Doct. 1. A good man doth not only what he ought to do, he doth not only perform this duty, and what ⟨p. 115⟩God requires of him, but he doth it in the fittest season and opportunity. In a word, the duties of Saints ought to be seasonable: the point is somewhat strange to some, one that is little known, and as little practised among most; a marvellous skill is in it, and but little skill men have to observe it; marvellous great good in it, and but little labouring to attain that good; whereas it is a part of prudence to observe times as the Text calls on us, to redeem the time: and therefore we will open the point, and then treat with it; and first we will prove the same; secondly, we will show the grounds and reasons; thirdly, apply the same; first, for ⟨p. 116⟩the proof of it, Eccles. 3.2. There is a time and a season for every thing; that is Gods will and pleasure. Eccles. 10.6. It is there accounted one of the greatest woes and curses, as it were, and evils that befall men. Woe to thee, O Land, when thy King is a child, and thy Princes eat in the morning: But on the contrary; Blessed art thou oh Land when thy King is the son of Nobles, and thy Princes do eat for strength, and not for drunkenness. Thus we see what a great curse it is to any Land to have Princes eat and drink not in season, and in Prov. 25. the Text there saith, That a word spoke in due season, is like Apples of gold, with pictures of ⟨p. 117⟩silver. So there is a season both for words and speeches, as well as for actions and deeds, and words in their best season, are worth Pearls and Rubies: So that the proof is plain, that the Saints of God must have their opportunities for the performance of duties, and a thing much to be observed; Frost we know is seasonable in Winter. Harvest is seasonable in Summer time, every thing is best in the season.
Doct. 1. A good man doth not onely what he ought to doe, he doth not onely performe this duty, and what ⟨p. 115⟩God requires of him, but he doth it in the fittest season and opportunity. In a word, the duties of Saints ought to bee seasonable: the point is somewhat strange to some, one that is little knowne, and as little practised among most; a marvellous skill is in it, and but litle skill men have to observe it; marvellous great good in it, and but little labouring to attaine that good; whereas it is a part of prudence to observe times as the Text cals on us, to redeeme the time: and therefore we will open the point, and then treat with it; and first we will prove the same; secondly, wee will shew the grounds and reasons; thirdly, apply the same; first, for ⟨p. 116⟩the proofe of it, Eccles. 3.2. There is a time and a season for every thing; that is Gods will and pleasure. Eccles. 10.6. It is there accounted one of the greatest woes and curses, as it were, and evils that befall men. Woe to thee, O Land, when thy King is a childe, and thy Princes eate in the morning: But on the contrary; Blessed art thou oh Land when thy King is the sonne of Nobles, and thy Princes doe eate for strength, and not for drunkennesse. Thus we see what a great curse it is to any Land to have Princes eat and drinke not in season, and in Prov. 25. the Text there saith, That a word spoke in due season, is like Apples of gold, with pictures of ⟨p. 117⟩silver. So there is a season both for words and speeches, as well as for actions and deeds, and words in their best season, are worth Pearles and Rubies: So that the proofe is plaine, that the Saints of God must have their opportunities for the performance of duties, and a thing much to bee oberved; Frost wee know is seasonable in Winter. Harvest is seasonable in Summer time, every thing is best in the season.
