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

First, By way of Lamentation: If Godliness ought to be every ones principal business, How sadly should it be lamented that this calling is so exceedingly ⟨p. 72⟩neglected? What one man is there of many that doth follow this trade, and exercise himself to Godliness? Men generally cry out Trading is dead, their particular callings are gone; they make no considerable returns, they stand in their shops all the day idle: But may not God rather complain, The holy, heavenly trade is decayed and dead; general callings are left and lost; Why stand ye all the day idle, and refuse to work in my vineyard. While the Devil has whole droves to do his drudgery; the Flesh vast flocks to flatter its fancies, and the World many millions to admire and adore its vanities; the ways of Zion mourn, they are unoccupied, none come to the solemn feasts, all her gates are desolate. While the Lawyers Closet is filled with Clients for counsel about their Estates, the Physicians chamber with Patients about their bodily health, and the Tradesman's shop crowded with customers, Jesus Christ is left alone. Though he offereth wares which are of infinite worth, and stretcheth out his hand all the day long yet no man regardeth.