[ 1404] To make our Calling and Election sure. [ 1404]
THere is a Tale of an old Usurer,* 1.1 that had nothing in his mouth, but, It is good to be sure; If his Servant went to receive money, he would follow him; Why? O it is good to be sure: Though himself had locked the door, yet he must needs rise out of his bed in the cold, to feel it fast; Why? O it is good to be sure. Let him have told his money never so often over, yet he will tell it again; Why? O it is good to be sure. It came to passe that he fell very dan∣gerously sick; and his servant perceiving little hope of life in him, asked him, Master,* 1.2 have you said your prayers? Yes, I have said them. Nay▪ but say them again, Master, you know, It is good to be sure. No, sayes the Worldling, It is more then needs, I am sure enough of that. He bids his Servant open his chest, and bring him all his gold in it, to look upon. The honest Servant willing to work his Master to Repentance, having opened it, told him; Master, the Devil is in the chest, he layes his paw upon all the gold, and sayes it is all his, because it was extract∣ed out of the life-bloud of Widowes, Orphans, and poor Wretches. Sayes he so, quoth the Extortioner? Then bring me the gold, the chest, the Devill and all, It is good to be sure. And hence, it may be, it is, That usually Wicked Men are said to get the Devil and all: Thus the voyce of Nature is all for the matter of security in