A61391:428
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. IV.1
- 1§. 4.
IV. The Fourth Abuse in Husbandry, is, 1Rash Swearing. I cannot say that he is alone, or chief in this Sin. It was more witty wicked heads, that invented the Oaths which he doth but imitate; he doth but trot after the furious gallop of greater Persons, that go before him: but however, this fearful abuse hath gotten place among Husbandmen, and that now adays with redoubled force ⟨p. 215⟩and frequency. What house is free from rash Oaths a day together? what shop can you pass, but you may hear the buyer swear he'll give no more, as well as the seller, that he'll take no less? what Market but the noise of them reacheth our ears? so that we may truly and sadly say with the Prophet, Jer. 23.10. Because of swearing, the Land mourneth: These adorn their discourse, these confirm their bargains, in these they please, in these they pride themselves: nay, sometimes in their cups, never Hare (as Excellent Mr. Harris observes) was worried worse, and pulled in pieces by the cruel Dogs, than is Gods own Son by cruel and bloody Swearers; one crying sides, another heart, another wounds, so tearing in pieces again the Lord that bought them, and putting him to an open shame: But the Lord, that looks on, will not hold you guiltless in this abuse. Hath Christ said, swear not such oaths at all, and you his Servants speak no other language? Canst thou forbear before man, any word that might hurt thee, as words of treason, &c. and darest thou venture to swear before thy God, which is no less than treason against him? The more easily you escape any punishment from man, the more sharply will this sin be avenged by God; who hath fortified this Commandment in particular with this resolution, He will not hold them guiltless, that take his Name in vain.