How to do good to many, or, The public good is the Christians life…How to do good to many, or, The publick good is the Christians life…

VII. Lastly, Sloth and Idleness are constant Enemies to well doing. There are two sorts especially guilty of this; one and the better is some Religious people, who think that their business is only with God and their own hearts, and that if they could spend all their time in Meditation, Prayer and such like exercises, it would be the best kind of life on Earth: Among the Papists multitudes by this conceit turn Friars and Nun's. Among us such spend all their time, in hearing Sermons, and in Reading, and Meditating and Prayer, and such like exercises of Religion towards God, if they are but rich enough to live without bodily labour: And the Example of Mary and Martha, they think will make this good.

VII. Lastly, Sloth and Idleness are constant Enemies to well doing. There are two sorts especially guilty of this; one and the better is some Religious people, who think that their business is only with God and their own hearts, and that if they could spend all their time in Meditation, Prayer and such like exercises, it would be the best kind of life on Earth: Among the Papists multitudes by this conceit turn Fryars and Nun's. Among us such spend all their time, in hearing Sermons, and in Reading, and Meditating and Prayer, and such like exercises of Religion towards God, if they are but rich enough to live without bodily labour: And the Example of Mary and Martha, they think will make this good.

I know that this is no common error. The wicked are of a far different mind. And I know no man can do too much to save his Soul: But we may do one sort of our work too much to the neglect of other parts. We have Souls in flesh, and both parts have their proper necessity and work: Mary did somewhat else than hear, tho she wisely preferred it in its season. And no one is made for himself alone: You feel that Religious exercises do you good: But what good is it that you do to others? I confess a Monks Prayers for others is a good work: But God will have Praying and endeavouring go together, both for your selves and others. Bare Praying God to relieve the Poor and to teach your Children, and instruct the ignorant, will not excuse you from relieving, teaching or instructing them: Yea, and your own good will best come in by your fullest obedience to God: Do what he bids you, and he will take care of your Salvation: