A61391:5
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
Dedication: To all the Faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ in this our English Israel.
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.
To all the Faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ in this our English Israel.
Reverend Fathers, and Brethren;
IT is not out of Presumption (the Lord he knoweth) that I make this Address unto you, as if I were worthy to bespeak, much less instruct Such and So many, but from a sincere Love to mens souls, attended with a profound Respect unto you all. 'Tis you, that have the charge to bring this our Husbandman to Heaven: from his care and labour most of your subsistence comes; You are strictly bound by all Laws Divine and Humane, to help them to live in Heaven, ⟨image 3⟩that help you to live on earth; nay, you are obliged by express †Scripture to give your selves wholly to this business, and you must certainly give an exact account of your Stewardship, God knows how soon. Now I only undertake to be your Remembrancer, and my own Monitor in these two main things: 1. That we would often consider the Great End of our worthy Ministry, which is not, to please men, but Christ Jesus the Lord; not to obtain applause from the Vulgar, or respect from Great Men, or to make ample worldly provision for our selves, but we are purposely sent from God, to save mens souls from death, and to carry (if it be possible) all our flock with us to Heaven. Let us revive this often upon our souls, especially when we are casting the Net of the Gospel among a Sea of Sinners in our actual ⟨image 3⟩