A61391:548
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.
Let the Excellencies of it refresh you; you have your Difficulties, and you have you• Dignities, and God hath set the one against the other. A Christian Husbandman is better than a Pagan King. Bless the Lord therefore, that though thy life be full of pains, yet thy ⟨p. 275⟩lines are fallen in pleasant places. Think in the midst of thy sweat and toil; It's better to be a plough-man in the field, than a beggar at the door. I might have been begging at the door; Alas, I might have been frying faggots in Hell.
Let the Excellencies of it refresh you; you have your Difficulties, and you have you• Dignities, and God hath set the one against the other. A Christian Husbandman is better than a Pagan King. Bless the Lord therefore, that though thy life be full of pains, yet thy ⟨p. 275⟩lines are fallen in pleasant places. Think in the mid'st of thy sweat and toil; It's better to be a plow-man in the field, than a beggar at the door. I might have been begging at the door; Alas, I might have been frying faggots in Hell.
Let the Inconveniences in your Calling humble you. If it were not for these, pride would creep into the plough - mans house. If you should have your will, God would not have his will, and therefore sit down content. It is better be kept sweet in the brine of tribulation, than rot in the honey of prosperity; you must have some thorns laid in your bed, least you should sleep too sweetly here, and forget your Heaven.
Let the Inconveniences in your Calling humble you. If it were not for these, pride would creep into the plow - mans house. If you should have your will, God would not have his will, and therefore sit down content. It is better be kept sweet in the brine of tribulation, than rot in the honey of prosperity; you must have some thorns laid in your bed, least you should sleep too sweetly here, and forget your Heaven.