A94156:939
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.
When Thespis a Poet at Athens, 1made a play which delighted all the Citizens, Grave Solon himself went to see it; but when the play was ended, wherein Thespis acted a part, Solon called him to him, and asked him, if he were not ashamed to lye so openly in the face of the whole City? Thespis answered him, that it was no matter, so long as it was but in sport. But Solon beating his Staff on the ground, replied, If we allow lying in sport, we shall shortly find it in earnest, in our bargains and dealings. Certainly heathens will another day condemn our mongrel Christians. The sober sort of them, seemed to hate and abhor that harlot vice, though presenting her self upon a stage with her painted ⟨p. 449⟩face, and most gaudy dress, when many among us love, and like, and even dote upon her; But such must know that sins in jest, will bring at last, sufferings in earnest. Men laugh, and jest, and mock at sin; its a sport to a fool to do mischief, Pro. 10.23. but surely they will find hell a serious thing; for God will not be mocked: They pretend now that they have time to spare, and if they should not spend it at a play-house (I had almost said a whorehouse) they should spend it worse. Alas do they not know that God gave them time to provide in for their eternal felicity, and not to squander it away in such foolish vanities. If time be a drug that hangs on their hands to their trouble, God may take it off, before they are willing or aware, and send them to their everlasting home. Those were worthily condemned that took the Timbrel, and Harp, and rejoiced at the sound of the organ, and therefore said unto God, depart from us, Job. 21.14.
When Thespis a Poet at Athens, 1made a play which delighted all the Citizens, Grave Solon himself went to see it; but when the play was ended, wherein Thespis acted a part, Solon called him to him, and asked him, if he were not ashamed to lye so openly in the face of the whole City? Thespis answered him, that it was no matter, so long as it was but in sport. But Solon beating his Staff on the ground, replyed, If we allow lying in sport, we shall shortly find it in earnest, in our bargains and dealings. Certainly heathens will another day condemn our mungril Christians. The sober sort of them, seemed to hate and abhor that harlot vice, though presenting her self upon a stage with her painted