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

4. The Tradesman's Diligence consists, in Laying hold of Opportunities. For if a Man be never so industrious and painful, yet unless he be watchful to observe his Opportunity, and then swift to lay hold thereon, he is wanting in the diligence requisite for him. For oft-times great matters may be done in a small juncture of time. Hence some Translations render that, Prov. 22. 29. Seest thou a Man diligent in his business; ready and swift. As there are sometimes shreds of time, that may be improved to great advantage; so especially Opportunities, which if caught by the forelock, will pay for all the care and watching for them; and if slipped, may never present themselves again. The foolish Virgins had a proper season to have stored themselves sufficiently with Oil, but then trifling and sleeping, they could afterwards get none for love nor money. Opportunity is Wind and Tide; an Affair transacted in a due season, is dispatched with ease. The diligent Tradesman observes these, and so sails with Wind and Tide. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. And therefore is care requisite in a diligent man, as well as labour; and many thoughts more useful, than many words. Thus the Kingdom of Heaven is compared, Matth. 13. 45. to a Merchant-man seeking goodly Pearls; who when he had found One Pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought that Pearl. He spied his Opportunity, and struck in with it to his great Advantage: and so must the diligent Tradesman do, in what ever capacity he be, always provided that he build not ⟨p. 82⟩his Gain on others Ruins, nor purchase his private Advantage with prejudice to the Public.

4. The Tradesman's Diligence consists, in Laying hold of Opportunities. For if a Man be never so industrious and painful, yet unless he be watchful to observe his Opportunity, and then swift to lay hold thereon, he is wanting in the diligence requisit for him. For oft-times great matters may be done in a small juncture of time. Hence some Translations render that, Prov. 22. 29. Seest thou a Man diligent in his business; ready and swift. As there are sometimes shreds of time, that may be improv'd to great advantage; so especially Opportunities, which if caught by the forelock, will pay for all the care and watching for them; and if slipt, may never present themselves again. The foolish Virgins had a proper season to have stor'd themselves sufficiently with Oil, but then trifling and sleeping, they could afterwards get none for love nor money. Opportunity is Wind and Tide; an Affair transacted in a due season, is dispatch'd with ease. The diligent Tradesman observes these, and so sails with Wind and Tide. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. And therefore is care requisit in a diligent man, as well as labour; and many thoughts more useful, than many words. Thus the Kingdom of Heaven is compared,