A61391:92
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.
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.
4. I must premise further, That the most profitable Callings are not alwayes the best. The Merchant fetches home greater riches, but he brings a Disease oftentimes with them; The Lawyer makes greater purchases; but somtimes purchases a curse with them; The ⟨p. 21⟩Tradesman somtimes 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 alwayes the wholsomest; Profit is not the measure of Goodness; That is a rich Calling that inriches God himself, that is, which most glorifies him.
5. Though Husbandry be a brave Calling, yet the Christian Husbandman makes it much better. In this sense also that is true, 1 Tim. 4. 8. For bodily increase profiteth little, but Godliness is profitable unto all things. Thy weary days and painful nights profit but a little, and for a little while; but Godliness with them brings universal and eternal profit. As he that makes Instruments of music, hath a fine employment, but he who hath the Art of Music, that can tune and use them, far outstrips him: So naked Husbandry is a worthy Calling, but the Christian Husbandman that knows how to use it to the best, and makes heavenly Music out of it, hath a great advantage. Caius Sejus bonus vir, et eo melior quod Christianus. The meanest Calling is honourable, if God be in it. Christ in the lowest heart, and Christ in the lowest Calling makes it happy.