A61391:90
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.
2. Upon some Callings God hath set a fairer stamp of Honour, than on the Husbandmans. Though his first created Son were a Tiller of the ground, yet his first Begotten Son was an Husbandman of Souls, and did sow for Heaven. And the Husbandman will now willingly give precedence to the Magistrate and Minister, for the Authority of God vested in the one, and the Work of God managed by the the other; as considering that the Magistrate is a more public good than he, and the Soul (wherein the Minister labours) more worthy than the body.
2. Upon some Callings God hath set a fairer stamp of Honour, than on the Husbandmans. Though his first created Son were a Tiller of the ground, yet his first Begotten Son was an Husbandman of Souls, and did sow for Heaven. And the Husbandman will now willingly give precedence to the Magistrate and Minister, for the Authority of God vested in the one, and the Work of God managed by the the other; as considering that the Magistrate is a more publick good than he, and the Soul (wherein the Minister labours) more worthy than the body.
3. The Difficulties of a Calling do not prejudice the Dignity thereof. 2 Cor. 6. 1. We then as workers together with him]. The Ministry is a most difficult work, able to tire an Angels arms; but yet being workers together with God, this dignifies the Calling again. It is a worthy attempt to seek out the Philosophers Stone, which would convert Dust into Gold, but no attempt is harder. In a pit of Marl or Limestone the Husbandman finds it, and makes a quicker return of gain by that, than the Chemist doth by the other; The poorest things are fullest of ease, [Greek or Hebrew], the more honourable, the more hard.
3. The Difficulties of a Calling do not prejudice the Dignity thereof. 2 Cor. 6. 1. We then as workers together with him]. The Ministry is a most difficult work, able to tire an Angels arms; but yet being workers together with God, this dignifies the Calling again. It is a worthy attempt to seek out the Philosophers Stone, which would convert Dust into Gold, but no attempt is harder. In a pit of Marle or Limestone the Husbandman finds it, and makes a quicker return of gain by that, than the Chymist doth by the other; The poorest things are fullest of ease, , the more honourable, the more hard.