A39665:1207
Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations,…
Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations, pertinent applications, and serious reflections and each chapter concluded with a divine and suitable poem : directing husband-men to the most excellent improvements of their common employments : whereunto is added ... several choice occasional meditations / by John Flavell.Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations, pertinent applications, and serious reflections and each chapter concluded with a divine and suitable poem : directing husband-men to the most excellent improvements of their common imployments : whereunto is added ... several choice occasional meditations / by John Flavell.
London : Printed and are to be sold by Robert Boulter, l674
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
REFLECTIONS.
I Have indeed been a good Husband for the world;1 with §1what care and providence have I looked out for my self and family, to provide food to nourish them, and clothes to defend them against the asperities of Winter? mean while neglecting to make provision for eternity, or take care for my soul. O my destitute soul! how much have I slighted and undervalued thee? I have taken more care for an horse or an ox, than for thee; a well stored-barn, but an empty soul. Will it not shortly be with me, as with that careless Mother, who when her house was on fire, busily bestirred her self to save the goods, but forgot the child? (though it were saved by another hand) and then minding her child, ran up and down like one distracted wringing her hands, and crying, O my child, my child! I have saved my goods, and lost ⟨p. 144⟩my child, such will be the case of thee, my soul, Mat. 16. 26. Besides how easy will my conviction be at the Bar of Christ? will not my providence and care for the things of this life, leave me speechless and self-condemned in that day? What shall I answer when the Lord shall say, Thou couldst foresee a Winter, and seasonably provide for it? yea, thou hadst so much care of thy very beasts, to provide for their necessities, and why tookest thou no care for thy soul? was that only not worth the caring for?
I Have indeed been a good Husband for the world;1