A61391:17
The husbandmans calling showing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandmanThe husbandmans calling shewing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman
The husbandmans calling showing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman : being the substance of XII sermons preached to a country congregation / by Richard Steele.The husbandmans calling shewing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman : being the substance of XII sermons preached to a country congregation / by Richard Steele.
London: printed by M.S., 1668
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.
1. Because the number of Husbandman is great; the company of Husbandmen, being the greatest of all others in this huge Corporation of the World,
And 2. There being no particular Book to Direct or Encourage them therein that ever I could meet with in our Tongue.
And 3. I confess also another Motive, to wit, a desire to be doing some good, which I trust (through the blessing of God, which I do humbly crave) will be attained hereby, and especially to those that were Hearers hereof, to ⟨image 7⟩whom I owe my self, and all I can do.
The matter herein is but ordinary Practical Divinity applied to the Condition and Calling of the Husbandman. The stile familiar and plain according to their capacity; the method also fitted, as well as I could, to the most useful things to be handled. In describing the Excellencies and Duties of this Calling, I have rather brought in the Husbandman doing what he ought, than what ordinary he doth; for you consider, I am not writing an History, but Rules, and therefore let no honest heart be discouraged for his coming short in these passages, provided he aim at them. The Rule must be exact, and our life as near it as we can. When I discourse his Sins and Temptations, and bring him sometimes on the stage under great disadvantages; understand it rather a Dissuasive from that evil, than a Narrative thereof. I am very conscious of many weaknesses, but know not of any Errors or Reflections herein. It will suffice me, if it shall obtain pardon of the more acute, acceptation of my