OF GOD-REDEEMER. 291 2. He is not so backward in giving to you, that owes you noth- ing, but gives you plenty, variety, and continuance of all the good you enjoy; and do you think youwell requite him? 3. Christ said not of his life and precious blood, it is too much ; and will you say of your poor, unprofitable service, it is too much ? 4. Whomwill you give that to which, you spare fromGod? That time, and study, and love, and labor? To any that hath more right to it, or better deserves it, or will better reward you than he will do ? 5. Are you afraid of being losers by him? Have you cause for such fears? Is he unfaithful or unable to perform his promises? Will you repent, when you come to heaven that you did too much to getit? Will not that blessedness pay you to the full? 6. What if you had no wages but your work? Is it not better to live to God than to man; Is not purity better than impurity? If feasting be grievous, it is because you are sick., If the mire be your pleasure, it is because you are swine, and not because the condition is desirable. . 7. Will it comfort you more in the reckoning and review to have laid out yourselves for God, or for the world ? Will youthen wish that you had done less for heaven, or for earth ? Sirs, these questions are easily answered, if you are but willing to consider Mena. 8. Doth it beseem those to be afraid of giving God too much, that are such bankrupts as we are, and are sure that we shall not givehim the twentieth part of his due, if we do the best we can, and when the best, that are scorned by the world for their forward- ness, do abhor themselves for their backwardness? Yea, could we do all, we are but unprofitable servants, and should do but our duty ; Luke xvii. 10. Alas ! how little cause have, we to fear lest we should give God too much of our hearts, or of our lives! 3. Ifyou are not your own, remember that nothing else is your own. What can be more your own than yourselves ? 1. Your parts and abilities of mind or body are not your own; use them, therefore, for him that owneth them. 2. Your authority and dignities are not your own ; see, there- fore, that you make the best of them for him that lent them you. 3. Your children themselves are not your own ; design them for . the utmost of his service that trusts you with them ; educate them in that way as they may be most serviceable to God. It is the great wickedness of too many of our gentry, that theyprepare their posterity onlyto live plenteously, and in credit in the world, but not to be serviceable to God or the commonwealth. Design them, all that are capable, to magistracy or ministry, or some useful way of life. And whatever be their employment, endeavor to
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