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 rich, they are sick of their poor neighbours; and the poor are as sick of their rich Superiors: and there is a levelling Principle in the hearts of common people, that can endure no Superior; as there is an ambitious one in Great Ones to abide no equal. Nay, the Husbandman is apt to think that he hath Reason on his side, y•a and God Almighty also, that God loves none that are richer than he; and because he finds that the Gospel hath included the poor, he thinks to exclude the rich; and comforts himself after all with this, that in Heaven he shall sit above them, if at least any of them come there. Thus he pleases, but mostly frets himself at the Grandeur of Superiors; and instead of cheering himself, he torments himself at the comforts of his betters.

The rich, they are sick of their poor neighbours; and the poor are as sick of their rich Superiours: and there is a levelling Principle in the hearts of common people, that can endure no Superiour; as there is an ambitious one in Great Ones to abide no equal. Nay, the Husbandman is apt to think that he hath Reason on his side, y•a and God Almighty also, that God loves none that are richer than he; and because he finds that the Gospel hath included the poor, he thinks to exclude the rich; and comforts himself after all with this, that in Heaven he shall sit above them, if at least any of them come there. Thus he pleases, but mostly frets himself at the Grandeur of Superiors; and instead of chearing himself, he torments himself at the comforts of his betters.

But doth he well this while? Is he indeed in the right? and hath Providence done him wrong, or doth God throw down riches and greatness winking, and bestow honours at adventures? Nay, my Beloved, this is but his ⟨p. 79⟩Temptation. The holy Husbandman will not yield to these thoughts, he is of another temper. But though this Cockatrice must be crushed, and Antidotes sought against this malignant humour; yet I dare not plead for any of the excessive gallantry, or costly superfluity, either in fare, building, or apparel, that is in use with any; nor for an idle, unuseful life, for any man or woman in the world; (Our Father Adam himself, if he were alive, would not desire it) I may not speak one word for these; nay woe, woe to them, if poor men perish for want of necessaries, while they swim in their superfluities, and relieve them not: Sadly and certainly shall they rue it with the rich man in the Gospel, if they make their Tenants grown by the racking of their Rents, that they may sing in the multitude of their Frolics. If their sitting on your Shoulders do not raise them nearer Heaven, but only squeeze down you to the earth, they will have a full cup of wrath made ready for them in due time. But yet in the mean while, if ye will be Gods Husbandry, if ye will be Gods Building, ye must not envy them, no not at all.