A39665:293
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.
The Husbandman hath much to do, many things to look after; but the Christian more: If we respect the extensiveness of his work, he hath a large field indeed to labour in, Psal. 119. 96. The commandment is exceeding broad; of a vast extent and latitude, comprising not only a multitude of external ⟨p. 19⟩acts, and duties, and guiding the Offices of the outward man about them, but also taking in every thought and motion of the inner man within its compass.
The Husbandman hath much to do, many things to look after; but the Christian more: If we respect the extensiveness of his work, he hath a large field indeed to labour in, Psal. 119. 96. The commandment is exceeding broad; of a vast extent and latitude, comprizing not only a multitude of external ⟨p. 19⟩acts, and duties, and guiding the Offices of the outward man about them, but also taking in every thought and motion of the inner man within its compass.
You find in the Word, a world of work cut out for Christians; there's hearing work, praying work, reading, meditating, and self-examining work; it puts him also upon a constant watch over all the corruptions of his heart. Oh, what a world of work hath a Christian about them? For of them he may say, as the Historian doth of Hannibal, They are never quiet, whether conquering, or conquered. How many weak languishing graces hath he to recover, improve, and strengthen? There is a weak faith, a languishing love, dull and faint desires to be quickened and invigorated. And when all this is done, what a multitude of work do his several relations exact from him? he hath a world of business incumbent on him, as a parent, child, husband, wife, master, servant, or friend; yea, not only to friends, but enemies. And beside all this, how many difficult things are there to be born and suffered for Christ? and yet will not God allow his people in the neglect of any one of them: neither can he be a Christian that hath not respect to every command, and is not holy, in all manner of conversation,