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

A second thing ye should aim at, is the Common Good. This thing is generally far enough from young Peoples Thoughts; their narrow Spirits ⟨p. 39⟩mind it not. Their Eye is sixth upon a Livelihood for themselves, let the Public sink or swim. But this Temper results from the Depravation of our Nature, and the very Heathens have determined that the Common should always be preferred to ones Private Good. And we see in the Body Natural, which is a lively Resemblance of the Body Politic, the Hand, in case of any attempt upon the Head, or Heart, or Life will venture it self; and will choose to be wounded, and, in case of Gangrens, to be cut off, to preserve the whole. Conclude then thus with thy self, I am a poor inconsiderable Creature, and tho I am obliged to endeavour to maintain my Life for the Service of my Maker; yet my Business and Ambition shall be, rather to be an useful Member to the Country that nourisheth me, to promote the Good of Mankind, than only or chiefly to build my Nest on high, and load my self with thick Clay. And you may be sure, that if you contrive and consult the Public Good, the Public will be interested in your Welfare; and he that watereth, shall be watered himself.

A second thing ye should aim at, is the Common Good. This thing is generally far enough from young Peoples Thoughts; their narrow Spirits ⟨p. 39⟩mind it not. Their Eye is fixt upon a Livelihood for themselves, let the Publick sink or swim. But this Temper results from the Depravation of our Nature, and the very Heathens have determin'd that the Common should always be prefer'd to ones Private Good. And we see in the Body Natural, which is a lively Resemblance of the Body Politick, the Hand, in case of any attempt upon the Head, or Heart, or Life will venture it self; and will chuse to be wounded, and, in case of Gangrens, to be cut off, to preserve the whole. Conclude then thus with thy self, I am a poor inconsiderable Creature, and tho I am oblig'd to endeavour to maintain my Life for the Service of my Maker; yet my Business and Ambition shall be, rather to be an useful Member to the Country that nourisheth me, to promote the Good of Mankind, than only or chiefly to build my Nest on high, and load my self with thick Clay. And you may be sure, that if you contrive and consult the Publick Good, the Publick will be interessed in your Welfare; and he that watereth, shall be watered himself.