As to his
employment, he was brought up in country business, and as he took most
delight in sheep, so he was very skilful in them; an employment that very
well suited his mind in several respects, both for its innocency and
solitude; and was a just emblem of his after ministry and service.
I shall not break in upon his own account, which is by much the best that
can be given, and therefore desire what I can, to avoid saying anything
of what is said already, as to the particular passages of his coming
forth: but, in general, when he was somewhat above twenty, he left his
friends, and visited the most retired and religious people in those
parts; and some there were in this nation, who waited for the consolation
of Israel, night and day; as Zacharias, Anna, and good old Simeon did of
old time. To these he was sent, and these he sought out in the
neighbouring counties, and among them he sojourned till his more ample
ministry came upon him. At this time he taught, and was an example of,
silence, endeavouring to bring them from self-performances; testifying
of, and turning them to, the light of Christ within them, and encouraging
them to wait in patience, and to feel the power of it to stir in their
hearts, that their knowledge and worship of God might stand in the power
of an endless life, which was to be found in the light, as it was obeyed
in the manifestation of it in man.
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