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

1. Consider, that Religion in a Family is the ⟨p. 520⟩way to procure Gods blessing on thy Family. The holy family alone is the happy family. The Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom for the Arks sake, 2 Sam. 6.11. If the Ark be in the house; that is, Religion, God is there, for the Ark was a type of Gods presence; and canst thou need any comforts when thou hast Gods Company?

The Philosopher could say, Though he had few goods in his house, yet he had the Gods in his house. Though thou hast a poor dwelling, yet if Godliness be there, thou shalt have Gods blessing. His presence will make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous, Job 8.6. Thou mayst say of thy house as Jacob of Bethel, The Lord is in this place, this is none other but the House of God. Basil speaketh that in some Countries they draw other Pigeons to their Dove-houses by anointing one of their Pigeons wings with sweet Ointment. If thy house be anointed with the Oil of godliness, it will allure the blessed God to it, and then what evil needst thou fear, or what good canst thou want? It is observed of the Palladium in Troy, that whilst that remained amongst them, their City was safe. The only way to have a destroying Angel pass by thy house, is to have the door-posts sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. Through wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established; And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all pleasant and precious riches, Pro. 24.3, 4. Here is true wealth, and the right way to enjoy it. 1. The true wealth, thy chambers shall be filled with all pleasant and precious riches.

The Philosopher could say, Though he had few goods in his house, yet he had the Gods in his house. Though thou hast a poor dwelling, yet if Godliness be there, thou shalt have Gods blessing. His presence will make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous,