A journal of meditations for every day in the year gathered out of divers authors / written first in Latine by N.B. ; and newly translated into English by E.M. in ... 1669.

Of Mans Duty towards God. 2. Part.

* 1.1COnsider 1. The other part of Mans Duty is to labour in the exercise of good works, thereby to please and serve God. Wherefore Heaven is sometimes proposed unto us as a rich jewel; some∣times as a treasure hidden in a field, which we are to seek out with some pain and labour, and to pur∣chase with the sale of all we have; sometimes again as a goal or prize,* 1.2 which we are to gain by running on in the race of Vertue and Perfection; and al∣most every where as the Reward and Crown of Vertuous Actions. See therefore you play the in∣dustrious Merchant, and by the continual exercise of good works heap up to your self treasures in Hea∣ven.* 1.3

* 1.4Consider 2. The several Motives which you have to labour in the pursuit and increase of Ver∣tue. 1. The will of God. This is the will of God, your Sanctification: And, Be you perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.* 1.5 2. The name of a Christian whose profession is Sanctity, and there∣fore Christians are called by the Apostle An Elect Generation, a Kingly Priesthood, a Holy Nation,* 1.6 &c. 3. The Examples of Saints of both Sexes, and of all conditions and callings; whereby the great St. Augustine encouraged himself, saying, Cannot you do, what such and such, to wit, young Youths and ten∣der Virgins have done before you? 4. The great∣nesse of the reward. Be glad and rejoyce,* 1.7 for your re∣ward is very great in Heaven.

Consider 3. The many helps which God hath afforded you for your Spiritual Profit. 1. His Divine Word declared unto you in Holy

Scripture, in Sermons, in pious Books, which in∣form your Understanding, and inflame your Will towards Vertue. 2. The assistance of divine Grace always ready at hand to begin, prosecute, and perfect any good work. 3. The holy Sacraments instituted by Christ to beget us to a Spiritual Life, and to maintain, nourish, and strengthen us in the same. 4. The Life, Merits, and Passion of our Saviour,* 1.8 who is our way, verity, and life: And, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us, &c. and cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pur∣suer of good works.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Matt. 13.44.
• * 1.2

  1 Cor. 9.24.
• * 1.3

  Matt. 6.20.
• * 1.4

  1 Thess. 4.3.
• * 1.5

  Mat. 5.48.
• * 1.6

  1 Pet. 2.9.
• * 1.7

  Matt. 5.12.
• * 1.8

  Jo. 14.6. Tit. 2.14.