A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

And yet there is a far stronger motive to make us overcome all difficulties, and to use all painful diligence in the duties of a godly life, namely, the riches of reward promised to all those who spend their time and strength in Gods service, even the everlasting joys of his Kingdom, unto ⟨p. 821⟩which, both all the sufferings and doings of this life are not to worthy ¹to be compared. In which regard, Gods precepts are more to be desired ²then gold, yea then much fine gold, and to be esteemed sweeter then the honey, and the honey comb; because by them we are warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward. For who would not serve such a Master, as is so bountiful in requiting his pains? Who would not undertake any labour (seeing the greatest is light, and the longest momentany) to be assured of that super-exceeding and eternal weight of glory? Who would not patiently endure a sorrowful seed-time, for so joyful an harvest? or refuse to work in Gods Vineyard with all painful diligence, and comfortable cheerfulness, who is assured of such liberal wages when he hath ended his work? And therefore though there were never so much difficulty in the duties of a godly life, and never so much pains required unto the service of God, this should not discourage us from entering into the course of Christianity, seeing our wages and reward will infinitely exceed our work and labour. Especially considering that these holy and religious duties are only unpleasant and tedious to the flesh and corrupted nature, unto which (as the Apostle speaketh) we are no debtors that we should live according to the lusts thereof; and so by pleasing of it, to displease God, and purchase unto our selves eternal death and hellish condemnation.