A61398:307
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.) Your own Deserts. Do but consider what poor Creatures you are, what unprofitable Servants you have been to God, what great Sinners against him; and you will see reason enough for you to be content in your place, tho it were ten times worse than it is. If good Jacob, when he had occasion for the best Arguments he had, was forced to say, I am not worthy of the least of all the Mercy thou hast showed me: Gen. 32. 10. What pretence can you have to expect every thing to your Mind, when you are not worthy ⟨p. 164⟩of the common Air, the hardest Crust, or the meanest Rags? It's rank Pride that feeds out Discontentedness. The humble Man concludes, here's e'en a poor Trade, a sorry House and mean Fare, but it is good enough for me. I wonder I am not begging, or starving, or roaring for Pain and Misery. Some others speed better, but I verily think they deserve better: However, I am sure I deserve nothing; and therefore having something, I am well content. Having Food and Raiment, let us be therewith content: 1 Tim. 6. 8.
(1.) Your own Deserts. Do but consider what poor Creatures you are, what unprofitable Servants you have been to God, what great Sinners against him; and you will see reason enough for you to be content in your place, tho it were ten times worse than it is. If good Jacob, when he had occasion for the best Arguments he had, was forced to say, I am not worthy of the least of all the Mercy thou hast shewed me: Gen. 32. 10. What pretence can you have to expect every thing to your Mind, when you are not worthy ⟨p. 164⟩of the common Air, the hardest Crust, or the meanest Rags? It's rank Pride that feeds out Discontentedness. The humble Man concludes, here's e'en a poor Trade, a sorry House and mean Fare, but it is good enough for me. I wonder I am not begging, or starving, or roaring for Pain and Misery. Some others speed better, but I verily think they deserve better: However, I am sure I deserve nothing; and therefore having something, I am well content. Having Food and Rayment, let us be therewith content: