The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

1. In Getting a full Insight into his Calling; so as to know all the Parts, and lawful Arts and Methods thereof. For as there is a false Sleight, so is there a true Mystery in every Calling; tho more in some than others; and Ignorance herein undermines the Foundation of a Tradesman's Success; Prov. 14. 8. The Wisdom of the Prudent, is to understand HIS Way. Not to be curiously prying into other Folks Ways, but fully to understand your own. Some there are that please and pride themselves much in their Skill in Callings that are above, or besides their own; and in the mean time search not into the Concerns of their own Employments: but the Wisdom of the Prudent is to be understand his proper way, and to be skilful at home: Prov. 8. 12. I Wisdom dwell with Prudence, and find out Knowledge of witty Inventions. What vast Progress might be made in the Improvement of most Trades, if Men did employ their Brains within the Sphere of their proper Callings? as is evident in the curious Indian Wares, and in some Callings at home of latter Years. Study therefore all the Parts of your Calling, and be not like some raw Travellers, that are ambitious to know other Countries, while they know least of their own. Your Trade is your proper Province. Neither God nor Man will condemn you for your Inexperience, properly it is not Ignorance in other matters; but your own Vineyard you should keep.

1. In Getting a full Insight into his Calling; so as to know all the Parts, and lawful Arts and Methods thereof. For as there is a false Sleight, so is there a true Mystery in every Calling; tho more in some than others; and Ignorance herein undermines the Foundation of a Tradesman's Success; Prov. 14. 8. The Wisdom of the Prudent, is to understand HIS Way. Not to be curiously prying into other Folks Ways, but fully to understand your own. Some there are that please and pride themselves much in their Skill in Callings that are above, or besides their own; and in the mean time search not into the Concerns of their own Imployments: but the Wisdom of the Prudent is to be understand his proper way, and to be skilful at home: Prov. 8. 12. I Wisdom dwell with Prudence, and find out Knowledg of witty Inventions. What vast Progress might be made in the Improvement of most Trades, if Men did imploy their Brains within the Sphere of their proper Callings? as is evident in the curious Indian Wares, and in some Callings at home of latter Years. Study therefore all the Parts of your Calling, and be not like some raw Travellers, that are ambitious to know other Countries, while they know least of their own. Your Trade is your proper Province. Neither God nor Man will condemn you for your Inexperience, properly it is not Ignorance in other matters; but your own Vineyard you should keep.