A61391:212
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.
And then 4. If you think of their future hazard, you have small need to envy them; for it is a thousand to one, they miss of Heaven, and go to Hell; and therefore as the Soldier that was Sentenced for stealing Grapes, and reproached by his fellows for eating them so busily, as he was going to Execution, answered, Do you grudge me the Grapes, that I must pay so dear for? So you have little reason to grudge them the Estates, for which they must pay so dear. This is the Portion of their Cup, if they be without Christ; And if thy Superiors be good men, thou shouldst love and honour them, and never envy them.
And then 4. If you think of their future hazzard, you have small need to envy them; for it is a thousand to one, they miss of Heaven, and go to Hell; and therefore as the Souldier that was Sentenc'd for stealing Grapes, and reproach'd by his fellows for eating them so busily, as he was going to Execution, answer'd, Do you grudge me the Grapes, that I must pay so dear for? So you have little reason to grudge them the Estates, for which they must pay so dear. This is the Portion of their Cup, if they be without Christ; And if thy Superiours be good men, thou shouldst love and honour them, and never envy them.
2. Study the Wisdom and Word of God. As he may do what he will with his own, and thy eye hath no reason to be evil, because His is good; so a little modesty would tell thee, that he hath wisdom to know where to bestow his gifts. Alas! for thy part, he sees that thy neighbours high Estate, and thy high spirit would undo thee: he knows what's fit for him, and he knows what's fit for thee: He knows a Competence, and Heaven at the end of it, is enough for thee, if thou be his Child; and it is too much, if thou be his Enemy. He ⟨p. 83⟩knows the better temper, and other usefulness he may be of, which shall not go without reward; and while thou hast more then thou deservest, what needst thou care what God bestows upon others.
2. Study the Wisdome and Word of God. As he may do what he will with his own, and thy eye hath no reason to be evil, because His is good; so a little modesty would tell thee, that he hath wisdome to know where to bestow his gifts. Alas! for thy part, he sees that thy neighbours high Estate, and thy high spirit would undo thee: he knows what's fit for him, and he knows what's fit for thee: He knows a Competence, and Heaven at the end of it, is enough for thee, if thou be his Child; and it is too much, if thou be his Enemy. He