A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

The first sign is, Negligence in the duties of that true Religion which we profess: this appeareth sundry ways; for first, howsoever we come to the assemblies where the word is preached, yet few do profit there, by increase in the knowledge of that Religion which is taught, and in the amendment of life. This may any man see to be true, that hath half an eye to look into the state of our assemblies, and mens own consciences will herein witness against them. Again, where Gods word is ordinarily heard, there are very few that spend any time in searching out, and trying whether the things be so or not which are taught them. Nay, men will not be at cost to buy a Bible: and if they have one, yet they will not take pains to read the same, at least in such a constant course as they ought to do. Thirdly the Lords Sabbath is broken, for though most men at set times will come into the congregation; yet there is not that private sanctifying of the Sabbath after the congregations are dissolved, which Gods word requireth; but men betake themselves to their own affairs, and to outward delights; to omit those that have no care at all of sanctifying the Sabbath in any sort. Now these persons must needs want both knowledge, obedience, and all sound grace that will not set apart some time, wherein they should employ themselves in Gods word: and by these signs it is evident, that there is a grievous disease of negligence in the duties of Religion, that infects our congregations. Now where this negligence is, though coldness be not, there cannot be zeal, and so luke-warmness must needs abound.

The first signe is, Negligence in the duties of that true Religion which we professe: this appeareth sundrie waies; for first, howsoeuer wee come to the assemblies where the word is preached, yet fewe doe profite there, by increase in the knowledge of that Religion which is taught, and in the amendment of life. This may any man see to be true, that hath halfe an eye to looke into the state of our assemblies, and mens owne consciences will heerein witnesse against them. Againe, where Gods word is ordinarily heard, there are verie fewe that spend any time in searching out, and trying whether the thinges bee so or not which are taught them. Nay, men wil not be at cost to buy a Bible: and if they haue one, yet they will not take paines to reade the same, at least in such a constant course as they ought to doe. Thirdly the Lords Sabbath is broken, for though most men at set times will come into the congregation; yet there is not that priuate sanctifying of the Sabbath after the congregations are dissolued, which Gods word requireth; but men betake themselues to their own affaires, and to outward delights; to omit those that haue no care at all of sanctifying the Sabbath in any sort. Now these persons must needs want both knowledge, obedience, and all sound grace that will not set apart some time, wherein they should employ themselues in Gods word: and by these signes it is euident, that there is a greeuous disease of negligence in the duties of Religion, that infects our congregations. Now where this negligence is, though coldnesse be not, there cannot be zeale, and so luke-warmnesse must needs abound.