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

Reader, it is impossible, if thou usest thy rational faculty, but thou shouldst be convinced of the truth of these things: Why then dost thou spend thy strength for that which is not bread, and thy labour for that which will not satisfy? O that I could invite and persuade thee to the most gainful trade: Hearken unto me, and eat that which is good, and let thy soul delight it self in fatness. If Religion were thy business, God would not serve thee as the World doth its servants: God is such a Master, that ten thousand Worlds to him are as nothing, yea less then nothing and vanity: He is a Master without exceptions, because he is an ocean of all (and nothing but) infinite perfections. His ⟨image 16⟩Worship must needs be the best work, because it is it self a reward. Thou canst not deny but the work of Saints and Angels in Heaven, is the best work by a thousand degrees that Creatures are capable of, or can possibly be exercised in; Truly their work and reward is the same, to worship and enjoy the blessed God. They who make Religion their business, have a taste beforehand of their future blessedness. Religion also bringeth in the greatest profit. The World payeth her servants in Cyphers and Counters, aery honours, a brutish pleasure, and fading riches, which are worth nothing; but Religion here in Figures and Pearls, which are worth thousands, the precious blood of Christ, the inestimable Covenant of Grace, and Eternal immediate communion with the Infinite God. Reader, if profit be the bait at which thou wilt bite, I will tell thee in a few words, how much Religion will he worth to thee: Truly two Worlds, not a farthing less. Exercise thy self unto Godliness: Godliness hath the promise of this life, and that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4.7, 8. Ah, who would not work for thee, O King of Nations, when in doing of thy commands, there is such great reward! Friend, who would not cast his net into the waters of the Sanctuary, when he may be confident of such an excellent draught?

Reader, it is impossible, if thou usest thy rational faculty, but thou shouldst be convinced of the truth of these things: Why then dost thou spend thy strength for that which is not bread, and thy labour for that which will not satisfie? O that I could invite and perswade thee to the most gainful trade: Hearken unto me, and eat that which is good, and let thy soul delight it self in fatness. If Religion were thy business, God would not serve thee as the World doth its servants: God is such a Master, that ten thousand Worlds to him are as nothing, yea less then nothing and vanity: He is a Master without exceptions, because he is an ocean of all (and nothing but) infinite perfections. His