A94156:551
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
Treatise › Chapter 17: Of the Christians duty after Hearing.
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.
When the Disciples had heard Christs Doctrine, they were not able to understand or profit by his preaching; and therefore they cry to him, Lord open to us this parable. When thou hast read or heard the Word, go to God, and say, Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy Statutes; Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy Law, yea I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments. Incline my heart unto thy Testimonies, and not unto covetousness, Psal. 119.33. to 37. Entreat God to write his Law on the fleshly tables of thine heart. Bernard observes, bodily bread in the Cupboard may be eaten of Mice, or moulder and waste; but when it is taken down into the body, it is free from such danger: If God enable thee to take thy soul-food down into thine heart, it is safe from all hazards.
When the Disciples had heard Christs Doctrine, they were not able to understand or profit by his preaching; and therefore they cry to him, Lord open to us this parable. When thou hast read or heard the Word, go to God, and say, Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy Statutes; Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy Law, yea I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments. Encline my heart unto thy Testimonies, and not unto covetousness, Psal. 119.33. to 37. Intreat God to write his Law on the fleshly tables of thine heart. Bernard observes, bodily bread in the Cupboard may be eaten of Mice, or moulder and waste; but when it is taken down into the body, it is free from such danger: If God enable thee to take thy soul-food down into thine heart, it is safe from all hazards.
Thanksgiving. Consider what a distinguishing mercy, what a precious treasure the Word of God is; how without it thou hadst for ever been both unholy, and unhappy; how by it thou mayst eternally be both gracious and glorious; and without question thou wilt find cause to bless the giver for such a rare and profitable gift. The Apostle ranketh ⟨p. 237⟩