A61391:483
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 yet this Diligence may pass its bounds and due limits. A man may work hard and have no thanks of God for his labour. The Godly Husbandman is busy, not out of love to Riches, but out of hatred to Idleness. An idle man can neither find in Heaven, no nor in Hell, a pattern. The Angels above are ever employed, and the Devils below are ever employing themselves. All the creatures move in their places, and hath Man any reason to have a writ of ease? There were in Old Rome persons deputed to be Censors morum, and in Athens the Areopagi, who took particular notice of the Diligence of persons in their Callings, and rewarded or punished them accordingly.
But yet this Diligence may pass its bounds and due limits. A man may work hard and have no thanks of God for his labour. The Godly Husbandman is busie, not out of love to Riches, but out of hatred to Idleness. An idle man can neither find in Heaven, no nor in Hell, a pattern. The Angels above are ever imployed, and the Devils below are ever imploying themselves. All the creatures move in their places, and hath Man any reason to have a writ of ease? There were in Old Rome persons deputed to be Censores morum, and in Athens the Areopagi, who took particular notice of the Diligence of persons in their Callings, and rewarded or punished them accordingly.
And indeed, idle persons are but like wens in the body; that are nourished, but it's only ⟨p. 243⟩to disfigure. It is said, Prov. 10.4. The hand of the Diligent maketh rich, and yet vers. 22. it's said, The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich. Indeed both must concur; but observe that where it's said, The blessing of the Lord maketh rich, it follows, And he addeth no sorrow with it. Riches without Gods favour shall be like gravel in your teeth, but when he sends them in mercy, they are perfectly comforts.
And indeed, idle persons are but like wens in the body; that are nourish't, but it's only ⟨p. 243⟩