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

May I not say to thee of this day, as Elisha to Geehezi? Is this a time to receive money and garments, and sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-servants? 2 Kings 5.26. Is the Sabbath a time for civil affairs? The Sabbath day is therefore called a day of restraint, Deut. 16.8. because then men are forbidden all work, saith Junius. As none were ever losers by laying aside their own works to attend Gods Worship; he took care of Israels safety whilst they were in his service, that none of their Neighbours though bitter enemies, should so much as desire their Cities, Exod 34.24. so none I am confident were ever gainers by inching in some part of their callings unnecessarily at the end of Gods day, and by setting God aside to serve themselves; the very time will be a Canker to consume their estates; And as they that take Crocus into their stomachs, bring up not only ill humours, but that also which would prove good nourishment; So some have had experience that their profanation of Gods day to increase their estates, hath forced them to vomit up the whole, God hath given thee days enough for thy calling, space enough to mind it in, thou needst not trespass upon his holy day, upon his holy ground. It was no small aggravation of Adams sin, that though he had choice of fruits, he would eat of the forbidden fruit; so it will much increase thy sin, if when thou hast choice of time for thy trade, thou shouldst meddle with it on a Sabbath.

May I not say to thee of this day, as Elisha to Geehezi? Is this a time to receive money and garments, and sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-servants? 2 Kings 5.26. Is the Sabbath a time for civil affairs? The Sabbath day is therefore called a day of restraint, Deut. 16.8. because then men are forbidden all work, saith Junius. As none were ever losers by laying afide their own works to attend Gods Worship; he took care of Israels safety whilst they were in his service, that none of their Neighbours though bitter enemies, should so much as desire their Cities, Exod 34.24. so none I am confident were ever gainers by inching in some part of their callings unnecessarily at the end of Gods day, and by setting God aside to serve themselves; the very time will be a Canker to consume their estates; And as they that take Crocus into their stomachs, bring up not onely ill humours, but that also which would prove good nourishment; So some have had experience that their prophanation of Gods day to increase their estates, hath forced them to vomit up the whole, God hath given thee days enough for thy calling, space enough to mind it in, thou needst not trespass upon his holy day, upon his holy ground. It was no small aggravation of Adams sin, that though he had choice of fruits, he would eat of the forbidden fruit; so it will much increase thy sin, if when thou hast choice of time for thy trade, thou shouldst meddle with it on a Sabbath.