A Golden Chain

This shows that there is a great number of men professing the Gospel that want good conscience. For though they show themselves very forward and willing to obey God in many things, yet in some one thing or other, they use to follow the swing of their own wills. Many are diligent to frequent the place of Gods worship, to hear the word preached with liking, to receive the Sacraments at times appointed, and to approve of any good thing: all this is very commendable; yet these men often, when they depart home from the congregation, say in effect on this manner; Religion stay thou here at the Church door till the next Sabbath. For if we look into their private conversations, the government of their families, or their dealings in their particular callings, we shall with grief see much disorder, and little conscience. It is a common practise with sick men when they make their wills on their death beds, in the very first place to commend their bodies to the grave, and their souls to God that gave them in hope of a better resurrection: and all this is well done; but afterward they bequeath their goods gotten by fraud, oppression, and forged cavillation to their own friends and children, without making any recompense or satisfaction. But, alas, this should not be so: for obedience that goes with good conscience must be performed to all Gods commandments without exception: and if it be done but to some alone, it is but counterfeit obedience: and he that is guilty in one is guilty in all.

This shewes that there is a great number of men professing the Gospell that want good conscience. For though they shew themselues very forward and willing to obey God in many things, yet in some one thing or other, they vse to follow the swinge of their owne wills. Many are diligent to frequent the place of Gods worship, to heare the word preached with liking, to receiue the Sacraments at times appointed, and to approoue of any good thing: all this is very commendable; yet these men often, when they depart home from the congregation, say in effect on this manner; Religion stay thou here at the Church doore till the next Sabbath. For if we looke into their priuate conuersations, the gouernment of their families, or their dealings in their particular callings, we shall with griefe see much disorder, and little conscience. It is a common practise with sicke men when they make their wills on their death beds, in the very first place to commend their bodies to the graue, and their soules to God that gaue them in hope of a better resurrection: and all this is well done; but afterward they bequeath their goods gotten by fraud, oppression, and forged cauillation to their owne friends and children, without making any recompence or satisfaction. But, alas, this should not be so: for obedience that goes with good conscience must be performed to all Gods commandements without exception: and if it be done but to some alone, it is but counterfait obedience: and he that is guiltie in one is guiltie in all.