The divine appointment of the Lords day proved as a separated day for holy…

Obj. But the mind of man is not able to endure a constant intension and elevation of devotion all the day long without recreation and intermission; And putting men upon more than they can do, will but hinder them; when a little recreation will make them more fresh and fervent when they return to God.

Answ. O what an advantage is it to know by experience what one talketh of? And what an inconvenience to talk of Holiness and Heavenliness by hearsay only! 1. To poor people that have but one day in seven, that one day should not seem too long. 2. If it be from a Carnal enmity to God and spiritual things, shortness and seldomness will be no Cure. But they have need rather to be provoked to diligence till they are cured, than to be indulged in that averseness and sloth, which till its cured will prevail, when you have done your best against it. 3. But if it be a weariness of the flesh; as the Disciples when ⟨p. 121⟩they slept while Christ was Praying; or a weariness through such imperfection of Grace and Remnant of Carnality, which the sincere are liable to, then giving way to it will increase it, and resisting it is the way to overcome it. 4. How many necessary intermissions are there, which confute this pretence of weariness? Some time is taken up in dressing; And some with poor Servants in waiting on their Masters and Mistresses, and in preparing Meat and drink; some in going to Church and coming home; some in eating, usually more than once; some in preparing again for sleep; besides what Cattle and by-occasions will require? And is the remainder of one day in a week yet too much for the business which we are Created, preserved, and Redeemed for, and on which our endless life dependeth? O that we knew what the Love of God is? and what it is to regard our souls according to their worth! Would not a soul▪ that loveth God rather say, Alas, how short is the Lords day? How quickly is it gone? How many interruptions hinder my delight? Shall I think a Week short enough for my worldly labours,) and one day (thus parcelled) too long to seek the face of God? I see blind Worldlings and sensualists can be longer unwearied at Market, in their Shops and Fields, especially when their gain comes in; and at Cards and Dice, and Bowling and idle Prating, &c. And shall I be weary so soon of the most noble and necessary Work, and of the sweetest pleasures upon Earth?