The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

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.