Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading…Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading…

So that, neither he was idle at any time, and yet that he had no need of company to find him occupied. And whereas most men cannot tell what to do when they have not some work to set themselves about, but become utterly §Cidle, except their heads be running after some evil; he was both profitably exercised, and the better quickened and sharpened by such intermission to return to public affairs and business again. Therefore (as hath been said) he by the keeping of his mind occupied, and by searching out those things which by musing and contemplation he attained unto, was never either alone or unoccupied. This was reported of Scipio a Heathen, who could occupy himself in no better things then momentany and earthly; as moral virtues, government of commonwealths, and the searching out of natural causes of things: which all are done by mans reason.

So that, neither he was idle at any time, and yet that he had no neede of companie to find him occupied. And whereas most men cannot tell what to do when they haue not some worke to set themselues about, but become vtterly §Cidle, except their heads be running after some euill; he was both profitably exercised, and the better quickened and sharpened by such intermission to returne to publike affaires and busines againe. Therefore (as hath bene said) he by the keeping of his mind occupied, and by searching out those things which by musing and contemplation he attained vnto, was neuer either alone or vnoccupied. This was reported of Scipio a Heathen, who could occupie himselfe in no better things then momentanie and earthly; as moral vertues, gouernment of commonwealths, and the searching out of naturall causes of things: which all are done by mans reason.

But ô woeful people we, that the like cannot be said or truly reported of us §Dwho have such variety of heavenly things concerning the immortality of our souls, the glorious rising again of our bodies, and the incomprehensible and everlasting happiness, which God hath bequeathed and freely bestowed upon us to be enjoyed of us, some here and some hereafter in the world to come, and yet we are soon glutted with them! that in our solitary refreshings and recreations of our minds, we can seldom look up above that which we may see with our eyes; as though such heavenly matters had no savour with us, but were wearisome and tedious! This Scipio, when he had been much taken up in civill affairs and dealings amongst men, could with pleasure and delight think by himself alone of things profitable, of wisdom,