Men to be constant in the performance of holy Duties. [ 1400]
IT is observable,* 1.1 That many who have gone into the Field▪ and liked the work of a Souldier for a battel or two, but soon have had enough, and come running home again from their Colours, whereas few can bear it as a constant Trade; War is a thing that they could willingly wooe for their pleasure,* 1.2 but are loath to wed upon what terms soever. Thus many are soon engaged in holy duties, easily perswaded to take up a Profession of Religion, and as easily perswaded to lay down; like the new Moon, which shines a little in the first part of the night, but is down long before half of the night be gone; the lightsome Professors in their youth, whose old age is wrapt up in thick darknesse of Sin and wickedness: O this constancy and persevering is a hard word!* 1.3 this taking up the Crosse daily, this praying alwayes, this watching night and day, and never laying aside our cloaths and armour, i. indulging our selves to remit and unbend in our holy waiting upon God,* 1.4 and walking with God; this sends many sorrowful from Christ; yet this is the Saints duty, to make Religion his every-dayes work, withou•• any vacation from one end of the year to the other.