6. It is unacquaintedness with themselves that makes men think so unworthily of a Holy Heavenly Conversation; and that possesseth them with foolish prejudice against the holy Care and diligence of believers: did men but value their immortal souls, as Reason itself requireth them to do, is it possible they should venture them so easily upon everlasting misery, and account it unnecessary strictness in them that dare not be as desperately venturous as they, but fly from sin, and fear the threatenings of the Lord? Did men but considerately understand the worth and concernment of their souls, is it possible they should hazard them for a thing of nought, and set them at sail for the favour of superiors, or the transitory pleasures and honours of the world? Could they think the greatest care and labour of so short a life to be too much for the securing of their salvation? Could they think so many studious careful days, and so much toil to be but meet and necessary for their bodies; and yet think all too much that's done, for their immortal souls? Did men but practically know that they are the Subjects of the God of Heaven, they durst not think the diligent obeying him to be a needless thing, when they like that ⟨p. 21⟩Child or servant best, that is most willing and diligent in their Service. Alas were men but acquainted with their weakness, and sinful failings when they have done their best, and how much short the holiest Persons do come of what they are obliged to by the Laws and mercies of the Lord, they durst not make a scorn of diligence, nor hate or blame men for endeavouring to be better, that are sure at best they shall be too bad. When the worst of men, that are themselves the greatest neglecters of God and their salvation, shall cry out against a Holy life and making so much a do for Heaven, (as if a man that lieth in bed should cry out against working too much or going too fast) this shows mens strangeness to themselves. Did the careless world but know themselves, and see where they stand, and whats before them, and how much lieth on this inch of time; did they but know the nature and employment of a soul, and why their Creator did place them for a little while in flesh, and whither they must go when time is ended, you should then see them in that serious frame themselves which formerly they disliked in others:
6. It is unacquaintednes with themselves that makes men think so unworthily of a Holy Heavenly Conversation; and that possesseth them with foolish prejudice against the holy Care and diligence of believers: did men but value their immortall souls, as Reason itself requireth them to do, is it possible they should venture them so easily upon everlasting misery, and account it unnecessary strictnes in them that dare not be as desperately venturous as they, but fly from sin, and fear the threatnings of the Lord? Did men but consideratly understand the worth and concernment of their souls, is it possible they should hazard them for a thing of nought, and set them at saile for the favor of superiors, or the transitory pleasures and honours of the world? Could they thinke the greatest care and labour of so short a life to be too much for the securing of their salvation? Could they think so many studious carefull dayes, and so much toil to be but meet and necessary for their bodyes; and yet think all too much that's done, for their immortall souls? Did men but practically know that they are the Subjects of the God of Heaven, they durst not think the diligent obeying him to be a needless thing, when they like that ⟨p. 21⟩Child or servant best, that is most willing and diligent in their Service. Alas were men but acquainted with their weakness, and sinfull failings when they have done their best, and how much short the hoylest Persons do come of what they are obliged to by the Lawes and mercies of the Lord, they durst not make a scorn of diligence, nor hate or blame men for endeavouring to be better, that are sure at best they shall be too bad. When the worst of men, that are themselves the greatest neglecters of God and their salvation, shall cry out against a Holy life and making so much a do for Heaven, (as if a man that lyeth in bed should cry out against working too much or going too fast) this shewes mens strangeness to themselves. Did the careless world but know themselves, and see where they stand, and whats before them, and how much lyeth on this inch of time; did they but know the nature and employment of a soul, and why their Creator did place them for a little while in flesh, and whither they must goe when time is ended, you should then see them in that serious frame themselves which formerly they dislikt in others:
