A61398:362
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 6: Of Religiousness 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.
Answ. This is but the old Song, when Israel should go to sacrifice, than Pharaoh calls to work. But 'tis a mere Evasion, how much time do many ⟨p. 194⟩of you squander away in sleeping, eating, smoking, and visiting? You can stay with any body, but with God; and can find time for any thing, but the saving of your Souls. How busy soever you are, your Work on Earth will be done best, when your Work in Heaven is done first. You would not like it, that your Apprentice should tell you, he could not do your Business, because he had some Business of his own to do. You are the Lord's, and your time is his, and to postpone his Work for any thing else, is a far greater Affront to him. And tho the Fear of God may check you in your indirect ways of Gain, yet it will make you treble amends, by drawing down a Blessing on your well-gotten Estate, and entailing it on your Posterity.
Answ. This is but the old Song, when Israel should go to sacrifice, than Pharaoh calls to work. But 'tis a meer Evasion, how much time do many ⟨p. 194⟩of you squander away in sleeping, eating, smoaking, and visiting? You can stay with any body, but with God; and can find time for any thing, but the saving of your Souls. How busy soever you are, your Work on Earth will be done best, when your Work in Heaven is done first. You would not like it, that your Apprentice should tell you, he could not do your Business, because he had some Business of his own to do. You are the Lord's, and your time is his, and to postpone his Work for any thing else, is a far greater Affront to him. And tho the Fear of God may check you in your indirect ways of Gain, yet it will make you treble amends, by drawing down a Blessing on your well-gotten Estate, and entayling it on your Posterity.
Object. 3. But I shall be singular herein. I see few that make any business of Religion, and why should I be alone?