The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that…

The common and daily matters of this world, in any mans Calling whatsoever, should not draw him, or his Family, from common and daily duties of Religion; such are reading, praying, meditating, and religious observing of the Sabbath: for here a man must take care for his household, as well as for himself, that he do not hinder them from taking convenient ⟨p. 51⟩time to pray, and read, &c. by forcing upon them an over-great burden of ordinary businesses. For if the Soul be to be preferred before the Body, and Heaven before Earth; then those customable matters that pertain to the saving of the Soul, must be set before, much more stand equal with the things that pertain to the Body. Secondly, the extraordinary works of our calling (if any fall out) must not bar us from the extraordinary works of Religion. As for example, Harvest, and Hay-•ime, or the like, are extraordinary times for the business for the Body: so preparation to the Sacrament, fasting (if need so require) and such like, are extraordinary works for the Soul; now as the care of inning ones Corn or Grass, must not keep him from taking time to prepare himself to the Sacrament, or to fast at his need: so the receiving of the Lords Supper is matter of more than ordinary use ⟨p. 52⟩for the Soul; and some needful journey stands in the like manner for the Body, but a man must rather defer his journey (if it may be put off without over-much hinderance to him) than omit the receiving of the Lords Supper. The same rule must be kept in all other particulars. For if the Soul be more worth, and must be more carefully attended on than the body (as it is no reason the Handmaid should take place of the Mistress,) then those things which do after a peculiar manner concern the good and profit thereof, must not be neglected for such as do more specially help the state of the body outwardly. Lastly, if some outward duty of Religion have been put off from the time, wherein it should be performed, by some sudden and unexpected business, that required such haste (as in such case ordinary duties of Religion may be deferred) then some ordinary business of less weight ⟨p. 53⟩must (in recompense) give place to that exercise afterwards, and a man must find time for that, whether it be reading, praying, or meditating, by leaving undone (for that space) something that may be better spared.