A61391:91
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.
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, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, the more honourable, the more hard.
4. I must premise further, That the most profitable Callings are not always the best. The Merchant fetches home greater riches, but he brings a Disease oftentimes with them; The Lawyer makes greater purchases; but sometimes purchases a curse with them; The ⟨p. 21⟩Tradesman sometimes leaves a greater Estate behind him, but then often takes a wounded Conscience with him. Lot Gen 13. 10. had a Plain to live in, that was even as the garden of the Lord, yet was it the sink of sin, and shortly after a Lake of Brimstone. The sweetest meats are not always the wholesomest; Profit is not the measure of Goodness; That is a rich Calling that enriches God himself, that is, which most glorifies him.