A94156:619
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.
2. There is requisite as a serious examination of thy self, so also sincere humiliation for thy sins. The cleanly Dame is careful always to keep her Pewter and Brass clean, but against a good time, she is very curious to have her Vessels not only clean but bright, and for this end she will not only wash them but take much pains in scouring them; Christian, Now is the good time before which thou shouldst scour the vessel of thy heart, that no dirt (if possible) may stick to it. ⟨p. 276⟩This true humiliation consisteth partly in mourning for sin, partly in turning from sin.
2. There is requisite as a serious examination of thy self, so also sincere humiliation for thy sins. The cleanly Dame is careful always to keep her Peuter and Brass clean, but against a good time, she is very curious to have her Vessels not onely clean but bright, and for this end she will not onely wash them but take much pains in scouring them; Christian, Now is the good time before which thou shouldst scour the vessel of thy heart, that no dirt (if possible) may stick to it. ⟨p. 276⟩This true humiliation consisteth partly in mourning for sin, partly in turning from sin.
1. In mourning for sin. The Pharisees would not eat their common bread with unwashed hands, least they should transgress the traditions of their Elders. Friend, if thou shouldst eat this sacred bread with an unwashed heart, thou wilt horribly transgress the Commandment of thy God. The Jews did eat the Passover with bitter herbs, and truly we Gentiles must eat a broken body with broken bones. The more bitter sin is to thee before, the more sweet thy Saviour will be to thee at the Sacrament; Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted, Mat. 5.3. A wet seed time will bring a Sunshiny and plentiful Harvest. One of the Fathers observeth that David the greatest mourner in Israel, was the sweetest singer in Israel. Beans thrive best if steeped in water before they be sown, and truly so will thy soul if steeped in godly sorrow before thou goest to the Sacrament. Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to these that are of heavy hearts.