Christ compared Christian profession to a plough. And why, 1. to soe base a thing, 2. to soe laborious a thing, 3. to that onely? 1. That none howe base soever by condicion or profession should despayre of attayning Heaven; and meane thinges may be compared with the greatest. Christ sayth the Kingdom of Heaven is like a litle leaven, and to a smaller thing then that, it is like a grayne of mustard seede; and here to a plough, that none might despayre. Simon a tanner, Peter a fisher, Paul a tent-maker, Joseph a carpenter.
Some great ones, Theophilus. Some ladyes, in the Acts. Some customers, and some from the beggars, as Lazarus. And yet, that rich men might not contemne it for the baseness, he compares it to a riche jewell, a precious stone, &c.
2. The place of the preacher is a calling of great paynes and trauaile. He selected and spake of the Archbishop of Canterbury as the sunne amongst the ministers, and the old Deane of Paules[64] compared to the moone. And Dr. Overall, the newe deane, to the newe moone, gravity and learning and life; the ministers to starrs.
Junij 9, 1602.
fo. 26. Marti, lib. 10, Epig. 47.[65]
I take noe care to gett, my wealth was left me,
I reape the harvest of what'ere I sowe,
I stur not muche abroade, home best befits me,
I ne're received wronge, nor none I owe.
I travaile not in publique busines,
Nor ought's within my charge but myne owne soule,
My body's healthfull, fitt for exercise,
Myselfe enioys myselfe without controule.
I have a harmeles thought, an æqual friend,
My clothes are easy, and my face wants art,
I greive not when I rest, nor doe I spend
More tyme in sleepe then nature can impart.
I cast the worlde behinde, Heauen is my guide,
I would be what I am, and nought beside;
But above all, [and] which is all and summe,
I neither wishe nor feare the day to come.
Th. Sm.
June, 1602.
fo. 26b.
Arbella Stuarta: tu rara es et bella.
Henricus Burbonius: rex bonus orbi.
12.Common preachers worse then common swearers, for these doe abuse but Gods name, but they abuse Gods worde. (Curle.)
15.Upon a tyme when the late Lord Treasurer, Sir William Cecile, came before Justice Dyer[66] in the Common Place with his rapier by his side, the Justice told him that he must lay aside his long penknife yf he would come into that Court; this speache was free, and the sharper, because Sir William was then Secretary. (Bradman.)