CHAPTER LIII – Q.3: Does it lie in solitude and renouncing secular affairs?
and especially with very few ministers. So that a single or married life is in itself indifferent; but as a means to God's service, that is a duty to one that is a sin to another; but because that a single life is more commonly free and fittest for this great end, therefore the apostle preferreth it as better, because more suitable to the state of the most
(at least in those times), though to some, marriage may be a duty. So that every one should impartially inquire, in which state they may do
God the greatest service, and that they should choose, not on popish ground, as if it were commended to that particular person to whom it is not commanded, and were an evangelical counsel of perfection, and to be vowed; but in a prudent ordering of our lives, applying the general rules of Scripture to our several estates. And thus according to the command of Christ, "He that can receive this saying, let him."
CHAPTER LIII
Or in Solitude and renouncing secular Affairs?
Quest. 3. 'WHETHER self-denial consist in solitude, and avoiding secular affairs, as trades, merchandise, labour, &c.?'
Answ. 1. It is the standing rule of the apostle, of all that are able, "That if any man will not work, neither should he eat;" 2 Thess. 3:10.: and he calls those "disorderly walkers, that work not at all;" 2 Thess.
3:11.: and requireth us to have "no company with such," commanding men, with "quietness to work, and eat their own bread;" verse 12. 14. But yet there are several sorts of labour: some labour with the body, which is usually more private, as to the extent
(if not to the intent) of the benefit; and some labour with the mind, which is usually more for public good; as princes, judges, magistrates