A61398:77
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 3: Of the Choice of a Calling.
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.
So, 2. Such Callings as directly tend to the hurt of Man, either in Body, Soul, Estate, or any way else; these are unlawful Callings, and were never appointed by God, who is Holiness and Goodness it self. Such are all Knights of the Post▪ Bawds, Cheats, Ballad-makers, mere Gamesters, and in the Judgment of the Ancient Church, Stageplayers. These, and such like, are not lawful for a Christian, who hath renounced the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, and is devoted to the Service of an holy God. And they that are fondest of them, and gain most by them, will reap no Fruit in the Issue from them, but Shame, if they repent; and Death, if they do not.
So, 2. Such Callings as directly tend to the hurt of Man, either in Body, Soul, Estate, or any way else; these are unlawful Callings, and were never appointed by God, who is Holiness and Goodness it self. Such are all Knights of the Post▪ Bawds, Cheats, Ballad-makers, meer Gamesters, and in the Judgment of the Ancient Church, Stageplayers. These, and such like, are not lawful for a Christian, who hath renounc'd the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, and is devoted to the Service of an holy God. And they that are fondest of them, and gain most by them, will reap no Fruit in the Issue from them, but Shame, if they repent; and Death, if they do not.
Let every one therefore consider well, Is this Calling which I am choosing lawful in it self? Is the Employment such as to be made a Calling of? will it bring Glory to God? will it not only be beneficial to my self, but useful to the Common-wealth? Will it consist with the Welfare of my Soul? with the indispensable Service, which I owe to my Maker? Will it necessitate me to omit the Worship of God, and to live as if all days were alike? Nay, if it may not some way promote the Glory of God, and others Good as well as my own, it is not a lawful Calling.
Let every one therefore consider well, Is this Calling which I am choosing lawful in it self? Is the Imployment such as to be made a Calling of? will it bring Glory to God? will it not only be beneficial to my self, but useful to the Common-wealth? Will it consist with the Welfare of my Soul? with the indispensable Service, which I owe to my Maker? Will it necessitate me to omit the Worship of God, and to live as if all days were alike? Nay, if it may not some way promote the Glory of God, and others Good as well as my own, it is not a lawful Calling.