eak like the piercings of a sword, against the godly,
ver. 18. If our state and church had a lip of truth, they would speak
always the same thing. They would not carry in their talk and writings, as
now every common understanding perceives. We may find their writings made
up of contradictions. For "a lying tongue is but for a moment," ver. 19.
It is but for a moment indeed before the judicatory; and then out of doors
it contradicts itself, as in the mock repentances. But sorrow and anguish
will come to these, who before they would speak of terms of peace with one
enemy, would associate in war with another. "But to the counsellors of
peace is joy," ver. 20. The present course contradicts this. Ver. 26. "The
righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked
seduceth them." They think these malignants better than the west country
forces. They would condescend to any terms to get their help, though it
were to reverse the Act of Classes,(395) to give them indemnity, yea, not
so much as to condemn their way: but they will not so much as clear the
state of the quarrel, or choose a better general(396) for all their help.
Their way seems good in their own eyes, ver. 15. But it were wisdom to
hearken to the counsel of the godly.

Chap. xiii. 10. "Only by pride cometh contention, but with the
well-advised is wisdom." There is nothing keepeth up our contention and
wars but pride: no party will condescend to another. We will not say we
have done wrong in bringing in the king. They will not say they have done
wrong in invading. But it were wisdom to fall lower and quit those
interests. Ver. 16. "Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool
layeth open his folly." A wise man would count before the war, if he can
accomplish it: and if he cannot, then he would send messengers of peace,
and cede in all things he may without sin. If it be but more honour and
wealth to our king,(397) should we destroy the kingdom to purchase that?
Our rash and abrupt proceedings show our folly. Ver. 20. "He that walketh
with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
A man will be, must be, assimilated to his company, and then partake of
their judgment or blessings.

Chap. xiv. He that is accustomed to speak truth in private, will in his
common speech be a faithful witness in public: but a man accustomed to
lying, dissembling, swearing in private, will not stick to forswear
himself, to make profess