[ 1394] Negligence in the wayes of God, reproved.
THere is mention made of a Prince in Germany,* 1.1 who being invaded by a more potent Enemy then himself, yet from his Friends and Allies (who flock't in to his help) he soon had a goodly Army, but had no money (as he said) ••o pay them, but the truth is, he was loath to part with it; For which cause some went away in discontent, others did not vigorously mind his businesse, and so he was soon beaten out of his Kingdome; and his coffers (when his Pallace was ri∣fled) were found to be thwack't with treasure; And thus was he ruin'd, as some sick Men dye,* 1.2 because unwilling to be at cost to pay the Physitian: Now so it is that few or none are to be found, but would be glad their Souls might be sa∣ved at last; but where is the Man or Woman, that makes it appear by their Vigorous endeavour that they mean in earnest? What Warlike-preparation do they make against Satan who lyes between them and home? Where are their Arms, where their skill to use them, their resolution to stand to them, and con∣scionable care to exercise themselves daily in the use of them? Thus to do is a rarity indeed, if woulding and wishing would bring them to Heaven, then they may likely come thither; but as for this diligence in the wayes of God, this circumspect walking,* 1.3 this Wrestling and fighting, this making Religion our bu∣sinesse, they are far from these, as at last in so doing they are like to be from Heaven.