A61398:35
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 1: Of the Nature and Kinds of Callings.
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.
3. Their Folly is manifest, who respect not the Author of their Callings, to wit, Almighty God; That seek not his Advice, that mind not his Blessing. It is most certain, that all Persons and ⟨p. 10⟩Things are governed by the Providence of God; that there is nothing so great, nor any thing so small, which is not directed thereby. Now if this be really believed, surely it concerns all Men in their weighty Affairs to have recourse to Him, to consult his Will, and to crave his Blessing; else we neglect him, we make nothing of him; and he may very justly neglect us, and be unconcerned about our Welfare. Learn of Abraham's Servant, Gen. 24. when he went about his Master's Son's Affair; how earnestly he craves the Direction of God in that matter, and how well he sped thereafter. Learn of Jacob, Gen. 28. when he set forth into the World, how he prays and vows, and how the Lord blest him exceedingly. And that Apostle who forbids distracting Care in any matter, commands, that in every thing, by Prayer and Supplication, with Thanksgiving, we make our Requests known unto God. Phil. 4. 6. How dare any then choose their Calling without God's good liking, or rush into it without earnest Prayer? On the other side, With what boldness and cheerfulness may one proceed in his Employment, when he can aver that he was called to it by God himself, who will therefore stand by him, and carry him through it? Prov. 3. 6. In all thy Ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy Steps.
3. Their Folly is manifest, who respect not the Author of their Callings, to wit, Almighty God; That seek not his Advice, that mind not his Blessing. It is most certain, that all Persons and ⟨p. 10⟩Things are governed by the Providence of God; that there is nothing so great, nor any thing so small, which is not directed thereby. Now if this be really believed, surely it concerns all Men in their weighty Affairs to have recourse to Him, to consult his Will, and to crave his Blessing; else we neglect him, we make nothing of him; and he may very justly neglect us, and be unconcern'd about our Welfare. Learn of Abraham's Servant,