Five sermons preached upon sundry especial occasions Viz. 1 The sinners mourning habitFiue sermons preached vpon sundry especiall occasions Viz. 1 The sinners mourning habit

The Moderation, or seasonableness of it.

The Moderation, or seasonablenes of it.

After certaine dayes. Ex assiduitate vilitas; that which is too common, becomes cheap, and loseth credit. Due respirations are requisite in the holiest acts. God is so favourable to his creatures, that he requires them not to be overtoiled ⟨p. 43⟩in the works of his own service. When the Temple was a preparing,¹ the thirty thousand workmen wrought not continuedly, but with intermission. One month they were in Lebanon, and two at home: so their labour was more generous, & less burdensome. Ever, ten thousand did work, while twenty thousand breathed. The mind that is overlaid with business, grows dull and heavy: over lavish expense of spirits leaves it heart-less. The best horse will tire soonest, if the reins lye loose on his neck. Perfection comes by leisure, and no excellent thing is done at once. The Gourd, which came up in a night, withered in a day: but the plants that live long, rise slowly. It is the rising and setting of many Suns, that ripens the business both of nature and art. Who would not rather choose many competent meals, then buy the gluttony of one day, with the fast of a whole week? Therefore the reverend Fathers of the Church observe their due times of Visiting; and particular Pastors have their set days of feeding. He is an ill Fisher, that never mends his net; a bad Mower that never whets his Sith.

After certaine dayes. Ex assiduitate vilitas; that which is too common, b•comes cheape, and loseth credit. Due respirations are requisite in the holiest actes. God is so fauourable to his creatures, that he requires them not to bee ouertoyled