A61391:244
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.
SECT. VIII.1
- 1§. 3.
VIII. The Eight Temptation of the Husbandman 1is, Slavish fear of Man. It is true, he must keep a due Reverence for the Magistrate, for he is the Minister of God; and therefore to contemn him secretly, or disdain him openly, is no little crime. And a just fear and respect he must have for his Landlord, or the Gentleman his Neighbour, because God hath placed them above him; and he hath learnt that by the Father he ought to honour, is meant all his Superiors; and himself expects the like from his children and servants; and therefore he is far from that clownish humour of those, that will make no difference between the King and the Beggar: knowing that would bring confusion into the world, and break that order that God hath placed among men. And therefore in all worldly matters no man more respective to his Superiors than the Husbandman; none more ready to ⟨p. 105⟩all those services and offices due from him to those above him: He's ready, and his children are ready, his Horses ready, and any thing he hath; and that not out of base fear, or other self-ends, but out of a principle of ingenuity and kindness, and a frame of heart to be doing good to every one. Here is his temper and duty; but now his Temptation lies in this, That when his Landlord, or other great men about him, do discountenance the practise of piety, and that holy strictness, which is undoubtedly the will of God, and necessary to salvation; he is apt either to take down his Colours, and either to waste his oil, or hide his Lamp, lest he should bring anger or trouble upon himself.