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

Now to further a Tradesman in this his heavenly Trade, it is very convenient that he be furnished with some good Books; with which this Nation (praised be God) is richly stored. These will be Entertainment for him in vacant Hours, and on Winter-Evenings; and so preserve him from Idleness, and from vain Imaginations, and from fruitless Company. Here he may enrich his Understanding, instruct his Conscience, warm his Affections, and increase his Graces: your Shop-Books may help you to be rich for a while, but your Closet-Books will help you to be rich for ever.

Now to further a Tradesman in this his heavenly Trade, it is very convenient that he be furnished with some good Books; with which this Nation (praised be God) is richly stor'd. These will be Entertainment for him in vacant Hours, and on Winter-Evenings; and so preserve him from Idleness, and from vain Imaginations, and from fruitless Company. Here he may inrich his Understanding, instruct his Conscience, warm his Affections, and increase his Graces: your Shop-Books may help you to be rich for a while, but your Closet-Books will help you to be rich for ever.

But herein take Direction, 1. How to choose them: Be well-advised, not to buy every Book that you fancy, nor every Book that is commended to you, nor that hath a taking Title, nor that hath a great Bulk and small Price. But consult your faithful Minister, or some judicious Friend in the buying of your Books; unless you have a mind to throw away your Money, and which is more, your Time, yea and your Souls too, which is most of all: For, as some have been corporally poisoned by reading a Letter, so many have been spiritually poisoned by reading ⟨p. 218⟩infectious Books. Neither be covetous after more Books, than will comport with your Estate to buy, and with your time to peruse: Too much variety confounds; a few Books well chosen, and well read, will make you solid Christians.

But herein take Direction, 1. How to chuse them: Be well-advised, not to buy every Book that you fancy, nor every Book that is commended to you, nor that hath a taking Title, nor that hath a great Bulk and small Price. But consult your faithful Minister, or some judicious Frind in the buying of your Books; unless you have a mind to throw away your Money, and which is more, your Time, yea and your Souls too, which is most of all: For, as some have been corporally poison'd by reading a Letter, so many have been spiritually poison'd by reading