THE Choise of Change: Containing the Triplicitie of Diuinitie, Philosophie, and Poetrie, short for memorie, Profitable for Knowledge, and necessarie for Maners: Whereby the learned may be confirmed, the ignorant instructed, and all men generally recreated.

Newly set foorth by S. R. Gent. and student in the Vniuersitie of Cambridge.

T [...]ia sunt omnia.

[printer's device of Roger Ward]

AT LONDON Printed by Roger Warde, dwelling neere Holborne Conduite

An. Dom [...]

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR HENRY HERBERT, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Lorde of Cardiffe mannor and S. Quintin, and Earle of Pembrocke, the right worshipfull Sir PHILIP SIDNEI knight, with the right worthy Gentleman M. Robert Sidney Esquire, S. R. wisheth increase of vertuous qualities in the minde, of the giftes of the body, and goods of Fortune.

RIght Honorable and Worshipful, If I should follow the custome of [...]uch as set forth bookes to the viewe of the world, which passe vnder the protection of noble perso­nages (besides the dread of offending wise men) I should run into one of these three errours, either to praise your H. and W. by adulation, praise my selfe by ostentation, or praise my worke by seeking to bring men into admi­ration. I purpose none of all these The first I leaue, least my wordes should empaire your worthines. The se­cond, I refrain, because I find nothing in my self which can deserue praise. The third I will avoide, for if my labor hath bene so wel imployed, as it may please you right H. and W it is able enough to praise it selfe. I therefore present these my three bookes of Diuinitie, Philosophie, and Poetrie (comprized together in one volume) vnto you three right H. and W. (who are linked & vnited together in an indissoluble band of amitie & fraternitie) humbly requesting that you will countenance thē with fauour, & patronage them by your authoritie, that therby they may eschew the reproches of malitious tongues, and bleare the enuious eies of such as prie at other mens faultes in the water, which cause things seeme big­ger then they be, but regard their owne faultes, as through small nets, which cause things to seeme lesse. In so doing, you shall giue me cause to reioice in my trauell, and occasion by thankfulnes to acknowledge my bounden duetie. Thus leauing your Honour and Worships to the direction of the Almightie, I cease, referring my selfe to your good opinions.

Your Honor and Worships to com­maund, S. R.

TO THE READER.

  • 1 HE that knoweth not that he ought to knowe, is a brute beast among men.
  • 2 He that knoweth no more then he hath neede of, is a man among brute beastes.
  • 3 He that knoweth all that may be knowne, is a God among men.
  • 1 Reade willingly.
  • 2 Correct friendly.
  • 3 Iudge indifferently.

THE FIRST HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Diuinitie.

  • 1 Three things doe witnes the worde of God to be true, and of great authoritie.
    • THe historie of the world comprehended in the holy scripture.
    • Many notable and strange reuelations.
    • The miracles of the Church, which do cō ­firme the word.
  • 2 The preaching of the worde of God is comprehended in three things.
    • In doctrine.
    • In consolation.
    • In precepts.
  • 3 The holy Scripture is diuided into three parts.
    • Into histories.
    • Into precepts.
    • Into prophesies
      • Histories consist in those things which are done.
      • Precepts in those thinges which are commanded.
      • Prophesies, in foreshewinge things which either are alrea­die come to passe, or shall here­after be fulfilled.
  • 4 Thrée good things are set forth in the scripture, which the Phi­losophers neuer attained vnto.
    • The true knowledge of god, and calling on of his name.
    • True comfort in aduersitie.
    • The way to liue well and worship God a­right.
  • 5 Thrée things are most certain in the word of God.
    • Promises.
    • Prophesies.
    • Threatnings.
  • 6 There be thrée singuler things proper to the Scripture. Hugo.
    • Whatsoeuer is taught, is trueth without falshood.
    • Whatsoeuer is commanded, is goodnesse, without malice.
    • Whatsoeuer is promised, is happinesse without miserie.
  • [Page]7 The word of God was reuea­led for thrée causes.
    • To be learned.
    • To be beleeued.
    • To be practised.
  • 8 There are three vn­derstandings of y • scrip­tures set down by Hu­go in his third booke of the s [...]ule.
    • Historicall.
    • Misticall.
      • The first, containing examples fit for the simple.
      • The second, mysteries fit for the learned.
        • By miracles
        • By Figures
        • By words.
      • The third, manners, common for both.
    • Morall.
  • 9 All Scripture giuen by inspi­ration as Paule saith 2. Tim. 3. is profitable to thrée.
    • To teach.
    • To improue and correct.
    • To instruct in righteousnes.
  • 10 There be thrée kinds of meditati­ons in contempla­tion. Hugo.
    • In creatures.
    • In scriptures
      • The first ariseth of admiration.
      • The second of rea­ding.
        • Admiration, brin­geth Question: Question, sear­ching out.
        • Readinge myni­streth matter to know y • truth. circūspectiō bringeth operatiō.
        • Operation is y • end of Medi­tation.
      • The thirde, of cir­cumspection.
    • In maners.
  • 11 Thrée waies God spake vn­to our forefathers, as Luther is witnes in his exposition vppon the xxxv. chap. of Gen.
    • By dreames.
    • By manifest visions.
    • By the voices of proph [...]
  • 12 The holy scripture is diui­ded into 3. partes.
    • The law
    • The prophets
    • The gospell.
  • 13 S. Paule in his thrée epistles to the Romanes, Galathians, & Ephesians, teacheth thrée things
    • He sheweth that all men are sinners.
    • He teacheth that man is iustified by faith onely, without the workes of the law.
    • He prescribeth them that are iustified, to do good works by Gods law.
  • [Page]14 Three thinges make men suspect the Epistle of Iude not to be Canonicall
    • The narration of the strife of Michaell the Archangell with the deuill
    • The narration of the bodie of Moses
    • The prophesie of Enoch.
  • 15 There are three sayinges founde in S. Paule his Epistles which are borowed of Heathen Antiquaries.
    • Of Meander, Euill wordes corrupt good maners, 1. Cor. 5. ver, 33,
    • Of Aratus, Couetousnes is the roote of all euils 1. Tim. 6. ver. 10.
    • Of Epimenides, Cretians are alwaies ly­ers, euill beasts, now bellies, Tit. 1. ver. 12
  • 16 Three thinges chiefly to bee obserued in the olde and newe Testament.
    • Faith, that we, may beléeue those things to be true, which Moses, y • Prophets, Christ and his apostles haue spoken by the in­spiration of the holy ghost.
    • Hope, that with a stedfast beliefe we maye assure our selues that wee shall obtaine those things that are promised,
    • Charitie, that we neither doe, nor say any thing but y • which is acceptable to God, and profitable to men.
  • 17 For three causes the worde of God is to be preached.
    • That the hearers may vnderstand, because without preaching he cannot heare.
    • That he which vnderstandeth may beleue because without hearing, he cānot beleue
    • That he which beléeueth may do good be­cause without faith he can not do good.
  • 18 For three causes wee ought to bee attentiue in hearing the word of God.
    • For the reuerence due to God, whose word we come to heare.
    • That wee may auoide the dangers of neg­ligence.
    • For the profite which is manifold.
  • 19 There be thre inuisi­ble vertues of God.
    • Power.
    • Wisdom.
      • Gf y • which al things proceed.
      • In the whiche all things censist.
        • The Father is power.
        • The sonne is wisedome.
          • Power creates Wisdō gouern goodnes preserue
        • The holy ghost is goodnes,
      • By which al things are gouerned.
    • Goodnes.

[Page] Rom. 11. ver. 36. Because of him, in him, and by him are all things. To him be praise for euer and euer Amen.

  • 20 God is three maner of waies al in al. August.
    • In heauen onely he is all.
    • In earth onely he is al.
    • In heauen and earth he is all.
  • 21 Three manner of waies god is euery where.
    • By his essence.
    • By his presence.
    • By his power.
  • 22 He that will know God as he ought: must think vp­on these 3. things. Luther.
    • What he hath commanded.
    • What he hath promised.
      • Hee y t medita­teth these three findeth God.
    • What he hath threatned.
  • 23 For three causes are three things attributed to God.
    • Eies, because he seeth all things.
    • Hands, because he maketh all things.
    • Feete, because he is euery where.
  • 24 There is none like vnto God for 3. things, Bernard.
    • He is rich in mercie.
      • He freely respecteth y t hūble.
    • Mightie in iustice.
      • Iustly iudgeth the wicked.
    • Bon [...]tifull in grace▪
      • Pitifully saueth sinners.
  • 25 We haue receiued 3. sortes of thinges of God our Creator, wherof we ought alwaies to be mindful.
    • Such as lead vs vnto the feare of God.
    • Such as moue vs to loue God.
    • Such as prouoke vs to yeeld thankes vnto his maiestie.
  • 26 The knowledge of God is threefold.
    • Generall, as of the Philosophers, Rom. 1. [...] 2. Iob. 36.
    • Speciall, as of the Christians, 1. Cor. 13. Rom. 10.
    • Singular, as of thē that are blessed. 1. Cor. 13. Ioh. 3.
  • 27 These things are to be knowē in dispu­ting about God.
    • Not alwaies.
    • Nor to all.
      • The first is referred to the time.
      • The second to the person.
      • The third to the matter.
    • Nor all things.
  • 28 Three no­table benefits of God.
    • Creation.
    • Redemption.
      • By the three persons in Trinitie.
        • The Father.
        • The sonne.
        • The holy Ghost.
    • Sanctification.
  • [Page]29 There are 3 inwarde properties to be obserued in discerning the persōs of the Trinitie.
    • To beget.
    • To be borne
      • The Father onely begets.
      • The Sonne onely is borne.
      • The holy Ghost onely proceeds from both.
    • To procéede.
  • 30 Three outwarde properties of the persons in Trinitie.
    • The Father sendes, and is not sent.
    • The Sonne is sent to be made a sacrifice.
    • The Holy Ghost is sent to sanctifie our mindes.
  • 31 Three beare witnesse in heauen.
    • The Father.
    • The Sonne
      • And these thrée are one.
        • Vnion.
        • Vniting.
        • Vnited.
    • The holy Ghost
  • 32 There are three qualities in the Sunne representing the qualities of the Trinitie.
    • The infinit fountaine of light.
    • The brightnesse comming from that light
    • The heate proceeding and breathing from them both.
  • 33 Three thinges in vs which do represent the ho­ly Trinitie.
    • Memorie.
    • Ʋnderstanding.
      • Represents the Father.
      • Represents the Sonne.
      • Represents the holy Ghost.
    • Will.
  • 34 Three names beeing one thing in deed, are like­to the Trinitie.
    • Snowe.
    • Ice.
      • So God is thrée in personne, and but one in Substance.
    • Water.
  • 35 Gods iudgemēts are know­en by 3 things.
    • Corporall punishments.
    • The sting of the conscience.
    • The torments of hell.
  • 36 Three manner of wayes wee may sinne in the worship of God.
    • When for onely true God, there are worshipped many Gods: as the heathen did.
    • When the true God is worship­ped, but not according to his will.
    • Whē y t true God is worshipped but not onely, which is done of thē that worwip other Gods beside the true God.
  • [Page]37 By three things the loue of God appeareth towards men.
    • That he hath giuen to man the vse of hea­uen. earth, and all his creatures. Gene. 1 Eccle. 17.
    • That he hath graunted Angels to be mini­sters to men▪ Heb. 1. vers. 14.
    • For that he hath offred himselfe for man­kind, taking vpon him the forme of a ser­uant. Phil. 2. vers. 17.
  • 38 We may commit three things safely into Gods hands.
    • Iniurie
    • Losse.
      • Because he is a reuenger of iniuries.
      • Because he is the restorer of losse.
      • Because he is our Phisiti­on and best comforter.
    • Griefe.
  • 39 The swéetnesse of this name Iesus, consisteth in three things,
    • It is hony to the mouth.
    • Melodie to the eare.
    • Ioy to the hart.
  • 40 The sonne of God according to his office, is na­med in thrée seue­rall languages.
    • Messias, in Hebrew.
    • Christ, in Greeke.
      • And according to these three names, hee is called.
        • A Priest.
        • A Prophet.
        • A King.
    • Annointed in English.
  • 41 Three things to be conside­red in Christ our sauiour.
    • He prayeth for vs, as he is our Priest.
    • He prayeth in vs, as he is our head.
    • He is praied vnto of vs, as he is our God.
  • 42 Christ was knowne to the world to be true Messias by thrée thinges.
    • The opening of heauen.
    • The appearing of the holy Ghost.
    • By the voice of his heauenly Father.
  • 43 Christ is called a Priest, and his office consists in 3. things.
    • In teaching, Malaehie 2. So th [...] Sonne brought forth the Gospell in the bosome of his Father.
    • In praying: as appeareth in Leuitcus And hee prayed for vs. Iohn 17 Heb. 1. 7.
    • In offring sacrifice Hebr. 5. He offred him­selfe for our sinnes.
  • [Page]44 Christ is called a King for 3. causes.
    • Because he put downe all power, and de­stroied the workes of the deuill.
    • Because by the vertue of the spirit, he raig­neth in the minds of the faithfull.
    • Because he defendeth his Church against the tyrannie of the deuil.
  • 45 Christ the true teacher doeth in­struct vs 3. waies. because he is
    • The way.
    • The truth
      • They way not erring.
        • In example
      • The truth not deceiuing.
        • In promise
      • The life not ceasing.
        • In reward
    • The life.
  • 46 There are three causes of y e incarnation of Christ.
    • That he might bruise the Serpents head. Gen, 3.
    • That by his sacrifice hee might appease. Gods wrath,
    • That he might iustify the vniust by y e im­putation of his obedience.
  • 47 Thrée figures of Christ his crucifying, set down in the scrip­ture.
    • The sacrifices lifted vp on high.
    • The offering vp of Isaac.
    • The brasen Serpent lifted vp in the will dernes. Num 21. Iohn. 3.
  • 48 Christ his death for vs, and satisfaction for our sinnes, is thrée fold.
    • A worke without example.
    • Fauour without desert.
    • Charitie aboue measure.
  • 49 The passion of Christ is applied 3. waies.
    • It is offered by the word, as by the hand of God.
    • It is receiued by faith, as by the hand of man.
    • It is sealed by the Sacraments & the vse there­of set downe as it were in a table.
  • 50 There are 3. fruits of Christ his ascension.
    • To send the holy Ghost.
    • To be a mediator to God the father.
    • To preserue the Word, and the Church.
  • 51 The sonne of god was chaunged thrée manner of waies.
    • From his humility, to his diuinitie in his trans­figuration.
    • From passion to immortalitie in his resurrection
    • From immortalitie to his fathers equalitie, in ascention.
  • [Page]52 Thrée things con­curre in the person of Christ. Bernard.
    • The worde.
      • These thrée are one, & this one is 3.
    • The flesh.
      • Not by confusion of substance, but by vinitie of person.
    • The soule.
  • 53 Christ loued vs thrée maner of waies. Bernard.
    • Swéetely.
      • In that he tooke our flesh vpon him.
    • Wisely.
      • In that he eschewed all fault.
    • Ʋaliantly.
      • In that he suffered death.
  • 54 There are three maruelous coniunctions as Luther saith, in the exposition on y t xx. cap. Gen.
    • The coniunction of the Father and Sonne in diuinitie.
    • The coniunction of diuinitie and humanity in Christ.
    • The coniunctiō of Christ with his church.
  • 55 Christ confoundeth y t worlde and all things therein 3. waies.
    • He accounts the chiefe wisedome therof to be folishnes.
    • He reckoneth their best workes for iustice.
    • He changeth their best good into euill.
  • 56 Christ hath made vs partakers of thrée necessarie things.
    • Of his Crosse
    • Of his Gospel.
      • He hath redemed vs by his death on the crosse.
      • He hath instructed vs by his gos­pell.
      • He hath confirmed and sanctified vs by his spirite.
    • Of his spirite.
  • 57 The whole world did mar­uell at three workes of Christ. Chrys.
    • That he rose againe after death.
    • That he ascended into heauen in the flesh.
    • That he conuerted the whole worlde by his twelue apostles.
  • 58 Christ had thrée witnesses. which did testifie of him.
    • Iohn Baptist. Ioh. 1. ver. 15.
    • His works Ioh. 5. ver. 36.
    • His Father, Math, 3. ver. 17.
  • 59 Christ doth excell the Saintes in three things.
    • In dignitie of person.
    • In worthynes of office.
      • These doe not exclude. his diuinitie.
    • In perfectnes of giftes.
  • [Page]60 The ioy which y e aungels did expresse at y e natiuity of Christe is said to be great for 3. causes,
    • For the matter which is great, namely our reconciliation with God.
    • For the continuance and stedfastnes there­of, for it continueth constant for euer.
    • Because it is spiritual, & pertaining vnto all those that haue the gift of faith.
  • 16 Christ did foreshew 3. kinds of war.
    • Of outward enimies.
    • Of seducers.
      • Paule saith, fighting a­broad, feare within, & dāgers in false brethrē
    • Of false brethren.
  • 62 Christ did raise thrée persons from death, as some iudge in 3. seuerall yeares.
    • The first yeare the widowes sonne, Mar. 7 ver. 14. 15.
    • The second yeare the daughter of Iairus Luk. 8. ver. 54. 55.
    • The third yeare Lazarus, Ioh. 11. ver. 44.
  • 63 Christ reuealed three singu­lar secretes vnto three Apostles, Iohn the Euangelist, Peter, and Iames.
    • His transfiguration on the hil Thabor, Luk 9. ver. 28.
    • The reuining of Iairus daughter. Luk. 8. ver. 51.
    • The treason which Iudas practised against him, Ioh. 13. ver. 26.
  • 64 Christe is to be considered of vs in three times.
    • Before his incarnation.
    • At the time of his incar­nation.
      • God, the worde, the Image, the sonne of God
      • Iesus Christ, God and man, the sonne of Mary, y e sonne of god the sonne of man, Emanuell.
      • Al God, al man, the truth of his diuine & humane nature re­maining.
    • In his glorification, after his resurrection, and ascension.
  • 63 Thrée thinges doe teache vs that the holy ghost is true God, with the father and the sonne.
    • Testimonies out of the scripture, as Actes 5. Ananias did lie vnto the holy ghost, not vnto men but vnto God.
    • The worke of creation, Iob 33. the spirite of God made me, and the breath of the al­mightie receiued me.
    • That which is euery where, seeth, & killeth al things with his presence, knoweth and hearesh al things Psal. 139. whether shall I go from thy spirit.
  • [Page]66 The Apostles receiued thrée giftes when the holy Ghost des­cended vpon the day of the feast of Pentecost.
    • The gift
      • Of interpreting the scriptures
      • Of knowledge of al languages
      • Of a constant heart bold to set forth the truth.
  • 67 The light of the holy Ghost doth rule vs in three things.
    • In our counsels.
    • In our maners.
    • In the actions of our whole life.
  • 68 The holy Ghost doeth con­firme three things in vs.
    • Faith.
    • Hope.
    • Loue.
  • 69 The holy Ghost doeth gouerne thrée things in euery godly person.
    • The minde,
    • The heart.
      • It doth lighten the mind with the light of thy holy word.
      • It doth kindle the heart that it may cō ­ceiue the motions of good works, and vertues which please God.
      • It doth moue the will to bée willing to doe whatsoeuer God willeth in his word.
    • The will.
  • 70 Thrée especial heresies which do ouerthrow the doctrine of the holy ghost.
    • Of the Graecians, which will haue the holy ghost to proceede from the Father only, and not so likewise from the sonne.
    • The Macedonians, which say the holy spi­rite is a liuing crature.
    • Of the Sabellians, which affirme the holie ghost to be all one with the Father and Sonne, and not three persons.
  • 71 Wee commit sinne three maner of waies.
    • In not rewarding good thinges w t good things.
    • In requiting e­uill with euill. things.
      • On the contrary these 3. things are praisewor­thy.
        • To reward good thinges with good things.
        • Not to acquite euil with euil.
        • To recōpence e­uil thinges w t good.
    • In recompensing the good with e­uil things.
  • [Page]72 The almightie created three vitall spirites.
    • Which is not couered with flesh.
    • Which is couered w t flesh but dieth not courced with f [...]esh.
      • Of Angels.
      • Of men.
      • Of brute beastes
    • Whiche is couered with flesh, and dieth with the flesh.
  • 73 We sinne 3. ma­ner of waies.
    • Of infirmitie.
    • Of ignorance.
      • Against the Father, because he is the God of might.
      • Against the Sonne, because he is the perfection of wisedome.
      • Against the holy ghost, because he is the giuer of grace.
    • Of malice.
  • 74 Wee are put in minde of three things so oft as we beholde a rainebowe.
    • Of the anger of god when he destroyed the worlde with water, whereof the blew co­lour is a witnesse.
    • Of the mercy of God, who wil not vse that punishment againe.
    • Of the latter iudgement, and burning the worlde with fire. The fierie coulour of the rainbowe shewing the same.
  • 75 The creation of the world is an euident testimonie of three excellent things.
    • Of the
      • Wisedome.
      • Omoipotencie.
      • Goodnesse of God.
  • 76 Three things shew that the ende of the world is at hand.
    • Because the ende of the Romane Empire is at hand.
    • Because there is a generall defect and apo­stacie from the Faith throughout the world.
    • Because the Gospell hath bene preached throughout the worlde.
  • 77 Three sayings of Angels are vsed in the scriptures more th [...]n oth [...]rs.
    • Michaell, who is like God? Dan. 10: & 12 chap.
    • Raphaell Gods Phisition. Tob. 3. verse. 17 Gabriel, The strength of God. Dan. 8. and 9. chap. Luke. 1,
  • [Page]78 Three chiefe offices which Angels doe execute towards vs.
    • They withdrawe vs from sinne.
    • They defend vs from enemies.
    • They lead vs into heauen.
  • 79 The holy Ghost the comforter, giueth vs three thinges.
    • The earnest of saluation.
      • That he may beare witnesse tothy spirit, that thou art the Sonn of God.
    • The light of knowledge.
      • That whē thou hast don al y t thou caust, thou shouldst think thy self to be an vnprofitable seruant.
    • The strength of life.
      • That which is vnpossible for thee by nature, is made easie to thee by grace.
  • 80 Three things to be cōsidered in the creation of y e cceature.
    • Who made it
    • By what hee made it.
      • If we aske who made it? God.
        • For there is no au­thour more excel­then God.
      • If by what hee made it? Hee saide, & it was done.
        • No Arte of more force then y e word of God.
      • If therefore hee made it? be­cause hee is good.
        • No causebetter thē that good shoulde be created of God that is good.
    • Wherefore hee made it.
  • 81 The whole worlde hath bene three times ruled by 3 lawes.
    • The lawe of nature.
    • The lawe of Moses,
      • Sixe thousande yeres the world shall endure, & thē be burned, saith Elias,
        • 2000. before the lawe.
        • 2000 vnder the lawe.
        • 2000 vnder the Gospell. But for y • elect sake these last daies shal be shortned.
    • The lawe of the Gospell,
  • 82 Faith as August saith is of 3 thinges and times,
    • Of things past.
      • We beleeue that Christ is dead which is past.
    • Of things present.
      • We beleue that Christ sitteth at the right hand of his Father, which is present.
    • Of things to come
      • We beléeue that he shall come to iudgement which is to come
  • [Page]83 Beliefe is of three sortes.
    • To beléeue that there is a God, is of knowledge,
    • To beléeue God, is to consent to his trueth
    • To beleeue in God, is to haue true confi­dence in his mercie.
  • 84 There be 3 kindes of knowledge.
    • To learne to knowe onely for knowledge sake.
    • To learne to knowe, to that ende to bee knowen of o­thers.
      • The first curiositie.
      • The second, vaine glorie.
      • The thride, perfect charitie.
    • To learne to knowe, that thou maist be edified.
  • 85 Faith and hope dif­fer in three things.
    • In obiectes.
      • Faith apprehēdeth a present bene­fit: Hope looketh for one to come.
    • In offices.
      • Faith apprehendeth the promise made by Christ, which neither hope nor other workes can doe.
    • In subiectes.
      • Faith is a knowledge in the mind and trust in the will: Hope is in the will, and in the hart,
  • 86 Faith excéede three thinges as Bernard saith.
    • The end of mans reason.
    • The vse of nature.
    • The bondes of experience.
  • 87 Thée thinges without all doubt are to be hoped for of God.
    • Pardon.
    • Grace.
      • Pardon of our sinnes.
      • Grace in regeneration.
      • Glorie after resurrection.
    • Glorie.
  • 88 Three things in which our whole hope consisteth.
    • In the loue of adoption.
    • In the truth of Christ his promises.
    • In the power of his redemption.
  • 89 The hope of the wic­ked may bee compared to three things.
    • To dust scatered in the winde.
    • To smoke flying in the ayre.
    • To a guest departing the same day that he cam.
  • 90 Charitie is of three sorts.
    • Towards God,
    • Towardes our selues,
    • Towards our neihbous,
  • [Page]91 Our neighbour, though he be euill, must be loued for 3. causes.
    • For Gods sake.
    • For his own sake.
      • If thou louest God, thou wilt loue his sonne also.
      • If thou louest thy brother when he is in health, thou wilt loue him also being diseased.
      • Thou shalt loue him, that thou mayest gaine his loue, which seeketh hurt to thee.
    • For thine own sake.
  • [...]2 Golde and charitie are com­pared together three manner of waies.
    • As golde doeth excell all mettals, so cha­ritie doth excell all vertues.
    • As golde is rare and deare, so likewise is charitie.
    • As gold is more faire and durable then o­ther mettals, so farre charitie endureth.
  • 93 The humble ma [...] efcheweth three vices.
    • Singularitie, whereby a man will bee ac­counted more holy.
    • Arragancie whereby a man doth set foorth himselfe aboue others.
    • Presumptiō, whereby a man doth account him selfe fit for greater matters, then in deede he is fit for.
  • 94 Patience doeth suffer any paine for three things.
    • God and Godlinesse.
    • Faith and religion.
    • Ʋertues and lawes.
  • 95 By three maner of meanes, the vertue of patience is exercised.
    • Of God we suffer punishments.
    • Of the deuil tem­ptations.
      • Wherein we must take heere.
        • That we do not murmure a­gainst god for our afflictiōs.
        • That the temp­tations of the deuil cause vs not to consent to sinne.
        • That y e mischife of our neigh­bor prouoke vs not to requite euill,
    • Of our Neigh­bors persecuti­ons, losse, & re­proch.
  • [Page]96 These 3. thinges are a great praise in the iust,
    • To holde his peace when his seruant reui­leth him.
    • If he forbeare him that is sicke, when hee offereth iniurie.
    • If he make no answere to a poore mā, charging him with vntruth.
  • 97 Patience is a great vertue, for 3. things.
    • If thou hurtest not him, of whō thou wast first borne.
    • If thy selfe being hurt, thou doest forgiue him.
    • If thou fearest him whom thou couldest haue hurt.
  • 98 Three examples of patience in the scripture,
    • Of Iob Iames 5. you haue heard of the pati­ence of Iob, and sene his end.
    • Of Christ the only paterne of patience. 1. Cor. 1. 1, Pet. 2.
    • Of Lazarus which bare patiently infamie, diseases, and contempt Luk. 16.
  • 99 A good life consisteth in these three things.
    • To eschew euil.
    • To do good
    • To perseuer in goodnes to the end
  • 100 Perseuerance hath affinitie with these three.
    • It is the sister of patience.
    • The daughter of constancie.
      • In aduersitie
      • In labour
      • I prosperitie
    • The friend of peace

THE SECOND HVNDRETH OF THE [...]riplicitie of Diuinitie.

  • 1 Three things are comprehen­ded in the knowledge of God.
    • TO know who God is, namely, the Fa­ther, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost
    • To beleeue in him.
    • To direct and gouerne our life accordinge to his will.
  • 2 Abraham receiued 3. Aungels into his house, and they talked familiarly with thrée persons of y e same house.
    • With Abraham the master of the house.
    • With Sara his wife,
    • With their maide Hagar.
  • 3 Three things which the deuil will not graunt.
    • That Christ is the sonne of God.
    • Hee cannot abide that Christ shoulde be man.
    • Hee will not confesse that Christe hath done those thinges which in trueth hee hath done.
  • 4 Three things chiefly to be re­membred.
    • Gods benefites, that wee maye render thanks.
    • Our sinnes, that we may be sorie for them.
    • Our death, that we may be carefull to liue well.
  • 5 Poore men are more easily cō ­uerted vnto God then rich men, for 3. causes.
    • Because pride is annexed with riches: and as Gregorie noteth: Pride of minde is a hinderance vnto truth.
    • Because the hart of a rich man is full of y e cares of this world, which choke y e worde of God.
    • Because rich mē haue temporal comfortes, and therefore do little regarde spirituall consolation.
  • [Page]6 Our olde aduersarie the deuill is bound with three things.
    • When our minde being tempted, doeth not consent to euill, and take delight therein.
    • When we can so rule our minde, that wee hate not our neighbour when he speaketh reprochfull words against vs.
    • When we can so gouerne our minde, that wee murmure not against God, when he punisheth vs for our desertes,
  • 7 Three weapons where with we may repulse the deuil.
    • The worde of God.
    • Faith in Christ Iesus.
    • Feruent praier.
  • 8 Saint Ierome saith that wee ought only to boast of one thing: which is, that we knowe God a­right, not of those 3. things which worldlings do glorie in.
    • Wisedome.
    • Strength.
    • Richesse.
  • 9 To loue God w t all our heart with all our soule, with all our might, consisteth in 3. thinges.
    • Not to be led away with slattery.
    • Not to be seduced with deceites.
    • Not to be ouercome with iniuries.
  • 10 We must praise God with three in­struments.
    • Our mouth.
    • Our hart.
      • For it is the instrument wherewith he will be glorified.
      • Singing and giuing thankes in hart vnto God.
      • Let your light so shine before men, that they may sée your good works & glorifie your father which is in heauen. Math. 5, ver. 16. and chap. 7. ver. 21. Rom. 2. ver. 23.
    • Our workes.
  • 11 The feare of God worketh 3. things.
    • It correcteth our minds.
    • It driueth away sinnes.
    • It preserueth innocencie.
  • 12 God is to be fea­red for 3. causes.
    • Because the house of him that feareth not God, shal soone be ouerthrowne. Eccles. 27.
    • Because he that feareth not God shall dwell in places where shal be no regard of knowledge.
    • Because that God is able to cast both bodie and soule into hell fire. Math. 10. Luk. 12.
  • [Page]13 Thrée causes which mooue vs to feare God.
    • Al calamities which happen vnto mākind: death, diseases. destructions of cities and nations, hunger, wars, &c. Also dreadfull punishments which afflict the wicked, shewing that god is angry with sinners.
    • All the erhortations of the prophetes vnto repentaunce. The lawe of God, and the horrible curses which are added vnto y e law.
    • The death of the sonne of God.
  • 14 About the time y t the worlde shall haue end, men shall be euil inclined 3. maner of waies.
    • They shall be louers of themselues, follow­ing pleasure and riotousnes.
    • They shall be gréedie and couetous.
    • They shal be high minded and proud.
  • 15 Thrée sorts of people are cal­led to religion.
    • One sort God calleth by holy inspirations.
    • Another sort is chosen of men by good coun­sels, as Hippolito was conuerted to the Faith, by the instructions of Saint Lau­rence.
    • The third sort is constrained to enter into religion by some necessitie or misaduen­ture happened vnto them.
  • 16 Humilitie is a vertue which doth chiefly comprehende three things.
    • Humilitie acknowledgeth our own vnclea­nes and infirmitie, and doth feare God.
    • She doth not desire matters aboue her vo­cation, but keeping her selfe within her bounds, she resteth hoping in Gods help.
    • She doth not despise others that are Gods instruments, but acknowledgeth Gods gifts in them, knowing that all labour is in vaine vnlesse he prosper it.
  • 17 He that is humble and low­ly as he ought, doth reape triple commoditie.
    • He hath God dwelling with him.
    • The humble man is honored of men, & they alwaies giue him a good report,
    • He alone hath the fruit therof, because hu­militie is the mother of shamefastnes, y t way of patience, which leadeth to wise­dome, the keeper of feare and faith.
  • [Page]18 The tokens of true humilitie consiste in 3. things.
    • In behauiour.
    • In words.
      • He that is humble in mind & bo­dy, doth shew y t same by loking stedfastly vpon the ground, and in not laughing without great cause.
      • He speaketh few words and soft, & holdeth his peace vntill he be asked.
      • He doth nothing but that which is agreable with good maners, & that without pride.
    • In déedes.
  • 19 Patience doth comprehende and signifie three things.
    • A stedfastnesse of the mind, suffring any af­fliction or contumelious reproches with­out murmuring or repining.
    • A reuenge giuing a deadly wound, & hea­ping coles of fire vpō our enimies heads.
    • A close martering, not without rewards.
  • 20 When wee suffer anye crosse or affliction, we must be patient for 3. causes.
    • That wee maye followe the example of Christ.
    • Because God hath so commaunded.
    • That we may gather the fruites of pati­ence.
  • 21 Christ commaundeth in the 5. chap. of Math. [...]hat we should not resist eull: and by 3. precepts doth exhort vs vnto patience
    • He commādeth that whosoeuer shal strike thee on the right cheeke, to turne to him the other also.
    • He commandeth if any man wil sue thée at the law, and take away thy coate, to let him haue thy cloke also.
    • He commandeth that whosoeuer wil com­pell thee to goe a mile, to go with him twaine.
  • 22 We must suffer 3. kindes of euill patiently.
    • Necessarie euils, such as can neither be al­tred nor amended, nor hindered.
    • Accidental euils, which haue not happened vnto vs by our own euill counsell.
    • Such euils as we haue deserued.
  • [Page]23 The reward of patience.
    • 1. Iames. 1. Blessed is the man that endu­reth temptation: for when he is tryed, he shall receiue the crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them y t loue him.
    • Prou. 19. A mans knowledge is perceiued by his patience.
    • 1. Pet. 2. If when yee doe well yee suffer wrong and take it patiently: this is ac­ceptable to God.
  • 24 Thrée things direct vs in the right path, and suffer vs not to goe astray.
    • Loue which banisheth all wearines & cau­seth all labour & trauell to seeme easie.
    • Hope of promise or reward.
    • Faith which is grounded vpon promises, and beleeueth in God.
  • 25 Ʋnlesse the spirite of God do establish and seale our mindes, that they may continue stedfast in faith, we shal be ouercome by one of these three things.
    • Either by sathan who is furnished with a thousand artes, sleightes, and deceites, to entrap vs
    • Or by our owne frowardnes & inconstan­cie, which is easily seduced by euil exam­ples.
    • Or by persecution & affliction which cause vs despaire & throwe our selues headlong into hell.
  • 26 Three chiefe rewards of per seuerance.
    • A crowne of life. Apoc. 3.
    • A plentifull reward in heauen.
    • Life euerlasting. Math. 24. He that end [...] reth to the end shalbe saued.
  • 27 Three things wherwith we may comfort our selues being in tribulaiion.
    • That the sonne of God is our aduocate. our mediator, and maketh intercession for vs. Luk. 2. Ioh. 17.
    • That he will not suffer vs to be tempted a­boue our power. 1. Cor. 10. ver. 13.
    • That he heareth our praiers, and will helpe vs in time of need.
  • [Page]28 Three properties that belong to Epicures.
    • They neither feare nor reuerence God, and estéeme all godlinesse as a mokery.
    • They offer sacrifice vnto their guttes, o­ther God they knowe not.
    • Neither griefe nor feare can compell them to be carefull for the time present, or to come.
  • 29 Three kinds of doubting re­pugnant to faith.
    • To doubt of God.
    • To doubt of his prouidence.
    • To doubt of the certaintie of that doctrine which the Prophets and Apostles deliue­red.
  • 30 All idols had their originall o [...] three things.
    • Of superstition.
    • Of wicked imitation.
    • Of flattery.
  • 31 Three efficient causes of I­dolatrie.
    • The deuill fretting with hellish heat, and haggish hate, and prouoking mans mise­rable nature to deuise idoles thereby to haue God in derision.
    • The blindnesse of mens mindes, and bold­nesse to reiect the worde which hath bene deliuered by the Prophets and Apostles, and deuising strange opinions and wor­shipping of God after their own pleasure
    • A perswasion of wisdom, and a good intent, which not content with the word of God onely doeth imagine it can inuent more excellent kindes of worship.
  • 32 Three causes why Idolatry should be abolished.
    • Because it is sinne against the first com­maundement, not to abolish images. Iud­ges 2.
    • Because not being abolished. they trouble the church of God. 3 King. 18 Elias saith I haue not troubled Israell &c.
    • The are to be abolished for feare of punish­ment, because God is angry with idola­ters, and will punish them. Deuteron. 4 Hos. 2. and 7.
  • [Page]33 We must fight with three sorts of weapons a­gainst heretikes.
    • With prayers,
    • With learning
      • To conuert them.
      • To conuince them.
      • To condemne them.
    • With lawes.
  • 34 Euill men doe persecute the good, three manner of waies.
    • By hatred of their hearts.
    • By iniuries in deedes.
      • God commaun­deth that wee resist them w c three contrary things.
        • With loue of hart whē he saith loue your enemies.
        • With giuing bene fits when he saith doe good to them that hate you.
        • with praying for thē when he saith pray for thē which reuile & persecute you.
    • By reuyling wordes.
  • 55 Three things to be knowen and marked cōcerning supersti­tion.
    • That it doth spring of true godlinesse, and diuers wayes doeth weary mens minds
    • That it doth vaunt of the title of true reli­gion, and doeth allure multitudes of peo­ple vnto it, and doeth gouern them.
    • It atributeth a certain vertue vnto things without Gods ordināce or naturall rea­son.
  • 36 Magical blessings or enchan­tings do differ frō the blessings of the Patriarchs thrée manner of waies.
    • Magicians are not called of God to blesse.
    • They abuse good wordes, and wrest them to another end then God hath appointed.
    • They haue no promise that their endeuour shall take effect.
  • 37 The proud mans hart is destitute of thrée good things.
    • It is hardened and wanteth godlines.
    • It is voyde of Contrition.
    • It is dry, wanting the dew of spirituall grace.
  • 38 Three hor­rible thinges may be noted in a proude man.
    • That he striueth against God.
    • That he will make him selfe equall with God.
      • By transgressing Gods cōman­dements.
      • By desiring to be almightie as God is.
      • In y t he will haue his own cōmā dement obserued, though it bee cōtrary to gods cōmandement.
    • That he exalteth himself
    • That he exalteth himself aboue God.
  • [Page]39 Three things being thought vppon, shoulde abate the pride of man.
    • Our birth, which is lamentable, because we are borne in sinne.
    • Our life, which is nothing els but labour and griefe, and subiect to many inconue­niences.
    • Our death which is terrible, especially, be­cause we shall be consumed w t wormes.
  • 40 Three partes of repentance.
    • Contrition.
    • Gonfession,
      • In the hart.
      • In the mouth
        • Because we be seene w t the hart vnto righte­ousnes.
        • Because we confesse w t the mouth vnto saluatiō, Rom. 10. ver. 10.
        • Because the offence is not forgiuen, before restitution be made.
      • In workes.
    • Satisfaction.
  • 41 Pride is an exalting of the minde which doeth raise it selfe aboue our
    • Creation.
    • Ʋocation.
    • Humane condition.
  • 42 By the shameful falles of three it doth appeare that security hath no place to rest in.
    • Neither in heauen.
    • In paradise.
      • In heauē lucifer sinned through securitie,
      • In paradise Adā sinned through securitie.
      • In y • world Iudas being one of Christ his disciples, sinned tho­row securitie.
    • Nor in the worlde.
  • 43 Thrée things in Christ worthy to be wōdered at.
    • The examples of his life.
    • His words of wis­dome.
      • Whereby he edified the enuious.
      • Wherby he instructed the ignorant.
      • Wherby he did conuert the vnbelée­uers.
    • The maruels of his glorie.
  • 44 Three benefices which wee haue receiued, ought to moue vs dayly and hourely to giue thāks vnto God.
    • Our creation.
    • Our redemption.
    • Our iustification.
  • [Page]45 Let vs giue thankes to God al the day lon [...] [...]d especially to acknowledge three benefits.
    • Because hee hath sanctified vs beeing vn­cleane.
    • Because we haue receiued those thinges of his maiestie which we had not.
    • Bicause he hath giuē vnto vs those things which we neuer deserued.
  • 46 The thankesgiuing of thrée sorts of men ought deseruedly to he reprehended.
    • Of hipocrites which is fained.
    • Of worldlings which is for custome sake.
    • Of such as are newly recouered of a sicke­nes which is wont to be very short.
  • 47 Preaching is vsed for three purposes.
    • That God may be feared.
    • That God may be known, and his wil ful­filled.
    • That many may be made inheritors of e­ternall life.
  • 48 Thrée kindes of confession in the holy scriptures.
    • Confessio [...] of praise.
    • Confession of trueth.
    • Confession of a fault.
  • 49 Three, effectes of confessing the trueth.
    • A confirming of the doctrine sent from hea­uen.
    • A strengthening of those which are weake in faith.
    • Testimonies of the iudgment to come and eternall life,
  • 50 Christ in the fift ot Mathew commaundeth vs not to sweare by 3. thinges.
    • By heauen,
    • By earth.
      • Because it is y t throne of God.
      • Because it is his foot­stoole.
      • Because man cannot make on white hair or one blacke.
    • By our head.
  • 51 For 3. causes as Augustine saith, it seemes that we shoulde not sweare at all,
    • Least we should take a facility in swearing.
    • Least our facilitie bring vs to a custome of swearing.
    • Least by that custome we fall into that dā ­ger which is prouided for swearers.
  • [Page]52 For 3. causes we may law­fully sweare▪
    • That God may be worshipped & glorified, Esa 19. ver. 8. 1. King. 22, ver. 14.
    • That trueth may be maint [...]ned.
    • That Iunocentes being [...]nuented by crafte may be deliuered from danger.
  • 53 Thrée things to be obserued in othes.
    • We must not vse all maner of othes.
    • We must not vse them alwaies.
    • We must not vse them for light occasions.
  • 54 By 3. maner of wayes men forsweare them selues.
    • Either when they deceiue or are deceiued
    • When they thinke that to be false whiche is true.
    • Or when they think that to be true which is false.
  • 55 Thrée things are like othes.
    • Ʋowes.
    • Couenantes.
    • Promises.
  • 56 The 4. commaundement of those ten which were deliuered vnto Moses was appointed to be kept for thrée causes.
    • To signifie vnto vs the spirituall rest.
    • To maintaine ecclesiastical gouernment.
    • That cattel and seruantes might cease frō their labour.
  • 57 Thrée principall holidayes on which the Iewes vsed to goe vp to Ierusalem.
    • On Easter day.
    • On Whitsonday, otherwise caled the feast of Pentecost.
    • On y e day of the feast of tabernacles which was wont to be obserued the 15 of Sept.
  • 58 We ought to méete togither on those dayes whiche by the church are appointed holidayes for thrée causes.
    • That me may heare the word of God.
    • That we may pray vnto him.
    • That we may confirm our faith with the Sacramentes.
  • 59 Thrée things which as Lu­ther affirmeth wil destroy chri­stian religion.
    • Forgetfulnesse of benifits which we haue receiued by the Gospell.
    • Mans wisdome which [...]il bring al things in order, and with euill counsaile make common quietnes.
    • Securitie which reigneth here and there, and in euerie place.
  • [Page]60 Three kinde of hearers of the worde of GOD are praise worthie.
    • They which listen attentiuely.
    • They which lay it vp in their heart.
    • They which shew foorth the fruits thereof in their life.
  • 61 The knowledge of 3. things very necessary for a christian.
    • To knowe God.
    • To knowe his will.
    • To knowe himselfe.
  • 62 Thrée most necessary things for a christian man.
    • True repentance.
    • Feruent praier.
    • Patience.
  • 63 The whole life of Christi­ans as Melancthon teacheth, ought to bee directed vnto three purposes
    • That God may be glorified.
    • That the Church may be beautified.
    • That we our selues in the Church seruing God, may looke for eternall rewardes.
  • 64 Thrée thinges in a Christian whiche must agree together, That his light may shine before God and men.
    • Faith.
    • Doctrine, and
    • Life.
  • 65 S. Paule vnto Titus chap. 2. saieth, that a Christian ought to liue 3. manner of waies.
    • Soberly.
    • Honestly
    • Discréetly.
  • 66 Thrée things God requireth at our hands. Deut. 10.
    • That we feare him.
    • That we loue him.
    • That we walke in his wayes.
  • 67 Paule in the epistle to y e Ga­lathians doth warne Chrstians to take héede of thrée things.
    • That they be not desirous of vaine-glory.
    • That they prouoke not one another to an­ger.
    • That they enuie not one another.
  • 68 Paul in the fift to the Ephe­sians will not haue thrée things named among Christians.
    • Fornication.
    • Ʋncleannes.
    • Couetousnesse.
  • 69 Christians haue 3. accusars before God.
    • The diuill.
    • The lawe.
    • Their owne conscience guilty of a faulte.
  • [Page]70 Paule in the 2. chap. to Titus, willeth a minister to do 3. things with authoritie.
    • To
      • Speake.
      • Erhort.
      • Reproue.
  • 71 Thrée things are necessarie for a christian at all times.
    • Faith towards God.
    • Loue towards our neighbour.
    • Mortification of y e flesh towards our selues.
  • 72 The Israelites being in aduersitie, and comforting and exhorting one another vnto faith and obedience vsed to speake thus as in a prouerbe.
    • Be of good courage.
    • Trust in God.
      • That God which proui­ded the Ramme for A­braham to sacrifice, hée also wil sende happi [...] successe to thy enter­prises. Gen. 22. ver. 13.
    • Follow thy vocation.
  • 73 Preachers and Ecclesiasti­cal rulers should alwaies medi­tate on 3. sayings in the scrip­ture, and not suffer them to slide out of their memories.
    • We must one day render an account of our stewardship, and of euery idle word. Luk▪ 16.
    • Whē I shal say vnto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou giuest not him war­ning, nor sp [...]kest to admonish the wic­ked of his wicked way, that he may liue the same wicked man shall die in his ini▪ quitie, but his bloud wil I require at thy­hand. Ezech. 3. verse. 18.
    • An hard iudgement shal they haue y • beare rule. Wisd. 6. ver. 5.
  • 74 Thrée things by which ap­peareth, that it is very difficult to preach.
    • Because of all things it is most laborsome.
    • Because of all things it is most dangerous.
    • Because of al things in the world it is most despised, and subiect to the iudgements of most vile persons,
  • 75 Thrée things necessarie for a Preacher that he may haue ma­ny hearers.
    • Learning.
    • Eloquence.
    • Holines of life.
  • 76 The preacher of the woorde of God ready to goe vp into the Pulpet, must remember three things.
    • That he hath Christ for his iudge.
    • Angels beholders of him.
    • Simple hearers, whose mindes are easilye wounded.
  • [Page]77 Thrée ornaments fitte for a ministers house.
    • An open gate.
    • A godly houshold.
    • A good librarie.
  • 78 Thrée sorts of euil ministers
    • Which teach ill, and liue wickedly.
    • Which teach well, and liue euilly.
    • Which teach ill, and seeme toliue well.
  • 79 One of these 3. things doeth surely happen vnto Ministers which preach the worde of God in euil princes courtes.
    • Either for feare they denie their maister Christ, as Peter did. Iohn. 18.
    • Or they are handled as Christ was in He­rodes court, and made a mocking stocke. Luke. 23. verse. 11.
    • Or they are cast in prison, tormented and slain, as was Iohn Baptist, Mathew 14. verse 10.
  • 80 Thrée horrible euils were y e cause of the rich mans cōdemp­nation of whom there is mention made in the 16. of Luke.
    • Securitie in that he didnot repent, nor had no féeling of Gods wrath and iudegment,
    • Riot and surfeiting, Hauing no care of the saluation of his soule.
    • Want of faith. In that he did not respecte Lazarus: for where true faith is, there cannot be crueltie towards the afflicted.
  • 81, The man is blessed that doth these 3. thinges. Psal 112.
    • Pitieth the poore.
    • Lendeth to them that want.
    • Gouerneth his affaires by iudgment.
  • 82 Truth is stronger then thrée strong thinges. 1. Esdras. 3.
    • Strong wine.
    • A woman.
    • A strong king.
  • 83 Heretikes do represent the properties of 3. beasts. Bernard.
    • They are byting lyke dogs.
    • Subtill like foxes.
    • Proud like lions:
  • 84 Histories and the old fathers doe attribute three things vnto heretikes.
    • Great knowledge.
    • A shew of wonderfullull holines.
    • A disagréeing with other Churches.
  • [Page]85 Three sortes of Angells.
    • The sonne of God. Gen. 48.
    • The preachers of the word. Malach. 2
    • Spirits created by God. Mat. 18. 2 Pet. [...]
  • 86 For 3. causes heretikes doe troble more the godly teachers, then the common lay men.
    • Godly teachers do more easily vnderstand their deceites, and barke at them as good dogges doe in the entrie of their masters house.
    • Godly teachers cannot defende themselues with externall force, and many times the communaltie which should defend them, doth forsake them.
    • The pretence of heretikes is alwaies to diminish the glorie of God and holye wor­shippe, whereof the ministers are perfect and godly teachers.
  • 87 Three things to be noted in the enimies of Christ and his Church.
    • First, they are vnthankefull, and after the maner of y e worlde, for a great good turne they repay great ingratitude,
    • Secondarily, they haue zeale w tout know­ledge, they will seeme and be accounted defenders of trueth.
    • Lastly, they are manslears & doe all things with execrable cruel [...]tie.
  • 88 Three sortes of hypocrites workes which compell Esay in his fift chapiter to crie, Wo vn­to them.
    • Such as speake good of euill, & euill of good,
    • Such as stand in their owne conceits.
    • Such as draw wickednes vnto themselues with the cordes of vanitie.
  • 89 Whatsoeuer we doe is both good and iust, if we be not decei­ued with three thinges. Augus­tine.
    • If forgetfulnesse confound not our memo­rie.
    • If error obscure not our vnderstanding.
    • If iniquitie depraue not our will.
  • 90 Hypocrites, as Bernard wit­nesseth are
    • Iudges.
    • Witnsses.
      • But, without authoritie.
      • But, by hearesay.
      • But without truth.
    • Accusers.
  • [Page]91 Christ hath 3 sortes of soul­diers.
    • Some he hath placed in the kingdom of the earth, and these are fighting souldiers. Ephes. 6
    • Some are triumphant souldiers, for these he hath ordained the kingdome of heauen vnto whom after the victorie, he wil giue a crowne. 2. Tim. 4.
    • Some are cowardes and fugitiues, and for these he hath appointed the prison of hell. Esay. 24
  • 92 The godly are afflicted some time for 3. causes.
    • That their faith may be tried.
    • That true repentance may increase in thē.
    • That they may be stirred vp vnto the desire of eternall life.
  • 93 The thoughts of men not re­generate, are of 3. sorts 1. Iohn. 2 verse. 16.
    • After the concupiscence of the slesh.
    • After the lust of the eyes
    • After the pride of life.
  • 94 Let a minister liue so that he may bée as a paterne of good life vnto his hearers, following the example of Paule.
    • 1. Cor. 4. verse 16.
    • 1. Cor. 11. verse 1.
    • Phil. 3. verse 17.
  • 95 The chiefe knowledge of a Christian consisteth in 3. things.
    • To beléeue inuisible thinges.
    • To hope for thinges promised.
    • To loue God, though he s [...]eme to shew him­selfe to be our enemie by punishing vs.
  • 96 Thrée things to be obserued in all thinges that we doe.
    • That we followe the expresse word of God
    • That, we craue Gods aide.
    • That we looke for such euent as shal please him to send.
  • 97 Thrée giftes of God which procéede out of his owne mouth Prouerb. 2.
    • Wisedome.
    • Knoweledge.
    • Ʋnderstading.
  • [Page]98 Three kindes of knowledge requisite in a Christian.
    • Wisedome to knowe what belongeth to God that we may desire heauenly things.
    • Ʋnderstanding for the world that we may learne to despise it.
    • Foreknowledge of our death, y t while we liue we may liue to God.
  • 99 For 3 causes it was necessa­ry that Christ should rise again the third day.
    • That the prophesie might be fulfilled. Hos. 6. verse. 2.
    • That his bodie should not corrupt. Psal. 16. verse 14.
    • That the omnipotencie of his Diutnitie might be linked with his humanitie.
  • 100 Thre argumentes and tes­timonies agaynst the Anabap­tistes to prooue that Christ was borne of the flesh of the Ʋirgine Marie.
    • Of the promises made vnto Abraham and our fore fathers. Gen. 22. verse 18. item 26. verse 3. And in thy séede shall all the nati­ons of the earth bee blessed [...] All such pro­mises shoulde be false, if Christ had not come out of the wombe of the Ʋirgine Marie.
    • It is necssarythat Christ should take flesh of the virgin Marie, seeing in many pla­ces of the scripture he calleth himselfe the sonne of man.
    • It is manifest in the first chapter of the epistle of S. Paule to the Romans. verse 3. the wordes be these, Who was borne of the seede of Dauid according to the fleshe

THE FIRST HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Philosophie.

  • 1 The whole course of mans life consisteth in these three.
    • TO be borne wéeping.
    • To liue laughing.
    • To die fighing.
  • 2 Hee is worthyly called a wise man
    • Which remembreth things past.
    • Which marketh the course of thinges pre­sent.
    • Which foreséeth things to come.
  • 3 Three thinges obtaine great frendship,
    • Faire spéech in presence.
    • Good report in absence.
    • Faithfulnes in frendship.
  • 4 Thrée sortes of men differ in wi­shing.
    • The ambitious.
    • The base minded.
      • Wisheth so much, that for it hee is hated.
      • Craueeh so little, that euery mā ouercroweth him.
      • Desireth a meane with loue.
    • The vertuous.
  • 5 Thrée sorts of men accounted happie in this world.
    • He that oweth nothing.
    • A man single and not maried.
    • He that hath new buried his ri [...]h parents▪
  • 6 Three sortes of men wofull to be scene.
    • A rich man fallen into pouertie.
    • A vertuous man dispraised.
    • A wise man scorned of the ignorant.
  • 7 Three thinges which euery man doth in respecte of his enimies.
    • He feares
    • He hates
      • Whom he feares.
      • Whom he hates, he bewares.
      • Whom he bewares he seekes his destruc­tion.
    • He bewars
  • 8 Plutarch doth require these 3, things in a young man.
    • Temperance in his minde.
    • Silence in his tongue.
    • Bashfulnes in his countenance,
  • [Page]9 The art of gouernment was
    • Found out.
    • Defended.
      • By experience.
      • By science.
      • By prudence.
    • Conserued.
  • 10 Pride is noted in a man by 3. things.
    • To shew a certaine statelines in going.
    • To disdaine his companions and equals.
    • To separate himselfe from the companie of others, with a vaine kind of selfeloue.
  • 11 Three causes why a man may be earnest in giuing good counsell, because
    • It is an easie thing,
    • Of little cost.
    • And the best gift a man can giue vnto his friend.
  • 12 Thrée desires amongst frēds
    • To enioy health.
    • To possesse honour.
    • Not to suffer necessitie.
  • 13 Three soueraigne plaisters for a heart which is greeued.
    • Temperance.
    • Time.
    • Forgetfulnes.
  • 14 Three things good for euery man.
    • To vnderstand well.
    • To speake better.
    • To doe best of all.
  • 15 Alphonsus king of Aragon, vsed to thanke God most hartily especially for 3. causes.
    • For that he made him a man, & not a brute beast.
    • For that he was a christian.
    • For that he was Prince and ruler ouer so many countries.
  • 16 Plato at the point of death, yeelded thanks vnto nature, for 3. causes.
    • That he was borne a man, and not a beast.
    • For that he was a Grecian borne, and not a Barbarian.
    • That it was his chance to liue in the time of Socrates.
  • 17 Aristotle y t philosopher approching vn­to death, his scholers requested him to vnter some sententious saying vnto them in stéed of a last wil & test ament, who sighing, saide
    • I came hūbled into this world.
    • Here I haue liued carefully.
    • I depart troubled, being vnskil­full and ignorant.
  • [Page]18 As dogs be like wolues so three sorts of mē are like friendes.
    • Parasites.
    • Flatterers.
      • Fawne for the belly.
      • Cosen for the coyn e.
      • Dissemble in religion.
    • Hypocrittes.
  • 19 The couetous mā doeth alwaies [...]ffende three per­sons.
    • God.
    • His neigh­bour.
      • From God, he withhol­deth his right.
      • He denieth things neces­sary vnto his neighbour.
        • Ʋnthankful to God.
        • Wicked to his neghbour.
        • Cruell to him selfe.
      • He keepeth that which is [...] needefull from himselfe.
    • Him selfe
  • 20 Euill counsellors teach a yong and vnskilful prince, 3. things which after ward hurt him and his subiects much
    • To pre­fer
      • Profite before honestie.
      • Gaine before vertue.
      • Tyrannie before modestie.
  • 21 A good counseller shoulde be furnished with these 3.
    • Experience of many thinges.
    • True loue towardes him vnto whome he ministreth counsell.
    • Libertie to speake freely.
  • 22 Three things ought to bee considered in a witnesse.
    • The nature.
    • The condition.
      • That a witnes be a mā and not a womā, for women are diuers & in constant in their reporte.
      • That he be frée & not a bōdslaue for he wil conceale a trueth for feare of his masters displesure
      • That he be innocent & not infa­mous, for iustice will not accompany a wicked man.
    • The life.
  • 23 We ought to beare 3 sortes of affection to­wards him that is con­uicted of a crime.
    • Loue.
    • Hatred.
      • Cōsidering his nature, we ought to loue him, because he is a man.
      • Considering his fault which he hath cō ­mitted we should hate him.
      • Considering y t paine which he must suf­fer for his fault we ought to pitie him.
    • Pitie.
  • 24 No man ought to praise himself, nor de­sire to be prai­sed for 3. cau­ses.
    • For if he respect the time he hath passed he shall finde that he hath done many thinges for which he ought to be sory.
    • If he consider of the time to come, he shal perceiue many im­minent dangers whereof he should be afraid.
    • If he regard y • presēt time, he shal find many defects & much want in himselfe, which minister occasion of bashfulnesse.
  • [Page]25 Ʋpon 3 occasions men vse to excuse themselues for not doing thinges which they were enioy­ned to doe.
    • Either when they are weary & would rest.
    • Or when that which is appointed doeth seeme to be hard and difficult.
    • Or when it seemeth to be vnfruitefull and vnprofitable.
  • 26 For three cau­ses wee ought to vse fewe words.
    • Because of manye wordes, proceede many faults.
    • Because it is a signe of Foolishnesse to vse many words.
      • Socrates the Philosopher holding his peace amongst cōpany & be­ing asked why he did so, answe­red, Because I haue bene sory sometimes for speaking, but ne­uer for holding my peace.
      • Solon the Philosopher being silēt when other men talked, one de­manded of him whether he held his peace for want of wordes to speake, or for that he was a foole? He answered. No foole [...]an hold his peace.
      • Xenocrates the Philosopher sayd vnto one y • was a great babler, If you hard your selfe with my eares you would hold your peace.
    • Because many words are the causes of discontentment & displeasing.
  • 27 Those which are angry make smalle account of 3 thinges which should be highly esteemed.
    • Olde age which ought to be reuerenced.
    • Affinitie of kinred.
    • Benefits which are past.
  • 28 Those iudges can not iudge vprightlye, which either.
    • Suffer themselues to be corrupted with giftes.
    • Are moued with [...]uthoritie.
    • Will requtie frendship, or reuenge enmitie.
  • 29 Our minde must be preserued from three things.
    • Anger.
    • Hatred.
      • Fretteth.
      • Consumeth.
      • Puffeth vs vp with pride
    • Glorie.
  • 30 A guiltie con­science worketh 3. miracles.
    • It maketh the heauen & earth though they were x. times greater then they be, to be narrower then a mouse hole.
    • It causeth strong men to be so fearefull that they are a [...] ­tonished at the shaking of a leafe.
    • It stirreth vp the little dog, which though it hath slept al his life time, yet at his death it barkes, & is in the stead of a thousand witnesses.
  • [Page]31 Three thinges make a man very sorrowfull.
    • That he must die,
    • That he knowes not when.
    • That after death he knowes not where [...] shall be.
  • 32 Three powers of the soule assigned vnto three partes of the bodie.
    • Reason to the head.
    • Anger & other perturbations to the heart.
    • Lust and concupiscence to the liuer.
  • 33 Three instrumentes of mens actions.
    • Sence.
    • Ʋnderstanding.
    • Appetite.
  • 34 The countrey life is mai­stresse of three things.
    • Frugalitie.
    • Diligence.
    • Iustice.
  • 35 The whole life of man pas­seth away with doing three vn­necessary things.
    • A great part with doing euill.
    • A greater doing nothing.
    • The greatest with doing things to small [...] purpose.
  • 36 Al men are busied about one of these 3 things.
    • Honestie.
    • Profite.
    • Pleasure.
  • 37 The Sunne hath 3. titles atttributed vnto it.
    • It is called
      • The eye of the worlde.
      • The pleasure of the day.
      • The beautie of heauen.
  • 38 The Astronomers testifie that there commeth profite from the Sunne 3. maner of wayes.
    • By influence.
    • By motion.
    • By light.
  • 39 The world is likened to the sca for 3 causes.
    • Bec ause
      • Swelleth
      • Burnes
        • With pride.
        • With couetousnesse.
        • With lust and riot.
      • Fometh.
  • 40 We ought to rule our [...]ong in speaking, 3. maner of wayes.
    • To speake but little of the nobler sort.
    • To speake well of all men.
    • To speake nothing in commendation of our selues.
  • [Page]41 Hée that will liue in quiet, must frame himself to 3. things.
    • To
      • Heare.
      • Sée.
      • And say nothing.
  • 42 Democritus the Philosopher is thought to haue thrust out his owne eies for 3. occasions.
    • Because his sighte did hinder his inwarde meditations.
    • Because he coulde not looke on women without lusting after them.
    • Because he could not patiently abide to be­holde the florishing estate of wicked men.
  • 43 The Philosopher Aristotle beleeued but 3 thinges.
    • That which he touched with his hand.
    • That which he sawe with his eies.
    • That which he could co mprehend in argu­ment.
  • 44 Hope is good for 3 causes.
    • It is aremedy in aduersitie, wiping teares frō the eies, for hope only doth sustaine thē whome iniurous fortune doeth oppresse.
    • It nourisheth the life, promising better suc­cesse to morrowe,
    • It leaueth not a man athis death, but exal­teth his harte to immortalltie.
  • 45 Hope doeth comfort 3. sortes of men, of whome others are past hope.
    • Him whome the Phisitions haue giuen ouer,
    • Him that is bound & cast into a deepe dongeon.
    • Him that hath suffred shipwracke being tossed with waues: hope perswades to cast his armes abroade.
  • 46 Hope is misliked of some men.
    • Plato and Pindarus call it a dreame of him that waketh.
    • Cato saith, y t it maketh great things small, and small things nothing.
    • Another saith, that it is a griefe and an vn­profitable burden which wanteth euent.
  • 47 Thrée things to be noted cō ­cerning the affection of loue.
    • To loue them which hate vs, is a deuine vertue.
    • To loue them that loue vs again, is a com­mon thing amonst men.
    • But to hate them that loue vs, is worse thē brute beastlynesse.
  • [Page]48 Three things requisite in al good works.
    • Knowledge how to do them.
    • Power able to do them.
    • Will to be readie to do them.
  • 49 Three guides to pouertie,
    • Gluttonie.
    • Sloth.
    • Whoredome.
  • 50 Three things worthy praise are attributed vnto perseuerāce
    • Cicero saith, it is a stedfast and continuall vpholder of that which is grounded vpō reason.
    • It doth search out the truth, and follow it alwaies.
    • It cannot be altered to departe from the truth, neither by fauour, allurements, nor giftes.
  • 51 Thrée most dāgerous things will not alter the mind of a iust man (being resolute in his pur­pose) from the state of stedfast­nes. Horace.
    • Not the rage of citizens commanding that which is euil.
    • Not the puffed and swolne countenance of a terrible tyrant.
    • Nor Iupiters thunderboltes, the gates of hel, no though the world should be turned topsi-turuie.
  • 52 Three abhominable sayings of the Epicures.
    • There is no pleasure after death.
    • A vengeance on him that careth for to mo­row.
    • Neither feare thou the latter day, nor wish for it.
  • 53 Three causes why men loue [...]e another.
    • One loueth because he is loued.
    • An other because hee is aduanced to ho­nour.
    • The third, because he looketh for some bene­fit at his hands whom he loueth.
  • 54 Prid doth studie to conioine 3. things her with selfe.
    • Power.
    • Nobilitie.
    • Riches.
  • [Page]55 Thre things which Phytago­ras chiefly wished for himselfe.
    • Beautie.
    • Riches.
    • Health.
  • 56 S. Ierome writing to Ruffi­nus saith.
    • That a friend.
      • Is long sought for.
      • Scarcely to be found.
      • And hard to be kept.
  • 57 Phauorinus wri­ting of ambitious per­sons saith, that
    • Some be scoffers.
      • Which ambitiously attempts high matters.
      • Which haue obtained things too good for their degrees.
      • Which are deceiued by hope.
    • Some full of hate.
    • Some be miserable.
  • 88 Three things which cause a man keepe his frends.
    • If he giue much.
    • If he aske litle.
    • If he take nothing.
  • 59 Thrée things which we ought to take in good woorth of our friend.
    • A gift.
    • His good will.
    • His counsell.
  • 60 The minde which is coue­tous of money knoweth
    • Neither howe to abstaine from that which is forbidden.
    • Nor how to reioice in that which is graun­ted.
    • Neither howe to frame it selfe vnto good­nes.
  • 61 Cicero saith, that he is wont to be called a thriftie fellow.
    • Which neither, for feare doeth forsake his fortresse, which is the part of a coward.
    • Neither for couetousnesse doeth not restore that which was closely committed vnto him, which is a point of iniustice.
    • Neither rashly hath misbehaued himselfe, which is starke foolishnes.
  • 92 You may marke thrée things in slaunderers.
    • They are vaine in hart.
    • They haue lyes in their mouth.
    • Their throtes are open sepulchers, breathing out filthy & abhominable spéeches, which seeme to infect the aire, euen like y e stench of dead bodies
  • [Page]63 Such as are hearers of slan­derers, as Philostratus witness­eth are
    • Louers of many wordes.
    • Followers of. lightnes and crudelitie.
    • Enuious hearers of iust matters.
  • 64 Trueth is likened vnto these 3. thinges.
    • The light.
    • The smell.
      • For the light is pleasāt vnto him y t hath a cleare sight, but offen­siue to one that is pore blinde.
      • The smell which is comfortable to man, will either driue away or kill a serpent.
      • Bread is sauory to a sound taste, but vnsauorie to him that hath a sore mouth.
    • The Taste.
  • 65 Hatred is like­ned vnto these 3. things.
    • Fire.
    • A Both.
      • For as the fire doth consume that substance whereby it is norished, so hatred consu­meth the hart wherein it hath bin nusled.
      • As the Moth doeth gnaw y • garment wher­of it is bred, so hatred gnaweth the harte wherein it is conceiued.
      • As a bée pricking another doth lose his sting and can neither make hony, nor liue but a small time after, so the hart pricking ano­ther with the sting of hatred doth lose ma­ny swéete vertues and killeth it selfe.
    • A Bee.
  • 66 Thrée things to be learned of thē that applie themselues to any Arte.
    • Let him be apt to learne, neither let him perswade himselfe that he kno­weth all things after a litle instruc­tion.
    • Let hym be ready to beléeue, though he vnderstand not al things, because as Aristotle saith: the learner must beleeue.
    • Let him be obedient & not contemne good admonitions, nor condemne wholsome counsels.
  • 67 Thrée thinges beeing in one man, make him very learned.
    • Arte maketh him certaine.
    • Ʋse maketh him ready.
    • Imitation, maketh him expert.
  • [Page]68 The drunken man commeth in cont [...]mpt by his surfe [...]ting
    • He is an abhomination before God and his angels.
    • He is scoffed and scorned of men, & thought vnsit for honest exercises.
    • He is confounded with the diuel, and led in all maner of mischiefe.
  • 69 Drunken men by too much swilling, bring 3. euils vpō them selues.
    • To stumble and tremble.
    • Madnes.
    • That a [...] length the [...] die, either blasted or striken with a planet.
  • 70 King Philip of Macedon re­ceiued 3. lucky messages at one time.
    • That he had wnone the games at Olym­pus by the running of his chariots.
    • That his Captaine Parmenio had ouer­throwne the Dardanians.
    • That his wife Olympia had borne him a sonne which was called Alexander.
  • 71 Three things to be required of a Iudge, which are necessarie to the discharging of his office.
    • Let him heare the accusation, and listen as well to the poore mans complaint, as to the rich mans request.
    • Let him sift the accusation by examining witnesses, & allowing of lawfull proofes.
    • Let him pronounce the sentence of Iustice earnestly, without respect of fauouring one, or hating the other.
  • 72 The Iudge muste haue respecte vnto three things.
    • The law.
    • The guiltie.
      • The authoritie of the law must be defended without crueltie.
      • The former life of him that is guiltie, his disposition, and his nature must be considered.
      • He must haue respect vnto y e peo­ple, least he spare them that be guiltie to the hinderance & dan­ger of the common wealth.
    • The people.
  • 73 Three thinges as Aristotle saith, make a iudge ignorant of the truth.
    • Loue.
    • Hatred.
    • Priuate gaine.
  • [Page]74 Lycurgus & almost al y e other Lawreaders of the worlde, albeit in many things they were diffe­rent, yet they had full concord & agreement in these three.
    • To honour God.
    • To owe compassion to the poore.
    • To beare a reuerence to olde men.
  • 75 All mens actions, or all the deedes of men are thréefold.
    • Some things are done to a godly & a honest ende and purpose, and these are worthye praise.
    • Some are done vpon vrgent necessitie, and these are not worthy of excuse.
    • Some are done to an euil intent, yet not of necessitie, and these deserue punishment.
  • 76 A wise man lamenteth and repēteth that he hath done these 3. things.
    • Gone by sea, when he might haue gone by land.
    • That he hath reuealed his secrets.
    • That he hath let one day passe without do­ing some vertuous thing.
  • 77 Marcus Sergi­us had the vse of 3. hands.
    • A right hand.
      • When he lost his right hand he receiued 23. woundes.
    • A left hand.
      • He fought in 4. sundrie battels with his left hand.
    • An iron hand in stead of his right hand.
      • He fought with his iron hande at the siege of Cremona and tooke 12. places in Gaule
  • 78 Three great benefites we re­ceiue when we eate cheries.
    • They clense our stomacke.
    • The meate of them br [...]eth good bloud.
    • The kernels of them are good against the disease of the stone.
  • 79 The gentle minde is of thrée sortes.
    • Milde to suffer.
    • Readie.
    • Willing to helpe.
  • 80 We must put 3. thinges out of our mindes.
    • Cares.
    • Feare.
    • The desire of other mens welth.
  • [Page]81 Golde as Basilius saith, is
    • The snare of soules.
    • The hooke of death.
    • The baite of sinne.
  • 82 The craftines of the Eagle is knowen by three things.
    • She layeth stones in the nest which haue the vertue to driue away serpents.
    • She teacheth her yong ones to flie.
    • She buildeth her nest in a safe place.
  • 83 Thrée excellent things in the flying of the Eagle.
    • She flyeth very swift.
    • She fl [...]eth far higher then any other bird.
    • She is neuer wearie of flying.
  • 84 Three things shew y t there is great clemencie in Lions.
    • They wil not hurt them that lie groueling
    • They will exercise their crueltye sooner a­gainst men, then women.
    • They will not hurt children vnlesse it bee when they be almost famished for hun­ger.
  • 85 There bee 3. things in y t night which cause vs to sle [...]pe.
    • The darkenesse.
    • The colde.
      • For men desirous to sleepe, doe seeke the darkest places.
      • For both in winter men sleepe more soundly, & such as are colde of com­plexion, will sleepe longer then o­thers which are h [...]te.
      • For according to Philosophie, moiste vapours arising from the stomacke, and ascending to the braine, doe pro­uoke sleepe.
    • The moisture.
  • 86 There be 3. things very commendable in the Dolphin.
    • The loue it bea­reth vnto man.
    • The protection of her yong ones.
      • Arion was saued in the sea by a Dol­phin.
      • If it chaunce any of her yong ones to be taken by Fishermen, they will not forsake them, but follow them so extremely, that they will suffer themselues rather to be taken, then forsake them.
      • For Plime reporteth, that she is the swiftest of all fishes.
    • Her swiftnes.
  • [Page]87 We must seek to get money for [...] causes.
    • For necessarie expences.
    • To keepe eredit.
    • To preuent grinous mishaps.
  • 88 Thrée famous ciuill warres among the Romans.
    • Betweene Sylla and Maurius.
    • Betweene Cesar and Pompey.
    • Beteene Antonius & Augustus Octauus.
  • 89 Thrée thinges necessarie for the increase of corne.
    • Good séede.
    • Good ground.
    • Gods blessing.
  • 90 Three monstrous thinges which be in many men.
    • An enuious harte.
    • A couetous minde.
    • A proude looke.
  • 91 Thrée thinges very necessary in warr to obtaine victorie.
    • To deliberate & consult wisely of al th [...]ngs.
    • To keepe close that counsell which is con­cluded on, least by treason it be reuealed to the enemies.
    • To knowe assuredly by espials the conditiō and state of the aduersaries.
  • 92 Charles the 5. said, that there is thrée things whic h maintaine warre.
    • Ʋictuals.
    • Money.
    • Souldiours.
  • 92 Thrée things nedeful for thē that wil ouercome cruel enemis with a smale armie.
    • Munition.
    • Money.
    • Counsaile.
  • 94 He that will place his battell must fores [...]e three thinges.
    • The sunne.
    • The dust.
      • The sunne before the face taketh away the sight.
      • The dust fillteh the eies and hurteth them.
      • The winde in fight helpeth the weapons.
    • The wind.
  • 95 Three things which deserue the praise of goodnesse.
    • To ouercome crueltie with gentelnesse.
    • To moue them to be bet [...]er affected that doe vs iniurie.
    • To suffer patiē [...]ly what [...]euer is d [...]e vn­to vs.
  • [Page]96 We may read in the chroni­cles of Flaunders, that king Ed­ward of Englande warring a­gainst Philip Valesius King of Frāce, by his letters offred him 3. conditions. To fight either
    • Person to person.
    • A hundred against an hundred.
      • King Philippe made answere, y t he woulde none of his offers, neither would yéeld to any thing which he, demaunded.
    • Armie against ar­mie,
  • 97 Tamburlanes of a shepheard being made king of Persia, when he wēt to lay siege to any town, he would 3 sundry dayes pitche 3. tents of sundry colours, signi­fying 3 things.
    • The 1. day a white tent.
      • The white signified, that he woulde not hurt any that would yeeld vnto him.
    • The second day a red tent.
      • The redde signified, that hee would put euery one to the sword.
    • The 3 day a blacke and smo­kie tent.
      • The blacke and smokie tent signified, that whatsoeuer remained, shoulde smell of fire and smoke.
  • 98 That a man may sinne the lesse, let him take heede of three thinges.
    • Euill occasions.
    • Euill customes.
    • Euill conuersations.
  • 99 Three sortes of men which care not greatly for meat.
    • Couetous men.
    • Such as be sorowfull in hart.
    • They that loue solitarines.
  • 100 We must not be curious, nor carefull in three things.
    • Of good rule and order in another mans house.
    • Of the diuine gouernment of the almighty
    • In the counsels of noble men.

THE SECOND HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Philosophie.

  • 1 Three thinges disclose mens impatience, and make thē mur­mure.
    • TO serue without recompence.
    • To aske and be denyed.
    • To giue and haue no thankes.
  • 2 Thrée things which euery mā is loth to indure.
    • Pouertie in olde age.
    • Infamie after honour.
    • Banishment from his naturall countrie.
  • 3 A man is most gréeued for 3. things.
    • To see the death of his children.
    • To heare the losse of his goods.
    • To see the prosperitie of his enimies.
  • 4 Three things vndoe a man.
    • To defer and prolong his busines.
    • To meddle with other mens matters.
    • To reiect the good counsell of his frends.
  • 5 Three enimies to good coun­sell.
    • Hast.
    • Anger.
    • Couetousnes.
  • 6 Three thinges make a man willing to serue.
    • Gaine.
    • Loue.
    • To see his seruice acceptable.
  • 7 Chilo the Graecian beeing as­ked what was hard, answered.
    • To keepe close secret counsell,
    • To keepe a man from idlenes.
    • To suffer wrong.
  • 8 Hee that yeeldeth himselfe to the world, ought to dispose hym­selfe to 3. things which hee can­not au [...]ide.
    • To pouertie, for [...]ee shall neuer attaine to the riches that he desireth.
    • To suffer iniurie paine and trouble.
    • To busines, without e [...]dition,
  • [Page]9 Thrée sorts of men ought not to bee made pertakers of secrete counsell.
    • The man that wil be often angrie for smal occasions.
    • The drunkard that in his fit will report al he knoweth.
    • He that is in subiection to a woman.
  • 10 Pythagoras béeing demanded of king Le­ontius, what differen [...]e there was betweene Philosophers and o­ther men, answered, Mans life seemeth to be like a congregation assembled to se a game to which mē resort for sundrie purposes.
    • Some by theyre ownactiuity to winne the wor­ship of y • game.
    • Some for Lucar sake to buy or sell some what.
    • Other some min­ding neyther to gain not to pro­fite, come onely to beholde & see what is done.
      • In like maner men whiche are come vn­to this lyfe as out of an other life [...] nature, oc­cupye them selues w t di­ligēce either
        • To get praise.
        • Profite.
        • Or regarding neither applie their myndes to searche and knowe the na­ture of things, of which sorte are Philosophers, that is­to say, Louers of wisedome.
  • 11 Glory is fought for, 3. maner of waies.
    • Either by doeing some valiant acte which may be eternized in the register of fame.
    • Or by writing somewhat which the poste­ritie may read and maruell at.
    • Or erecting som famous building for a mo­nument.
  • 12 Three sorts of men whose maners are worthy to be repre­hended.
    • They which neither inuite their neighbors to banquets, nor being inuited themselues will come vnto them.
    • They which inuite others, and bestow bā ­quets on them, but they themselues des­pise other mens good cheare.
    • They which being inuited will come vnto banquets, but will inuite no man to any banquet of their cost.
  • [Page]13 Three things necessarie to y e maintenance of our bodies.
    • Sufficient meat to appease the rage of hun­ger.
    • Clothing to couer the bodie, and expel cold.
    • Sléepe which doth refresh y e wearied lim [...] with labour.
  • 14 The body co [...]eteth 3. things
    • Good cheare.
    • Sléepe.
    • Mery talke.
  • 15 Thrée sortes of men haue sū ­drie sortes of maners in giuing and taking counsell.
    • One sort of men, which sée what is to bee done and doe it, and these bee the beste sort.
    • Another sort are those, which though they see not into the matter, yet they obey thē which haue more knowledge then them▪ ­selues and these also are good.
    • The third sort (which are altogether ether vnprofitable & abhominable) are of those men which are neither gouerned by their owne wisedome, nor will bee ruled by the wisedo me of other men.
  • 16 Three thinges which for the vncertaintie of that which may ensue, a man cannot safely giue counsell to enterprise them.
    • To take a wife.
    • To trauell by sea.
    • To follow warfare.
  • 17 Three things to be noted in giuing counsell.
    • To giue counsell to a foole, it is charitie.
    • To giue counsell to a wise man, is a signe of vaineglorie.
    • To giue counsell in a froward time, is a token of wisedome.
  • 18 For 3. causes as Auicene saith, our dinners ought to be greater thē our sup­pers.
    • Because in the day time our natural heate is helped by the heate of the sunne to concoct our meate.
    • They which exercise themselues had néed of meat, that they may be able to labor. But in y e day time men ex­ercise thēselues, therfore they had néed of more meat.
    • With exercise our nourishmēt is easily digested. Ther­fore in the day time we néed more meat thē at night
  • [Page]19 Thrée reasons which Galen & Hipocrates alleadge to prooue that it is necessarie for the helth of our bodies to eate more meat at supper then at dinner.
    • Because the time is longer betwéene sup­per and dinner, then betwéene dinner and supper, wherein seing we maye concoct [...] more meat, we may also eate more meat at supper.
    • Because fleepe following after supper, doth helpe concoct ion. Hipocrates 1 Aphoris, 15.
    • Rest & quietnes helpeth concoction, and di­gestion, whereas litle mouing or exercise is very hurtfull after meate.
  • 20 In histories we can reade of 3. cities onely which were besie­ged three yares continually to­ther.
    • The first Bizantium, in the time of Seuerus the Emperour.
    • The second Bethoron, in the time of Adri­an the Emperour.
    • The third Sama [...]ia.
  • 21 Three sortes of men whiche should not bee hindered in their purposes.
    • He which will lawfully marry a wife.
    • He which will helpe the néedie.
    • He which from a wicked life is purposed to returne to vertue.
  • 22 Thrée things are required as necessarye for a manne and his wife.
    • Loue in the hart.
    • Concord outwardly, in dwelling together peaceably.
    • Both an outward and inwarde agréement to do goodworks.
  • 23 Dayly exercises of reasoning and disputing, are profitable for 3. things.
    • They sharpen the wit wonderfully.
    • They do consume & strenthen our iudge­ment concerning profitable and necessa­ry things.
    • They bréede quicknes in resoluing doubts and intricate questions.
  • 24 There is a continuall desire of riches in men, as saith Demo­critus.
    • He that hath nothing, is trobled with a de­sire to get wealth.
    • He that hath enough, is molested w t cares, in kéeping that he hath.
    • He that hath lost all he had, is vexed with sorow for his mishap.
  • [Page]25 Three sortes of men gather riches couetously for 3 causes.
    • He that is giuen to pleasure, loueth riches that by the help of them he may continue in his voluptious vaine.
    • He that is ambitious and desirous of vain glorie, desireth treasurre, that by the ayde thereof he may be aduanced & accounted honorable.
    • A man fearing future pouertie, scrapeth vp wealth by hooke or croake, h [...]rdeth it, and keeketh it, doubting hunger, age. diseases, banishment, &c. and reposing more trust and confidence therein. then in God.
  • 26 Three thinges which seeme to make a man happie.
    • Sufficiencie
    • Tranquilitie
      • Wanting nothing.
      • Grieuing for nothing.
      • Fearing nothing.
    • Securitie.
  • 27 Three thinges proper vnto beautie.
    • It is fraile, and fadeth in short time.
    • Many wicked vices of the minde, are coue­red with the vale of beautie.
    • It hath brought commoditie to fewe, but many vnto destruction.
  • 28 Our auncestours feigned a triple fortune, or 3. fortunes.
    • One blind.
      • She was called blind, because she bestowed benefits vpon euill & vnthankful persons.
    • An other mad and furious.
      • Mad, because she easily snai­cheth & taketh awaye that which she hath giuen.
    • The third deafe.
      • Deafe, because shee will not heare y e cōplaints of y e poore.
  • 29 Ignorance is of three sorts.
    • Some is good when wee are ignorant of euill.
    • Some is euill when wee are ignorant of good.
    • Some is indifferent which is neither good nor euill.
  • 30 We are ignorant of many things which we might know, and that for 3 causes.
    • Either for carelesnes of the knoweledge of them.
    • Or for sloth to learne them.
      • This kind of ignorāce hath no excuse.
    • Or for shamefastnes to enquire after thē.
  • [Page]31 Ignorance also is of 3. sortes after another manner.
    • On is affected, which will not knowe that which it knoweth.
    • Another grosse, which for slouth and negli­gence, will not learne and search foorth.
    • The third inuincible, which remaineth af­ter all diligence.
  • 32 Three thinges which are a ioy to beholders.
    • To sée agréement amongest brethren.
    • Looue amongest neighbours.
    • A man and his wife kéeping faith and loy­altie together.
  • 33 Beautie hath prerogatiue a­boue deformitie, three maner of waies.
    • Beautie setteth forth honestie, as saith Pa­catus, for vertue in a comely bodye is al­wayes more acceptable.
    • We more willingly talk with those which are faire, then those which are foule, as Aristotle witnesseth.
    • Beautie is of more force to commende a­ny body, then any letter of commendati­on.
  • 34 Three thinges make men breake their couenants.
    • Ʋngodly desire of gaine.
    • Heady anger.
    • Lust which sets mens hartson fire.
  • 35 Three euils for the moste parte accompany beautie.
    • Faire people are disdainfull, and pride fol­loweth beautie, and beautie how litle soe­uer it is, proude it is.
    • There is great strife betwixt beautie & cha­stitie. And that which pleaseth manye is kept with great danger.
    • It is an oc casion of sinne, or a stirrer vp of foolish looue: for lightnesse hath alwayes beene a suter to the fairest.
  • 36 Three excellent gouernors.
    • God gouerneth the worlde.
    • The minde gouerneth the soule.
    • Wisedome doeth rule and gouerne the feli­cetie of this life.
  • [Page]37 Lampedo is iudged happie for euer (as Plinie writeth) for 3 causes, for that she was
    • A kinges daughter.
    • A kings wife.
    • A kings mother.
  • 38 Al moral Philoso­phie is deuided into 3. parts.
    • Ethicall.
    • Oeconomi­call.
      • Which pertaineth to the gouerne­ment of a mans owne selfe.
      • Which belongeth to y e gouernment of a mans house.
      • Which concerneth the gouernment of the common wealth.
    • Politicall.
  • 39 Thrée thinges which whette the eie sight.
    • To viewe fountaines of water.
    • To Looke vpon gréen thinges.
    • To behold a mans selfe in a looking glasse.
  • 40 Three commodities of let­ting bloud.
    • It cheareth the hartes of such as are sad
    • It appeaseth such as are angrie.
    • It keepeth louers from running mad.
  • 41 Three sortes of people will tell trueth alwayes for the most part.
    • Children.
    • Fooles.
    • Carelesse men.
  • 42 Three chiefe parts in a man.
    • The braine.
    • The hart.
      • Yeeldeth sence.
      • Life.
      • Nourishment.
    • The liuer.
  • 43 Thrée things which can sel­dome or neuer be cured.
    • Frensie.
    • Heresie.
    • Ielousie.
  • 44 Thrée thinges necessary to obtain and maintaine by autho­ritie.
    • Wonderfull wisdome.
    • Happie and prosperous successe in the busi­nesse of our vocation.
    • The good opinion and inclination of the peoples mindes towards vs.
  • 45 Craftie and boulde counsels haue thrée thinges pioper vnto them.
    • At the first, in shew they doe delight.
    • Afterwarde, being in execution, they ap­péere hard to be compassed.
    • Lastly, in euent they are found to be woful and lamentable.
  • [Page]46 We may fortell of y • change of weather 3 maner of wayes by the moone.
    • The moone appearing pale, it betokeneth we shall haue raine.
    • The Mone appearing red, foresheweth we shall haue windes.
    • The moon e appearing white, presageth we shall haue faire weather.
  • 47 Three thinges which are as necessary as as any phisike.
    • A ioyfull heart.
    • Quiet rest.
    • A moderate diet,
  • 48 Three thinges necessary to be knowne in drinking.
    • To drinke but litle and often at dinner.
    • Not to drinke b [...]twene meales.
    • To drinke at the beginning of supper but not after.
  • 49 Three things ouercome pa­tience.
    • Griefe conquereth y • strōgest hearts Tibul
    • Ʋnskilfulnesse then which as Seneca affir­meth nothing is more vnpatient disdai­ning to heare any reason.
    • Feare, lest y • sufferance of on iniurie should prouoke men to offer vs another iniurie▪
  • 50 Thrée necessary offices for a good wife to execute whē her husband is sicke.
    • Of a Cooke.
    • Of a Phisition.
      • Imitating y • example of Saratomacha the wife of K. Deiotarus.
    • Of a Chirurgian
  • 51 Thrée causes why a man may weepe for the death of his friend.
    • In as much as we re [...]oyce in his life, it is necessary we should weepe at his death.
    • Since two heartes vnited in one honest af­fection haue but one being and place of re­sidence, it is good reason that we bewaile the death of our chosen friend, euen with the same nature and compassion that we would do our owne.
    • Least we be euill spoken of Eccl. 38 vers. 17.
  • 52 The glory of a man exalted vnto honor, engendreth 3. thing [...].
    • Strife anong great men.
    • Suspition among his equals.
    • Enuy among the meaner sort.
  • [Page]53 Three things abate pride.
    • Sicknes.
    • Pouertie,
    • Imprisonment and bondage.
  • 54 Marcus Aurelius the Empe­rour was forewarned of great & grieuous punishments whiche should fall vpon the citie & citi­zens of Rome, by 3. strange mi­racles which happened in y • time of his Empire.
    • As he was in the temple of the virgins ve­stals, sodainely there entred in two hogs, and ran about his féete, & there fell downe dead.
    • Another day as he came from his high Ca­pitoll to haue gone out at the gate Sala­rie, hee sawe two kites ioyning together with their talents, and so fell down dead in his presence.
    • Within a short season after, as he came frō hunting a wilde beast, while hee was gi­ning two greyhounds which hee loued well water to drinke, sodainely they fell downe dead at his féete also.
  • 55 Three things do hasten our death.
    • Sorow.
    • Solitarines.
    • Desperation.
  • 56 One demaunded of Diogines what were best for a man doe, to be in fauor of the gods, & beloo­ued of the people. He answered.
    • Reuerence and honour much the gods.
    • Bring vp his children in due correction.
    • And be thankefull to his benefactors.
  • 57 Three mothers bring foorth thre euill daughters.
    • Truth the mother, hatred the daughter.
    • Riches the mother, [...]nuy the daughter.
    • Familiarity the mother, contempt y e daughter.
  • 58 A noble mā being desirous to knowe of K. Alexāder for what cause he would be go­uernour of the whole world. He made him this answer. All wars are raised for one of these 3. causes, either.
    • To haue many gods.
    • Many lawes.
      • Therfore would I be conqueror of y e world, that I might com­mand through out the world.
        • That they ho­nor but one God.
        • Obserue but one law.
        • Serue but one king.
    • Or many kings
  • [Page]59 Thrée tokens to know a wise man by.
    • To endure.
    • Not to exalte himselfe being praised.
    • If he know when to speake, and when to be silent.
  • 60 Thrée principal plagues that Princes should take heede on.
    • To call their owne follies and rashnesse Prudence.
    • Their crueltie, iustice.
    • To fatten themselues with the misery and calamitie of the poore.
  • 61 Thrée things which soone de­ceaue a man.
    • Faire speech.
    • Great giftes.
    • Little knowledge.
  • 62 Thrée sortes of men which are worthy to be accounted good
    • Common peacemakers.
    • They that can forget iniuries doone vnto them.
    • They that will not forget to requite good turnes.
  • 63 The Romans had a law na­med Falcidia, which was enacted for the reforming of disobedient childrens maners, containing 3. things.
    • For the first offence hee was pardoned, if there were any hope of amendment.
    • For the second he was punished.
    • For the third he was punished.
  • 64 Three sortes of men easilye get friends.
    • Pitifull men.
    • Curteous men.
    • Liberall rich men.
  • 65 No man should thinke him­selfe worthy the honor of three.
    • Of a prince.
    • Of a priest.
    • Of a Iudge.
  • 66 Men may lawfully fight in defence of three thinges.
    • The Law.
    • The prince.
    • The countrie.
  • [Page]67 Three things do allure vs to epicurisme.
    • The diuell which promiseth pleasures, and the goods of this world to them y • wor­ship him.
    • Our own flesh and frailtie, which prefer­reth swéete and pleasant things aboue al goodnes.
    • Greedie gutlings, which by their example entice the ignarant vnto the like beastli­nes.
  • 68 Patience ouercommeth any aduerse calamitie, 3. manner of waies.
    • Not by striuing, but by suffering.
    • Not by murmuring, but giuing thanks.
    • Not by wéeping, but by hoping.
  • 69 Pride being in a mā, causeth him to be lesse estéemed, though he haue these 3 things.
    • The fauour of men.
    • Wisedome.
    • Beaetie.
  • 70 We cannot yéelde worthie thankes vnto thrée, as Aristotle affirmeth.
    • The gods.
    • Our parents,
    • Our maisters.
  • 71 Ambitious mē are not with [...] these three vices
    • They are very desirous of vaineglorie
    • They are very wittie in cauilling at other mens wordes, and reprouing their déeds that thereby themselues may winne the peoples hartes.
    • When they are become famous in the mouthes of the common people, [...]though through the labor of others, yet they are so stout and high minded, that they dare enterprise any thing.
  • 72 Three thinges are daunge­rous for young men.
    • Solitarines.
    • Common company.
      • Because whē a mā is solitary, the diuel is most readie to tempt him.
      • Because of euill talke which corrupteth good maners.
      • Because it is y e in­uēter of naughtines
    • Idlenes.
  • [Page]73 Humilitie is y e key of know­ledge, whereof though there are many precepts, yet these 3. chief­ly to be obserued.
    • To contemne or despise no kind of learning or knowledge.
    • Not to be ashamed to learne.
    • Hauing obtained knowledge not to extoll himselfe aboue any man.
  • 74 For 3. causes men cry with a loud voice.
    • When he is far off vnto whō they woulde speake.
    • When they talke with one that is deafe.
    • When they are incensed with anger.
  • 75 Iulius Caesar vsed to carie 3. things with him while he folo­wed the wars.
    • His penne to write the whole course of the Romans successe in their wars.
    • His bookes, to find himselfe occupied.
    • His lance, to helpe to repulse his enimies.
  • 76 The Bishop of Sarisbury did affirme that there is 3. waies to conclude peace betwéene the pa­pists and protestants.
    • That the protestants should yéeld vnto the papists, which they will neuer do, beinge gouerned by the word of God.
    • That the papists shoulde yeelde vnto the Protestants, which they will neuer doe, while might and multitude might pre­uaile.
    • Wherefore it remaineth, that the stronger in fight, do vtterly ouerthrow and discō ­fit the weaker
  • 77 Three euill qualities of euil customes.
    • They take away from a man the sense and feeling of his sinnes.
    • They make men euerie day worse & worse
    • They neuer forsake a sinner before his death.
  • 78 Pomponius affirmeth, that there are 3. sorts of bodies.
    • One which hath but one shape. As a man: wood, a stone.
    • Another which consisteth of many bodies, agreeing or hanging together as a ship, a house.
    • The third which is comprised of many and sundry (as suppose of many bodies cōpre­hended vnder one name:) as the people, a congregation, an armie, a legion.
  • [Page]79 Thrée things though they be very good, yet they please not e­uery bodie.
    • Raine, though it will do very much good to to the earth towards increase.
    • Ʋpright iudgement.
    • The labours of learned men.
  • 80 Gluttonie doth harme vnto men thrée maner of waies.
    • It maketh the bodie deformed & mishapen.
    • It bréedes infirmities, and sometimes brin­geth death.
    • It causeth them to be insatiable like raue­nous brute beasts.
  • 81 Appius Claudius did assay 3. maner of waies to bereaue Vir­ginia of her virginitie.
    • By prayer and request.
    • By great giftes.
    • By threatnings.
  • 82 Augustine reporteth y t there are three kind of errors.
    • The firste kinde, when that which is false is thought to bee true according to his meaning that is the authour of it. As if a man should thinke that Idoles are true gods, because they are called gods in the scripture.
    • Whē that which is false is taken for truth as if by reading Lucretius bookes, thou shouldest thinke the soule to consist of motes of the sunne, which he both wrote­and thought, and yet it is an error.
    • Whē something of another mans writing is beléeued to be true, which the Author neither thought nor meant, as if a man should think the Epicure to account vertue to be the chiefe felicitie, because hee praiseth continencie.
  • 83 Three vertues most commē ­dable in a woman.
    • Sobrietie.
    • Silence.
    • Chastitie.
  • 84 We salute 3. sortes of peo­ple when we meete them.
    • Our betters.
      • Of necessitie.
    • Our equals.
      • Of our own will.
    • Our inferiours▪
      • Of méere vertue.
  • [Page]85 Thrée renoumed kings haue 3. sundry titles.
    • The king of England is intituled defender of the church.
    • The king of Fraunce is called y • most chri­stian king.
    • The king of Spaine is termed the moste catholike king.
  • 86 They which sigh much are troubled with one of these three passions,
    • Sorrow.
    • Loue.
    • Anger.
  • 87 These three vi [...]es keepe to­gether for company.
    • Gluttonie.
    • Drunkennes.
    • Lecherie.
  • 88 Three kinde of people are ie­lous.
    • Such as be of euil condition themselues, for they muse as they vse.
    • Such as haue faire wiues, and great resort of men vnto their houses.
    • Olde men that marrie young girles.
  • 89 There are 3. pointes of wise­dome.
    • To beleue little.
    • To keepe that which thou hast.
    • To take no thought for that is lost.
  • 90 There are three properties of the enuious man.
    • To leuell at high markes, and to enuie his superiors.
    • To be blear eied & not to enuy those which are farre off, or the dead.
    • To be his owne destruction, and his owne executioner.
  • 91 Thrée things which are o­uercome one of another.
    • Death ouercomes man.
    • Fame florisheth after death.
    • Time triumpheth ouer fame
  • 92 Death hath three Sum­ners.
    • Sickenesse.
    • Aduersitie.
      • Sheweth the weaknes of y e bodie.
      • The instabilitie of fortune.
      • Which euer hath one foote to step into the graue.
    • Age.
  • [Page]93 Labour is good for 3 thinges.
    • It occupieth the minde, & driueth away fantasies.
    • It helpeth the body in concoction and dige­s [...]ion.
    • It increaseth thy substance, and augmēteth thy store.
  • 94 There are thrée intollerable plagues.
    • Warre bringeth famine and dearth of all things.
    • Famin, bréedeth pestilence and diseases.
    • Pestilence, bringeth death and desolation in countries.
  • 95 All the lawes of this worlde are reduced, and haue their originall from one of these thrée.
    • The lawe of nature.
    • Ancient custome.
    • The or dinances of men.
  • 96 Mans nature is desirous of 3. things especially
    • Of newes, because olde things are stale and lothsome.
    • Of libertie, because we desire to goe abroad and hate seruitude.
    • Of dignitie because we desire to triumph ouer our enemies by superioritie.
  • 97 As there are 3. kinds of stars so there are 3 sorts of freinds.
    • One sorte which appeare vnto the behol­ders like starres, yet are none: (and these procéede of an exhalation beeing set on fire:) so some waiting vpon our prospe­rous fortune, séeme to be our friendes, & yet are not.
    • An other sorte are wandering Starres, which also haue their owne proper moti­on: so some are friendes which by per­uerse wil are chaunged, and become our enemies, yet he was neuer true friende which did once desist frō being friendly. Salust.
    • The third sort are Starres indeede, & fixed Sarres: so there are some constant and vnfeined.
  • [Page] [Page] 98 A mans anger or hatred is to be auoided 3. maner of waies.
    • Either to be asswaged and mitigated by words.
    • Or suffred with silent patience.
    • Or eschewed by absence.
  • 99 Caesar being in the warres of Persia, wrote a letter vnto the Senate of Rome, touching his happy successe, which letter was contained in 3. words.
    • Veni.
      • I came.
    • Vidi.
      • I sawe.
    • Vici.
      • I ouercame.
  • 100 Breuitie bringeth 3. com­modities.
    • It winneth.
    • It obteineth fauour.
    • It getteth profite.

THE FIRST HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Poetrie

  • 1 It is gaine and pleasure for 3. sortes of men to lie.
    • POets.
    • Painters.
    • Astronomers.
  • 2 Thrée things necessarie in a flatterer.
    • An impudent face.
    • A stedfast coulor.
    • A changing voice.
  • 3 Three things which our auu­cestors haue abhorred.
    • Meate twise sodden.
    • A reconciled friend.
    • A woman with a beard.
  • 4 Three things which will not be hidden.
    • Straw in thy shooes.
    • A spindle in a sacke.
    • A whore in a chamber.
  • 5 Three sortes of men we must take hede of.
    • A ruddie Etalian.
    • A white French man.
    • A blacke Almaine.
  • 6 Three kindes of people which should not be beléeued.
    • A woman when she weepes.
    • A merchant when he sweares.
    • A drunken clowne when he prayeth.
  • 7 Thrée signes of great pouertie in a man.
    • A naile in the pocket,
    • Water in a bottle.
    • A straw hat in winter.
  • 8 Three creatures do no good in 3. places.
    • Knaues in a counsell chamber.
    • Swine in a bath.
    • Dogs in a church.
  • 9 The world consisteth in these 3. things and in nothing els.
    • Proude miserie.
    • Glorious vanitie.
    • Sweete bitternes.
  • [Page]10 Thrée horrible thinges are reported of the worlde.
    • That is the region of death.
    • The shop of the diuel.
    • The prison of men.
  • 11 Three sortes of be­nefites perish.
    • Such as are bestowed vpon olde men.
    • Such as are giuen to children.
      • They die before they haue time to quite them.
      • They forget thē before thei be able to requite them.
      • Dogs wil as soone bark at him y • giueth thē meate as at straungers.
    • Such as are cast away vpon other mennes dogs.
  • 12 Thrée things which if a man put trust in them, will deceiue him.
    • Old wiues tales.
    • Charmes.
    • Dreames.
  • 13 Thrée sorts of things where­of there is plentie, yet in manye mens iudgement there ought to be scarfitie.
    • Errors.
    • Euil words.
    • Beggers wiues.
  • 14 Thrée most filthie places.
    • The courte wherein a tyrant raigneth.
    • An Inne, the host whereof is a théefe.
    • A house wherein the wife and daughters are wantons, the goodmā knowing ther­of, and holding his peace.
  • 15 Three things vsed by monks which prouoke other menne to laugh at their follies.
    • They are shauē and nocht on the head like fooles.
    • By their apparell and going barefote, they s [...]eme to be beggers.
    • They weare ropes about their middles like theeues.
  • 16 A certain monke being very deuout, was accused of incon­tinency & breaking his vowe, he answered very demurely, that he had vowed 3. things: pouertie, o­bedience, and chastitie, & yet not at all times, and in a [...]l places.
    • Pouertie, being in a bath naked, and with­out his purse.
    • Obedience, in the fields when he was alone & without the companie of his betters.
    • Chastitie, when he was celebrating masse on the aulter, not in his chamber. This deuout monke hath many companions like himselfe.
  • [Page]17 trust not thrée things.
    • Dogs teeth.
    • Horses Féete.
    • Womens protestations.
  • 18 Antisthenes saide that three things were absurd.
    • To purge wheat from cockle.
    • To rid vnprofitable souldiers out of the ar­mie.
    • Not to expulse the enutous out of the com­mon wealth.
  • 19 Bonifacius maintained his Popedome after the maner of 3. beastes.
    • Entring like a foxe.
    • Raigning like a lion.
    • Dying like a dog.
  • 20 Thrée things are very bitter.
    • Gall.
    • Griefe.
    • Death.
  • 21 Thrée sortes of men which may lie by authoritie, without reprehension.
    • Ole men, seeing no yong man can tell whe­ther it be true or no which they speake.
    • Farre trauellers, because rather then we will aduenture the like daungers whiche they haue passed, we beleeue that which they report.
    • Noble men, because none dare be so bold to controle them, speake they the trueth or not.
  • 22 Three things which women can doe all at once.
    • Spinne.
    • Wéepe.
    • Prattle.
  • 23 There is scarcitie of 3. sortes of men in our age.
    • Of preists, for if there were not, one should not néede to haue 3. or 4 benefices.
    • Of noble men, because citizens do aspire to honour, and buy nobilitie.
    • Of Iewes, because christians make an oc­cupation of vserie.
  • [Page]24 We can not knowe the au­thours of thrée mischeifes which happen oftentimes.
    • He that is drunke can not iustly say, This cuppe of wine or that made me drunke.
    • He that walketh among thornes, & is hurt, cannot declare which thorne pricked him.
    • A common whore being with childe, know­eth not who is the father of her infant
  • 25 Thrée sortes of men are ve­ry slouthfull.
    • They that sit long at dinner.
    • They that lie long in bed when they shold rise to their labor.
    • They that come to the Churche at the end of seruice.
  • 26 George duke of Saxonie, did once boast that he had at Lipsia 3. monastries, wherein were such Friers as were wondred at of all the worlde.
    • The first, barefooted Friers, which neuer handled money, and yet did builde sumtu­ous houses.
    • The second, of the order of S Paule, which had great store of corne, and solde great store, and yet had no fieldes.
    • The third, of the order of S, Thomas, who were without wiues, and yet had many children of their owne.
  • 27 Thrée thinges confounde a whole multitude.
    • The lawiers booke.
    • She Phisitians receiept,
    • The zeale of ministers.
  • 28 When an euill man dieth, there is great strife.
    • The deuell will haue his soule.
    • His friendes the treasure.
    • The wormes his flesh.
  • 29 Thrée thinges which seldom can be séene.
    • A broker which neuer made lie.
    • A Collier which neuer was black.
    • Two hilles neere without a valley.
  • 30 A croked old man seeketh by 3. things to increase his strēgh.
    • By taking his ease in a warme and softe bedde.
    • By drinking good wine and béere.
    • By sitting neere the fire, where he may ea [...] a whote pie, rosted apples, and peares, [...] such like,
  • [Page]31 Thrée things seldom brought to passe. That is
    • An errant knaue should proue a good hous­holder.
    • A shamelesse woman should become a mo­dest matrone.
    • A dog being vsed to eate durtie puddinges should afterward leaue and loath them.
  • 32 Three thinges whereof wee may hope for no goodnes.
    • Of a tamed wolfe.
    • Of a Iewe baptized.
    • Of a theefe saued from the gallowes.
  • 33. Thrée things are vncertaine and vnconstant.
    • The fauour of princes.
    • The loue of women.
    • The shining of the sunne in Aprill.
  • 34 Thrée thinges which are a disgrace to a riche man, yet no discredit to a poore man.
    • To weare a coate of course cloth.
    • To haue little money in his purse.
    • To haue feathers sticking in his beard.
  • 35 Thrée thinges be not silent where they be.
    • Money in the purse.
    • Wantonnesse in hart.
    • Griefe in sicknesse.
  • 36 Thrée sortes of men easilye become poore.
    • Those which consume their wealth in ban­que [...]ing and excesse.
    • Those which are slothful and idle, not ca­ring which ende goe forwarde.
    • Those which are contentious, and by stri­uing in lawe, enrich the Lawier, and vn­doe them selues.
  • 37 Thre things are intollera­ble.
    • A Gentleman fallen into pouertie.
    • A rich rusticall clowne.
    • A woman delighting in dainties & brauerie
  • 38 Thrée kindes of people will neuer be good.
    • Yong men without feare or reuerence.
    • Maides without modestie and bashfulnes.
    • Seruants without trueth and honestie.
  • 39 Three thinges which are li­tle to be regarded.
    • Womens noddings.
    • Halting dogges.
    • Merchants othes.
  • [Page]40 Thrée thinges which euery man ought to take heede of.
    • Least he be curious when he readeth ouer other mens letters.
    • That he touch nothing in Smiths shops.
    • That he taste nothing in an Apothecaries house.
  • 41 Women haue three sorts of teares in their eies.
    • The first of Griefe.
    • The second of deceipte.
    • The third of impatience.
  • 42 Thrée sortes of men which are not contēt with things pre­sent.
    • Couetous men, which alwaies looke for more gaine.
    • Curious persōs which stil studyfor variety.
    • Adulterers which alwayes hunt after new whores.
  • 43 A dog is to be praised for 3. things.
    • For that he can cure and heale him selfe with his tongue.
    • He is a faithfull friend vnto his maister.
    • And he wil giue warning when any come neere the house.
  • 44 There are 3. vnhappy beasts according to the olde prouerb.
    • A good woman.
    • A good mule.
    • A good Goat.
  • 46 A thriftie housholder should especially take heed of 3. things.
    • Newe wine.
    • Greene wood.
    • Hote bread.
  • 47 He hath nothing, neither can looke any thing that is depriued of these thrée things.
    • Shame.
    • Trueth.
    • Honestie.
  • 48 Three thinges are gotten without money:
    • Maladie.
    • Ignorance.
    • [...]onor.
  • 49 Thrée thinges necessarie for an Inne kéeper.
    • That he be as merrie as Hector.
    • That he be as pacient as Iob.
    • That he be [...]s carefull for his guestes as Philemon.
  • [Page]50 We may read three thinges in comodies, of the craft and sub­teltie of louers.
    • That they knowe what their meaning is, that cracke their fingers, & without noise can set the print of a key in waxe.
    • That they wil come sneaking into a house & tread softely on their toes like théeues, faining themselues to haue other busines there, then in truth they haue.
    • That in the hearing of many people, they can tell a faire tale for chastitie, and dis­praise lust vtterly.
  • 51 We may perceiue 3. great imperfections of louers.
    • They are blinde, wanting iudgement, and suffering affection to lead thē in a string.
    • In a small time they loose bodie, soule, welth and all.
    • They serue filthy whores, and like oxen are constrained to draw the plough.
  • 52 Thrée peculiar crosses which do afflict louers.
    • They liue by another bodies life.
    • They speake in a straunge language.
    • They can see other mens harmes, and can not perceaue their owne.
  • 53 Three things cannot agree with other three.
    • Sleepe with desire to learne.
    • Riches, with prodigalitie.
    • Diuine religion with humaine super­stition.
  • 54 Of 3. thinges wee must be­ware.
    • Too much wine.
    • Strife.
    • The princes anger.
  • 55 Three thinges wee must es­chew and flie from.
    • Sinne.
    • A serpent.
    • An euil woman.
  • 56 Three things are not worth a fleece of wooll.
    • A Popes bull.
    • A dead mans skull.
    • An olde trull.
  • 57 Three things as wholesome as medicines for the bodie.
    • Running.
    • Walking.
    • Reading with a loude voic [...].
  • [Page]58 Beautie causeth 3. thinges.
    • Gazers.
    • Louers.
    • Theeues.
  • 59 Thrée sorts of men most me­ry, most free, most mad.
    • Priests are most merie. who at burials doe sing when other folke weepe.
    • Phisitions are most free, vnto whom it is lawfull onely to kill men, and though it be death to other men to commit murder yet it getteth them rewardes.
    • Grammarians are most mad, who hauing neither skill in prose nor verse, yet when they looke vpon other mens works, they will séeme as though they could sée verie far in a milstone.
  • 60 Three things wil not endure long.
    • Constrained loue.
    • Painting which women lay on their faces
    • Counterfect coine.
  • 61 Women are not to be belée­ued at three times.
    • When they wéepe: for they haue taught their eyes how to gush out with teares at their pleasure.
    • When they faine themselues to be sick, we we should not giue thē credit til we saw they were dead.
    • When they say that they are not hungry, if they bring not their trencher & eate, wee must either beléeue that they haue dined in the kitchin, or else haue set vp a dainty morsell for themselues.
  • 62 Three short times seeme ve­ry long to some.
    • The night seemeth long vnto him, whose best beloued hath broken promise.
    • The day séemeth long vnto them that owe a daies worke.
    • The yere semeth tedious vnto those childrē whose mother doth abridge their liberty.
  • 63 A husband is forbidden thre daies of fasting.
    • When the wife is gone to the bath.
    • When he hath wel beatē hir, & she is angry
    • When she is abroad at good chears with her gossips.
  • [Page]64 You may knowe good wine by 3. things.
    • The coulor.
    • The smell.
    • The tast.
  • 65 A maker of cleere spectacles did complain that his arte was not so gainful as it had bene be­fore times, & that for 3. causes,
    • Because olde monkes and priests could say their prayers without booke.
    • They were to daintie ware for rude fol­lowes to meddle withall.
    • Kings and Princes can sée through their fingers.
  • 66 Three diseases which can not be helped.
    • The gnawing of enuie.
    • The heate of loue.
    • The sting of the conscience.
  • 67 Thrée thinges which wee must not hope to obtaine after certaine times.
    • Beautie after the age of twentie yeares.
    • Strength after the age ot thirtie yeares.
    • Riches after the age of three score yeares.
  • 68 Thrée things make a man circumspect and carefull.
    • The loue he beareth to his wife and chil­dren.
    • Want of friendes and money.
    • The iniquitie of times.
  • 69 Princes haue prerogatiue in 3. things. aboue other men.
    • When they are drunke, their familiars say they are mery.
    • If they be blacke, they are saide to bee brown [...].
    • Whē they be fooles, they are called honest, simple and innocent.
  • 70 Crates the Theban sayeth, that there are thrée medicins for such as be in loue.
    • Hunger,
      • Hunger cureth loue, for loue quaileth when good cheare faileth.
    • Time.
      • Time will either mitigate & asswage loue, or end it,
    • A halter.
      • If these two will not cure this maladie, yet will a hal­ter helpe presently this in­firmitie.
  • [Page]71 Thrée sortes of men for the most part are great babblers.
    • Barbers.
    • Bathkée­pers.
      • The reason is, because they heare mariners, soldiers, and other extrauagant fellowes, reciting manye strange and sundrie tales, that being as it were infected with their talk, they become great bab­lers.
    • Ʋintners
  • 72 Thrée sortes of egges are ac­counted for good.
    • White.
    • Long.
      • Egges.
    • Newe.
  • 73 Three sortes of men deceiue vs in shew.
    • Such as weare long kniues, and yet be no Cookes.
    • Maides y • haue their haire hanging down, yet being no virgins.
    • Such as haue shauen crownes, and bee no priests.
  • 74 We labor in vaine with 3. sortes of men.
    • By ministring a medicine to a dead man.
    • By admonishing an olde man that is obsti­nate in his opinions.
    • In washing an Ethiopian.
  • 75 We may take example by 3. sorts of men which hazard thē ­selues in daunger, and often pe­rish.
    • The best swimmers are drowned.
    • The best climbers do fal.
    • The best fensers are wounded.
  • 76 Three sortes of people, from whom we must flie as from the diuel.
    • A wilde and vnruly monke.
    • A meale mouthed flatterer.
    • A crafty olde witch.
  • 77 Three sortes of men which will trouble themselues when they may liue without care.
    • The prince that will proclaime war when he may liue in peace.
    • He that hauing a barren wife, will increase his well gotten goods with fraud and v­surie.
    • A man of 70. yeares of age, that will leade with him a springhall of 18. yeares olde.
  • [Page]78 Thrée guests which are first at a banquet.
    • Flies.
    • Dogs.
    • Flatterers.
  • 79 We must not beleeue three things.
    • The inconstant win [...]es.
    • Our deceitfull dreames.
    • That our prosperitie will continue.
  • 80 Thrée sortes of liuing crea­tures haue very good eie sight.
    • The Eagle.
    • The spotted beast.
    • The curious person.
  • 81 Hesiodus saith, that hee had néede of three things that wil ex­pell pouertie.
    • A house.
    • A wife.
    • An Oxe to till the ground.
  • 82 Thrée thinges to be noted in a pecocke.
    • He is clothed like an Angell.
    • He walketh like a théefe.
    • He crieth like a deuill.
  • 83 All creatures do daily preach these 3. lessons vnto man.
    • Receiue a good turne.
    • Giue that vnto others which is due to thē.
    • Flie punishment.
  • 84 Thrée things to be auoided, of which we shold not hope wel.
    • An inconstant minde.
    • A rowling eie.
    • Féete readie to runne to doe mischiefe.
  • 85 Regiomontanus an excellent Astonomer, being asked on a time which were the best signes for a mā to know whē he should take his iorney, answered.
    • A good horse.
    • Money in the purse.
    • Good companions.
  • 86 Thrée proud creatures.
    • A knaue sitting in a chaire.
    • A queane riding in a charriot.
    • A ramping louse in a scabbed head.
  • 87 Thrée faults in maids which play with euill neighbours.
    • They bewray our secrets.
    • They sell vnto them the goodes they haue stolen from vs.
    • They are gadding abroad in the night.
  • [Page]88 Thrée thinges being in the house, maides wishe out of the house.
    • An angrie maistresse.
    • Smoke.
    • A broken dish.
  • 89 An asse doth 3. filthy things not without commoditie.
    • Where he doeth file, there he dongeth the ground.
    • Where he doth pisse, he watars y e ground.
    • Where he tumbleth he breaketh the clods.
  • Thrée things are sit for an asse.
    • Fodder.
    • Stripes.
    • Burdens.
  • 90 Thrée thinges are alwayes good cheape.
    • Earth.
    • Worces.
    • Lies.
  • 91 Thrée sorts of men ought to be very vigilant.
    • Pastours to their flockes.
    • Pilats to their shippes.
    • Portors to their gates.
  • 92 Whoesoeuer will retaine a Lawier, and lawfully seeke his owne right, must bee furnished with 3. pucket [...].
    • In the first pocket he must haue his decla­rations and certificats, wherewith he may shewe his right.
    • In the second pocket he must haue his redd rudduckes ready, which he must giue vn­to his Laweir, who will not set penne to paper without them.
    • In the third pocket he must haue patience: which must stand him in steade when his Laweirs doe delay him, and when sen­tence passeth against him.
  • 93 Louers are slaues vnto death for lustes sake, and doe despise 3. things which maintaine life.
    • They suffer hunger.
    • They continue thirstie.
    • They passe the night in thoughtes without sléepe.
  • 94 Euery flower hath these 3. things naturally.
    • His blossome.
    • His sauour.
    • His sappe.
  • [Page]95 A certaine horse­courser sold a horse, & whē he had receiued ready mony, the bui­erwould néeds know of him what faultes the horse had. The horsecourser answe­red that he had thrée.
    • That he would not clim trées.
    • That he would not swallow iron.
      • Well, quoth the buier, then he wil s [...]oyle no crowes neastes.
      • He shall néede no iron, for hée shall haue haye & pro­uender inough.
        • In his iournie home­ward hee perceiued y • his horse woulde not goe ouer woodden brides.
        • That hee coulde not away with the iron bit.
        • That hee fell often, and yet quicklye for­gat his fals, whereby hee had triall of the horsecoursers hones­tie.
      • I will not com­mit my businesse vnto him, but dis­pach it my selfe.
    • That he was to for getfull.
  • 96 Thrée thinges very necessary in a fenser.
    • A quick eye.
    • A strong arme.
    • A stout hart.
  • 97 Thrée thinges are very hard and difficult.
    • To cause a woman take penance patiently when she hath deserued.
    • To cause an old doting foole to reforme his maners.
    • To teach on asse musicke.
  • 98 An Epitaph worthy memo­rie consisting of 3. parts.
    • O man thou seest what I am.
    • Thou knowest what I haue bene.
    • Now thinke what thou shalt be thy selfe.
  • 99 A ploughman gaue 3. lessons vnto his sonne.
    • Be holy in Lent.
    • Be painfull in haruest.
    • Be merry at Christmas.
  • 100 Thrée things by no meanes tollerable.
    • A long tongue in a fooles head.
    • A loose life in a godly professor.
    • A proud hart and a beggars purse.

THE SECOND HVNDRETH OF THE Triplicitie of Poetrie.

  • 1 It is not good to brag of thrée things.
    • THat thou hast good wine.
    • A faire wife.
    • Plentie of money.
  • 2 Thrée things agree not well.
    • A litle horse and a heauie man.
    • He that is thirstie with a little pot.
    • An auncient man and a young wife.
  • 3 A man maye do three thinges without learning them.
    • Laugh.
    • Weepe.
    • Sleepe.
  • 4 A man must not make choise of 3 things in 3, places.
    • Of a wife in westmin­ster.
    • Of a seruant in Paules.
      • least he chuse a quean a knaue or a iade.
    • Of a horse in Smith­ [...]eld.
  • 5 Three thinges make a man gaspe.
    • Las [...]nesse.
    • An emptie belly.
    • Want of mirth.
  • 6 A man must not be too hastie in lending three things.
    • His sword.
    • His wife.
    • His horse.
  • 7 A vine bringeth foorth three grapes.
    • The first of pleasure.
    • The second of drunkennes.
    • The third of sorrow.
  • 8 Three shoulde be alwaies at home.
    • The henne roost.
    • The catte.
    • The good wife.
  • [Page]9 Three are not without spot or blemish.
    • A potter.
    • The wh [...]le of a cart.
    • He which frequenteth euil companie.
  • 10 Three maner of sages.
    • The sage hearbe.
    • The sage soole.
      • Who so for wise himselfe doth ac­cept.
      • May match with sage, the sage wise accept.
    • The sage wise.
  • 11 Women desire three things chiefly.
    • To be gorgeously apparelled.
    • To be estéemed faire.
    • To go whither they lust.
  • 12 Three occasions that manye times moue debate.
    • To talke with him that is angrie.
    • To send him of an arrand that is wearie.
    • To wake a man out of his sleepe.
  • 13 All the guestes present at a banquet, should haue one of the properties belonging to certain letters.
    • Some of which sort are olde men: shoulde be like vowels, which make a full sounde by themselues, so olde men among them­selues, should be the authors of talke and communication.
    • Some of which sort are women: should bee like semiuocales, otherwise called halfe vowels, which h aue libertie to speak, but not aloud like vowels, but softly not soū ­ding their words.
    • Some of which sort are boies and virgins, should be mute like mutes which yeelde no perfect sound without a vowell, nor they talke vnlesse they be spoken vnto, by their betters.
  • 14 Three things are saide to bée necessarie for him that is a stu­dent in the law.
    • An iron head.
    • A purse ful of gold.
    • A leaden taile.
  • 15 There are 3. sortes of cun­ning beggers.
    • Minstrels.
    • Enterlude players.
    • Iuglers.
  • [Page]16 A good horse shoulde haue 15. properties, that is to wit, 3. of a man, 3. of a woman, 3. of a foxe, 3. of a h [...]re, and 3. of an Asse.
    • Of a man.
      • Bolde.
      • Proude.
      • Hardie.
        • Of a hare▪
          • A great eye.
          • A drie head.
          • Well running.
    • Of a woman.
      • Faire brested.
      • Faire of haire.
      • Easie to leape vpon.
        • Of an Asse.
          • A bigge chine.
          • A flat legge.
          • A good hoofe,
    • Of a foxe.
      • A faire taile.
      • Short eares.
      • A good trot.
  • 17 These will neuer accorde in one.
    • Two wiues in one house.
    • Two cattes and one mouse.
    • Two dogs and one bone.
  • 18 Three sortes of sauses.
    • The sauce of meat is hunger.
    • The sauce of loue, beautie.
    • The sauce of frendshih, gentle wordes and curteous behauiour.
  • 19 Three occupations whereof there are many theeues. of
    • Weauers.
    • Millers.
    • Tailers
  • 20 Three thinges are able too make a rich man poore.
    • A proude wife.
    • [...] wide house.
    • [...]nd a back doore.
  • 21 Three sortes of men dispose of all our goods.
    • The goods of the minde.
    • The goods of the bodie.
      • Inconstant diuines.
      • Ʋnskilful Phisitions.
      • Couetous Lawiers.
    • The goods of fortune.
  • 22 Thrée things necessarie for a Scholler.
    • A wil.
    • A witte.
    • A booke.
  • [Page]23 There was a kind of daun­cing vsed among y e Lacedemoni­ans, consisting of 3. ages, & euerie age vsed to sing a seuerall song.
    • Children, they sang, We shal be men and strong one day.
    • Olde men, they sang, We haue béene men and strong.
    • Men of middle age, they sang, We are men and strong: for that which children hope for, and olde men haue lost, we enioy and possesse.
  • 24 Thrée litle creatures are al­waies eating.
    • Children.
    • Chickins.
    • Whelpes.
  • 25 Three places at London, wherein 3. notable vices raigne.
    • In the Royall exchange.
    • In Pauls
      • Ʋsurie.
      • Simonie.
      • Briberie.
    • In Westminster hall.
  • 26 Thrée sortes of liuing crea­tures, which who so loueth not one of them, semeth not worthy to be called by the name of a mā in a mery mans iudgement.
    • Faire whelpes.
    • Faire horses.
    • Faire women.
  • 27 Thrée beasts are comely in their going.
    • A lion.
    • A grayhound.
    • A goate.
  • 28 Ʋnto 3. sortes of men some things are a dishonor sometimes and sometimes not.
    • Few burials are no discredite to a Phisiti­on, but many are.
    • Chastisements are both honor and disho­nor to a Prince.
    • It is not infamous to a souldier to be woū ­ded in the face, but to be hurt in y e backe.
  • 29 Thrée seuerall daies in thrée sundrie monethes, wherein it is not whole some to bee let blood, nor to eate goose flesh.
    • The first day of may.
    • The last day of Aprill.
    • The last day of September.
  • 30 Thrée intollerable creatures
    • A seruant when he raigneth,
    • A hateful woman when she is married.
    • A maid that is heire to her mistresse.
  • [Page]31 It is no playing with three least iest turne to earnest.
    • With fooles.
    • With mightier men then our selues.
    • With vntamed beasts.
  • 32 Three things are amisse in Princes courtes.
    • They which haue but a bad place, are cau­sed to remoue further from the fire.
    • They which are most hungrie, haue least meat set before them.
    • They which sit lowest at the table, are soo­nest called from their meate.
  • 33 He is worthie to haue the blessing of the gallowes
    • That buildes his house all of fallowes.
    • That pricketh a blind horse ouer y • fallows
    • That suffereth his wife to seeke many hal­lowes.
  • 34 Thrée smal beastes are full of wisedome.
    • The bee
    • The emef.
    • The spider.
  • 35 Thrée sortes of people in re­spect of vse, in necessitie may bée accounted good.
    • Schollers, for they may serue in the priests places when they are dead.
    • Ʋirgins, which may supplie in place after men haue buried their wiues.
    • Merchants for they may play the vserers in stead of the Iewes.
  • 36 Socrates maketh mention of 3. sortes of idle persons.
    • The first sort are such as spend their whole time in dicing.
    • The second sort are of those which consume their life in eating and drinking frō mor­ning till night.
    • The thirde sorte are such as followe filthie whores, and walke in the woods.
  • 37 Three thinges many a man beguiles.
    • Essex miles.
    • Kentish stiles.
    • Norfolke wiles.
  • 38 Three things whose endes are inglorious.
    • Of March flowers.
    • Of a wanton maid.
    • Of a priest that delighteth in warre.
  • [Page]39 It is a shame for a man to take a fall 3. maner of waies,
    • To fall in the plaine high way.
    • To take a foyle in woing a wife.
    • To take a fal in the sight of many from the horseback, which in riding on thou tokest a pri [...]e.
  • 40 They which are troubled w t the goute, haue 3. thinges which they haue not.
    • When they must eate, they haue handes and on handes, because they haue no vs [...] of them.
    • When they must walke, they haue féet and no feete because they cannot goe.
    • They haue reason to séeke after remedye, but want it, to endure such paine as ten­deth to the cure of their disease,
  • 41 Thrée reasons alledged by 3. Romane matrones, why after the death of their first husbands, they would not marrie [...].
    • The first was Marchia, who being asked why she would not take another husband, aunswered, she found none that would haue her for her person, but mary her for her mo­ney.
    • The second Valeria, who being demaun­ded why she did not mary again, answe­red, that she could not, because her husband was not dead, but liuing: for so long as she liued, her husband liued also together with her in her hart.
    • The 3. Amnia, with whome when her pa­rentes were instant to marry again (being yong and rich) answered that she could not hauing had a good husband, and therefore taking another, either he should be good or euill, if he were good she should alwaies be in feare to loose him: if euill, alwaies agrée­ued that it was her chaunce in choice to haue changed for the worse.
  • 42 Thrée things in the be­ginning are easy, which af­terward appeare very dif­ficult to remedy.
    • It is an easie matter to cast fire into any place, but veie hard to quench it being kindled.
    • It is an easie matter to moue debate, but hard to reconcile men being at varience.
    • It is an easy matter to turne ouer money by ex­change, but a hard matter to come out of debt.
  • [Page]43 Three things are requisit at 3: times of the yeare.
    • At Cristmas great loaues.
    • At Lent cleane soules
    • At Whitsontide newe clothes.
  • 44 Thrée thinges to be noted in a wedding ring.
    • That it be of golde, for as gold is the best mettall, so the loue betweene man and wife, is the dearest loue.
    • That it be round, y t is without end, wher­by is meant, that loue should not cease.
    • That it be put on y • 4, finger signif [...]ing har­ty loue, for the phisitions say that a veine in that finger commeth from the heart.
  • 45 Thrée causes why Priestes haue shrewder wiues for the most part, then their neighbors
    • That séeing they are so readie to reprooue other mens vices abroad [...], their wiues might reprehend their faultes at home.
    • They that being exercised with patience at home, may learne to suffer more easily common troubles abroade.
    • Preistes deserue to haue shrowd wiues, for that they chuse to marry the fairest, which commonly are shrewe [...]
  • 46 Thrée things of their owne accord in ascēding vanish away
    • Smoke, the higher it mounteth, the sooner it vanisheth.
    • Wicked men, the higher they climbe, the greater they fall.
    • A song begun in a note to high, causeth the voice to faile or end in la, mi.
  • 37 Three things are easily lost but neuer got again.
    • A word spoken.
    • Ʋirginitie.
    • Time
  • 48 Thrée things verye requisit in a Chirurgian.
    • A haukes eie.
    • A lions hart.
    • A ladies hand.
  • 49 Thrée thinges change the nature and condition of man.
    • Dignitie.
    • A wife.
    • Wine
  • [Page]50 Three things make vs wan­ton and shamelesse.
    • Night.
    • Loue.
      • Night hath no shame.
      • Loue hath no reason.
      • Wine hath no seace.
    • Wine.
  • 51 Three things makes a man wearie of his house, and often of his life.
    • Smoke▪
    • Raine.
    • A curst wife.
  • 52
    • Cut candle.
    • Breake cole.
      • Was neuer good husband, nor good husbands friend.
    • Set sticke on end.
  • 53 Three most odious creaturs.
    • A begger proud.
    • A rich man a lyer.
    • An olde man lecherous.
  • 54 He that séeketh these things may be deceaued.
    • Loialtie and truth in a flatterer.
    • A fine wit in a fat belly.
    • Ʋertue in all euill companie.
  • 55 Three things very harde or not at all to be found.
    • A hare without a muse.
    • A fenne without a sluse.
    • A whore without a scuse.
  • 56 Three things are very diffi­cult.
    • To carrie water in a siue.
    • To roote out a vice which hath bene graf­ted of long time in a mans mind.
    • To make women good with stripes.
  • 57 One repenteth no [...] to haue obeyed. 3. things.
    • The truth.
    • Good counsell.
    • A Cocke crowing early in a morning.
  • 58 Three creatures see cleerely in the night.
    • The Owle.
    • The night rauen.
    • The Weasell.
  • 59 Three liuing things that ex­cell man in the sense of smelling
    • A vulture.
    • A hound.
    • A sowe.
  • [Page]60 There are 3. dayes, as saith S. Bede, on which whoseoeuer is borne, his flesh shall neuer rotte.
    • The 12 of Ianuarie.
    • The 24▪ of March,
    • The 28. of March.
  • 61 Thrée thinges the elder they bee, the more delight we take in them.
    • Olde wine to drinke.
    • Olde Bookes to reade in.
    • Olde freindes to be conuersant withall.
  • 62 Thrée true tokens to knowe a foole by.
    • To be angrie too much without a cause.
    • To laugh without measure vpon no occa­sion.
    • To reprehend other mens faultes, and will not see his owne.
  • 63 There are 3. sortes of men generally.
    • The first sort are of such as haue learning but want discretion and wisedome. For according to the prouerbe. The greatest clarkes be not the wisest men.
    • Another sort are of those which haue no lerning, but by experience haue obtained prudence and wisedome.
    • The 3 sort are of those which haue neither learning nor discretion, & they are starke fooles.
  • 64 The inuention of 3. thinges is wondefull.
    • The inuention of gunnes and gunpouder.
    • The making of glasses.
    • The Printing of bookes.
  • 65 Thrée things in a man which may be likened vnto 3. things in a Smithes shop.
    • To wit a stith [...]e.
    • The tongue, to a hammer
    • Learning to a gad of steele.
  • 66 Thrée doubtfull questions, which none but Salomon coulde resolue.
    • What was most pleasant & swéet in mans life? He answered A quiet minde.
    • What meat was most fit for infants? He aunswered, No meate better agreeing with a childes nature then his owne mo­thers milke.
    • What was the fittest place for achild to be reposed in, and to take his rest? He answe­red the mothers bosome.
  • [Page]67 There are three causes why old men loue their goods so wel.
    • Because they think it a great matter to be reported to die rich.
    • The memorie of the actions of their youth, & the infirmities of their present age, ma­keth them so il cōtented, y • they are care­lesse to prouide for death which they see euen before their eies, looking to liue stil to inioy their goods, till death part the in both asunder.
    • Because they had rather leaue thē to their enimies being dead, thē in their life time be in danger to their friends for them.
  • 68 Thrée sortes of men may be sorie though they say nought.
    • He that spendeth much & getteth nought.
    • He that oweth much and hath nought.
    • He y • looketh in his purse & findeth nought.
  • 69 Thrée causes why louers dis­cerne not the fault [...]s of th [...]r friendes.
    • Because their aflection hath ouermaistred their reason.
    • Because they wil not suffer their fansies to be controle [...] by other mens wils.
    • Because (according to the Philosophers) al great motions hinder those that be lesse: but loue hauing occupied the chiefe and most principal motions of the spirit, tro­bleth the vertue and originall of the sen­ses, the same being the cause (with Plato whye louers are made blinde with the sight of their Ladies, and according to the same the Poets haue fained Cupid with­out eyes.
  • 70 For 3. cau­ses we suffer the losse of 3. things to our great dis­content [...]ent.
    • Of our wealth.
    • Of our honour.
      • Because being once lost, we seldome recouer it againe.
      • Because hee that hath loste his good name is ha [...]le hanged.
      • Because wee maye assure our selues that we shall neuer enioy life againe after he we once dead.
    • Of our life.
  • 71 There are 3. s [...]ing hornes to plucke on a [...] [...]d [...]s [...]a [...].
    • A beautiful face in the wife.
    • A ielous head in her husband.
    • A wanton eye in a louer.
  • [Page]72 There are 3. very vigilant beasts.
    • A goose.
    • A cocke.
      • Theeues on a night had stoln Iupiter had a goose not a keaked.
      • The Germans vse to carie their cocks with them to the warres, to the end by their crowing, they may know how the day passeth away.
      • For he will wind a théefe and bewray him.
    • A dogge.
  • 73 Thrée things bite sore.
    • An olde dogge.
    • A hungrie flie.
    • An Ʋsurer.
  • 74 He were best to go where no man knoweth him.
    • That sweareth till no man trust him.
    • That lyeth till no man beleeueth him.
    • That boroweth till no man wil lend him.
  • 75 Three conditions of Abbey lubbers.
    • To labour till they are a cold.
    • To eate till they sweate.
    • To lye in bed till their bones ake.
  • 76 There are 3. dangers of the world.
    • To ride on a fierce horse.
    • To saile on the sea.
    • To liue vnder a tyrant.
  • 77 Thrée sortes of men which are seldome séene, and hard to be found.
    • A friend in aduersitie,
    • An olde tyrant.
    • A lawyer that will take no bribes.
  • 78 Thrée things will not proue well without beating.
    • A walnut trée.
    • An asse.
    • A woman
  • 79 Honours change maners in 3. sortes of men.
    • Merchantes, because they forget that euer they were apprentises.
    • Priestes, because they forget that euer they were parish clarkes.
    • Magistrates, because they are vnmindfull that they were priuate men.
  • 83 Three trades of life which may trauell without a passeport
    • Pedlers.
    • Tinkers.
    • Minstrels.
  • [Page]81 There are 3. vnlucky beasts which doe portend and foreshew of mischiefe ensuing.
    • A howling dog.
    • A scritching owle.
    • A croking rauen.
  • 82. Mens iudge­mēts differ much in these 3. things.
    • Bookes.
      • For one saith, this booke is too long, another too short, the 3. of due length, & for fine phrase and stile, the like that booke was not made a great while. It is al lies said an other, y • booke is starke naught.
      • For concerning the qualities of wine, men are diuersly affected. Ah, this is a hard wine quoth one, it is too swéet in my opinion sayde another: nay, nay quoth the 3. mā, it is sharpe and piercing me thinkes. It is a cup of neate wine said the owner. I said another, it hath a good smacke of the caske, it will do a man as much good in his shooes, as in his belly.
      • For chéese hath diuers tastes in seuerall mens mouthes. He saith it is too salt, he saith it is fresh, he saith it is too hard, hee saieth it is too new. It is too strong of y • runnet saith he It is saith another not strong enough for me. It is said one as good as can bee: Hereof no two of any ten can agrée. So that, No booke, no wine, no cheese, be it good or bad: but praise and dispraise it hath, and hath had.
    • Wine.
    • Cheese.
  • 83 Thrée things of small conti­nuance.
    • A wonder.
    • Ʋaineglorie.
    • The remembrance of a straunger.
  • 84 There is great folly shewed in these three things.
    • In fishing before the net.
    • In vaunting before the victorie.
    • In reckoning without the host.
  • 85 It is no déede of charitie to giue any thing vnto thrée sorts of beggers.
    • Ʋnto counterfect beggers, which say they are lame & diseased, when it is neither so nor so.
    • Ʋnto couetons beggers, which hauing their bottell and dish filled with drinke, and their scrippe and wallet stuffed with victuals, yet they will craue at the next doore they come at.
    • Ʋnto proude beggers which will take not kinde of almes but money.
  • [Page]86 Thrée things are proud in 3. places.
    • A cocke on his dunghill.
    • A dog at his maisters doore.
    • The good wife at home among her maides.
  • 87 A man néed not go a borow­ing to his neighbours that hath these 3.
    • A litle land wel tilde.
    • A litle house wel fild.
    • A litle w [...]e wel wild.
  • 88 Thrée of the greatest beasts are afraid of 3. very smal beasts.
    • The lyon of the cocke.
    • The eagle of the béetle.
    • The whale of the swordfish.
  • 89 Thrée sorts of men are like­ned [...]nto 3. kind of beasts.
    • The flatterer with the Cameleon, for as a Cameleon can turne himselfe into al co­lors saue white, so wil a flatterer change himselfe into al hewes saue honestie.
    • The backbiter vnto the bas [...]liske: for as the bas [...]liske doth kil a man a far of by sight, so a slaunderer doth kill a man a far of be hind his backe with his tongue.
    • The enuious man vnto [...]he Ʋiper: for as y • Ʋiper doth kil her dam by gnawing out her guts, & afterward doth sting & poyson others, so enuy doth cōsume him in whō it is bred, & afterward hurteth others.
  • 90 A birchin broome consisteth of 3. things fit for correction.
    • Twigges, belonging to Scholemasters for the correction of smal offences.
    • A staffe, belonging to masters for the puni­shing of greater faults.
    • A with, belonging to magistrates for the execution of traitors, [...]elons, murtherers, and such like.
  • 91 Thrée things are very easie.
    • An easie thing to finde a staffe to beate a dog.
    • An easie matter for him that is willing to inuent an excuse.
    • An easie matter to giue good counsell.
  • 92 Thrée things are directed by destinie
    • Wedding.
    • Hanging.
    • Thriuing.
  • [Page]93 Thrée still things are dange­rous for the most part.
    • A still fellow, for he commonly is subtill and craftie.
    • A still water which is déepe, and therefore dangerous.
    • A still sowe, for she will eat vp all the draff.
  • 94 Thrée things to be auoyded by a wise man.
    • Hope of things impossible.
    • Sorrowe, for things vnrecouerable.
    • Feare, of things ineuitable.
  • 95 Thrée thinges can suffer no fellowship.
    • Loue, for a louer hates his corriuall.
    • Lordship, for honor is impatiēt of compéere.
    • An Hermite, for he séeketh to abandon the company of men by séeking desart places.
  • 96 The Papists did vse to curse with 3. things.
    • Bell.
    • Booke.
    • Candle.
  • 97 Thrée thinges are déerelye bought.
    • Wit gotten by experience.
    • Fame wonne by death.
    • That which is obtained by praier & request for one man cannot entreat another with out bashfulnes or blushing.
  • 98 Thrée thinges are not to bee regarded.
    • The great vanities we sée with our eyes.
    • The great wonders we heare w t our eares
    • Great sorrow when we conceaue it in our mindes.
  • 99 There are three very strong things.
    • Gold, for there is no place inuincible, where in an asse laden with gold may not enter.
    • Loue, because it prouoketh vs to aduenture our goods, life, renowme and all.
    • Labor, because it ouercommeth all thinges.
  • 100 God made 3. places for 3. purposes.
    • Heauen, for the good.
    • Hell, for the wicked.
    • Earth, for both.
Deo trino & vni sit laus, honor, & gloria. Amen.

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