§. Sect. 5 That the ob∣iection of po∣uerty is but a friuolous and false excuse.
Finally, let all those know, who obiect their pouerty, and their conti∣nuall labours to supply their wants, as an excuse for their neglect of Gods seruice in the duties of a godly life, that it is but a false and friuo∣lous pretence, whereby they palliat and colour their irreligious pro∣phanenesse. For they who will not serue God when they are poore, would much lesse do it if they were rich. They that will sue and seeke vnto God for helpe and succour, when they are destitute of necessa∣ries, would much more neglect him, if their storehouses were full, and their tables furnished with all plenty. They that will not call vpon * 1.1 the Lord when they are in trouble, nor powre forth a prayer vnto him when his chastizement is vpon him, would much more forget him and neglect this dutie in their prosperity and security from danger. And who seeth not by continuall experience, that many who haue seemed diligent and deuout in the duties of Gods seruice, in their poore and meane e∣state, haue afterwards beene loose and lazie, cold and negligent, when the world hath smiled vpon them, and their wealth and riches haue beene increased and multiplyed? Neither in truth is pouerty, and paines to supply our wants, any hindrance to the daily and necessary duties of Gods seruice, seeing if wee order our time aright, and wise∣ly dispose of our businesse, both of them may well stand together. For the Lord requireth not at our hands, that wee should spend the grea∣test part of our time in religious exercises, and neglect the duties of our callings, but onely that wee allot some small time to holy du∣ties, and performe our honest labours in the rest, therein yeelding obedience by performing these workes, because hee hath required them. And so farre is hee off from exacting of vs monkish idlenesse,