G 0 D AN H U S B A N D M A N. Book II. Ill. We may infer the Folly and Madnefs of fuch as take up their reft in the bafe and contemptible DwellingJ of this World, that bid their Souls take their Eafe, wallowing in brutifh Scnfuality, and negleCting this holy Habitation. · IV. It concerns us to be very circumfpefl in our Walks, that we be not turned out of Pojfejjion, nor lofe our Hopes and Affurance of it. 1. Men are very careful that the Deeds and Evidences relating to their earthly Poffef– fions be'authentic, and fafely kept, much more lhould Chriftians be fo of this eternal Manlion. 2. This lhould keep us from murmuring, if we have not fuch ftately Fabrics as others to dwell in here, becaufe this heavenly Habitation (that infinitely excels all earthly Strufrures, though never fo glorious) !s ours. 3· Let not God lofe the Glory of fo gracious a Condejcenjion, in becoming aHabitation for us-Let us not fiight his infinite Love, that provided this Shelter for us, from the Danger of the open and unguarded Fields. 4· Let it be an Encouragement againft fiavilh Feaq to be afraid of Man (wbo iJ a Worm) iJ to forget where you are. V. Let Sinners be advifed to hafteu to thiJ rejling Place, and get an Intereft in thi$ Habitation, elfe their Security is a certain Fore-runner of Deftruetion. For, I. They lie open, and expofed to all Sorts of fpiritual Enemies, and Soul-calamities, from the Devil, wicked Men, and innate Corruption. 2. Now there is an Opportunity, let it be tRken hold of, or elfe the Day of Grace may be pafl, and the Market over, without a Poffibility of recalling it. · 3· Chrifl ftands with his Arms Jpread to receive them, he is an open Door to let them in, and partake of the Joys and Glory of this Houfe, &c. 4· It is a moft unnatural Cruelty to their own Souls; for if they fiight it, they become Self-MurdererJ, and JnftrumentJ of their own Damnation. VI. Laftly. From what bath been faid, we may infer the fuperlative Happinefs ofgood Men, whofe Habitatio11 the great God iJ; for they ihall be fafe there from all KindJ and Degrm of Danger andDiflurbances, made Partakers of whatfoever isgood and dejirable, and that for EVER AND EVER, G 0 D AN H U S B A N D M A N. My Father iJ an Hujbandman, John xv. x. 1 N this Metaphor four Things are fuppofed. I. That an Hufbandman *mull: have Ground to work upon. 2. A Stock to Defray the Charges and Expence requifite to manage it. 3. Skill and Knowledge to perform it. 4· Inftruments, and whatfoever elfe is needful for fuch an Undertaking, or Employment. · In theft Refpefls God may be Jaid to be an Hujbandman, becaufe · I. He is a richHujbandman; For all the World is his-the Earth iJJhe Lord'J,&C: 2. A great and honorable Hujbandman; For all bow before him. 3· A ikilful and wife Hujbandman; For notte can teach him. 4· A diligent and careful Hujbandman; For no Neglefl can be charged upon him. 5· A o:enerous and liberal Hujbandman; For all partake of his Bouilty. For a fL~ther llluftration rake the following Parallel. METAPHOR. I. A Rich Huibanclman has not only fruitful Fields, Vine– yards, Gardens, Orchards, &c. but PARALLEL. I. GOD is a very rich Hufbandman-'l'heEarth iJ tbe Lotd'J and the Fulmfs thereof, Pfal. lxxxix. r r. He hath many fruitful Fields, Vine– yarrls, * r,~<~p')'o~ a Hufbandman is compounded of 7'1 terra Farth, and if'Y~~ opus Work; tl1at is, one' that work• the Earth, The Latin Agricola, fignifies A 'Filler oftbe Field of Aget, and Colo.
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