A94156:947
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.
Great men think with Galba, 1that no man shall be called to account for his idleness, but they will one day hear of wicked and slothful servants, and find a truth in the German Proverb, that Gentlemen are Venison in heaven; they seldom come thither.
- 1Nemorationem otii reader cogetor Suet. in Gal.Nemorationem otii reddere cogetor Suet. in Gal.
Reader take heed of the hook that is hid under this bait of pleasures; thou mayst nibble at it safely, but if once thou goest with open mouth to swallow it down, thou art caught, and in danger to be undone. The fly that cometh to a ⟨p. 453⟩glass of sweet Syrup, and only tasteth it, may get away securely; but if once he bathe his body and wallow in it, he is limed and loseth his life. Some drugs are given to procure sleep, which if taken moderately may give the Patient rest, and do him good; but if in any great quantity, may cause him to sleep his long sleep, and send him to the place where the weary are at rest. Weigh thy pleasures warily in the balance of the Sanctuary, lest thou shouldst eat of that luscious diet, 1more then •hon canst possibly digest. In a word, follow the advice of reverend Bede; For pleasures (saith he) we must deal with it as we do with honey; only touch it with the tip of the singer, not with the whole hand, for fear of surfeit; though a little honey be sweet and comfortable, yet much causeth gripings, and breedeth choler: Fragrant Flowers if used moderately, refresh the brain, but if too much, cause the headache; Light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing to behold the Sun; yet a man by staring too long, too much, may dazzle, nay blind his eyes. Do as Jonathan did; He put forth the end of the Rod which was in his hand, and dipped it in an honey-comb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes were enlightened,