A61391:456
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. III.1
- 1§. 3.
III. The Third Design of the Husbandman should be, The Public Good, 1He hath learned but a little way in the book of Christianity, that sets his private benefit above the public good. He that will Sleep in Jesus, must serve his Generation, Acts 13.36. And the Religious Husbandman will serve his God, and then will serve his Generation, and then will serve himself; not himself first; no, how may I further the common Good? He ploughs and sows, not only because he lives by it, but because the Common Wealth cannot live without it. That was right Husbandry in Joseph, Gen. 41. He did not hoard corn, and let others starve; but he hoarded it, lest others should starve: It is said, Prov. 11.26. He that withholdeth corn, people shall curse him, but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it; and the wise Husbandman more values the blessing of God upon an empty barn, than a full barn ⟨p. 231⟩and a curse therein. He is more pleased with the public wealth, though he lie under private wants, than if himself had wealth, and there were public want abroad. Though he be a private man, yet he should have a Public spirit.