A61398:302
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.
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.
(2.) His wise Providence, which hath placed you in this your Calling in particular. Your Parents or Friends, who disposed you therein, were directed or permitted by the all-wise God; who knew what Calling was best and fittest for you. None of these things are brought about without God, and if you belong to him, your Condition is good for you; and if you do not, it is but too good for you. All things (and then all Callings) work together for good, unto them that love God. Besides, he hath Sovereign Dominion over you, and all his Creatures; and accordingly where he placeth them, there they must cheerfully abide. As the Soldier must stand in the rank or post, where his Captain placeth him, how difficult or dangerous soever; much more must you be satisfied with the standing your heavenly Lord and Master allots you: you know not what Service God hath for you to do in that Capacity, or what Blessings you are there to receive;