A grave and wise Counsellor of France (being desirous in his old age, to retire himself) was entreated by the King, to write down some directions, and leave with him for the more prosperous government of his Realm. The Counsellor took some paper, and wrote on the top, Moderation; in the middle, Moderation; at the bottom, Moderation; Demosthenes being asked what was the chief thing in an Orator, answered Elocution; and being demanded the same question three times, what made an Orator, he still gave the same answer. 1Augustine being demanded, what was the greatest requisite of a Christian: What was the first, second, and third? still answered, Humility, Humility, Humility. Truly, what the Counsellor said of Moderation, the Grecian of Elocution, and the Father of Humility, I shall say of Regeneration; If you ask me, what is the chiefest thing in the world, for a man to mind? What is that which is worthy of all his time, and strength, and thoughts, and words, and actions? I answer, Regeneration; If you demand What is that which is of greatest necessity, and excellency, that bringeth in the greatest profit, delight and happiness? I answer, Regeneration. He that hath this hath all that is worth having, the having of this is heaven: He that wanteth this, hath nothing: the whole world cannot make up the want of this, the want of this is hell. O Sirs, your everlasting making or marring, dependeth upon your sincerity, or ⟨image 6⟩hypocrisy in this. Of what infinite consequence is it therefore to you (in whatsoever ye come short) to make sure here. Alas when ye come to throw your last cast for eternity, how will the stoutest of you do, to look death in the face, without Regeneration in your hearts? God hath in an hundred texts of Scripture, devoted all unregenerate ones to the unquenchable fire, and can any of you think to make him a liar? Believe it, as soon as death landeth you at the other world, you will have other thoughts of God and his Truths, then now ye have.
A grave and wise Counsellour of France (being desirous in his old age, to retire himself) was intreated by the King, to write down some directions, and leave with him for the more prosperous government of his Realm. The Counsellour took some paper, and wrote on the top, Moderation; in the middle, Moderation; at the bottom, Moderation; Demosthenes being asked what was the chief thing in an Oratour, answered Elocution; and being demanded the same question three times, what made an Oratour, he still gave the same answer. 1Augustine being demanded, what was the greatest requisite of a Christian: What was the first, second, and third? still answered, Humility, Humility, Humility. Truly, what the Counsellour said of Moderation, the Grecian of Elocution, and the Father of Humility, I shall say of Regeneration; If you ask me, what is the chiefest thing in the world, for a man to mind? What is that which is worthy of all his time, and strength, and thoughts, and words, and actions? I answer, Regeneration; If you demand What is that which is of greatest necessity, and excellency, that bringeth in the greatest profit, delight and happiness? I answer, Regeneration. He that hath this hath all that is worth having, the having of this is heaven: He that wanteth this, hath nothing: the whole world cannot make up the want of this, the want of this is hell. O Sirs, your everlasting making or marring, dependeth upon your sincerity, or ⟨image 6⟩hypocrisie in this. Of what infinite consequence is it therefore to you (in whatsoever ye come short) to make sure here. Alas when ye come to throw your last cast for eternity, how will the stoutest of you do, to look death in the face, without Regeneration in your hearts? God hath in an hundred texts of Scripture, devoted all unregenerate ones to the unquenchable fire, and can any of you think to make him a lyer? Believe it, as soon as death landeth you at the other world, you will have other thoughts of God and his Truths, then now ye have.
- 1Aug. •pist. 56. ad Di osc.
