A94156:1098
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
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.
and for ought I know, by thy going to Church without thy company, thou mayest lose the blessing and efficacy of the Ordinances. How canst thou expect that God should have any care of thy soul, when thou tramplest the precious souls of others under thy feet, which he hath given thee special charge of?
O Reader, think of it; Are not thy children and Servants strangers to God, and alienated from his life, through the ignorance that is in them? And is not the Ministry of the Word appointed to turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God? How shall they be converted, if the Ordinances of God be neglected? Though a person be dangerously diseased, if he observe his purging days, according to the advice of his able Physician, there may be hopes of recovery; but if he neglect the means, if he perish, it will be no marvel: If thy children and Servants are holy, canst thou expect the fire of Grace should continue or increase, whilst thou takest away the fuel? Dost thou think that Spiritual Life can be maintained without Spiritual Meat?
O Reader, think of it; Are not thy children and Servants strangers to God, and alienated from his life, through the ignorance that is in them? And is not the Ministery of the Word appointed to turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God? How shall they be converted, if the Ordinances of God be neglected? Though a person be dangerously diseased, if he observe his purging days, according to the advice of his able Physician, there may be hopes of recovery; but if he neglect the means, if he perish, it will be no marvel: If thy children and Servants are holy, canst thou expect the fire of Grace should continue or encrease, whilst thou takest away the fuel? Dost thou think that Spiritual Life can be maintained without Spiritual Meat?
In private also be watchful over thy Family, that all under thy charge be present at holy duties, as Singing, Praying, repetition of Sermons, and the like: Thou art careful that in the Week days