A61391:288
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.
But to come nearer; Pray what shame is it to do that which is good, or undo that which is evil? It is a shame indeed to sin, but that is past, that thou art ashamed of too: but now ⟨p. 130⟩thou art about a work of righteousness, equity and honesty, there is no shame in this: Nay all men, at least all wise men will think better of thee than before: They will now conclude, certainly yonder is a singular good man, that will part with his estate, and venture his credit, rather than burden his Conscience, or remain under sin. All men will commend this, and much praise will redound to God. Pray what disgrace is it to Zacheus, that he was willing to restore all he had gotten by wrong? God and Man record it to his honour.
But to come nearer; Pray what shame is it to do that which is good, or undoe that which is evil? It is a shame indeed to sin, but that is past, that thou art asham'd of too: but now ⟨p. 130⟩thou art about a work of righteousness, equity and honesty, there is no shame in this: Nay all men, at least all wise men will think better of thee than before: They will now conclude, certainly yonder is a singular good man, that will part with his estate, and venture his credit, rather than burden his Conscience, or remain under sin. All men will commend this, and much praise will redound to God. Pray what disgrace is it to Zacheus, that he was willing to restore all he had gotten by wrong? God and Man record it to his honour.
But further yet, you may so order your restitution, that (if occasion be) you never need to be known. Consider whom you have injured, and how much; and then choose your discreet Minister, or some other faithful friend, who may dispose the thing restored, or the value of it, to the right owner, and your name never needs to be in question. But rather exceed, than fall short of the full value, in your restitution. I will restore, saith Zacheus, fourfold, that is, rather more than less. And the Lord hath ordered in that case,