Several discourses tending to promote peace & holiness among Christians to which are added,…

[…] diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blameless. And therefore if you cannot deny the ease and sloth of the Flesh, you are wholly unfit for the Work of Godliness.

〈…〉 deligent, that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blameless. And therefore if you cannot deny the ease and sloth of the Flesh, you are wholly unfit for the Work of Godliness.

(2.) This Diligence is no more than needeth, whatever the carnal World thinketh, who leave the Boat to the Stream, and hope to be accepted with God, for a few cold and drowsy Devotions, or some superficial Righteousness. A Painter-stainer, will think a Painter-limner too curious, because his own work is ⟨p. 351⟩but a little daubing. The broad way pleaseth the World best, but the narrow way leadeth to Life.

(3.) This Diligence may be well afforded, considering that eternal Life and Death is in the case. Life: Will you stop a Journey for your Lives, because 'tis a little tedious? or there is Dirt in the way, or the Wind bloweth on you, and the like? Since 'tis for God and Heaven, we should not grudge at a little labour; 1 Cor. 15. 58. Therefore be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. There is also Death in the case. Now which is better, To take a little profitable pains in Godliness, or to endure everlasting Torments? to save a little labour or diligence in the holy Life, and run the hazard of being miserable for ever? Which is worst, the trouble of Physic, or the danger of a mortal Disease?