A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

Give diligence: Here first for the Quality. There is no matter wherein we hope for good in the event, accomplished without Diligence in the act. He that expects a royalty in Heaven, must admit a service on earth. The good man is weary of doing nothing, for nothing is so laborious as Idleness. Bernard calls it a dull numbness of the soul, which neglects to begin, or is weary to prosecute any good work. Deny Sloth not only continuance, but countenance. Quantò magis occupatum Diabolus invenit, tantò minus occupat. Satan's employment is prevented, when he finds thee well employed before he comes. Thomas Becket, no good man, in no good cause, when he was admonished to be less stirring in State-matters; answered, that he sate at the stern, and therefore ought not to sleep. This is a Christians case, Is ⟨p. 99⟩the world tempting, the Devil attempting, my flesh betraying, and shall I sleep? Do I steer the helm of my own vessel, wherein my soul is the passenger, and my hope of blessedness the fraught; and would you have me to sleep? Jacob complains, that the^g sleep departed from his eyes: so careful was he to make his reckoning even with his master. I am sure we have a greater charge, greater Master, greater account, and yet we sleep. Lepidus lies in Harvest under the cool shade, Utinam hoc esset laborare; I would this were to take pains: so some^h stretch themselves upon their Ivory-beds; and invite their curious morsels with rich wines: and O that this were the way to heaven! Augustus hearing that a Roman far in debt, slept quietly during his life: sent after his death to buy his pillow. It is a strange pillow whereon some slumber, that owe so much to GOD and man. When the Oyster gapes, the Crab throws into her a little stone, which hinders her from shutting again, and so he devours her. Satan watcheth our idle gaping, throws in his bait; lust or drunkenness, and so preys upon us. It is observable, that albeit the Romans were so idle, as to make Idleness a god; yet they allowed not Illi ignavo numini Templum intra urbem; That idle Idol had not a Temple within the City, but without the walls. It grieves me to think that our Suburbs abound with so many worshippers of this lazy Devil: yet I still pray that none may be within the walls. Let us deal with Idleness and wantonness, as Philip of Macedon did with two such persons;