A61398:86
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.
Finally, it were also advisable, that you choose a Calling, that is safe, useful, and attainable by ordinary means: Safe, that is chiefly in respect of the Soul; for some Callings there be, that are sufficiently gainful, and perhaps in themselves simply lawful (such as the Retailers of Wine and Ale, &c.) which yet are attended with such Temptations as are not easily avoided. His Grace must be strong that lives innocently in them. What wise Parent will place his Child in the brink of a Precipice?
Finally, it were also advisable, that you chuse a Calling, that is safe, useful, and attainable by ordinary means: Safe, that is chiefly in respect of the Soul; for some Callings there be, that are sufficiently gainful, and perhaps in themselves simply lawful (such as the Retailers of Wine and Ale, &c.) which yet are attended with such Temptations as are not easily avoided. His Grace must be strong that lives innocently in them. What wise Parent will place his Child in the brink of a Precipice?
And then useful: For every one should desire to be as useful to the World as he can: Now some Callings there be, wherein a Man may get Riches abundantly for himself; but, in the way of his Calling at least, he doth little good to Men's Souls or Bodies. It is very desirable to a ⟨p. 34⟩good Man to do as much Good as he can; and a kind of Penance, to spend the Substance of his Life in an Employment about Trifles; but this, if the Heart and Ends be holy, may be lawful enough, tho not so expedient, or not so comfortable. Unsafe Callings may be needful, and some less useful Professions may be lawful, and therefore (herein) I would not impose upon the Conscience, but only direct to the best.
And then useful: For every one should desire to be as useful to the World as he can: Now some Callings there be, wherein a Man may get Riches abundantly for himself; but, in the way of his Calling at least, he doth little good to Men's Souls or Bodies. It is very desirable to a ⟨p. 34⟩