A39665:264
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.
Thus stands the case betwixt those places which God hath blest with a faithful painful Ministry,1 and such as have none, or worse than none: For as the Husbandmans cost and pains appears in the verdant, and fragrant hew of his fields; so a Ministers pains and diligence is (ordinarily) seen in the heavenly lives, and flourishing graces of the people. The Churches of Corinth and Thessalonica, where Paul and other holy instruments spent much of their time and pains became famous and flourishing Churches, 2 Cor. 9. 2. A special blessing comes along with a godly Minister, to the place where special providence assigns him. Such places like Gideon's fleece, have the dew of heaven lying on them, whiles others round about are dry and barren.
- 1Reddit.
The Husbandman is not discouraged,1 though the seed lye long under the clods, he knows it will spring up at last, and reward him, or those that come after him, for their pains and patience in waiting for it.
- 117. Prop.
Ministers should not be presently discouraged in their work,1 because they see but little or no appearance, of all the seed they have sown among the people. The servant of the Lord must be patient towards all, waiting if at any time God will give them repentance, 2 Tim. 24. 25. And if it never spring up in his time, it may after his death; and if so, he shall not fail of his reward, Job. 4. 36, 37. And he that reapeth, receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that soweth, and he that reapeth may rejoice together; and herein is that saying true, one soweth, and another reapeth. Though Ministers die, yet their words live; yea, their words take hold of men when they are in the dust,