making warre against the Duke of Austria and finding himselfe too weak sends privately for three of the Dukes chief Gentlemen promising them great summes of money if they would perswade the Duke to returne home which they undertook and so prevailed with the Duke that hee gave over the warre for that time Shortly after the Gentlemen came to the Emperour for the money he had promised The Emperour gave them great bags full of golden Ducats but all counterfeit whereof they afterward complained to the Emperour who bade them bee gone like knaves saying That false worke must have false wages a just reward of Treason Solyman the Turkish Emperour imploying a Christian to betray the Rhodes promised to give him his Daughter to wife if he did the businesse The service being done the Traytor demanded what was promised the Turk commanded his Daughter to bee brought forth in stately manner as if shee were to bee married saying to him Forasmuch as thou art a Christian and my daughter a Mahumitan you cannot so live quietly or comfortably together and I am loath to have a sonne that is not a Muselman both without and within and therefore 't is not enough that thou abjure Christianity as many of you will doe upon lesser occasion but you must pull off your skin which is baptized and uncircumcised which hee commanded to bee done and then promised him that if there came a Mahumitan skin in room of the Christian he should have his Daughter but not before Too much prosperity dangerous St. Ambrose comming into a rich mans house who boasted that he had never felt any adversity in all his life said to his friends we must not stay here left wee perish with this man They were no sooner out of doores but the earth opened and swallowed up the house Master and all The uncertainty of worldly prosperity Croesus was so puft up with his great riches and outward glory that he boasted himselfe to be the happiest man that lived but Solon told him That no man was to be accounted happy before death Croesus little regarded what Solon had said unto him untill he came by miserable experience to find the uncertainty of his riches and worldly glory which before he would not beleeve for when hee was taken by King Cyrus and condemned to be burnt and saw the fire preparing for him then he cryed out O Solon Solon Cyrus asking him the cause of that outcry hee answered that now hee remembred what Solon had told him in his prosperity Nemo ante obitum foelix That no man was to be counted happy before death A noble act of faithfull Courtiers Lewis the eleventh of France going about to establish some unjust edicts when some of his chiefe Courtiers perceived his drift they went all together to him in red Gownes The King asked them what they would The President La Vacqueri answers We are come with a full purpose to lose our lives every one of us rather then by our connivency any unjust Ordinance should take place The King being amazed at this answer and at the constancy and resolution of those Peeres gave them gracious entertainment and commanded that all the former Edicts should bee forthwith cancelled in his presence Lavish vowes are but sleightly performed A Mariner in a great storme prayed to the Virgin to deliver him and vowed to give her a wax Candle as big as his Mast but when the danger was over he told his Companions that now one of eight in the pound should serve her turne A Souldier of a pious and publick spirit 'T was a Noble Spirit that acted in one Terentius a Captaine of the Emperour Valens who being returned out of Armenia with a great Victory the Emperour bad him aske a reward hee asked onely that hee would be pleased to grant to those of the Christian Religion one publick Church in Antioch and although the Emperour were angry and tore his Petition bidding him aske something else yet hee persisted in this and refused any other reward for all the service hee had done Height of Malice One having gotten his enemy at an advantage first caused him to speak blasphemy in hope of life and then stab'd him boasting when he had done that he had made his enemy lose both-body and soule A fit reward for Treason Camillus having besieged the Falerians the Schoole-master trained all the youth of the City as far as the Roman Watch of purpose to betray them to the Romans their enemies the Schoolmaster being taken with his Schollers and brought before Camillus received this answer That a worthy Captaine should seek victory by trusting to his owne valour and not by anothers villany and so commanded him to be stript and his hands bound behind him his Scholars were sent back to their parents with rods in their hands whipping their Master before them for which noble act the Falerians submitted themselves to the Romanes Hee that hath no children thinks all fond Parents fooles Agesilaus did use to play with his children when they were little as to ride on Hobby-horses c. A friend of his taking him in the manner rebuked him But Agesilaus intreated him to say nothing till he had children of his owne Our late Bishops were true Prophets When King James came first into England he was much petitioned to abolish the Ceremonies used in the Church whereto he seemed indifferently inclined But the Bishops lay at him continually by no meanes to hearken to the Puritans often harping upon this string No Ceremony no Bishop No Bishop no King which blessed be God is now come to passe The Clergy of Rome had good cause to be angry with Luther A German Prince askt Erasmus what hee thought of the Doctrine of Martin Luther Erasmus answered That the Doctrine was good enough but that it pincht too much upon the Monks bellies and the Popes prerogative A sad Story A Fryer preaching upon these words Vinum non babent i. e. They have no wine he divides the Text into two parts First here is Vinum ibi optimus liquor Secondly Non habent ibi pessimus clamor of the first part he spake very largely but when he came to the second he brake off abruptly Gods Mercy to England since it was a Common-wealth From the first of King James to the last of King Charls England was seldom free from the Plague but now God be praised the Land is free from that judgement and our London Bils of Mortality have given in of the Plague none for many weeks together Prosperity needs ballancing with some Adversitie Newes being brought to Philip of Macedon all in one day of many good successes as first that hée had got a prize at the Olympian Games next that his Generall Parmenio had overcome the Dardonians Thirdly that his wife Olympia was delivered of a Sonne lifting up his hands to Heaven he said O yee Gods send me some moderate misfortune to countervaile so great prosperity The sword of the
would become of the Bishop I feare me he would to Hell too at which the Bishop being confounded went his way Bishop Wrens unsufferable insolency When Wren was Bishop of Norwich and had put downe all after-noone Sermons on Lords dayes in his Diocesse it hapned that the Earles of Bedford and Doncaster with three or foure Lords more were invited to the Baptizing of the Lord Brooks Childe at Dallam in Suffolke which was to be in the after-noone on the Lords day the Noble-men earnestly desired Master Ash Houshold Chaplaine to the Lord Brcoks to preach which through great importunity he did this presently comming to the Bishops eares he sends his Apparitor with a Citation for Master Ash to appeare before him with whom the Lord Brooks went along to the Bishop whom they found sitting in state like a great Lord or Demy Pope they desired to know his Lordships pleasure to which the Bishop answered That his Chaplaine had openly affronted him in his Diocesse in daring to preach therein without his speciall License and that on the Lords day after-noone when he had expresly prohibited all Sermons within his Jurisdiction telling Master Ash that he would make him an example to all others my Lord Brooks told the Bishop That it was by the earnest intreaty of those Lords and his owne command that his Chaplaine then preached and that he hoped there was no cause of offence in the matter to which the Bishop replyed That my Lord Brook did very ill to offer to maintaine his Chaplaine in this saying that no Lord in England should affront him in his Diocesse in such a manner if he did his Majesty should know of it and that he would make his Chaplaine an example Hereupon he presently proceedeth against Master Ash in his owne Court with all violence no mediation of Lords oâ— friends could pacifie him till at last the Earle of Donâ—aster told him That he would complaine of him to the King if he would not cease prosecuting Master Ash since he preached by the Lord Brooks command and at his and othâ—r Lords intreaty hereupon the Bishop leaving the Chaplain falls upon the Church-wardens fines them forty shillings a man injoynes them publick Pennance in the Church to aske God and the Bishop forgivenesse and to confesse that their pennance was just O pride O tyranny The Doctor could not pray without bâ—oke When the Religious Lord Vere was suddenly struck with deaths arrow at Sir Henry Vanes Table at White-Hall as he sate at Dinnâ—r and carried from thence into a Withdrawing Chamber where he dyed a Grand Doctor of Divinity one of the Kings Chaplaines being there present was upon this unexpected occasion desired to kneele downe and pray with the Company the Doctor hereupon calls for a Common-prayer Booke and answer being made that there was none present he replyed that he could not pray without a Book whereupon a Knight there present tooke him by the Gowne and forced him to kneele downe telling him that my Lord was dying and he must needs say some Prayer or other upon this he begins Our Father which art in heaven for other prayer could he say none which the Knight hearing bade him hold his peace for my Lord was dead and he was but a dead Divine who knew not how to pray He that stopt other mens mouthes had at last his own â—â—…pt with a vengeance Thomas Arundell Arch-Bishop of Canterbury a grievous persecutor of Gods people and a great suspender and silencer of his Ministers who occupying his tongue braines and Episcopall power to stop the mouthes and tye up the tongues of Gods Ministers and hinder the preaching and course of Gods Word was by Gods just Judgement so sâ—â—icken in his tongue that it swelled so bigge he could neither swallow nor speake for some dayes before his death and so he was starved choked and killed by this strange tumour of his tongue A true Slave There was not long since in the Towne of Ipswich an old man who was so extreamly base and miserable that he lived in a most sordid manner not allowing himselfe convenient necessaries either for back or belly but would walke Horses at Innes begge his victuals up and downe the Towne and weare such old rotten Canvase Jackets and Breeches as the Sea-men threw away when this wretch was dead his two Sonnes who were newly come from Sea knowing that their Father had money though he would never part with a farthing to them fell a ransaking the house and at last they found what they lookt for though the quantity farre exceeded their expectation the neighbours that came into the house with them stood amazed to see so much money in such a mans house the two Sons leapt up and downe for joy and one clapping the other on the back said Faith sirrah was not this a true Slave Cardinall Pools answer to a Figure-fâ—inger One that pretended skill in judiciall Astrologie came to Cardinall Poole telling him that he had been calculating of his Nativity the Cardinall askt him What he meant by his nativity The Astrologer answered his Birth under what Planet he was borne and what Fortunes would befall him which he said he had gathered from the Starres and Coelestiall houses Tush replyed the Cardinall I have been borne againe since then How to deale with crafty sinners The Lot when it was directed against Achan first it fell upon the Tribe secondly it fell upon the Family Thirdly upon the Houshold and lastly upon the person of Achan he hid his sinne ever till it lighted upon him So the crafty sinner is not moved when the threatning is given out generally against the Nation neither when it is given out against the City where he dwels nor when it comes to his Family till in particular it come to his Person and till it be said to him Thou art the man Sin is a shamelesse thing yee may spit seven times in the face of it before it blush A covetous man is like a Christmas Box The covetous man is like a Christmas Box whatsoever is put into it cannot be taken out till it be broken he soaketh up the waters of riches like a Spunge and till death doth come and squeeze him with his Iron graspe he will not yeeld one drop of that which he hath received 'T is hard to know a mans disposition till he be out of check 'T is said of Tiberius that whilst Augustâ—â— rul'd he was no wayes tainted in his reputation and that whiles Drusus and Germanicus were alive he feigned those vertues which he had not to maintaine a good opinion of himselfe in the hearts of the people but after he had got himselfe out of the reach of contradiction and controulment there was no fact in which he was not faulty no crime to which he was not accessary Love me a little and love me long 'T was a witty reason of Diogenes why he askt a half penny of the thrifty man and a pound of the
preach Martiall Discipline is very strict There was a French Souldier that mounted a Bulworke of a Fort which was besieged by whose valiant example the Fort was taken for which peece of good service Marshall De Thermes the French Generall Knighted him but within an houre after he hanged him because he did it without command FINIS Errata PAge 19. line 6. read Trajane p. 53. l. 5. r. Libera p. 140. l. 11. r. uttered The Table NEither prosperity nor adversity should make us to deny Christ page 1. Death to be much remembred p. 2. A brave act of Clemency ibid. A good Law against Projectors p. 3 The glory of the World a meer Fable ibid. Justice how to be qualified ibid. An example of excellent Iustice p. 4. The rare piety of the young L. Harington ibid. Two learned Friars p. 5. The Devill rebukes sin ibid. But three Kings in Christendom ibid Basils brave resolution p 6. False worke false wages ib. A just reward of Treason p. 7. Too much prosperity dangerous ib. The uncertainty of worldly prosperity p. 8. A noble act of faithfull Courtiers ib. Lavish vowes are but slightly performed p. 9. A Souldier of a pious and publick spirit ib Height of malice p. 10. A fit reward for Treason ib. He that hath no children thinks all fond Parents fooles p. 11. Our late Bishops were true Prophets ib. The Clergy of Rome had good cause to be angry with Luther ib. A sad story p. 12. Gods Mercy to England since it was a Common-wealth ib. prosperity needs ballancing with some Adversity ib. The sword of the Souldier knows not the goods of their friends from the goods of their enemies p 13. Labour good both for body and soul p. 14. Live-well and Dye-well are Twins ib. A penance for drunkennesse ib. The power of Preaching p. 15. A fit Embleme for over-curious women ib. To speak well a hard Lesson p. 16. They that spend their estate in Luxury deserve no pitty ib. The Sermon is not done before it be practised p. 17. Tyrants are Gods Rods which he casts into the fire when he hath done with them ib. Though Kings Crownes sit light upon their heads yet oftentimes they lye heavy upon their Consciences p. 18. Christians lives should answer Christs rules ib. A triumphant Conquerour becomes a patient sufferer for Iesus Christ p. 19. A witty Answer of Aquinas to the Pope ib. The world will be sure to keepe Christ poore enough p 20 They that sleight Christ ought to be lightly esteemed p 21 policy â—afer then flattery and plain-dealing ib. The best Sacrifice p. 22 Cardinall Woolseys Father was a Butcher in Ipswich ib. Some can better rule then be ruled p. 23 The Church stood in need of a Luther ib. Three dogs to be kept out of the pulpit ib. Luther would not be satisfied with a temporall reward ib. Mutability of Fortune p 24 An Indian would not go to Heaven because he heard that the Spaniards went thither ib. Continuall happines is the greatest unhappinesse p. 25 Christ weeping over Jerusalem ib. Magistrates and Physicians must not kill â—oo many ib. Ingratitude p. 26 Aâ—â—ections infectious ib. Many are spiritually sick and know it not ib. Satans greatest advantages against us are from our selves p. 27 Humanity a good helpe to Divinity ib. This Scholler deserved a cup of Wine to his Fish p. 28 Dangerous sinning against Conscience ib. A wounded Conscience who can beare p. 30 A contest about our modern Languages p. 31 Sinfull fruits never last long p. 32 How to pacifie Gods wrath p 33 The Devils cunning in leaving Jobs Wife ib. Why Jupiter is preferred before the rest of the Gods p. 34 Godly men leave a blessing to their posterity ib. Of one that said the Crosse-row instead of a prayer p. 35 Dangerous delaying of Repentance ib. Balaams wish p. 36 Most men are best in a lâ—w condition ib. How God will try men ib. Saint Austines robbing of an Orchard made a haino us sin p. 37 A miraculous Providence p. 38 A pertinent Answer to an impertinent Question ib. Of one that would not repeâ—t in the beginning of his sinknesse lest he should recover p. 39 Ridley blames himself for drinking there where the Gospell was refused ib. Vpon Canterburies great bell p 40 Injustice will bee repayed at one time or another ib. The Ministery is no idle calling p. 41 Peter and Paul pictured blushing ib. Seldome comes the better ib. Mistris Hutchinson of New-England delivered of a strange Monster p. 42 Mistris Dyers fearfull Monster p. 43 Riches bring troubles p. 45 A just reward of covetousnesse ib. Gods Mercy p. 46 Gods Infinitnesse ib. A Prophesie fulfilled ib. The different dispositions of men p. 47 Affection marres Iudgement ib. Five pound lost for want of faith ib. To be sensible that we are dead is a signe of life p. 49 A passage of Providence p. 50 Between green heads and gray haires truth suffers much p. 51 Vpon the Bishop of Elies translation to Canterbury ib. Rich Parsons need not preach p. 52 A prayer against the Grace of God ib. Foure blessings came into England together p. 53 Many cannot mind heaven they are so taken up with the earth ib. Nothing got by neglecting opportunities ib. prayer more prevalent then an Army of men p. 54 A good tryall of bad servants ib. Embassadors whether sent from Kings or from God must not be abused p. 55 An ignorant Bishop ib. A Knight that durst appeare for a persecuted Truth and man p. 57 Christians must learn self-deniall ib. A covetous King and an ungratefull Guest p. 58 Who is the most Foole p. 59 T is enough to repent the day before our death ib. Meane Parentage no disparagement to vertuous men p. 60 Loving Wives ib. Some sorrows are not to be exprest p. 61 Ingentes stupent p. 62 Valour scornes any kind of base tricks ib. Christian Fortitude ib. Tyrants requests are commands p. 63 A peâ—ce of policy ib. An Vsurers last Will and Testament p 64 An admirable example of a selfe-denying Christian ib. A Iudgement upon perjury p. 66 A text well improved p. 67 Delight in sinning p. 68 A wise answer to a foolish people ib. A notable act of charity ib. A good speech of Constantine p. 69 Men of great estates and eminency brought to great wants and extremity ib. A censure of a curious woman p. 70 prosperity is subject to pride ib. A happy strife p. 71 God usually pays sinners with their own coyn ib. The noble and Christian courage of Agrippa p. 72 Hostility converted into courtesie ib. A word fitly spoken p. 73 A true Noble-man ib. A just reward of tyranny p. 74 Nine Arguments against toleration of all Religions p. 75 Silence in Gods cause dangerous ib. A good conscience preferred before werldly glory p. 76 Honours change manners ib. A good helpe for the Pope at a dead lift p. 77 The sinfull examples of great men are of dangerous consequence