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

Thirdly, Be careful that thy particular Calling encroach not upon thy general: Many lose Religion in a crowd of earthly businesses. The interposition of the earth (as to the Moon) eclipseth the light of their Holiness. It is reported of the inhabitants of Oenoe, a dry Island near Athens, that they bestowed much labour to draw in a River to water it, and make it fruitful, but when the passages were ⟨p. 475⟩opened, the water came in so plentifully that it overflowed the Island and drowned all the people. Many that will be rich by their extraordinary labours, to make their Flocks and Fields fruitful, fall into temptations and snares, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown them in destruction and perdition, 1 Tim. 6.9. A Candle that burns well above ground, when put under ground, doth many times burn blew and go out; the light of holiness which hath shined eminently in some profess ors, when they have had little to do with the World, hath been abated in a great degree, when they have had great dealings. They in regard of much business, have been like those in a Mill, who cannot hear what is spoken by reason of the clacking and noise which is made there. Christ calleth, and the Spirit of God crieth to them, but their ears are stopped with earth that they hear not.

Thirdly, Be careful that thy particular Calling incroach not upon thy general: Many lose Religion in a crowd of earthly businesses. The interposition of the earth (as to the Moon) eclipseth the light of their Holiness. It is reported of the inhabitants of Oenoe, a dry Island near Athens, that they bestowed much labour to draw in a River to water it, and make it fruitful, but when the passages were ⟨p. 475⟩opened, the water came in so plentifully that it overflowed the Island and drowned all the people. Many that will be rich by their extraordinary labours, to make their Flocks and Fields fruitful, fall into temptations and snares, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown them in destruction and perdition, 1 Tim. 6.9. A Candle that burns well above ground, when put under ground, doth many times burn blew and go out; the light of holiness which hath shined eminently in some profess ors, when they have had little to do with the World, hath been abated in a great degree, when they have had great dealings. They in regard of much business, have been like those in a Mill, who cannot hear what is spoken by reason of the clacking and noise which is made there. Christ calleth, and the Spirit of God cryeth to them, but their eares are stopt with earth that they hear not.