A61391:208
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. Study the real evils or troubles, as well as the seeming happiness of your Superiors. You see their Glory, but alas you do not see their misery; you envy the bravery of their Apparel, but you would pity them if you knew the Diseases and Distempers that are often under ⟨p. 80⟩it; you see their stately houses, but you see not the cares, the fears, the discontents that many times lodge within them; you grudge at their full Tables and delicate fare, but if you consider the great reckoning they have to pay, you would pity them at your heart. Their hazards, and troubles, and temptations at present, besides their danger to come, do far surpass their enjoyments, and do rather crave your compassion, then your emulation: For,
1. Study the real evils or troubles, as well as the seeming happiness of your Superiours. You see their Glory, but alas you do not see their misery; you envy the bravery of their Apparel, but you would pity them if you knew the Diseases and Distempers that are often under ⟨p. 80⟩it; you see their stately houses, but you see not the cares, the fears, the discontents that many times lodge within them; you grudge at their full Tables and delicate fare, but if you consider the great reckoning they have to pay, you would pity them at your heart. Their •azzards, and troubles, and temptations at present, besides their danger to come, do far surpass their enjoyments, and do rather crave your compassion, then your emulation: For,
1. They are in perpetual danger of falling from their height. If you saw a man advanced to the top of some high pinnacle, and there shaking by every blast, would you not pity such a man? Who would envy that mans advancement? Such is the condition of Great men; they are higher than you, but then their hazard is greater, and their fall the sadder; Every wind shakes them, and their fears drink up a great deal of their joys: And then,