A94156:352
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 immediate Worship of the infinite God, being a work of the greatest weight that ever I did, or can possibly undertake, yea that men and Angels are capable of; I wish therefore that I may never enter rashly upon it, but may ordinarily take some pains before hand, 1to awe my heart by a serious apprehension of the unconceivable greatness, jealousy, and holiness of that God to whom I am approaching, (how he is resolved to be sanctified either actively or passively, 2in every one that draweth nigh to him,) and by a savoury consideration of the unspeakable consequence of the duty in which I am engaged, how it concerneth the unchangeable welfare of my never dying soul in the other World. I wish that all the time of the duty, I may look as narrowly to my heart, 3as ever keeper did to that prisoner for whose escape he was to dye, and bind it to the Altar (as they of old, their Sacrifice) with the strongest cords of all watchfulness, and circumspection imaginable. 4I wish that I may perform each part of the duty with suitable grace; and to this end, that all my graces may be upon the wing, ready upon the least call to mount up to Heaven; as several strings of a Vial, wound up to their due height and pitch, each in their place, upon the least touch (as ⟨p. 136⟩occasion shall be) to make M•si•k in the ears of the Lord my God; O that while my beloved sitteth at his Table, my Spikenard may send forth a pleasant smell. In particular, 5I wish that I may be so sensible of the infinite distance which is betwixt the incomprehensible Lord of Heaven, and me a poor worm, who lie grovelling here on earth, that I may both in my carriage and language, affections and expressions, behave my self throughout the ordinance with all godly fear, humility and reverence. I wish that I may be so truly affected with the sins and unworthiness of my person and performances, and my Saviours infinite meritoriousness, that I may carry all my Sacrifices, to the High-Priest of my profession, believing assuredly, that they being perfumed with the odours of his death, 6and presented by his hands, shall be Offerings of a sweet smelling savour to my God.
THe immediate Worship of the infinite God, being a work of the greatest weight that ever I did, or can possibly undertake, yea that men and Angels are capable of; I wish therefore that I may never enter rashly upon it, but may ordinarily take some pains before hand, 1to aw my heart by a serious apprehension of the unconceivable greatness, jealousie, and holiness of that God to whom I am approaching, (how he is resolved to be sanctified either actively or passively, 2in every one that draweth nigh to him,) and by a savoury consideration of the unspeakeable consequence of the duty in which I am ingaged, how it concerneth the unchangeable welfare of my never dying soul in the other World. I wish that all the time of the duty, I may look as narrowly to my heart, 3as ever keeper did to that prisoner for whose escape he was to dye, and bind it to the Altar (as they of old, their Sacrifice) with the strongest cords of all watchfulness, and circumspection imaginable. 4I wish that I may perform each part of the duty with sutable grace; and to this end, that all my graces may be upon the wing, ready upon the least call to mount up to Heaven; as several strings of a Vial, wound up to their due height and pitch, each in their place, upon the least touch (as ⟨p. 136⟩occasion shall be) to make M•si•k in the ears of the Lord my God; O that while my beloved sitteth at his Table, my Spikenard may send forth a pleasant smell. In particular, 5I wish that I may be so sensible of the infinite distance which is betwixt the incomprehensible Lord of Heaven, and me a poor worm, who lie groveling here on earth, that I may both in my carriage and language, affections and expressions, behave my self throughout the ordinance with all godly fear, humility and reverence. I wish that I may be so truely affected with the sins and unworthiness of my person and performances, and my Saviours infinite meritoriousness, that I may carry all my Sacrifices, to the High-Priest of my profession, beleiving assuredly, that they being perfumed with the odours of his death, 6and presented by his hands, shall be Offerings of a sweet smelling savour to my God.
1Finally, I wish that all ends of pride, merit and self, set a side, I may therefore attend on duties, that I may by my poor Peppercorn, acknowledge those millions of eternal obligations by which I am bound to my God, and also that by those Buckets (O that they might never come up empty to me) I may draw water out of the Well of Salvation, Amen.
The infinite and glorious God, though be be so high, that he humbleth himself to behold things ⟨p. 137⟩in Heaven, and so holy that the Heavens are unclean in his sight, is yet so gracious that he condescendeth to, and converseth with poor sinful dust and ashes; amongst all those ways which he hath appointed the children of men to walk with him in, Prayer is one of the fairest and pleasantest. In this duty the children of God whisper him in the ear, open their minds, and unbosom themselves to him, as his intimate friends and favourites. He hath been pleased to command it, not only out of his Dominion over them, and for his own glory (He that offereth praise glorifieth me) but also out of his compassion to them, and for their good, that by prayers (as men far distant do by letters) there might be a constant and uninterrupted intercourse and correspondence betwixt Heaven and earth.
THe infinite and glorious God, though be be so high, that he humbleth himself to behold things ⟨p. 137⟩in Heaven, and so holy that the Heavens are unclean in his sight, is yet so gratious that he condescendeth to, and converseth with poor sinful dust and ashes; amongst all those ways which he hath appointed the children of men to walk with him in, Prayer is one of the fairest and pleasantest. In this duty the children of God whisper him in the ear, open their minds, and unbosom themselves to him, as his intimate friends and favourites. He hath been pleased to command it, not onely out of his Dominion over them, and for his own glory (He that offereth praise glorifieth me) but also out of his compassion to them, and for their good, that by prayers (as men far distant do by letters) there might be a constant and uninterrupted intercourse and correspondence betwixt Heaven and earth.
Men by discoursing together come to be acquainted at first, and continue their acquaintance by sending to and hearing from one another. Prayer which is the speech of man with his Maker, is a special means whereby he comes to be acquainted with God, as also to increase and continue this acquaintance. Prayer indeed bringeth Heaven down to man, and prayer carrieth man up to heaven; It is the chief duty wherein all the graces meet, they shine brightly like so many glorious Stars in this Firmament.
Of all graces, faith obtaineth the crown, above all take the shield of faith; Other jewels are of great value, but this is the fairest sparkling Diamond. Among all duties prayer seems to challenge ⟨p. 138⟩the garland of honour, Concerning the work of my hands command ye me. This is the Favourite in the Heavenly Court, to whom the King of Kings can deny nothing. This duty is of such weight that it is frequently put for Gods whole worship, Seek ye the Lord seek his strength, seek his face evermore. Psa. 105.4, 5. Gods Temple which was the beauty of holiness, the habitation of the most high, was baptized by God himself with this name, My House shall be called of all Nations an house of prayer, Isa. 56.7. Gods people which are higher then the Kings of the Earth are known to be nobly born by this practice. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face O Jacob, Psa. 24.6. Nay God himself is pleased to wear prayers Livery, and to be distinguished by the royal Robes of his relation to this duty, O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come, Psa. 65.1, 2. Pearls of a very high price, are never set but in gold, the choicest metal. The Worship and people of God are more worth then all this World, but O how much is God worth! yet all these glister gloriously in the ring of prayer.
Of all graces, faith obtaineth the crown, above all take the shield of faith; Other jewels are of great value, but this is the fairest sparkling Diamond. Among all duties prayer seems to challenge ⟨p. 138⟩the garland of honour, Concerning the work of my hands command ye me. This is the Favourite in the Heavenly Court, to whom the King of Kings can deny nothing. This duty is of such weight that it is frequently put for Gods whole worship, Seek ye the Lord seek his strength, seek his face evermore. Psa. 105.4, 5. Gods Temple which was the beauty of holiness, the habitation of the most high, was baptized by God himself with this name, My House shall be called of all Nations an house of prayer,
There is no duty in my observation which hath so many precepts for it, or promises to it, as prayer, and sure I am, there is no duty which giveth more honour to God, or receiveth more honour from God then prayer.
Prayer hath a twofold preeminence above all other duties whatsoever. In regard of the universality of its influence, and opportunity for its performance. The universality of its influence. ⟨p. 139⟩As every sacrifice was to be seasoned with Salt, so every undertaking, and every affliction of the creature must be sanctified with prayer; nay as it showeth the excellency of gold, that its laid upon silver it self, so it speaketh the excellency of prayer, that not only natural and civil, but even Religious and spiritual actions are overlaid with prayer. We pray not only before we eat or drink our bodily nourishment, but also before we feed on the bread of the Word, and the bread in the Sacrament; prayer is requisite to make every providence, and every ordinance blessed to us; Prayer is needful to make our particular callings successful, prayer is the guard to secure the fort royal of the heart, prayer is the Porter to keep the door of the lips, prayer is the strong Hilt which defendeth the hands, prayer perfumes every relation, prayer helps us to profit by every condition, prayer is the Chemist that turns all into Gold, prayer is the Master workman, if that be out of the way, the whole Trade stands still, or goeth backward. What the Key is to the Watch, that prayer is to Religion, it winds it up and sets it a going. It is before other duties in regard of opportunity for its performance. A Christian cannot always hear, or always read, or always communicate, but he may pray continually. No place, no company can deprive him of this privilege. If he be on the top of a House with Peter, he may pray, if he be in the bottom of the Ocean with Jonah, he may pray, if he be walking in the field with Isaac, he may pray when no eye ⟨p. 140⟩seeth him; if he be waiting at table with Nehemiah, he may pray when no ear heareth him. If he be in the mountains with our Saviour, he may pray; If he be in the prison with Paul, he may pray; wherever he is, prayer will help him to find God out: Every Saint is Gods Temple; And he that carrieth his Jemple about him, saith Austin, may go to prayer when he pleaseth. Indeed to a Christian every house is an house of prayer, every closet a chamber of presence, and every place he comes to, an Altar whereon he may offer the sacrifice of prayer.
Prayer hath a twofold preheminence above all other duties whatsoever. In regard of the universality of its influence, and opportunity for its performance. The universality of its influence.
Prayer is an humble lifting up the heart, or pouring out the soul to God in the name of Christ: It is a crying Abba Father. As Scripture is Gods Letter wherein he openeth his mind to man, so Prayer is mans Letter wherein he openeth his mind to God. It is fitly resembled to Jacobs Ladder, the bottom of which was on earth, but the top reached to Heaven: A thought can fly speedily to the uttermost parts of the earth, so can prayer in a moment to the highest heavens. One of the Fathers compareth it to a chain, one end of which is tied to mans tongue, the other end to Gods ear. Another, Ascensus mentis ad Deum, A lifting up the mind to God. Paul calls it a making known our requests to God, Phil. 4. Jamblicus a profane writer calleth prayer, Rerum divinarum ducem & lucem & copulam qua homines cum Deo conjunguntur; The guide and light of Divine truths, the band whereby God and man are joined together; Clavis instarqua Dei penetralia aperiuntur, Like a key that openeth Gods secrets. Austin calls it, Dei sacrificium, ⟨p. 141⟩diaboli flagellum. & Christiani subsidium; A sweet savour to God, a terror to the Devil, and a shelter to a Christian. Bernard calls it, Vinculum invincibilis, •he Conqueror of him who is invincible. Luther saith, It is omnipotent. Archimedes made such an engine that saith he, Could I but find where to fasten it, I would not doubt but to remove the whole earth with it. Such an engine is Prayer. By prayer fire hath been quenched, waters divided, the mouths of Lions stopped, iron gates opened, the bottles of heaven opened and stopped, the course of nature overturned, diseases removed, health restored, sin subdued, grace bestowed, Kingdoms supported, Church enemies scattered, the blind restored, the dead enlivened, devils dispossessed, and the blessed God himself conquered. The Jews have a proverb, Sine stationibus non staret mundus, alluding to their standing posture in prayer; the World would not stand without prayer.
Prayer is an humble lifting up the heart, or pouring out the soul to God in the name of Christ: It is a crying Abba Father. As Scripture is Gods Letter wherein he openeth his mind to man, so Prayer is mans Letter wherein he openeth his mind to God. It is fitly resembled to Jacobs Ladder, the bottom of which was on earth, but the top reached to Heaven: A thought can fly speedily to the uttermost parts of the earth, so can prayer in a moment to the highest heavens. One of the Fathers compareth it to a chain, one end of which is tied to mans tongue, the other end to Gods ear. Another, Ascensus mentis ad Deum, A lifting up the mind to God. Paul calls it a making known our requests to God,
When a great fire in Constantinople had fastened on a great part of the City, took hold of the Church, flamed in at several of the windows, the Bishop ran into the Church, fell down on his knees, and would not rise from prayer till the fire was vanquished. And as prayer hath hindered fire, so it hath brought down water: The Legions of Christians under Aurelius in a time of drought entreated rain of God and prevailed, for which they were called The lightening Legion.
When a great fire in Constantinople had fastned on a great part of the City, took hold of the Church, flamed in at several of the windows, the Bishop ran into the Church, fell down on his knees, and would not rise from prayer till the fire was vanquished. And as prayer hath hindred fire, so it hath brought down water: The Legions of Christians under Aurelius in a time of drought intreated rain of God and prevailed, for which they were called The lightening Legion.
Prayer is the Midwife to bring all those mercies into the world to the Believer, which are conceived in the womb of the Promises. It is the Christians ⟨p. 142⟩messenger which he sends to Heaven for the supply of his necessities, and like Jonathans bow it never returneth empty. Oftentimes as the Echo doubleth the voice, so doth the answer the prayer; when the soul, like Gehezi asketh but one talent, God, like Naaman, forceth two upon it. The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him, Rom. 10.12. Prayer is the Thames in which all sorts of commodities are brought up for the relief of the Citizens of Zion. Some say of Cornucopia that it hath all things necessary for food in it. Prayer hath in it all things pertaining to this life and a better.
Prayer is the Midwife to bring all those mercies into the world to the Beleever, which are conceived in the womb of the Promises. It is the Christians ⟨p. 142⟩messenger which he sends to Heaven for the supply of his necessities, and like Jonathans bow it never returneth empty. Oftentimes as the Eccho doubleth the voyce, so doth the answer the prayer; when the soul, like Gehezi asketh but one talent, God, like Naaman, forceth two upon it. The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him, Rom. 10.12. Prayer is the Thames in which all sorts of commodities are brought up for the releif of the Citizens of Zion. Some say of Cornucopia that it hath all things necessary for food in it. Prayer hath in it all things pertaining to this life and a better.
It is said of the Pope, He can never want money while he can hold a pen, His writing of Pardons and Indulgences filleth his coffers. It is more true of the Christian, he need never want if he will but pray. Prayer is a key to Gods own coffers wherein there are infinite, and all sorts of comforts. I have no friends, said a good woman, but I have a prayer, and so long as I have a praying heart, God will find a pitying heart and a helping hand. It is but ask, and receive; seek, and find; knock, and it shall be opened. Matth. 7.7, 8. The child presenteth his petition to his Father, and at the foot of it there is Fiat quickly written.
It is said of the Pope, He can never want money while he can hold a pen, His writing of Pardons and Indulgencies filleth his coffers. It is more true of the Christian, he need never want if he will but pray. Prayer is a key to Gods own coffers wherein there are infinite, and all sorts of comforts. I have no friends, said a good woman, but I have a prayer, and so long as I have a praying heart, God will find a pitying heart and a helping hand. It is but ask, and receive; seek, and find; knock, and it shall be opened. Matth. 7.7, 8. The child presenteth his petition to his Father, and at the foot of it there is Fiat quickly written.
Prayer is like the Spaniards Plate fleet which returns home worth thousands and millions. A Courtier will sometimes get more by a petition to his Prince in a morning, then some Tradesmen do all their lives. A regenerate person being in favour at Court gaineth more by a morning […], then a wicked man, though he works hard, gets ⟨p. 143⟩while he liveth. I never said to the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain: Some asked but the cure of their bodies, when God healed their bodies and souls too; he hath forced many an unexpected favour upon an upright fervent prayer.
Prayer is like the Spaniards Plate fleet which returns home worth thousands and millions. A Courtier will sometimes get more by a petition to his Prince in a morning, then some Tradesmen do all their lives. A regenerate person being in favour at Court gaineth more by a morning 〈…〉, then a wicked man, though he works hard, gets ⟨p. 143⟩while he liveth. I never said to the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain: Some asked but the cure of their bodies, when God healed their bodies and souls too; he hath forced many an unexpected favour upon an upright fervent prayer.
Prayer, is not only a Storehouse of mercies, but a Fort-royal to defend the soul against miseries; as some write of the herb Panaces, it is good for all diseases. When Satan entered the field against Paul, the Apostle held up this shield of prayer to defend himself against his fiery darts; For this I besought the Lord thrice, 2 Cor. 12.7. Prayer hath stormed and surprised more Cities, conquered and routed more Armies, then old mens heads or young mens hands, then all the policy and power on earth.
Prayer, is not onely a Storehouse of mercies, but a Fort-royal to defend the soul against miseries; as some write of the herb Panaces, it is good for all diseases. When Satan entred the field against Paul, the Apostle held up this shield of prayer to defend himself against his fiery darts; For this I besought the Lord thrice, 2 Cor. 12.7. Prayer hath stormed and surprised more Cities, conquered and routed more Armies, then old mens heads or young mens hands, then all the policy and power on earth.
