man eats many a Fly: Go to then, Blunderers beware Belzebub, 2 Cor. 4.4.

They that will not ſubmiſſively bow to CHRIST, ſhall irrecoverably be broken by Him.

They that will not ſee the KING of Kings golden Scepter, ſhall ſurely feel his Iron Rod, Pſalm. 2. all.

The Art of prevention is every way better and ſafer, then the Art of invention. See Aph. 241.

'Tis not the going into the Fornance, but the coming out, which demonſtrates the Mettall.

Where the Remedie is worſe then the Diſeaſe, queſtionleſs there the Phyſitian is a FOOL.

Where the Remedie is worſe then the Diſeaſe, it is better being ſick, then well, 2 King. 1.6.

Choak Luſt in the Embryo: Better ſtamp upon an Egge, then look upon a reigning Baſilisk.

'Tis but a mercileſs compaſſion to preſerve that, which will utterly deſtroy our ſelves.

Remember Time paſt, conſider Time preſent, and fore-ſtall Time future, Rev. 2.5.

If we make Mercy fewel for Luſt: certainly Luſt will make Vs • ewel for Hell, Rom. 2.4,5.

There are many that have • reat parts, and yet are very Fooles • or want of good Hearts.

He who robs God of his firſt •… uits, forfeits the whole Crop to the • evil, Mal. 1.14. and ch. 3.10.

Doe nothing without Fore •… ght or Fore-caſt. A little warineſs •… events much wearineſs.

Backward, nor forward are ſome good. A Churle is a Lurch, and a Nabal is a Laban.

They who doe good again •… their Will, doubtleſs would as fai •… do Evill with their Will.

A good Hand-maid makes a good Houſe-wife, and a good Manſervant makes a good Master.

He had need be extraordinary Patient, who has the Devil for hi • Doctor: ſee 2 Reg, 1.1,2, &c.

Many Heathens by education prove Chriſtians by converſation: an • many Chriſtians by education prov • Heathens by converſation.

Men would be mute concerning their ability, if they did but conſider their mutabilitie.

Life is a puffe, God is our Paymaſter: Let us do good according to our own Abilitie, and our Neighbours Neceſſitie, Gal. 6.10.

One Default makes a thing imperfect, but all good Circumſtances go to make it perfect.

To forbear doing ill, for want of Skill, and not of Will, is the Innocencie of a Fool.

Many a ſufficient Workman is well given, and yet his Labour and Pains is ill taken.

To do no ill makes not a perfect good Man; but to do no good makes an abſolute evill Man.

If we ſhew Mercy when wee can beſt ſpare it, God will return it when we most need it, Gal. 6.9,10.

Believe not thy own Unbelief. 'Tis an ill Diſeaſe, where the Phyſitian is a Murtherer. Read 2 Kings 1.2. to the 7. Verſe.

He that hath never ſo much earneſt buſineſſe, muſt be at leiſure to Dye prepared, or unprepared. Luke 12.18,19,20.

The loſs of Evill is great gain. The Mortification of the Old men, is the Fortification of the New. Rom. 8.13.

Pray and Proſper; Aske and receive; Beg and ſpeed; but Nothing crave, Nothing have, Matth. 7.7. Jam. 4.2.

The Supremacy of Reaſon muſt not be counter-byaſſed by the Popularity of the Senſes.

If poore ſinners would but be more dutifull, aſſuredly they would be leſſe doubtfull, 2 Cor. 9.7. Chap. 8.12.

Where the water is parcel'd out into ſo many Rivolets, the Main current ſtarves. See Luke 10.41,42. Pſal. 37.4. Pſal. 73.25.

They that rage againſt the wayes of GODS Providence, do but throw ſcalding Water to Windeward, See Job 9.4. Cha. 33.13. 1 Cor. 10.22.

Self-love is the quench coal of Brotherly-love, and Self-wil is the break neck of Self-denial, Phil. 2.4,21 Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3.2,3,4.

Tart Reprehenſion from a kind Friend, is like Limmon and Sugar, ſharp and ſweet, ſee Prov. 27.5,6. Pſal. 141.5.

Patiently hear Admonition. Many that have lived Fearleſs, have died Earleſs.

The Conqueſt of one Boſome Foe is worth many Tears, and much Time and Labour.

Diſpatch, Diſpatch, make what haſte we can poſſible, Night will bring us home. 1 Cor. 7.29, &c.

'Tis a mercifull Tyranny to wrack ſinne, and ſhew no favour to a Deſtroyer.

Two hungry meales make the third a Glutton, two gluttonous meales make the third a ſtarveling.

When we fight againſt God with his Own Mercies, we beat our ſelves with our Own Sinnes.

Our land is like Gydeons Fleece, Judg. 6.38. and yet our hearts (quite contrary) are like Gideons Fleece, verſe 40.

The poor man is thus farre happy beyond others, in that he hath nothing to looſe: Se Job 1.21. 1 Tim. 9.7.

From Creatures we muſt neither beg nor buy Commendation, nor yet feare Condemnation.

Good drinke makes good blood. I but how? Juſt as good Water, makes good Pottage.

The Devill commonly cozens us, by perſwading us we cozen him.

A good mans Tongue many time ſh • edly ſets an ill Dogs Teeth of work, ex inopinato.

He who is both prudent and innocent, ſhall neither deceive, nor be deceived, See Mat. 10.16.

The Higheſt, greateſt, and richeſt, are but Gods Beggers; we all do live by his love.

Wee muſt learn to promiſe with Vnderſtanding and Diſcretion, & to perform with Love and Affection.

Weeping Eyes are not to be wincked at, nor yet to be looked upon with dry Eyes; See Luke 7.38. Chap. 22.62.

The World is the Booke of the Creature: The Word is the Booke of the Creator too; ſee Pſalme 19.1.7.

'Tis humane to ſuffer ill, Divine to do good. Patience and Love will go through both.

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A Schollar of great Reading and ſmall Parts, lives upon Collections and Exhibitions from Friends.

He who makes great Promiſes and ſmall Performances, muſt expect great ſhame and ſmall Thanks▪

Many abuſe good will, and turn a ſacred Priviledge into a privie Sacriledge.

Better do well and fare ill, then do ill, and fare worſe. Did not I tell you ſo before?

This World is for labour and appetite; the Next is for rest and ſatisfaction: Be patient then a while.

Teach without Envy, Learn without Shame; then thou art both wiſe and humble.

Where Love hath ingreſs, Thanks hath egreſs: and where Grace hath progreſs, Sin hath regreſs.

Affection without Knowledge, is Heat without Light, like a cloſe hot Oven.

Knowledge without Affection, is Light without Heat, like a froſty Moon ſhine.

Let it be thy firm Reſolution to get thy full Abſolution, before thy finall Diſſolution, Mat. 5.25. ſee 228.

Vp and be doing, and proſper. More die of the Lazies, then of Labour and Travail: See 1 Chr. 22.16.

A Brow of Braſs, and a Neck of Iron, procures an Heaven of Braſs, and an Earth of Iron, Jer. 3.3.

Others Falls are not our Foot-ſtools, or ſtumbling-blocks, but rather our Looking glaſſes.

Say not, God hath thrown ſuch an one by as an uſeleſs pot-ſheard: for, The Lord knoweth who are his, 2 Tim. 2.19.

Deſpiſe none for their Weakneſſe, deſpair of none for their Wickedneſſe: Our times are in Gods hand, Pſal. 31.15.

God will not endure to ſee Pride ſtamp on Peace, Violence kick Mercy, nor Rigour over-maſter Love.

To bid carnall Security ſtill Conſcience, is but to ſet a Sleeper to Rock the Cradle.

Under-value not the Poore: we cannot want the Duſt-man, the Dung-hill raker, the Chimney-ſweeper, nor the Gold-finder.

He that acts meerly from a principle of Power, Policy, and Self-will, ſhall ſurely fall by his own Contrivances, Job 5.12,13.

It does me more good then my Victuals, to ſee but the Devil miſs of his Ayme and befoole himſelf, Job 5.12,13,14,15.

Wee ſhould not thinke ſo much upon what others do, as upon what our ſelves ought to do, John 21.21,22.

Braſſe and Steele have ſlaine their thouſands of Bodies; but Gold and Silver their tenne thouſands of Souls.

Bad men (indeed I confeſs) have ſome good thoughts: I, but good men have more bad thoughts.

Many hold forth ſo long, that at laſt, I fear they will hardly hold out to the laſt.

They ſay, Deeds are male, and Words female: but I am ſure, Thoughts are doubtfull.

That, whereon we lay out much (unleſs we are compleat fools) we lay up ſafe, Mat. 13.44.

Ply well the Twig while it is green. If Youth be ſick of the Willnots, Old-age will die of the Cannots.

Fierie Furie, and key-cold Charity opens the doors to a Luke-warm Chriſtianitie.

I have told you often enough of it, That The poore in purſe are for Communitie: The poore in ſpirit are for Ʋnitie.

One Ʋnion in Heaven is worth more then all the Gems, Pearls, Diamonds and Diadems on Earth.

Fellow-members mutually ſympathize; but the whole Body condoles the ſick Heart.

Brotherly-love is no looſer. The Head is beholding to the Feet, and the Belly is the Hands beſt Pay-master: ſee the 72. Aph.

Mans Performances muſt learn to borrow ſtrength of Gods Promiſes, John 16.23. James 1.5.

'Tis more tolerable and ſafe to ſuffer the greateſt Injury, then to do the leaſt, 2 Theſ. 1.6,7.

Let us be thankfull for what we have, and we ſhall the better obtain of God what we have not.

The Lord will bleſſe that Basket, and that Store, out of the which we do relieve the Poore, Luke 6.38. Eccleſ. 11.1,2.

Wealthy I would be; for Live I may: but Honeſt I will be, for Dye I muſt, Jer. 17.9,10,11.

When we want Comforts, then we are mad for Anger: but when we have them, then we are mad for Joy.

Neither Creator, nor creature would hurt us, if we would but be true to our own Soules, 1 Pet. 3.13.

We can never part with too much for Him, who parted with All that ever he had for Ʋs, Phil. 2.7. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . He emptied or Evacuated Himſelf.

Say not in thy heart, God is mercifull, therefore I may be ſinfull; but God is mercifull, therefore I muſt be thankefull.

A little that is good, is as much as I deſire, and more then I deſerve: or elſe I am a very lyar, to ſay ſo. See Prov. 30.8. Pſal. 37.16. Gen 32.10.

God will not beat his Children for nothing, much leſs wil he beat them to nothing, Pſalm 107.17. and Jer. 10.24.

We are greedie of Benefits when we want them, and yet we are ungratefull, when we have obtained them, ſee 456.

As thoſe that will not work, muſt not eat, ſo thoſe that may not eat, cannot work, Prov. 16.25. and a Theſ, 3.10. ſee Aph. 72.

The young Storke nouriſhes the old one, and Children ſhould not altogether die in the Parents debt.

Many times as the Cat ſerves the Mouſe, even ſo the greater Thiefe leads the leſs to execution.

The melancholly Soul fights with ſhadowes, and beats himſelf with his own weapons.

That which breaks out in the Body or Skin, commonly went in firſt at the Head, Docet experientia rerum.

True Riches by diſtribution feel no diminution, but by Communication get an Augmentation.

'Tis an ill Diſeaſe that hides it ſelf, and a ſoar beaten Child, that dares not Cry. Get that without book.

To faſt and watch and pray, and then relapſe again, is to waſh our Hands, and ſnuff the Candle.

One Calling is enough at once, The deepeſt Engineers are not alwaies the richeſt Men.

One would think the Head ſhould lay to heart, what the Hand layes out of the Store-houſe, Luke 14.28.

There is no Patience in Hell; but we may be ſure, that there is an Hell in Impatience, Epheſ. 4.26,27.

The whole world is full of Gods glory; And yet our Wicked Hearts are empty of his grace.

Commit thy way to GOD, and ſubmit thy Will, and he will compoſe thy Affections, and diſpoſe thy Actions, Pſal. 37.3. Prov. 16.3.

What an Heaven would it be to our Souls, if we were but halfe ſo unwilling to ſin, as God is to puniſh? Lam. 3.33.

So groſſe is our folly, that We take more paines to be miſerable, then we need to do to be happy, Iſa. 55.1,2.

Except Sin be ſeperate from our Souls, it will ſeperate our Souls from our Bodies, and both from God, Iſa. 59.2. Ezek. 18.4.

What loades of Offences and Provocations does the Lord beare, long before ever he complains! Iſa. 43.24. Amos 2.13.

We are naturally more taken, with a grain of ſeeming Pleaſure, then a mountain of reall Profit.

We do contemptuouſly under value Mercies in the enjoyment: but highly prize them at the removal, ſee the 437.

Inſtead of conquering evil with goodneſs, we repay evil for good unto God himſelf, Iſa. 1.2. Deut. 32.5,6.

God will aſſuredly anſwer our Prayers graciouſly, if our lives and converſations anſwer them ſo.

Chriſts Excellency is exalted farther above the Heavens, then it is hence to the Heavens.

The worſt thinks himſelf better then he is, and the beſt is worſe then he thinks himſelf.

The beſt work that ever we can perform in thought, word and work, is to reform All, Iſa. 1.11.16. &c.

Our moſt enlarged Prayers and Profeſſions can no more ſatisfie GOD themſelves, then Thoughts and Words can pay Debts.

In God, not only We, but alſo our Graces, Comforts, and Vertues, do live, move, and exiſt, Ioh. 15.5.

We ſhould ſhun ſuch profits as purchaſe Gods diſpleaſure, and hate ſuch pleaſures as procure our Soules diſprofit.

GOD needs nothing that we have, to felicitate Him, no more then the Sun needs a Candle to ſee Day by.

Never be weary of the godly Mans company: In good ſociety there ſhould be no ſatiety, Pſal. 16.3.

The Lord Jeſus hath more Compaſſion in ſtore, then all the World can make uſe of, or ſtand in need of.

The Soul is a Tree, the Faculties are Branches, the Thoughts are Buds, the words are Leaves, the Actions are Fruit.

That ſame Travailer that takes moſt heed to his Wayes, makes beſt ſpeede to his End, Prov. 4.23,26.

We cannot think too bad of our ſelves, nor ſpeake good enough of God: Yet he prizes us, we ſlight Him.

The Lord is not only a God hearing Prayers; but alſo (Iſa. 65.24.) preventing prayers.

The Godly mans down-fall, is his upriſing, the Wicked mans upriſing is his down-fall, Pſal. 37.23,24. Pſal. 73.18,19.

Moſt men walk in the broad Way, and yet every man thinks to enter in at the ſtreight Gate, Mat. 7.13. Prov. 16.25.

There is no man living ſo Young, that he ſhould preſume, nor any ſo Old, that he ſhould deſpair of Mercy.

I muſt pray for the Churches perſecutors, and ſo I do: Lord, forgive their ſinnes, and give, them leſſe Power, and us more Patience.

He that cheats Himſelf is a fooliſh Knave: he that cheats the Devil is an honeſt Knave.

Where is reall ſinceritie in the Life, there will be unwearied perſeverance till Death, Gal. 6.9. 1 Cor. 15. laſt.

That Eye will never endure to look the Sun in the face, to which a Torch is tedious, ſee Jer. 12.5. and Aph. next.

How ſhall any behold a Conſuming fire, who cannot endure the ſight of a Saint? Pſal. 1.5. Heb. 12. laſt ſee John 5.35.

'Tis a royal ſhame, when that vice is in a King that is intolerable in a Kingdome, Deut. 18.10,11. 1 Sam. 28.7.

Magiſtrates and Miniſters too oft (like the Sea) can tame others, but not themſelves, Rom. 2.17. to 25. with verſe, 1,2,3.

'Tis an unconceivable Advantage, to let ſlip the Occaſion of doing evill, 1 Tim. 5.14. 1 Theſ. 5.22.

Be our Voyage long, or ſhort, ſwift, or ſlow, proſperous or adverſe, We all anchor in the Earth. See Job. •… 26.

Take but out the Water, and ye ſhall find the Sea a Grave to bury thouſands among Fiſh-Wormes.

The Devill promiſes like a Merchant, but he performes like a Man of War, Matth. 4. Eph. 2.2.

Thoſe in high dignities, like men upon perillous Precipices, are more pittyable, then envyable.

A Venice glaſs may, through carefull uſage, out laſt a piece of Silver Plate unlook'd unto.

A ſmall Boate many times out-lives a Tempeſt, when an able Bottome makes an hole in the Sea.

Many ſmall Leakes may ſinck the Ship: and many ſmall Sins may drown the Soul in Perdition.

All carnall delights are Wine in the morning: Beere at noone, and Vinegar at night.

Incendiaries want not VVoe, but VVit: When the Houſe is on fire, pray wher's the Bellowes? ſee Aphoriſm, 495.

No ſooner can any man get publique Approbation, but baſe Envy fly-blowes his Reputation. See to Eccl. 10.1.

Every Foole can make a Foole; but he is cunning indeed, that can make a wiſe man.

Where the Heart is of a ſound Conſtitution within, there the life will be of a ſweet Complection without.

Miſchief-mongers are like Fire-ſhips: while they martyr others they beſpeak but an hot bargain for themſelves.

Unruly Rulers are like Ninepins, advanced one by one, to be thrown down by ſixes and ſeavens.

Covetous men are like the ſalt Sea; though they drink many Rivers, yet they are ſtill unſatified. See Eccleſ. 17.

Wicked men ply their Prayers, as the Saylors their Pump, onely in a Tempeſt, and for fear of ſinking, ſee Hoſ. 5.15. Jona. 1.

He that will not ſweat muſt weepe; he that will not labour, muſt be belaboured. See Prov. 20.4.

A Wiſe man can learn farre more from a Foole, then a Foole can from a Wiſe Man, Prov. 24.30,31,32.

Poſt-ſcript to the READERS. THis Booke of late was out of Print (my Friends) This half year laſt: but now, to make Amends. I mended and (ſince that in hand I had it) Three hundred Scripture Texts I ſuperadded, And more. But if no Captious Critick Brother, Do Carp thereat: I fear not any other. For tis a Benefit and none Offence, If ſome Quotations prove by Conſequence, Or but Illuſtrate: A Judicious Mind, Therein ſhall (no ſmall) pleaſan • Profit finde, Then Chide me not: but rather giv • me Thank, For inter-ſcribing how to fill a Blank. Expect if this cheap VVealth be no • refuſed, A third Part, called, Little wit we •… uſed. If God give Life and Leave: but thi • will be, Scarce long before the next Feſtivity. Mean while pick out, peruſe and practiſe well, Such Truths, wherein moſt VVeight and VVorth do dwell: Bleſſe God for what is beſt and moſt divine, And ſo will I, and ſay the reſt are mine. Yet all are thine, and I once more in fine N. C. Aug. 1 1656.

Mercurius Deſideratus. THE WISE DOVE, OR TAME SERPENT; viz. The Conſcionable Politician Compendiouſly characteriſed in Proſe & Verſe.

By Nathanael Church.

Matth. 10.16.

Behold I ſend you forth as Sheep in the midſt of Wolves: be ye therefore prudent as Serpents, and ſincere as Doves.

 Prudens Simplicitas —Martial.

Printed in the Year, 1657.
The wiſe Dove, or Tame Serpent.

HAppy is the Mans whoſe Meditation, are pure, whoſe Diſcourſes are ſavory, & whoſe liſe is holy: who ſpeakes as he thinkes, & doth as he ſpeakes. Who is a coward in Sin, but bold in Godlineſſe.

The man is bleſt, who dares be good From Sur-face to the Center: Who feels no Courage in his blood On ſin to make Adventure.

Whom neither Sight can entice, nor Might enforce to do Evill: But he doth Good, and ſpeakes Truth even gratis, & is peremptorily reſolved to be honeſt in ſpight of Earth and Hell.

Who can endure to be a Saint Amids the Devills Traps: Who is not honeſt by Conſtraint; Nor ſpeakes Truth by meer Haps.

Whoſe Promiſes never out-run his Performances for want of Forecaſt, or after-Care. Whoſe Deſignes may be naked, & yet not aſhamed. Who is not ſad at glad-tydings, nor coyns Impoſtures to ſing his own party into a Fools-dream.

Who doth his Words with Deeds relieve Whoſe Plots need no Diſguiſe; Who at Good newes doth never Grieve, Nor Lull himſelf with Lyes.

Who bends his Mind to ſhoote at Perfection, though the Arrowes of his Endeavour fall ſhort. Who loves not to plead Ignorance. Who conquers his Enemies by Patience, and murthers Injuries with Courteſies.

VVho would be better then he can: who ſees no need of Blindneſſe. VVho turnes his Foes Phyſician, and kills Revenge with Kindneſſe.

Who deſires, to be both to GOD and Man a ſincere Nathanael, a true Church-Member, in Faith and Affection, without Malice, though not without Evill. Whoſe Humanity and Humility can never be Bankrupt.

VVho is upright to God above, Down right to Man below: VVho ſtill payes All the debt of Love, And yet the ſame doth Owe.

Whoſe well doing wearies out all his bad Pay-maſters. Who ſweates out the malignancy of Idleneſs. VVho is free hearted, and publique Spirited, and robs not Others of Himſelf.

VVho can do well ſpight of Ill-will; WVho ſlayeth ſloth with Labour: VVho lives as lent Himſelf until, But given to his Neighbour.

Who never prides himſelf in temporary trifles, or future uncertainties. Who is not mad, but modeſt. Who ſcornes impudently to ſwagger with what his Maſter lent him.

Who boaſteth not of Muck & Rags; Nor vaunteth of To morrow; Whoſe Head is tame, who never brags Of what he did but borrow.

Who furbuſhes his vertuous Habits by frequent Acts, and lets not his Time, nor Thoughts runne at waſt. Who thinkes himſelf leſſe then the least Mercy; and yet the whole world is not enough to fill his In-ſide.

VVho never lets his Graces ruſt, Nor Time away be hurl'd; VVho counts himſelf more vile then Duſt yet better then the world.

Who doth not inviſibly wound his Brothers good name with Words worſe then Blows. Who is more Conſcionable then most men deſire to be, and yet is angry with himſelf for being no better.

Who whets not's Tongue upon his ſpleen to cut an abſent Friend. Who is as good as e're was ſeen; And yet he ſtill doth mend,

VVho whines not after his Neighbours glittering duſt; nor is toy-ſicke, like an bard to be pleaſed, Changeling, or incorrigible Self-humouriſt; who cares not ſo much for Liberty, as for Conſcience.

VVho never fondling like doth cry For others Lands, or Houſe: Who in his Chriſtian Liberty Is Conſcientious.

VVho aſpires not to a faire Place by foule Play: who is not beggered by Plenty, nor made a Miſer through Proſperity: who ſtrives not to make the golden MINE a Poſſeſſive, nor poore Mens GETTINGS A Participle.

VVho growes not great without Gods VVhom Riches cannot Pine: VVho at vaſt Gold heaps lookes a-skew, leave And, but in jeſt, ſayes, MINE.

VVho magnifies the Creator, and parvifies the Creatures: who ſets his Face towards the Sun of Righteouſneſſe, and by turning his backe upon tranſitory Delights, makes them ſhadow-like flock after him.

Who feels the Brightnes of Gods love Strike all Earths glory dimme: Who mainly ſeekes the things Above, And things below ſeeke Him.

Who is not cunning enough to deceive Himſelf, nor fooliſh enough to let others deceive him. Who is of a Serpentine prudence, leſt Another ſhould hurt Him, and of a Columbine ſincerity, leſt He ſhould hurt Another.

Who Chriſts true way of Life doth tread, Ʋniting Grace with Art VVho is a Serpent in his Head, A Turtle in his Heart.

Whoſe Thoughts are like deepe, though cleare Waters, that may be ſeene into unto the middle, but not through to the bottome. Who is able to give, and willing to take good Advice.

Who is Profound, yet plain in ſpeech To thoſe that can't diſcerne: VVho is both wiſe enough to Teach, And humble enough to Learn.

Who ſtudies not to cheat his own Soul, nor wearies himſelf with Frivolous Impertinencies, neglecting the one thing neceſſary. But being ſenſible of his own nothingneſſe, eſteemes Chriſt All in All.

VVho is not ſtuft with fooliſh craft His own ſoul to deſeate: VVho is imperfect, but well graft, In him who is Compleat.

VVho is wiſe to do Good, bu • to do Miſchief has no Knowledge▪ VVho by his prudentiall Innocency befooles the profound Politician, and confutes the grand Impoſtor.

Who is in God a knowing man, A very Child in evill: Who ſilly-ſimple is, yet can Out wit both Man and Devill.

VVho the older he growes, the newer he is daily; and the more decrepit and crocked his Bodie is, the more ſtraight and upright is his Mind. VVho is both inferiour to the VVormes; and yet ſuperiour to the Angels.

Who growes Young by Antiquity, And lives when he is dead: Who is but wormes-meat: yet more high then Angels rears his Head.

VVho by Faith and Love diſboſomes himſelf of all Self-intereſt: improves all he has for Gods glory, who turns all to his good. VVho, when we have ſeen & heard the beſt of him, ſtill is far better within doores. Such a ones company Angels long for.

Who reckons not himſelf his own; But all things elſe are his: Who lives as unto God well known, That man is ripe for Bliſſe.
Poſt-ſcript Quibuſlibet.

FRiends, there was an errour, or Vice, in the Title of the Dedication hereof, through the Remoteneſs of the Authour, from the Preſſe: And the late Advancement of the Patron. Wherefore tis thought good, to leave out the Epiſtle Dedicatory to prevent a Generall Miſtake

NEighbours, lay aſide Partiality, or the Booke, which you pleaſe, it will not hurt you unleſſe you will.

That Reader who is over critical, I am ſure is Hypocriticall.

'The ſelf-ſame thing; if this man did it, it is too too Conceited; if another, tis Ingenious.

Nothing can be ſo bad, but ſome like it; nothing ſo good, but ſome diſlike it.

Tis as hard to gratifie Every man, as to pleaſe ones Own fickle humour.

VVhen I do well, I am envied: when ill, I am upbraided: Countreymen, what ayle ye?

Friends, Ye are many: But were ye more; do but agree among your ſelves, and I'le give you all ſatisfaction.

True, My Garden has Weeds, as well as Hearbs; my Field Tares, as well as Wheat; my Buſh Prickles, as well as Roſes.

The Spider drawes deadly poyſon from the cordiall Slips; the Bee ſuckes honey from the heartleſſe Weed.

My Apples have ſome ſoundneſs, licke not the rotten: My Sieve ſome Flower, eat not the Bran.

The ſincereſt Iſraelites may be, not without his Guilt, yet without his Guile.

The trueſt NATHANIEL may have his Errata, and the pureſt CHƲRCH its Imperfections here.

FINIS.

Imprimatur,

Edmund Calamie.