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

(4.) Another opposite to the Tradesman's Contentedness, and which he must watch against, is, Despondency and Dejection of Mind. And this commonly seizes upon him, when Trading is dead. He has Goods in his Shop, but no Customers; waits diligently, and watches for some Employment, but no Money comes: Another has been at some Cost, and much Pains in his Handicraft, to prepare his Wares; but knows not how, or when to vend them; and Provision must be had, Rents must be paid; and the Pond that is always running out, and hath no Spring within, will at length be dry. And hereupon the Tradesman's Heart sinks: he sees, that neither his Care nor Industry avail him, things grow worse and worse, and he is not so concerned for present Affairs, as he is solicitous for the future, what will become of him and of his Family.

(4.) Another opposite to the Tradesman's Contentedness, and which he must watch against, is, Despondency and Dejection of Mind. And this commonly seizes upon him, when Trading is dead. He has Goods in his Shop, but no Customers; waits diligently, and watches for some Imployment, but no Money comes: Another has been at some Cost, and much Pains in his Handicraft, to prepare his Wares; but knows not how, or when to vend them; and Provision must be had, Rents must be paid; and the Pond that is always running out, and hath no Spring within, will at length be dry. And hereupon the Tradesman's Heart sinks: he sees, that neither his Care nor Industry avail him, things grow worse and worse, and he is not so concern'd for present Affairs, as he is sollicitous for the future, what will become of him and of his Family.

Against this Temptation you must vigorously arm your selves, by acting Faith upon the Promises of God; who hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 5. That tho the Lions do lack, and suffer hunger; yet they that seek; the Lord, shall not want any good thing; Psal. 34. 10. So that if an affluence of outward things be good for you, ye shall not want it. You are to know that God hath all Men and Things in his Hands, and orders them with perfect Wisdom and Goodness: That he sometimes permits his dearest Children to come to Straits, to try their Faith, Hope, and Patience, and their Dependence on him; whereof the Grasshopper is an Emblem, who is represented sucking Dew and singing; I content