even with authority over them. The men of the world are accustomed to
despise the religious as people who understand it not: But if they find
one who knows how to behave himself in conversation, and has practised
men, they will esteem him as an extraordinary person; they will give
themselves up to him; they will find no difficulty, even in doing
violence to their own inclinations, under his direction, and will freely
execute what he enjoins, though never so repugnant to their corrupt
nature. Behold the wonderful fruit of knowing well the world:--so that
you are not, at this present, to take less pains in acquiring this
knowledge, than formerly you have done in learning philosophy and
divinity. For what remains, this science is neither to be learned from
ancient manuscripts nor printed books; it is in living books, and the
conversation of knowing men, that you must study it: with it, you shall
do more good, than if you dealt amongst the people, all the arguments of
the doctors, and all the subtilties of the schools.

"You shall set apart one day of the week, to reconcile differences, and
regulate the interests of such as are at variance, and are preparing to
go to law. Hear them one after the other, and propose terms of
accommodation to them. Above all things, give them to understand, that
they shall find their account in a friendly reconciliation, sooner than
in casting themselves into eternal suits, which, without speaking of
their conscience, and their credit, ever cost much money, and more
trouble. I know well, that this will not be pleasing to the advocates and
proctors, whom the spinning out a process, and tricks of wrangling, still
enrich. But trouble not yourself with what those bawlers say; and make
even them comprehend, if it be possible, that by perpetuating suits, by
these numberless formalities, they expose themselves to the danger of
eternal damnation. Endeavour also to engage them into a retirement of
some few days, to the end their spiritual exercises may work them off to
other courses.

"Stay not till your arrival at Ormuz before you preach. Begin on
shipboard, and as soon as you come there. In your sermons, affect not to
make a show of much learning, or of a happy memory, by citing many
passages of ancient authors; some few are necessary, but let them be
chosen and fitted to the purpose. Employ the best part of your sermon, in
a lively description of the interior estate of worldly souls. Set before
t