A39665:1874
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.
Doth my prosperity fat me up for hell,1 and prepare me for the day of slaughter? little cause have I then to glory in it, and lift up my heart upon these things. Indeed, God hath given, (I cannot say-blessed me with) a fullness of creature-enjoyments; upon these my carnal heart seizeth greedily and securely, not at all suspecting a snare lying in these things, for the ruin of my soul. What are all these charming pleasures, but so many rattles to quiet my soul, whilst its damnation steals insensibly upon it? What are all my busin•••es and employments in the world, but so many diversions from the business of life? There are but two differences betwixt me, and the poorest slave the devil hath on ⟨p. 219⟩earth; such are whipped on to hell by outward miseries, and I am coached to hell in a little more pomp and honour; these will have a less, and I a greater account in the day of reckoning. O that I had never known prosperity! I am now tumbling in a green pasture, and shortly shall be hanging up in the shambles in hell; if this be the best fruit of my prosperity, if I were taken captive by cruel Cannibals, and fed with the richest fare, but withal understood, that the design of it were, to •at me up like a beast for them to feed upon; how little stomach should I have to their dainties? O my soul! it were much better for thee to have a sanctified poverty, which is the portion of many Saints, than an ensnaring prosperity, set as a trap to ruin thee for ever.
DOth my prosperity fat me up for hell,