A94156:102
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
Treatise › Chapter 2: The opening of the Text and the Doctrine.
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.
1. The act, Exercise. 2. The subject of that act, Thy self. 3. The object about which it was to be conversant, Unto godliness; Exercise thy self unto godliness.
1. The act, Exercise. 2. The subject of that act, Thy self. 3. The object about which it was to be conversant, Ʋnto godliness; Exercise thy self unto godliness.
I shall briefly open the terms in the Text, and then lay down the Doctrinal truth.
Exercise] The word signifieth, 1strip thy self naked; its a metaphor from Runners, or Wrestlers, who being to contend for the prize, and resolved to put forth all their strength and power, lay aside their clothes which may hinder them, and ⟨p. 8⟩then bestir themselves to purpose; as if Paul had said, O Timothy, let godliness be the object of all thy care and cost. Follow thy general calling with the greatest industry; pursue it diligently, do not loiter but labour about it: lay aside what may hinder, lay hold of what may further, and mind it as the main and principal work which thou hast to do in this world.
Exercise] The word signifieth, 1strip thy self naked; its a metaphor from Runners, or Wrestlers, who being to contend for the prize, and resolved to put forth all their strength and power, lay aside their cloaths which may hinder them, and ⟨p. 8⟩then bestir themselves to purpose; as if Paul had said, O Timothy, let godliness be the object of all thy care and cost. Follow thy general calling with the greatest industry; pursue it diligently, do not loiter but labour about it: lay aside what may hinder, lay hold of what may further, and mind it as the main and principal work which thou hast to do in this world.