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

The Jews according to some, had officers at every feast, whom they called Praefecti morum; their work was, the inspection of the guests, that none should disorder themselves: I must tell thee, Gods eye is upon thee every meal, he takes notice whether thy behaviour is as becometh a Saint.

And truly friend, It behoves thee to use religion as a bridle in thy mouth, to hold thee in, when thou art eating and drinking. Thy throat is a slippery place, and sin may easily slip down; Its no hard matter to sin, whilst the thing thou art about is not sinful. How many feed without fear, and thereby fatten themselves to the slaughter, Jude ver. 12. We read of some whose tables are snares, in which they have been caught by Satan, Psal. 69.22. Job feared his Sons had sinned in their eating and drinking, Job. 1.5. There are more guests every meal then thou invitest to thy table. The devil lieth in ambush behind the lawful enjoyment, and will certainly surprise thee before thou art aware, if thou art not watchful. The fatal wound he gave Adam at first was in his throat; By getting him to eat, he brought him, and us all to die. If Adam strengthened with his perfect original purity, was yet caught with this hook; sure I am, it concerns thee to beware of the bait: Have a care lest the quinsy in thy throat kill thee. Satan is a subtle angler, thou art a poor filly fish; be careful lest he take thee by the teeth and send thee to the fire.

And truly friend, It behoves thee to use religion as a bridle in thy mouth, to hold thee in, when thou art eating and drinking. Thy throat is a slippery place, and sin may easily slip down; Its no hard matter to sin, whilst the thing thou art about is not sinfull. How many feed without fear, and thereby fatten themselves to the slaughter, Jude ver. 12. We read of some whose tables are snares, in which they have been caught by Satan,