My ladies looking glasse VVherein may be discerned a wise man from a foole, a good woman from a bad: and the true resemblance of vice, masked vnder the vizard of vertue. By Barnabe Rich Gentleman, seruant to the Kings most excellent Maiestie. Rich, Barnabe, 1540?-1617. 1616 Approx. 182 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 41 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A10711 STC 20991.7 ESTC S115904 99851121 99851121 16379 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A10711) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 16379) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 557:8) My ladies looking glasse VVherein may be discerned a wise man from a foole, a good woman from a bad: and the true resemblance of vice, masked vnder the vizard of vertue. By Barnabe Rich Gentleman, seruant to the Kings most excellent Maiestie. Rich, Barnabe, 1540?-1617. [6], 74 p. Printed [by John Legat] for Thomas Adams, London : 1616. Printer's name from STC. Running title reads: My ladies looking-glasse. Identified as STC 20984 on UMI microfilm. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Satire, English -- Early works to 1800. England -- Social life and customs -- Early works to 1800. 2006-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-03 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-04 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2006-04 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion MY LADIES LOOKING GLASSE . WHEREIN MAY BE DISCERNED A WISE MAN FROM A FOOLE , A GOOD WOMAN FROM A BAD : AND THE true resemblance of vice , masked vnder the vizard of vertue . By Barnabe Rich Gentleman , seruant to the Kings most excellent Maiestie . Malui me diuitem esse quam vocari . LONDON , Printed for Thomas Adams . 1616. TO THE VVORTHILY HONOVRED , AND MOST WORTHY TO BE WORTHILY HONOVRED , the LADY SAINT IONES , wife to the Right Honourable SIR OLIVER SAINT IONES , Knight Lord Deputie of Ireland . MAdame , to auoide Idlenesse , I haue betaken my selfe to those endeauours , that the world will repute to be more idle , than idlenesse it selfe ; and perhaps some will not let to say , that it had beene better for me to haue continued idle still , than to ●●ue been thus ill occupied . For it is now accounted sinne to reprooue sinne , and there is no exercise accounted to be more idle , than to reprehend the idle follies of this madding age , that Time hath now hatched vp , and are long sithens become so flush and fligge , that they are flowne into the world , and they haue there nestled themselues amongst the Chickins of vertue , so disguising themselues vnder the habit of vertue , that they are reputed to be of vertues Broode , and are not easily to be discerned by their plumes , or outward shew . To discouer them therefore , to those that haue any list to eschue them , I haue composed this looking Glasse , which I haue fronted in the forehead with the title of My Ladies Looking Glasse . Not that it is any thing lesse behoouefull for my Lord , than it is for my Lady to looke in ; for although women doe vse their looking glasses , but to espie the deformities of their bodily beautie , yet this looking Glasse is composed of a contrarie constitution : for this maketh manifest the diseases of the minde , and discouereth the Imperfections aswell of men as of women , that doth behold themselues in it . It taxeth the abuses of the time and here is to be seene ( though in a few lines ) many actuall breaches of Gods holy lawes . I haue presumed to present it to your Ladiships protection , and although I know it be not fit for euery one to reade , that perhaps would winch , if they found themselues to be rubd : yet your vntainted vertues being free from all detection , you may with a cleare conscience , and an vnbended brow , aswell vouchsafe to reade , as likewise to protect , when their is nothing therein conteined but iustifiable truth ; the iniquities of these times being so palpable , that it is as easie to proue , as it is to reproue them . I haue not presumed to present these lines whereby to instruct your knowledg , nor , to set down precepts for your Ladish ▪ to follow ; but knowing your Ladiship how worthily famed , of whom could I make better choice than of a Lady so highly renowned both for wisedome and vertue ? I might here indeauour your Ladiships further praises , and that without either fraud or flatterie , but as the vnskilfull painter , that would take vpon him the draught of some rare perfection that were more then ordinary , how well soeuer he might be furnished with colours , yet wanting art , he might rather blemish than grace the worke he tooke in hand : I will therefore here stay my selfe , beseeching your Ladiship to pardon his bold presumption , that will rest to doe you seruice during life , Your Ladiships , to command , BARNABE RICH. TO ALL READERS , EITHER CVRTEOVS OR Captious I care not . CVrieous Reader , if thou prooue so indeede , I would be glad ; but if thou be disposed to cauill , I care not greatly : thou shalt but bewray thine owne guiltie conscience . And I am become to be a little foolish hardy . ( And why may I not call it true valiance ? ) I haue Aduentured one of the labours of Hercules , to strike at Sinne : And is not that as much as to fight with the Hydra ? Nay , it is more : for where the Serpent had but two heads starting vp , where one was taken off ; let Sinne but be dismembred of one vicious folly , there springeth vp tenin the place of that one , more strange to be seene , and monstrous to behold ; this generall sicknesse of Sinne is growne so contagious , that it is past recoucrie . It lies at the last gaspe , and yet it is more dangerous to prescribe a Remedie , than it is to describe thee Malady . We must not say that the world is sicke , nor that worldlings are infected with the diseases of Pride , of whoordome , of Drunkennesse , of Swearing , of Swaggering , of Bribery , of Fraude , of Deceit , of Periury , of Popery , of Idolatry . No , we must not speake of these abominations : we dare not say that sinne is sinne . And more safety for a man to commit sinne than to reprooue it . I haue aduentured yet , to Bayt the vanities of this madding age at the Stake of Reproch , And I doe looke my selfe to be Baited at againe , by the whole rablement of these Slaues of Imperfections ▪ but it is no matter , they shall doe but their kinde , and there best conviction is but Slander : If the better sort accept of it ( as I make no doubt ) let the rest except what they can , I care not ; their inuectiues are as Impotent as themselues are Impudent . Take this now by the way and so farewell , I neuer ment to please those that be ill , by publishing in print any thing that is good . To the wide world . I Sing no Song to please the Formall Foole , Nor lulle asleepe , the vaine Fantasticke Gulle . I haue no skill , nor neuer went to schoole , To pipe a dance to euery Trickt vp Trulle , That pouders , paints , and periwigs her face : I can not flatter these in any case . I shoote at Sinne , I taxe none but the bad , The Shifting Swaine that heapes vp pelfe by fraud , The Bribing Groome , the Drunken Swearing Swad , The Shamelesse queane , the Harlot and the Bawd. All these and more too many to be told , Looke in this Glasse , it doth them all vnfold . MY LADIES LOOKING GLASSE . TO be often prying , and beholding our selues in a Glasse , it hath beene thought rather to fauour of vanity and pride than of godlynesse or piety : yet we haue beene taught by a learned Philosopher to looke in a Glasse , and that very often , but with resolution that if we do finde our selues to be fayre and well formed , wee should doe fayre and commendable actions : but if we do see our selues in any thing imperfect , we should correct those defects of nature with the beauty of good behauiours . By this we may perceiue that a looking Glasse may be imployed to a godly purpose ; and what one doth imploy to the supporting of vice , another may conuert to the exercise of vertue . Looking Glasses haue euermore beene reputed amongst those necessaries belonging to women ; I haue not heard of many men that haue made any great vse of them vnlesse in Barbers shops , or in Haberdashers shops ; and yet in those Glasses he that is too much prying and beholding of himselfe , shall oftner spye out the picture of a Foole than the person of a Wiseman . Caligula vsed many times to behold himselfe in a glasse , to see how sternely and how terribly he could frame and set his countenance . They are now as common and conuersant to men as they be to women : And our yong gentlemen in this age are as curious to behold themselues in a glasse , as Dame-Folly her selfe when she is newly trickt vp in the Attyre-makers Trim. Amongst Looking glasses , there be some that be ouer much flattering , that will make the beholders to seeme more yong , more smoth , and better fauoured than they be ; and these sortes of glasses are best of all esteemed , but especially amongst women . There is yet an other sort that doth make defects where none are , that will shew the round and well formed visage to be long , leane , and wrinkled ; and these kinde of Glasses are little set by either of men or women . I haue indeuoured the forming of this Glasse , that I hope shall giue a true representation , aswell of the perfections as of the defections either of men or women that shall behold themselues in it . Yet this Glasse by me thus composed , it is not to view any exterior part of the body , but first to grope the conscience , and then by a diligent obseruation to suruey the interior part of the soule : And as I haue not fashioned any smooth resemblance wherby to flatter , so I haue not forged any deformities thereby to slander . I haue pictured forth diuers representations , not ayming particularly at any mans priuate person that hath not a guilty conscience to accuse himselfe : yet I haue grasped at abuse , and haue stroken at those sinnes that are so supported and befriended , that I know , will rather become offensiue than pleasing to the world . Iniquitie , is growne proude , and nestles herselfe amongst the Cedars , and towers aloft as high as the cloudes . The sinnes of this age are become so nice and so queasie that they cannot digest any potion of reprofe : men are more vnwilling to haue their sinnes ransackt , than to haue these inueterate and mortall wounds searched into . And as the often taken potion neuer worketh , so the phisicke of Reproofe turnes rather to the hardening of their hearts , than to the amendment of their liues . Reprofes are but like Goades that do make beastes but to kicke when they be toucht with them . The world is become olde , and now in this later age we haue so far ouergrowne the Rod , that we scorne any correction , or to be controuled either by the rule of Gods word , or by any other aduertisement , and therefore it is but to knocke at a deafe mans doore . They are the vicious only , that cannot endure to heare sinne reproued : and who are they but the impious that would barre the freedome of our tongues ? these gauld backt Iades , are those that are so afraid of rubbing : but what will becom of this world when we dare not speake against sinne for offending of those , that in truth are but the very Slaues of Sinne ? That good Emperour Augustus was neuer angry with accusers , but thought it necessary , that where there were stoore of vices there should likewise be many to finde fault : And the Lacedemonians thought it a necessary point of policy that there should be such Reproouers , whereby to reproue enormity in those for feare of worldly shame , that otherwise neither remorse of conscience nor any feare of their Gods could haue reftrained or kept within compasse . And Pasquils pillar was tollerated in Rome to reprehend all sorts of sinnes till they touched the Pope and his clergy : but they cannot indure now that their Sodomicall sinnes should be reputed for faults , but will rather reioyce in their abhominations , making vaunts of their Adulteries , of their Fornications , of their Blasphemies , and their Drunkenesse , taking as great pleasure in the boasting of them as they did in the acting . He that doth auow Pryde , Drunkennesse , Adultery , Swearing , and Blasphemy to be damned sinnes , is sooner derided than beloued . The Iniquities of this age are not ashamed to shew their faces , they walke the streetes more peartly and bold , than either Honesty or Innocency . Sinne was wont to walke in feare , but now men are so farre from being ashamed , that as they make no conscience to commit euill , so they boast of that euill they haue committed ; And will againe defend what they haue boasted . But as they do glorie in their owne shame , so their end is eternall damnation . Though our owne consciences will take no notice of our owne iniquities , yet our sinnes do crie out and complaine in the Audience Court of Heauen , where they prease into the presence Chamber of God : And to our confusions they cry out for Iustice . And he will not spare for euer , but as he is lust so he must strike . Our consciences are so deafe and dull , in these daies of our lolitie , what with the loude noise of Musicke , sometimes of Gaming , sometimes of Carowzing , sometimes of Oathes , sometimes of Quarrelling , sometimes of Blaspheming , that we cannot heare the Preacher cry out , That all flesh is grasse . We see at this present houre , how Sinne is lifted vp : and what leagues and conspiracies there are against those that be honest , that hath the feare of God before their eies ; and doth reprehend the follies of the time . The Iewes , that had thought to haue nailed Christ to the Crosse , they proudly cried out , If he be the Sonne of God , let him saue himselfe . And how far hath this voice escaped vs now in these later times ? Are not those that doth liue in the feare of God , reputed to be but the shame of men and the reproch of the people ? haue they not said : Let them trust in the Euerlasting : and let him deliuer them , and take them out of our hands , if he would their good ? Is not God himselfe had in derision & made a by-word ? doe they not multiply their blasphemies against his holy name ? haue they not said , Let vs do it boldly , God doth not see it , the Almightie is asleepe , he cannot heare it ? at the least they do not let to thinke God doth not regard it , and some will not let to say , there is no God to regard it ; from whence else proceedeth this swearing , this pride , this blasphemy , this drunkennesse , this adultery , but that they thinke the seat of God is voide , or that he is become regardles ? But he that hath made the eare , shall he not heare ? he that hath framed the eye , shall he not see ? and he that iudgeth the nations , shall he not conuince ? Let them know , that the Euerlasting neither sleepeth nor slumbereth , but they shall finde in the winding vp , that he will cause his Iudgements to returne in Iustice . The Diuels do tremble to thinke of the day of Iudgement , these doe but deride it , when they be put in minde of it : the custome of sinne , hath so benummed our sences that we feele it not , but after the infection of sinne , followes the infliction of punishment . Securitie hath no resting place but Hell. It hath beene told me , that I haue already incurred the displeasure of a great number , for some lines by me formerly published , inueighing against pride , against drunkennesse , against adulterie , but especially for writing against popery . But those that doth taxe and torture me with their tongues , they are not any persons of any great account , they are but drunkards , adulterers , and other vicious liuers : the most of them ( indeed ) poore ignorant papists , whom I do rather pittie than any waies despite : but as the Philosopher , that suspected the vprightnesse of his owne carriage , when he heard himselfe to be commended by a man that was noted to be of a loose and a lewd conuersation : so , vnderstanding what they be , that doth thus detect and depraue me , I doe hold my selfe to be better graced by their discommendations , than if they would set open their throates , to publish forth my praises . For amongst all the slaues of imperfections , the Lyar and the Slanderer , doth least of all offend me , because I know , that a thousand I mputations iniuriously published by a thousand detracting slanderers , are not halfe so grieuous to a man of wisedome and iudgement , as one matter of truth avowed by him that is of honest life and reputation . But is not this a fearefull time , when iniquitie doth so reigne and rage , that the wretches of the world would still wallow in their wickednesse , without impeachment or contradiction , but especially the Papists , that are themselues so busie and so repugnant to the lawes , both of God and the ' Prince ? first the Pope with his Bulles , with his Indulgences , with his Pardons , with his Dispensations , with his Absolutions , with his Priests , with his Iesuites , with his Ministers , of all sorts and of all professions , that are still conspiring , that are still practising , with poisons , with pistoles , with stabbing knifes , with Gunpowder traines , that are still repugning , that are still peruerting , that are still seducing , and drawing the hearts of the people , from that dutie and obedience , they doe owe to their soueraignes ; nay , that doth draw so many poore soules to destruction : for although all sorts of sinnes did neuer so much abound , as they doe at this houre , yet of my conscience , the Pope himselfe doth send more Christian soules to the Diuell ; and Hell is more beholding to the Popes Holinesse alone , then to all the rest of those ougly Monsters , that are called by the name of the seauen deadly sinnes . But what sinner so intemperate but will himselfe confesse in generall , that all sorts of sinnes were neuer more inordinate , and that wickednesse and abhomination were neuer more apparant , and I might say againe neuer les punished ? The Adulterer will cry phough at the lothsome sinne of Drunkennesse , the Blasphemer will sweare the vsurer is a most damned creature , the Extortioner will laugh at pride , and make himselfe merry with the Folly of new fashions . Thus euery vicious liuer can one deride an other , but they cannot indure to heare themselues detected ; and they will laugh at the very same imperfections in an other , that they cannot see in themselues , neither will they beleeue any other that should informe them of them . But I tell thee thou man or woman , whatsoeuer thou be that disdainest to heare thy wickednesse reproued , thou art fallen into temptation , and thou art in danger of a iudgement : he that is fallen into that Lethargie of sinne that he neither feeleth himselfe nor will indure to be told of it , is in a dangerous plight , he is past recouery . There is no sickenesse so dangerous as that which is least felt : and as he that feeleth not his sicknesse , neuer seeketh the Phisitian , so he that feeleth not his sinne neuer careth for repentance ; and he that hath no remorse to repent can neuer be forgiuen : for how should Christ forgiue him his sinnes that will neuer acknowledge them ? but if the sins of this age doth not make worke for repentance , they will make a great deale of businesse for the Diuell . Forbeare then thou captious Slaue of sinne , to complaine against those that doe complaine against thee : when we cannot turne our eyes on neither side but we shall see some rouing with boldnesse , some rauing with madnesse , some reeling with drunkennesse , some rioting in wantonnesse , some cursing with bitternes . They haue made a sacrifice of their soules to the Diuell , they neither feare nor reuerence God , but esteeme all godlinesse as a mockery ; they do but play with religion , and do but deride at Diuinity it selfe : all will censure , none will amend , yet many will cry out the daies are euill , when they themselues do helpe to make them worse and worse . If we haue a little verball deuotion , be sure it is mixt with actuall abhomination . But they will say , it only belongeth to the preacher to reprooue sinnes , but not fit for euery particular person to meddle with . We cannot weare a garment in the new fashion , saies one , we cannot drinke a pot with a good fellow , saies another ; we cannot fortifie our words with the credit of an oath , saies a third : but euery Foole will be shooting of his bolt : euery Criticke companion will be girding at vs : busiyng himselfe with that which becomes him not to meddle with . It is truth , there are many will goe to Church , they will not misse a Sermon , they haue their Bookes carried after them , they are very attentiue , they turne ouer leaues , they consent to the preacher , they say his doctrine is good , they pretend great loue to the truth , they make many signes and showes of zeale : but being once returned to their owne homes : what reformation or amendment of life ? do they not liue still as if Heauen and Hell , were but the Fictions of Fooles , and that the threatnings denounced by the preacher against sin were but dreames and old wiues tales ? The prophesies , pronouncing the punishment of sin , they are esteemed but as Cassandrias Ryddles , they are not regarded : And what is it but the vnbeleefe of that doctrine , that the Prophets , the Apostles , and that Christ himselfe haue deliuered , that thus armeth the wicked with boldnesse to sinne ? The word of God is not regarded , and if sometimes they doe take the Maske of religion , it is but when pietie becomes their aduantage : vertue may now and then be set forth to the show , but it is but as a Staale , to draw into the Net of villany . The preachers of the word , which are the Fishers of Soules , they fish but now introubled waters , they may fish perhaps , and catch a Frog , or peraduenture light vpon a Cuttell , that will vent forth yncke ; but if their Nets doe sometimes inclose , yet they are seldome seene to hold a Fish that is great & mightie : he that seeth this & can not sigh , is not a witnesse but an agent : and he that can see this without compassion , is like a Nero , that can sit and sing , whilst he sees Rome a burning . The Apostle willeth vs to exhort one an other , and not for once and so away , but daily . Heb. 3. And in the 19. of Leuit. it is expressely set downe : Thou shalt plainly rebuke thy Neighbour , and shalt not suffer him to sinne . And there is none but a Cain , that will deny to bee his brothers keeper . But is not euery man tyed aswell by the rule of Gods word , as by the lawes of euery well gouerned common wealth , not onely to reprehend , but also to informe against any person , that either by word or deede shall seeke to eclipse the honour or dignitie of his Prince ? If we owe this duty to a King here vpon the earth , how much are wee further obliged to the King of Kings , to the King of Heauen ? shall we see his lawes despised , his name prophaned , his Maiestie blasphemed , and shall we be silent and hold our peace ? Qui tacet consentire videtur , to heare and see and say nothing , is to make our selues a partie . But we dare not do our duties for displeasing of those that haue alreadie bequeathed themselues to the Diuell : for offending a Drunkard , for offending an Adulterer , for offending a Blasphemer : for offending a Papist . From hence it is that vice doth now sleepe in that security , that Philips Boy that euery day cloyed his master with the clamor of mortalitie , is not able to awaken it : but thou that art so a sleepe in sinne that nothing can awaken thee ; assure thy selfe thou shalt be so awakened that nothing shall bring the a sleepe . I haue hitherto spoken of the custome of sinne , how it hath weakned our spirits and lulde vs a sleepe in the cradle of security : I do appeale from your drowsie lustes to your awakened consciences whether I haue spoken the truth or nay . If I should now speake of the antiquitie of sinne , and should therewithall take vpon me to deliuer the manifold afflictions that from time to time , and from age to age she hath drawne from the iudgment seate of God , to punish the enormity of wickednesse here vpon the earth , I might enter into such a labyrinth , as Theseus clew would hardly suffice to wind me out . It was sinne that first secluded the Angels from the ioyes of heauen : it was Sinne that draue Adam out of Paradise . It was sinne that caused the inundation of the whole world , It was sinne that drew on the tempest of Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrha , It was sinne that brought destruction on that holy city of Ierusalem , It is sinne that at all times and in all ages hath plaid the Strumpet through all the partes of the world , and hath filled the whole face of the earth with her brood of bastards . And as the Armies of the Low countries are compounded of English , of Scots , of French , of Spanish , of Italians , of Germans , and of all the nations of Christendome collected and gathered together : so the sinnes of all those countries and of all the world besides are euery day ingrossed and transported into England . We haue stolne away the pride and ambition of the Spaniard , the fraude and falshood of the French , the deceit and subtilty of the Italian , the drunkennesse and swearing of the German : we haue robbed the Iew of his vsury , the barbarous Sicilian of his rage and cruelty , the Turke and Infidel of his infidelity and vnbeliefe ; we haue spoyled the Venetian Curtizans of their alluring vanities , to decke our English women in the new fashion : and Rome that sometimes hath beene worthily renowned , but now reputed to be the very synke of sinne , we haue brought from them their idolatry , their superstition , their popery , their heresie ; and we haue robbed the Pope himselfe and all his colledge of Cardinals , both of their luxury , and their letchery ; and all his whole rablement of Monks , Fryers , and Massing Priests , of their beastly Bawdery . This propagation of sinne , that hath infected the whole world with their abhominations thus transported into England , are now there resident and all entertained , not like strangers , but as natiues that had beene both borne and bred in the countrey . And that old hagge Sinne herselfe , that a man would thinke should be so far spent in yeares and ouerworne with age that she should be past trimming , is more propagating at this present howre , then she was fiue thousand yeares agoe ; and is become more wanton , nice , and toyish then euer she was before . And notwithstanding though from the beginning she hath bin notoriously knowne to be a most infamous strūpet common to all , yet now within these very few yeares one of these poore thread ▪ bare knights Sir Nicholas New-fashions by name , that had so wasted and consumed himselfe in foolish pride and prodigality , that he was not worth the clothes that was belonging to his owne backe ; hoping by her means to support his vaine glorious pride , hath taken her to be his wife , and hath made her a Lady . And although sinne of her owne nature and disposition be both proud and presumptuous more then ynough , yet now being dignified with a Ladiship and being inrould in the Heraulds booke to march in the Ladies rancke , she is become more bold and insolent then euer she was , and who now but my Lady New fashions that is had in esteeme ? she is almost euery day troling in her Coach about the streetes , insinuating herselfe into euery company ; there is no feasting , banquiting , reueling , nor any other merry meeting , but my Lady New fashions is a principall guest . When she meeteth and conuerseth with Ladies and Gentlewomen , some shee teacheth to paint themselues , some to powder their periwigs , some she doth corrupt in manners , making them to be like her selfe , Bold , impudent , immodest , some she induceth to play the Harlots . For as she herselfe hath bin a common Strumpet from the beginning , so shee hath bin a notorious Bawde and a Witch , and those women , that shee cannot inchant with her Siren tongue , those shee infameth by lying and slandering . And who is it but this old Beldame Sinne , now bearing the name of the Lady new fashions , that setteth a worke these new fangled Tailers , these Body-makers , these Perfumers , these Imbroderers , these Attire-makers , and all the rest of these inuenters of vanities , that are the instruments of sinne , that doth inforce their whole endeauours to fit her in her follies , and to decke and adorne her in her pride and wantonnesse ? The number , is almost without number , that doth both serue her , and will likewise seeke to defend her , Artificers , Tradesmen , Shopkeepers , Men , women and children , are all depending vpon her : and as Demetrius , the siluer smith , in the 19. of the Actes , incenced the people against Paul , telling the Crafts-men , that he went about to diminish the dignitie and reputation of their great Goddesse Diana , which if he should bring to passe , their gaines would likewise quaill that got their liuings by those workes belonging to her selfe and to her great Temple in Ephesus : and as these perswasions stirred vp the multitude in those daies , so he that in this age doth but open his lippes to speake against sinne , shall want no accusers , not onely to reprooue him , but also to reproach him . Sinne doth neither want Siluer-smithes nor Gold-smithes , to serue her with plate and garnish her with iewels , that will call him Foole that will but speake against her excesse . Sinne hath her Silkemen and Mercers , that doth serue her of lace , silke , sattin , veluet , cloath of siluer , cloath of gold , that will say he is a Criticke that will inueigh against her pride . Sinne hath her Merchants , that will transport the commodities behoouefull for the common wealth , into forraine countries , and will returne backe againe toies and trifles ; that will say he is but a satyrist , that will detect her vanitie . Sinne hath her Lawyers , that will bring him into the Starre-Chamber for a Libeller , that will speake against her Bribery . Sinne hath her Procters , that will cite him to the Commissaries Court , and make him doe open penance , that will speake against her whooredome . I might yet speake of women , whereof a great number that are not to be detected with any bodily abuse , that would yet sharpen their tongues to chide at any man that would reprehend those enormities , that sinne by custome had ingrafted in them . But I would I could now admonish Ladies and Gentlewomen , that amongst all the creatures of Gods handie worke , I doe acknowledge to bee most excellent , here vpon the earth : but as the finest cloath is most aptest to take a staine , so their milde dispositions inclined to all compassionate loue and curtesie , are soonest led astray , and most easiest to be seduced . And this olde Hagge of Hell , this loathsome Lady Sinne , with her glazed eyes , her painted cheekes , her new-formed fashions , and her inchanting tongue , doth so bewitch and blindfolde their vnderstandings , that when they thinke they conuerse with an Angell of Light , they giue entertainment to a Monster of Hell ; but when Sinne shall present her selfe to their new awakened soules , in her true forme and shape , and begins once to play the make-bate betweene God and them , and their owne consciences to testifie betweene them and themselues ; then they shall see to their owne sorrow , what Saint it is that they haue serued , they shall then perceiue to their great horror and grief , that this darling of theirs so dearly esteemed and beloued , will then be most busie to affright and afflict them . I would , I could wish therefore , ( and with a reuerent regard I doe intreate them ) that they would bethinke themselues of their owne happinesse whilst they haue time , and not to doe as that foolish gentlewoman , that neuer remembred to say her prayers till she heard it thunder . But some wil say , And why women , more then men ) because as women are more flexible , and therefore more apt to be seduced to ill , so they are more tractable againe , and therfore more easie to be induced to vertue . Men are composed of an vneuen temperature of the elements , togither with the malitious influence of the planets , prefiguring them to be sturdie , stubborne , froward and ouerthwart ; but women are by nature of a more excellent metall , their hearts are more soft and yeelding , and themselues more pliable to all vertue and goodnesse . There is more possibility to reclaime ten ill liuing women , to a conformitie of a better life , then to reforme one misliuing man. Would they now bethinke themselues , when they looke in their Glasses , that there is no Forehead heeld so gracefull ( amongst many women ) as that which the Prophet Ieremie tearmeth to be gracelesse , the Forehead , that is past shame and cannot blush : let them therefore fall a chiding at their owne resemblances , beginning first with the Forehead , and say , ô thou proud and shamelesse Forehead , the very Chaire and Seate of pride : where thou shouldest be deckt with a Crowne of Glory , thou art clouded and ouershadowed with a monstrous Mappe of Haire , no lesse offensiue to the Maiestie of God , then ougly and deformed in the sight of all good men ; be ashamed therefore of thy intollerable pride , and by thy humilitie , and submissiue lowlinesse , reconcile thy selfe againe to thy God , whom thou hast so highly offended . Descending then a little , say yet againe , ô you wandering and lasciuious Eyes , the attracters and drawers on of lust and sinfull thoughts ; you that were first created to be the Deemers of my Discretion , but now become the Dimners of the insight of my Soule : forbeare your wonted traines of light and wanton glances , seeke now with bitter teares , to bewaile your former follies , and lifting vp your selues to Heauen , aske grace and mercie . Proceeding thus , you may yet reprooue the Tongue that is more apt to speake ill then good : the Eares againe that are euer more set wide open to vanitie , but still shut vp to good counsell or godly instruction : And so we may say of all the rest of our necessarie and naturall members , that are displaced of their ordinarie courses : for being first created as the Ministers of the Soule , are now become the Disturbers of our Innocency . This externall beautie of the body , so much esteemed of amongst women , when they behold it in a Glasse , it should stirre them vp a farre off to display the maiestie of the Creator , and from thence should passe with the wings of their cogitations to the contemplation of the highest Faire , which is the inuisible beautie of the Almighty God , from whence as from a Fountaine , all smaller Riuers deriue their beauties . It is said that Africa , bringeth forth euery yeare a new Monster , the reason is , that in the desarts of that countrey , the wilde and sauage beasts , that are both diuerse in nature , and contrarie in kinde , will yet ingender the one with the other : but England hatcheth vp euery moneth a new Monster , euery weeke a new Sinne , and euery day a new Fashion : our Monsters are not bred in the Desarts , as those in Africa , but in euery Towne and Citty : where they are so chearely fostered , & so daintily cherished that they multiply on heapes , by hundreds and by thousands . It were not possible for me now to set down how this monstrous generation thus hatched vp by Sinne , hath beene from time to time procreated and brought into the world , one sinne still begetting an other . Pride the eldest daughter of Sinne , was first Spaund in Heauen : shee was from thence expelled ; but shee drew after her a great dissolution of Angels . It was pride , that begat Contempt in Paradise , where there was no Apple in the Garden so well pleasing to Eue , as that which God had forbidden her . It was Contempt that begot Malice , And Malice againe begat Murther , when Cain kild his brother Abell . As the sonnes of men increased in the world , so Sinne began to multiply so fast , that God repented him that hee had made man. To purge the world of her abhominations , the Deluge came , and all were drowned , except eight persons . After the Floud , amongst the sonnes of Noah the generation of the accursed Cham , became to be great and mightie vpon the earth ; at which time Sinne was growne againe to that strength , that shee began on the sudden to play the Rebell , and with a tumultuous assembly gathered together in the plaines of Shinar , shee began to fortifie her selfe against Heauen . Amongst those Giants , then reigning ouer the face of the earth , that greedy Curre Couetousnesse , which the Apostle tearmeth to be the roote of all euils , was ( amongst a number of other monstrous sinnes ) fostered vp by Ambition . Couetousnesse , was the first parent of Oppression , Extortion , Bribery , Vsury , Fraud , Deceit , Subtilty : and that common Strumpet Idolatry , was a bastard borne of this broode . Idolatry had issue , the Lady Lecherie , who in processe of time , became so conuersant with the Pope and his Cardinals , that they procreated amongst them that loathsome sinne of Buggery . It would bee a matter of impossibilitie for me to set downe the varieties of those sinnes that are hatched vp in these daies , when so many new fashioned iniquities doth swarme , both in Cittie , Towne , and Country ; that were our bodies but halfe so diseased with sicknesses as our soules be with sins , it could not be auoided , but that some strange and vnheard-of mortality would ensue . The time hath beene , men would maske their vices with cloaked dissimulation from the eye of the world , but now iniquitie is set forth bare fast , without any maske of preteires to hide her ougly visage . They sought to couer their sinnes from the open show , we haue so litle shame , that we neuer seek to shelter them : our Ancestors were but bunglers at vice , they had not the wit to grace a sinne , nor to set it forth to the show ; they could but call a Spade a spade , a Greene Goose a gosling , a professed Broker , a craftie knaue : we are become farre more exquisite , we can make an Owle a Hawke , a Iacke Naaps , a sheepe , an old Milne Horse , a palfry for a man of honour ; we can call Impudency , Audacitie , Rage , Courage , Wilinesse , wit , Obstinacy , Constancy ; and Lewde Lust , Pure Loue. Our wittes are become more capering then they were in times past , our conceits more nimble , and ready to finde out new trickes , new toies , and new inuentions , as well of follies as of fashions . But what remedie ? pride thinkes scorne to be reprooued or to be told of her faults , she is growne so stubborne and so stately . Swearing swaggers out admonition , and will not be reprooued . Whooredome and Drunkennesse , hath so hid themselues in the Maze of vanities , that repentance can no where fiinde them out . Rage & Fury are produced as argumēts of valour , where the Lie shall be giuen but vpon the speaking of a word , & the Stab againe returned , but for the giuing of the Lie : where not to pleadge a Health , is a ground good ynough for a Challenge , and the taking of wall , made a heinous matter , whereby many times murther doth insue . But sinners haue three shrewd witnesses to testifie against them , the Diuell , the Law , and their owne Consciences : but if here vpon the earth a mans owne conscience condemnes him for his sinne , how much greater shall be the iudgement of God ? The glory of pride as she passeth through the streetes in this age , doth so farre exceed , that the eye of heauen is ashamed to behold it . And those blessings which God hath giuen vs in great measure , we consume in pride , and wantonnesse , and like Swine we beslauer the precious pearles of Gods abundant plenty , conuerting them by our excessiue pride , into dearth and scarcity : and this wickednesse ariseth not from Turkes , Iesuits , Heretykes , and Papists , but from the professors of true Christianity , and euen now in the hottest Sunne-shine of the Gospell : we haue neglected Heauen , to dote vpon the vaine pleasures of the earth , and haue forsaken God , but to wrappe our selues in the excrement of wormes ; a little garded and garnished with the minerall of Gold and Siluer . How many that are not able to pay honestly for home-spunne cloth , will yet weare silke , and will euery day glister in Gold and Siluer ? the soule goes euery day in her working day clothes , whilest the body keepes perpetuall holy-day , and iets vp and downe in her seuerall suites . How many againe are so eager of superfluities , that all their racked rents in the country are not able to discharge the Shop bookes in the City , when there be that will spend asmuch as some knights be worth , but in a payre of Garters , and a payre of Shooestrings ? It is pride that hath banished Hospitality and good house keeping . It is pride that raiseth the rents and rates of all things vniuersally . It is pride that breadeth our dearth and scarcities : It is pride that impouerisheth City , Towne and countrey . It is pride that filles all the prisons in England , and brings a number to the Gallowes . It is pride , ( if it be not preuented in time ) that will make a hangmans roome in reuersion , to be a good sute for a gentleman that hath honestly serued his Prince and Countrey : for howsoeuer hee may shift for meate and drinke , he shall be sure to want no cloathes . It was a happy age when a man might haue wooed his wench , with a paire of Kiddes lether Gloues , a Siluer Thimble , or with a Tawdry Lace ; but now a veluet gowne , a chaine of pearle , or a coach with foure horses , will scarcely serue the turne ; shee that her mother would haue beene glad of a good Ambling Maare , to haue rode to Market on , will not now steppe out of her owne doores , to crosse the other side of the streete , but shee must haue her coache . It was a merry world , when seauen or eight yeards of veluet would haue made a gowne for a Lady of honour ; now eighteene will not suffice for her that is scarce worthy to be a good Ladies laundresse : we are growne from a peticoate of stamell to cloath of siluer , cloath of gold , silke stockings , and not so much as our shoes , but they must be imbrodered with siluer , with gold , yea and sometimes with pearles . I haue spoken of pride indifferently , how it inforceth a like both men and women ▪ it is pride that draweth after it such a daily innouation of new fashions , that I thinke they haue found out whole Mines of new inuentions , or they haue gotten the Philosophers stone to multiply , there is such a daily multiplicity , both of follies and fashions . Vitellius in his daies searched farre and neare for the varieties of Nature , but we haue harrowed Hell in these daies for the vanity of new fashions , and ( I thinke ) wee haue found them out ; for hee that had as many Eyes as Argus , were not able to looke into the one halfe , that are now followed and imbraced aswell by men as women . The Prophet Esay in his 3. Chapt. maketh mentiō of many strange engins belongeth to women : he speaketh there of oyntments for their lippes , of caules , and round attires for their heads , of sweete balles , bracelets , and bonnets : of tabiletes , earrings , muffelers , wimples , vailes , crisping pinnes , glasses , lawnes , and fine linnen . These and many other vanities belonging to women are there numbred vp : but if the Prophet had now lately , but walked one turne through the Royal Exchange in London , he would haue beene put to his shiftes to haue made a true repetition of the new inuented vanities , that are there to be seene ; and this would more haue troubled him more then all the restt , hat when he had heard them cald by their proper names , he could neuer haue vnderstood whereunto they had belonged , without the helpe of a chamber maide . Some will say that these new inuented vanities came first from hell , and I would be loath to excuse the diuell himselfe in the matter , that I know is very ingenious , and is euery day deuising of new ingines , and ( I thinke ) doth keepe an attire-makers shops , whereby to attempt and allure both men and women , to sinne : but this I dare assure my self , that our Ladies and Gentlewomen in these daies are so exceeding in their attires , and so deformed in their fashions , that all the Ladies and Gentlewomen that be in hell ▪ did neuer weare nor see the like . There be many both men and women , that to follow the new fashion , hath marde that fashion that God himselfe hath formed . I protest I haue many times beene hartily sorry , to see some women , whom God and Nature had adorned with beauty , with perfection , and with comelinesse of personage , that haue disguised themselues in that sort , with the deformities of fashions , that of amiable and louely creatures , they haue transformed themselues to be most deformed and loathsome monsters . There is a decorum to be kept ( but especially amongst women ) in attiring of themselues ; for that attire that is comely for a round well-formed visage is as vnseemely againe in her that hath a little , a leane , or a long face : but as euery shooe is not fit for euery foote , nor euery medicine to be applyed to euery maladie , so euery fashion , doth not befit euery person , nor euery colour agree with euery complexion . The woman therefore that is wise , will fit her selfe with such a fashion , as may adde comelinesse to her owne proportion : but mine intent is not here to instruct women how to adorne themselues to the show of the world , when there is no ornament so pretious wherewithall to beautifie a woman , as is the beauty of a good and godly behauiour . This one instruction I wil yet leaue to those that are desirous to follow the fashion : their is not a greater enemy to all complexions , either in men or women , then is this found fantasie of yellow starched bands , and therefore as it is a certain argument of vanity , so there can not be a more ridiculous follie . The woman shall not weare that which apperteineth to the man , neither shall a man put on womans rayment : for all that doe so , are abomination to the Lord thy God. A precept left vnto vs by the Almightie , Deuteronom . 22. But the yong man in this age , that is not strumpet like attired , doth thinke himselfe quite out of fashion , and the yong woman againe , that as well in her behauiour , as in the manner of her apparrell is most ruffian like , is accounted the most gallant wench : and I know not what to say , or whether I should accuse men , for suting themselues in womens apparrell , or whether I should accuse women for suting themselues in mens apparell ; but this is certaine , that their hattes , their feathers , their bands so bestitched , so beedged , so belaced , and in their ridiculous banbeles , sir named picadillies , yea and in their gownes to , they are so sutable and like in fashion , that there is no more difference to be seene , then is betweene a horse shooe , and a Maares shooe . We are better knowne the one of vs to the other by our faces , then we are by our vertues , and yet we are better knowne by our follies , then we are by our faces : but if we did not looke asquint at the matter , we should finde , that as we haue prouoked the wrath of God by our strange and new fangled fashions , so he hath in a sort requited vs againe , with as many strange and vnknowne diseases , almost euery yeare with a new kinde of sicknesse , such as our phisitions are no lesse ignorant of the cure , then they be of the cause from whence proceeding . And what is it now , but the custome of new fashions , that hath foisted in that Indian plant Tobacco ? that till now of late was neuer knowne but amongst Indians , Barbarians , and such infidels as did euery day adore and worship the diuell , but it is now so entertained amongst vs both in England and Ireland , that all the nations in Christendome besides do laugh at our folly . If it were but halfe so pretious as a number would perswade , I thinke the people of other parts of Christendome could looke into it aswell as wee , neither amongst our selues could it be so much desired in such generalitie , for the multitude was neuer inclined yet greatly to imbrace vertue , or to like of any thing that were good . But some will say , I doe want matter to quarrell with that will be finding fault with the souereigntie of Tobacco , that is so much admired , and therewithall , so generally receiued . I confesse it maketh drunken euerie day in the weeke , the whole rablement of panders , parasites , bawdes , Brokers , knights of the post , Hostlers , Tapsters , Tinkers , Tailers , Coblers , Costermongers , and the whole generation of Drunkards , cut and long taile , one and other : and I doe looke that all these will censure me from the Tribunall of their Alebench . Now for that olde prouerbe , sometimes avowed by them that will crie out The more the merrier , yet let them know that the multitude of such guests , shall adde to the horrour of miseries . But yet to blemish and to make dimme this my Looking Glasse , by belching out their stinking vapour , they will speake of Knights , Gentlemen , oldmen , yong men , wise men , learned men that doe all vse to take it , and will likewise defend it . I know there be Knights and Gentlemen both , that doe vent more smooke out of their Nostrils , then they doe out of their kitchin chimnies ; and old men and yong men may bee led astray , the one through dotage , the other too much inclined to follow the fashiō : but for those that are accounted to bee so wise and learned , that will stand so much in the defence of their Tobacco , Cardinall Bellarmin will doe as much in defence of the Pope , and in the approbation of his Idolatrous Masse . Shall wee then denie the Phisitians testimony , will not his authoritie suffice in the matter ? Giue me leaue to answer Master Doctor thus ; I will inforce against his Philosophy , that which can not erre , and that is the experience which many ages hath taught vs : that before Tobacco was euer knowne in England , wee liued more free from all manner of sicknesses , then we haue done sithens : and let them looke yet againe to the time now present , there be a number that neuer meddied with Tobacco , in their liues , doe they not liue in more perfect health then those that doe take it fastest ? if they doe not see this , they are but blind Doctors , & some will say that an ignorant Phisition is the worst of all diseases , and God blesse me and my friends from his physicke that wil prefer his owne skill before a known experience . But they say Tobacco is physical : the greater their folly that will then take it too fast , when the best phisicke accouuted best indeede , is to take no phisicke at all vnlesse vpon vrgent occasion , but he that taketh phisicke euery day , can neuer haue a healthfull body . Well , yet they say Tobacco is of an excellent operation for the drying vp of Rheumes , Dropsies , and of all other moist humors whatsoeuer : as good a medicine pickt out for those diseases as he that poured on oyle to quench the fire , when Tobacco is but made a shooing horne to drawe downe drinke , when euery pipe must haue his pot , and when both pipe and pot must still walke the round , and march togither arme in arme , as louingly as the Whore and the Bawde . But here is now a vertue pickt out that cannot be denied , we see it with our eyes what water and Rheume it bringeth vp , and maketh vs to spit in that abundance , as must be very holesome to be so auoided ; but if the vertue of Tobacco be so precious becaus it wil make a man to spit & to spaule , learne this of me ; thou that so much desirest to driuell & to slauer , take but one dragme of the abstract that is drawne out of a Close-stoole ; it shall goe further for that purpose then a whole ounce of the best Tobacco that euer came out of the West Indies , be it pudding or leafe . Let me intreate the gentle reader a little to pardon me , though I somewhat stray from the bounds of modesty , it is but to expresse one loathsomnesse by another . I cannot tell what reuerent tearmes I might vse to deliuer their rude inciuility , that whilest they are taking their Tobacco do so spit and spaule , driuell and slauer , in that loathsome and vnmannerly sort , as were ynough to make either man or woman to turne vp their stomacks , especially if they were such as had beene trained vp in ciuility , or had any regard of cleanlinesse . I know not therefore whether of the twain I might condemne to be most loathsome and beastly , whether the common Drunkard , or the Smoake taking Tobacconest , the one vomits vp his draffe when he is drunke , the other slauers out his driuell when he is sober ; a sight as vnlouely to looke on the one as the other : but if Gentlemen did know what sophisticated stuffe it were that they did buy at so deare a rate , I thinke some of them would be better aduised ; we might else conclude that draffe were good ynough for Swyne , and that a Barley corne were fitter for Esops Cocks then a precious stone . The Tobacconist yet hath this speciall vertue , when he hath bestirred himselfe well to his Tobacco-pipe , he will be more thankfull for a penny pot of drinke then he will for a two-penny loafe of bread . It is not without some speciall cause that I doe thus inueigh against Tobacco , when for myne owne part I am not so squemish but that I can aswell endure the loathsomnesse of the sight , as the filthinesse of the stinke : but if it were aduisedly looked into and well considered of , we should finde that the masse of treasure that is yearely blowne out of the Tobacco pipe , would suffice to giue royal pay to an army of forty thousand Souldiers , either for the seruice of the King , or the defence of the country if neede should so require : or might rather be imployed to many other charitable vses , now in this miserable time , then to be so vainely consumed and spent as it is . I referre it to the iudgment of any man that hath but the grace or feare of God before his eyes . Now to set downe myne owne conceit what I do assuredly beleeue , from whence it should proceede that the English aboue all the nations in Christendome besides are so much inclined to doate on this stinking smoaky vapor : I thinke it to be an engine of the Diuels owne deuising , who by his ministers hath thus dispersed this misty hellish fogge to stirre vp sinne and wickednesse , and in that place aboue al the rest where true religion doth shine most bright , and the word of God hath freest passage . Let vs but now a litle looke into the enormity : it is Tobacco that consumeth that wealth that might be imploied to many godly vses . It is Tobacco that in euery Tauern , Inne , and Alehouse , is now as common as any Curtizan . It is Tobacco that Harlot like holdeth in society , the base and rascall sort of people , and containeth them as well in idlenesse , as in drunkennsse . It is Tobacco that maketh the poore Artificer to spend that at night , that he hath laboured for all the whole day , whilest his wife and poore children do sit at home without bread . It is Tobacco that maketh a rich man a poore man , a poore man a starke begger , a wise man a foole , an old man to dote , and a yong man to admire his owne ignorance . It is Tobacco that draweth to drunkennesse , from drunkennesse to swearing , from swearing to quarrelling , from quarrelling to stabbing , killing , and murthering . It is the excessiue taking of Tobacco , that hath hurt a great many , and of mine owne knowledge hath killed some outright . For him that wil yet oppose me with his owne experience , and will tell me what himselfe hath felt of the vertue of Tobacco : I will intreat him to pardon me , though I giue no better credit to his words then I do to the Papist , that will protest in good earnest that he hath found himselfe to be better assisted by his prayers to our Lady , then he hath beene by the power of our Lord , and will not let to sweare that a Popes blessing is ynough to preserue him from all the Diuels in Hell , that will not so much as protect him from the poore Hangman . The Diuell that hath so many superstitious conceits wherewith to blindfold the Papist , is not vnfurnished of vaine impressions wherewith to be sot the Tobacconist : to conclude , he that can take Tobacco , drinke Bottle-ale , play an after game at Tables , and weare a Picadilly , is a compleat man fit for the time , and pleasing to all companies . I haue thus presented to your view , first the true picture of pride , together with the folly of New-fashions , amongst the which this inordinate taking of Tobacco , as it is the most vaine , so it is the most loathsome . I would now giue you a little glimce of that accursed curre Couetousnesse , and of some one or two of those whelpes , that are crept out of his owne kennell , namely Bribery and Vsurie ; for the rest that be of the same litter , as oppression , extortion , exaction , and a number such other like , I may let them yet sleepe till fitter opportunitie may serue to awaken them . They say it is not good to awake a barking dogge , but these bee all byting curres , that sheepe-biter like , doe euery day rauen and worrie the whole Common-wealth . Couetousnesse is the curre , that deuoureth his owne Actaeon ▪ it is the Charybdis , that greedie gulfe , that swalloweth vp all without respect either of friend or foe , either of vertuous or vitious : it is the Canker of the Common-wealth , that eateth vp the gettings of the poore . It is the viper that poisoneth the eares of Princes , teaching them to set aside all iust and honourable dealing . It is Couetousnesse , that thinketh nothing to be vnlawfull , where either gaine is to be begotten , or gold to be gathered . It is Couetousnesse , that maketh no conscience in gathering of gold , nor spilling of blood , holding nothing to be vnlawfull that bringeth in gaine . It is Couetousnesse , that eateth vp the meanes , that the poore haue to liue by , and that reaues the sweate from the Labourers browes . The couetous wretch heapeth together abundance of wealth , with paine , with trauell , with periurie , with oppression , with vsurie , with extortion , with wronging their neighbours , with the curse of the poore : which they leaue againe to their vnthrifty heires , no lesse prodigall in spending , then their fathers were miserable in gathering . Couetous persons ( amongst all other ) are most pernitious to be admitted to the administration of Iustice ; for by how much more they be aduanced to greatnesse , by so much the more they are accursed of the poore people , and daily vengeance denounced against them ▪ by as many as doe but heare them spoken of . The couetous miser is then most ready to deuoure , when he makes semblance of greatest loue and amitie , and when he begins once to giue precepts of good counsell , his aduise is then most dangerous , for if it bring not poison in the mouth , be sure it brings a sting in the taile : o what paines the miser will take , but to coniure a little money into the narrow circle of a canuas bagge , he thinketh that the Angels of Heauen are not comparable to the Angels that be in his purse . I thinke if Hell were a place of returne , and that either gold or gaine were there to be gotten , more triple headed dogges then one , were not able to defend the entry . Mammon is a great God , and hee is honoured by no base persons ; he is serued by the rich and reuerenced by the mighty . Bribery is a bird of the same wing , though not so great a God as Mammon , yet mightily befriended , defended and supported . But as a man that hath change of names , is seldome found to be honest , so a Bribe that is sometimes great by the name of a gift , sometimes of a present , sometimes of a gratification , sometimes of a Beneuolence , doth so slily passe from hand to hand vnder so many names and titles , that Bribery indeed , is hardly discerned . Vnder these names and showes Bribery many times preiudiceth the seruice of the Prince , peruerteth good Lawes , and armeth all sorts of sinners with boldnesse to offend . The lawes and ordinances that are sometimes decreed in Cities and Townes corporate , for the common good of the inhabitants , Briberie so dissolueth them , as if they had beene ordained to no other purpose but to bring in gifts and rewards : and God forgiue them their sinnes that will say , their be many institutions , ordained ( indeed ) amongst these inferiour sort of towne magistrates , rather to bring in bribes , then to punish abuse . Bribery many times standeth in the doore of greatnesse , and sometimes helpes vp iniurie to the place of audience ; but he that hath but a bad matter to follow , briberie , is the man , that must first do his message : for he that hath art and skill , to know both how to giue and take a bribe , he hath the onely approoued medicine , to passe through any affaires that are possible to be effected . There be many notes whereby thou maiest know a briber , for all his cunning counterfeiting , but take these few for the most speciall : he loueth still to be neere about a magistrate , or at the elbow of any other great person in place and authority , and if you marke him well , he is euer more incroaching , to creepe into an office , and if you misse him in any of these places , you shall lightly hit vpon him amongst some of the Clarkes , that are belonging to some of the foure Courts . I would be glad now to present to your view , the true picture of vsury , but there hath beene question made of vsury what it is ; some would haue it to consist onely in the letting of money : but if we could aswell vnderstand the spirituall , as we do plod at the litterall , there was neuer more occasion to exclaime against vsury , then at this present . But it is written , Thou shalt not giue thy money to vsurie : therefore to extort , to exact , to oppresse , to deceiue , by false waights , by false measures , by lying , by flattering , by periurie , or by any other manner of deceitful villanie : they thinke it honest trade and traffique . The Land-lord , that racketh vp his rents , the Farmer , that hoiseth vp the market , the Merchant that robbeth the Realme , the Shop-keeper , that buyeth by one weight and selleth by another ; the Baker flatly cossineth the poore , in euery loafe of bread , that hee buieth to fill his belly ; the Bruer that is no lesse deceitful in the measure of his caske , then in the price of his beere ; the craftie Tradesman , the deceitfull Artificer : what are all these and many other moe that might be here inserted , if they be not vsurers , what are they but arrant Theeues ? And I would here craue the censure of Diuinity , whether hee that will not sell but for excessiue gaine , whether he that selleth vpon trust , and will therefore hoise vp his commoditie to the higher prizes ; whether he that will not lend vpon a pawne , vnlesse he may buy it out right to the great hinderance of the partie that selleth it ; whether he that takes aduantage of his neighbours necessitie either in buying or selling ; whether he that purchaseth his neighbours house or liuing out of his hands , whether he that buies an office thereby to poule and pill , whether he that doth take excessiue gaine , or excessiue fees , whether these or such other like are to be accounted vsurers , or nay , and whether all these things thus mentioned and spoken of are not as fit to be reformed , as the vsurie in lending of mony ? There be some that haue done their indeauours for the reforming of vsurie : but now , as the Apostle saith , The law speaketh to them , that are vnder the law , Romanes 3. so I speake now of the place where my selfe was resident at the writing of these lines , namely , at the cittie of Dubline in Ireland , where mony being scant , and where there bee no lenders but vpon good securitie , and profit both togither ; yet in Dubline ( as in all other places ) men are driuen vpon necessarie occasions ( that haue not money of their owne ) to borrow of others that haue to lende , though they sometimes pay dearely for it ; whereupon some well disposed persons ( stirred vp by a godly zeale ) beganne to inueigh against vsurie , wherein without doubt , they honestly discharged their duties towards God , but the vsury that they so much reprehended , was onely the vse of lending of mony : when pretermitting now to speake of the excessiue gaine that is incroached by shopkeepers , and by all other sorts of Tradesmen that do liue by buying and selling : I dare boldely auouch thus much , that all the Vsury , and Extortion , or call it what you will , that is vsed by Bakers , and Brewers alone , is tenne times more grieuous and especially to the poorer sort of people , then all the interest that is taken for the letting out of mony . But they onely denounced against the letting of mony , and they did it no doubt but according to the rule of Gods word , for the lending of mony to vse is directly forbidden by Gods owne mouth , and therefore sinne ; but the inconuenience that I do finde is this , Vsury is reprooued , but it is not defined but according to the letter , whereupon the great Vsurers indeed , that do thinke that in their trade of buying , and selling , the gaine of one hundred pounds for an other a great deale too little , and that howsoeuer they can defraud or exact by bargaining , they do thinke themselues to be very honest and true dealing men ; and that this prohibition : Thou shalt not put thy mony to vsury , doth nothing at all concerne them ; and as they suppose , it stretcheth no further then to the lending of mony , when many great Diuines haue giuen their opinions , that as in that petition giue vs this day our daily bread : all our other necessaries are there comprehended ; so in those wordes , Thou shalt not giue thy mony to vsurie : all other excessiue gaine , is likewise included . To this agreeth the opinion of that ancient Father Saynt Hierome , who writing vpon the Prophet Ezekiel , deliuereth these wordes , Some think that there is no vsury but in mony . This did the holy Scriptures fore-see , and therefore taketh away all excessiue increase or gaine in any thing . What should I need to bring any further testimony in this case , when there is no learned Diuine that did euer deny it ? I would not haue men therefore to flatter themselues too much , or to thinke themselues more honest then they be ; for he that taketh excessiue gaine in any thing , is as great a vsurer as he that lendeth out mony : but he that hath the most corrupted Lungs himselfe , will soonest complaine of the vnsauoury breath of others . And who will be more ready to exclaime against vsury then he that is himselfe the greatest vsurer ? Vsury needs no more but the bare name to make it hatefull : the Ribauld , the Robber , the Theefe , the Murtherer , the Drunkard , the Whore-master , the Swearer , the Blasphemer , they all cry out against vsury ; they that are of noreligion will yet pleade religion , and bitterly raile at him , that lendeth mony to vse : he that hath no conscience at all , will yet pretend a conscience , and wil exclaime against the vsurer : when if he did but looke into his owne impiety , or if his owne faules were written in his forehead , he might pulle his cap ouer his browes as low as his neighbours : but whilest they would bereaue the vsurer of his interest , they themselues would robbe him of his principall . I would not haue any man to thinke that what I haue formerly spoken is in the defence of vsury , that I know at all times , in all places and by all good men , hath euer bin condemned . I am now come to figure forth a sinne that in a certain kinde hath some affinity with vsury , and that is that monstrous sinne of Murther : for as he that in bargianing , buying , & selling , can by any fraudulent or deceitful meanes , circumuent , or so ouer reach his neighbour to make him pay for a commodity three times more in value then it is worth , yet this he accounteth to be no vsury , nor any manner of cracke to his credit or reputation ; but doth thinke it to be Merchant-like , or Tradseman-like traffique , and will in no wise acknowledge himselfe to be an Vsurer : so the malicious wretch that by practise and by pollicy seeketh the vtter wracke and ruine of his neighbour whom he doth maligne , so long as he layeth no violent hands on him , he thinketh himself to be no Murtherer at all . When the High Priests by subtilty brought Christ to Pilate , and by false accusations procured his death , they thought themselues to be cleane and pure . Pilate againe , when he had deliuered Christ to be crucified , washed his hands , and pronounced himselfe to be innocent : but our Sauiour Christ in the fift of Mathew , hath there determined the matter , both what Murther is ; & who is a Murtherer ; his words be these : Ye haue heard how that it was said , to them of old time , kill not , for whosoeuer killeth shall be in danger of iudgment . But I say vnto you , whosoeuer is angry with his brother shall be in danger of iudgment ; and whosoeuer saieth to his brother Racha , shall be in danger of councell , but whosoeuer saieth to his brother , thou Foole , shall be in danger of Hell fire . The Pharisies that had corrupted the Scriptures with their false glosses , interpreted this place : he that slayeth shall be guilty or in danger of iudgment , that is to say , if a man commit a Murther , his act is ynough to testifye against him , there needs no more but to pronounce the sentence of death : this text did the Pharisies extend no further then to kill with the hand , or to murther by stroke or dent of weapon ; but our Sauiour Christ restoring againe the true sence , auowed flatly , that a man to be angry with his brother , is to murther him , and deserueth death , for the Law is not so much respecting to the hand , as to the heart . But this is a hard saying saith the malicious , but yet a true saying , as Saint Iohn in his first Epistle , & 3. Chap. plainly affirmeth , that he that hateth his brother is a Murtherer . But now actuall Murther indeed findeth friends , and to kill a man ▪ though sometimes cowardly , it is rather reputed for Man-hood , then for Murther , or will be found but Man-slaughter or Chance-medly : and there be that can tell how to murther a man with a Pinne , better then they know how to do with a Pyke , and dare aduenture to murther him with a word , that they neuer durst looke in the face with a sword ; but these sorts of Murtherers are not to be taxed , when murther in former ages hath beene knowne sometimes to sit roabed in Scarlet , and when histories do make mention of some mercilesse Magistrats , that hath murthered more poore suiters with their Currish answers , then the Hangman of London did euer strangle with his Hempen halter . To conclude , as amongst Vsurers , those that do offend by the letting out of mony , are the fewest in number , so amongst Murtherers , the number is farre more greater of those that doth both slay and slaughter by their merciles cruelty , then are the other that do most bloudily commit murther with their hands . But see here a monster in nature , that preaseth now to show himselfe in my Glasse , a common Drunkard , the very dregges of double Beere , and strong Ale : amongst men a Beast , and amongst Beasts a very Swyne . A Drunkard is called the King of good-fellowes , but it is but a drunken kind of good-fellowship , when amongst all sorts of friends , a drunken friend is most to be detested and abhorred . A drunken friend is the worst friend that may be , for in his drunkennesse he discloseth all that he knoweth : the Drunkard dissolueth all his gettings into the pot , and drowneth all his vertues in the Ale-Fat : he is not fit to be imploied in any good or godly exercise . There are three things that are not to be credited , a Woman when she weepes , a Merchant when he sweares , nor a Drunkard when he prayes . But it is accounted now to proceed from a generous spirit , to be drunken once a day , and they haue gotten coniurations , and inchantments , whereby to draw on drunkennesse . A health to the King , a health to the Queene , a health to my Lord , a health to my Ladie : And who dares deny to pledge one of these healthes ? they will scarcely auow him to bee a good subiect , that will denie to pledge the Kings health : as though the king were honoured by a company of drunken sots , that will make themselues beasts , vnder the pretence to doe the king honour . It is like the honour the idolatrous papists doe giue to the virgin Marie , who in a superstitious zeale do attribute that to her for honour , that being well examined , is her greatest dishonour . These Art-Magicke Charmes , that do draw on men to powre in more then they are able to beare , if it bee not vomited vp againe by the drunkard himself , it is yet spewed out of the soule of him that doth behold it with an honest conscience . The Prophet Esay in his third chap pronounceth an endlesse woe vnto them that are mighty to draw downe drinke , and as their end is damnation , so their damnation is without end . But see , here comes in the adulterer , with his harlot in his hand ; but they must needs goe ( they say ) that the Diuell driues , and there is no hope to keepe out whoredome , where drunkennesse her gentleman vsher hath free and quiet passage to leade the way . Whoredome hath many friends in these daies , a number of fauorites , that giueth her boldnesse whereby shee insinuates her selfe into the world . Salomon tels vs , That the plague is in the house of the harlot , and that shee sits in the doores of her house on a seat in the high places of the cittie . Whoredome scornes to be closed vp in any obscure place , no , shee hath friends to boulster her out , and to support her in the highest and most principall places of the city . Harlots now adaies ; do not lurke in by corners as theeues are wonted , nor in secret chambers , as strumpets haue bin accustomed , nor in close clossets as conspiring Papists , when they be at their Masse ; but shee frequents the principall places of the cittie , where shee giues entertainment to those that comes vnto her , that are not of the basest sort , but many times of the best reputed : but they do not know , saith Salomon , that the dead are in her house , and that her guests are in the depth of hell . And wilt thou yet enter her house , that carries death and damnation about her ? beware of her , thou that art wise ; shee first inticeth , and then shee killeth , she wooes thee with her eyes , for in these daies eyes can both speake and vnderstand , and the harlot baits her desires , with a number of prostituted countenances whereby to allure and intice . As the harlot destroieth his soule that doth frequent her , so she is a plague to the flesh , more infectious to the body then the common pestilence , and carries more diseases about her , then is in an hospitall . And as the knowne whoremonger , is but of a rotten reputation , so he is most commonly as full of loathsome diseases ; or let it be that God sometimes doth suffer whoremongers to liue , till they may stroke there gray and hoarie haires , yet they neuer escape the filthy diseases of botches , byles , aches , inflâmation , & of that loathed disease of the french poxe , a litle gilded ouer by the name of the gowt , or sometimes of the sciatica : & besides a corporall stroke of heauens heauy hand in this life , the whoremōger shal feele the fearefull addition of an eternall woe in the fire of hell . The harlot is like a new play , that being thrice presented on the stage , begins to grow staale . And the harlot that is once past thirty fiue yeares , is fitter to furnish an Hospitall , then to garnish a bed chamber . The prouerbe is old , A Popes Bull , a dead mans skull , and an old trull , are not all worth a pound of wooll : marry there is some comfort yet left to a harlot , when shee comes to yeares , for an old whore will make a spicke and span new bawde . The best commendations , I can giue to a harlot is this ; she brings a man to repentance in the end , though not for his sinnes , yet to curse the time that euer he knew her . Harlots be of two kinds , the one induced the rather vnto it , by the currish demeanure of an vnkinde husband : or sometimes inforced to play the strumpet to relecue her want , ô ( perhaps ) to vphold her pride : these kinde of harlots are very secret , in all their carriages , & wil make choice of such friends ( as neere as they can ) as shall conceale all their escapes , and maintaine their reputations in the eye of the world . A second sort there be that setting aside all feare of God , or shame of the world , doth surrender thēselues to whoredome , through the vitious heate of there own intemperat desires : these be those that doth liue of the spoile of all comers : they consume them in goods , in body , and in soule that doth frequent them . And these are desirous to make themselues knowne strumpets to the world , thereby to get themselues to be hunted after and sought vnto : for these are ready for all that will come , and that they might be the rather noted in their vocation , they doe manifest themselues in there attire , in there demeanure , in there audacious boldnesse and immodest behauiour . They will shew themselues what they be , at maskes , at meetings , at banquets , at feasts , which they will still frequent , but of purpose to seeke acquaintance , and to draw in customers . The time hath bin when a woman that had bin once infamed , should haue bin shunned , nay shee should haue bin scorned of euery good woman , and shee that had beene honest ( indeede ) would neuer haue endured her companie that had beene tainted in her credit : but now euery marked creature , that is notorious to the world , will insinuate her selfe into the most principall places , and into the companie of those women that are not onely regarded for their greatnesse , but in like manner esteemed for their goodnesse . But I will not take vpon me to detect Ladies and Gentlewomen , what company they shall keepe , but the old prouerbe can no longer hold , That birds of a wing will flie together : but alas poore vertue , sul little doest thou know how much thou wrongest thy selfe , by thy associating thy selfe thus with vice , when the practise of a harlot is , that where shee knoweth a woman to bee most worthily renowned , and most honourably esteemed for her vertue ; there shee will intrude and prease to get admittance , not so much to countenance her selfe , as to disgrace & discredit the other , bending all her endeauours to diminish the reputation of euery good woman , and to bring them into a suspitious coniecture , to be birds all of one feather . How many women , both good and honest , ( and sometimes honourable ) that by this practise of insinuating harlots , hath beene betraied and infamed ? And as good women , by their ouer much kindnes and affability , haue sometimes thus diminished their own credits : so men that be of place and authoritie , had neede be very warie and circumspect , how they giue grace or entertainement to a woman that hath beene noted to be of lewde life : for besides , it breedeth suspition in as many as doth behold it ; so it is the rather confirmed , when euery harlot is desirous to slander her selfe with great personages , and the greater a man is either in office or dignitie , by so much the more shee is desirous to be slandered by him : for shee is not ignorant , but that to be accounted a paramour to him that is had in any regard at all , is auaileable for her aduantage : and shee makes vse of it for seuerall purposes : for first , shee prizes her selfe at the higher rate amongst her baser companions that doth frequent her , then otherwise she could do . Againe it shelters her from being cald in question , for who dares detect her that they thinke shall be supported and borne out by so mightie friends ? It yet againe so armeth her with that audacious boldnesse , that shee dares insinuate her selfe into any company , be they neuer so honest , that otherwise would spit at her . But what woman would be honest now adaies , when the worse a woman liues , the better shee is thought on : if there be any that liues in want , it is poore chastitie , shee findes fewest friends , and least countenance . He that hath a wife , if shee be a little wanton , shee is as good as Comminseede , to draw home customers , & there hath beene husbands , that hath had discreetion to make vse of it ; as Phanlius the Argian , who to raise his fortunes , offered his wife to King Philip : and as Galba , who seeing Mecenas to cast some amarous glances on his wife , shrunk downe vpon his Cushion , as one oppressed with sleepe , thereby to giue him the better scoope , whereby he might persist . He that can thus tollerate , may keepe his wife to ruffle it out amongst the best , without any charge to his owne purse , and shee will winne him many friends , that will bring him in Caates , to the kitchin , fish , foule , wine sugar , spice , The prouerbe is old , though to make vp a Rime , it be a little vnmannerly : i. Blessed be the Hoole , that brings in both wood and coole : that helpes to pay house-rent , and some mony to the good mans purse . Women are wise , and by their sleights they haue Emperours idle , as Amthoxy , strong men feeble as Sampson , valiant men effeminate as Hercules : wise men dissolute , as Salomon : and eloquent men lasciuious , as Aurelius . But I hope all that I haue said , cannot offend those women that be good , whom I protest , I haue euer reuerenced , and doe still esteeme to be more pretious then silues or gold , and therefore to be honoured of all good men ; but as the Apostle writing to the Corinthians : There must be Heresies , that those that are prooued may bee knowne : so say I , Amongst women , there must be some bad amongst the good ; that those that are good indeed may be the more glorious ▪ but yet I would wish Ladies and Gentlewomen , that do tender their owne credits , to be well aduised how they conuerse or giue entertainment to those womē that be bad ; because if the rules of Philosophy be true , there is not a better meane to discerne of men or women what they be , then to measure them by the company that they are accustomed to keepe . But let vs enter a little into consideration , how we might distinguish betweene a good woman and a bad : we cannot do it by the outward show ; for if we should ayme our iudgments but according to their lookes , we might sometimes thinke the old painted face of Proserpsna , to be the same that it was , when she first became to be Plutoes wife . If we should iudge of them but by the show of their apparrell , we might many times presuppose the vertuous yong woman , to be a lasciuious Curtizan ; they are al alike attired in their coloured silkes , and they do so narrowly imitate the one the other , both in forme and fashion , as that they cannot be discerned but onely by behauiour . I am not ignorant , but that silke , siluer , yea and gold it selfe , were created by the almighty God : and not onely for his owne glory , but likewise for necessities sake , and may well be vsed by good and godly persons , such as are in degree , and of ability to pay for them . We haue some presidents out of the holy Scriptures : Isaac a godly man sent Bracelets , and other habiliments of gold to Rebecca , a good and a vertuous woman : and we reade of Hester , that sometimes clad her selfe in rich and sumptuous apparrell , protesting before God that she did it to no other end , then to feede the liking of that great King Assuerus , that had chosen her for his wife . And Iudith praised in the Scriptures for a godly woman , though after the death of her husband , during the time of her widdow-hoode she suited herselfe in sackcloth , yet whilest her husband liued , she had beene both sumptuous in apparrell and rich in Iewels and other pretious ornaments , wherewith she afterwards decked herselfe , but of purpose to free the Citty of Bethulia from the power of Holofernus , that then had besiged the same . It is not the Frocke that maketh the Fryer the more deuout , nor the garments of any woman , a true confirmation of incontinency of her body . This therefore may well be auowed by the rule of Christian sobriety : that a woman ( neither exceeding the decency of fashion , nor going beyond the limits of her owne estate , nor surpassing the bounds of her husbands calling ) but that such a woman may weare any thing . Silke , siluer , and gold , are things iudifferent of themselues , the vse is all whereunto they are imployed : yet as there is a conueniency to be vsed in behauiours , so there is a decency to be followed in fashion ; neither do I think that all fashions that are now in vse , are fit for euery good woman to follow . I am perswaded , that a number of these new inuented Gaudes that be now in vse and custome , were first deuised to please the appetites of such women , as were either of loose life or of little wit , & afterwards becomming generall , were taken vp & reputed for the new fashion : and that many women againe , that are both good & gracious , are the more inclined to follow them the rather to auoid suspition , either that they are not able to support it as other women , be or otherwise to be accounted Hypocrites and contumelious despisers of that which is receiued by all . There is not a woman so vaine or vngodly that can deuise a toy ( be it neuer so fond and foolish ) but it is taken vp for a fashion , and then it is as good a warrant as a Non omittas to an vnder sherife , for euery woman to follow . But where chastitie is ioyned with vanitie , what commendations it may merite , I will leaue to good women themselues to be censured . This I would inferre , that the incontinent woman is no so easily coniectured by the outward show , as by the inward disposition . Do you see her that is sumptuous in apparrell , that doth shine in silke , in siluer , and in gold , that is deckt with Gems , and lewels , that be rich and precious ? looke into her ability , is she able to pay for them , doth she not exceed the limits of her degree and calling ? she vseth them then to the glory of God , that hath created them to that end and purpose , to decke and ornifie such worthy persons . See yet another that is gaudy to the show , garish to looke vpon , and new fangled in all the manner of her attire : looke yet againe into her disposition , is she sober , is she silent , is she bashfull , is she modest ? let vs thinke reuerently of that woman , let vs not iudge of her by the outward show , she doth but follow the fashion . I would I could now frame a cleanely excuse for those women that be Painted , that be Poudered , that be Periwigde ; that do bend their whole endeauours but to the adorning of their bodily beauties , as if they had beene created of God , but onely to make themselues to appeare to be gay and beautifull but I know not how to do it , for she that is not ashamed to falsify those exterior parts of the body , is much to be suspected that she will make little conscience to adulterate the inward beauty of the mind . But amongst these women that do so much affect this bodily beauty , tell one of them of some other woman that is reputed to be more wise , more modest , or more vertuous then herselfe , alas it is a matter of nothing , the newes doth little offend her ; but tell her of another that is reputed to be more beautifull , more faire , or better fauoured then herself , this is a heauy crosse indeed , ynough to make her sicke , and keepe her chamber , and there is nothing that doth more grieuously afflict her , then to see another womans gowne , more gawdy then her owne . But my promise was to giue rules how to distinguish betweene a good woman and a bad , and promise is debt , but I must be wel aduised how I take the matter in hand ; for we were better to charge a woman with a thousand defects in her soule , then with that one abuse of her body ; and we must haue two witnesses , besides our owne eyes , to testifie , or we shall not be beleeued : but I haue bethought my selfe of a couple that I hope will carrie credit . The first is the Prophet Esay , that in his daies challenged the daughters of Sion for their stretched out neckes , their wandring eyes , at their mincing and wan ton demeanure as they passed through the streetes : these signes and showes haue beene euer thought to be the especiall markes whereby to know a harlot . But Salomon in a more particular manner doth better furnish vs with more assured notes , and to the end that wee might the better distinguish the good woman from the bad , he deliuereth their seuerall qualities , and wherein they are opposite : and speaking of a good woman he saith , Shee seeketh out wooll and flaxe , and laboureth cheerefully with her hands : shee ouerseeth the waies of her houshold , and eateth not the bread of idlenesse . Salomon thinketh that a good woman should be a home housewife , he pointeth her out her houseworke . shee ouerseeth the waies of her houshold , shee must looke to her children , her seruants and family : but the pathes of a harlot ( he saith ) are mooueabl , for now shee is in the house , now in the streetes , now shee lieth in waite in euery corner , shee is still gadding from place to place , from person to person , from companie to company : from custome to custome , shee is euer more wandring ; her feete are wandring , her eies are wandring , her wits are wandring , Her waies are like the waies of a serpent : hard to be found out . A good woman ( againe ) openeth her mouth with wisedome , the Law of grace is in her tongue : but a harlot is full of words , shee is loude and babbling , saith Salomon . Shee is bold , shee is impudent , shee is shamelesse , shee can not blush : and shee that hath lost all these vertues , hath lost her euidence of honesty : for the ornaments of a good woman is temperance in her minde , silence in her tongue , and bashfulnesse in her countenance . It is not shee that can lift vp her heeles highest in the dancing of a galliard , that is lauish of her lips or loose of her tongue . Now if Salomons testimonie be good , the woman that is impudent , immodest , shamelesle , insolent , audacious , a night-walker , a company-keeper , a gadder from place to place , a reueler , a ramper , a roister , a rioter : shee that hath these properties , hath the certaine signes , and markes of a harlot , as Salomon hath avowed . Now what credit his words will carrie in the Commissaries court , I leaue to those that be aduocates , and procters in womens causes . I haue hitherto presented to your view the true resemblance of a harlot , aswell what shee is , as how shee might be discerned : I would now giue you the like notice of that notable strumpet , the whore of Babylon , that hath made so many Kings and Emperours drunke with the cup of abhominations , by whom the nations of the earth haue so defiled themselues by their spirituall fornication , called in the scripture by the name of idolatrie , ( but now within these last 500. yeares , amongst Christians ) shadowed vnder the title of Poperie . This harlot hath heragents , Popes , Cardinals , Bishops , Abbots , Monkes , Friers , Iesuites , Priests , with a number of other like , and all of them Factors and her Bandes , the professed enemies of the Gospel of Iesus Christ , that doe supersticiously adore the Crucifixe , that are indeede enemies to the Crosse of Christ , and doe tread his holy bloud vnder their scornefull feete : that do build vp deuotion with ignorance , and doe ring out their hot Alarums , in the eares of the vnlearned , teaching that the light can bee no light , that the Scriptures can bee no Scriptures , nor the truthcan be no truth , but by their allowance , and if they will say , that high noone is midnight , we must beleeue them , and make no more adoe , but get vs to bed . These bee they that can make God the creator that made both heauen and earth , of a little peece of bread ; this doctrine they do teach , and this the poore ignorant Papists must beleeue , and zealously say Amen to : but alas , their pretended holinesse in zeale , is indeede but the hollownesse in zeale , and the fulnes of that zeale wherewith they be so blinded , ariseth through the emptinesse of that knowledge which they will not see . If blindnesse be a misery , what is ignorance , or if the duskinesse of the night be vncomfortable , what is the darkenesse of superstitious Popery ? A Papist and a Tayler are of like affinitie , they do both relie on their good workes : their faithes do hang on other mens beleefes , they doe exercise all their religion by an exorcising Masse , accounting the old & new testaments , to be but bookes of controuersies , holding it to be a peremptorie sacriledge for any lay-man to meddle with ; they thinke they may see more by a waxe candle when it is lighted , then they may doe by the light of Gods word : they say they be good subiects dutifull and loyall , and yet what a wrangling they do keepe with the Prince for his supremacy ? The hound that followeth two hares at once can catch neither , and hee that serueth two masters of contrarie kinds , must bee a traitor to the one . As much possible to vnite two contrary religions in one conscience , as to reconcile fire and water , Christ and Beliall , God and the Diuell . If the Pope court in the conscience , and sit in the Throne of the heart , the King can haue there but a cold entertainment . Hee was wise therefore that turned his guest out of doores , that could warme his cold hands with the same breath , wherewith he cooled his hot pottage . The Papists haue mouthes for their Masses , tongues for their Prince , and hearts for their Pope : but let them say what they list , and let them sometimes binde it with an oath , the Pope hath taught his vermine a new doctrine of equiuocation , and of mentall reseruation : and he hath dispensations in store , not onely for infringing an oath to a King , but also for the murthering of a King , if he be such a King as doth professe the Gospell . If the Popes penance chāber were opened , we might finde a rate of pardons for all offences that might be committed either against God or man , those onely excepted , that may be any waies preiudiciall to him selfe ; nay , you shall finde indulgences for future offences , for sinnes that are not yet committed . Christ forgiueth no sinne , but vpon hearty repentance : the Pope forgiueth all sinnes onely for ready mony ; a happie thing for rich men that may buy heauen for mony : but the diuel in the meane time , is like to be basely attended on in hell , with a company of poore beggers , that are not able to buy pardons , nor to purchase dispensations . The Pope shutteth vp all goodnesse into his owne waare-house , God receiueth vs now no more to mercie , but he receiueth vs to penance , to plunge vs in purgatory , where we shall lie scorched and broiled , till the Pope in his charitable disposition , will mercifully release vs : which he is euer readie to doe if we haue ready money to giue him . And for the Saints , they are become very tyrants , malicious and vengible , if their Eues be not fasted , their images worshipped , and their Shrines visited , with a Candell , or with some other offering ; they will else wreake themselues of vs without any compassion , & will both punish and grieuously afflict vs : so that there is no mercy remaining in God nor in his Saints , but all resteth in the Pope alone . Doe not the poore Papists runne mad in conceit , to thinke that Indulgences for all sinnes , may be deriued from the Popes Exchequer ; that if a man wants not mony , he needs not want heauen : that the meere signe of the crosse , can fray away the diuell ; that priests should be licensed their concubines , and inhibited there wiues : that one Benefice , and one honest wife , should be vnlawfull , but that two Benefices , and three whores should bee tollerable ? But let vs a little consider of these holy votaries that haue vowed obedience , that haue vowed pouertie , that haue vowed chastitie : what is their vowed obedience , but an exemption of all obedience , either to God or man , to serue their Pope alone ? what is their vowed pouertie , but to inioy the wealth of the world , to liue in ease and idlenesse , and to feede themselues fat ? and now to speake truely , what is their vowed chastitie ; but vowed Bawderie ? The efficient cause of Poperie : it first springeth from a blinde zeale , it doth vaunt of true religion , and attributeth a certaine vertue vnto things without Gods ordinance . The Pope himselfe steales his ceremonies , from Iewes , from Turkes , from Pagans , some from Idolatry , all from Heresie . Poperie could neuer endure the preaching of the Gospel , and there is neither Turke , Iew , nor Pagan , whatsoeuer , that the Papists doe so much hate , as they do these Heretickes that do seeke their saluation in the death & passion of Iesus Christ : we pitty them , they persecute vs , we pray for them , they persue vs , we loue them , they loath vs , we seeke to conuert them , they seeke to confound vs ; they pursue vs , not for that we are sinners , but because we are zealous of the glory of God , & of sincere & pure worship : they hate vs not because of our offences , but because of that will and desire it hath pleased God to giue vs , to serue him purely according to his word ; they seeke vs not out for our abhominations and Idolatries , but because we detest theirs . Thus they hate vs , but it is with a contrary hatred ; for they hate vs because we do seeke the glory of God according to his word , of the which they would drepriue vs. In a briefe manner now to shew you what a Papist is : he is blinde in knowledge , lame in iudgment , selfe conceited , apt to beleeue lyes , he is willfull , obstinate , he is wise and holy in his owne conceite , walking in the steps of other mens opinions ; he cannot beleeue that God vnderstandeth any praiers but those that are made in latine : he thinketh there is no other high way to heauen , but that which leadeth through purgatory . Amongst all the Beastes in the field he loues a Popes Bull , but amongst all the Hearbes in the garden he cannot endure that which the Apothecaries do call Gratia Dei : his eyes are dimmed , his eares are stopt , his heart is hardened , his sences are benummed , he is so afraid of rusting , that he doth vse to scoure himselfe with ashes and oyle : he is so zealously inclined to the deedes of loue and charity , that he had rather murther a Protestant on Sunday , then eate an egge on Friday . If I should still prosecute as I haue begun , to present to your viewes the true representations of vice and vanitie , as they do offer themselues to open show , I might compose such a Looking-glasse as were fitter for a Barbers shop , then a Ladies chamber : I will therefore giue you but a little glimce of those deformities , that are yet to follow . The Fatterer was neuer yet ashamed to shew his face , yet in former ages palpably to flatter , was accounted but the profession of a knaue : but now vaine glory doth so sway amongst vs , that he that wants a knaue to flatter him , can play the Foole and flatter himselfe . A Parasite seeing Dionisius in priuate discourse with certaine Fauourites of his owne , burst out into a great laughter , but being demanded by Dionisius why he laughed so loude ? answered , At your Maiesties pleasant conference : why ( said the Emperour ) dost thou heare our communicatiō ? no ( said the Parasite ) I do not heare your speeches , yet knowing your words to be alwayes full of wit , and all your discourses so pleasant and pithy , it produceth me to laughter , but to see that speech , though I heare not any thing what you say . Flattery and Tobacco , are but two smoaky vapors , yet as the time serueth , the one purgeth wise men of their wit , and the other Fooles of their mony . The Flatterer is nearely alyed to the Cannyball , they do both feede on men ; the difference is , the Cannyball feedeth on those that be dead , but the Flatterer deuoureth those that be aliue . The Court Parasite doth more often subuert and ouerthrow the wealth of a Kingdome , then an open enemy . But see here another bird of the same wing , a Iestmonger , a kind of creature that a man would thinke , Nature had hatched vp into the world , to be a scorne to all wisemen : His most pleasant mirth is vnciuill ieastes , and for want of better matter , he will sometimes helpe it out with a bawdy song . Some wanting conceits of their owne , are driuen to commit fellony , and to steale from other men , and putting them in execution , the effect may so well fall out , as it did with Esops Asse , who counterfeiting the little Dogge , would play with his master , till he was surely banged . There be some of them that will steale sentences , and phrases out of bookes , which hauing once committed to memory , when they be amongst company , they will deliuer them as familiarly as if they were children of their owne begettting , both lawfull and legitimate . There be amongst them , that will breake iestes vpon Heauen & sometimes make themselues merry with God that created Heauen : another will sport as pleasantly with the word of God ▪ as he wil do with the fictons of the Poets one will auow a villany , a second will sweare it , a third will defend it , and all the rest will laugh at it . It is not worthy to be called a lest , where there is not a lester , and a Parasite to cheere vp the Guests , the one to raile and slander , the other to smooth and flatter : for as the body must be ballanced with excesse , so the minde must be recreated with slauish delights . The next that now maketh his appearance , is the Temporizer ; a fellow that can carrowse with Alexander , abstain with Romulus , eate with the Epicure , fast with the Stoieke , sleepe with Endymion , watch with Crisippus , laugh with Democitus , weepe with Heraclitus . He is like a Winde-mill , that will still grinde , let the wind blow where it will : he neuer troubles himselfe about matters of Fayth ; for looke how the Prince beleeues , so beleeues he . He hath some prety sight in musick , and is very apt to play a base part , and although sometimes he may fayle in the Note , yet he will be sure to keepe the Time. Here comes now the Formalist , a fellow that is full of complements ; one that doth vse to frequent other mens tables , and can make sauce to euery dish as it comes to the board , with other mens discredits : he neuer drinkes to any man , but with some quicke conceited sentence , and not a word but at your seruice sir , at your command , at your pleasure ; and in all his communication , so full of Fustian phrases , that do many times lay open their Masters ignorance . This ouer much affectation is more ridiculous then meere and simple ignorance , the one is to be pitied , the other to be denyed : but the Formalist taketh great paines to make himselfe to be mocked at ▪ all that he endeuoureth , is to be reputed a floure of curtesie ▪ when by his demeanure he showes himselfe to bee a right spectacle of folly . Here followes now an other , that one paire of couples might serue them both , it is the fantasticke , one that is so neere a kin to the foole , that they cannot marry without a licence from the Pope : he hath robd a Iacke Naapes of his gesture , marke but his countenance how hee mops , how he mowes , and how he streines his lookes : he hath the French Congé , the Spanish Baselos Maines , the Italian shrug , his countenance is the true description of the time . Will you see now , one that is new come from the dancing schoole , a Ninihammer , that had rather tread you out a tricke of one and twentie follies , then to performe one action , tending either to vertue or wisedome . He thinkes boldnesse to be a principall part of vertue , and that makes him to become impudent : his greatest obseruation is about the New fashion : his ambition is , to bee highly commended , but especially by fooles , fiddlers , and tapsters : his greatest dexteritie is in the managing his Tobacco pipes : and he hath the gulpe , the whiffe , and the snuffe very exactly and at his fingers ends . He is very iudicious , in censuring of plaies and players , and is well seene in the high Art of Astronomy , and without the helpe of an Ephemerides , he is able to calculate the whole number of Bawdy houses , that be neere about his owne lodging , in what temperature they be seated , and whether they stand in a hot or a cold Climat . You shall know him partly by his feather , partly by his long locke , that hangs dangling by his eare , partly by his garters and his roses , but that which comes neerest the marke indeed , is his yellow starched band . Will you now make a little roome for a fellow that perhaps can tell you some Newes , and it is the Newesmonger himselfe , that can acquaint you with all the occurrence , from Italy , from France , from Spaine , from Germany , from the East , from the West , from the North , from the South : he can tell you newes from the Pope , how he meanes to giue assistance to the Earle of Tyrone , of men , of mony , of munition , of shipping , and of all other r essaries , and to send him into Ireland , new sanctified a●●ngst his friends , that hath long lookt for him , and doe daily wish for him , and alas are like to doe so still , to their great griefe and sorrow . These Newesmongers be those that from time to time do spread such reports , as doth sometimes arme the ill disposed , with vaine and friuolous hopes , but especially the Papists ▪ that are so strong of faith , that they will beleeue any lie , be it neuer so vaine or foolish , if it doth any waies serue their purpose . And as the Newesmonger is not without Art sometimes to spread a lie , that is of his owne coining , so by some prery skill that he hath in Arithmeticke , he can both multiply and deuide lies , that be of other mens making . He vseth to frequent faires , markets , and other places of aslembly : sometimes hee will stumble into a Barbers shoppe : but about ten of the clocke in the fore-noone , you may hitte vpon him in the middle walke in Pauls : but from aleauen to twelue , hee will not misse the Exchange . These be the places , from whence he makes his collections , and if there be any newes at all stirring , he pockets them vp for his owne prouision , and hee neuer vents them but for his owne aduantage , for he knoweth that men are so well inclined to haue nouelties , that they are as good paiment for a dinner , or a supper , as eighteene pence to goe to an ordinary . Here comes yet another , a fit companion to march in one ranke with the newes monger , it is the state ape : a man that will take vpon him to know more then he vnderstandeth : hee speakes of nothing but of matters of state and what lawes are fit to passe and repasse by act of Parlament ; and in the Parliament time , he makes himselfe as conuersant with all intents and plots , purposed for the Common-wealth , as if they had beene of his own begetting . And what Embassadour can bee sent from any forraine Prince or Potentate , but before he hath deliuered his message , or before he hath put his foote in at the court gate , but he will tell you , both what his arrand is , and what shall be his answer , if a man will beleeue , what himselfe will make vaunt of ? there is not a Court counsell holden , but he will seeme to know whereof they haue consulted , and what they haue concluded . I thinke I doe but pester your eye-sight with presenting to your viewes these vaine prospects ; but a man may the better learne to eschew vanitie , by learning first to know it : here is yet one other of the same straine , a malecontent , a right cornish Diamond , that although a counterfeit , would yet be set in gold . He is singular in his owne conceit , and will sometimes withdraw himselfe into retired places , for bearing speech and conuersation , reproouing the vanities of the world but with a word , and the manners of the people with a shrug , or a countenance , giuing answers with signes and dumbe showes , pacing his steppes , with sad and sober aspects , as if he would haue it said , Loe , yonder goes the melancholy gentleman : see there vertue and wisedome both despised and neglected , this is the man that doth carrie a whole Common-wealth in his head , that can mannage the whole affaires of a state , and that is able to draw the world about by the nose in a string . His verie gate , as he passeth along the streete , cries Looke vpon me : and although to some mens thinking hee is but a man , yet in his owne opinion , the wisest of men . I will not trouble you with these angrie fellowes , that will swagger , and be ready to giue the stabbe , sometimes for the pleasure of a harlot sometimes for the speaking of a word , sometimes for the taking of the wall : sometimes , for the not pledging of a health . And what a sturre we keepe againe about precedence ? we striue with Zebed●us children , who shall sit on the right hand , who on the left , we dispute of dignities , who shal go before , & who shall come behind ; and as this infection is common amongst men , so it is become so violent amongst women , that they are ready to scratch for their places , many of them , taking their roomes perforce , and will render reasons whereby to maintaine their causes : one makes her plea , my husband is an Esquire , and I will giue place to none but to my Ladie ; an other will alleadge , my husband is a Doctor , and I will therefore march with the foremost : one stands vpon her pedigree , and deriues her selfe from some ancient family ; an other challengeth precedence by her husbands office , an other by her wealth , by her chaines , by her Iewels , by her silken gownes , by her garded peticoate ; and they are so eager , and so vehement in these incounters , that if their husbands should once fall a dealing in these quarrels , they could not bee determined , without bloodie noses . But amongst all the spectacles of folly , that wee haue yet surueied , hee now presents himselfe that is best worthy to beare the Bable : looke vpon him , it is the amorist : see how gastfully hee lookes , his armes crossed , his eyes blubbered , his hatte puld ouer his browes , and all for loue sir reuerence . Alas poore gentleman , I doe pittie him , and I thinke Dame folly his mistris , would simper to see the foole her seruant , how he is besotted . I can not beleeue that euer vertue was knowne to be a dotarde , in that we call loue . I haue heard of some that haue beene mad for loue , yet I neuer heard of any that were wise in loue : I haue read of couragious men , that loue haue made effeminate , yet I neuer read of any whom loue hath made truly valiant ; I haue knowne where wise men hath beene besotted by fancie , but I neuer knew where fancie made a wise man. In loue what seeth the eye , laciuiousnesse , what heareth the eare , laciuiousnesse : what vttereth the tongue , laciuiousnesse : what thinketh the heart , laciuiousnesse : what incurreth the bodie laciuiousnesse : and call you this loue , no , it is filthie lust , that marcheth vnder the banner of loue . The folly of affection is wonderfull , but the indiscretion of an Amorist is more admirable , that will hang the whole estate of all his fortunes in a womans word , but in the yea or nay , of his light heeled mistris . To conclude , I neuer heard of any of these louing wormes , that was euer besotted of any woman that was famed for her vertue , yet if the braines of my Amorist bee not barraine , they will sometimes hatch out Rimes , and learne to indite amorous verses in the praise of his mistris ( that is many times scarce worth the speaking of ) and will borrow colours from lillies and red roses to beautifie her cheekes , her eyes shall be saphires , her lippes , corall , her teeth , pearle , her breath , balme , a Pallas for her wit , but he neuer streines so farre as to her honesty ; women haue euer beene witty , but now more wise then they haue beene in former ages , they euer knew well ynough how to make vse of one of these amorous guls , that they saw did affect them ( indeede ) with an ardent desire : for they would make him to hold the Candle , whilst they had an other , that should offer to our Ladie . But now adaies there is a newer way to wooe , then for a man to spend a whole moneth together in making of loue : he that will winne a wife now ( though he be but Sot , a Dolt , a Foole , an Asse , let him be neuer so silly , or neuer so simply , if he hath but so much wit , as to make a great and a large ioynter , he shall speed , and he shall get a wife when a wise man shall faile . I could here finde in my heart to blame some parents , that will bestow their well nurtured daughters on such persons , they do little consider of the fault they commit by bringing their children ( sometimes ) to a loathed bed . But parents do seeme to be very carefull to prouide for their children , and very diligent they be to seeke a stay for them ; but they do not seeke it as they should do , in the hand of God , but in the wisedome of their owne foolish flesh . I thinke there is not a woman so vnlouely , nor so vnnurtured , but if she doth bring a large portion in her purse , she shall haue a husband ; neither is there so silly a Clowne , but if he be able to make a great ioynter , he may quickly get a wife : I thanke God I haue neuer a daughter to marry , but if I had , and that I were of ability to giue bountifully with her , I would sooner bestow my mony to buy her a husband that had a little wit , then to buy her a lumpe of flesh , that is but lapt together in a Fooles skin . Now for my selfe , if I were yong , & were againe to marry , I would blesse my selfe from her that hath beene brought vp in pleasure , in pride , in idlenesse , or in audacious boldnesse : from such a one as is called her fathers ioy , his iewell , his dearling : he that lights on such a wife , had need to light on a good portion with her , for if she doth not bring him a griefe to vexe his soule , I am sure she will bring him a charge to empty his purse , her vanity will farre exceed marriage good , and for euery hundred poundes in mony , she brings him a thousand vanities , a thousand fits , a thousand fansies , a thousand follies , and a thousand new fangles . To day she keepes her chamber , sicke of a quotidian fitte of Folly : to morrow the Coach must be made ready , she must about the towne to inquire after new fashions , the next day she begins to breed child , and then for forty weekes after , what queasinesse , what squeamishnes , what curiosity , what nicity , what lustig after vanities ? she longs for plumbes before they be ripe , for chickins before they be hatched , for dainties that cannot be come by : she must haue the henne that sits next the cocke , the apple with the red side ▪ the calfe , vith the white face : shee longs for the fish , the foule , the fruit , that is but spoken of : we must take heede how wee speake of any thing in her hearing for setting her into a veine of longing ; shee must haue an eye to the temperature of the aire , the sunne must not shine too hot , nor the winde blow too cold on her . To conclude , shee must be more nice , more curious , and more daintie , then euer was that blessed virgin that bare the Sauiour of the world . I commend me yet to the women of Laconia , that to increase their strength and vigour ( where propagation might become the more strong and sturdy ) they vsed to exercise themselues to running , to leaping to wrastling , to heauing and throwing of weights : these were excellent wenches to breede vpon , these were gallant girles to maintaine a race , of men , fit to make souldiers , fit to fight for their country ; for what doth it auaile to haue a cocke of the game , vnlesse we haue againe a hen of the same ? the whole streine will be but of a crauen kinde , and the broode a great deale fitter for the dunghill , then the cocke pit . I would not be thought yet to be so derogating to the reputation of good women , but that I do know there be a number amongst them , that during the time whilest they were breeding of child , they are not free from fittes and qualmes : and many of them subiect to paine , sicknes more then ynough ▪ and therfore they are not onely to be comforted and cherished , but likewise to be pitied and commiserated : yet there be amongst them againe , that if they should not be more nice , then wise , they would thinke themselues to be quite out of fashion ; and the ofspring of these ( for the greatest number ) are fitter to follow a Taber and a Pipe , then to march after a Drum and a Fyfe , and do know better how to giue fire to a Tobacco pipe , then to buckle on an Armour of proofe . O what a precious sight it were to see a woman that is but yong in yeres , to be sober & modest , as the time now serueth ; glory & admiration attends on her in al her actions ; and it is good likewise in those that be aged , because the contrary in an ancient woman were abhominable . And such there be , both old and yong , and well considering the condition of the time , in great plenty to be found , and the number of these would farre exceed , and be yet more abundant then they be , were they not not alienated from their owne proper natures by the seducements of men . Do you see a woman that is garish to looke vpon , that is new fangled , and gawdy to the shew ? looke amongst men , and you shall find tenne men for one woman , that are more vaine , more nice , and more foolish then any woman you can seeke out , or that is most noted for her vanity : and would you haue so many women Saints , and men Diuels ? nay there must be vaine women , if it be but to satisfie the humours of foolish men : where men haue giuen themselues ouer to follow sensuality , they must haue women that be of their owne element to incounter them , otherwise they would neuer sympathize , for vertue and vice could neuer agree . A woman that should binde herself apprentice to modesty , sobriety , and bashfulnesse , might sit long ynough without a husband in these daies , when a thousand crownes are more preciously esteemed amongst our Hermophrodites , then two thousand good conditions : for so they may imbrace the quantity , they neuer looke after the qualitie ; vertue , wit , wisedome , nor honesty it selfe , is not regarded : good women may say with Fryer Bacons Brazen head , Time is past . Is it any maruell though women do become both vain and dissolute ? it is but to feed the humor of those men that are both lasciuious and sensuall . It is the base disposition of men , that maketh so many Harlots as there be at this present , when there is not so common a Curtizan , but she shall be supported by vicious men : and how many Prodigals are there that will spend their stocke , their store , their lands , their liuings , and all to maintaine Harlots , and such other women as be loose and lewde of life ? now shew me but the man , that will extend his bounty , his liberality , or almost his good word , to her that is honest . If women were not stayed , and mightily propped vp by their owne vertues , they could not conuerse with men , but to their great perrill and danger ; for if they meet with one man that doth present to their modest eyes , the example of wisedome , they shall meet with ten for that one that doth still carry about them , the badge of Folly ; if they meet with one man that will soberly aduise them for their honest reputation , they shall meet with ten for that one that will seeke their defamation . They are men therefore , yea most wicked and vngodly men that haue thus sought to ouerthrow ( and do yet seeke to diminish ) the honour of women , the which I know they are not able to doe , for although they may wrest some few vicious minded like themselues to their lewd allurements , yet as good women haue euermore defended their honours , so their vertues will still shine in that wonted oriental brightnesse , as the malice of wicked men shal neuer be able to extinguish nor ecclipse . I will speake no more of women , but will you now see the honesty of this age ? it is put in print , and there are none dishonest now , but those that are poore . Pouerty in this age is the greatest dishonesty that a man can fall into , neither can there be a greater blemish to any manscredit , then to be reputed poore and honest . Rich men be all honest , and their honesties are accounted so much the more , or so much the lesse , as they be rated in the Subsidy booke . A rich mans wealth , is his wisedome , his vertue and his honesty : and he that is better able to giue you white mony for your gold , then to giue you a wise answer to your honest demand , may yet speake his opinion in dispite of wisedome , and his words must carry credit and authoritie , when truth it selfe shall not be beleeued , if it proceede from the mouth of pouertie . Plaine dealing : honesty is dead , many yeares since , hee died of a consumption , but this is the mischiefe , he died without issue . Knaucry hath taken phisicke , and is growne so strong and lustie , that he walkes the streetes at pleasure , but yet disguised , sometimes like a promoter , sometimes like a broker , sometimes like a scriuener , and many times like an vnder sheriffe . In the Tearme time he will be sure to looke into Westminster hall , sometimes amongst the catchpoules , and otherwhile like a poore client , with a paper in his hand , and will looke so ruthfully that a man would sooner pittie him , then be able truly to discouer him . Vertue is growne poore , and hath few or none to attend her , but that is no great wonder , for who would follow a begger ? Her best deserts are recompenced , perhaps by a ballet-maker , or if they be sometimes canonized on a stage amongst players , she is highly fauoured : alas poore vertue , that hast no better recompence then what thou thy selfe canst draw from vice ; yet there are many that will speake of vertue , and tell of her excellency , but they are few that will translate her truly out of words into deedes . Conscience is exilde , and banished quite out of Citty , Towne and Country . My selse hauing some occasions , making inquirie where I might finde him , I was told he vsed sometimes to frequent faires and markets , wherupon I went to Bartholmew-Fayre , and missing him there , I went to Sturbridge-Fayre , and likewise lost my labour ; whereupon I came to Romford market , where I could no newes at al of him : then comming backe to London I made inquirie amongst shop-keepers , tradesmen and Merchants : they told me they knew him not , but wisht me to inquire amongst the stationers , and those that sold bookes : to Pauls Church-yard I went , and they shewed me a booke , that made mention of one that was sometimes called by the name of Robin Conscience , but what was become of him they could not tell , but willed me to aske amongst the Lawyers ; but comming to them , they began to laugh at me , and thought me to be out of my wits , that would aske for Conscience amongst them : I was then in despaire for euer to finde him , thinking to giue ouer my guest , till a friend softly whispering in mine eare , willed me to seeke amongst the Papists that will make vaunts , that they haue gotten Conscience tied vp in a string , and that Conscience and they were as familiar the one with the other , as the Begger and the Lowse ; but when I came amongst them , he that they stood so much vpon , whom they called by the name of Conscience , was a meere counterfeit hypocrite , no more like Conscience then a traytor is like a true man : it was ( indeed ) wilfull opinion , froward , blind and obstinate , whom they imposed to carry the name of Conscience : & leauing them where I found him , being out of hope for euer to finde out Conscience , it was my fortune yet in miraculous manner to hit vpon him , but if I should tell you where , and in what country , you would think it strange : but to tell you the truth , I found him in Ireland , and would you know amongst whom , it was amongst a company of poore and needy souldiers : when I had a while wondered at the matter , I asked him what he meant to abandon better company , to associate himselfe with these thread beare fellowes , the very Abiects of this age , that amongst all other professions were of the basest account & least esteemed : his answer was , their fellowship was fittest for him , that now at this day , tooke but eight pence a day pay , no more then they tooke many hundred yeares agoe , vvhen they might buy more for their eight pence , then they can doe now for their eighteene , and therefore he knew not any profession more fitting for him to associate himselfe of , then amongst Souldiers . Hauing thus heard his reason and his resolution I dispatched my busines , and there I left him ; but I see conscience will not stay amongst them , that a man would thinke , were best able to support him , I meane amongst rich men . But some will say , riches that are not honestly come by , will not long stay , but as they are quickely gotten , so they are suddenly gone , but they are much deceiued , that are of that beleefe : for riches are as kinde and louing to their master , as the Body lowse , that will neuer leaue his master , though he be going to the gallowes , but wil there hang with him for company ; and riches that are vnlawfully gathered togither , will neuer leaue their master till they haue brought him to hell , and there they will bee a corrosiue to his Conscience still world without end . But this worldly wealth I see is but a tickle commoditie , for he that hath most , he hath notynough , neither to keepe his head from aking , nor his conscience from despairing . He is onely to be accounted rich , that possesseth , what he hath gotten iustly , and vseth what he possesseth honestly ▪ but for the vngodly , they may well be reputed wealthy , but neuer rich . There cannot bee a more excellent Touch-stone , whereby to discouer the dispositions of men , then is the superfluitie of wealth , and the extreamitie of want , the spring tide of prosperitie , and the low ebbe of aduersitie ; for although the mattess of themselues are indifferent , yet the mannaging of them is it that giueth light . Prosperitie , pampereth vs vp in pleasure , it maketh vs to forget God , and to repose our greatest confidence in the vanities of the world . Aduersitie , maketh vs contemptible in the Eye of the world , it is the meanes whereby we are taught to know our selues , and to draw vs to God. Prosperitie , so swelleth vs in pride , that wee forgette our selues , it so blindeth our vnderstanding , that vvee are not able to discerne a friend from a flatterer , nor to iudge whether those that doe favvne vpon vs , bee more in loue with our selues or with our fortunes . Aduersitie , maketh vs humble , it cleereth the vnderstanding , and giueth vs Eyes to discerne betweene Friendship and Flatterie , and to make assured triall betweene a Friend and a Foe . Aduersitie may bee both Iudge and Iurie . VVhat haue I said , may Aduersitie iudge betweene a friend and a foe ? I neuer heard that pouerty was cloied with many friende , and aduersitie , if he once begins to want , shall neuer want a foe : they will say a friend is tried in time of need ▪ but I say , that neede is it that makes a friend a foe , he is a foole that wanteth friends , and if hee wants not wealth . But he that hath pouertie to cast vp his accounts , and is become Needes Embassador , to beg or to borrow , if he finde a friend to supply his wants , I say such a friend is more precious , & more rare to be found , then Platos Common ▪ wealth , Moores Eutopia , Ciceroes orator , or Baldesers Courtier : he that is a friend to all can be friend to none , but it is nothing so smarting to be called a Niggard or to be reputed for a Miser , as to haue it said , He is euery mans friend but his owne . It were too great a presumption in me now to meddle with Diuinitie , the dignitie of the subiect may suffice , for where the obiect is God , the ground worke is infallible , there needs no further demonstration . Diuinitie is a heauenly Law , sealed by God the lawgiuer , written and set downe by the finger of God , and deliuered by those that were inspired by his holy spirit . It hath likewise pleased God from the beginning , to raise vp Patriarkes and Prophets , to teach and gouerne his people and after in the kingdome of our Sauiour , he ordained the ministery of the Gospell , appointing it perpetuall to the end of the world , and hath further taught vs to pray , that Labourers might be thrust into the Haruest . Shall I then speake of the Diuine , that is the Steward of God , appointed to dispose his misteries , that is , the Embassadors of glad and joyfull tidings , that doth bring vnto vs the word of our saluation , that is the light to shine before vs in all godly example , of Loue , of Charity , of Humility , of Temperance , of Chastity , of Sobriety , of integrity of life , of honest conuersation , and therefore worthy of double honour ? I thinke , of my conscience , our English Clergy at this present houre , are as compleat in learning in liuing , in doctrine , in wisedome , and in all manner of godly knowledg , as although in some other parts in Christendom ( perhaps ) there may be some found to second them , yet none to disproue , or exceed them . But as amongst the twelue Disciples , there was a ludas , so amongst this honourable function , there creepes in now and then a false Disciple , that knowes how to bait his booke with grauity , till he hath caught a Benefyce , & then the Surples must serue to couer a most vngodly carcase : & he that should set vp a light for other men to follow , his Lampe doth burne so dimme , that he that were not well sighted of himselfe , might sooner stumble , then hit the right tract . Another intruder there is , Parson please-time by name , that being vnbeneficed , will therefore become a Chaplaine , to some man of worth , and worthines : he will sometimes step vp into the Pulpit , and he will preach against sin , but it shall be done with halfe a lip , he dares not presse it till it smarts ; he knowes it is no time of yeare , to be too vehement against all sorts of sinnes , for offending those that he would more willingly please . Where shall we finde another Nathan , that dares tell his master to his face , Thou art the man ? 2. Sam. 12. Thou art the man that hast sinned in Pride , thou art the man that hast sinned in Drunkennesse , in Adultery , in Blasphemy ; thou art the man that hast racked vp thy rents that hast oppressed thy tenants , that hast wronged thy poore neighbours : no , Parson please-time knoweth well ynough , this is not the ready way to get a fat Benefice . To speake now in generall , and to speake according to a truth , the Pulpits in England , and in Ireland both , were neuer better supplied , with a more reuerent , and a more learned Ministry then at this present , for their sakes therfore that be good , I will speake no more of those few that be ill . I shall not neede to speake of Philosophy ; the study of wisedome is now out of season , and the natural part of Philosophy , but sheweth vs what we haue , and the morall , how to vse rightly what is our own , a burthē too heauy for euery mans head to carry : I will leaue it , and speake a little of Souldiours , or at the least of such as in these daies , would faine be taken for souldiers , and do march some of them vnder the title of Captaines , that neuer spread Ensigne of their owne before an enemy , nor neuer saw enemy march in the field : yet he will relate of warres , of skirmishes and incounters , as brefly , as if he had bin an eye-witnes , vvhen he hath but pilferd them from report , or ( perhaps ) stolnethem from some new printed ballade : and he that hath but seene the siege of Troy , pictured forth in a painted cloath , will speake of sallies , of assaults , of incounters , of retraites , of palizados , of rauelins , of parapites , all his speeches shall be nothing else but powder and shot . He will spend a whole after noone , in relating his own valours , and this he doth to preuent quarrels , because he loues not euery day to fight ; he beares downe strangers with the story of his own actions , & wil attribute the honour of a victory to his own valour : now he that is but weake of faith , & wil not beleue these wōders , must be terrified with the stab . It is as good a warrant for him that would swagger , sweare , and be euery day drunke , to be called a Captaine , as for him that would become a Rebell both to God and his Prince , to be called a Catholique . Honour was wont to be the Adamant to draw the souldiers sword , but now the instigation of a Harlot , or a pot of strong Ale. His vertue is this , if it be but for a matter of a thousand pounds , a Souldiers word is as good as his band . I might now speake of Knights , that in former ages were had in honourable reputation , and the order so remaineth honourable still , where the dignitie is bestowed vpon worthy persons ; but as amongst Captaines and Souldiers , there be a number that doth march vnder those titles , that are but counterfeits , so amongst Knights , what a number are crept into the order , that doth but be-durty the dignity , and are become a scandall to that honourable order ? Knight-hood was wont to be the reward of vertue , but now a common prey to the betraiers of vertue , & we shall sooner meet Sir Dinadine , or Sir Dagonet , at another mans table , thē with Sir Tristrum de Lionis , or Sir Lancelot de lake in the field . Knights in former ages haue beene assistant vnto Princes , and were the staies of the Common-wealth ; but now , they liue by begging from the Prince , and are a burthen to the common-wealth . May we yet speake a little of the Courtier , I will speake but softly ; the first principles of a Courtier ( I speake but of the meaner sort ) he must learne to creepe to crouch , to flatter , and to climbe vp to immerited praise , by the steps of others disgrace : and the ambitious sort , must not be without base mindes to attend them that will stoope to any villany for preferment . A right Courtier , is high in his owne imagination , and his best complements , are Pride , and Ignorance ; he is more curious in his wordes , then constant in his promises : the matter that he most admireth , is the beauty of his Mistris , his greatest circumspection is about his apparrel , how he may pinke it , how he cut it , stitch it , and lace it : he is still inquisitiue after newes , and in all his discourses , he dares speake more then himselfe vnderstands . He spends his greatest time , in the contemplation of suits , and he will not open his lips to salute any man , that is not clad in silke , and his apparrell made in the new fashion . Now I cannot tell what I should call the study of Law , whether I should tearm it to be a profession , a science , or an art : a trade I cannot call it , yet there be some that do thinke it to be a craft , because a Gentleman demanding of a Lawyers seruant , what crafts-man his maister was ? answered , Syr , my master is a crafty Lawyer . But I thinke it may rather be called an occupation , for they haue those amongst them , that they do call apprentises at Law , who by that time they haue serued out their yeres , and that they are become iourney men , they do trouble the whole common-wealth , with their practise , as they make it an vngracious practise that doth breed such disturbance . There be three sorts of men , that they say may tell a lye by authority , and those are , an olde man , a Trauailer , and a Poet ; but a Lawyer hath both authority and law to tell any lye , that his Clyent will informe . The office of the Law is to command things that be honest and vertuous , & againe , to countermand what is dishonest and vicious , and next after the Gospell the Law is the greatest comfort that God hath giuen to the sonnes of men ; it remedieth iniuries , and giueth to euery man what is his : but by the corruption of some Lawyers the Lawes are made traps , and traines , whereby both rich and poore are caught and spoyled ; for they haue such a number of subtill subtillties , that they do yet make more subtill by their subtill handling , that they be able to set the Lawes themselues togither by the eares , and vtterly to ouerthrow one Law with another . The Lawyer is more hated for his inconstancy , then loued for his learning , when he will take mony to defend a matter , that in his owne conscience he knowes to be vniust . Their tongues were wont to be tied to tenne shillings , but they haue raised their market , and they thinke foure for one , now to be too litle ; yet they do shew thēselues to be of a charitable disposition , they do loue their enemies ; they do loue , and with an entire affection , they do heartily imbrace the Angels , that with faire showes sometimes shining and glistering in their faces , do send a number of them to the Deuill . Now to wind vp all , and for a last farewell , I could find in my heart , to praise Poetry , and to commend a great number of writers , which I do better know by the excellency of their lines , then by their persons ; but their own works are a better cōmendation , then I am able to apply : but there are a nūber in these daies , that make semblance , to be retaining to the Muses , that do pester the Stationers stalles , with such vnprofitable stuffe , that learning might seeme to be the mistres of vngodlinesse , when our especiall endeuours consisteth but in the abuse of knowledge : and Poetry that hath beene accustomed ( vnder feined fictions ) to discouer Vice , is now become the Art of Flattery . Be there not printed lines , or to speake more truly , may be called printed lyes ; for take away but so much of the matter as they haue inforced but to Lying and to Flattering , and there would nothing be left remaining that were worth the reading . How many Writers be there , that do labour with the Mountaines , to bring forth Myce , that do seeke to draw the Lyons skin vpon Aesops Asse , and Hercules Shoe vpon a childes foote ? Some againe conuerts all their Reason into Rime ; and some will write a whole Volume , neither in Rime nor Reason : & let their lines be neuer so vaine and friuolous , yet they must be fronted with the name of Excellent . But they doe well to sute the World with Bookes according to the time ; for rude limping lines , are best befitting a lame halting age . Writers are not so vaine , but Readers ( for the most part ) are three times more foolish , and a vaine glorious tytle , doth better fit their appetites then a good booke : the Stationer dares hardly aduenture to print a good booke , if it tend to the reprehending of vice or vanitie . Idle toyes tending to sensualitie , or other like lycencious follie , are set foorth vpon their Stalles , in bright and glistering couers , when those Bookes that are eyther drawing to vertue or godlinesse , are throwne into dustie corners . Socrates admonisheth , that if any man be carefull of his honor , let him foresee that he hath not a poet to his enemy , because they haue not so great a grace in pray sing , as in ill speaking : but yet to blaze the praises of my friend , I would wish a learned Poets pen , that with a drop of Inke can exalt him whom they loue , and leaue him famed to posterity . But this trauell of wit , is the most thriftlesse and vnprofitable exercise that any man can indeuour : for where doth it finde recompence , or who is he that doth reward it ? The Swaine that followeth his handy worke , is paid at night for his handy labour : the Cobler that sits and cloutes a Shoe , receiues his peny for his patch : but he that digs the Myne of wit , and giues the world new eyes to see into conceits beyond the common sence , what gaineth he , or what is his reward ? perhaps good words . A poore satisfaction : yet he that gets good words from all , must haue a strange Subiect and a pleasing pen. But stay my braynesick thoughts , whither will you gallop , you haue ridden a large circuit , and I feare me quite out of the way , or at the least to little purpose . You haue inueighed against sin , and that is all one to rolle Sisiphus Stone , or to fill Daneas Tubs . We must not taxe the times abuses ; we may make a show to expell vice , and to shut it out at the brode gate , but we may priuily take it in againe at the wicket : wee may desire to come to Christ , but it must bee with Nicodemus ; it must bee in the night when no bodie may see vs. We may dance with Christ in the one hand , and the world in an other ; and so wee inroule our selues in his Muster booke , we may march in Sathans campe , and fight vnder the Diuels banner . It is ynough to cry Lord , Lord , but not to doe any thing that is commanded by the Lord : if we thinke of God , wee thinke him to be a good man easie to be pleased , and vve knovv hovv to put him off vvith faire vvords , and dumbe shovves , till our prime of pleasure be past : it is time ynough to repēt vs of our sins when we be vvel spent in yeres ready for the graue : but if vve vvill haue our wils in sinne , God will haue his will in punishment , and our short pleasures being ended , euen then begins our euerlasting paines : the pleasures and delights of the world , as they are soone loued , so they are as quickly ended , but they are long , yea very long lamented . My conclusion is , it is lesse misery when we die to giue vp the ghost , then vvhilst vve liue , to giue vp the holie Ghost . I leaue vvhat I haue vvritten , to thy conscience , and leauing againe thy conscience to God , I rest . FINIS . EPILOGVS ▪ I Haue here cast into a small volume , a large discourse of sin and wickednes , the which I haue endeauoured rather by a diligent obseruation of the time , then by any other shaddow of complement . I haue composed a Glasse wherein to behold the inconstant follies of this giddy headed age ; a taske that I know , wil rather produce hatred , then win loue : the vicious sort doth so hugge their sinnes , and doth so bestroke and flatter their owne abhominations , that he that should but detect there vice and villany , he could not be accounted to be Caesars friend , they cry out , crucifige , crucifige ▪ away with him , and deliuer vnto vs Baxabas . Let vs haue him that can sing lullaby to folly , that can smooth vp sinne and wincke at any maner of wickednesse . He that is too busie with his ve vobis , he must be brought coram nobis , he must haue his tongue charmed , & he must be taught to know to whom he speaks , and how he dares presume to disturb their quietnes that are so addicted to follow their pleasure and delight , that they cannot indure to heare neither of God nor the Diuell , neither of heauen nor of hell , nor of any other motion , that should either mooue them to repentance , or reprehend there sinnes . Whē Lot went about to disswade the Sodomites from their abhominations , were they not angry with him , did they not say vnto him : What hast thou to doe , to take vpon thee , to correct and iudge vs ? He that should now speake against the pride of the time , where should he be able to shew his face , but that both men and women , would be ready to worrow him ? whoredome and adultery , hath so many friends to support them , so many fauourites to vphold them , so many of all sorts , both old and yong , rich and poore : that doth delight & follow the game , that he that should but open his lips to reprehend it , the whole rablement of whoremasters , harlots , bawdes , panders , and such vicious liuers , they would say he were a criticke , a satirist , a precisian , a puritane , or a counterfeit hipocrite , but they would not mend their liues . Drunkennesse againe is growne into that generalitie that he is not accounted to be an honest man that will not bee drunken for good fellowship , but amongst drunkards that be of diuerse kindes , I hold those to bee more dangerous ill , that are drunken with vanitie , then those other that are drunken with wine ; for the one , two houres sleepe may restore him againe to the vse of his senses : but the other , many houres , daies , monethes nor yeares may suffice to make him to looke into his owne folly . Amongst these I commend me to the drunken Tobacconists , that doth besot themselues in their owne conceits , attributing that soueraignty to a stinking Indian weede , that if they were not enemies to their owne discretions , daily experience would teach them that their excessiue sucking at their Tobacco pipe , is but a flat mockery ; and would make that fauorite , that doth thinke himselfe most wise to defend it , to confesse his owne ignorance : neither can there be a stronger argument to proue it meere vanitie indeed , then to see it so much imbraced by so many vaine men , that doth so much dote and are so farre in loue with it , that some of them are more angry with him that doth but speak against their Tobacco , then they would be with him that should take exceptions at the shalownesse of their wit. But hee that weares a siluer or a golden Mine on his backe , there is no question to be made , neither of his wit nor of his honesty : he may praise or dispraise , how or what he list , he is priuiledged , and he hath a parcell of scripture to avow in his owne behalfe , Dixit insipiens , Psal . 14. By this it may appeare , Sinne is growne to that statelines of Pride , that shee will not be controld . If we speake against sinne , we must doe it lispingly , wee must not speake it out too bitterly : but the follies of this age must bee seasoned with sugar , they must be made sweete ; but those sinnes that do seeme sweete in the committing , will be found as bitter , when without repentance they come to be accounted for . Lo●ke vpon the actions of this age , consider of the times abuses , & whose eyes are so bleared with vice , that doth not behold how sinne and sensualitie did neuer so much abound ? he is blinde that seeth not this , and too malitious that will not acknowledge it . The sinnes of this age are become like old festered soores , that are not to bee cured but with biting corosiues ; we can not therefore too bitterly reprehend them . We are become like naturall beasts that do bring all things to triall but by the senses ; but if we could carry them to the inquisition of the soule , we should finde it a fearefull iudgement of God , for men to be giuen vp so much to their owne lusts , to haue no sense nor feeling of their sinne : he that hath this hardnesse of heart , that he neither feeleth his owne sinne , nor will not be told of it by another , he is no more of the race of Adam , who was ashamed of himselfe , but of Pharao , who hardened his owne heart , and whose heart God did harden . If the head doth but a little ake , our vrins must knocke at the Phisitions doore , and alas how inquisitiue we be about the state of our bodies ? but let our consciences cry out and exclaime how they list , our sickly famished soules are neuer respected , we are so farre in loue with our sinnes , that wee care not for the losing of our soules . Are these the works that faith affordeth , is this the life that God requireth ? we goe to Church ( indeed ) and we say , to seeke the Lord ▪ but we do not seeke him as if we ment to finde him , wee seeke him not with humble and penitent heart , but with proud and presumptuous spirits , decking and pranking vp our selues with those gawdy and vngodly attires as are more liker to poison our praiers then to profit our soules , better fitting indeed for a Brothell house , then for the house of God. We goe to Church , rather to show our pompe and our pride , then with any zealous intent , to serue our God as we should do ▪ We goe to the Church , as Iudas went to the Supper of the Lord , we returne home in a worse case then when we first went thither . With what faces can we make show to professe the Gospel ▪ when we be so giuen vp to that monstrous pride , that we rather desire to follow our owne voluptuous pleasures , then to serue God ? the world doth see it , our consciences doth witnesse it , neither can we denie it . They will make show by their speeches , as if they could not indure that God should be dishonoured : but looke vpon their actions , their pride , their vanity , their drunkennesse , their excesse ; and they doe shew them plainly what they are : and he that should iudge thē by the rules of holy scriptures , might boldly pronounce them to be farre from euerlasting life : our Sauiour Christ hath confidently avowed : The vnrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of heauen : and the Apostle , 1. Cor. 6. Be not deceiued , neither fornicator , neither adulterer , nor drunkard , nor idolater , shall not inherit the kingdome of God. Let them flatter themselues therefore how they list , they are in a dangerous plight , & we cannot be too plaine to put them from that vaine hope that thus deludeth them , that will euery day pollute themselues with these abhominations , & yet will trust or hope for saluation , they thinke it time soone ynough to repent , when their climacterical yeare is past , & then if they haue but time to say , Lord haue mercy vpon vs , and for their executors to giue penny dole when they bee dead , it wil serue for a quietus est , for all their sins forepassed : they may perhaps sometime dreame of a dying time , and it is but a dreame , for being not throughly resolued , that this time draweth euery day neerer then other , they neuer prepare themselues against the time , but are many times taken suddenly in the fulnesse of their filthinesse , and in the very prime , when they be acting of the abhominations . I haue little hope therefore to reforme those by my writing , whom the thundring voyce of Gods word pronounced euery day by the Preacher , can neither conforme , nor any thing at all terrifye : I know I shall rather procure hatred , for speaking truth , then win loue for wishing well : but I little feare the Adulterat censure of a senceles multitude ; the wicked are like an Ocean , that cannot rest from raging : and a madnesse for him that will run amongst thornes , and thinke scorne to be prickt ; let them then rage & raile as they list , he that is throughly settled and composed in himselfe , moues in so high an Orbe , and at so far a distant from the malicious and ill disposed , that their vnsauoury belchings can neuer annoy him . It sufficeth me that I maske in the true simplicities , of a loyall honesty , my conscience bearing me witnes , I haue spoken those truths , that I am in nothing more agrieued , then in that they are too true . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A10711-e820 What one applies to vice , another may conuert to vertue . Caligula vsed to looke in a glasse The nicitie of yong men in this age . Looking glasses flattering . Some make defects where none are . The nature of this Glasse . The loftinesse of sinnes . Men are vnwilling to heare their faults . No speaking against sinnes Augustus thought it necessary for men to finde fault . Pasquils piller why prohibibited . Sin growne malipert . The fearefull condition of the time . Angry fault sinders . VVhat they be that are angry , A dangerous time . The holy workes of Papists . The Diuell much bound to the Pope . Vice deriding vice . A dangerous sickenesse . VVorke for the Diuell . Pitifull spectacles . Religious in show . Religion but made a staale . VVe must exhort one another . The securitie of the time . The effects of sinnes . The sinnes of all nations brought into England . The wantonnesse of sinne in this age . Sinne a knowne Strumpet become a Lady . The Lady New-fashions a Strumpet , a Bawde , and a VVitch Sinne setteth a worke all sorts of Tradesmen . A godly admonition to Ladies and Gentlewomen . VVomen more excellent by nature then men . I speake this but to those women that be wise & doe feare God ▪ More then would serue ●o ▪ good women that feared God. VVandring Eyes . I hope al this will offend no women that are good . How women should vse their glasses . Monstrous fashions euery day hatched vp . The genealogy of sinne . Couetousnes the parent of many sinnes . The varieties of Iniquities . Sinne thinkes scorne to be reprooued . Three shrewd witnesses . The glory pride . The effects of pride . A happie age . Strange inuented vanities . The diuels Ingeny . Credible and true though strange to be beleeued . VVe marre that fashion that God hath made to follow our owne . A most ridiculous folly . A precept from God neglected . The little difference that is vsed between men and women in their apparell . The new found out folly of taking tobacco . Experience much better then Master Doctors opinion . Tobacco vsed but to drawe dowue drinke . The loathsomnesse of Tobacco . The Tobacconist and the Drunkard fit companions . Tobacco sophisticated . A pitious expence . The inormities that be drawne in by Tobacco . Of couetousnesse . Bribery in great estimation . Briberie disguised . Many sinnes boulstered out by briberie . Lawes ordained but to bring in bribes ▪ Vsury . VVhat vsurie is . VVhether all these be vsurers or nay ▪ If no vsurers , then arrant theeues . A question demanded . I speake now of Dubline . The extortion of Bakers and Brewers , pitious to be suffered . Vsury reproued , but not truely defined Vsury defined Of Murther . Of Murther as it is determined by Christ . VVho be murtherers by Gods Law Cowardly Murtherers . Cruell Murtherers Charmes to draw on drunkennesse . Whoredome hath many friends and fauourites . A true description of a harlot . Nothing more true ▪ A reward fit for whoremongers . These old antiquities are little set by . Harlots of two sorts , the first a staine to good women . The second a limme of the diuell . The custome o● good women pitiously neglected . The practise of harlots to slander good women . Many good women defamed by conuersing with harlots . Harlots better countenanced then those women that be good . A wittall the very shame of manhood . The prouerb old , though something vnmannerly . Good women more pretious then siluer or gold . VVith a reuerent regard I do thus aduise them . A hard matter to iudge of women by their outward show . Precious things ordained by God to be vsed to his glory . A womans garment no argument of incontinency . VVhat is fit for good women to obserue . Gawdy attires by whom first deuised . VVhy taken vp by good women . Things tollerable . Things not to be excused . A matter of nothing . A matter intolerable . Marks whereby to know a good woman from a bad . The testimony of the Prophet Esay . The testimony of Salomon . The properties of a good woman . The properties of a harlot . The whore of Babylon . Of spirituall fornication . The doctrine of the Pope . The God of the Papists . The blindnes of Papists . A papist and a tailer of some affinity . Things vnpossible . A wise part . The double dealing of Papists . The Popes power . A happy thing for richmen The Popes charitie . Angry Saints . No mercy but in the Pope . The madde conceits of Papists . The Popes votaries . The grounds of Popery . The hatred of Papists , The true picture of a Papist . The Flatterer A notable Flattering Knaue . Flattery and Tobbaco two violent purgers . A dangerous Parasite . Iestmonger Vnciuil iestes Stolne iests . Odible iestes . No Iest without a Foole and a Flateter . The Temporiser . The Formalist . The Fantasticke . The Ninihammer . His obseruation . His Ambition . His Dexteritie . His skill in Astronomy . Special notes whereby to know him . The Newes-monger . Good newes for Tyrones wel-willers in Ireland . Papists are very credulous . The state ape . A wonderfull prescience . The malecontent . Swaggerers and quarrellers ▪ Precedence ▪ The Amorist . The folly of Amorists . The wisedome of women in this age . A new way to wooe . The next way to winne . She cannot want a husband that doth not want a portion . The vanity of many yong women ▪ The worthinesse of the women of Laconia . An excellent issue . This is allwaies to be respected . A precious sight . Good women plenfull to be found . VVomen made worse by the ill example of men VVise women and foolish men an vnfit match . A pitifull saying . It is men only that seeketh the defamation of women . Dangerous for women to conuerse with vitious men . A foule fault to be poore and honest . The honesty of richmen . Honesty is d●●d many yeares since . Knaucry in neuer better health then at this present . Vertue growne poore . A cold recompence . Conscience exilde . Conscience found onely amongst Souldiers . Ill gotten goods very kinde to their master . Riches but a tickle commoditie . Who is to be accounted rich . An excellent Touch-stone . Prosperitie . Aduersitie ▪ Of friends and friendship . Strange to be found . A foolish commendation . Of Diuinitie . The worthinesse of the Diuine . Our English Clergy what they are . A false Apostle ▪ Parson please time ▪ An other Nathan hard to be found . Of Philosophy . Of counterfelt Souldiors Their brauadoes . The title of a Captaine . A good priuiledge for a Drunkard . A Souldiers vertue . Of Knights . The one a carpet Knight the other King Arthurs foole . Of a Courtier . Of Lawyers . Iourney men Lawyers . The effect of the Law. The subtillty of Lawyers . The charitable disposition of Lawyers . Bastard Poets Flattering and lying . The trauell of wit , but slightly regarded . The conclusion .