A94156:768
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 21: How to exercise our selves to godliness on a Lords Day.
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.
Sixthly, if thou wouldst make godliness thy business on a Lords day, Let no duty satisfy without communion with God in it. Ordinances are the Galleries and Gardens (and for that end appointed) wherein God and thy soul may walk together. For this cause they are called a glass, because therein the Christian beholds the glory of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3.18. As Zacheus climbed up to the Sycamore Tree to see Jesus, and when he once had a sight of him, he came down joyfully; so go thou up into the Trees of duties for this purpose, that thou mayst see God in Christ; and unless this be granted thee, come down sorrowfully. When men go to meet a friend at a certain place, and they miss him, how discontentedly do they go away?
Sixthly, if thou wouldst make godliness thy business on a Lords day, Let no duty satisfie without communion with God in it. Ordinances are the Galleries and Gardens (and for that end appointed) wherein God and thy soul may walk together. For this cause they are called a glass, because therein the Christian beholds the glory of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3.18. As Zacheus climbed up to the Sycamore Tree to see Jesus, and when he once had a sight of him, he came down joyfully; so go thou up into the Trees of duties for this purpose, that thou mayst see God in Christ; and unless this be granted thee, come down sorrowfully. When men go to meet a friend at a certain place, and they miss him, how discontentedly do they go away?
Alas, what are the Ordinances without God, but as a Table without meat, from which a living soul must needs depart thirsty and hungry? David loved the habitation of Gods house, but it was because it was the place where Gods honour dwelt, Psa. 27. David longed for the courts of God, more ⟨p. 370⟩then for his Crown relations or possessions, or any outward comforts, but it was because God afforded there his gracious presence; Gods glorious presence is in his Church Triumphant, but he is graciously present in his Church Militant. My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh eryeth out for the living God,