A94156:275
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.
What some observe of Horse hairs, that, though lifeless, yet lying nine days under water, ⟨p. 97⟩they turn to Snakes, may pertinently be applied to superstitious Ceremonies, which though at first dead, or held at most but indifferent, yet in continuance of time have quickened and done much mischief. There is a simplicity in the Word and Worship of God, which I would entreat thee to look after. (I fear least your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which is in Christ, 2 Cor. 11.3.) not as simplicity is opposed to wisdom, but as simplicity is opposed to mixtures; Compositions do but diminish and abate the virtue of Simples. The more natural and simple the Wine is, the more pure it is, mixtures do but adulterate it. The more simple the Worship of God is, (I speak of Gospel simplicity and order) the more pure it is, humane inventions and mixtures may abase it, they cannot adorn it. Gods Altar under the law must be of earth. If thou lift up a tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. Exod. 20.24, 25. Men are apt to think, that by lifting up tools on Gods altar, they polish it, but God himself saith they pollute it.
What some observe of Horse hairs, that, though liveless, yet lying nine days under water, ⟨p. 97⟩they turn to Snakes, may pertinently be applyed to superstitious Ceremonies, which though at first dead, or held at most but indifferent, yet in continuance of time have quickened and done much mischeif. There is a simplicity in the Word and Worship of God, which I would intreat thee to look after. (I fear least your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which is in Christ, 2 Cor. 11.3.) not as simplicity is opposed to wisdom, but as simplicity is opposed to mixtures; Compositions do but diminish and abate the vertue of Simples. The more natural and simple the Wine is, the more pure it is, mixtures do but adulterate it. The more simple the Worship of God is, (I speak of Gospel simplicity and order) the more pure it is, humane inventions and mixtures may abase it, they cannot adorn it. Gods Altar under the law must be of earth. If thou lift up a tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.