A94156:1128
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.
The Government of my Family being a special talent and trust committed to me by the blessed God; 1and being a business of exceeding concernment, both in regard of its influence upon the whole Kingdom, which is raised or ruined by the good or wicked management of Families; and in reference to the everlasting estates of the precious Souls in it, wherewith I am charged; I wish in general, That I may never like a rotten post, endanger the whole building of Church and State in any degree, by my unfaithfulness in my place; nor be so unmerciful and unnatural, as to see that bloody Butcher Satan, drive my children and servants (like silly sheep) to the Shambles of Hell, and never stir or strive to rescue them out of his hands: But that my resolution and practice may be according to Joshua's religions pattern, that whatsoever gods others serve, whether the World or the flesh, yet I and my house may serve the Lord. O that I might so walk in the midst of my house with a perfect heart, that Grace, like Mary's box of Ointment, may perfume the whole house with its savour; and that in every corner of it (as it was said of holy Hoppers) there may be some sent of godliness.
THe Government of my Family being a special talent and trust committed to me by the blessed God; 1and being a business of exceeding concernment, both in regard of its influence upon the whole Kingdom, which is raised or ruined by the good or wicked management of Families; and in reference to the everlasting estates of the precious Souls in it, wherewith I am charged; I wish in general, That I may never like a rotten post, endanger the whole building of Church and State in any degree, by my unfaithfulness in my place; nor be so unmerciful and unnatural, as to see that bloody Butcher Satan, drive my children and servants (like silly sheep) to the Shambles of Hell, and never stir or strive to rescue them out of his hands: But th•t my resolution and practice may be according to Joshua's religions pattern, that whatsoever gods others serve, whether the World or the flesh, yet I and my house may serve the Lord. O that I might so walk in the midst of my house with a perfect heart, that Grace, like Maries box of Oyntment, may perfume the whole house with its savour; and that in every corner of it (as it was said of holy Hoopers) there may be some sent of godliness.
In particular I wish, That I may keep my house so cleanly swept from the filth of sin, 1and so curiously furnished with the ornaments of the Spirit, that it may invite the noblest Guest, the ever glorious God, ⟨p. 563⟩to take up his abode in it. My God hath told me, 2That the House of the Righteous shall stand, Pro. 12.7. (though sin rotteth the timber, and maketh the houses of the wicked to fall) that in the house of the Righteous is much treasure, Prov. 15.6. (even when there is but little silver) that he blesseth the habitation of the Righteous, Prov. 3.33. Surely his blessing can make my bed easy, my sleep sweet, my food savoury, my clothes warm, my dwelling pleasant, my children hopeful, my wife a meet help, my ground full of plenty, and all I set my hands to, to prosper. O my soul, what an argument is this, to move thee to exalt holiness in thy house! Thy God will bless it, nay that God whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain, will come and dwell in it. Without question, his coming will (as to Zacheus) bring salvation to thy house; the company of this King, will turn thy Cottage into a Court; and his presence will change thy dwelling, were it a Prison, into a Palace. O! let nothing be in thy house, which may be distasteful to so great, and so good a Friend: Let no sin dwell in thy Tabernacle; but let Holiness to the Lord be written on every person, room and vessel in it; that whatsoever name other houses are known by, the name of thy house may be from henceforth, and for ever, Jehovah Shammah, The Lord is there.
In particular I wish, That I may keep my house so cleanly swept from the filth of sin, 1and so curiously furnished with the ornaments of the Spirit, that it may invite the noblest Guest, the ever glorious God, ⟨p. 563⟩
I wish, 1That I may so give credit to the Word of Truth, which saith, That the Curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked; that the flying Roll of Curses (the length whereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth ten cubits) shall enter into the house of the Thief, and into the house of him that ⟨p. 564⟩sweareth falsely, (and shall consume it with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof, Zach. 5.2, 3, 4. and that he will pour out his wrath upon the Heathen which know him not, and upon the families that call not on his name: That I may tremble for fear that Atheism should reign in my house, and so it should be ranked amongst the irreligious, and marked for vengeance. Ala•, what a dreadful noise do those Murdering pieces make in mine ears! The Curse of God will canker all my comforts, and blast all my blessings, and that both speedily and irresistibly. But O, my soul, meditate a little upon the latter Text, which is a Prediction, as well as a Petition. What a bitter potion doth thy God give thee, to purge Atheism out of thy family! Consider its nature, it is Wrath: Pour out thy Wrath. Gods Anger is terrible, like fire, burning and overturning all before it; if but a spark of it light upon his own people, 2how pitifully do they roar out! We are consumed by thine anger: Cause thine anger towards us to cease. O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger: There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger. Truly, no wonder that they thus bewail it; for who knoweth the power of his anger? Eut his Wrath is anger in the greatest degree, Anger boiled up to the height: O how scalding is this boiling Lead! If the wrath of a King be the Messenger of death; What is the wrath of an Almighty God? This wrath can stuff thy bed with thorns, and appoint wearisome nights unto thee; it can sauce thy dishes with poison, infect thy raiment with plague sores, fill thy body with torturing distempers,
Alas it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of thy God, for thy God is a consuming fire. Observe further its measure, pour out thy wrath; When thy God poureth out his Spirit, he giveth it in an extraordinary degree. The persons upon whom it was poured, are said to be full of the Holy Ghost. If thy family be irreligious, thou mayst expect this scalding wrath, not by drops, but by showers to come pouring down upon it. O my soul, let this thought soak and sink so deep into thee, that thou mayst dread the omission of duties in thy family as much as the unquenchable fire. Let his favour make thee cheerful in his service, and let his anger make thee fearful of the least sin in thy house.
Alas it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of thy God, for thy God is a consuming fire. Observe further its measure, pour out thy wrath; When thy God poureth out his Spirit, he giveth it in an extraordinary degree. The persons upon whom it was poured, are said to be full of the Holy Ghost. If thy family be irreligious, thou mayst expect this scalding wrath, not by drops, but by shorews to come pouring down upon it. O my soul, let this thought soak and sink so deep into thee, that thou mayst dread the omission of duties in thy family as much as the unquenchable fire. Let his favour make thee chearful in his service, and let his anger make thee fearful of the least sin in thy house.
To this end I wish that I may use much circumspection whom I admit into my dwelling; 1that as those who are to plant an Orch-yard, get the best grafts they can; so that mine house may be an Eden, the garden of the Lord, a Paradise on earth; 1I may (as my occasions require) look out for the choicest flowers, the best and fruitfulest trees, the holiest Christians in the Country. O let me never make my house a Pest-house, by taking in irreligious and infectious persons and such as will bring the plague along with them. One scabbed ⟨p. 566⟩sheep may wrong the whole flock, one putrid grape corrupt a cluster; a little Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump; Lord in the choice of inhabitants for my house, let my eye be not only upon my own welfare, and their fitness for my work, but chiefly on thy glory and their willingness to work the work of him that sent them into the World. 3Let me hate the congregation of evil doers. Let me not sit with vain persons. Let mine eyes be upon the faithful in the Land. Let them that fear thee turn unto me, and such as keep thy righteous judgements. Let me dwell with them here on earth, with whom I shall dwell hereafter in the house not made with hands, but eternal in the Heavens.
To this end I wish that I may use much circumspection whom I admit into my dwelling; 1that as those who are to plant an Orch-yard, get the best grafts they can; so that mine house may be an Eden, the garden of the Lord, a Paradise on earth; 1I may (as my occasions require) look out for the choycest flowers, the best and fruitfulest trees, the holiest Christians in the Country. O let me never make my house a Pest-house, by taking in irreligious and infectious persons and such as will bring the plague along with them. One scabbed ⟨p. 566⟩sheep may wrong the whole flock, one putrid grape corrupt a cluster; a little Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump; Lord in the choyce of inhabitants for my house, let my eye be not onely upon my own welfare, and their fitness for my work, but chiefly on thy glory and their willingness to work the work of him that sent them into the World.
I wish that that there may be a Church in my house; and all the persons in it, 2both Morning and Evening at least, employed in those holy performances which my God requireth. My house should be a resemblance of Heaven Above; in his greatest and most glorious house, my God is served without ceasing, and without sinning. O that though in his lower and lesser house, natural and civil actions cause intermission of, and the body of death causeth imperfections in holy duties: yet he might be worshipped both constantly and perfectly in a Gospel and Evangelical sense. I have read that amongst the worst of Turks, the Moors, it is a just exception against any Witness by their law, 2that he hath not prayed four times in every natural day. 3I wish that none in my Family may be worse then Turks; but that both all apart may secretly, and all together may privately offer up the Morning and Evening Sacrifice of prayer and praise to the Lord my God. Daniel would pray three times a day ⟨p. 567⟩though he were cast to the Lions for it; and shall my Family neglect prayer, when the Omission of it will make them a prey to roaring Lions. It is the honour and happiness of my house, to exalt the Worship of my God in it; his Service is the greatest freedom, his work is a reward to it self; why should we be our own enemies, in banishing our best friends out of our family? The mercies of my God are renewed upon me and mine every Morning; his care and love is continued to us all the day long, the dews and showers of his compassion fall down upon us every Evening; shall we be forgetful of him who is every moment so mindful of us! O let my Family never be so void of grace and manners, as not to bid our God Good-Morrow and Good-Night upon any pretence whatsoever.
I wish that that there may be a Church in my house; and all the persons in it, 2both Morning and Evening at least, imploved in those holy performances which my God requireth. My house should be a resemblance of Heaven Above; in his greatest and most glorious house, my God is served without ceasing, and without sinning. O that though in his lower and lesser house, natural and civil actions cause intermission of, and the body of death causeth imperfections in holy duties: yet he might be worshipped both constantly and perfectly in a Gospel and Evangelical sence. I have read that amongst the worst of Turks, the Moors, it is a just exception against any Witness by their law,
I wish that the word of Christ may dwell richly in my heart and house, 1that my whole family may have their set meals every day of this Spiritual food. How can I expect that Children or Servants who know not the God of their Fathers, should serve him with perfect hearts? Alas how often are their ignorant hearts (like dark Cellars abounding in vermin) full of sin! 2O that I might so talk of the Word of God in my house, 3when I lye down and when I rise up, that it may be written upon the Posts of my House, and on my Gates, that I may so often water the young plants in it, that their first acquaintance may be acquaintance with God, and from their childhood they may know the holy Scriptures, and be wise to Salvation, through faith which in Christ Jesus. Though others care be to instruct ⟨p. 568⟩their Servants only in their own work, let my care be to instruct mine in Gods Will and Word: Though others labour to leave their children rich, let my endeavour be to leave mine religious. Lord, enable me so to teach them thy Trade in their youth, that they may not depart from it when they are old, Prov. 22.6. that their young years well led, may be like the Sweetness of a Rose, whose swell remaineth in the dried leaves.
I wish that the word of Christ may dwell richly in my heart and house, 1that my whole familie may have their set meales every day of this Spiritual food. How can I expect that Children or Servants who know not the God of their Fathers, should serve him with perfect hearts? Alas how often are their ignorant hearts (like dark Cellers abounding in vermine) full of sin! 2O that I might so talk of the Word of God in my house, 3when I lye down and when I rise up, that it may be written upon the Posts of my House, and on my Gates, that I may so often water the young plants in it, that their first acquaintance may be acquaintance with God, and from their childhood they may know the holy Scriptures, and be wise to Salvation, through faith which in Christ Jesus. Though others care be to instruct
I wish, That all the voices in my house may tuneably sing Gods praises; 1yet that they may not, like Trumpets and Pipes, make a sound, being filled only with wind; but have hearts fixed and prepared, when they sing and give praise. O that all the Viols in my house may be so in tune, and their strokes so true, that singing with grace in our hearts, we may make melody to the Lord. Drunkards have their Songs in derision of them that are good; Atheists have their Sonnets in dishonour of the blessed God: Why should not the voice of joy and rejoicing be in the Tabernacle of the righteous? 2Though my house is a Tabernacle, and all the inhabitants in it Travellers, yet our work is pleasant: O let us go merrily on, and make Gods Statutes our Songs in this house of our pilgrimage.
I wish, That all the voyces in my house may tuneably sing Gods praises; 1yet that they may not, like Trumpets and Pipes, make a sound, being filled onely with winde; but have hearts fixed and prepared, when they sing and give praise. O that all the Viols in my house may be so in tune, and their strokes so true, that singing with grace in our hearts, we may make melody to the Lord. Drunkards have their Songs in derision of them that are good; Atheists have their Sonnets in dishonor of the blessed God: Why should not the voyce of joy and rejoycing be in the Tabernacle of the righteous? 2Though my house is a Tabernacle, and all the inhabitants in it Travellers, yet our work is pleasant: O let us go merrily on, and make Gods Statutes our Songs in this house of our pilgrimage.
Because my pattern of evil will do more hurt to my family, 3then my precepts can do good (servants and children being apt to be led more by the eye then the ear) I wish, That I may take heed to my self, weigh and watch over all my words and works, not only for my own, but also for the sake of them that are committed to my charge. Distillations from the head, ⟨p. 569⟩often consume and destroy the vitals: My family is like a flock of sheep; if the first leap through into a ditch, or river, the rest are ready to follow. O that I might therefore be wary in all my ways, and be so serious in Spiritual, so sober in Natural actions; so righteous towards men, so religious towards my God; so faithful in every relation, and so holy and heavenly in every condition, that I may have cause to say to my children and servants, as Gideon to his Soldiers, Look on me, and do likewise, Judg. 7.17.
Because my pattern of evil will do more hurt to my family, 3then my precepts can do good (servants and children being apt to be led more by the eye then the ear) I wish, That I may take heed to my self, weigh and watch over all my words and works, not onely for my own, but also for the sake of them that are committed to my charge. Distillations from the head, ⟨p. 569⟩often consume and destroy the vitals: My family is like a flock of sheep; if the first leap through into a ditch, or river, the rest are ready to follow. O that I might therefore be wary in all my ways, and be so serious in Spiritual, so sober in Natural actions; so righteous towards men, so religious towards my God; so faithful in every relation, and so holy and heavenly in every condition, that I may have cause to say to my children and servants, as Gideon to his Souldiers, Look on me, and do likewise, Judg. 7.17.
I wish, 4That my house may not only spend some part of every Week day, but also the whole Sabbath day, in the service of my God. It is a special privilege granted me by the Lord, for my families profit, wherein I may be singularly helpful to my own, and my households everlasting happiness. O that not the least part of it may be lost, or profaned by any within my gate, either by worldly labour, pastimes, or idleness; but that I may be so mindful of my charge, as to take care that my children and servants do forbear what my God forbiddeth, and spend that Sacred Day, altogether in Sacred Duties: To which purpose I desire, That all my household, both males and females (if of capacity) may appear before the Lord in public, and in his Temple give him praise; and that in private I may whet the Word on them (as the mower doth his sith) by going over it again and again, according to the precept. Lord, 2let my house on thy day, be like thy house, employed wholly in thy Worship; and let thy gracious presence so assist us in every Ordinance, that the glory of the Lord may fill the house.
I wish, 4That my house may not onely spend some part of every Week day, but also the whole Sabbath day, in the service of my God. It is a special priviledge granted me by the Lord, for my families profit, wherein I may be singularly helpful to my own, and my housholds everlasting happiness. O that not the least part of it may be lost, or prophaned by any within my gate, either by worldly labour, pastimes, or idleness; but that I may be so mindeful of my charge, as to take care that my children and servants do forbear what my God forbiddeth, and spend that Sacred Day, altogether in Sacred Duties: To which purpose I desire, That all my houshold, both males and females (if of capacity) may appear before the Lord in publique, and in his Temple give him praise; and that in private I may whet the Word on them (as the mower doth his sithe) by going over it again and again, according to the precept. Lord, 2let my house on thy day, be like thy house, employed wholly in thy Worship; and let thy gracious presence so assist us in every Ordinance, that the glory of the Lord may fill the house.
I wish, 5That I may manifest my love to the Souls in my family, by manifesting my anger against their sins. My God hath told me, Thou shalt not hate thy brother: Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him, Lev. 19.17. If it be my duty not to bear with the corruptions of neighbours, much less of my servants and children. Should I suffer them in unholiness, I should bring them up for Hell: Those deepest purple sins, many times, are those which are died the Wool of youth. O the sad aches which many have when they are old, by falls which they received when they were young! Let me never, like Eli, honour my sons (or servants) above my God, lest my God judge my house for ever, for the iniquities which I know, because my children, (or servants) make themselves vile, and I restrain them not. Lord, let me never be so fond and foolish; as to kill any in my family with (Soul-damning) kindness; but let my house be as thine Ark, wherein there may be not only the golden pot of Manna, seasonable and profitable instructions; but also Aaron's Red, suitable and proper reprehension and correction.
I wish, 5That I may manifest my love to the Souls in my family, by manifesting my anger against their sins. My God hath told me, Thou shalt not hate thy brother: Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him, Lev. 19.17. If it be my duty not to bear with the corruptions of neighbours, much less of my servants and children. Should I suffer them in unholiness, I should bring them up for Hell: Those deepest purple sins, many times, are those which are died the Wool of youth. O the sad aches which many have when they are old, by falls which they received when they were young! Let me never, like Eli, honor my sons (or servants) above my God, lest my God judge my house for ever, for the iniquities which I know, because my children, (or servants) make themselves vile, and I restrain them not. Lord, let me never be so fand and foolish; as to kill any in my family with (Soul-damning) kindness; but let my house be as thine Ark, wherein there may be not onely the golden pot of Manna, seasonable and profitable instructions; but also Aarons Red, suitable and proper reprehension and correction.
I wish, 6That I may never expose my family to the suggestions of Satan, by allowing any in laziness; but may be busy my self in my particular vocation; and see that others be diligent in their distinct stations. The lazy Drone is quickly caught in the honeyed glass, and killed, when the busy Bee avoideth that snare and danger. O that I and mine might always be so employed in the work of our God, that we may have no leisure to hearken to the wicked one. Adams storehouse ⟨p. 571⟩was his work-house; Paradise was his place of labour. Lord, since thou hast entrusted every one in my house with one talent or other wherewith he must trade, cause me and mine to labour and work in this, and to look after rest in the other World.
I wish, 6That I may never expose my family to the suggestions of Satan, by allowing any in laziness; but may be busie my self in my particular vocasion; and see that others be diligent in their distinct stations. The lazy Drone is quickly caught in the honeyed glass, and kild, when the busie Bee avoideth that snare and danger. O that I and mine might always be so employed in the work of our God, that we may have no leisure to hearken to the wicked one. Adams storehouse ⟨p. 571⟩was his work-house; Paradise was his place of labour. Lord, since thou hast intrusted every one in my house with one talent or other wherewith he must trade, cause me and mine to labour and work in this, and to look after rest in the other World.
I wish, 7for the furthering of holiness and purity in my house, That I may be careful to keep it in peace. Our bodies will thrive as much in Fevers, as our Souls in the flames of strife: Satan by the Grenade's of Contention, will hope in time to take the Garrison: Where strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work, Jam. 3.16. O that love (which is the new Commandment, the old Commandment, and indeed all the Commandments) might be the livery of all in my family: That there might be no contention there, but who should be most holy, and go before each other in the path which leadeth to eternal pleasures. Because marriage is a fellowship of the nearest union, and dearest communion in this World; and because the fruits of Religion will thrive much the better, if cherished by the sweet breath, and warm gale of love in this relation: Lord, let my wife be to me as the loving Hind, and pleasant Roe; let me be ravished always with her love: Let there be no provocation but to love, and to good works: Let our only strife be, who shall be most serviceable to thy Majesty, in furthering one another's eternal felicity: Enable us to bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ; and to dwell together as fellow-heirs of the Grace of life, that our prayers be not hindered.
I wish, 7for the furthering of holiness and purity in my house, That I may be careful to keep it in peace. Our bodies will thrive as much in Feavers, as our Souls in the flames of strife: Satan by the Granado's of Contention, will hope in time to take the Garrison: Where strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work, Jam. 3.16. O that love (which is the new Commandment, the old Commandment, and indeed all the Commandments) might be the livery of all in my family: That there might be no contention there, but who should be most holy, and go before each other in the path which leadeth to eternal pleasures. Because marriage is a fellewship of the nearest union, and dearest communion in this World; and because the fruits of Religion will thrive much the better, if cherished by the sweet breath, and warm gale of love in this relation: Lord, let my wife be to me as the loving Hinde, and pleasant Roe; let me be ravished always with her love: Let there be no provocation but to love, and to good works: Let our onely strife be, who shall be most serviceable to thy Majesty, in furthering one anothers eternal felicity: Enable us to bear one anothers burthens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ; and to dwell together as fellow-heirs of the Grace of life, that our prayers be not hindred.
In a word, I wish, That I may like Cornelius, ⟨p. 572⟩1fear the Lord with all my house: So govern it according to Gods Law, that all in it may be under the influence of his love, and heirs of everlasting life. Lord, be thou pleased so to assist and prosper me in the management of this great and weighty trust, that my house may be thy house; my servants, thy servants; my children, thy children; and my wife, belong to the Spouse of thy dear Son; that so when death shall give a bill of divorce, and break up our family, we may change our place, but not our company; be all preferred from thy lower house of prayer, to thine upper house of praise; where is neither marrying, nor giving in marriage, but all are as Angels, ever pleasing, worshipping, and enjoying thy blessed self (of whom the the whole family in heaven and earth is named) to whom be glory, hearty and universal obedience, for ever and ever. Amen.
FINIS.
I wish, 1That I may so give credit to the Word of Truth, which saith, That the Curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked; that the flying Roll of Curses (the length whereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth ten cubits) shall enter into the house of the Thief, and into the house of him that ⟨p. 564⟩sweareth falsly, (and shall consume it with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof, Zach. 5.2, 3, 4. and that he will pour out his wrath upon the Heathen which know him not, and upon the families that call not on his name: That I may tremble for fear that Atheism should raign in my house, and so it should be ranked amongst the irreligious, and markt for vengeance. Ala•, what a direadful noise do those Murthering pieces make in mine ears! The Curse of God will canker all my comforts, and blast all my blessings, and that both speedily and irresistibly. But O, my soul, meditate a little upon the latter Text, which is a Prediction, as well as a Petition. What a bitter potion doth thy God give thee, to purge Atheism out of thy family! Consider its nature, it is Wrath: Pour out thy Wrath. Gods Anger is terrible, like fire, burning and overturning all before it; if but a spark of it light upon his own people, 2how pitifully do they roar out! We are consumed by thine anger: Cause thine anger towards us to cease. O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger: There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger. Truly, no wonder that they thus bewail it; for who knoweth the power of his anger? Eut his Wrath is anger in the greatest degree, Anger boiled up to the height: O how scalding is this boiling Lead! If the wrath of a King be the Messenger of death; What is the wrath of an Almighty God? This wrath can stuff thy bed with thorns, and appoint wearisome nights unto thee; it can sauce thy dishes with poyson, infect thy raiment with plague sores, fill thy body with torturing distempers, ⟨p. 565⟩thy soul with horrors and terrors; it can waste all thy wealth in a moment, and turn thy Wife, Children, and all thy comforts into amazing crosses and terrifying curses. Hell it self is nothing else but this wrath to come; one Spoonful, one Drop of it will turn an Ocean of the sweetest Wine into Gall and Wormwood. Wouldst thou be an Atheist in thy family for all the World, to live one hour under this scorching wrath!
