A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

3 It is taken for such a moderation of the mind, whereby we so demean our selves, as neither to surfeit on fullness, nor to despair on want. Not that the most temperate man can so master his passions, but that at sometimes he may over-joy his content, or over-grieve his trouble. When the most equal weights are first put into the evenest balances, there is a little swaying on both sides, and appearance of some inequality: yet after a little motion they settle themselves in a just poise. This Temperance is a steady and habitual firmness, that hath no critical sins. The frantic, though he be sober eleven moons, if he rage one, cannot avoid the imputation of madness. When there is no disturbance, to be quiet, is not worth God-a-mercy. The husband told his wife, that he had one ill quality; he was given to be angry without cause: she wittily replied, that she would keep him from that fault, for she would give him cause enough. It is the folly of some that they will be offended without cause, to whom the world promises that they shall have causes enow.^e In the world ye shall have tribulation; when this cause of disquiet comes, then to be resolved and peaceful, this is Temperance. The balances that are most ill matched in their unsteady motions, yet come to an equality, but stay not at it. The perverse worldling may restrain his passion; yea, may be so well composed, that ordinary things shall not stir him; but when a new and unlooked for cross comes, then he is out of Temper, hath lost Temperance. Like a Fencer, that stands upon his usual wards and postures, and plays well in his school: but abroad he meets with a new trick, a blow that quite puts him from the rules of his art, and so is beaten with shame. Indeed the best mans Temperance may fail in one particular act, but this doth not take away the habit from him.

3 It is taken for such a moderation of the minde, whereby we so demeane our selves, as neither to surfet on fulnesse, nor to despaire on want. Not that the most temperate man can so master his passions, but that at sometimes hee may over-joy his content, or over-grieve his trouble. When the most equall weights are first put into the evenest balances, there is a little swaying on both sides, and appearance of some inequalitie: yet after a little motion they settle themselves in a just poise. This Temperance is a steddy and habituall firmenesse, that hath no criticall sins. The franticke, though he be sober eleven moones, if he rage one, cannot avoid the imputation of madnesse. When there is no disturbance, to be quiet, is not worth God-a-mercy. The husband told his wife, that he had one ill quality; hee was given to be angrie without cause: she wittily replied, that she would keepe him from that fault, for she would give him cause enough. It is the folly of some that they will be offended without cause, to whom the world promises that they shall have causes enow.