The Protestant Mind of the English Reformation

p. 139n

Jesus taught in the parable of the talents that the question for disciples is not which callings they have, but how faithfully they pursue them.  In remarking on this theme, the Puritan Joseph Hall wrote: “The homeliest service that we do in an honest calling, though it be but to plow, or digge, if done in obedience, and conscience of God’s Commandement, is crowned with an ample reward; whereas the best workes for their kinde (preaching, praying, offering Evangelicall sacrifices) if without respect of God’s injunction and glory, are loaded with curses.  God loveth adverbs; and cares not how good, but how well.”