A61398:301
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 5: Of Contentedness 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.
II. The Reasons to enforce this Requisite are either, 1. In respect of God: Or, 2. In respect of our selves. There are many other Topics, whereby to urge it, but I shall content my self with these.
II. The Reasons to inforce this Requisite are either, 1. In respect of God: Or, 2. In respect of our selves. There are many other Topicks, whereby to urge it, but I shall content my self with these.
1. In respect of God.
(1.) His plain Command of this frame in general; Heb. 13. 5. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. No Command can be more plain; nor any Reason to a Christian more strong, than God's Command. Be content with such things as Ye have; not such things as Others have, others have this and that, such a Trade, such a House, such a Table, such Clothes; but be ye content with such things as ye have. Again, think not what things ye have had; you have lived so and so, have fared better, and lived every way higher, before your Marriage, before the Fire, in your younger days; but be content with such things as ye now have. Again, he saith not, be content with such things as ye would have; say not, If I had but a better House, a better Trade, greater Custom, lesser Hazard, more Acquaintance, I should do well, I should be content, but ⟨p. 162⟩be ye content with such things as ye have, and adds a most satisfactory Reason: For I have said, I will never leave thee, nor for sake thee. I am enough, he that cannot be content with Me, my Favour and Grace, is hard, yea impossible to be pleased.