But the Answer (to both these Objections) is,1 that neither the meaning of Solomon nor his Mother is to condemn one sex more then the other, But both are to be understood comparatively, (and alas it holds too true in both Sexes) the ⟨p. 9⟩number of the truly good is but very small and inconsiderable, compared with the vile & vicious, whether of men or women. The bad are like pebble stones upon the Sea shore, you cannot stir a foot but ye stumble upon them, but the good are like precious stones, Rubies, and Diamonds of great value, and rarely to be found; the Merchant that will find them must travel far for them: To which sad truth the Apostle beareth witness, 1 Cor. 1.26. Not many wise, nor many mighty, not many noble, &c. Blessed be God he doth not say no any wise, not any mighty, some there be which though but a little flock, compa•ed w•th the Droves ⟨p. 10⟩and Herds which the Devil carrieth headlong into the Sea of perdition; yet considered in themselves they are not a contempt ible number; Revel. 7. from the 4th verse to the 8 9, 10•h.
But the Answer (to both these Objections) is,1 that neither the meaning of Solomon nor his Mother is to condemn one sex more then the other, But both are to be understood comparatively, (and alas it holds too true in both Sexes) the ⟨p. 9⟩number of the truly good is but very small and inconfiderable, compared with the vile & vitious, whether of men or women. The bad are like pebble stones upon the Sea shore, you cannot stir a foot but ye stumble upon them, but the good are like precious stones, Rubies, and Diamonds of great value, and rarely to be found; the Merchant that will find them must travell far for them: To which sad truth the Apostle beareth witness, 1 Cor. 1.26. Not many wise, nor many mighty, not many noble, &c. Blessed be God he doth not say no any wise, not any mighty, some there be which though but a little flock, compa•ed w•th the Droves ⟨p. 10⟩and Herds which the Divel carrieth head•ong into the Sea of perdition; yet considered in themselve they are not a contempt ible number; Revel. 7. from the 4th verse to the 8 9, 10•h.
- 1Answ.
