A94156:1012
The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…
The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature and necessity of it is discovered. : As also the Christian directed how he may perform it in [brace] religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations. / By George Swinnock ...
London: printed for T.P., 1662
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.
A good Wish about Particular Callings, wherein the former heads are Epitomized.
MY particular calling being a peculiar and distinct station, 1wherein I am bound to be serviceable to my country, and family, and wherein also I have this privilege, that I may further my general calling, if I mind it out of conscience to the Lord, and in obedience to his word, I wish in general, that I may never cross the wise providence of my God (in the government of the World) by neglecting it, or thinking lightly of it, but since I am listed under the Captain of my salvation, may serve him faithfully, not only in general as a Soldier, but also in that place or office to which he hath chosen and called me. I wish in particular, 2that what my hand findeth to do, I may do it with all my might; that I may be of the number of them that spend themselves with labour, and not of them who wast with rust and laziness; my diligence herein is some help against the temptations of the Devil. The sluggards heart is like his field overgrown with weeds. Lord let me rather wear out with work then consume (like a Garment laid by with moths) for want of use. Yet I wish that I may not by my industry make more hast to be rich then good speed, 3I mean that I may never increase my riches by dealing unrighteously in my calling, ⟨p. 494⟩knowing that unjust gain is a morsel which the strongest stomach in the World cannot possibly digest, but may esteem a penny got by the blessing of God upon my honest labour, at a far greater price then thousands of pounds by rapine and robbery, and may weigh all my wares in the Scales of loving my neighbour as my self, by the standard of that royal Law, Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, do you even so unto them; for this is the law and the Prophets. O that I might not upon any pretence whatsoever, either by taking advantage of the buyers ignorance, or by putting unserviceable wares into his hands, or by false weights and measures, or by defrauding my neighbour any other way, consult shame to my house,