Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

4. Possibly a man may be forced through want, ⟨p. 53⟩to change or desert his calling. Paul though a Preacher and Apostle, was sometimes forced to work with his hands.¹ And though Musculus was a good and excellent Preacher, yet he was sometimes forced to work, and to dig in the City Ditch or moat, for his living. Possibly I say, a man through urgent necessity and want, may be forced to leave or desert his Calling; and then, and in that case, it is lawful for him to do it: So that it is not absolutely unlawful for a man to change or lay down his Calling. Yet,

1. 1Idem statuendum est, cum aliqua gravi necessitate compelleris, & subeas novas conditions. Pet. Mar. ibid.Idem statuendum est, cum aliqua gravi necessitate compelleris, & subeas novas conditiones. Pet. Mar. ibid.

Thirdly; Though it be lawful in some case to do so, yet ordinarily a man is to abide in his calling, and not readily to be removed from it: for a good calling is the Lords gift.

1. It is God that calls a man to that state, condition or employment, Now a man should not readily leave or desert that calling or employment which God hath called him to, or owned and blessed him in. For how do I know whether God will own or bless me when I shall desert that Calling, wherein he hath appeared unto me. 'Tis my Duty to follow God, and not to go before him; as God hath distributed to every man. As the Lord hath called every man, so let him walk. God doth distribute and carve our our callings for us. Has the Lord therefore called me to a place or employment, then am I with thankfulness to walk therein. 'Tis not for the private Soldier, saith P. Mar to appoint his own station; but look where he is set by his Commander, there he is to abide. Has the Lord therefore