Ultima, = the last things in reference to the first and middle things

First, as the Tares grow amongst corn, so the wicked all their life associate themselves with the godly; the Church (saith Austin) is full both of wheat and chaff.¹ I avoid the chaff lest I become chaff, but I keep the floor lest I become nothing. What else? in this life the best company is not free from the intrusion of Tares, therefore cries David, Woe is me that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech, and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar, Psal. 120.4.² No greater discomfort then to cohabit with the wicked: are they not pricks in our eyes, and thorns in our sides? yea they are thorns indeed, saith the Lord to Ezekiel, ³Lo the thrones and briers are with thee, and thou dost dwell among Scorpions, Ezek. 2.6.⁴ Sure we had no need of security, that are thus compassed with enemies, the briers may scratch us, the thorns prick us, the Scorpions sting us, we can hardly so escape, but some of these will hurt us. A good man with ill company, is like a living man bound to a dead corps, and (may I appeal to your selves) is the living likely to receive the dead? or the dead more likely to suffocate the living? O ye children of the kingdom, bless you whiles you live, lo the Tares are among you like wolves amongst lambs; be wise then in your carriage, and save your selves, your own souls.

First, as the Tares grow amongst corn, so the wicked all their life associate themselves with the godly; the Church (saith Austin) is full both of wheat and chaffe.¹ I avoid the chaffe lest I become chaffe, but I keep the floor lest I become nothing. What else? in this life the best company is not free from the intrusion of Tares, therefore cries David, Woe is me that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech, and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar,