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

3. Conclude, that in cases betwixt Superiors and Inferiors, the partiality is usually on the Inferiors side; and it is reasonable thus to conclude, both because Inferiors have seldom had experience of the other condition, as superiors usually have had; a child hath not been a Parent, or a servant ordinarily a Master, or a subject a Magistrate; but all Parents have been children, and most Masters have been servants, and many Magistrates subjects, and so they have had experience of both conditions; And likewise because Inferiors cannot so well see the condition and circumstances of those that are above them, as those that are above can of those that are below them, they have the advantage of ground, and better opportunities of knowledge.

3. Conclude, that in cases betwixt Superiours and Inferiours, the partiality is usually on the Inferiours side; and it is reasonable thus to conclude, both because Inferiours have seldome had experience of the other condition, as superiours usually have had; a childe hath not been a Parent, or a servant ordinarily a Master, or a subject a Magistrate; but all Parents have been children, and most Masters have been servants, and many Magistrates subjects, and so they have had experience of both conditions; And likewise because Inferiours cannot so well see the condition and circumstances of those that are above them, as those that are above can of those that are below them, they have the advantage of ground, and better opportunities of knowledge.

4. In judging of your present condition and circumstances, always abate some thing for the presence of them, and for self-love, and self-interest, and other passions. He that doth not consider how apt every man is unequally to favour himself, doth not know the littleness and narrowness of humane nature. We are near to our selves, and our own interest is near to us, and we see it in its full proportions, and with all possible advantages, other men and their interests are at a distance from us, and seem less to us than they are. Now we must make abatements for this, according to that experience which we have had of our own mistakes, which, if we will observe, as we pass from one condition into another, we may easily be convinced how great many times they are.