The Christians labour and reward, or, A sermon, part of which was preached at…

Thirdly, Though the Christians labour be hard, yet there are many things alleviate the burden of it.

First, The sumbleness of the Christians work to his renewed Nature; the trouble of a work is much as the mans mind stands to or against it. It would be a tedious business to an ignorant Rustic, to be locked up in a Scholars Study, and there be made to spend his ⟨p. 46⟩time amongst his Books; but the true Scholar needs not be forced or wagered to this work; his delight in it, takes away the labour of it; non inveni (said one) in hoc mundo requiem nisi in angulo cum libello; it were a great calamity, to a slothful dastardly spirit, to be made to endure the labour and hardship of a Soldier: whereas a generous Soul, would prefer it before ease and gain at home; mea sit laborum major pars, pecuniâ autem, abundet quis volet, was Achilles his speech; give me the labour, let who will take the money. To a sensual heart, what more unpleasing then Heavenly Meditations? yet what more delighted David? To a carnal heart, the Commandments of God are all hard sayings, because, contrary to his unholy nature: but to a Gracious Soul, none of them are grievous; he loves the Law of God from the same reason, for which the other hates it, because it is pure; he delights to do the Will of God, because he hath a law within him, which corresponds ⟨p. 47⟩with the law without; his Heart answers to it, as the echo to the voice; thou saidst seek my face, thy face will I seek: No wonder a Cross lies heavy upon his shoulders, that hath no Faith in God to sustain him under it; but a Paul, he can take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, &c. 2 Cor. 12.10.

First, The sumbleness of the Christians work to his renewed Nature; the trouble of a work is much as the mans mind stands to or against it. It would be a tedious business to an ignorant Rustick, to be locked up in a Scholars Study, and there be made to spend his