A61391:315
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.
2. The Second Lesson which the Husbandman may learn from his Corn, is, from the Sowing of it. And hence he may learn,
1. How to hear: For so hath our Lord Jesus taught him hence, Mat. 13. who there takes the Husbandman upon himself, and reckons his and his Ministers preaching, like the sowing of Seed. Where he finds four sorts of ground, and but one sort sound and good. It is three to one in a Congregation, that the ⟨p. 148⟩hearers miscarry in hearing. Here I have precious Seed, says the Husbandman, but if I should cast it in this high-way, or among yonder thorns, or else on the rocks, what crop could I expect? It would be cast away: and what is my Earthly Seed, to the Heavenly Seed of my Lord and God? who not only scatters Seed, but offers Pearls, yea Blood, the precious blood of Christ, and it's cast away, if I bring an hard or worldly heart to the Word of God. O then what need have I to prepare before; and to watch in the hearing thereof, lest I receive that Grace of God in vain. How fruitless would that seed be, that is sown on the green-sod, before the ground be ploughed? I would not venture one handful of Seed upon it. I'll therefore plough up my heart by Godly sorrow for my former negligences, that the Lord may now Sow in Righteousness, and that I may reap in mercy: for I know as I sow so shall I reap; when I sow Fitches, I look not to reap Wheat; no more must I expect to sow dead duties, and reap lively returns. I must not look to reap any thing but corruption, if I sow to the flesh: If I expect clean corn, I must sow clean seed; and if I look for life everlasting, I must sow to the Spirit. And herein also,
1. How to hear: For so hath our Lord Jesus taught him hence, Mat. 13. who there takes the Husbandman upon himself, and reckons his and his Ministers preaching, like the sowing of Seed. Where he finds four sorts of ground, and but one sort sound and good. It is three to one in a Congregation, that the