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

Though thy Understanding be dull, yet when the Holy Ghost is the School-Master, it is possible to learn. If no man learn any thing that he is dull at first about, how few would have skill in any thing. The first line in the Horn-book is the hardest; the further you learn, the easier: Prayer and Diligence will make it easy. And the Husbandman's God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him, Isa. 28.26. He that teacheth you to know the properties of the Earth, will teach you also the passage to Heaven. He that teacheth you to Plough, when you endeavour it, will teach you to Pray, when you endeavour that.

Though thy Understanding be dull, yet when the Holy Ghost is the School-Master, it is possible to learn. If no man learn any thing that he is dull at first about, how few would have skill in any thing. The first line in the Horn-book is the hardest; the further you learn, the easier: Prayer and Diligence will make it easie. And the Husbandman's God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him, Isa. 28.26. He that teacheth you to know the properties of the Earth, will teach you also the passage to Heaven. He that teacheth you to Plow, when you endeavour it, will teach you to Pray, when you endeavour that.

And though others abuse their knowledge, are better Scholars and worse Christians than thou, yet this will be no excuse to thee. Their sin doth not ease thee of thy duty; They shall go to Hell for their uneffectual knowledge, and thou shalt go to Hell for thy affected Ignorance: But alas, you argue not thus, in the Case of riches or other things: you do not say, my Neighbour yonder hath great riches, and misspends them, therefore I will resolve to be poor; he is proud of his fine clothes, and therefore I'll go in rags. Urge then no more others abuse of knowledge, but seeing it is necessary, do thou obtain it, and use it better.

And though others abuse their knowledge, are better Schollers and worse Christians than thou, yet this will be no excuse to thee. Their sin doth not ease thee of thy duty; They shall go to Hell for their uneffectual knowledge, and thou shalt go to Hell for thy affected Ignorance: But alas, you argue not thus, in the Case of riches or other things: you do not say, my Neighbour yonder hath great riches, and mispends them, therefore I will resolve to be poor; he is proud of his fine clothes, and therefore I'le go in rags. Urge then no more others abuse of knowlege, but seeing it is necessary, do thou obtain it, and use it better.