To have in our mind the main
passing away." In these words, we consider two main points, which I will simply name now before hastening to what follows.
The first is this:
Doct. 1. A most excellent way to address particular matters of conscience is to keep the chief end ever before us.
For there are many who trouble themselves all their life with this or that particular concern, and in the meantime neglect the principal thing. Let a person attend to the main issue, and he will quickly discern what is right in cases such as whether it is good to redeem time to hear a sermon now and then. He will act upon it, and not delay by debating it as a point of conscience; for when he considers how it serves the chief end—the salvation of his soul, for which he was created and sent into this world—he will find his answer without difficulty.
Likewise, with regard to the full sanctification of the Lord's Day, many have doubts and stir up needless controversy. But if the love of God were in their hearts, and they truly regarded the main issue, they would see it to be a vain and frivolous question. For how greatly does this contribute to the chief end?
Similarly, concerning social interactions—are those with whom I spend time godly, encouraging, and spiritually beneficial? Can I grow through their company? Why, then, should I entangle myself with others who hinder my spiritual progress and obstruct the main pursuit? Thus we observe the apostle Paul, when dealing with