A94156:948
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.
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, 1 Sam. 14.27. His eyes were enlightened; A little will satisfy, much will surfeit. Though Swine lye night and day in such mud, do thou as the Sheep which sometimes fall into the mire, but hasten out of it to the pleasant Meadows. Though the necessity of thy body calleth thee to thy recreations for a season, yet let the necessities of thy soul and family call thee off ⟨p. 454⟩from them in due time. Let thy recreations be like a Porter whom thou mayst use for half an hour, or an hour, as thy occasions are, and dismiss; and not like an Household servant to dwell with thee constantly. The Lacedaemonians were so sparing that they are said to be even covetous of their time.