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

¹You have heard of that religious Gentleman, concerning whom the Witch his Neighbour made this confession at her death, That she had waited seven whole years to do him a mischief, but his constant Prayers had still disappointed her; until one Morning, that hast of business had carried him from home without Prayer in his Family; and before his return she had bewitched four or five of his children. Miracle of mercy, and nothing else! that God hath spared thee, whose neglects in that kind have been many. What if Satan had been permitted to do so by thee? how many Prayers might it have cost thee for deliverance? And is it not more comfortable to spend those Prayers for preventing evil, than for removing it? Is not that Prayer better spent that God commands, than that which Sin procures? Nay think, when you are tempted to neglect the service of God in your Families or otherwise, what an honour and advantage it is that you may thus approach God. If the King should but give you liberty to come twice or thrice a day into his presence, and there tell your whole case, and lay out all your wants, and promise a real answer to your requests, how hard or many soever: O how proud would you be of such a privilege, and seldom would you miss your time, you would find ⟨p. 90⟩something or other wanting for your selves or friends, and duly improve it. How much is your Privilege greater, that may come two or three times a day into the presence of th• King of Kings, and be heard about the great things of eternal life? O never fail your attendance; open your mouth wide, and he wi• fill it.

¹You have heard of that religious Gentleman, concerning whom the Witch his Neighbour made this confession at her death, That she had waited seven whole years to do him a mischief, but his constant Prayers had still disappoynted her; until one Morning, that hast of business had carryed him from home without Prayer in his Family; and before his return she had bewitched four or five of his children. Miracle of mercy, and nothing else! that God hath spared thee, whose neglects in that kind have been many. What if Satan had been permitted to do so by thee? how many Prayers might it have cost thee for deliverance? And is it not more comfortable to spend those Prayers for preventing evil, than for removing it? Is not that Prayer better spent that God commands, than that which Sin procures? Nay think, when you are tempted to neglect the service of God in your Families or otherwise, what an honour and advantage it is that you may thus approach God. If the King should but give you liberty to come twice or thrice a day into his presence, and there tell your whole case, and lay out all your wants, and promise a real answer to your requests, how hard or many soever: O how proud would you be of such a priviledge, and seldom would you miss your time, you would find