Yet many there be, who having no public employment, think they may spend their time as they list, either in idleness, 1or in following their vain pleasures and delights day after day, and so cast themselves out of all calling. Such are many masters of families who commit all the care of their house either to their wives, or to some servant, and misspend their whole time in idleness, riotousness, and voluptuousness. Such are many mistresses, who spend their time in lying a bed, attiring themselves, and gossiping. Such are many young gentlemen living in their fathers houses, who partly through the too-much-indulgency and negligence of their parents, and partly through their own headstrong affections, and rebellious will, run without restraint whither their corrupt lusts lead them. These, and such other like to these, though by Gods providence they be placed in callings, in warrantable callings, and in such callings as minister unto them matter enough of employment, yet make themselves to be of no calling. Now what blessing can they look for from the Lord? The Lord useth 2to give his blessing to men, while they are busied in their callings. gJacob's faithful service to his uncle Laban moved God to bless him. hJosephs faithfulness to his master Potiphar was had in remembrance with God, who advanced him to be ruler in Egypt. iMoses was keeping his ⟨p. 20⟩father in laws sheep when God appeared to him in the bush, and appointed him a Prince over his people. kDavid was sent for from the field, where he was keeping his fathers sheep, when he was anointed to be king over Israel. lElisha was ploughing when he was anointed to be a Prophet. mThe shepherds were watching their sheep, when that gladsome tidings was brought to them, that the Saviour of the world was borne. Not to insist on any more particulars, the promise of Gods protection is restrained to our callings: for nthe charge which God hath given to the Angels concerning man is, to keep him in all his ways.
Yet many therebe, who hauing no publike imployment, thinke they may spend their time as they list, either in idlenesse, 1or in following their vaine pleasures and delights day after day, and so cast themselues out of all calling. Such are many masters of families who commit all the care of their house either to their wiues, or to some seruant, and mispend their whole time in idlenesse, riotousnesse, and voluptuousnesse. Such are many mistresses, who spend their time in lying a bed, attiring themselues, and goshipping. Such are many young gentlemen liuing in their fathers houses, who partly through the too-much-indulgencie and negligence of their parents, and partly through their owne headstrong affections, and rebellious will, runne without restraint whither their corrupt lusts lead them. These, and such other like to these, though by Gods prouidence they be placed in callings, in warrantable callings, and in such callings as minister vnto them matter enough of imployment, yet make themselues to be of no calling. Now what blessing can they looke for from the Lord? The Lord vseth 2to giue his blessing to men, while they are busied in their callings. gIaacobs faithfull seruice to his vncle Laban moued God to blesse him. hIosephs faithfulnesse to his master Potiphar was had in remembrance with God, who aduanced him to be ruler in Egypt. iMoses was keeping his ⟨p. 20⟩father in lawes sheepe when God appeared to him in the bush, and appointed him a Prince ouer his people. kDauid was sent for from the field, where he was keeping his fathers sheepe, when he was anointed to be king ouer Israel. lElisha was plowing when he was anointed to be a Prophet. mThe shepherds were watching their sheepe, when that gladsome tidings was brought to them, that the Sauiour of the world was borne. Not to insist on any more particulars, the promise of Gods protection is restrained to our callings: for
- 12 Use. Reproof of such as having no public office, think themselves freed from all duty.2 Vse. Reproofe of such as hauing no publike office, thinke themselues freed from all dutie.
- 2Gods blessing on men diligent in their calling.
- gGen. 31. 42.
- hGen. 39. 2.
- iExo. 3. 1, 2.
- k1 Sam. 16. 11
- l1 King. 19. 19.
- mLuk. 2. 8.
- nPsal. 91. 11.
