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

He considers the Uncertainty of all worldly Employments, and of all human Affairs, and that there is no sure trading, but to Heaven; he concludes that tho he will not do it, yet God hath ⟨p. 174⟩set Bounds to his Estate, how much will do him good, and that he takes, nor suffers others to take any way, but what he knows would do him hurt. He knows that when he bears a Loss with Cheerfulness, God will the sooner make it up, than when he murmurs: He remembers that he undertook this his Calling with a supposition of such Events as these. Tho he smart and have loss by the failing of his Neighbour, yet he thanks God that he is not the Bankrupt himself, and accordingly if he find him not dishonest, extends Compassion towards him. He knows that Endeavours belong to him, but Events belong to God, who he is sure is more careful of his good, than he is himself.

He considers the Uncertainty of all worldly Imployments, and of all human Affairs, and that there is no sure trading, but to Heaven; he concludes that tho he will not do it, yet God hath ⟨p. 174⟩set Bounds to his Estate, how much will do him good, and that he takes, nor suffers others to take any way, but what he knows would do him hurt. He knows that when he bears a Loss with Chearfulness, God will the sooner make it up, than when he murmurs: He remembers that he undertook this his Calling with a supposition of such Events as these. Tho he smart and have loss by the failing of his Neighbour, yet he thanks God that he is not the Bankrupt himself, and accordingly if he find him not dishonest, extends Compassion towards him. He knows that Indeavours belong to him, but Events belong to God, who he is sure is more careful of his good, than he is himself.

And therefore, when he hath examined his own Heart and Ways, and mourned for the Sins which have deserved and procured the Affliction, he satisfies himself in the Will of God, refers the matter wholly to him, and rests contented, eats and drinks, and sleeps as cheerfully as before. Thinks he, if my Happiness did lie in these things, I might repine at my Losses; or, if Man's Life did consist in the abundance of what he possesses, I were in a forlorn Condition: but my Happiness is in God, he is the Strength of my Heart, and my Portion for ever: Or if my own Vices had brought me low, my Idleness or Debauchery, my Pride or Lusts, there were cause enough of Dolour and Discontent. But the Faults of others shall never make me fall out with my self. And therefore whatever Losses or Disappointment I meet with, I'll be content.