CHAP. XXVII.
The Parson in mirth.

THe Countrey Parson is generally sad, because hee
knows nothing but the Crosse of Christ, his minde
being defixed on it with those nailes wherewith his Master
was: or if he have any leisure to look off from thence, he
meets continually with two most sad spectacles. Sin, and
Misery; God dishonoured every day, and man afflicted.
Neverthelesse, he somtimes refresheth himselfe, as knowing
that nature will not bear everlasting droopings, and that
pleasantnesse of disposition is a great key to do good; not
onely because all men shun the company of perpetuall
severity, but also for that when they are in company, in-
structions seasoned with pleasantnesse, both enter sooner,
and roote deeper. Wherefore he condescends to humane
frailties both in himseife and others; and intermingles some
mirth in his discourses occasionally, according to the pulse
of the hearer.