The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

Now godliness is amongst all mans works of the greatest weight. The truth is, he hath no work of weight but this; this is the one thing necessary, and in this one thing are mans all things. Our unchangeable weal or woe in the other world is wrapped up in our diligence or negligence about this; our earthly business be they about food, or raiment, about honours or pleasures, or whatsoever, are but toys and trifles, but babbles and Butterflies to this. As Candles before the sun they must all disappear and give place to this.

Now godliness is amongst all mans works of the greatest weight. The truth is, he hath no work of weight but this; this is the one thing necessary, and in this one thing are mans all things. Our unchangeable weal or wo in the other world is wrapt up in our diligence or negligence about this; our earthly business be they about food, or raiment, about honours or pleasures, or whatsoever, are but toys and trifles, but bables and Butterflies to this. As Candles before the sun they must all disappear and give place to this.

Moses a pious and tender Father, when leaving them (in his Swan-like Song) gives savoury advice to his Children. We need not doubt but his spiritual motions were quickest, when his natural motions were slowest; that the stream of grace ran with full strength, when it was to empty it self into the Ocean of glory. Mark what special counsel he gives them who were committed to his special care, Deut. 32.46. Set your hearts to all the words which I command you this day, for it is not a vain thing because it is your life, in which words we have 1. a Commandment, and 2. an Argument. The commandment ⟨p. 47⟩is, Set your hearts to all the words which I command you this day, that is, exercise your selves to godliness. He doth not say lend them your ears, to listen to them slightly, or let them have your tongues to speak of them cursorily. No, it is not set your heads, but set your hearts to all the words, &c. He doth not say, let your works be according to these words, or let your feet ever make them your walk; No, it is not set your hands but set your hearts to the words that I speak unto you. Make it your business, and then your Ears and Tongues, your Feet, your Heads, your Hands, and all will be employed about them to the purpose. But what special Argument doth Moses urge for the enforcement of this great work, Surely that which I am speaking of, the weight of it. Set your he arts to all the words which I command you this day, For it is not a vain thing, because it is your life v. 47. Moses had experience that the hearts of the Israelites were exceeding knotty wood, and therefore he useth an heavy Beetle to drive home the Wedge: It is not a vain thing, it is life; as if he had said, Were it a matter of small moment, ye might Laze and Loiter about it, but it behoves you to bestir your selves lustily to follow it, laboriously to set your hearts to it, for it is as much worth as your lives; that pearl of matchless price is engaged, and at stake in your pursuit of godliness. Life though but natural, is of so much value, that men will sacrifice their honours, and pleasures, their wealth, and liberty, and all, to it.