A94156:109
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.
The Truth that I shall draw from the Text is this, That Godliness ought to be minded, as every ones main and principal business. Exercise thy self unto godliness.
Religion must be our chief occupation. The great Trade that we follow in this world, must be the Trade of Truth.
Religion must be our cheif occupation. The great Trade that we follow in this world, must be the Trade of Truth.
It is observable, that the more noble and singular a being is, the more it is employed in a suitable working. God who is the highest in perfections, is not only the holiest but the most constant ⟨p. 10⟩and diligent in his operations. Hitherto my Father worketh and I work, Joh. 5.17. His work indeed is without weariness, his labour without the least lassitude (as they say of Heaven Coeli motus quies) all Gods working days are Sabbaths, days of rest; but he is a pure act, and he is every moment infinitely active from and for himself. Angels are next to God in being, and so are next to him in working. They do God the most service, and they do him the best service; they serve God without sin, and they serve him without ceasing; he makes his Angels spirits, and his Ministers a flame of fire, Heb. 1.7. spirits are the most active creatures with life, fire is the most active creature without life, a flame is the most operative part of the fire: Thus active are Angels in working for God. Some by fire understand lightnings, by spirits, winds. As winds and lightnings presently pass through the earth, so Angels presently fulfil Gods holy Will.