disputing are profitable for 3. things They sharpen the wit wonderfully They do consume strenthen our iudgement concerning profitable and necessary things They bréede quicknes in resoluing doubts and intricate questions 24 There is a continuall desire of riches in men as saith Democritus He that hath nothing is trobled with a desire to get wealth He that hath enough is molested with cares in kéeping that he hath He that hath lost all he had is vexed with sorow for his mishap 25 Three sortes of men gather riches couetously for 3 causes He that is giuen to pleasure loueth riches that by the help of them he may continue in his voluptious vaine He that is ambitious and desirous of vain glorie desireth treasurre that by the ayde thereof he may be aduanced accounted honorable A man fearing future pouertie scrapeth vp wealth by hooke or croake hâ—rdeth it and keeketh it doubting hunger age diseases banishment c. and reposing more trust and confidence therein then in God 26 Three thinges which seeme to make a man happie Sufficiencie Tranquilitie Wanting nothing Grieuing for nothing Fearing nothing Securitie 27 Three thinges proper vnto beautie It is fraile and fadeth in short time Many wicked vices of the minde are couered with the vale of beautie It hath brought commoditie to fewe but many vnto destruction 28 Our auncestours feigned a triple fortune or 3. fortunes One blind She was called blind because she bestowed benefits vpon euill vnthankful persons An other mad and furious Mad because she easily snaicheth taketh awaye that which she hath giuen The third deafe Deafe because shee will not heare the coÌ„plaints of the poore 29 Ignorance is of three sorts Some is good when wee are ignorant of euill Some is euill when wee are ignorant of good Some is indifferent which is neither good nor euill 30 We are ignorant of many things which we might know and that for 3 causes Either for carelesnes of the knoweledge of them Or for sloth to learne them This kind of ignoraÌ„ce hath no excuse Or for shamefastnes to enquire after theÌ„ 31 Ignorance also is of 3. sortes after another manner On is affected which will not knowe that which it knoweth Another grosse which for slouth and negligence will not learne and search foorth The third inuincible which remaineth after all diligence 32 Three thinges which are a ioy to beholders To sée agréement amongest brethren Looue amongest neighbours A man and his wife kéeping faith and loyaltie together 33 Beautie hath prerogatiue aboue deformitie three maner of waies Beautie setteth forth honestie as saith Pacatus for vertue in a comely bodye is alwayes more acceptable We more willingly talk with those which are faire then those which are foule as Aristotle witnesseth Beautie is of more force to commende any body then any letter of commendation 34 Three thinges make men breake their couenants Vngodly desire of gaine Heady anger Lust which sets mens hartson fire 35 Three euils for the moste parte accompany beautie Faire people are disdainfull and pride followeth beautie and beautie how litle soeuer it is proude it is There is great strife betwixt beautie chastitie And that which pleaseth manye is kept with great danger It is an oc casion of sinne or a stirrer vp of foolish looue for lightnesse hath alwayes beene a suter to the fairest 36 Three excellent gouernors God gouerneth the worlde The minde gouerneth the soule Wisedome doeth rule and gouerne the felicetie of this life 37 Lampedo is iudged happie for euer as Plinie writeth for 3 causes for that she was A kinges daughter A kings wife A kings mother 38 Al moral Philosophie is deuided into 3. parts Ethicall Oeconomicall Which pertaineth to the gouernement of a mans owne selfe Which belongeth to the gouernment of a mans house Which concerneth the gouernment of the common wealth Politicall 39 Thrée thinges which whette the eie sight To viewe fountaines of water To Looke vpon gréen thinges To behold a mans selfe in a looking glasse 40 Three commodities of letting bloud It cheareth the hartes of such as are sad It appeaseth such as are angrie It keepeth louers from running mad 41 Three sortes of people will tell trueth alwayes for the most part Children Fooles Carelesse men 42 Three chiefe parts in a man The braine The hart Yeeldeth sence Life Nourishment The liuer 43 Thrée things which can seldome or neuer be cured Frensie Heresie Ielousie 44 Thrée thinges necessary to obtain and maintaine by authoritie Wonderfull wisdome Happie and prosperous successe in the businesse of our vocation The good opinion and inclination of the peoples mindes towards vs. 45 Craftie and boulde counsels haue thrée thinges pioper vnto them At the first in shew they doe delight Afterwarde being in execution they appéere hard to be compassed Lastly in euent they are found to be woful and lamentable 46 We may fortell of yâ— change of weather 3 maner of wayes by the moone The moone appearing pale it betokeneth we shall haue raine The Mone appearing red foresheweth we shall haue windes The moon e appearing white presageth we shall haue faire weather 47 Three thinges which are as necessary as as any phisike A ioyfull heart Quiet rest A moderate diet 48 Three thinges necessary to be knowne in drinking To drinke but litle and often at dinner Not to drinke bâ—twene meales To drinke at the beginning of supper but not after 49 Three things ouercome patience Griefe conquereth yâ— stroÌ„gest hearts Tibul Vnskilfulnesse then which as Seneca affirmeth nothing is more vnpatient disdaining to heare any reason Feare lest yâ— sufferance of on iniurie should prouoke men to offer vs another iniurie 50 Thrée necessary offices for a good wife to execute wheÌ„ her husband is sicke Of a Cooke Of a Phisition Imitating yâ— example of Saratomacha the wife of K. Deiotarus Of a Chirurgian 51 Thrée causes why a man may weepe for the death of his friend In as much as we reâ—oyce in his life it is necessary we should weepe at his death Since two heartes vnited in one honest affection haue but one being and place of residence it is good reason that we bewaile the death of our chosen friend euen with the same nature and compassion that we would do our owne Least we be euill spoken of Eccl. 38 vers 17. 52 The glory of a man exalted vnto honor engendreth 3. thingâ— Strife anong great men Suspition among his equals Enuy among the meaner sort 53 Three things abate pride Sicknes Pouertie Imprisonment and bondage 54 Marcus Aurelius the Emperour was forewarned of great grieuous punishments whiche should fall vpon the citie citizens of Rome by 3. strange miracles which happened in yâ— time of his Empire As he was in the temple of the virgins vestals sodainely there entred in two hogs and ran about his féete there fell downe dead Another day as he came from his high Capitoll to haue gone out at the gate Salarie hee sawe two kites
abridge their liberty 63 A husband is forbidden thre daies of fasting When the wife is gone to the bath When he hath wel beateÌ„ hir she is angry When she is abroad at good chears with her gossips 64 You may knowe good wine by 3. things The coulor The smell The tast 65 A maker of cleere spectacles did complain that his arte was not so gainful as it had bene before times that for 3. causes Because olde monkes and priests could say their prayers without booke They were to daintie ware for rude followes to meddle withall Kings and Princes can sée through their fingers 66 Three diseases which can not be helped The gnawing of enuie The heate of loue The sting of the conscience 67 Thrée thinges which wee must not hope to obtaine after certaine times Beautie after the age of twentie yeares Strength after the age ot thirtie yeares Riches after the age of three score yeares 68 Thrée things make a man circumspect and carefull The loue he beareth to his wife and children Want of friendes and money The iniquitie of times 69 Princes haue prerogatiue in 3. things aboue other men When they are drunke their familiars say they are mery If they be blacke they are saide to bee brownâ— WheÌ„ they be fooles they are called honest simple and innocent 70 Crates the Theban sayeth that there are thrée medicins for such as be in loue Hunger Hunger cureth loue for loue quaileth when good cheare faileth Time Time will either mitigate asswage loue or end it A halter If these two will not cure this maladie yet will a halter helpe presently this infirmitie 71 Thrée sortes of men for the most part are great babblers Barbers Bathkéepers The reason is because they heare mariners soldiers and other extrauagant fellowes reciting manye strange and sundrie tales that being as it were infected with their talk they become great bablers Vintners 72 Thrée sortes of egges are accounted for good White Long. Egges Newe 73 Three sortes of men deceiue vs in shew Such as weare long kniues and yet be no Cookes Maides yâ— haue their haire hanging down yet being no virgins Such as haue shauen crownes and bee no priests 74 We labor in vaine with 3. sortes of men By ministring a medicine to a dead man By admonishing an olde man that is obstinate in his opinions In washing an Ethiopian 75 We may take example by 3. sorts of men which hazard theÌ„selues in daunger and often perish The best swimmers are drowned The best climbers do fal The best fensers are wounded 76 Three sortes of people from whom we must flie as from the diuel A wilde and vnruly monke A meale mouthed flatterer A crafty olde witch 77 Three sortes of men which will trouble themselues when they may liue without care The prince that will proclaime war when he may liue in peace He that hauing a barren wife will increase his well gotten goods with fraud and vsurie A man of 70. yeares of age that will leade with him a springhall of 18. yeares olde 78 Thrée guests which are first at a banquet Flies Dogs Flatterers 79 We must not beleeue three things The inconstant winâ—es Our deceitfull dreames That our prosperitie will continue 80 Thrée sortes of liuing creatures haue very good eie sight The Eagle The spotted beast The curious person 81 Hesiodus saith that hee had néede of three things that wil expell pouertie A house A wife An Oxe to till the ground 82 Thrée thinges to be noted in a pecocke He is clothed like an Angell He walketh like a théefe He crieth like a deuill 83 All creatures do daily preach these 3. lessons vnto man Receiue a good turne Giue that vnto others which is due to theÌ„ Flie punishment 84 Thrée things to be auoided of which we shold not hope wel An inconstant minde A rowling eie Féete readie to runne to doe mischiefe 85 Regiomontanus an excellent Astonomer being asked on a time which were the best signes for a maÌ„ to know wheÌ„ he should take his iorney answered A good horse Money in the purse Good companions 86 Thrée proud creatures A knaue sitting in a chaire A queane riding in a charriot A ramping louse in a scabbed head 87 Thrée faults in maids which play with euill neighbours They bewray our secrets They sell vnto them the goodes they haue stolen from vs. They are gadding abroad in the night 88 Thrée thinges being in the house maides wishe out of the house An angrie maistresse Smoke A broken dish 89 An asse doth 3. filthy things not without commoditie Where he doeth file there he dongeth the ground Where he doth pisse he watars the ground Where he tumbleth he breaketh the clods Thrée things are sit for an asse Fodder Stripes Burdens 90 Thrée thinges are alwayes good cheape Earth Worces Lies 91 Thrée sorts of men ought to be very vigilant Pastours to their flockes Pilats to their shippes Portors to their gates 92 Whoesoeuer will retaine a Lawier and lawfully seeke his owne right must bee furnished with 3. pucketâ— In the first pocket he must haue his declarations and certificats wherewith he may shewe his right In the second pocket he must haue his redd rudduckes ready which he must giue vnto his Laweir who will not set penne to paper without them In the third pocket he must haue patience which must stand him in steade when his Laweirs doe delay him and when sentence passeth against him 93 Louers are slaues vnto death for lustes sake and doe despise 3. things which maintaine life They suffer hunger They continue thirstie They passe the night in thoughtes without sléepe 94 Euery flower hath these 3. things naturally His blossome His sauour His sappe 95 A certaine horse-courser sold a horse wheÌ„ he had receiued ready mony the buierwould néeds know of him what faultes the horse had The horsecourser answered that he had thrée That he would not clim trées That he would not swallow iron Well quoth the buier then he wil sâ—oyle no crowes neastes He shall néede no iron for hée shall haue haye prouender inough In his iournie homeward hee perceiued yâ— his horse woulde not goe ouer woodden brides That hee coulde not away with the iron bit That hee fell often and yet quicklye forgat his fals whereby hee had triall of the horsecoursers honestie I will not commit my businesse vnto him but dispach it my selfe That he was to for getfull 96 Thrée thinges very necessary in a fenser A quick eye A strong arme A stout hart 97 Thrée thinges are very hard and difficult To cause a woman take penance patiently when she hath deserued To cause an old doting foole to reforme his maners To teach on asse musicke 98 An Epitaph worthy memorie consisting of 3. parts O man thou seest what I am Thou knowest what I haue bene Now thinke what thou shalt be thy selfe 99 A ploughman gaue 3. lessons vnto his sonne Be holy in Lent Be painfull in haruest
THE Choise of Change Containing the Triplicitie of Diuinitie Philosophie and Poetrie short for memorie Profitable for Knowledge and necessarie for Maners Whereby the learned may be confirmed the ignorant instructed and all men generally recreated Newly set foorth by S. R. Gent. and student in the Vniuersitie of Cambridge Tâ—ia sunt omnia AT LONDON Printed by Roger Warde dwelling neere Holborne Conduite An. Dom 〈…〉 TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR HENRY HERBERT Knight of the most noble order of the Garter Lorde of Cardiffe mannor and S. Quintin and Earle of Pembrocke the right worshipfull Sir PHILIP SIDNEI knight with the right worthy Gentleman M. Robert Sidney Esquire S. R. wisheth increase of vertuous qualities in the minde of the giftes of the body and goods of Fortune RIght Honorable and Worshipful If I should follow the custome of â—uch as set forth bookes to the viewe of the world which passe vnder the protection of noble personages besides the dread of offending wise men I should run into one of these three errours either to praise your H. and W. by adulation praise my selfe by ostentation or praise my worke by seeking to bring men into admiration I purpose none of all these The first I leaue least my wordes should empaire your worthines The second I refrain because I find nothing in my self which can deserue praise The third I will avoide for if my labor hath bene so wel imployed as it may please you right H. and W it is able enough to praise it selfe I therefore present these my three bookes of Diuinitie Philosophie and Poetrie comprized together in one volume vnto you three right H. and W. who are linked vnited together in an indissoluble band of amitie fraternitie humbly requesting that you will countenance theÌ„ with fauour patronage them by your authoritie that therby they may eschew the reproches of malitious tongues and bleare the enuious eies of such as prie at other mens faultes in the water which cause things seeme bigger then they be but regard their owne faultes as through small nets which cause things to seeme lesse In so doing you shall giue me cause to reioice in my trauell and occasion by thankfulnes to acknowledge my bounden duetie Thus leauing your Honour and Worships to the direction of the Almightie I cease referring my selfe to your good opinions Your Honor and Worships to commaund S. R. TO THE READER 1 HE that knoweth not that he ought to knowe is a brute beast among men 2 He that knoweth no more then he hath neede of is a man among brute beastes 3 He that knoweth all that may be knowne is a God among men 1 Reade willingly 2 Correct friendly 3 Iudge indifferently THE FIRST HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Diuinitie 1 Three things doe witnes the worde of God to be true and of great authoritie THe historie of the world comprehended in the holy scripture Many notable and strange reuelations The miracles of the Church which do coÌ„firme the word 2 The preaching of the worde of God is comprehended in three things In doctrine In consolation In precepts 3 The holy Scripture is diuided into three parts Into histories Into precepts Into prophesies Histories consist in those things which are done Precepts in those thinges which are commanded Prophesies in foreshewinge things which either are alreadie come to passe or shall hereafter be fulfilled 4 Thrée good things are set forth in the scripture which the Philosophers neuer attained vnto The true knowledge of god and calling on of his name True comfort in aduersitie The way to liue well and worship God aright 5 Thrée things are most certain in the word of God Promises Prophesies Threatnings 6 There be thrée singuler things proper to the Scripture Hugo Whatsoeuer is taught is trueth without falshood Whatsoeuer is commanded is goodnesse without malice Whatsoeuer is promised is happinesse without miserie 7 The word of God was reuealed for thrée causes To be learned To be beleeued To be practised 8 There are three vnderstandings of yâ— scriptures set down by Hugo in his third booke of the sâ—ule Historicall Misticall The first containing examples fit for the simple The second mysteries fit for the learned By miracles By Figures By words The third manners common for both Morall 9 All Scripture giuen by inspiration as Paule saith 2. Tim. 3. is profitable to thrée To teach To improue and correct To instruct in righteousnes 10 There be thrée kinds of meditations in contemplation Hugo In creatures In scriptures The first ariseth of admiration The second of reading Admiration bringeth Question Question searching out Readinge mynistreth matter to know yâ— truth circuÌ„spectioÌ„ bringeth operatioÌ„ Operation is yâ— end of Meditation The thirde of circumspection In maners 11 Thrée waies God spake vnto our forefathers as Luther is witnes in his exposition vppon the xxxv chap. of Gen. By dreames By manifest visions By the voices of prophâ— 12 The holy scripture is diuided into 3. partes The law The prophets The gospell 13 S. Paule in his thrée epistles to the Romanes Galathians Ephesians teacheth thrée things He sheweth that all men are sinners He teacheth that man is iustified by faith onely without the workes of the law He prescribeth them that are iustified to do good works by Gods law 14 Three thinges make men suspect the Epistle of Iude not to be Canonicall The narration of the strife of Michaell the Archangell with the deuill The narration of the bodie of Moses The prophesie of Enoch 15 There are three sayinges founde in S. Paule his Epistles which are borowed of Heathen Antiquaries Of Meander Euill wordes corrupt good maners 1. Cor. 5. ver 33 Of Aratus Couetousnes is the roote of all euils 1. Tim. 6. ver 10. Of Epimenides Cretians are alwaies lyers euill beasts now bellies Tit. 1. ver 12 16 Three thinges chiefly to bee obserued in the olde and newe Testament Faith that we may beléeue those things to be true which Moses yâ— Prophets Christ and his apostles haue spoken by the inspiration of the holy ghost Hope that with a stedfast beliefe we maye assure our selues that wee shall obtaine those things that are promised Charitie that we neither doe nor say any thing but yâ— which is acceptable to God and profitable to men 17 For three causes the worde of God is to be preached That the hearers may vnderstand because without preaching he cannot heare That he which vnderstandeth may beleue because without hearing he caÌ„not beleue That he which beléeueth may do good because without faith he can not do good 18 For three causes wee ought to bee attentiue in hearing the word of God For the reuerence due to God whose word we come to heare That wee may auoide the dangers of negligence For the profite which is manifold 19 There be thre inuisible vertues of God Power Wisdom Gf yâ— which al things proceed In the whiche all things censist The Father is power The sonne is wisedome Power
creates WisdoÌ„ gouern goodnes preserue The holy ghost is goodnes By which al things are gouerned Goodnes Rom. 11. ver 36. Because of him in him and by him are all things To him be praise for euer and euer Amen 20 God is three maner of waies al in al. August In heauen onely he is all In earth onely he is al. In heauen and earth he is all 21 Three manner of waies god is euery where By his essence By his presence By his power 22 He that will know God as he ought must think vpon these 3. things Luther What he hath commanded What he hath promised Hee that meditateth these three findeth God What he hath threatned 23 For three causes are three things attributed to God Eies because he seeth all things Hands because he maketh all things Feete because he is euery where 24 There is none like vnto God for 3. things Bernard He is rich in mercie He freely respecteth that huÌ„ble Mightie in iustice Iustly iudgeth the wicked Bonâ—tifull in grace Pitifully saueth sinners 25 We haue receiued 3. sortes of thinges of God our Creator wherof we ought alwaies to be mindful Such as lead vs vnto the feare of God Such as moue vs to loue God Such as prouoke vs to yeeld thankes vnto his maiestie 26 The knowledge of God is threefold Generall as of the Philosophers Rom. 1. 〈◊〉 2. Iob. 36. Speciall as of the Christians 1. Cor. 13. Rom. 10. Singular as of theÌ„ that are blessed 1. Cor. 13. Ioh. 3. 27 These things are to be knoweÌ„ in disputing about God Not alwaies Nor to all The first is referred to the time The second to the person The third to the matter Nor all things 28 Three notable benefits of God Creation Redemption By the three persons in Trinitie The Father The sonne The holy Ghost Sanctification 29 There are 3 inwarde properties to be obserued in discerning the persoÌ„s of the Trinitie To beget To be borne The Father onely begets The Sonne onely is borne The holy Ghost onely proceeds from both To procéede 30 Three outwarde properties of the persons in Trinitie The Father sendes and is not sent The Sonne is sent to be made a sacrifice The Holy Ghost is sent to sanctifie our mindes 31 Three beare witnesse in heauen The Father The Sonne And these thrée are one Vnion Vniting Vnited The holy Ghost 32 There are three qualities in the Sunne representing the qualities of the Trinitie The infinit fountaine of light The brightnesse comming from that light The heate proceeding and breathing from them both 33 Three thinges in vs which do represent the holy Trinitie Memorie Vnderstanding Represents the Father Represents the Sonne Represents the holy Ghost Will. 34 Three names beeing one thing in deed are liketo the Trinitie Snowe Ice So God is thrée in personne and but one in Substance Water 35 Gods iudgemeÌ„ts are knowen by 3 things Corporall punishments The sting of the conscience The torments of hell 36 Three manner of wayes wee may sinne in the worship of God When for onely true God there are worshipped many Gods as the heathen did When the true God is worshipped but not according to his will WheÌ„ that true God is worshipped but not onely which is done of theÌ„ that worwip other Gods beside the true God 37 By three things the loue of God appeareth towards men That he hath giuen to man the vse of heauen earth and all his creatures Gene. 1 Eccle. 17. That he hath graunted Angels to be ministers to men Heb. 1. vers 14. For that he hath offred himselfe for mankind taking vpon him the forme of a seruant Phil. 2. vers 17. 38 We may commit three things safely into Gods hands Iniurie Losse Because he is a reuenger of iniuries Because he is the restorer of losse Because he is our Phisition and best comforter Griefe 39 The swéetnesse of this name Iesus consisteth in three things It is hony to the mouth Melodie to the eare Ioy to the hart 40 The sonne of God according to his office is named in thrée seuerall languages Messias in Hebrew Christ in Greeke And according to these three names hee is called A Priest A Prophet A King Annointed in English 41 Three things to be considered in Christ our sauiour He prayeth for vs as he is our Priest He prayeth in vs as he is our head He is praied vnto of vs as he is our God 42 Christ was knowne to the world to be true Messias by thrée thinges The opening of heauen The appearing of the holy Ghost By the voice of his heauenly Father 43 Christ is called a Priest and his office consists in 3. things In teaching Malaehie 2. So thâ— Sonne brought forth the Gospell in the bosome of his Father In praying as appeareth in Leuitcus And hee prayed for vs. Iohn 17 Heb. 1. 7. In offring sacrifice Hebr. 5. He offred himselfe for our sinnes 44 Christ is called a King for 3. causes Because he put downe all power and destroied the workes of the deuill Because by the vertue of the spirit he raigneth in the minds of the faithfull Because he defendeth his Church against the tyrannie of the deuil 45 Christ the true teacher doeth instruct vs 3. waies because he is The way The truth They way not erring In example The truth not deceiuing In promise The life not ceasing In reward The life 46 There are three causes of the incarnation of Christ That he might bruise the Serpents head Gen 3. That by his sacrifice hee might appease Gods wrath That he might iustify the vniust by the imputation of his obedience 47 Thrée figures of Christ his crucifying set down in the scripture The sacrifices lifted vp on high The offering vp of Isaac The brasen Serpent lifted vp in the will dernes Num 21. Iohn 3. 48 Christ his death for vs and satisfaction for our sinnes is thrée fold A worke without example Fauour without desert Charitie aboue measure 49 The passion of Christ is applied 3. waies It is offered by the word as by the hand of God It is receiued by faith as by the hand of man It is sealed by the Sacraments the vse thereof set downe as it were in a table 50 There are 3. fruits of Christ his ascension To send the holy Ghost To be a mediator to God the father To preserue the Word and the Church 51 The sonne of god was chaunged thrée manner of waies From his humility to his diuinitie in his transfiguration From passion to immortalitie in his resurrection From immortalitie to his fathers equalitie in ascention 52 Thrée things concurre in the person of Christ Bernard The worde These thrée are one this one is 3. The flesh Not by confusion of substance but by vinitie of person The soule 53 Christ loued vs thrée maner of waies Bernard Swéetely In that he tooke our flesh vpon him Wisely In that he eschewed all fault Valiantly In that he suffered death 54 There are three
glorifie your father which is in heauen Math. 5 ver 16. and chap. 7. ver 21. Rom. 2. ver 23. Our workes 11 The feare of God worketh 3. things It correcteth our minds It driueth away sinnes It preserueth innocencie 12 God is to be feared for 3. causes Because the house of him that feareth not God shal soone be ouerthrowne Eccles 27. Because he that feareth not God shall dwell in places where shal be no regard of knowledge Because that God is able to cast both bodie and soule into hell fire Math. 10. Luk. 12. 13 Thrée causes which mooue vs to feare God Al calamities which happen vnto maÌ„kind death diseases destructions of cities and nations hunger wars c. Also dreadfull punishments which afflict the wicked shewing that god is angry with sinners All the erhortations of the prophetes vnto repentaunce The lawe of God and the horrible curses which are added vnto the law The death of the sonne of God 14 About the time that the worlde shall haue end men shall be euil inclined 3. maner of waies They shall be louers of themselues following pleasure and riotousnes They shall be gréedie and couetous They shal be high minded and proud 15 Thrée sorts of people are called to religion One sort God calleth by holy inspirations Another sort is chosen of men by good counsels as Hippolito was conuerted to the Faith by the instructions of Saint Laurence The third sort is constrained to enter into religion by some necessitie or misaduenture happened vnto them 16 Humilitie is a vertue which doth chiefly comprehende three things Humilitie acknowledgeth our own vncleanes and infirmitie and doth feare God She doth not desire matters aboue her vocation but keeping her selfe within her bounds she resteth hoping in Gods help She doth not despise others that are Gods instruments but acknowledgeth Gods gifts in them knowing that all labour is in vaine vnlesse he prosper it 17 He that is humble and lowly as he ought doth reape triple commoditie He hath God dwelling with him The humble man is honored of men they alwaies giue him a good report He alone hath the fruit therof because humilitie is the mother of shamefastnes that way of patience which leadeth to wisedome the keeper of feare and faith 18 The tokens of true humilitie consiste in 3. things In behauiour In words He that is humble in mind body doth shew that same by loking stedfastly vpon the ground and in not laughing without great cause He speaketh few words and soft holdeth his peace vntill he be asked He doth nothing but that which is agreable with good maners that without pride In déedes 19 Patience doth comprehende and signifie three things A stedfastnesse of the mind suffring any affliction or contumelious reproches without murmuring or repining A reuenge giuing a deadly wound heaping coles of fire vpoÌ„ our enimies heads A close martering not without rewards 20 When wee suffer anye crosse or affliction we must be patient for 3. causes That wee maye followe the example of Christ Because God hath so commaunded That we may gather the fruites of patience 21 Christ commaundeth in the 5. chap. of Math. â—hat we should not resist eull and by 3. precepts doth exhort vs vnto patience He commaÌ„deth that whosoeuer shal strike thee on the right cheeke to turne to him the other also He commandeth if any man wil sue thée at the law and take away thy coate to let him haue thy cloke also He commandeth that whosoeuer wil compell thee to goe a mile to go with him twaine 22 We must suffer 3. kindes of euill patiently Necessarie euils such as can neither be altred nor amended nor hindered Accidental euils which haue not happened vnto vs by our own euill counsell Such euils as we haue deserued 23 The reward of patience 1. Iames. 1. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tryed he shall receiue the crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him Prou. 19. A mans knowledge is perceiued by his patience 1. Pet. 2. If when yee doe well yee suffer wrong and take it patiently this is acceptable to God 24 Thrée things direct vs in the right path and suffer vs not to goe astray Loue which banisheth all wearines causeth all labour trauell to seeme easie Hope of promise or reward Faith which is grounded vpon promises and beleeueth in God 25 Vnlesse the spirite of God do establish and seale our mindes that they may continue stedfast in faith we shal be ouercome by one of these three things Either by sathan who is furnished with a thousand artes sleightes and deceites to entrap vs Or by our owne frowardnes inconstancie which is easily seduced by euil examples Or by persecution affliction which cause vs despaire throwe our selues headlong into hell 26 Three chiefe rewards of per seuerance A crowne of life Apoc. 3. A plentifull reward in heauen Life euerlasting Math. 24. He that endâ—reth to the end shal be saued 27 Three things wherwith we may comfort our selues being in tribulaiion That the sonne of God is our aduocate our mediator and maketh intercession for vs. Luk. 2. Ioh. 17. That he will not suffer vs to be tempted aboue our power 1. Cor. 10. ver 13. That he heareth our praiers and will helpe vs in time of need 28 Three properties that belong to Epicures They neither feare nor reuerence God and estéeme all godlinesse as a mokery They offer sacrifice vnto their guttes other God they knowe not Neither griefe nor feare can compell them to be carefull for the time present or to come 29 Three kinds of doubting repugnant to faith To doubt of God To doubt of his prouidence To doubt of the certaintie of that doctrine which the Prophets and Apostles deliuered 30 All idols had their originall oâ— three things Of superstition Of wicked imitation Of flattery 31 Three efficient causes of Idolatrie The deuill fretting with hellish heat and haggish hate and prouoking mans miserable nature to deuise idoles thereby to haue God in derision The blindnesse of mens mindes and boldnesse to reiect the worde which hath bene deliuered by the Prophets and Apostles and deuising strange opinions and worshipping of God after their own pleasure A perswasion of wisdom and a good intent which not content with the word of God onely doeth imagine it can inuent more excellent kindes of worship 32 Three causes why Idolatry should be abolished Because it is sinne against the first commaundement not to abolish images Iudges 2. Because not being abolished they trouble the church of God 3 King 18 Elias saith I haue not troubled Israell c. The are to be abolished for feare of punishment because God is angry with idolaters and will punish them Deuteron 4 Hos 2. and 7. 33 We must fight with three sorts of weapons against heretikes With prayers With learning To conuert them To conuince them To condemne them
Christian Wisedome to knowe what belongeth to God that we may desire heauenly things Vnderstanding for the world that we may learne to despise it Foreknowledge of our death that while we liue we may liue to God 99 For 3 causes it was necessary that Christ should rise again the third day That the prophesie might be fulfilled Hos 6. verse 2. That his bodie should not corrupt Psal 16. verse 14. That the omnipotencie of his Diutnitie might be linked with his humanitie 100 Thre argumentes and testimonies agaynst the Anabaptistes to prooue that Christ was borne of the flesh of the Virgine Marie Of the promises made vnto Abraham and our fore fathers Gen. 22. verse 18. item 26. verse 3. And in thy séede shall all the nations of the earth bee blessedâ— All such promises shoulde be false if Christ had not come out of the wombe of the Virgine Marie It is necssarythat Christ should take flesh of the virgin Marie seeing in many places of the scripture he calleth himselfe the sonne of man It is manifest in the first chapter of the epistle of S. Paule to the Romans verse 3. the wordes be these Who was borne of the seede of Dauid according to the fleshe THE FIRST HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Philosophie 1 The whole course of mans life consisteth in these three TO be borne wéeping To liue laughing To die fighing 2 Hee is worthyly called a wise man Which remembreth things past Which marketh the course of thinges present Which foreséeth things to come 3 Three thinges obtaine great frendship Faire spéech in presence Good report in absence Faithfulnes in frendship 4 Thrée sortes of men differ in wishing The ambitious The base minded Wisheth so much that for it hee is hated Craueeh so little that euery maÌ„ ouercroweth him Desireth a meane with loue The vertuous 5 Thrée sorts of men accounted happie in this world He that oweth nothing A man single and not maried He that hath new buried his riâ—h parents 6 Three sortes of men wofull to be scene A rich man fallen into pouertie A vertuous man dispraised A wise man scorned of the ignorant 7 Three thinges which euery man doth in respecte of his enimies He feares He hates Whom he feares Whom he hates he bewares Whom he bewares he seekes his destruction He bewars 8 Plutarch doth require these 3 things in a young man Temperance in his minde Silence in his tongue Bashfulnes in his countenance 9 The art of gouernment was Found out Defended By experience By science By prudence Conserued 10 Pride is noted in a man by 3. things To shew a certaine statelines in going To disdaine his companions and equals To separate himselfe from the companie of others with a vaine kind of selfeloue 11 Three causes why a man may be earnest in giuing good counsell because It is an easie thing Of little cost And the best gift a man can giue vnto his friend 12 Thrée desires amongst freÌ„ds To enioy health To possesse honour Not to suffer necessitie 13 Three soueraigne plaisters for a heart which is greeued Temperance Time Forgetfulnes 14 Three things good for euery man To vnderstand well To speake better To doe best of all 15 Alphonsus king of Aragon vsed to thanke God most hartily especially for 3. causes For that he made him a man not a brute beast For that he was a christian For that he was Prince and ruler ouer so many countries 16 Plato at the point of death yeelded thanks vnto nature for 3. causes That he was borne a man and not a beast For that he was a Grecian borne and not a Barbarian That it was his chance to liue in the time of Socrates 17 Aristotle that philosopher approching vnto death his scholers requested him to vnter some sententious saying vnto them in stéed of a last wil test ament who sighing saide I came huÌ„bled into this world Here I haue liued carefully I depart troubled being vnskilfull and ignorant 18 As dogs be like wolues so three sorts of meÌ„ are like friendes Parasites Flatterers Fawne for the belly Cosen for the coyn e. Dissemble in religion Hypocrittes 19 The couetous maÌ„ doeth alwaies â—ffende three persons God His neighbour From God he withholdeth his right He denieth things necessary vnto his neighbour Vnthankful to God Wicked to his neghbour Cruell to him selfe He keepeth that which is 〈◊〉 needefull from himselfe Him selfe 20 Euill counsellors teach a yong and vnskilful prince 3. things which after ward hurt him and his subiects much To prefer Profite before honestie Gaine before vertue Tyrannie before modestie 21 A good counseller shoulde be furnished with these 3. Experience of many thinges True loue towardes him vnto whome he ministreth counsell Libertie to speake freely 22 Three things ought to bee considered in a witnesse The nature The condition That a witnes be a maÌ„ and not a womaÌ„ for women are diuers in constant in their reporte That he be frée not a boÌ„dslaue for he wil conceale a trueth for feare of his masters displesure That he be innocent not infamous for iustice will not accompany a wicked man The life 23 We ought to beare 3 sortes of affection towards him that is conuicted of a crime Loue. Hatred CoÌ„sidering his nature we ought to loue him because he is a man Considering his fault which he hath coÌ„mitted we should hate him Considering that paine which he must suffer for his fault we ought to pitie him Pitie 24 No man ought to praise himself nor desire to be praised for 3. causes For if he respect the time he hath passed he shall finde that he hath done many thinges for which he ought to be sory If he consider of the time to come he shal perceiue many imminent dangers whereof he should be afraid If he regard yâ— preseÌ„t time he shal find many defects much want in himselfe which minister occasion of bashfulnesse 25 Vpon 3 occasions men vse to excuse themselues for not doing thinges which they were enioyned to doe Either when they are weary would rest Or when that which is appointed doeth seeme to be hard and difficult Or when it seemeth to be vnfruitefull and vnprofitable 26 For three causes wee ought to vse fewe words Because of manye wordes proceede many faults Because it is a signe of Foolishnesse to vse many words Socrates the Philosopher holding his peace amongst coÌ„pany being asked why he did so answered Because I haue bene sory sometimes for speaking but neuer for holding my peace Solon the Philosopher being sileÌ„t when other men talked one demanded of him whether he held his peace for want of wordes to speake or for that he was a foole He answered No foole â—an hold his peace Xenocrates the Philosopher sayd vnto one yâ— was a great babler If you hard your selfe with my eares you would hold your peace Because many words are the causes of discontentment displeasing 27 Those which are angry make
smalle account of 3 thinges which should be highly esteemed Olde age which ought to be reuerenced Affinitie of kinred Benefits which are past 28 Those iudges can not iudge vprightlye which either Suffer themselues to be corrupted with giftes Are moued with â—uthoritie Will requtie frendship or reuenge enmitie 29 Our minde must be preserued from three things Anger Hatred Fretteth Consumeth Puffeth vs vp with pride Glorie 30 A guiltie conscience worketh 3. miracles It maketh the heauen earth though they were x. times greater then they be to be narrower then a mouse hole It causeth strong men to be so fearefull that they are aâ—tonished at the shaking of a leafe It stirreth vp the little dog which though it hath slept al his life time yet at his death it barkes is in the stead of a thousand witnesses 31 Three thinges make a man very sorrowfull That he must die That he knowes not when That after death he knowes not where 〈…〉 shall be 32 Three powers of the soule assigned vnto three partes of the bodie Reason to the head Anger other perturbations to the heart Lust and concupiscence to the liuer 33 Three instrumentes of mens actions Sence Vnderstanding Appetite 34 The countrey life is maistresse of three things Frugalitie Diligence Iustice 35 The whole life of man passeth away with doing three vnnecessary things A great part with doing euill A greater doing nothing The greatest with doing things to smallâ— purpose 36 Al men are busied about one of these 3 things Honestie Profite Pleasure 37 The Sunne hath 3. titles atttributed vnto it It is called The eye of the worlde The pleasure of the day The beautie of heauen 38 The Astronomers testifie that there commeth profite from the Sunne 3. maner of wayes By influence By motion By light 39 The world is likened to the sca for 3 causes Bec ause Swelleth Burnes With pride With couetousnesse With lust and riot Fometh 40 We ought to rule our â—ong in speaking 3. maner of wayes To speake but little of the nobler sort To speake well of all men To speake nothing in commendation of our selues 41 Hée that will liue in quiet must frame himself to 3. things To Heare Sée And say nothing 42 Democritus the Philosopher is thought to haue thrust out his owne eies for 3. occasions Because his sighte did hinder his inwarde meditations Because he coulde not looke on women without lusting after them Because he could not patiently abide to beholde the florishing estate of wicked men 43 The Philosopher Aristotle beleeued but 3 thinges That which he touched with his hand That which he sawe with his eies That which he could co mprehend in argument 44 Hope is good for 3 causes It is aremedy in aduersitie wiping teares froÌ„ the eies for hope only doth sustaine theÌ„ whome iniurous fortune doeth oppresse It nourisheth the life promising better successe to morrowe It leaueth not a man athis death but exalteth his harte to immortalltie 45 Hope doeth comfort 3. sortes of men of whome others are past hope Him whome the Phisitions haue giuen ouer Him that is bound cast into a deepe dongeon Him that hath suffred shipwracke being tossed with waues hope perswades to cast his armes abroade 46 Hope is misliked of some men Plato and Pindarus call it a dreame of him that waketh Cato saith that it maketh great things small and small things nothing Another saith that it is a griefe and an vnprofitable burden which wanteth euent 47 Thrée things to be noted coÌ„cerning the affection of loue To loue them which hate vs is a deuine vertue To loue them that loue vs again is a common thing amonst men But to hate them that loue vs is worse theÌ„ brute beastlynesse 48 Three things requisite in al good works Knowledge how to do them Power able to do them Will to be readie to do them 49 Three guides to pouertie Gluttonie Sloth Whoredome 50 Three things worthy praise are attributed vnto perseueraÌ„ce Cicero saith it is a stedfast and continuall vpholder of that which is grounded vpoÌ„ reason It doth search out the truth and follow it alwaies It cannot be altered to departe from the truth neither by fauour allurements nor giftes 51 Thrée most daÌ„gerous things will not alter the mind of a iust man being resolute in his purpose from the state of stedfastnes Horace Not the rage of citizens commanding that which is euil Not the puffed and swolne countenance of a terrible tyrant Nor Iupiters thunderboltes the gates of hel no though the world should be turned topsi-turuie 52 Three abhominable sayings of the Epicures There is no pleasure after death A vengeance on him that careth for to morow Neither feare thou the latter day nor wish for it 53 Three causes why men loue â—â—e another One loueth because he is loued An other because hee is aduanced to honour The third because he looketh for some benefit at his hands whom he loueth 54 Prid doth studie to conioine 3. things her with selfe Power Nobilitie Riches 55 Thre things which Phytagoras chiefly wished for himselfe Beautie Riches Health 56 S. Ierome writing to Ruffinus saith That a friend Is long sought for Scarcely to be found And hard to be kept 57 Phauorinus writing of ambitious persons saith that Some be scoffers Which ambitiously attempts high matters Which haue obtained things too good for their degrees Which are deceiued by hope Some full of hate Some be miserable 88 Three things which cause a man keepe his frends If he giue much If he aske litle If he take nothing 59 Thrée things which we ought to take in good woorth of our friend A gift His good will His counsell 60 The minde which is couetous of money knoweth Neither howe to abstaine from that which is forbidden Nor how to reioice in that which is graunted Neither howe to frame it selfe vnto goodnes 61 Cicero saith that he is wont to be called a thriftie fellow Which neither for feare doeth forsake his fortresse which is the part of a coward Neither for couetousnesse doeth not restore that which was closely committed vnto him which is a point of iniustice Neither rashly hath misbehaued himselfe which is starke foolishnes 92 You may marke thrée things in slaunderers They are vaine in hart They haue lyes in their mouth Their throtes are open sepulchers breathing out filthy abhominable spéeches which seeme to infect the aire euen like the stench of dead bodies 63 Such as are hearers of slanderers as Philostratus witnesseth are Louers of many wordes Followers of lightnes and crudelitie Enuious hearers of iust matters 64 Trueth is likened vnto these 3. thinges The light The smell For the light is pleasaÌ„t vnto him that hath a cleare sight but offensiue to one that is pore blinde The smell which is comfortable to man will either driue away or kill a serpent Bread is sauory to a sound taste but vnsauorie to him that hath a sore mouth The Taste 65 Hatred
which they haue not When they must eate they haue handes and on handes because they haue no vsâ— of them When they must walke they haue féet and no feete because they cannot goe They haue reason to séeke after remedye but want it to endure such paine as tendeth to the cure of their disease 41 Thrée reasons alledged by 3. Romane matrones why after the death of their first husbands they would not marrie 〈◊〉 The first was Marchia who being asked why she would not take another husband aunswered she found none that would haue her for her person but mary her for her money The second Valeria who being demaunded why she did not mary again answered that she could not because her husband was not dead but liuing for so long as she liued her husband liued also together with her in her hart The 3. Amnia with whome when her parentes were instant to marry again being yong and rich answered that she could not hauing had a good husband and therefore taking another either he should be good or euill if he were good she should alwaies be in feare to loose him if euill alwaies agréeued that it was her chaunce in choice to haue changed for the worse 42 Thrée things in the beginning are easy which afterward appeare very difficult to remedy It is an easie matter to cast fire into any place but veie hard to quench it being kindled It is an easie matter to moue debate but hard to reconcile men being at varience It is an easy matter to turne ouer money by exchange but a hard matter to come out of debt 43 Three things are requisit at 3 times of the yeare At Cristmas great loaues At Lent cleane soules At Whitsontide newe clothes 44 Thrée thinges to be noted in a wedding ring That it be of golde for as gold is the best mettall so the loue betweene man and wife is the dearest loue That it be round that is without end wherby is meant that loue should not cease That it be put on yâ— 4 finger signifâ—ing harty loue for the phisitions say that a veine in that finger commeth from the heart 45 Thrée causes why Priestes haue shrewder wiues for the most part then their neighbors That séeing they are so readie to reprooue other mens vices abroadâ— their wiues might reprehend their faultes at home They that being exercised with patience at home may learne to suffer more easily common troubles abroade Preistes deserue to haue shrowd wiues for that they chuse to marry the fairest which commonly are shreweâ— 46 Thrée things of their owne accord in asceÌ„ding vanish away Smoke the higher it mounteth the sooner it vanisheth Wicked men the higher they climbe the greater they fall A song begun in a note to high causeth the voice to faile or end in la mi. 37 Three things are easily lost but neuer got again A word spoken Virginitie Time 48 Thrée things verye requisit in a Chirurgian A haukes eie A lions hart A ladies hand 49 Thrée thinges change the nature and condition of man Dignitie A wife Wine 50 Three things make vs wanton and shamelesse Night Loue. Night hath no shame Loue hath no reason Wine hath no seace Wine 51 Three things makes a man wearie of his house and often of his life Smoke Raine A curst wife 52 Cut candle Breake cole Was neuer good husband nor good husbands friend Set sticke on end 53 Three most odious creaturs A begger proud A rich man a lyer An olde man lecherous 54 He that séeketh these things may be deceaued Loialtie and truth in a flatterer A fine wit in a fat belly Vertue in all euill companie 55 Three things very harde or not at all to be found A hare without a muse A fenne without a sluse A whore without a scuse 56 Three things are very difficult To carrie water in a siue To roote out a vice which hath bene grafted of long time in a mans mind To make women good with stripes 57 One repenteth noâ— to haue obeyed 3. things The truth Good counsell A Cocke crowing early in a morning 58 Three creatures see cleerely in the night The Owle The night rauen The Weasell 59 Three liuing things that excell man in the sense of smelling A vulture A hound A sowe 60 There are 3. dayes as saith S. Bede on which whoseoeuer is borne his flesh shall neuer rotte The 12 of Ianuarie The 24 of March The 28. of March 61 Thrée thinges the elder they bee the more delight we take in them Olde wine to drinke Olde Bookes to reade in Olde freindes to be conuersant withall 62 Thrée true tokens to knowe a foole by To be angrie too much without a cause To laugh without measure vpon no occasion To reprehend other mens faultes and will not see his owne 63 There are 3. sortes of men generally The first sort are of such as haue learning but want discretion and wisedome For according to the prouerbe The greatest clarkes be not the wisest men Another sort are of those which haue no lerning but by experience haue obtained prudence and wisedome The 3 sort are of those which haue neither learning nor discretion they are starke fooles 64 The inuention of 3. thinges is wondefull The inuention of gunnes and gunpouder The making of glasses The Printing of bookes 65 Thrée things in a man which may be likened vnto 3. things in a Smithes shop To wit a stithâ—e The tongue to a hammer Learning to a gad of steele 66 Thrée doubtfull questions which none but Salomon coulde resolue What was most pleasant swéet in mans life He answered A quiet minde What meat was most fit for infants He aunswered No meate better agreeing with a childes nature then his owne mothers milke What was the fittest place for achild to be reposed in and to take his rest He answered the mothers bosome 67 There are three causes why old men loue their goods so wel Because they think it a great matter to be reported to die rich The memorie of the actions of their youth the infirmities of their present age maketh them so il coÌ„tented yâ— they are carelesse to prouide for death which they see euen before their eies looking to liue stil to inioy their goods till death part the in both asunder Because they had rather leaue theÌ„ to their enimies being dead theÌ„ in their life time be in danger to their friends for them 68 Thrée sortes of men may be sorie though they say nought He that spendeth much getteth nought He that oweth much and hath nought He yâ— looketh in his purse findeth nought 69 Thrée causes why louers discerne not the faultâ—s of thâ—â—r friendes Because their aflection hath ouermaistred their reason Because they wil not suffer their fansies to be controleâ— by other mens wils Because according to the Philosophers al great motions hinder those that be lesse but loue hauing occupied the chiefe and most principal motions of the spirit trobleth