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

It was the saying of an Holy Man, to one whose crosses and troubles were so great, that he cried out, O I am quite undone; why says he, is not God in Heaven? Who can sink, that hath Caesar with him in the ship, or be miserable that hath the possession of happiness it self? Hab. 3.18. Although the Fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be found in the Vines, the labour of the Olive shall fail, and the Fields shall yield no meat; the Flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no Herd in the stall: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, and will joy in the God of my Salvation: O blessed frame. O divine Spirit, like that of God himself, that is content and satisfied in and with himself, though there were nothing else in the world.

It was the saying of an Holy Man, to one whose crosses and troubles were so great, that he cried out, O I am quite undone; why says he, is not God in Heaven? Who can sink, that hath Caesar with him in the ship, or be miserable that hath the possession of happiness it self? Hab. 3.18. Although the Fig-tree shall not blossome, neither shall fruit be found in the Vines, the labour of the Olive shall fail, and the Fields shall yield no meat; the Flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no Herd in the stall: yet I will rejoyce in the Lord, and will joy in the God of my Salvation: O blessed frame. O divine Spirit, like that of God himself, that is content and satisfied in and with himself, though there were nothing else in the world.

And thus the holy and mortified Husbandman sits down with God, and sings cheerfully, The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore I will hope in him. If I had nothing in the world, if there were no world at all, yet my soul is completely happy in my God. I have enough, and enough, and enough. Thus ⟨p. 248⟩a true Saint is under his condition by Humility, but above it by Faith, and can make a living not out of bread only, but out of every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God: And therefore he fears God in prosperity, and loves him in Adversity: he trembles the more for his mercy, and loves him never the less for his frowns: And when the Barn is empty, then he can live by Faith. My God, is riches enough for any man: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. One Jewel is worth an hundred load of lumber. Others can boast of their fair houses, large demesnes, Noble Alliances, and numerous Friends, and I can glory in the Lord, that exercises to me loving kindness, and righteousness, and delights therein.