A94156:1035
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.
I wish, 2That all my Parishioners, without exception, may have so deep a share in my affection, upon a Religious account, that without ceasing, I may make mention of them always in my prayers: That my hearts desire and prayer to God, both in secret, private and public, for poor and rich, may be, that they may be saved. O let me daily offer Sacrifice for them, confess their iniquities, bewail their misery, and cry mightily to God for mercy. Lord, let me prevail with thy Majesty, to speak to their hearts, and I shall prevail with them to hearken to thee, yea, I shall stand before thee at the last day with courage, and say, Behold, here am I, and the children which thou hast given me.
I wish, 2That all my Parishoners, without exception, may have so deep a share in my affection, upon a Religious account, that without ceasing, I may make mention of them always in my prayers: That my hearts desire and prayer to God, both in secret, private and publique, for poor and rich, may be, that they may be saved. O let me daily offer Sacrifice for them, confess their iniquities, bewail their misery, and cry mightily to God for mercy. Lord, let me prevail with thy Majestie, to speak to their hearts, and I shall prevail with them to hearken to thee, yea, I shall stand before thee at the last day with courage, and say, Behold, here am I, and the children which thou hast given me.
Because the small keels of children are quickly overturned (when they meet with the high winds of temptations, 3as they sail along in the Sea of this World) if they be not ballasted with the principles of the Oracles of God, I pray, That I ⟨p. 511⟩may be a diligent Instructor of babes, and a faithful Teacher of the simple: That I may season, through Gods help, those new vessels, with the precious water of life, that they may retain their savour to their old age: That the younger amongst my people may from their childhood know the holy Scriptures, be wise to salvation, through Faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Because the small keels of children are quickly overturned (when they meet with the high winds of temptations, 3as they sail along in the Sea of this World) if they be not ballasted with the principles of the Oracles of God, I pray, That I ⟨p. 511⟩may be a diligent Instructer of babes, and a faithful Teacher of the simple: That I may season, through Gods help, those new vessels, with the precious water of life, that they may retain their savour to their old age: That the younger amongst my people may from their childehood know the holy Scriptures, be wise to salvation, through Faith which is in Christ Jesus.
I wish, 4That in the Administration of the Sacraments, I may have an impartial regard to the fitness and meetness of the subjects, lest I set those precious Seals of the Covenant of Grace to blanks, whereby they should signify nothing, especially that about the Lords Supper, as I would not be partaker of other mens sin, nor be an instrument of furthering their eternal suffering, I may be tender, and walk altogether by the rule of Scripture. O let me never pollute that Sacred Ordinance, by giving it to profane persons; nor be so prodigal of my dearest Saviours blood and body, as to give those holy things to Dogs, and to cast those Pearls before Swine, who will trample them under their feet. Ah, it is much better that such scandalous sinners should be angry with me on earth, for my wholesome severity, then curse me for ever in Hell for my foolish pity, and soul-damning flattery.
I wish, 4That in the Administration of the Sacraments, I may have an impartial regard to the fitness and meetness of the subjects, lest I set those precious Seals of the Covenant of Grace to blanks, whereby they should signifie nothing, especially that about the Lords Supper, as I would not be partaker of other mens sin, nor be an instrument of furthering their eternal suffering, I may be tender, and walk altogether by the rule of Scripture. O let me never pollute that Sacred Ordinance, by giving it to prophane persons; nor be so prodigal of my dearest Saviours blood and body, as to give those holy things to Dogs, and to cast those Pearls before Swine, who will trample them under their feet. Ah, it is much better that such scandalous sinners should be angry with me on earth, for my wholesome severity, then curse me for ever in Hell for my foolish pity, and soul-damning flattery.
I wish, That like a faithful Shepherd, 5I may often visit my flock, and warn every one night and day with tears; and not as a careless non-Resident, expose them to the rage and cruelty of the devouring Wolf, by my absence from them, or by ⟨p. 512⟩my negligence when present among them; lest another day, when its too late, they cry to me, and complain of me, Sir, if thou hadst been here, our Souls had not dyed. The Priest under the Law, visited the suspected or leprous houses, enquired how it was with them; and as he found it, so gave sentence. O that I might under the Gospel, visit diseased hearts, and diligently enquire how things stand betwixt the great God, and their poor souls, and give them suitable, savoury and profitable advice. Though I therefore desire a great Auditory, because among many Fish, there is the greater probability that the baits of the Gospel will take and catch some; yet therefore I should desire a small Parish, because thereby I am in the greater capacity to deal with every one in it in particular, about the concernments of their everlasting peace. Lord, let thy strict Command frequently come into my mind, I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season, Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine, 2 Tim. 4.1, 2.
I wish, That like a faithful Shepherd, 5I may often visit my flock, and warn every one night and day with tears; and not as a careless non-Resident, expose them to the rage and cruelty of the devouring Wolf, by my absence from them, or by ⟨p. 512⟩
I wish, 6That I may be as the Baptist, both a Burning Light in my Sermons, and a Shining Light in my Conversation, lest my works give the lye to my words: Whilst I as Mercury direct others in the right way, but walk not in it my self. The Priests under the Law had their Urim and Thummim, signifying purity of Doctrine, ⟨p. 513⟩and sanctity of life, a bell and a pomegranate, a Bell and a pomegranate, typifying that Preaching and practice must go together. O that I might preach as powerfully by my life, as by my lips; and like a faithful nurse, avoid the scandals of distempers (and even forbear those meats which I love, though lawful in themselves, when not expedient) not only for my own sake, but also for their sakes to whom I give suck; Nazianzen saith of him that was the voice of one crying in the Wilderness; That he was all voice, a voice in his habit, a voice in his diet, a voice in his conversation. 2Lord enable me in all things, so to show my self a pattern of good works to my people, 3to be such an example to believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, 4that I may be able to say to my flock as Paul to his Philippians, 5Brethren be followers together of me, (and to his Corinthians, Be followers of me as I am of Christ) and mark them which walk as ye have me for an example.
I wish, 6That I may be as the Baptist, both a Burning Light in my Sermons, and a Shining Light in my Conversation, lest my works give the lye to my words: Whilst I as Mercury direct others in the right way, but walk not in it my self. The Priests under the Law had their Ʋrim and Thummim, signifying purity of Doctrine, ⟨p. 513⟩
I wish that though my labours should prove unfruitful, 7when I in the discharge of my trust am faithful, that I may not be discouraged, knowing that I shall be a sweet savour to my God, as well in them that perish, as in them that are saved; and though Israel be not gathered by me, 2but I spend my strength in vain, yet surely my judgement is with the Lord, and my work with my God; yet O that I might not be sent about that dreadful message to make the hearts of any people fat, to make their ears heavy, and to shut their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears and understand ⟨p. 514⟩with their hearts, and convert, and be healed, but that I may turn many sinners from the errors of their ways, save many souls from death, and hide a multitude of sins.
I wish that though my labours should prove unfruitful, 7when I in the discharge of my trust am faithful, that I may not be discouraged, knowing that I shall be a sweet savour to my God, as well in them that perish, as in them that are saved; and though Israel be not gathered by me, 2but I spend my strength in vain, yet surely my judgement is with the Lord, and my work with my God; yet O that I might not be sent about that dreadful message to make the hearts of any people fat, to make their ears heavy, and to shut their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears and understand ⟨p. 514⟩with their hearts, and convert, and be healed, but that I may turn many sinners from the errours of their ways, save many souls from death, and hide a multitude of sins.
I wish that as Joab when he took the City of Rabbah with Davids Soldiers, 8was willing to have the Crown set on the Kings head; so when my God hath enabled me by his spirit, to cast down imaginations, and high things that exalted themselves against the knowledge of him, and to bring into captivity many sinners to the Obedience of Christ, that I may set the crown of glory upon the head of God alone, and not suffer the least part of his honour to stick to my singers; I am but the instrument, he is the principal efficient; I am but the pipe, he is the spring whence the water of life floweth; I do but lay on the plaster, he made the precious salve of the word, and bestoweth also healing virtue on it. O that I might never be so ungrateful (when he is pleased to honour me) as to dishonour him by thinking of my self above what is meet, but that all my services may be as so many Scaffolds •erected purposely for the raising of his his name, and the setting up of his praise.
I wish that as Joab when he took the City of Rabbah with Davids Souldiers, 8was willing to have the Crown set on the Kings head; so when my God hath enabled me by his spirit, to cast down imaginations, and high things that exalted themselves against the knowledge of him, and to bring into captivity many sinners to the Obedience of Christ, that I may set the crown of glory upon the head of God alone, and not suffer the least part of his honour to stick to my singers; I am but the instrument, he is the principal efficient; I am but the pipe, he is the spring whence the water of life floweth; I do but lay on the plaister, he made the precious salve of the word, and bestoweth also healing vertue on it. O that I might never be so ungrateful (when he is pleased to honour me) as to dishonour him by thinking of my self above what is meet, but that all my services may be as so many Scaffolds •erected purposely for the raising of his his name, and the setting up of his praise.
Finally, 1I wish that I may take heed to my self, to my Doctrine, to my life, be watchful in all things, endure affliction, make full proof of my Ministry do the work of a faithful Pastor, 2least (as they who prophesied in Christs name, and in his name cast out Devils) I be cast to Devils as a worker of iniquity, and find that gate of life which I opened to others, shut against my own soul. O ⟨p. 515⟩let me not as Porters in great Houses lodge without my self, whilst I let others into Heaven; Let it please thee O God of all grace to fill me with the fruits of thy spirit, that I may feed thy people with knowledge and understanding, Take the oversight of them, not by constraint, but willingly: 3not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, not as being a Lord over Gods heritage, but as being an ensample to the flock, that so when the chief Shepherd shall appear (on the great day in which the Sheep shall be separated from the Goats) I may receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away. Amen.
IT is thy duty to exercise thy self to godliness in thy Family and relations. 1A Christian must not like the Israelites Pillar in the Wilderness, be light on one side, and dark on the other; be diligent in one relation, and negligent in another; but as a candle in a Crystal Lantern, be lightsome quite round it, be holy in every Relation in which he standeth.
IT is thy duty to exercise thy self to godliness in thy Family and relations. 1A Christian must not like the Israelites Pillar in the Wilderness, be light on one side, and dark on the other; be diligent in one relation, and negligent in another; but as a candle in a Chrystial Lanthorn, be lightsom quite round it, be holy in every Relation in which he standeth.
Reader, I shall consider thee as Governor or Governess of a Family, and herein direct thee what thou shouldst do for the faithful discharge of thy trust in that relation.
Houses under the Law were to be dedicated to God at their first setting up: 1Which was done (saith Ainsworth on the place) with singing and praising God, 2as well as feasting. Davids Psalm at the dedication of his House, is worthy our imitation. Hezekias upon the Law touching the sanctifying an house to God (Levit. 27.14, 15.) giveth this Exposition, That to dedicate or sanctify an house to God, is for the Governor to be careful for the instruction of his Family, and the Religious Conversation of his Household; that his house may be Gods house; and his children, Gods children; and his servants Gods servants.
Houses under the Law were to be dedicated to God at their first setting up: 1Which was done (saith Ainsworth on the place) with singing and praising God, 2as well as feasting. Davids Psalm at the dedication of his House, is worthy our imitation. Hezekias upon the Law touching the fanctifying an house to God (Levit. 27.14, 15.) giveth this Exposition, That to dedicate or sanctifie an house to God, is for the Governor to be careful for the instruction of his Family, and the Religious Conversation of his Houshold; that his house may be Gods house; and his children, Gods children; and his servants Gods servants.
A Family is a natural and simple Society of certain persons, having mutual relation one to another, under the private government of one head, or chief. Aristotle calleth Families the first Society in nature, and the ground of all the rest. Before the Flood, the whole form of Civil and Ecclesiastical Government, was confined within the Precincts of private Families. A Family is the Epitome of a Kingdom and Commonwealth in a little volume. The way to make godly Parishes, and godly Countries, and godly Kingdoms, is to make godly Families. When sin as a plague spreadeth abroad, it beginneth in Families: One Atheistical Family, defileth and destroyeth many; it sendeth a son into one house, a daughter into another, a servant into a third, and every of them, like infectious persons, poison those with whom they converse: Like a nest of Foxes, they destroy and devour all the Country over. As ⟨p. 517⟩one House on fire, often burneth down many, so one profane Family injureth many; one godly Family on the contrary, doth good to many: As one stock of Bees sendeth forth swarms and honey, into many parts of the Country; so one Religious Family sending Religious Children and Servants abroad (they come in time to have Families of their own) may bring much honour to God, and be helpful to the eternal welfare of many souls.
A Family is a natural and simple Society of certain persons, having mutual relation one to another, under the private government of one head, or chief. Aristotle calleth Families the first Society in nature, and the ground of all the rest. Before the Flood, the whole form of Civil and Ecclesiastical Government, was confined within the Precincts of private Families. A Family is the Epitome of a Kingdom and Commonwealth in a little volume. The way to make godly Parishes, and godly Countreys, and godly Kingdoms, is to make godly Families. When sin as a plague speadeth abroad, it beginneth in Families: One Atheistical Family, defileth and destroyeth many; it sendeth a son into one house, a daughter into another, a servant into a third, and every of them, like infectious persons, poyson those with whom they converse: Like a nest of Foxes, they destroy and devour all the Countrey over. As ⟨p. 517⟩one House on fire, often burneth down many, so one prophane Family injureth many; one godly Family on the contrary, doth good to many: As one stock of Bees sendeth forth swarms and honey, into many parts of the Countrey; so one Religious Familie sending Religious Children and Servants abroad (they come in time to have Families of their own) may bring much honor to God, and be helpful to the eternal welfare of many souls.
A Godless Family, like a Gun or Cannon, killeth at a distance, as their swearing children, and drunken servants come to spread abroad. A gracious Family, like the Weapon-salve, healeth at a distance, as the pious Relations in it, come to be dispersed in other places. Solomon was a Religious House-keeper, and it is observable his servants were so seasoned by him with godliness, that their children five hundred years after, were recorded by the Spirit of God, to be the most eminent in their time for Religion, Ezra 2.58. Solomon being a godly Governor of his Family, did good after he was dead, at so great a distance. Theodosius being asked, how a private person might be a public good: answered, By ordering all things well at home. The way to make our Orchards good, is to look well to our Nurseries.
A Godless Family, like a Gun or Cannon, killeth at a distance, as their swearing children, and drunken servants come to spread abroad. A gracious Family, like the Weapon-salve, healeth at a distance, as the pious Relations in it, come to be dispersed in other places. Solomon was a Religious House-keeper, and it is observable his servants were so seasoned by him with godliness, that their children five hundred years after, were recorded by the Spirit of God, to be the most eminent in their time for Religion, Ezra 2.58. Solomon being a godly Governor of his Family, did good after he was dead, at so great a distance. Theodosius being asked, how a private person might be a publique good: answered, By ordering all things well at home. The way to make our Orchards good, is to look well to our Nurseries.
It concerneth thee therefore, Reader, nearly, to exalt godliness in thy house, as well as in thy heart; nay, I will be bold to tell thee, if there be in thee the truth of Religion, thou wilt propagate it amongst thy Relations: Thou wilt not be ⟨p. 518⟩like the Whirlpool, to suck all into thy self, but be diffusive for the good of others. A good Christian is like a needle touched with the Lodestone, which being drawn it self, will draw others along with it. When Christ had drawn Philip, he presently draweth Nathaniel, 1 John 43.45. The Bird hath no sooner found an heap of corn, but she chirpeth and calleth her fellows, and will be sure to carry some home to her nest. A Saint should endeavour the conversion of his neighbours, that they may eat of the bread of life with him; but he should have a special regard to his own family, that all in it may feed on Christ by faith, and live. Nature hath taught the Beavers to help one another in swimming; and the Cranes flying over the Mountain Taurus, when the foremost is weary in beating the air, that the next should succeed, and so in order every one to labour for the safety of them all. Christians are taught from other creatures, to be helpful one to another; but the Master of the family, like the Sun, must outshine all in respect of public influence.
It concerneth thee therefore, Reader, nearly, to exalt godliness in thy house, as well as in thy heart; nay, I will be bold to tell thee, if there be in thee the truth of Religion, thou wilt propagate it amongst thy Relations: Thou wilt not be ⟨p. 518⟩like the Whirpool, to suck all into thy self, but be diffusive for the good of others. A good Christian is like a needle touched with the Loadstone, which being drawn it self, will draw others along with it. When Christ had drawn Philip, he presently draweth Nathaniel, 1 John 43.45. The Bird hath no sooner found an heap of corn, but she chirpeth and calleth her fellows, and will be sure to carry some home to her nest. A Saint should endeavour the conversion of his neighbours, that they may eat of the bread of life with him; but he should have a special regard to his own family, that all in it may feed on Christ by faith, and live. Nature hath taught the Bevers to help one another in swiming; and the Cranes flying over the Mountain Taurus, when the foremost is weary in beating the ayr, that the next should succeed, and so in order every one to labour for the safety of them all. Christians are taught from other creatures, to be helpful one to another; but the Master of the family, like the Sun, must outshine all in respect of publique influence.
Plutarch saith of the neighbour Villages about Rome in Numa's time, That sucking in the air of that City, 1they breathed righteousness. Thy Family ought to be a wholesome air for others to breathe in. It is reported of Andronicus the elder, that he was Mr. of such a Family as was the shop of Virtue; 2and therefore it was called [Greek or Hebrew], The Sun of the Earth. Tremellius, who for a time sojourned in Bishop Cranmers Family, telleth us, ⟨p. 519⟩that it was Schola vel Palaestra Pietatis & Literarum; The School or Nursery of Piety and Learning. The houses of the primitive Christians were little Churches, in regard of the Worship and Service of God: To the Church that is in thine house, Philem. v. 2. Rom. 16.5. 1 Cor. 16.9. Colos. 4.15. Though many a mans house is so far from being Gods Church and Temple, that its the Devils sty and kennel, that God may say to the Master of the Family, as in Rev. 2.13. I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's Throne is: Nay, though they are civil abroad, then they will have some rags to cover their naughtiness, they are sordid at home, and discover there all their nakedness and nastiness. David on the contrary, whatever steps he might take awry, and whatsoever slips he might meet with in his public walking, would be sure to look to his feet in his private dwelling: I will walk in the midst of my house with a perfect heart, until thou come unto me, Psal. 101.2. David was no Hypocrite, he did not put on his best clothes when he went out, and put them off when he came in; but Purity was his livery, as abroad, so at home.
Plutarch saith of the neighbour Villages about Rome in Numa's time, That sucking in the ayr of that City,
