Mixt contemplations in better times by Thomas Fuller ...

XXXII. Attend, Attend.

SOme of those whom they call QUAKERS, are (to give them their due) very good moral men, and exactly just in their civill trans∣actions. In proof whereof let me mention this passage, though chiefly I confesse for the Application there∣of, which having done me (I praise God) some good, I am confident will do no hurt to any other.

A Gentleman had two Tenants, whereof one being a QUAKER, repaired to his Land-lord on the Quarter-day; Here THOU (said he) tell out and take THY Rent, without stirring his cap, or shewing the least sign of respect.

The other came cringing and con∣gying; If it please your VVorship (said he) the times are very hard, and tra∣ding is dead, I have brought to your

VVorship five pounds (the whole due being twenty) and shall procure the rest for your VVorship with all possible speed.

Both these Tenants put together would make a perfect one, the Rent-compleating of the one, and Tongue-complements of the other. But seeing they were divided, I am perswaded that of the two, the Land-lord was lesse offended with the former, impu∣ting his ill manners to his folly, but a∣scribing his good dealing to his hone∣sty.

God expecteth and requireth both good VVorks and good VVords. We cannot make our addresses and ap∣plications unto him in our prayers with too much awe and reverence.

However such who court God with luscious language, give him all his Attributes, and (as King Iames said of a Divine, who shall be name∣lesse) complement with God in the Pulpit, will be no whit acceptable

unto him, if they do not also endea∣vour to keep his Commandements.

It is the due paying of Gods QUIT-RENTS, which he expe∣cteth, I mean the reallising of our gratitude unto him for his many mer∣cies, in leading the remainder of our lifes according to his will and his word