But take this caution withal, that we more highly esteem our Christian calling than our ordinary vocations and duties ; and to that end we ought to redeem some time from our ordinary callings to meditate, and to examine ourselves, and to pray. And this to be done daily, for Christ saith, ' Labour not for the meat that perisheth,' in comparison of that meat which lasteth for ever. Especially on that day which God hath chosen to his own use, I mean the ' Lord's day.' Mingle not thine own callings with holy duties on such days, unless it be in case of mercy, and that also of great necessity. God made this day for his own glory, and for our good, knowing how earthly-minded else we would be, unless some time were allotted wholly to vindicate our minds from these earthly things. Take heed, therefore, how we be bold * on this day especially.
' Your own.' Here is contained another direction in this Christian work. In our works and doings we must begin with ourselves, contrary to the custom of many, who are in their own duties negligent, but lord-like in overseeing of other men's works. We are to know, true zeal and practice begins at home.
' Work out your own.' Whatsoever others do, look you to yourselves. So did Joshua : ' Let the people do what they will, I and my house will serve the Lord,' Josh. xxiv. 15. So that a Christian ought toresolva with himself concerning his own carriage ; he that is wise is wise lor him- self. Better it is that you alone should work out your own salvation, than go to hell with others for company.
' Your own.' Every one hath a cup that he in particular must taste of, and every one a particular work to do. Though all go one way that are saved, yet some go by more sufierings than others. Some hath harder tasks set them to perform than others. Some must live in some callings, and therein ' work out their own salvation,' others in others. Eph. ii. 10, • Every one is created to good works which God prepares for him.' * Cf. Eph. iii. 12 ; Heb. iv. 16.— G. Qu. ' cold ' ?— Ed.
10 THE CnFvISTIAN WORK,
For the sixth du'ectlon, contained in ' fear,' &c., the time is too short to speak of; and therefore I conae,
3. To the vwtives.
(1.) The first is taken from the example of Christ, comprehended in the word ' Wherefore.' Christ, he did as he would have us to do ; he did all in obedience to God ; he came to do his will ; he was sincere, cared not for the world. What he did, he did thoroughly ; he healed all ; did all good ; did all things well ; and he finished his course. Now we must imitate Christ in all these ; never give over till we may say with comfort at our deaths, ' All is finished.' This must needs move us, if we consider what an honour it is for us to be like him and to follow him ; and then it will be gainful to us. He got honour by it— was exalted ; so shall we therefore be like him. And then he is a pattern without all exception. We cannot ofiend so long as we propound him for our example. It is a foolish opinion therefore that men may be too religious. Can any go beyond Christ, nay, or come near him ?
(2.) The second motive is taken from the ajwstle's love, ' my beloved.' Shew that you will answer my care and love to you. Whence observe.
That it ought to be a motive to Christians to take good courses, that they may thereby comfort those that have care of their good. The apostle, Heb. xiii. 17, bids the Hebrews, ' that they obe}^ them that are their guides.' Why ? ' That they may give account with joy, and not with grief, for it is unprofitable for them.' But to leave this personal manner of speech. Christians ought to seek good courses, to give content to the souls of those Christians with whom they live ; for they make it a matter of joy to see one grow in religious behaviour, and contrarily are grieved when they see it decay in any.
(3.) The third motive is drawn from the j)ossihility of it ; as if he should have said. You have already begun ; you know what it is I require ; it is no new thing, nor is it impossible ; do but work out that which you have begun. He that hath set one step into religion is half way. It was a great commendation in the church of Thyatira, that their last works were more than the first, Rev. ii. 19. We should labour to grow on still, from one degree to another, even as the sun ' shines more and more to the per- fect day,' Prov. iv. 18 ; and therefore it is a Christian course to compare ourselves with ourselves daily, and if we find a decay in ourselves; rest not contented till thou findest thyself amended. We pity men when they decay in outward things ; but of all decays, the decay of goodness is the most lamentable ; and therefore as you have obeyed, so obey still.