Lesson 20 – Of Liberty and Bondage, Masters and Servants from the Sages of Old.

Of Liberty and Bondage, Masters and Servants from the Sages of Old.

1. He is not free that binds himself to another.
2. He obeys many, that obeys his body.
3. Hope is a bondage; but Mistrust, a Liberty.
4. The child is not bound to his parents; of whom he hath learned nothing.
5. He that has bound himself to follow his fleshly delights, is more bound than any caitiff.
6. A bondman hath but half a mind.
7. Too much liberty turns into Bondage.
8. A Tyrant never tastes of true Friendship, nor of perfect Liberty.
9. Better is it to be free of heart, and bond in name; than to be free in name, and bond in heart
10. What a pleasure is it for Servants to have good Masters; and for Masters to have willing Servants.
11. A Servant must set his mind only upon his business; and, above all things, be kept from idleness.
12. He is a troublesome Servant, that is too wise in his own conceit.
13. A man cannot have any better possession than a willing Servant.
14. It is better to live in bondage with a good Master, than to live at liberty basely and evilly.
15. Servants that ae diligent and true to their Masters, are commonly hated of their fellows.
16. The worst Bondage is to be subject to vices.
17. Servants are soon infected with their masters’ diseases.
18. A servant ought to say nothing that is hurtful to his Master; although it be true.
19. Too much trust ought not to be given to Servants.
20. Only the name is reproachful to Servants; but, in any other thing, a Servant is no worse than a free man, if he be good.
21. If a Servant learn nothing but, in all things, to drudge; he will be naught worthless; but if thou give him liberty to speak, that will make him very good.
22. It is evil for a Servant to have an evil Master; because he must needs be partaker of his evil.
23. Many a man, that hath left his Master, and got liberty, hath been glad to seek his service again.
24. A good man has his mind always free; although his body be bound.
25. Good Servants are sorrowful when their Masters prosper not; and they endeavour, by all means, to further him.
26. Good servants are free; but evil Freemen are bound to many desires.
27. Men ought to govern their Servants discreetly; and give them time to refresh themselves, when they require it. For recreation makes men more ready to labour afresh.
28. The Bow, the Harp, and the Servant, are the better through resting.
29. Both Liberty and Bondage are very valueless, if they pass measure: but, moderately used, both are exceedingly good.
30. That Bondage is moderate, which is in awe of God, and that immoderate, which dis in awe of men.
31. Masters ought not to make their Servants too familiar; nor to use any jesting with them. For so, through such foolishness, they make themselves more Labour in order to reform them; and them more stubborn to be ruled.