The beatitudes

Use 1 1. It shows us that the business of Religion is no idle thing,¹ we must put forth all our strength and Branch. 1 vigour.⟨p. 563⟩ — Herculem duri celebrant labores; Ille Centauros domuit superbos, Cerberum traxit triplici catena; Ultimus coelum labour in reflexo Sustulit collo, &c. Claud. Religion is a race; we must run, and so run; 'tis an hard thing to be a Christian; alas then what shall we say to them that stand all the day idle? Come to many, and one would think they had no race to run; they put their hand in their bosom, Pro. 19.24. Is that a fit posture for him that is to run a race? They stretch themselves upon their couches, Amos 6.4. they had rather lie soft, than run hard; many would have heaven come to them, but they are loth to run to it; if salvation would drop as a ripe fig into the mouth of the eater, Nahum 3.12. men could like it well, but they are loath to set upon running a race; but never think to be saved upon such easy terms:^* the life of a Christian is not like a Nobleman's life; the Nobleman hath his rents brought in by his Steward whether he wake or sleep; think not that salvation will be brought to you when you are stretching your selves on your beds of ivory; if you would have the prize, run the race. The passenger in the ship, whether he sit in the Cabinet, or lie on the Couch, is brought safe to shore; but there is no getting to the heavenly port without rowing hard. Zacheus ran before to see Jesus, Luke 19.4. If we would have a sight of God in glory, we must run this race: we cannot have the world without labour, and would we have heaven?

Use 1 1. It shows us that the businesse of Religion is no idle thing,¹ we must put forth all our strength and Branch. 1 vigour.