CHIEF JUSTICE COKE. 97 



of perfection, before she be humbled by knowing 

 herself and her own ignorance. Not only know 

 ledge, but also every other gift, which we call the 

 gifts of fortune, have power to puff up earth : afflic 

 tions only level these mole-hills of pride, plough the 

 heart, and make it fit for wisdom to sow her seed, 

 and for grace to bring forth her increase. Happy 

 is that man therefore, both in regard of heavenly 

 and earthly wisdom, that is thus wounded to be 

 cured, thus broken to be made straight ; thus made 

 acquainted with his own imperfections that he may 

 be perfected. 



Supposing this to be the time of your affliction, 

 that which I have propounded to myself is, by tak 

 ing this seasonable advantage, like a true friend, 

 though far unworthy to be counted so, to shew you 

 your true shape in a glass ; and that not in a false 

 one to flatter you, nor yet in one that should make 

 you seem worse than you are, and so offend you ; 

 but in one made by the reflection of your own words 

 and actions ; from whose light proceeds the voice of 

 the people, which is often not unfitly called the 

 voice of God. But therein, since I have purposed a 

 truth, I must intreat liberty to be plain, a liberty 

 that at this time I know not whether or no I may 

 use safely, I am sure at other times I could not ; yet 

 of this resolve yourself, it proceedeth from love and 

 a true desire to do you good ; that you knowing the 

 general opinion, may not altogether neglect or con 

 temn it, but mend what you find amiss in yourself, 

 and retain what your judgment shall approve ; for 



