A94156:490
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.
As evil humours because of the Doctrine taught, so prejudice against the person teaching, must be removed. Prejudice against the Preacher, is the greatest prejudice to the Hearer. A condemned person will esteem a beggar when he brings a pardon. How beautiful are (not the lips only and hands, but the meanest parts) the feet of them that bring the glad tidings of peace; I confess it is a mercy to be related to a Pastor who hath both parts and piety, gifts and grace; and if thou art to chose a dwelling, I would wish thee to bear with many outward inconveniences, to sit down under such a Ministry. But suppose thy teacher, at least in thy thoughts, is a man of mean parts, wilt thou thence conclude, his pains will yield thee little profit ⟨p. 207⟩Truly shouldst thou gratify Satan so far, it would be the speediest way to find a truth in what thou dost fancy. Friend, friend, doth the efficacy of the ordinance, depend on the parts of man, or on the power of God? May not a costly treasure be brought to thee in an earthen Vessel? Consider, thou mayest light thy candle as well (it may be better) with a brimstone match, as at a great fire. Christ taught his Apostles by a little Child, Mat. 18.2. A small damsel was instrumental for Naamans recovery both of his spiritual and corporal leprosy. And who art thou that none must instruct thee, but such a one as like Saul is higher then others by head and shoulders in gifts and abilities; I wish it be not from the pride of thy spirit, that none is worthy enough to teach thee thy Grammar Lesson, but some head of the University. A picking stomach (I am sure) argueth a diseased body, and then a squeamish heart and itching ear, cannot argue a sound soul. The industrious Be, 1sucks honey from the Thyme, an harsh and dry herb. The Meat is as good in a Pewter, as in a Silver Dish.
As evil humours because of the Doctrine taught, so prejudice against the person teaching, must be removed. Prejudice against the Preacher, is the greatest prejudice to the Hearer. A condemned person will esteem a begger when he brings a pardon. How beautiful are (not the lips onely and hands, but the meanest parts) the feet of them that bring the glad tydings of peace; I confess it is a mercy to be related to a Pastor who hath both parts and piety, gifts and grace; and if thou art to chose a dwelling, I would wish thee to bear with many outward inconveniences, to sit down under such a Ministry. But suppose thy teacher, at least in thy thoughts, is a man of mean parts, wilt thou thence conclude, his pains will yeild thee little profit