A20760:392
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common…Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common…
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common sins; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkenness, whoredom, and bribery. Wherein the greatness and odiousness of these vices is discovered; and the means and remedies, which may either preserve, or wean men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods word.Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common sinnes; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkennesse, whoredome, and briberie. Wherein the greatnes and odiousnesse of these vices is discouered; and the meanes and remedies, which may either preserue, or weane men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By Iohn Dovvname Batcheler in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for William Welby, 1609
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.
CHAP. XVIII. Of the seventh means to preserve chastity, to wit, Christian modesty.
CHAP. XVIII. Of the seuenth meanes to preserue chastitie, towit, Christian modestie.
The seventh means to preserve chastity,1 is Christian modesty; which consisteth in a sober, decent, and grave carriage and behaviour in all things which appertain unto us. As first, when as we show our selves modest, bashful, and shamefast in our looks and countenance; for as this is a notable means to restrain the party from all wanton and lascivious behaviour, when as he cannot without blushing behold it in others; so is it as a strong fort for the defence of ⟨p. 199⟩chastity, whereby those who are wantonly disposed 'are discouraged from assaulting it. Seeing there is little hope that they, who will not use a wanton look, will be drawn to use wanton behaviour; or that they who will not let lust have a resting place in the suburbs, will ever suffer it to inhabit in the heart of the city. Whereas contrariwise a glancing eye and wanton looks, an impudent face, and brazen forehead,2 as they show the inward uncleanness of the heart, so they embolden the party to use all manner of wanton dalliance without blushing; and hearten others who are lascivious to give the assault unto their chastity, when they find it unfenced and unguarded. Neither can they expect any forcible repulse, when the countenance (as it were) standing at the door, inviteth them to come in, or that they are like to find any sharp encounter; when the very looks offer a parley and promise a yielding before the assault.