As for the objection of the one or the other, that they have the world to §Ilook after,1 and to care for (for this is the probablest defence that they have, for the omitting and neglecting of it) they should know it to be their sin, that they will thus set God against himself,2 as though he should command them to do that, which hindereth them from an other duty commanded. Nay rather, they should think, that following of the world to be too much, which is not moderated and ordered by the due considering, how far, and in what manner they should deal in the world: that is, not to be hindered from holiness by it. If they be rich, they have the less cause to be holden from it, by worldly care. If they be poor, they have the more need of it, to moderate their care, that it exceed not, nor carry them to unbelief. For it must §Kbe remembered, that I speak of such, as say, they esteem most preciously of the greatest riches,3 which is godliness. And what example so ever they have of the contrary in the multitude of worldlings, among whom they live; yet they must know, though others will not, that they are not set here in their places, and callings, to do as loose and reckless servants, when they go to market: who when they should buy provision for their masters ⟨p. 259⟩§Afamily, neglect that which they should chiefly intend, and fall to drinking, play, and other ill rule with their companions.
As for the obiection of the one or the other, that they haue the world to §Ilooke after,1 and to care for (for this is the probablest defence that they haue, for the omitting and neglecting of it) they should know it to be their sinne, that they will thus set God against himselfe,2 as though he should commaund them to doe that, which hindreth them from an other dutie commaunded. Nay rather, they should thinke, that following of the world to be too much, which is not moderated and ordred by the due considering, how far, and in what manner they should deale in the world: that is, not to be hindred from holines by it. If they be rich, they haue the lesse cause to be holden from it, by worldly care. If they be poore, they haue the more neede of it, to moderate their care, that it exceede not, nor carry them to vnbeliefe. For it must §Kbe remembred, that I speake of such, as say, they esteeme most preciously of the greatest riches,3 which is godlines. And what example so euer they haue of the contrarie in the multitude of worldlings, among whom they liue; yet they must know, though others will not, that they are not set here in their places, and callings, to doe as loose and retchles seruants, when they goe to market: who when they should buy prouision for their maisters ⟨p. 259⟩§Afamilie, neglect that which they should chiefly intend, and fall to drinking, play, and other ill rule with their companions.
- 1Objection.Obiection.
- 2Answer.Answere.
- 3We should not beheld from meditation, by worldlings example.
