A commentary upon the whole book of Judges Preached first and delivered in sundry…A commentary vpon the vvhole booke of Iudges Preached first and deliuered in sundrie…

Even so our minds being set seriously upon our duties, as prayer, reading, good company, the following of our calling, &c. we do not at all many times, or very little mind other things belonging to our bodily welfare; and it is our crown so far as we can by good occasions remember that with Gideon we have done so. Indeed in and about play, pleasure, and seeking after the commodities of the world, the case is clear, that too too many have sweat, and do continually forget and disguise themselves, so that neither cold, hunger, heat, or unseasonableness can hold them back, or hinder them. But in Gods matters, as his worship, and in things which tend to our own salvation, and the hunting and purging out of some special sins, also in furthering and bringing on one another to faith and good duties, ⟨p. 392⟩¹and so seeking how to do most good to the poor members of Christ, Oh how few are to be found to do thus? who yet neither spare labour, time, cost, or any thing else about their own matters: whereas we should be so taken up with Gods matters, that our own, even lawful, might be moderated at least. Thus Mary sat at the feet of Christ, and through her attention to his preaching neglected the less necessary work of preparing for him. Now though every example be not a law to bind every man to the like: yet where we see it so agree with the doctrine of the word, as here; such examples must be our instruction, and we may well gather, that there is a singular affection of love to God, and joy in his service where it is so, which concerns us much to follow. And much more we may conclude, that when men (in hearing the word, or prayer, &c.) do so wander, and are so weary, that every minute is an hour unto them, and every hour ten, till all be done, and some will not endure out the whole time, but depart, to serve their appetite, or follow their work, these (we may be sure) are little affected with the action: since other things are predominant with them, which will not give place, even when the most religious duties are in hand.

Euen so our minds being set seriously vpon our duties, as prayer, reading, good company, the following of our calling, &c. we do not at all many times, or very little mind other things belonging to our bodily welfare; and it is our crowne so farre as we can by good occasions remember that with Gedeon we haue done so. Indeed in and about play, pleasure, and seeking after the commodities of the world, the case is cleare, that too too many haue swet, and doe continually forget and disguise themselues, so that neither cold, hunger, heate, or vnseasonablenesse can hold them backe, or hinder them. But in Gods matters, as his worship, and in things which tend to our owne saluation, and the hunting and purging out of some speciall sinnes, also in furthering and bringing on one another to faith and good duties,