by John Flavel
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
THE HEAVENLY USE OF EARTHLY THINGS
John Flavel's Husbandry Spiritualized is a remarkable work that exemplifies the Puritan practice of drawing profound spiritual lessons from everyday life. Flavel masterfully uses the imagery and labor of a husbandman (farmer) to illuminate the workings of God’s grace, providence, and the Christian life. The book, subtitled The Heavenly Use of Earthly Things, presents practical observations from agricultural life, connects them to biblical truths, and concludes each chapter with devotional poetry, making it both engaging and deeply edifying.
Flavel’s work is divided into three parts. The first focuses on agricultural practices, such as plowing, sowing, and harvesting, as analogies for spiritual truths like repentance, faith, and the perseverance of the saints. The second part shifts to meditations on creation—birds, beasts, trees, and gardens—emphasizing how the natural world reflects God’s wisdom and glory. The third part applies spiritual lessons from the care of livestock and other rural tasks, offering rich insights into stewardship and trust in God’s providence.
This edition retains Flavel’s warm, pastoral tone while providing updated language and formatting for modern readers, making it accessible without losing its rich theological content. It serves as both a devotional guide and an encouragement to see the hand of God in all aspects of life, transforming even the most mundane tasks into opportunities for worship and reflection.
Why Read This Book?
- Practical Spirituality: Flavel demonstrates how to grow in godliness through ordinary, everyday tasks.
- Rich Analogies: Learn biblical lessons drawn from vivid, relatable images of farming and nature.
- Devotional Depth: The closing poems of each chapter add a reflective and worshipful element.
- Timeless Relevance: Flavel’s insights resonate with anyone seeking to live faithfully in a world filled with distractions.
About the Author:
John Flavel (1627–1691) was a renowned Puritan preacher and author known for his ability to apply profound theological truths to everyday life. He pastored in Dartmouth, England, where he faced persecution for his faith during the tumultuous period of the Great Ejection. His works, marked by their clarity, warmth, and pastoral care, continue to inspire believers around the world to walk closely with God.
Husbandry Spiritualized is a treasure trove of spiritual insights for those seeking to see the beauty of God’s grace in every corner of life, making it a perfect resource for devotional reading or personal growth.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY
To the CHRISTIAN READER
The EPISTLE, to the intelligent Country READER
The AUTHOR to the READER
THE PROEM
THE FIRST PART OF HUSBANDRY SPIRITUALIZED
CHAPTER I: Upon the Industry of the Husbandman
CHAPTER II: Upon the Thriftiness of the Husbandman
CHAPTER III: Upon the cheerfulness of the Husbandman
CHAPTER IV: Upon the due Quality of Arable Land
CHAPTER V: Upon the Improvement of bad Ground
CHAPTER VI: Upon the incurableness of some bad Ground
CHAPTER VII: Upon the plowing of Corn-land
CHAPTER VIII: Upon the Seed-Corn
CHAPTER IX: Upon springing-weather after seed-time
CHAPTER X: Upon a Dearth through want of Rain
CHAPTER XI: Upon the Corruption of the Seed before it springs
CHAPTER XII: Upon the Resemblance of Wheat and Tares
CHAPTER XIII: Upon the Dangers incident to corn from Seed-time to Harvest
CHAPTER XIV: Upon the Patience of the Husbandman for the Harvest
CHAPTER XV: Upon the Harvest-Season
CHAPTER XVI: Upon the Care of Husbandmen to provide for Winter
CHAPTER XVII: Upon reaping the same we sow
CHAPTER XVIII: Upon the Joy of Harvest-men
CHAPTER XIX: Upon the threshing out of Corn
CHAPTER XX: Upon the winnowing of Corn
AN INTRODUCTION To the Second Part of HUSBANDRY
CHAPTER I: Upon the Ingraffing of Fruit-trees
CHAPTER II: Upon the union of the Graff with the Stock
CHAPTER III: Upon the Gathering in of Fruits in Autumn
CHAPTER IV: Upon the Cutting down of dead Trees.
AN INTRODUCTION To the Third Part of HUSBANDRY
CHAPTER I: Upon the Husbandman's Care for his Cattle
CHAPTER II: Upon the hard Labour, and cruel Usage of Beasts
CHAPTER III: Upon the seeking of lost Cattle
CHAPTER IV: Upon the Feeding of fat Cattle
CHAPTER V: Upon the Husbandman's Care for Posterity
CHAPTER VI: Upon the Husbandman's care to prove and preserve his Deeds
MEDITATIONS UPON BIRDS
MEDITATIONS UPON BEASTS
MEDITATIONS UPON TREES
MEDITATIONS UPON A GARDEN