The works of George Swinnock, M.A

SECT. III.

Secondly, Spend the greatest part of the day in thy particular calling; He that mindeth not his Closet before his Shop, is an Atheist; and he that mindeth not his Shop after his Closet, is an Hypocrite; The world is Gods great Family, and he will allow none in it to be idle. Though he distinguisheth some from the common Mass, and maketh them vessels of honour, as Superiors and Officers in his house, yet to every one he committeth some Talent or other,¹ and commandeth them to trade till he come. The ancient Massilians would admit no man into their City, who had not a good trade, knowing what pests and plagues such are to the people among whom they dwell. He that is void of, or negligent in his calling, is at best as a snail ([Greek or Hebrew] according to the Septuag. Domiporta according to the Latins) keeping house, and unprofitable; But usually such a one is mischievous, and may not unfitly be compared to Kites that fly lazing up and down, scarce moving their wings, making a querulous complaining noise, filching their food out of the shambles or warrens, or out of Children's hands by force. Idleness is usher to murmuring and thieving. He quickly learns to do ill, by doing that which is next to ill, nothing. The Air when still, corrupts and putrefieth. Wheat if not stirred, groweth musty and unwholesome for mans body. The earth if not tilled, breeds thorns; Millstones if there be no grist, wast and wear out themselves. The soul needeth exercise ⟨p. 512⟩as well as the body, to preserve it in health. Action keeps the soul sweet and clean. Tis no wonder that persons are almost choked with the flegm of corruption, that deny themselves the benefit and advantage of Motion, that they do not thrive who refuse to trade. Its a worthy speech of holy Master Boulton's, ²He is a cursed drone, a child of idleness, the very Tennis ball of temptation, most unworthy the blessings and benefits of humane society, who doth not one way or other cooperate and contribute to the common good, with his best endeavours, in some honest particular calling. Job saith, Man is born to labour; but how many Gentlemen sing the rich fools requiem to their souls; Soul, take thine ease, thou hast goods laid up for many years, till at last they come to his end, and that place where there is no ease day nor night for ever and ever; but as a bone out of joint, so is a good man out of his calling.