A61398:387
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.
7. This Religion will oblige the Tradesman to the practice of constant Watchfulness. Which is a continual care to please God in your Thoughts, Words, and Actions, and that you offend him not in any of them. And herein lies much of the Essence and Life of Practical Religion; as preventive Physic is much better than curing, and Obedience better than Sacrifice. For they that have such sinful Hearts within them, and such a wicked World, and malicious Devil without them, had need to watch, as well as pray against Temptation. Above all keeping, keep the Heart; Prov. 4. 23. quench the first Sparks of Sin there, O quench them quickly! and know, that as Light only excludes Darkness, so it is impossible to keep out bad Thoughts, without the Prevalence ⟨p. 210⟩of good ones. Watch over your Words, and consider what, and how, and why you speak; and endeavour not only to speak what is lawful, but what is useful; remember that Words are like Arrows, when once out, you know not where they may light; especially be careful of them before your Children. And for your Actions, take a wise Man's Counsel, Prov. 4. 26. Ponder the Path of thy Feet, and let all thy Ways be established.
7. This Religion will oblige the Tradesman to the practice of constant Watchfulness. Which is a continual care to please God in your Thoughts, Words, and Actions, and that you offend him not in any of them. And herein lies much of the Essence and Life of Practical Religion; as preventive Physick is much better than curing, and Obedience better than Sacrifice. For they that have such sinful Hearts within them, and such a wicked World, and malicious Devil without them, had need to watch, as well as pray against Temptation. Above all keeping, keep the Heart; Prov. 4. 23. quench the first Sparks of Sin there, O quench them quickly! and know, that as Light only excludes Darkness, so it is impossible to keep out bad Thoughts, without the Prevalence ⟨p. 210⟩of good ones. Watch over your Words, and consider what, and how, and why you speak; and indeavour not only to speak what is lawful, but what is useful; remember that Words are like Arrows, when once out, you know not where they may light; especially be careful of them before your Children. And for your Actions, take a wise Man's Counsel,