A17397:2258
The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatisesThe marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises
The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatises containing directions about six of the weightiest things can concern a Christian in this life. by N. Bifield, late preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.The marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises containing directions about sixe of the waightiest things can concerne a Christian in this life. by N. Bifield, late preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by John Legatt, 1630
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
7. Restrain thine own passions in conversing. There are none so wise, but if they show their passions of immoderate anger, fear, grief, yea, or joy, they discover much weakness in their disposition, which would be covered if they did bridle the excess of their passions. A wise man covereth shame, when a fool is presently known: It is the best praise not to have such weaknesses; but the next to this, is by discretion to bridle our selves, so as we may hide our weaknesses from breaking out.
7. Restraine thine owne passions in conuersing. There are none so wise, but if they shew their passions of immoderate anger, feare, griefe, yea, or ioy, they discouer much weaknes in their disposition, which would bee couered if they did bridle the excesse of their passions. A wise man couereth shame, when a foole is presently knowne: It is the best praise not to haue such weaknesses; but the next to this, is by discretion to bridle our selues, so as we may hide our weaknesses from breaking out.
Lastly, thou mayest make good use of that direction of Solomon about thy friend, Bless not thy friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning; for it may be accounted a curse to thee: Take heed ⟨p. 580⟩of flattery, which in stead of effecting thine own ends, may bring thee out of all respect. He doth not forbid the just praise, and encouragement of friends, but the intending of praise of purpose to the uttermost notice of thy friend, (this is to praise him with a loud voice) and the affectation of preventing others in praising; and of doing it in such things as are not yet su•iently known to be praise-worthy, and to set ones self so to praise, as if he studied to do nothing else, but humour his friend; especially if it be but once perceived, that thou doest it but for thy own ends. It is a great part of wisdom, to know how to speak of the praise of others, so as neither sinister ends be intended, nor the humouring of those we praise: to do it sparingly and seasonably, is a great discretion.