A94156:187
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.
On the other side, the wisdom of men never presenteth it self to our view in livelier colours, then in giving those affairs, which are of greatest concernment, precedency of time and strength. Of brutes man may learn this lesson. When the cart is empty, or hath but little lading, the Team goeth easily along, they play upon the road, but when the burden is heavy or the Cart stuck, they pull and draw, and put forth all their strength.
Now godliness is amongst all mans works of the greatest weight. The truth is, he hath no work of weight but this; this is the one thing necessary, and in this one thing are mans all things. Our unchangeable weal or woe in the other world is wrapped up in our diligence or negligence about this; our earthly business be they about food, or raiment, about honours or pleasures, or whatsoever, are but toys and trifles, but babbles and Butterflies to this. As Candles before the sun they must all disappear and give place to this.
Now godliness is amongst all mans works of the greatest weight. The truth is, he hath no work of weight but this; this is the one thing necessary, and in this one thing are mans all things. Our unchangeable weal or wo in the other world is wrapt up in our diligence or negligence about this; our earthly business be they about food, or raiment, about honours or pleasures, or whatsoever, are but toys and trifles, but bables and Butterflies to this. As Candles before the sun they must all disappear and give place to this.
Moses a pious and tender Father, when leaving them (in his Swan-like Song) gives savoury advice to his Children. We need not doubt but his spiritual motions were quickest, when his natural motions were slowest; that the stream of grace ran with full strength, when it was to empty it self into the Ocean of glory. Mark what special counsel he gives them who were committed to his special care,