6 Beware of affecting popularity by adulation: the end never proves good. And though attained by due desert; yet manage it wisely: lest it prove more dangerous then contempt. For States desire but to keep ⟨p. 360⟩down whom they contemn for their unworthiness: but to cut off whom they envy for their greatness. He therefore is truly prudent; who (considering the premises) neither affecteth, nor neglecteth popularity. But in any wise, take heed of harbouring a *discontented mind, for it may work thee more woe, then thou art aware of. It is a special mercy, in the multitude of so many blessings, as thou doest enjoy, to have some crosses. God gives thee many blessings, lest through want (being his child) thou shouldest despair: And he sends thee some crosses, lest by too much prosperity (playing the fool) thou shouldest presume. Many who have ⟨p. 361⟩mounted to great dignities, would have contented themselves with *meaner: had they known their agreat dangers: Love therefore competency, rather then eminency. And in all thy will have ever an eye to Gods will, least thy self-action, turns to thine own destruction. Happy the man, who in this short life is least known of the world: so that he doth truly know God and himself! Whatsoever cross therefore thou hast to discontent thee; remember, that it is less then thy sins have deserved. Count therefore Christ thy chiefest joy, and sin thy greatest grief: estimate no want to the want of Grace, nor any loss to the loss of ⟨p. 362⟩Gods favour: And then the discontentment for outward things shall the less perplex thine inward mind. And as oft as Satan shall offer any motion of discontentment to thy mind, remember Saint Pauls admonition, We brought nothing into this World, 4and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content: But they that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. Pray therefore with wise Agur: 5O Lord, give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me, 6least I be too full ⟨p. 363⟩and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or least I be poor and steal, and take the Name of my God in vain.
6 Beware of affecting popularitie by adulation: the end neuer proues good. And though attayned by due desert; yet mannage it wisely: lest it prooue more dangerous then contempt. For States desire but to keepe ⟨p. 360⟩downe whom they contemne for their vnworthinesse: but to cut off whom they enuy for their greatness•. He therefore is truely prudent; who (considering the premises) neither affecteth, nor neglecteth popularity. But in any wise, take heede of harbouring a *discontented minde, for it may worke thee more woe, then thou art aware of. It is a speciall mercy, in the multitude of so many blessings, as thou doest enioy, to haue some crosses. God giues thee many blessings, lest through want (being his childe) thou shouldest despaire: And hee sends thee some crosses, lest by too much prosperity (playing the foole) thou shouldest presume. Many who haue ⟨p. 361⟩mounted to great dignities, would haue contented themselues with *meaner: had they knowne their agreat dangers: Loue therefore competencie, rather then eminencie. And in all thy will haue euer an eye to Gods will, least thy self-action, turnes to thine owne destruction. Happy the man, who in this short life is least knowne of the world: so that hee doth truely know God and himselfe! Whatsoeuer crosse therefore thou hast to discontent thee; remember, that it is lesse then thy sinnes haue deserued. Count therefore Christ thy chiefest ioy, and sinne thy greatest griefe: estimate no want to the want of Grace, nor any losse to the losse of ⟨p. 362⟩Gods fauour: And then the discontentment for outward things shall the lesse perplexe thine inward minde. And as oft as Sathan shall offer any motion of discontentment to thy minde, remember Saint Pauls admonition, Wee brought nothing into this World, 4and it is certaine that wee can carry nothing out. And hauing foode and raiment, let vs be therewith content: But they that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts, which drowne men in destruction and perdition. Pray therefore with wise Agur: 5
- *Socrates in forum egressus, quam multis egeo inquit, non egeo. Non est ergo pauper qui caret, sed qui eget.
- *Dimidium plus toto. Hesiod.
- aFeriunt summos fulmina fonts. Hor. Tangunt magnos tristia fata deos, Ovid. [Greek or Hebrew]. Qui notus nimis omnibus, ignotus moritur sibi. Senec.Feriunt summos fulmina •ontes. Hor. Tangūt magnos tristia fata deos, Ouid. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Qui notus nimis omnibus, ignotus moritur sibi. Senec.
- 41 Tim. 6.7.8 9. Insaniae damnandi sunt qui tam multa tam anxiè congerunt, quum sit tam paucis opus. Vives.1 Tim. 6.7.8 9. Insaniae damnandi sunt qui tam multa tam anxiè congerunt, quum sit tam paucis opus. Viues.
- 5Pro. 30.8.9.
- 6Vivitur exiguo meliùs. Claud.Viuitur exiguo meliùs. Claud.
