The EPISTLE, to the intelligent Country READER
much to their hurt, making their hearts more corrupt, carnal, and vain thereby.
Let me add one word more to the reader. This book of Husbandry Spiritualized, is not calculated only for the common husbandman; persons of any calling, or condition, may find the author working out such searching reflections and strong convictions, from almost every part and particular of the husbandman's work, as may prove, if faithfully improved, very useful to them; to some for their awakening, to consider the state of their souls, whether in grace, or in nature; to others for their instruction, consolation, and encouragement in the ways of grace, as also for their proficiency and growth in those ways. That the blessing of the Lord, and the breathings of his good Spirit may go out with it, for all those gracious purposes, is the heart's desire and prayer of him, who is,
CHRISTIAN READER,
A sincere well-wisher to thy precious and immortal soul,
JOSEPH CARYL.
The EPISTLE, to the intelligent Country READER THOU hast here the fruit of some of my spare hours, which were thus employed, when, by a sad providence, I was thrust from the society of many dear friends, into a solitary country-dwelling. I hope none will envy me these innocent delights, which I made-out of my lonely walks, whereby the Lord sweetened my solitudes there. It is like thou wilt find some passages here, that are harmlessly pleasant; yet, I assure thee, I know of none that the most Cynical Reader can
censure, as sinfully light and vain. I must acknowledge, to the praise of God, that I have found some of those (which, possibly, some of my readers will call the slightest and most trifling subjects of meditation) to be the ordinances for instruction, caution and consolation to my own soul; yea, such a degree of comfort, I do profess to have found by these things, as hath much endeared the country-life to me, and made me much better to understand that saying of Horace, than when I learned it at school,
Novistine locum potiorem rure beato?
Est ubi plus tepeant hyems? Ubi gratior aura?
O rus, quundo ego te adspiciam? Quandoque licebit Nunc veterum libris, nunc somno, et inertibus hortis
Ducere solicitœ jucunda oblivio vitœ, (i.e.) What life can with the country life compare?
Where breathes the purest, and most healthful air.
Where, undisturb'd, my study I pursue, And, when I sleep, bid all my cares adieu. Hor. Sat. 6.
And what I have found so beneficial to myself, I cannot but think may be so to others. I assure thee, reader, I am not fond of any of these conceptions; and yet I think I may modestly enough say, That the emptiest leaf of this book may serve for more, and better uses, than a mere diversion, when thou canst find leisure to peruse it. I know, your troubles and cares are many; and though your condition of life hath many innocent comforts and outward mercies to sweeten
it, yet I believe most of you have found that ancient saying of Anacreon experimentally true: Εχει το πικρον της γεωργιας γλυκυ.
'Some bitter troubles countrymen do meet, 'Wherewith the Lord doth intermix their sweet.'
The cares of your minds are commonly no less than the pains of your bodies; it concerns you, therefore, to sweeten what you cannot avoid; and I know no better way for that, than what is here directed to. O friends! what advantages have you for a spiritual life? Why may you not have two harvests every year? One for your souls, another for your bodies; if you could thus learn to husband your husbandry.
Methinks spiritual meditations do even put themselves upon you.
Husbandmen of old were generally presumed to be honest and good men; what else means that saying of Menander, Αγροικος ειναι προσποιη τονηρος ων.
'Profess thyself an husbandman, 'And wicked too! believe't that can!'
What you are, godly or wicked, is not for me (that am a stranger to most of you) to determine; but if you are not godly, it is my desire and design to make you so: and I could not think on a more probable mean to accomplish this honest design, than what I have here used.
Methinks it should be a pleasure to you, when you come weary out of the fields from plough, or any other labour, to sit down in the evening, and read that chapter which concerns that particular business, and refresh your souls, even from that which hath wearied your bodies. Were your hearts but heavenly, and more time allowed for spiritual husbandry, your inward comforts would be much more, and your outward gains not a jot less; for if the success of all your