A plain and familiar exposition of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth chapters of the…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth chapters of the…

HE that is first in his own cause] he that is in a controversy, speaketh first, before the magistrate, arbitrator, or any other to whom it belongeth to hear the matter, is just, so pleadeth for himself, and setteth such colours upon his cause, that he seemeth to be very righteous: if he be plaintiff, that his informations be equal, and weighty, if defendant, that his apology is good, and he innocent. Yet is not this to be understood of every one that hath the first place of speech: for righteous men do many times begin the declaration of the cause, or defence of themselves, and be found upright and faithful both in the entrance and end of the strife: but it is meant of false fellows, that respect not what they may warrantably aver with truth, but what they can audaciously affirm with impudency. Then cometh his neighbour, and maketh inquiry of him, he that in the second place, or afterwards is to make answer unto him, or reply upon him, confuteth his allegations, detecteth his falsehood, and convinceth him, of indirect and naughty dealing.

HE that is first in his owne cause] he that is in a controuersie, speaketh first, before the magistrate, arbitrator, or any other to whom it belongeth to heare the matter, is iust, so pleadeth for himselfe, and setteth such colours vpon his cause, that he seemeth to be very righteous: if he be plaintiffe, that his informations be equall, and waightie, if defendant, that his apologie is good, and he innocent. Yet is not this to be vnderstood of euery one that hath the first place of speech: for righteous men doe many times begin the declaration of the cause, or defence of themselues, and be found vpright and faithfull both in the entrance and end of the strife: but it is ment of false fellowes, that respect not what they may warrantably auerre with truth, but what they can audaciously affirme with impudencie. Then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him, he that in the second place, or afterwards is to make answere vnto him, or reply vpon him, confuteth his allegations, detecteth his falsehood, and conuinceth him, of indirect and naughtie dealing.

¶ A bad cause commonly hath advantage at the beginning, Doct. and a good cause prevaileth in the end.