A39665:438
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.
And may not many gracious hearts turn in upon themselves with shame and sorrow,1 to consider how unsatisfied they have been in that condition, that others have preferred and esteemed as the greatest of all outward mercies? I have indeed been fed with food convenient, but not contented: How hath my heart been tortured from day to day with anxious thoughts, what I shall eat and drink, and wherewith I and mine should be clothed? I pretend indeed that I care but for a competency of the world, but sure I am, my cares about it have been incompetent. Come my distrustful earthly heart, let me propound a few questions to thee about this matter, and answer truly to what I shall now demand of thee.
And may not many gracious hearts turn in upon themselves with shame and sorrow,1 to consider how unsatisfied they have been in that condition, that others have prefer'd and esteem'd as the greatest of all outward mercies? I have indeed been fed with food convenient, but not contented: How hath my heart been tortured from day to day with anxious thoughts, what I shall eat and drink, and wherewith I and mine should be clothed? I pretend indeed that I care but for a competency of the world, but sure I am, my cares about it have been incompetent. Come my distrustful earthly heart, let me propound a few questions to thee about this matter, and answer truly to what I shall now demand of thee.
- 1The gracious. soul's reflection.
Hast thou here a continuing City?1 or art thou at home, upon thy journey, that thou art so solicitous about the world? thy profession indeed speaks thee a stranger upon earth, but thy conversation a home-dweller. Erasmus said he desired honours and riches, no more than a weary horse doth a heavy Cloak-bag. Wouldst thou not account him a fool that would victual his Ship, as much to cross the Channel to France, as if she were bound for the East-Indies? Alas! it will be but a little while, and then there will be no more need of any of these things. 'Tis sad, that a soul which stands at the door of eternity, should be perplexing it self about food and raiment.