Aleditatioiis. 7 1
gether with length of time (if there be no intercourfe) will coole the affeftiones of intimate friends, though there fhould be no difplealence betweene them.
LXXIII.
A GOOD name is as a precious oyntment, and it is a great favour to haue a good repute among good men; yet it is not that which Commends vs to God, for by his ballance we muft be weighed, and by his Judgment we muft be tryed, and, as he paffes the fentence, fo fhall we fland.
LXXIV.
TT TELL doth the Apoflle call riches deceitfull ' ' riches, and they may truely be compared to de- ceitfull friends who fpeake faire, and promife much, but perform nothing, and fo leaue thole in the lurch that moft relyed on them: fo is it with the wealth, honours, and pleafures of this world, which miferably delude men and make them put great confidence in them, but when death threatens, and diftrelTe lays hold vpon them, they proue like the reeds of Egipt that peirce infleed of fupporting,'^ like empty wells in the time of drought, that thofe that go to finde water in them, return with their empty pitchers afhamed.
- "Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, ex'cii
upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will sjo into his hand, and pierce it." — 2 Kings xviii. 21.
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