A61391:249
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.
He hath a mind to have constant prayer in his family, and reading the Scriptures, and singing Psalms, and would do so, if that course were held in the Hall that's near him; but he is loth to go before a Gentleman, no not to Heaven, and hath cause to fear a frown or worse for so doing. And then having but little Faith, he apprehends God far off, and his Landlord near, and will rather venture the loss of his House in Heaven, than his House upon Earth, and so neglects those Duties.
And so likewise in the practice of sobriety, circumspection and watchfulness, the example and fear of Superiors, do lay a strong siege to his convictions and resolutions, and make him (if strength of grace uphold him not) hazard the Peace of a good Conscience, ⟨p. 106⟩to keep the peace and quiet of his outward Estate. Fain he would go to Heaven, if he durst; and enjoy the smiles of God and great men also. He thinks without the favour of man he cannot live; and without the favour of God he dare not dye; and so would conjoin that which seldom meets, the love of God and the love of the World too. Thus is that Scripture fulfilled, Prov. 29.25. The fear of man causeth a snare. He would fast with his Family, but he dare not. He would read good Books, the best Books, and hear the best Ministers, but he dare not; he would go to Heaven, but he dare not: he is in the snare; The Lord of Heaven help him out!
And so likewise in the practice of sobriety, circumspection and watchfulness, the example and fear of Superiours, do lay a strong siege to his convictions and resolutions, and make him (if strength of grace uphold him not) hazzard the Peace of a good Conscience, ⟨p. 106⟩to keep the peace and quiet of his outward Estate. Fain he would go to Heaven, if he durst; and enjoy the smiles of God and great men also. He thinks without the favour of man he cannot live; and without the favour of God he dare not dye; and so would conjoyn that which seldome meets, the love of God and the love of the World too. Thus is that Scripture fulfilled,