10. Lastly, Make not an occupation of any recreation. The longest use of pleasure is but short: but the pains of pleasure abused, are eternal. *Use therefore lawful recreation,2 so far forth, as it makes thee the fitter in body and mind, to do more cheerfully the service of God and the duties of thy calling. †Thy work is great, thy time is but short. And he who will brecompense every man according to his works, standeth at the door. Think how much work is behind, how slow thou hast wrought in the time which is past; and what a reckoning thou shouldest make, if thy master should call thee this day to thine accounts.5 ⟨p. 185⟩Be therefore careful henceforth to make the most advantage of thy short time that remains, as a man would of an old lease, that were near expiring: and when thou disposest to recreate thy self, remember how small a time is allotted for thy life; and that therefore much of that is not to be consumed in idleness, sports, plays, and toyish vanities, seeing the whole is but a short while, though it be all spent in doing the best good that thou canst: for Man was not created for sports, plays and recreation; but zealously to serve God in Religion, and conscionably to serve his neighbour in his vocation, and by both to ascertain himself of eternal salvation. Esteem therefore the loss of* time, one of the greatest losses.7 Redeem it carefully, to spend it wisely: that when that time cometh thata thou mayest be no longer a Steward on earth, thy master may welcome thee with anb Euge bone serve, and give thee a better in heaven;10 where thou shalt joyfully enjoy thy Master's joy for evermore.
10. Lastly, Make not an occupation of any recreation. The longest use of pleasure is but short: but the pains of pleasure abused, are eternal. *Use therefore lawful recreation,2 so far forth, as it makes thee the fitter in body and mind, to do more chearfully the service of God and the duties of thy calling. †Thy work is great, thy time is but short. And he who will brecompence every man according to his works, standeth at the door. Think how much work is behind, how slow thou hast wrought in the time which is past; and what a reckoning thou should'st make, if thy master should call thee this day to thine accounts.5 ⟨p. 185⟩Be therefore careful henceforth to make the most advantage of thy short time that remains, as a man would of an old lease, that were near expiring: and when thou disposest to recreate thy self, remember how small a time is allotted for thy life; and that therefore much of that is not to be consumed in idleness, sports, plays, and toyish vanities, seeing the whole is but a short while, though it be all spent in doing the best good that thou canst: for Man was not created for sports, plays and recreation; but zealously to serve God in Religion, and conscionably to serve his neighbour in his vocation, and by both to ascertain himself of eternal salvation. Esteem therefore the loss of* time, one of the greatest losses.7 Redeem it carefully, to spend it wisely: that when that time cometh thata thou mayest be no longer a Steward on earth, thy master may welcome thee with anb Euge bone serve, and give thee a better in heaven;10 where thou shalt joyfully enjoy thy Master's joy for evermore.
- *Prov. 21. 17.
- 2Phil. 4. 8.
- †Vita brevis opusque multum operarii pigri, & urget Pater-familias. Rabb. Apophtheg.
- bRev. 22. 12.
- 5Jam. 5. 9.
- *Nihil est aliud tempus, quàm vita, quam unusquisque tantum see amare profitetur; quum rei nullius magis fit prodigus qu•m temporis.Nihil est aliud tempus, quàm vita, quam unusquisque tantum se amare profitetur; quum rei nullius magis fit prodigus qu•m temporis.
- 7Eph. 5. 16.
- aLuke 16▪ 2.
- bMat. 25. 21.
- 10Psal. 90.
