A61398:125
The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…
The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a calling in general : and directions for the right managing of the tradesman's calling in particular / by Richard Steele ...
London: printed by J.D. for Samuel Sprint, 1684
Title page typeset from the transcription.
THE Tradesman's Calling. › Chapter 5 › Section 1: Of Prudence in a Trade.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Besides; this Discretion in the Affairs of your Trade, will greatly contribute to the Quiet and Comfort of your own Minds. For when you have taken the wisest Course in any Affair; if so be that the Event answer your Desires, you have Comfort both from your good Success, and also from your discreet Endeavours; and if it do not succeed, yet the Comfort of your godly Wisdom may well balance the Loss, or Disappointment that you have met with: whereas there is nothing doth more embitter our Losses and Troubles, than our own Folly that hath brought them upon us.
Besides; this Discretion in the Affairs of your Trade, will greatly contribute to the Quiet and Comfort of your own Minds. For when you have taken the wisest Course in any Affair; if so be that the Event answer your Desires, you have Comfort both from your good Success, and also from your discreet Endeavours; and if it do not succeed, yet the Comfort of your godly Wisdom may well ballance the Loss, or Disappointment that you have met with: whereas there is nothing doth more imbitter our Losses and Troubles, than our own Folly that hath brought them upon us.
And lastly; this Prudence greatly conduceth to our Well-being in this World. As in that Psalm fore-cited, it is said of the good Man, that he shows Favour, and lendeth; and certainly his Discretion enableth him so to do. And Prov. 24. 3, 4. Through Wisdom is a House builded; and by Understanding it is established. And by Knowledge shall the Chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant Riches; built, established, and furnished hereby. And on the other hand, as many sink by their other Vices, so too many are ruined by their own Indiscretion; no visible Leak, by which their Estates have run out, only they have been rash, wilful, and weak in their Negotiations. God doth seldom bring Men low only for the trial of their Faith or Patience; but usually they contribute to their own Misery, and will be proved Felones de se at the day of Judgment. Certain it is, if godly Wisdom will not enrich a Man, ⟨p. 55⟩