4.90 The Life of Faith: ""s"''''''' as Pbaraob did ofthe Ifreed:ace, when they would go facrifice to God, reare idle, Exod. 5. 17. It is Idlenefs that maketh aloft menungodly : They are convinced that it is better to meditate on Gods Word, and call upon his Name, anà give all diligence to make our calling and ele&ion lure : But they are idle, and fay, There is a Lion in the way ; what a wearies nafs is it ? we (hall never endure it : As if their fouls and Hea- ven were not worth their labour, and as ifthey would go to Hell for cafe; and as if the feaJt of joy and glory were not worth the labour ofedting or receiving ite t. Make not this a pretence to opprefsyour fervants with unmerciful labours, beyond their ftrength; or fuch as fo weary them, and take up all their time, that they have not lcifure fo much as to pray. It is Gods great mercy to tirvants, that he hath fc'parated the Lords day for a holy tell ; or cite many would have little refl., or means of Miners. Some think that others can never labour enough fur tbem,becaufe they pay them wages ; and yet that. they are bound to do nothing them- (elves, even becaufe God hath given thetas more wages and wealth than he hath given to others. More particular Diret`tions are as followcth. 1. Give up yoour felves by abfolute lobe -lion to Godas his fervants ; and then you can never reft in an idle unfcrviccable life. a. Takeall that you have, as Gods talents, and from his waft ; and then you dare not but prepare in the fifeof them, for your account. 3. Live as thole that are certain to die, and (till uncertain of the time, and that know what an eternal weight of joy or mifery dependeth upon the (pending of your preterit time: And then you dare not live in Idlenefs. Live but as men whofe fouls are awake, to look before them into another world, and you will fay (as I have longbeen forced to do) O how short arc the daies ! how longare the nights !' how fwift is time ! how flow is work ! how far am I behind-hand ! I am afraid left my life will be finifhed before the work of life ; and left my time will be done, while rzanch of mywork re. maineth undone. 4. Ask
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