Mystical bedlam, or the world of mad-men. By ThoMystical bedlam, or the vvorld of mad-men. By Tho

Would laugh, to hear himself brought into the number of mad-men. He sits close, and is quiet at home, whiles madness rambles abroad. He holds others in bonds; is in no bonds himself: he stands so much upon law, you cannot judge him lawless. He would not come near a Tavern door, where madness roars: he keeps a succinct course, and walks in an even pace to Hell. Slander him not for one of Bedlam: yet he is mad, raving, roaring mad; and that by the verdict of God in the pen of Solomon: Eccl. 7.¹ Surely, oppression maketh a man mad.

Would laugh, to heare himselfe brought into the number of mad-men. Hee sits close, and is quiet at home, whiles madnesse rambles abroad. Hee holds others in bonds; is in no bonds himselfe: hee stands so much vpon law, you cannot iudge him lawlesse. He would not come neere a Tauerne dore, where madnes rores: hee keepes a succinct course, and walkes in an euen pace to Hell. Slaunder him not for one of Bedlam: yet hee is madde, rauing, roaring madde; and that by the verdict of God in the penne of Solomon: Eccl. 7.¹ Surely, oppression maketh a man mad.

1. 1Eccl. 7. 7.

It is indeed a thriving occupation. Usury is like that Persian Tree, that at the same time buds, blossoms, and bears fruit. The moneys of interest are evermore, some ripe for the Trunk, others drawing to maturity, the rest in the flower approaching, all in the ⟨p. 59⟩bud of hope. But he is mad; for his sin at once buds, blossoms, and brings forth the fruit of vengeance. Every bond he takes of others, enters him into a new obligation to Satan: as he hopes, his debtors will keep day with him, the Devil expects no less of himself. Every forfeit he takes, scores up a new debt to Lucifer; and every mortgaged land he seizeth on, enlargeth his dominions in hell.