The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

1. In the first place. Preserve and uphold the honour and preeminence of that station wherein God hath set you by all prudent means. The Prophet bewails those times wherein the Child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable. ¹Distance of years calls for distance of deportment. A Father may challenge honour and reverence; a Master his due fear and subjection from his servant. What is duty in the Inferior to yield, is prudence, in the Superior to maintain. It is therefore wisely advised by the Philosopher, that no persons should marry over-early [[Greek or Hebrew]] For if Parents and Children prove too near in age,² there may follow great inconveniences; In that, too much propinquity of years diminisheth reverence in children, and oftentimes produces contentio•s in the management of family-affairs.³ Let such a distance he preserved, as may obtain the effectual issue of that counsel which Jerome gives to Gaudentium about the education of Pacatula [Matris no […] ⟨p. 194⟩pro verbis ac monitis & pro imperio habeat. Amet us Parentem, subjiciatur ut Dominae, timeat ut Magistram] Let the Child esteem the nod of her Mother in lieu of words, admonitions, and commands; let the Mother be loved as a Parent, subjected to as a Lady, feared as a Mistress] condescension to mean, sordid, and contemptible actions draws scorn and disdain upon Superiors. As reverence and obedience is enjoined to Inferiors: so Rulers should manage and order their actions with such gravity and sobriety before them, as may gain some awe and respect from their hearts. No wonder, if that Ruler be contemned and slighted, who disgraceth himself. Some are apt to count it a piece of gracious humility and lowliness of spirit; but they are greatly mistaken: It argues rather a base, low, degenerate temper. Be as humble before God, as reverential to Rulers, as affable to Equals as thou canst; but ever remember to maintain the eminency of thy place above Inferiors. It is not heavenly, no nor moral wisdom to entertain discourse of trivial and frivolous matters, with those that are under your inspection and government. Let converse with Inferiors be spent,