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Now to attain some discretion in curing ⟨p. 58⟩this wounded spirit, we must learn wisely to judge, both of the person afflicted, and of the nature of his affliction. First, we may note whether it be a man or a woman, because we may urge more fearfully the use of the law to a man, as being the stronger vessel. And as Satan knew the woman to be most easy and frameable to be wrought upon, at his first temptation: so is he not ignorant that she is the weaker party to sustain any temptation now. Then let us consider, whether they that are thus humbled have knowledge or no? Because, if they have no knowledge they think trouble of mind to be so strange a thing, as never any before had it: if they have knowledge, then Satan is ready to accuse them of the sin against the holy Ghost, as though every sin done against knowledge, were a sin of presumption. Further, we are to enquire, how strong or weak they are, that if they be sorely stricken we cease to humble them any further, if they be not sufficiently wounded then to touch them with some deeper sense of sin. Also we must be circumspect, to find out whether by nature they are more fearful & melancholy or no: As also, whether they be usual sinners, or have fallen once of infirmity; that so upon their disposition & inclination we may build our speeches the better. To these it is ⟨p. 59⟩good to add the consideration of the persons age, estate & ability: as if the party be troubled for worldliness, whether he be not a great householder: if he complain of uncleanness, whether he be not a young man & unmarried: if he be humbled with covetousness, whether he be not old: because divers countries, callings, ages, conditions & estates of men, have their divers & peculiar sins, which we must rightly discern. Howbeit of what sex soever they are men or women, of what complexion soever the are, of what knowledge to discern sin, of what degree of committing sin; of what age, authority, wealth, estate, or condition soever they are, it is good to mark that there be many, who are more troubled for the vexation and disquietness of their mind being distempered, then for the vileness and horribleness of their sin committed; who are wounded more with the fear of shame, with the fear of being mad, or with the fear of running out of their wits, than with the conscience of sin.

Now to attaine some discretion in curing