The deceit fulneffe of Mane heart. to keep thy poverty , that thou mayeft keep thy liberality; remembring that of selomon ,that though that which a man fhorsldfpecially fare to hirgoodneffe, Pro, 19.2E: that is, to doe good in works of liberality ; yet a opened, poo,e man, that having nothing to give, hath yet a giving affefion,is better than a liar ; that is, as I rake ir, better than fuch a rich man, who before he was rich, would brag much what he would doe if were rich , and yet being rich,ispoorer in liberality than ever hee was ; who is therefore in regard of this deceirfulneffe of heart worthily called a ijar by the Holy Ghoft. Be not then, through this deceit - falneffe, moved to the delire ofan higher and grea- ter eftate. if there be a willing minds, God accepte L Cor. s, It. man according to that be hath, ¬ according to that he hash not. Then againe, confider with thy felfe , what likelihood there is, that thou fhouldeft doe a greater good , (which belongeth to a higher place) being therein , who canft not doe the leffer good. (which belongeth to a meaner place) wherein now thou art. Thou art abad poor man : thou wouldeft be a worfe rich mar. Thou art an fill Gentleman and is there any hope that thou wouldeft be a bet- ter Noble -man ? In poverty and meanneffe thou, canft not be free from thofe infirmicies whereto that eftate is fubjea; and yet thinkeft thou to efcap: thofe,whereto Riches and Honour lie open ? 3 Never to be over -bold or lavifh in promifing 3 Deceit, . much of our felves. Doe wee with the molt ; but fpeak wee with the leaft : For our hearts will de- ceive u,. Wee would hardly give our ds for falle Knave, that had often deceived us. Why then learn¿ 265
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