CHAP. XVII.
The Parson in Journey.

THe Countrey Parson, when a just occasion calleth him
out of his Parish (which he diligently, and strictly
weigheth, his Parish being all his joy, and thought) leaveth
not his Ministry behind him; but is himseife where ever he
is. Therefore those he meets on the way he blesseth audibly,
and with those he overtakes or that overtake him, hee begins
good discourses, such as may edify, interposing sometimes
some short, and honest refreshments, which may make his
other discourses more welcome, and lesse tedious. And when
he comes to his Inn, he refuseth not to joyne, that he may
enlarge the glory of God, to the company he is in, by a due
blessing of God for their safe arrival, and saying grace at
meat and at going to bed by giving the Host notice, that he
will have prayers in the hall, wishing him to informe his
guests thereof, that if any be willing to partake, they may
resort thither. The like he doth in the morning, using
pleasantly the outlandish proverb, that Prayers and Provender
never hinder journey. When he comes to any other house,
where his kindred, or other relations give him any authority over
the Family, if hee be to stay for a time, hee considers diligently
the state thereof to Godward, and that in two points: First,
what disorders there are either in Apparell, or Diet, or too
open a Buttery, or reading vain books, or swearing, or
breeding up children to no Calling, but in idleness, or the
like. Secondly, what means of Piety, whether daily prayers
be used, Grace, reading of Scriptures, and other good books,
how Sundayes, holy-days, and fasting days are kept. And ac-
cordingly, as he finds any defect in these, hee first considers
with himseife, what kind of remedy fits the temper of the
house best, and then hee faithfully, and boldly applyeth it;
yet seasonably, and discreetly, by taking aside the Lord or
Lady, or Master and Mistres of the house, and shewing them
cleerly, that they respect them most, who wish them best,
and that not a desire to meddle with others affairs, but the
earnestnesse to do all the good he can, moves him to say thus
and thus.