An exposition of Solomons book called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seen and allowedAn exposition of Salomons booke called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seene and allowed

This pertaineth also to the common weal. As a serpent (saith he) uncharmed,¹ that is, unknown or unlooked for, (for a serpent that is charmed byteth not, because he obeyeth the charmers voice) even so byteth a blab of his tongue. Neither is a blab of his tongue better then a biting Serpent, for he is not master of his own tongue, he curseth or speaketh evil of his ruler and governor. Even so it fareth whether in public or private governance. If thou be an housekeeper, thou shall do many things, that shall offend thy wife, and family &c. Amongst whom thou shalt find some that will deprave ⟨image 168⟩the well doings, which the evil disposed will carry abroad to the Citizens and neighbours and this also thou shalt be compelled to bear with. Thou shalt to thy power withstand it, but if thou be not able to let it, thou must suffer it. It is in deed a tedious and grievous case to be thus dishonestly railed at by tongues of ill willers, & thou not witting it, but what shalt thou do? These slanders and detractors thou canst not stop. Only stop thine eyes & ears, & do that thou art able. Even as we be compelled to bear with the words and works of men that resist us. For the world will not cease to persecute magistrates, and those that give them good counsel.

THis perteyneth also to the common weale. As a serpēt (sayth he) vncharmed,