The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

Besides, Satan is so subtle, that he will be sure to haunt the soul after reading or Hearing the Word: When any one heareth the Word, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart, Mat. 13.19. The season (then) is worthy our observation: When the Christian hath made a good meal, then the Devil trieth all his wiles and tricks to make him vomit it up again. Servants when they carry full cups of wine in the midst of unlucky boys, must be wary and watchful, or they will spill it. Some people take physic, and though it doth them some good at present, ⟨p. 235⟩yet all is quickly marred by their neglect of those rules which should be observed afterwards: The Word (possibly) when thou heardst it, made some work among thy affections; the beauty of Christs person was displayed before thine eyes, and thy heart began to fall in love with thy Saviour; the extremity of his passion was described to thee, and thine heart began to loath the cause thereof, thy sins: Well now then, thy conscience is a little warmed and awakened, and the pores of thy soul opened; shouldst thou go into the cold presently, all would come to nothing. If water be taken from the fire, when it is a little warm, it cooleth quickly; he that would have it boil, must rather increase the fire.

Besides, Satan is so subtle, that he will be sure to haunt the soul after reading or Hearing the Word: When any one heareth the Word, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart, Mat. 13.19. The season (then) is worthy our observation: When the Christian hath made a good meal, then the Devil tryeth all his wiles and tricks to make him vomit it up again. Servants when they carry full cups of wine in the midst of unlucky boys, must be wary and watchful, or they will spill it. Some people take physick, and though it doth them some good at present, ⟨p. 235⟩yet all is quickly marr'd by their neglect of those rules which should be observed afterwards: The Word (possibly) when thou heardst it, made some work among thy affections; the beauty of Christs person was displayed before thine eyes, and thy heart began to fall in love with thy Saviour; the extremity of his passion was described to thee, and thine heart began to loath the cause thereof, thy sins: Well now then, thy conscience is a little warmed and awakened, and the pores of thy soul opened; shouldst thou go into the cold presently, all would come to nothing. If water be taken from the fire, when it is a little warm, it cooleth quickly; he that would have it boil, must rather encrease the fire.