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

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.

Secondly; You are to choose a Calling that is Fit: As the Apostle in another case concludes, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: So here, every lawful Calling is not fit for every Man. And it is evident, that Rashness and neglect of due Care in this matter, proves the Ruin of many a tender Plant, and also a public Mischief. For hence it comes to pass, that some Youths have Capacities above their mean Callings, and so are not content in them, are ready to scorn them, and invade others that are above them. And others have Callings above their Capacities, wherein they do but bungle for a time, and then are discouraged; and if they obtain any Office in Church or State, prove Burdens and Mischiefs to the Public. The Country-man might learn this in his own Farm: every Ground will not bear every Grain, and therefore he doth wisely dispose of each Grain suitably to his Ground, lest he reap nothing but Sorrow for his Harvest. And should not Parents take more care of their dear Children, who are not committed to a Calling for a Year, but for term of Life? To find out a fit Calling then, you must consult;